A new book could cause a few scuffles this holiday season.
“This is a book designed to start arguments,” declares Gary Graff, editor of 501 Essential Albums of the ’90s: The Music Fan’s Definitive Guide, in the book’s introduction. Available November 5, 2024 via Motorbooks/The Quarto Group, this volume finds Graff leading a cast of fellow music journalists in presenting the biggest hits of the 1990s, the last decade before the digital “revolution” destroyed the music industry as it was known.
From the publisher:
With lively descriptions of the releases and over 600 images, this hefty 448-page volume curates 501 albums spanning genres and subgenres — pop, hip-hop, R&B, grunge, metal, country, world music—and features:
- Year-by-year organization
- Knowledgeable rundowns of every album featured
- Album art for each selection
- Artist imagery
- Record label, release date, and producer(s) for each
- Soundtracks and compilation releases also included
The journalists detail the circumstances of each release, highlight notable singles, and discuss their influence on contemporary and later artists. In short, they explain why each is considered one of the best of the decade and why it’s essential. A fun and comprehensive read, 501 Essential Albums of the 90s is the only non-genre specific book that focuses solely on the music of the 90s.
501 Essential Albums of the 90s features a host of artists spanning every genre, including Ice T’s Body Count, NSYNC, Nirvana, Metallica, Britney Spears, Alanis Morisette, Garth Brooks, Green Day, Wu Tang Clan, Weezer, the Beastie Boys, Radiohead, Tricky, and more.
Pre-order now via Amazon (affiliate) to add this handsome hardcover to your collection!