Music has always been an art dedicated to expressing opinions and feelings. That is why there are albums and songs that are considered controversial and even have become banned. As an avid music fan, you’re probably one of the people who knew about these controversial pieces and may want to have a copy of your own. Have you tried looking for them in your favourite record store in Adelaide?
There are a few factors that are considered when it comes to banned or controversial LPs. It may have been banned because the lyrical content may have been offensive. Oftentimes, there are also censorships when it comes to the album covers.
So what are the most controversial and banned LPs? Here’s what we can round up:
- Marilyn Manson – Mechanical Animals (1998)
Marilyn Manson’s infamous 1998 album “Mechanical Animals” was definitely not parent-approved when it was released. Not only because of its striking album cover, the scandal rooted when people realized the parallels between the album and the Columbine shootings of 1999.
2. N.W.A. – Straight Outta Compton (1988)
In 1988, the founder of Gangsta Rap genre, N.W.A. introduced one of the most controversial albums of all time. The album “Straight Out of Compton” was described as a compilation of songs that portrays a violent life experienced through drugs, police brutality and gangs. This is the reason why the band and the album was banned from being played on major radio stations in the US.
- Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP (2000)
Eminem has been known as a rapper that is not afraid to express dark themes on his songs. However, the controversy around the rapper substantially increased upon the release of his 2000 LP – The Marshall Mathers. It included lyrical contemplations on adult themes and extreme lyrical barbs that are darker than the songs that the rapper has released before.
4. Rage Against the Machine – Rage Against The Machine (1992)
1991 was an era of hard rock and heavy metals. Rage Against the Machine was a representative of change and strict defiance during this period. Centering their album on the issues born from protests from the 60’’s and 70’s, the rap/metal band found themselves in the middle of controversy. Their songs express themes about world injustices and depravity.
5. Slayer – Reign in Blood (1986)
Reign in Blood contains themes about brutality that shocked the world in 1986. It sparked the new path for Thrash metal and broke the standards by making the genre more aggressive. Later on the genre evolved to death metal.
6. Body Count – Body Count (1992)
Body Count stirred criticism and controversy because of its dynamic lyrics about protests. It centered around police misconducts on Americans especially on African Americans and Latinos regarding police brutality. The songs featured have aggressive lyrics but the media sensation was on the closing track “Cop Killer”. This particular song prompted the album’s censorship that made the label reissue the album and removing the sadi song and ironically replacing it with “Freedom of Speech.”
7. Sex Pistols – Never Mind the Bollocks, Here are the Sex Pistols (1977)
In 1977, Sex Pistols released one of their most controversial albums, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here are the Sex Pistols. The band was very controversial beause their entourage habitually wore Nazi regalia and one of their song, God Save the Queen” targeted England’s Queen Elizabeth II. They have been loathed by the public during these times due to their antics both on their live concerts and even in live television.
8. Cannibal Corpse – Tomb of the Mutilated (1992)
Cannibal Corpse is crowned as the best selling death metal album of all time. Their 1992 album Tomb of the Mutilated includes the most gloomy and brutal songs deemed by the critics. The album also gave birth to the genre of death grain. However, the said album was only the start for the bands increasing infamy, the albums that followed became more and more grim and horrifying that caused the band to be one of the most criticised and controversial at that time.
9. Madonna – Like A Virgin (1984)
In 1984, Madonna released Like a Virgin. During this time, singing about sexual encounters are a taboo. Which is the reason why Madonna’s single became very controversial. This led to discussions whether the song should be aired publicly or not. Furthermore, Madonna’s performances also fueled the scandal because it was deemed inappropriate at that time.
10. Public Enemy – Fear of a Black Planet (1990)
Considered as the most intelligent and politically active hip-hop artists, Public Enemy released Fear of a Black Planet in 1990. It was a very controversial album that centered around social awareness. “911 is a Joke” and “Burn Hollywood Burn” were huge hits. However, the band ultimately got dismissed when front man Professor Griff started giving anti-Semitic responses during interviews.
Controversies are always part of art forms like music. Avid fans surely recognise most of these albums since they have shaped the landscape and affected even the modern music that are being released today. Even though these albums are controversial there are still collectors who want to get copies. If you’re looking for any particular album, you should check out some record stores in Adelaide. You may find a copy or two of these classics to add to your collection!
