I recently wrote about a challenge for lovers of 1970s rock music. It seemed sensible to follow that up with a look at rock albums in later years. It’s time to choose your desert island pick of five rock albums, one for each decade since then, i.e., the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, 2020s so far.
Any type of rock music goes. Don't worry about how it will play for you on a remote island. Just focus on the five rock albums across those decades and, importantly, why they will be great if you have been cast away.
I reckon it’s quite a challenge again, and one that seems to get harder the more recent the decade. I’ve listed my five choices below; I’m sure some will meet with approval, others much less so. But that's the point. See if my five can prompt your own choices and thoughts on why you’d pick them.
5 rock albums across the last 5 decades for a desert island pick
Big Country — The Crossing (1983)
Maybe it's a heritage thing for me. A tie back to the homeland might be appropriate on that island. That's why the very Scottish-sounding Big Country and their debut album, The Crossing, are my 1980s pick. The band has a very distinctive sound, which will bring back many personal memories.
The album has been a favorite for years. I love the way the songs ring out; the guitars and that skirling, almost bagpipe-like style really make their mark. It’s a great set of upbeat songs to get the day off to a great start, or close it down in style.
R.E.M. — Automatic for the People (1992)
This was a tough choice. I did consider the Oasis debut album, Definitely Maybe, but decided that was driven by their recent comeback and the new movie documentary rather than the music itself. Instead, it’s this classic album from R.E.M. that I'd want with me.
Automatic for the People works perfectly on several levels. There are different styles within it, all linked by Michael Stipe’s voice. If I wanted something a bit sad or downbeat, the album steps right in. Top songs like “Everybody Hurts” are there for a quieter, more reflective day alone.
Other great tunes like “Nightswimming” or “Man on the Moon” provide a slight lift, but still in a similar vein. It’s not a bad thing to have a melancholy wallow at times, and this album could help frame that nicely.
Muse — Black Holes and Revelations (2006)
A different approach here altogether: big songs, solid guitars, and wide, expansive tunes. Muse bring all that and a lot more on their fourth studio album. The touches of classical elements, hefty rock sounds, and electro breaking in all come together superbly.
This would be one for getting work done—sorting out what's needed for shelter and life on the island. Strutting around to the majestic sounds of spacey pomp rock in places would energize the effort. And hey, no one's watching, so you can do that strutting in style!
Bruce Springsteen — Springsteen on Broadway (2018)
A switch in style here, too. The music on this Springsteen album covers a lot of time periods, but it is also very locked into 2018, as it reflects the man of that time. It takes a sparse approach: cut-back songs, acoustic guitar, piano, and the man himself alone on stage, like he’s been left alone and cut adrift from his band.
I like the way this plays out his entire stage show. It would work well as a sit-and-listen, especially given the way Springsteen weaves in his life stories with the stripped-down songs. That would pass some time for sure, and I reckon I’d take something different from hearing it each time.
Cardinal Black — Midnight at the Valencia (2025)
This won’t be on many folks' radar for their island lists. Cardinal Black isn't that well known on a big scale, but they are building their reputation across the UK, Europe, and North America. I reviewed Midnight at the Valencia when it was released and was very impressed. I still am.
There’s a mix of songs on here—bluesy, softer, pacy at times, quieter at others. The vocals are strong, and the guitar work is excellent. I play it often now and don’t tire of hearing any of it. It doesn't have any skips for me. Those are important points and boxes to tick for one of just five albums for that desert island.
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