As usual, I blogwalked and found Nick’s post: My favorite albums of all time, and it reminded me of mine.

I’m not an aficionado on music. I’m that person who usually goes “it sounds nice, so I like it.” That said, I always feel that this kind of practice helps me to know myself better; knowing what I enjoy and what defines me as me.

As Nick said on his blog, this list is personal, a.k.a. “According to ME.” You are free to disagree, but I won’t debate you on it.

In no particular order:

“Gorillaz” (2001) — Gorillaz

I remember reading about them on an Indonesian music magazine “Hai” back when I was still in high school. I was so impressed by the fact that this band is comprised of fictional cartoon characters (it was really rare at that time, and it was pre-Internet era,) and Noodles has been my favorite ever since (in fact, what pulled me to the band was Noodles). I saved my pocket money to get the music cassette and this album has been on my favorite spot ever since.

“Sounds of Java” (2018) — Eka Gustiwana

I have a particular soft spot for a mashup of traditional and pop/hip-hop music, especially when the music comes from my homeland. I love how… Indonesian, this album is. If you are looking for an entry to Indonesian traditional music, I highly recommend you to listen to Eka’s works.

“A Memory Stream” (2008) — The American Dollar

I first learned about The American Dollar from those Milky Way timelapse videos on the Internet, and it was my entry point to the post-rock genre. I love how cinematic this genre is.

“Discovery” (2001) — Daft Punk and “Homework” (1997) — Daft Punk

So. I know that Daft Punk’s albums NEVER failed. This is totally a valid and legit judgement and not subjective at all. That said, I know this is such a close call between “Discovery” and “Homework”. I can’t choose one, I’m sorry.

“Hop Skip Jump” (2012) — Depapepe

If you are looking for summer-y soundtrack, I beg you, please please please listen to Depapepe.

“Era Classics” (2010) — ERA

Of course, one couldn’t call oneself a millennial if one hadn’t heard a single New Age/Gregorian song in one’s life.

“Harem” (2003) — Sarah Brightman

I know Sarah’s voice is powerful; that’s what makes Sarah Sarah. Also, it’s not a secret that the role of Christine Daaé in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” was specifically written for her. I love how her voice is exceptionally haunting and heartbreaking in this album.

I know there are a lot more (Linkin Park’s “Hybrid Theory”! ✊), but for now, this magnificent eight should suffice.

And now, I’m going to get my dinner.

Bonus:

“Choreography” (2004) — Vanessa-Mae and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

My first time listening to Vanessa-Mae was back when I was still in the secondary school (“The Violin Player” — 1995). While classical music has always been her forte, I really love this album’s approach on a more contemporary manner.