The music we listen to may not be made by us (or, if it is, good for you), but we still own a part of it emotionally. It speaks for us, even though the musical artist does not know us. There is still a connection between the creator and the listener.
But sometimes, we might feel guilty about actively listening to a record. Maybe the musical artist has done something bad, or their views go against most of their fan base. The artist owes us nothing, really, but we also do not owe them anything.
The albums that follow are all great. The problem is the artists themselves.
Four great albums you might not admit to loving
Marilyn Manson - Antichrist Superstar
Manson's image has become quite a mess. There have been several sexual assault allegations brought forth, for one. He hasn't been found criminally liable for any of them, but one will decide his guilt or innocence on their own. Some of his detractors might find it easy to find him guilty because his musical persona has always been aggressive and unsavory.
Still, 1996's Antichrist Superstar, produced by Trent Reznor, is one of the best industrial metal albums ever made. It's angry, loud, and propulsive—how metal should sound. There is no holding back on anything, and when the chaos ends, it feels cathartic.
Sex Pistols - Never Mind the Bollocks, Here Come the Sex Pistols
The seminal punk album created havoc in the UK for a bit, or at least the band's actions when building up an audience. For example, the band floated down the Thames to try to disrupt the Queen's Silver Jubilee. It was a great moment for the punk movement.
But the band produced just one record and had another that was songs strung together and called a record. It was really just a money grab by the band's manager based on B-sides. The whole concept would go against the Sex Pistols' original ethos. Plus, vocalist Johnny Rotten's (John Lydon) current political views are clumsy, at best.
Kanye West - Late Registration
West's early albums are classic hip-hop albums. They are well-produced and well-conceived, and the lyrics are different than what was going on in rap at the time. He appeared to be a bit too smart, but he doubled down on that with his persona, and tracks such as "Diamonds from Sierra Leone" and "Gold Digger" were still fantastic.
He has become a very divisive figure over the last decade, though. He even had a notorious meeting with President Trump in 2018, where his comments made even Trump appear more moderate. His incredulous battles (or attempts to battle) with Taylor Swift have also turned millions off.
Morrissey - Viva Hate
This was Morrissey's first full-fledged solo album, and it is terrific. "Suedehead" and "Everyday is Like Sunday" remain gems worth listening to multiple times. The issue with Moz is not his music but his political views and comments about nearly anyone who covers one of his songs. At times, he comes across as mean.
His views on British immigration would be considered Trump-like if he had spoken the same about American immigration. The problem is that Morrissey began as seemingly giving voice to those who felt too oppressed to speak their own views.