Today (10 October) is National Album Day 2020. Launched by the BPI, this National Album Day, will see music fans and industry alike celebrating albums that take them to another place with the tag #MyAlbumEscape.
They write: ‘It has been a turbulent year for everyone and for many, music forms an essential part of their escapism, even if for a brief moment. Which is why we’re asking people to tell us the albums that provide escapism and the records that lift spirits. It could be the album that has got them through lockdown or a record they turn to and turn on to take themselves elsewhere.’
We asked a selection of PRS for Music employees to tell us which albums they use to escape. With it being Black History Month, we asked that they choose albums either by Black artists or that heavily feature Black artists.
Sam Ilori – Service Representative
Kano – Hoodies all Summer
Hoodies all Summer by Kano was released last year but still resonates today and will for years to come.
'The album perfectly captures a moment in time whereby (once again) the media was constantly regurgitating the message of ‘black on black’ violence in the UK, whilst simultaneously doing nothing to sincerely look into the route of the ‘problem’. In my opinion, the album serves as a social commentary on this and Kano delivers the message perfectly. Its educational, motivational and lyrically succinct.
Harriet Wybor – Relationship Manager – Classical
Chineke! Orchestra - Spark Catchers
Chineke! Orchestra’s Spark Catchers, which was released on NMC Recordings earlier this year, featuring works by Errollyn Wallen, James Wilson, Daniel Kidane, Hannah Kendall, Philip Herbert and Julian Joseph. It brought me joy during lockdown when I was reminded me of the times I’d heard these works performed live. James Wilson’s evocative piece for string orchestra, The Green Fuse, particularly resonated at a time when many people were reconnecting with nature.
Jo Lasenby – HR Business Partner
Craig David – Born to do it
Reason for this album is that is reminds me of a transitioning period of my life which was hard at the time but on reflection was enjoyable too and this album gave me a ‘place’ that I could always go to which provided me with a constant rationalisation. The song which I never get bored in listening to is Fill Me In.
John Ashley – Project Manager
Diamond Life – Sade
Diamond Life by Sade is my Album Escape. I was a teenager when this was released (showing my age) and it takes me back to those times. It’s an absolutely flawless album, that simply doesn’t date. Smooth Operator has to be my favourite track it reminds me of what I thought I was back in the day. I found my 21-year-old son listening to a Sade track the other day and introduced him to the album.
Winsome Burrell – Contract Manager
Tiana Major9 - At Sixes and Sevens
I love this album because it’s got ol’ skool vibes and makes me feel young while dancing around to it on full blast.
Meir Malinsky – Head of Partnership Development
Seal – SEAL
My escape album would be SEAL, the debut album of Seal in 1991 and especially the hit track Crazy. The combination of music that lives, breathes, is emotional as well as rhythmical, with lyrics that truly engage is a real gift. Listening to this song can change any bad mood into a good one. Another amazing song that I really like on the album is Future Love Paradise. The music feels unearthly and spacey while at the same time Seal is trying to challenge issues such as racism and drug addiction. It is impossible to believe that this album was actually released in 1991 as lots of songs on it are so many years ahead of their time and have not dated one bit even in 2020!
Andi Smallwood – Senior Digital and Content Manager
SBTRKT- SBTRKT
In 2013 someone asked me what my album of the year was, I instantly replied with SBTRKT's self titled debut album. I didn't realise it came out in 2011 and I'd been listening to it non-stop for two years. I was completely immersed in Aaron Jerome's production and collaborations with artists such as Roses Gabor and Sampha. I was also lucky enough to see him at Brixton Academy, as well as a SBTRKT Curates all night event in South London and then at Glastonbury he covered one of my favourite Radiohead tracks - Reckoner.
Kyle Fisher – Social Media Executive
Laura Mvula - Sing to the moon
An easy to listen to album with transporting melodies and lyrics that connect on an emotional level.
Stay up to date with BPI's National Album Day campaign by following #MyAlbumEscape on Twitter.
