Album

Album name: Fallen

Producer: Dave Fortman

Artist: Evanescence

Year/date:  23/2/2004

Genre: Rock, metal

Wikipedia. 2016. Fallen (Evanescence album). [ONLINE] Available at:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallen_(Evanescence_album). [Accessed 23 September 2016]

Why was it revolutionary?

It introduced people into a type of rock/metal. Their style includes some orchestral instruments, which makes their style of music differ to your standard rock/metal. Also, they have composed a lot of songs with just Amy Lee and her piano playing, especially with their song Hello. Their use of orchestral instruments was mainly used in their song ‘My Immortal’, which one version consisted piano and a string quartet. The other version of the song was a band version. Their music connected with a lot of people with their lyrics helping people get through hard times. For example: the songs Hello (which is the only song that Amy has not performed live) and My immortal are about loss and the song Going under (which can interpreted in many ways) can be about a break up or depression.

How was it created?

It was first created as 3 EP’s and one demo CD. This album took 8 years to compose. Each instrument was created at different times and for some at different places. The drum tracks were recorded at Ocean Studios. A drummer helped Evanescence by playing on selected songs to some click of some stereo guitars and vocals. Fortman said that for the rest of the drums, he used a D112 microphone on the inside of the kick drum, a U47 microphone on the outside and an NS10 speaker as an outside microphone. He used at least 414 microphones on the ride and hit-hat cymbals. He did a lot to record the drums to get it sound right the songs and album.

The guitars were cut at Mad Dog Studios in Burbank. Amy Lee’s (the lead singer) vocals and piano playing were recorded ar NRG Recording studios, as well as the Millennium Choir. All of their orchestral parts were arranged by 2 men named David Hodges and David Campbell, except for the song ‘My immortal’ which was arranged by Graeme Revell. The album was mixed for over a 2 week period at Conway Recording Studios in North Hollywood.

What were the effects that were used?

They haven’t used a lot of effects in their songs however some of their songs might have used guitar pedals to make their guitars sound distorted. You can hear this in their song ‘Whisper’.

Album name: The Marshall Mathers LP

Producer: Various

Artist: Eminem

Year/date: 2000

Genre: Rap

Dimery, RD, 2011. 1001 ALBUMS YOU MUST HEAR BEFORE YOU DIE. 7th ed. City Road, London: Tristan De Lancey

Wikipedia. 2016. The Marshall Mathers LP. [ONLINE] Available at:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Marshall_Mathers_LP. [Accessed 23 September 2016]

Why was it revolutionary?

Eminem made a difference to rap music. He started to use stronger words making rap music sound more aggressive than it actually is. Such words like this include “bitch’ and ‘bleed’. These words were used in his song ‘Kim’ where he shouts ‘Now bleed! Bitch bleed!’

How was it created?

This album was created within 2 months and each session was 20h long in the studio. This made Eminem a ‘studio rat’. Dr. Dre came up with music and lyrics and Eminem just had to record the song.

What were the effects that were used?

Eminem had the help of Dr. Dre (who help Eminem to start off his career) to help him with effects. The effects that were used in this album were some standard sound effects, sparkling liquid bass lines and some stuttering pop rhythms.

Album name: Abbey Road

Producer:  George Martin

Artist: Beatles

Year/date: 1969

Genre: Rock

Dimery, RD, 2011. 1001 ALBUMS YOU MUST HEAR BEFORE YOU DIE. 7th ed. City Road, London: Tristan De Lancey

Wikipedia. 2016. Abbey Road. [ONLINE] Available at:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbey_Road#Composition_and_recording. [Accessed 23 September 2016]

Why was it revolutionary?

The Beatles changed music since they started. This one made a change because both Paul and John wrote the lyrics for a lot of their songs made the fans go wild. The sweetest song that they never wrote was called ‘Here comes the sun’, however they contribute in ‘Something’ which was considered to be awe-inspiring. But what makes their album Abbey Road an essential was the amazing commentary of Paul and John.

How was it created?

The first session for Abbey Road began on 22^nd February 1969. With their song ‘I want you (she’s so heavy)’ they all recorded to a backing track with Bill Preston to accompany them on a Hammond organ. One the 6^th of May, the group took an 8 week break before recommencing on the 2^nd of July. They recorded throughout July and August for the last backing track for ‘Because’, with it being taped on the 1^st of August.

What were the effects that were used?

There wasn’t a lot off effect to be used since they weren’t widely used or even considered at that time so instruments were the only thing to make some form of effects. They did make some highlights of certain instruments; such as they did in their song ‘I want you (she’s so heavy)’ is highlighted by Paul McCartney’s bass playing.