Music is a big part of my life. It greets me in the morning and sends me to sleep at night. It’s always in my head. It helps with things you don’t particularly want to do – like the constant washing, cleaning, shopping and cooking of life. With that said, here are a few of the artists and albums that make my life wonderful.
1. Innervisions, Stevie Wonder – Everything about this album amazes and inspires me; socially conscious lyrics with heart, melodies that are as eternally bright as the day is long, and production that makes a party jump!
2. Off the Wall, Michael Jackson – One of the most exciting albums ever made; the production values are high, and the strings on the title track make me swoon. It’s magic for a violinist.
3. Living My Life, Grace Jones – This album gave me the strength to keep on trying in the music industry in London. Initially, I was all alone in that big city without relatives or friends. Listening to Grace sing My Jamaican Guy and Unlimited Capacity for Love, put a spring in my step, and gave me the confidence to follow my dreams.
4. I Am…Sasha Fierce, Beyonce – The album has heavenly vocals, great production, and empowering lyrics. Everything Beyonce does is beautiful.
5. War Ina Babylon, Max Romeo & the Upsetters – The consummate reggae album. Every track sends shivers down my spine. It is so atmospheric and full of LOVE despite the deeply felt undercurrent of protest against racism and social injustice. The amazingly powerful vocals an lyrics scream at you to THINK!
6. 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1, Midnight Oil – I was lucky enough to play violin on this album. It was recently voted Australia’s No.1 album of the last 50 years in a poll run by the newspaper The Melbourne Age. This is a powerhouse rock LP with an anti-war agenda. It is superbly produced by Nick Launay, and packed full of great songs. The single Power & the Passion says it all. Lead vocalist Peter Garrett has an amazing presence and Rob Hirst is one of the most athletic drummers you’ll ever find.
7. Ultimate Kylie, Kylie Minogue – I love this album especially Disc 2. It contains the hugely infectious worldwide hit single Can’t Get You Out of My Head and the sultry Slow. Kylie is a delight.
8. Apocalypso, The Presets – This is my favourite dance album by the award-winning duo. I love the banging industrial sounds and the delicate moments in between. The song My People was named the 2nd biggest hit of 2008, behind only Low by Flo Rida. The song was written as a protest against conditions experienced by refugees in detention centres.
9. Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd – Words fail me. This album is just so beautiful, inspiring, mysterious and colourful.
10. The Beatles – Any album by the Beatles would keep me happy on a Desert Island. How did they write so many great songs? Truly amazing. And with George Martin’s production, each was a perfect peace of pop.
Gisele Scales is an Australia-based violinist, vocalist, songwriter, and recording artist. Her latest release 2 Think is currently available. You can learn more about Gisele on her website, Facebook, or Myspace. Her music is available on ReverbNation, YouTube and CDBaby.