#47: James Brown - Live at the Apollo (1963)

Zack: The Godfather of Soul sure comes with it on this live album. Even without the visual effect of Brown’s dancing, it is pretty clear why he earned the title of “The Hardest Working Man in Show Business.” The combination of his caterwaul-esque vocals, the big band feel to the backing instrumentation, and the way Brown conducts the audience in various chants is so powerful that it borders on overwhelming. The music that James Brown creates here contains so much raw energy that it seems to blast out of speakers. It is this energy that has made Brown such an influential figure in the American music scene.

Favorite Tracks: Night Train; Try Me; I Don’t Mind

Emily: James Brown performing at the Apollo is one of the most iconic images in all of music history. He put everything he could into his performances, dancing and singing like a madman well into his golden years. This live album encapsulates that frenetic style. Most of the songs are short and fast, with a soulful sound that complements Brown's signature voice. Hearing the fans screaming as Brown wails and dances across the Apollo stage makes it clear why he's the Godfather of Soul.

Favorite Tracks: Night Train; Try Me; Lost Someone

#16: Amy Winehouse - Back to Black (2006)

Emily: This album is simply amazing. Winehouse combines a retro soul sound with intimate lyrics and a voice rife with raw emotion. It is clear that she puts her entire heart and soul into her music. Every lyric is personal, every arrangement unique. Unfortunately, all of the troubles she sings about have played out in her personal life and the public has lost sight of her music. She's capable of a comeback, though - the music is just too good.
Favorite Tracks: You Know I'm No Good, Rehab, Back to Black

Zack: I would be willing to forgive the drug addiction, overall craziness, and even Britishness for anyone with a voice like that. Go ahead ladies, open another tab and try to find a voice coach in your area. I'll wait. What I love most is how she takes the most classy and refined forms of music and adds dirty lyrics about drugs and infidelity. The contradiction that lies between the gospel-like feel to her voice and the content of her words, or the reversal of starting with rehab and ending in addiction, is simply magnificent. Everything about this album is well-crafted and hearkens back to another era of music that I, for one, am quite fond of.
Favorite Tracks: Back to Black, Addicted, Rehab