Great Music from Artists Born In May

Barnes & Noble

You may not realize it, but this is a big month for pop music. Some of the most influential musicians of all time were born in May, and each artist featured here made a big impression not just on his or her preferred genre, but on popular music as a whole. And while a few of these people have passed on, many of them are still making music today. Make sure to leave room in your record collection for the work of these spring babies.

Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols, by the Sex Pistols
After the Pistols’ original bassist Glen Matlock was turfed from the band due to personality conflicts, Johnny Rotten’s childhood friend Sid Vicious (born May 10, 1957) took his place, and soon became a punk rock icon in his own right. Vicious only played bass for one song on this album (“Bodies”) because he was sick during the recording sessions, but he was a touring member of the band during the ill-fated US tour that ended with its dissolution. This album is the perfect document of what the Sex Pistols did best; loud, abrasive rock ‘n’ roll that was as clever as it was rude. And, in all fairness to Sid, “Bodies” is one of its best tracks.

The Heat Is On, by the Isley Brothers
Ron Isley (born May 21, 1941) and his brothers wrote and produced The Heat Is On themselves, and released it on their own record label (then a subsidiary of Epic Records) in 1975. It is widely considered their commercial peak, and was the group’s first #1 album, ultimately spending 40 weeks on the Billboard pop albums chart. Stylistically, the album is split between up-tempo, aggressive soul ragers on one side and smooth, subdued ballads on the other. The Isleys had unprecedented aptitude for both styles, but the faster tracks—especially “Fight the Power” and “Hope You Feel Better Love”—really shine here, blending elements of hard rock with their classic, airtight funk sound.

Who’s Next, by The Who
After The Who’s guitarist Pete Townshend (born May 19, 1945) almost suffered a nervous breakdown trying to write an album to follow the now-legendary Tommy, he and the rest of the band regrouped and, realizing that they had to evolve, put out Who’s Next in 1971. Any apprehensions they have felt about trying to out-do Tommy were put to rest by this album’s myriad successes; it topped the UK music charts, went triple platinum, and is widely considered one of the greatest rock ‘n roll albums of all time. Literally everything about Who’s Next, including the cover art, is critically acclaimed. And while it might be cliché to call “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and “Baba O’Riley” the standout tracks from this album, who cares? They’re great.

With A Song In My Heart, by Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder (born May 13, 1950) released this album (his third) when he was 13 years old, already trying to establish himself as a singer with crossover appeal. He even dropped the “Little” from his stage name for this album of adult contemporary standards, arranged by jazz legend Ernie Wilkins. While not an immediate hit, With A Song In My Heart was proof that Wonder could be much more than a child prodigy novelty act. This album is something of a hidden gem, as Stevie tackles songs like “On the Sunny Side of the Street” and “Make Someone Happy” with impressive conviction and energy.

21, by Adele
Yes, this is the album with “Rolling In the Deep” on it. Adele (born May 5, 1988) released this album in 2011, and scored the biggest crossover hit in the United States in 25 years with her aforementioned single, along with six Grammy awards for the album itself, which has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. The success of “Rolling In the Deep” sometimes overshadows how good the rest of this album is. Adele’s voice is soulful, but with plenty of bite and venom, like Amy Winehouse with clearer enunciation. “Rumor Has It” and “He Won’t Go” are two great showcases for her unique gifts.

Live at the Apollo, by James Brown
It’s amazing to think that this album, one of the best in American music history, almost didn’t happen. James Brown (born May 3, 1933) recorded the album at Harlem’s Apollo Theater at his own expense, and had to browbeat his record label into releasing it; they thought a live album with no new songs wouldn’t sell. Not only were they wrong, they had no idea how right James’ instincts were. The album burned up the charts to the point where demand outpaced supply in most markets, and disc jockeys would often play both sides of the record in their entirety, only pausing for commercial breaks. There isn’t a bad, or even dull, song on this album; from Fats Gonder’s opening “Star Time” introduction to the Famous Flames’ final note, Live at the Apollo is a masterpiece.
Shop the Vinyl Store >

Music