10. Tom Waits - Swordfishtrombones
What a transitional album. Not only for Mr. Waits, but for me. I embrace change and challenges, and this is exactly what this album brings me. It's gotten me through some tough transitional periods in which I didn't even know who the **** I was, much less where I was and where I'm headed. We all know he has a way with words, but there were times he was so on point that I felt he was invading my privacy. Priceless.

9. The Pink Floyd - Meddle
One of my favorites, if not my favorite Floyd album. I discovered Floyd later in my musical life, and I used to be ashamed to tell people that. I've recently realized that they came into my life at just the right time - when I was open enough to except and appreciate such progressive music. This album has such a distinct personality for me. Because of the title, I cannot help but relate it to actual metal music. The content to me is heavier than most metal music you hear these days, yet the sound can be so light and soft. This album is important to me because it taught me to appreciate most and all sides of the spectrum - in music, in life, in myself.

8. Tool - Lateralus
I don't even know where to begin with this album. I know there a some Tool-haters out there, but after listening an album like this, I can only embrace what you feel and love you for it. This album is very emotional to me. Simply and shamelessly put, I've cried listening to Parabol while working out. It stops me in my tracks. It's the first Tool album I became familiar with, and through Tool, I found Bill Hicks and Alex Grey, two more artists that will forever change the way I view myself, you and this universe.

7. Alice in Chains - Jar of Flies
This album is pure nostalgia for me. It takes me back to the days of when the party was winding down, and the only ones left or awake were the ones that knew the lyrics to this album. All that was left to do was sing along while we spaced out or looked into each other eyes. No matter where or with whom it was, there was always that stunning silence when "Whale and Wasp" leaked into the air.

6. Acid Bath - When the Kite String Pops
One of the first metal bands I ever discovered at the budding young age of 12 years old. Obviously, my life changed after this. No matter how much I tried after this, I couldn't get into what my peers were into, leaving me to be one of the weirdest kids in class. I wish that I knew how to embrace it like I do now. The album marks my most transitional and vulnerable phase .. As a 12 year old, anyway. Dax Riggs' voice never fails to take me back.

5. The Dead Kennedys - Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death
Man, this marked the beginning of my punk phase. Not to say that I don't listen to it anymore, but it's one of those genres that I'm highly interested in, but don't know how to go about digging up the past. DK always delivers that raw reality and I-don't-give-a-fuck-attitude that I dig about punk.

4. Miles Davis - [I]Kind of Blue/I]
Sure, it's a very popular, but I can't help but feel that most people are just into this album because of its standing popularity. Not that I'm special or anything (but I am), I discovered this album not knowing how popular it was, not knowing much about jazz or Miles, to be honest about it. I was immediately putty in the hands of jazz after this album. It opened up my musically senses and slapped me in the face - twice.

3. Beethoven - Piano Sonata No. 14, No. 23, No. 8 also known as "Moonlight", "Appassionata" and "Pathetique"
The first music that truly moved me like nothing else has. I found this album lying around my parent's work at the age of 10 or 11. Naturally, I found it boring. At the age of 12, I gave it a true listen on a road trip. It was dark and the roads cradled me as Beethoven tore deep into my soul. Overwhelmed and lost all at once, I embraced and connected with these songs like no other music in my life.

2. Immortal Technique - Revolutionary Vol. 2
I know he's often labeled as a conspiracy theorist, but I feel passion for the words he speaks. Legit underground rappers aren't that hard to come by these days, but what's more important is if they leave an impression on you. I.T certainly does this for me, and the first rapper that made me cry.

This is an important place to say that yes, I relate to music through tears quite often, but I will still fight you.

1. Eminem - The Eminem Show
Another transitional album for me. His growth as a lyricist really stands out in this album. His deliver can be choppy sometimes, but nonetheless impressive. This was the album we bumped while riding around at 4am with a makeshift bong, thinking we were cool. This was the album I so angrily destroyed many cars, lawns and streets to with my brother. It's not just a good album, but a rare interest that I share with my brother.

Originally Posted by 333 2. Immortal Technique - Evolutionary Vol. 2 I know he's often labeled as a conspiracy theorist, but I feel passion for the words he speaks. Legit underground rappers aren't that hard to come by these days, but what's more important is if they leave an impression on you. I.T certainly does this for me, and the first rapper that made me cry. This is an important place to say that yes, I relate to music through tears quite often, but I will still fight you.

Originally Posted by Gone Sugaring Great album, but I'm pretty sure it's Revolutionary not Evolutionary

Originally Posted by 333 I'm most certain I already did this, so here's an update in no specific order: 2. Immortal Technique - Revolutionary Vol. 2 I know he's often labeled as a conspiracy theorist, but I feel passion for the words he speaks. Legit underground rappers aren't that hard to come by these days, but what's more important is if they leave an impression on you. I.T certainly does this for me, and the first rapper that made me cry. This is an important place to say that yes, I relate to music through tears quite often, but I will still fight you.

Originally Posted by Pobodys_Nerfect I'm not the biggest Immortal Technique fan, but I feel that "Revolutionary Vol. 2" is his best work. The song "You Never Know ft. Jean Grae" nearly brings me to tears whenver I listen to it.