Five Albums That Shaped My Life

Since Green Day have made their triumphant comeback with their new single, I realised how much they shaped me as I battled my angst teenage years. But aside from that, there have been a couple of bands who have provided a soundtrack to my 21 years on Earth (maybe not all 21 of them, obviously) So I thought as we’re still getting to know each other, it was time to share them with you…

Pink Floyd – The Divison Bell

As a child, my parents used to play all manner of ‘embarrassing’ music whenever they had the chance, and pink Floyd’s The Division Bell, was their favourite to sing along to… Cringe!

But as I’ve grown up and my parents grew apart, I have begun to realise what an epic offering the final Pink Floyd album is, and really have to thank my parents for giving me such a sound grounding in music, and ultimately leading to where I am today.

It’s weird though, because every time I’m down, or want to cry, this is the album I put on, to have a good weep and then, surprisingly feel better and ready to get on with my life with a renewed energy.

Nightwish – Century Child

I first heard Nightwish back in 1998 when I was in Germany and my cousin played me Sleeping Sun, from the album Oceanborn. For me, it was love ot first listen, and as soon as I got back home I bought their CD’s and never looked back.

However, it was their 2002 album that really sticks in my memory; I mean, it’s just a beautiful as their other albums, but it contains lyrics that really strike a chord with, in particular, Bless The Child’s poignant lyrics “Think of me long enough to make a memory“ and “Why am I loved, only when I’m gone?”

Although none of my friends shared my love for the band, and many an ex boyfriend used to make fun of my taste in music, I always dreamt that one day I would be able to sing like Tarja Turunen (or now Anette Olzon) and front my own rock band… I suppose the only thing I’m lacking is Opera training… okay, and I can’t sing karaoke either!

But throughout my parents divorce, I found solace in Nightwish albums, and a few weeks ago, I finally got the chance to interview the band, which was a real dream come true.

Biffy Clyro – The Vertigo Of Bliss

One of my ex boyfriends introduced me to Biffy Clyro, mainly because every single time I went to his house, we’d listen to this album – much to my annoyance.

But I have to admit, that as I heard it more and more, I really started to fall in love with Simon Neil and his friends, and even went and bought Blackened Sky! They were my ‘secret love’ as I went to university, and Carl became an ex, and noone else knew who they were.

The Vertigo Of Bliss was one CD I could always put on when I missed home, and remember why I should be happy that I was doing something with my life and pursuing my dream of becoming a journalist.

Then, on my birthday in 2006, Biffy came and played at the gig venue I used to work in, and I almost died with excitement, even crying into people’s pints as they played my favourite track, All The Way Down, then I got to interview them, and ask all the questions I’d been dying to ask… it was amazing!

My love for Biffy helped me to form lifelong friendships with my two best friends, Helen and Nikki, and although everyone else in the world now loves these three gorgeous lads from Scotland… they’ll always mean that little bit more to those who ‘found them first.’

Blink – 182 – Enema Of The State

Many of my friends these days site Blink 182 as one of their all time favourite bands, and to be honest, picking my favourite album comes very tight, with Enema Of the State and Take Off Your Pants And Jacket both vying for the number one spot.

But as I can only choose one, I’d have to go with the earlier album as it was that one that really won me over. I remember watching the first ever Big Brother (before it was full of morons) and reading a letter that someone had written me, with the lyrics to Going Away To College; “I haven’t been this scared in a long time, And I’m so unprepared so here’s your valentine, Bouquet of clumsy words, a simple melody, This world’s an ugly place, but you’re so beautiful to me.”

I don’t know why, but these lyrics have continued to mean so much to me thought my life, and listening to this song, as well as There Is (by Box Car Racer) is what makes Blink 182 stand out about all the other copycat bands out there. Thank god they’re reforming!

Green Day – International Superhits

Now, I haven’t  just put these because their new single is out, but back when I was in High School and my friends were listening to Westlife and the Spice Girls, I always tended to lean towards ‘alternative’ music, which often meant I was outcast from playground fun.

Okay, so in High School you tended to ‘hang out’ at lunchtime rather than play games, but the girls in my class never bothered talking to me and I was quite often left on my own a dinner times and picked on in class.

Bille Joe Armstrong and the rest of the Green Day lads were what kept me sane during these horrible five years, as I’d put my MP3 player on and repeat the compilation album International Superhits over and over; daydreaming that one day it would all be over and I’d be able to hang out with my idols.

So I’m not interviewing Green Day (yet) but with my celeb best mates that this job has brought me, I’m halfway there…. And those bullies? Well, a couple tried to add me on Facebook recently; funny how I’m the ‘cool’ one now isn’t it?

Now, what albums influenced you?

Ruth xx