MP3 Gifting

Essential Girl Groups

Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard and future diva Diana Ross became postergirls for a generation of sophisticated if lovelorn singers, folding soul into pop for an unforgettable sound. The Supremes' Essentials

Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Robison never meant to kick up such a fuss, but that's what happens when you re-energize a country-pop scene gone stale. The Dixie Chicks' Essentials

TLC didn’t do much to advance the wholesome reputation of girl groups, but the 1990s wouldn’t have been the same without their seriously satisfying hip-hoppy pop. TLC's Essentials

From the get-go Sleater-Kinney was something of a supergroup, with a vivid, feminist knack for writing taut, passionate, indie-rock anthems. Listen chronologically; they just kept getting stronger and stronger. Sleater-Kinney's Essentials

Music Essentials

Music Essentials

We've searched our extensive music library and put together a list of essential artists and composers we think every serious music lover should know. Our list spans decades and styles, genres and movements, cataloging the greats from the greatest. Each list shows the artist's best works and is ranked by what Amazon's customers favor most--so the No.1 album is the one customers love best--a good place to start if you're discovering something new.

We've also created a special Essentials Forum just for debating the list, since what's the fun in making a list if you can't discuss it? Participate in the conversation and help us grow our list of Essentials by telling us what you like, don't like, and would like to see.

Spotlight on Ralph Stanley

Born February 25, 1927 in the Clinch Mountains of Dickenson County, Virginia, (where he still resides) Ralph learned to play the banjo from mother Lucy. It was her inspiration, coupled with Ralph’s natural ability, which led Ralph and his older guitar-playing brother, Carter, to form the Stanley Brothers in 1946. Later Stanley became the very personification of traditional Appalachian mountain music. Along the way he has recorded over 200 albums, won numerous Grammy awards, been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music, and most recently was honored with a National Medal of Arts.

›See Ralph Stanley's Essential Albums

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Offbeat Essentials

The Art Ensemble
Scott Walker
Van Dyke Parks
Brian Eno

Essential Johannes Brahms Works

Brahms: The Symphonies
Johannes Brahms, Georg Solti, Chicago...
Audio CD
Sample Sample
Brahms: Violin Concerto / Violin...
Johannes Brahms, George Szell, ...
Audio CD
Sample Sample
Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem
Johannes Brahms, Otto Klemperer, ...
Audio CD
Sample Sample
›See all Brahms Essentials
Music Essentials Forum
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