Author Archives: tacopepper

     1997 starts with an album released late in 1996, proving to be the #1 selling album of 1997.  Regardless of musical trends and genres, simple and light pop music will always have a market and an audience, and the visual flash of the Spice Girls were an instant hit upon the release of theirContinue reading “Spice Girls “Spice” (1996)”

     I started today by tapping into the music of another 1990s superstar, Sheryl Crow.  I should have noted her when mentioning the other mega-acts of the ‘90s who made it really big with their debut album, and when I saw her name come up on the list, my first assumption was that the albumContinue reading “Sheryl Crow “Sheryl Crow” (1996)”

     Today is one of the most highly acclaimed hip-hop albums ever, the debut record from perhaps the most financially successful rapper of all time.  “Reasonable Doubt” by Jay-Z is rated as album #67 on Rolling Stone’s Top 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, and is rated #4 on the Top 10 hip-hop albums ofContinue reading “Jay-Z “Reasonable Doubt” (1996)”

     Today (tonight) is a challenging blog for me to write.  Seemingly, it should be a simple discussion on the next west coast rap sensation, Tupac Shakur and his double album “All Eyez On Me”.  However, between the music I have listened to and the television I watched tonight, I’m struggling a bit on theContinue reading “2Pac “All Eyez On Me””

     Another highly successful album of the mid-1990s was “(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?” by Oasis, a British band led by the combative Gallagher brothers, Liam & Noel.  Noel was the primary creative force and songwriter, as well as the lead guitarist, and Liam was the lead vocalist.  Rated as album #157 on Rolling Stone’sContinue reading “Oasis “(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?” (1995)”

     The other massive mega-album of the mid 1990s was “Jagged Little Pill” by Alanis Morissette.   Released in 1995, this record was the #1 selling album of 1996.  It is also the 69th rated album on Rolling Stone’s Top 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.      Alanis grew up as a successful, if somewhat depressedContinue reading “Alanis Morissette “Jagged Little Pill” (1995)”

     Another important cog in the machine of east coast hip-hop today, with the duo from Queens Mobb Deep.  There is a lot of overlap with the other popular east coast acts of the day, and Nas, Raekwon, and Q-Tip, among others, all make an appearance on this album.   Their second release, “The Infamous”, isContinue reading “Mobb Deep “The Infamous” (1995)”

     In the mid-1990s, two major hit albums were released by relatively unknown artists.  The first of those is “Cracked Rear View” by Hootie and the Blowfish, led by their lead singer Darius Rucker.  Released in 1994, this album was the number one selling album of 1995 and produced several huge singles.  One thing IContinue reading “Hootie and the Blowfish “Cracked Rear View” (1994)”

     Today is a challenging blog for me, as we have the debut album from The Notorious B.I.G.  My son is quick to tell me that Biggie is his all-time favorite rapper.  This record is extremely highly regarded, as it is album #22 on Rolling Stone’s Top 500 Albums of All Time, and is alsoContinue reading “The Notorious B.I.G. “Ready to Die” (1994)”

     Looking at loudwire.com’s Top 10 Grunge Albums of all time, we have two albums each from Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Soundgarden.  We get one album from Soundgarden-Pearl Jam hybrid Temple of the Dog, and the other spot goes to “Core” from the Stone Temple Pilots.  While I like all of thoseContinue reading “Stone Temple Pilots “Purple” (1994)”