u/FrequentlyDeep

I’ve realized I mostly listen to pretty mainstream/popular music, but then I’ll hear people reference artists, albums, or songs that seem super important/influential and I have no idea where to start.

Not even just “the best music,” as good is subjective, but music that feels culturally important.

I’m looking for:

• iconic albums everyone should hear
• artists that define a "genre" or "subculture"
• songs that are consistently referenced in pop culture
• niche/classic picks of music most people instantly recognize
• albums that are symbols of a scene/era

Could be anything:
hip hop, indie, jazz, punk, electronic, folk, metal, soul, experimental, whatever.

If you had to build a “musically well-rounded” listening list for someone, what would 100% be on it?

P.S. I'm not afraid of a long list, so don't hold back

P.P.S. I'm leaning more towards artists and albums because frequently one song isn't truly representative, but I understand one-hit wonders etc..