To dub, something “underrated” is inherently subjective. While I realize that, there are some albums that I believe qualify as such. This could be because an album is overshadowed by an artist’s more commercial work, that the effort has lost recognition over time, or maybe it just never got off the ground, to begin with. Regardless here are three albums that I believe are underrated.
“Lonerism” – Tame Impala
Talking strictly commercial: Do I think Kevin Parker will ever top the anthemic status of “Less I know the better” or soundscapes of “ Let it Happen”? No, probably not. Make no mistake every artist has their defining effort and “Currents” is every bit deserving of that distinction. However, for many people that was their first time hearing the genius multi-instrumentalist that is Kevin Parker. I was one of those kids who listened to him when calling something “indie” meant something. I was one of those pricks who fancied himself interesting by flaunting my knowledge of music that no one listened to Tame Impala once fit that bill. For the life of me, I can’t understand why Lonerism isn’t thought of as highly. It is a fantastic album that explores deep topics such as anxiety, romance, and depression. Of course, these powerful messages are wrapped up nicely in layered soundscapes, synthesizers, but with a higher dose of guitar than you will find on later efforts like Currents and The Slow Rush. My favorite song from this album is also my favorite song of all time. Believe me, I am not just saying that. “Music to Walk Home By” will forever be my unofficial life’s soundtrack. Emotions will come to the surface every time I hear the chorus and outro to that beautiful song. Listen to it.
“London Calling” – The Clash
Objectively, this album is not underrated in any sense. Consider this more of an ode of appreciation to what I believe is a top-five album of all time no matter what way you spin it. I think that some things are particularly powerful because they simultaneously define the era to which they belong as much as they represent it. “London Calling” is exactly that type of album. England was not a happy place to be in 1979. That was the beginning of the Thatcher era. While there is little sense debating a polarizing figure, many of the working class took a hit during this era. The Clash touch on all of it ranging from homelessness, climate change, nuclear war, and drug abus. They capture and draw attention to the angst of the times with a plain angry conviction. However, unlike the Sex Pistols, The Clash conveyed that rage with finesse and restraint. This is a punk album, make no mistake, but it draws from rockabilly, hard rock, jazz, and even reggae. While the Sex Pistols played at you, The Clash played for you but were every bit as angry doing so. My favorite song off the album is “Guns of Brixton”, where bassist Paul Simonon takes vocals in place of co-frontmen Joe Strummer and Mick Jones. The reggae-like bass line drives home thoughts of paranoia and social unrest. Think of London Calling” as someone who is seething with rage but manages to stay polite as they let it out.
“Mean Street” – Van Halen
Mean Street was released in 1981, this was still early in the band’s career at this time they were successful enough but for the most part that was limited to the hard-rock scene. This was before “1984” after which they never opened for anyone again. The album has little in the way of lasting commercial appeal but I find it to be the band’s most polished effort pre-synthesizer takeover. Eddie Van Halen’s riffs, not his soloing, is what makes the album stands out to me. The solos are there but the driving rhythm work on “Mean Street”, “Unchained”, and “Dirty Movies” is really compelling. I love the way that Eddie lags behind the beat, making it sound like he is always trying to catch. Of course, it all comes back to the blues but done high-octane EVH style.