Given the rise of MP3s and online music tools like Napster, one might wonder if there were a point in buying CDs any more (other than you're using Napster illegally if you don't already own the copyrighted songs you're downloading).

I'm happy to say that the answer is "yes." For the odd pop hit, owning an album is next to irrelevant. But for understanding and appreciating an overall artistic statement, it's essential. For example, a person could download a couple hits off of U2's The Joshua Tree, but the sum of the album is so much greater than a song or two, that not having the entire album is to virtually violate the integrity of the work.

This principle is true of a great many albums, and if there's a real shame about Napster, it's that a lot of people are receiving only minimal exposure to some of the great works of rock and popular music—music that should be heard as the artist conceived it: as an album.

For what it's worth, I own all the albums I'm recommending, and I've heard them dozens if not hundreds of times.

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Back In Black by AC/DC 1980 Click on either the link above or the album cover image to the right to be transported to the corresponding Amazon.com page.

Autour De Lucie by Autour De Lucie October 1996 Click on either the link above or the album cover image to the right to be transported to the corresponding Amazon.com page.

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles 1967 Click on either the link above or the album cover image to the right to be transported to the corresponding Amazon.com page.

Kerosene Hat by Cracker August 24, 1993 Click on either the link above or the album cover image to the right to be transported to the corresponding Amazon.com page.

This eclectic alternative rock album features a myrid of styles and some of the funniest lyrics ever to receive radio play. Many will recognize the hit "Low" but the rest of the album is great too. Be sure to listen all the way to the end, because there are hidden tracks which are also excellent.

 

Duran Duran (The Wedding Album) by Duran Duran February 1993 Click on either the link above or the album cover image to the right to be transported to the corresponding Amazon.com page.

Since their early '80s heyday, Duran Duran have seemingly hit one sour note after another. (Though the Duranie off-shoot Arcadia's Election Day single is one of my all-time favs.) In this 1993 release, however, we get nothing but the best. This is a mature pop album of layered sound, wide-ranging influences, and intelligent lyrics.We're talking levels above any of their very commercially successful early stuff. Before hearing this I never would have dared to say it, but Duran Duran are capable of brilliant art, and this album proves it.