Five Best Solo Albums
Words and Picks by Haley Black
Many talented artists choose to continue their music careers on their own or simply want to take a break from their bands to do their own thing and have complete creative control by creating solo albums. Here are five artists from popular bands that have decided to take matters into their own hands to create something to completely call their own.
Jack White – Blunderbuss
Former frontman of The White Stripes, Jack White, released his solo album Blunderbuss after the band split a year prior. His eclectic style is what makes him such a unique, one-of-a-kind artist. His solo album remains constant with the dissonant tracks he produced while in The White Stripes. There is a lot of diversity in this album, with many instruments constructing an array of sounds from fast paced piano melodies, grungy guitar effects, and even horns and violins.
William Beckett – The Pioneer Sessions
When The Academy Is… broke up, my middle school self was extremely disappointed. The band as a unit was one of my favorites in the past, but I could settle for William Beckett on his own. Let’s be honest, his voice is too great to not continue without his band. His three consecutive EPs, What Will Be, Walk The Talk, and Winds Will Change are lively and fun, and the concepts behind them are pretty clever. I had a hard time choosing just which one was the best, so I came to the conclusion of choosing The Pioneer Sessions, which features all of the songs from the EPs and more. Plus I’m a sucker for anything acoustic.
Benjamin Gibbard – Former Lives
Whether he is performing laid back indie songs with Death Cab For Cutie, or singing with Jenny Lewis’ soft and sweet vocals in his synthesizer infused group, The Postal Service, Benjamin Gibbard is a true artist no matter what musical outlet he chooses to pursue. His solo album is nothing less than amazing as well. Disappointment is not in Ben Gibbard’s vocabulary.
Craig Owens – With Love
Craig Owens has been a little indecisive about his musical career between the drama with Chiodos, creating D.R.U.G.S., then returning back to the band which made him famous. I still think that his solo album is one of his best works of art. “Products Of Poverty” is one of the best songs he has ever written, with the lyrical anthem, “Just forget everything else and learn to love yourself,” uplifting anyone who listens.
Anthony Green – Beautiful Things
My personal opinion is that Anthony Green is one of the best singer/songwriters of the 21st century. He has that unique, high pitched voice with the type of range that many vocalists could only dream of ever being able to harness. Anthony Green is hands down one of my top favorite musicians to have ever lived, and if you have heard Beautiful Things, I shouldn’t even have to explain my reasoning. There are two collaborations on his solo album that are completely flawless and feature two other outstanding artists. “Right Outside” features Chino Moreno of Deftones and “Only Love” has an immaculate cameo from Nate Ruess of Fun.
