4 albums people hate to love (but do anyway)

by

Music that isn’t personally produced by us can nonetheless resonate deeply within us, expressing emotions that feel like our own. In a sense, it becomes our voice, even if the musician creating it remains unaware of our existence. Nonetheless, there exists an invisible bond between artist and audience.

Occasionally, we may find ourselves conflicted when thoroughly enjoying a piece of music from an artist whose personal actions or beliefs we don’t agree with. It’s essential to remember that artists are not obligated to please us, and we, as listeners, hold no obligation to support them either.

The albums that follow are all great. The problem is the artists themselves.

Four great albums you might not admit to loving

Marilyn Manson – Antichrist Superstar

Manson’s reputation has turned rather chaotic due to multiple sexual misconduct accusations. However, he hasn’t been convicted in any of these cases, leaving individuals to make their own judgments. Some critics might quickly label him as guilty given his music persona’s history of aggression and questionable behavior.

1996’s “Antichrist Superstar,” produced by Trent Reznor, stands as one of the finest industrial metal albums ever crafted. It’s raw, intense, and rhythmic—just how heavy metal ought to resonate. There’s no restraint in its expression, and when the turbulence subsides, it offers a sense of release.

Sex Pistols – Never Mind the Bollocks, Here Come the Sex Pistols

As a gamer, I can’t help but reminisce about the time I stirred up quite a storm in the UK scene. Back then, my band wasn’t just creating music; we were causing a ruckus, especially when it came to winning over audiences. Take, for instance, our daring stunt of drifting down the Thames with the intention of disrupting the Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebration. It was a bold move that made headlines and became a defining moment for the punk movement.

However, the group only managed to release a single album, while another was essentially a collection of previously unreleased tracks loosely assembled and labeled as an album. This move was more about generating income rather than creative expression, according to their manager. This approach contradicts the Sex Pistols’ initial ideology. Furthermore, Johnny Rotten’s (John Lydon) current political stances can be described as somewhat awkward at best.

Kanye West – Late Registration

West’s initial albums are considered timeless pieces of hip-hop music. They are skillfully crafted and creatively innovative, offering lyrics distinct from the contemporary rap scene. His intelligence seemed a bit overpowering, but he amplified it through his persona, resulting in tracks like “Diamonds from Sierra Leone” and “Gold Digger” that were nothing short of brilliant.

Over the past ten years, he has developed into a highly contentious public figure. In fact, during a meeting with President Trump in 2018, his remarks made Trump seem almost reasonable by comparison. Furthermore, his controversial encounters (or attempts to challenge) with Taylor Swift have alienated many people as well.

Morrissey – Viva Hate

Morrissey’s debut solo album in its entirety was fantastic. Tracks like “Suedehead” and “Everyday is Like Sunday” continue to be enjoyable after multiple listens. However, it’s not Morrissey’s music that has been a point of contention, but rather his political views and comments about many artists who cover his songs. At times, he can appear quite harsh.

Translating his stance on British immigration might resemble Donald Trump’s views, should he have addressed American immigration in a similar way. However, it’s important to note that Morrissey initially seemed to provide a platform for those who felt silenced and powerless to express their own views.

Read More

2025-04-11 16:00