Top three albums for a bad day

Everyone has those days where nothing goes right, whether your mom is yelling at you for not taking out the trash, or your teacher is nagging you for not turning in your homework. Whatever the reason, we’ve all been frustrated to the point where punching someone in the face seems like a logical step the next time something doesn’t go your way. But before you end up breaking someone’s nose, try turning on your iPod. Music can be a great way to relieve stress, especially the albums I have listed below.

Pantera-Vulgar Display of Power

This album seems appropriate for the above scenario, because the cover is literally someone getting punched in the face. Fittingly, the album itself packs a powerful punch, featuring Pantera’s patented style of aggressive groove-metal in full swing. There’s plenty of head-banging to be had, and the raw-throated yells of lead singer Phil Anselmo are perfect for screaming in your car on the way home from a long day at work.  The band was at its peak with VDP, the drums and bass providing a forceful rhythm that synchs up with Anselmo’s vocals. However, the real MVP of the album was late guitarist Darrell Abbott, who’s crushing riffs gave the album life. From the simplistic stomp of “Walk” to the melodic closer “Hollow,” Abbott truly made a name for himself as a premier metal guitarist of the 90’s, and hearing the album today makes his untimely on-stage death even more tragic.

Clipse-Hell Hath No Fury

 Hell Hath No Fury was recorded among a slew of delay problems as Clipse’s label was dissolved into the larger Jive Records, a company with no idea how to market them. After three years of delays, the group finally sued Jive for release of their contracts, and was able to drop the album near the end of 2006. It was indeed worth the wait, as the group came with the sharpest rapping of their career, along with a newfound snarl in their delivery. Amongst the label woes, the duo developed quite an attitude, and the album was dark, angry and immensely likeable, thanks to Pusha T and Malice’s superior songwriting. Coupled with some of the best beats the Neptunes have ever done, Hell Hath No Fury stands as Clipse’s defining moment, as well as some great audio therapy when you’re in a bad mood.

Primal Scream-Screamadelica

While the other two entries have been dark, loud affairs focused on negativity, Screamadelica exudes positivity. The album with “Movin’ on Up,” a  gospel inspired jam, and things only get sunnier from there as the band mixes in elements of  house to create an uplifting atmosphere, shining brighter than the crudely drawn sun on the cover.