Readers have an ‘Appetite’ for rock

Stevie Wonder, “Songs in the Key of Life”
Only one album sticks out in my mind when I think of the best and I wondered why it wasn’t listed. “Songs in the Key of Life” is a masterpiece by a bonafide musical genius. The range of consciousness-raising lyrics mixed in with light-hearted melodic love songs, and a song that will forever remind me of those early black-and-white cartoons while paying homage to all the greats who preceded him ...”Sir Duke”. I had the honor of meeting Mr. Morris and receiving a semi-private concert from him when he was our guest of honor for my high school’s Black History Month celebration. He showed up on time, spoke for 45 minutes and performed about five of his greatest hits. He never asked to be paid and was the personification of humility. He will always be at the top of my list! — Summer, Los Angeles

Bruce Springsteen, “The Rising”
An all-around great album. Very thought provoking songs that meant something to an ailing nation. Gave me hope and eased the pain of a very tragic event. — Jerry Johnson, Battle Creek, Mich.

The Pixies, “Surfer Rosa”
This band influenced so many other bands out there today and in the early 90s. It was this album, not “Nevermind” that turned me on to alternative music. After hearing “Cactus” and “Where Is My Mind” I was hooked. I cannot believe this was forgotten in your list. If you have not heard this album, I suggest you go and buy it, immediately. — Gerald, Albany, NY

Pink Floyd, “Dark Side of the Moon”
One in every 20 people under the age of 50 in the United States owns a copy of this album. “Dark Side” remained on Billboard’s 200 album chart for an amazing 15 years straight and then for another two when it was remastered back in 1994. It is currently the most successful album ever with upwards of 40 million copies sold worldwide. Need I say more? — Mark Pashkoff

The Shins, “Chutes Too Narrow”
Definitely one of the best albums I’ve heard in the past 20 years. It’s the one I just can’t take out of my car and want to listen to over and over. Much as I love their first work, “Oh, Inverted World” and especially the track “New Slang,” it’s “Chutes” that I find myself humming when I’m walking or at work. With an eclectic sound, “Chutes Too Narrow” is not as unified as “World,” but the music just makes me feel good, even when the lyrics would suggest otherwise. Brilliant songwriting, arrangement and performance make this an outstanding album worthy of a best pick for the last two decades. — Danie Arnt, Cartersville, Ga.

Toni Braxton, “Secrets”
In my opinion, this is the best album of the past 20 years. The reason I believe so is that it shows a diverse collection of thoughts and emotions from a very talented vocalist. The album also features some very talented producers such as Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, R. Kelly and Toni Rich. The album is consistent in its theme — a woman in despair, torn between love and betrayal. — Walter Deselles, New Orleans

Third Eye Blind, “Third Eye Blind”
The music is fluid, and the hooks range from alarmingly catchy to melodically perfect. The absolute best of pop rock in the past 10 years, much more so than other bands. Perhaps more important, Stephen Jenkins is the preeminent lyricist among rock bands today, who manages to hide graphic, often painful lyrics behind ironically sunny tunes. I can’t believe it did not make the list (among a few other albums). — Juan, Santa Monica, Calif.

Jeff Buckley, “Grace”
This album paved the road for bands such as Coldplay, Radiohead, Muse, etc. This was his only full studio album before his untimely death, but he made sure that he would go out with a bang. Take “Last Goodbye” for example. I can’t listen to this song without pounding on the steering wheel and it gives me goose bumps every time. “Hallelujah” (in my eyes) is one of the best covers of all time. His voice is so incredibly amazing in this song. It is so ominous and almost eerie. My pick for the best album and probably musician of the past 20 years and then some! — Nick Wood, Moorhead, Minn.

The Eagles, “Hotel California”
It just takes me back to a time when I didn’t have to worry about anything! I know the words to every song on it. — Connie Cochran, Artesia, NM

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