By “important” I mean that it didn’t just become hugely popular, but it also changed a music genre or launched an entirely new one, or otherwise made a huge impact on music in general.
By “important” I mean that it didn’t just become hugely popular, but it also changed a music genre or launched an entirely new one, or otherwise made a huge impact on music in general.
Radiohead - in rainbows
They tried to go outside the existing studio release system before the rise of streaming. It was a pay what you want release.
Nirvana - unplugged in new York
Took a backlash to overproduced music at the time and started a still going strong tradition of publishing live albums.
Air - moon safari
Took electronic music and added a soul with otherworldly sounds and production to make chill out music that could be played in a club or on the beach or in a park with friends.
Dusty Springfield - Dusty in memphis Dusty brought back music to white people. There is a long tradition of white artists taking black music and presenting it palatably to white audiences. From elvis to P!nk. however, the UK as a more melting pot society without segregation, doesn’t see it as cultural appropriation, but just another style for anyone to sing. That tradition continues with Amy winehouse and adele today.