Last week, we took on the thankless task of calling out overrated classics, and the response was, shall we say, spirited. Now we're balancing the scales by championing the records that have been unjustly ignored, dismissed, or simply forgotten. These are the albums that deserve a place in your collection and your heart.
Jeri Southern – You Better Go Now (1956)
Jeri Southern may not be a household name today, but in the 1950s she was a sensation. Frank Sinatra and Miles Davis were reportedly huge fans, and she recorded the first vocal version of 'When I Fall in Love'. Her 1956 album You Better Go Now is a dreamy, beautifully arranged collection of romance, longing, and heartbreak, delivered with her understated, intimate voice. Southern's career was hampered by crippling stage fright, which led her to retire from performing, but her music remains a treasure. If you haven't heard her, do yourself a favor and press play.
Labi Siffre – Crying Laughing Loving Lying (1972)
Labi Siffre's third album is a masterpiece of emotional vulnerability. The British singer-songwriter's voice is angelic, and his songs are confessional and deeply moving. Each track builds on the last, creating a transcendent listening experience. Siffre has seen a resurgence in recent years, with his music sampled by Kanye West and featured in films like The Holdovers. At 80, he's reportedly working on a new album, his first in 28 years. This is a must-own for any serious music lover.
Bill Withers – +'Justments (1974)
Bill Withers' third album, +'Justments, is often overshadowed by his hits like 'Ain't No Sunshine' and 'Lean on Me'. But this record is a gem. It captures the turmoil of his crumbling marriage in ferocious, groove-driven soul, with tracks like 'You' and 'The Same Love That Made Me Laugh'. The stripped-back 'Can We Pretend' and 'Make A Smile For Me' are wistful and beautiful. Withers' voice is majestic throughout, and the album feels like a distillation of his life experiences. It's a masterpiece that deserves far more recognition.
Cocteau Twins & Harold Budd – The Moon And The Melodies (1986)
Cocteau Twins are known for defining dream pop with albums like Heaven or Las Vegas. But their collaboration with ambient pioneer Harold Budd, The Moon and the Melodies, is a hidden gem. The album conjures a nocturnal, celestial atmosphere that is both dark and comforting. Tracks like 'Sea, Swallow Me' and 'She Will Destroy You' showcase the band's signature sound, while 'The Ghost Has No Home' leans into Budd's ambient territory. 'Why Do You Love Me' is one of the most hauntingly beautiful instrumentals ever recorded. This record deserves a place alongside their more celebrated work.
Fleetwood Mac – Tango In The Night (1987)
Fleetwood Mac's Tango In The Night is often dismissed as a commercial pop record, but it's a masterful blend of rock and pop that stands the test of time. The album features some of the band's most polished songwriting, with hits like 'Little Lies' and 'Everywhere'. It's a lush, synth-driven record that captures the band's signature harmonies and emotional depth. While it may not have the critical cachet of Rumours, it's a worthy addition to their discography.
More overlooked gems
Other underrated albums worth your time include: Joni Mitchell's Hejira (1976), a jazz-inflected masterpiece; Talk Talk's Spirit of Eden (1988), a genre-defying work of art; Nick Drake's Pink Moon (1972), a stark and beautiful final statement; Kate Bush's The Dreaming (1982), a daring and experimental record; and The Blue Nile's A Walk Across the Rooftops (1984), a sophisticated blend of pop and soul. These albums may not have topped the charts, but they have left an indelible mark on music history.
As we continue to explore the vast landscape of music, it's important to remember that greatness isn't always measured by sales or awards. Sometimes, the most profound works are the ones that quietly wait to be discovered. So, take a chance on these underrated albums, and you might just find your new favorite record.
