12 albums that surprised the world – some successes, some failures
the mid-70s, the artist shocked his fans with his 1977 release, Low. Known for his glam rock persona and larger-than-life characters like Ziggy Stardust, Bowie took a drastic turn with this album. Low was the first of his Berlin trilogy, which showcased a more experimental sound.
Instead of the glam rock hits fans were used to, Low featured ambient instrumentals and electronic experimentation. The album was divided into two distinct sections, with the first half containing more traditional songs and the second half dedicated to ambient, instrumental tracks. Critics and fans alike were taken aback by this departure from Bowie’s usual style, but the album has since been hailed as a masterpiece and a pivotal moment in Bowie’s career.
7. Prince – Around the World in a Day (1985)
Prince was known for his eclectic style and boundary-pushing music, but even his most ardent fans were surprised by his 1985 album, Around the World in a Day. Following the massive success of Purple Rain, many expected Prince to continue in a similar vein with his next release. Instead, Around the World in a Day featured a more psychedelic sound, taking inspiration from 1960s rock and pop.
The album’s lead single, “Raspberry Beret,” was a departure from Prince’s trademark funk and R&B tracks, showcasing a more whimsical and lighthearted side of the artist. While some fans were initially confused by the stylistic shift, others embraced the album’s experimental nature. Around the World in a Day remains a cult classic in Prince’s discography and highlights his willingness to take artistic risks.
8. Radiohead – Kid A (2000)
Radiohead had already established themselves as one of the most innovative and influential rock bands of the 1990s with albums like The Bends and OK Computer. However, their 2000 release, Kid A, shocked fans and critics alike with its departure from traditional rock music. Instead of guitar-driven anthems, Kid A featured electronic experimentation, ambient soundscapes, and complex rhythms.
The album’s lead single, “Everything in Its Right Place,” set the tone for the rest of the record, with its dreamy, ethereal sound. Kid A received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising Radiohead for their willingness to break away from convention and explore new musical territory. The album remains a landmark in the band’s career and a testament to their fearless creativity.
9. Kanye West – Yeezus (2013)
Kanye West has never been one to shy away from controversy or experimentation, but his 2013 album, Yeezus, took his music in a bold new direction. Known for his soulful production and introspective lyrics, West surprised fans with Yeezus, an abrasive and aggressive record that pushed the boundaries of hip-hop and electronic music.
From the industrial soundscapes of “On Sight” to the punk-inspired “Black Skinhead,” Yeezus was a far cry from West’s earlier work. The album divided critics and fans, with some praising its boldness and innovation, while others found it alienating and inaccessible. Regardless of its reception, Yeezus showcased West’s willingness to take risks and challenge the status quo in the music industry.
10. Taylor Swift – Reputation (2017)
Taylor Swift had already established herself as a pop superstar with hits like “Love Story” and “Blank Space,” but her 2017 album, Reputation, took her music in a new direction. Known for her confessional songwriting and catchy melodies, Swift embraced a darker, edgier sound with Reputation, exploring themes of fame, betrayal, and redemption.
The lead single, “Look What You Made Me Do,” set the tone for the rest of the album, with its defiant lyrics and sharp production. Reputation marked a departure from Swift’s earlier work, showcasing a more mature and complex side of the artist. While some fans longed for the days of her country-pop beginnings, others embraced the new direction Swift was taking with her music.
11. Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)
Kendrick Lamar had already established himself as one of the most important voices in hip-hop with albums like good kid, m.A.A.d city, but his 2015 release, To Pimp a Butterfly, solidified his status as a visionary artist. The album showcased Lamar’s lyrical prowess and social commentary, exploring themes of race, identity, and systemic oppression.
From the jazz-infused production to the powerful spoken word interludes, To Pimp a Butterfly was a bold and ambitious project that pushed the boundaries of what hip-hop could be. The album received widespread critical acclaim and won multiple Grammy Awards, cementing Lamar’s reputation as a genre-defying artist. To Pimp a Butterfly remains a groundbreaking work in Lamar’s discography and a testament to his fearless creativity.
12. Billie