Most influential albums of modern music

This breakup album demonstrated that profitable art could be made through a broken heart, uniting fans of diverse genres. It is the best-selling album of the 21st century and brought new relevance to ballads.

A milestone in progressive rock, this album is known for its experimental soundscapes and thematic cohesion. It decisively influenced bands like Radiohead and Muse, showcasing the genre's potential to millions of people.

Released just two days before his passing, this album was seen as a farewell gift, exploring mortality through art. It solidified its status as an artistic testament and an almost religious experience.

This album pioneered the use of minimalist synthetic sequences and robotic voices, laying the groundwork for genres like house, techno, electro, and hip-hop. Its futuristic aesthetic remains relevant in current electronic music.

This debut album is fundamental to the development of rock and punk, with its lyrical depth on taboo subjects and Nico's icy voice. Much of what is taken for granted in these genres today would not exist without its influence.

This magnificent conceptual album addressed crucial social issues like civil rights and the Vietnam War, paving the way for socially conscious soul music. Its influence on modern pop is undeniable.

This album changed the game both musically and in the market, becoming the best-selling of all time. Its spectacular music videos legitimized visual art in music and left an indelible legacy in pop.

This album is as influential for hip-hop as The Velvet Underground is for rock, asserting Public Enemy's status as radical pioneers. It educated an entire generation about Black empowerment and social injustice.

This album brought grunge to the mainstream, with a raw, emotional, and honest sound that resonated with a generation. 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' became an anthem, and the album remains a pillar of alternative rock.

This album established the G-funk sound, characterized by swirling synthesizers and powerful bass, and a new benchmark for hip-hop production. Its sound is instantly recognizable and remains as irresistible as it was in the 90s.

Considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, 'Illmatic' elevated the level of lyricism in rap. It marked a before and after in the industry, consolidating itself as a fundamental pillar of the genre.

This visionary album changed the course of modern rock, blending melancholic guitars, existential lyrics, and electronic arrangements that anticipated the sound of the 21st century. It is a virtuous compositional work with indispensable classics.

This album represented a leap into the mainstream without losing the avant-garde of electronic music, redefining popular sound in the digital age. Its influence on electronic and pop music is undeniable, being a constant reference.

This album fused soul, R&B, and jazz with deeply personal lyrics and an unmistakable voice, redefining pop and cementing its status as an icon of the 2000s. It is one of the omnivorous albums lauded by The Guardian.

Considered one of the most important albums of the 21st century, this ambitious album redefined hip-hop and popular music. The personal, the political, and the experimental coexisted in harmony, showcasing Kanye West's genius.

This visual album changed the music industry, showcasing Beyoncé's adventurous creativity and genius by addressing self-love in an unprecedented way. It was a massive commercial success and critically acclaimed.

A masterpiece and cultural phenomenon that explores social problems and personal struggles with complex instrumentation and profound emotion. 'Alright' became a protest song, giving it lasting social relevance.

This album fuses flamenco with urban and electronic sounds, redefining the genre for a global audience. It has been selected as one of the best albums of the 21st century by experts and Rolling Stone, demonstrating the album's power to tell stories.