My Top 5 ..... Albums.

My Top Five albums! There are heaps more than 5 that I adore... but these are the ones that influenced (can I say that? I'm not a celebrity..) or mean a lot to me.

Annie Lennox - Medusa (1995)

I discovered this album a few years ago, because a friend was playing it when I went over to visit. I instantly fell in love. Annie's husky voice entranced me.

It's actually a cover album, but she sings every song as if it were her own.

I bought the album, and it relaxes me so much.

Some of the topics are quite deep and hard hitting, "A thin line between love and hate" about a woman who abuses her husband. An amazing song.

"Don't let it bring you down" was featured on the movie "American Beauty". A haunting song to match an equally haunting movie.

Annie is truly a legend.

Britney Spears - Oops I did it again (2000)

Although I liked Britney from the beginning (Baby one more time) this was the album that really got me fanatic about Britney.

I remember singing along to "Stronger", listening to it when someone broke my heart (teenage love). Listening to "Lucky", thinking it was about me, and thinking that is how Britney must have felt at times.

Standout Tracks - "Lucky" "Don't go knockin' on my door" "Stronger"

Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine (2005)

"If there was a better way to go then it would find me, I can't help it the road just rolls out behind me, be kind to me, or treat me mean, I'll make the most of it I'm an Extroadinary Machine"

It's like all these songs are written about me, they're not of course, it's just Fiona Apple being an amazing songwriter and artist. When an album can make you feel like it's all about you, no matter what stage of your life it is, is surely an incredible feat!

Fiona sings so sullenley, with so much passion yet with a detached tone only she could manage.

Standout tracks "O' Sailor" "Extraordinary Machine" "Window" "Get him back"

Anika Moa - Thinking Room (2001)

The debut album from our very own Anika Moa. She is gorgeous.

I fell in love with this album from the very first time I heard it. Although it's not Anika's favourite album she made (says it's nothing like her, more like her record company told her what to do) I still adore it.

I really can't pick any standout tracks, they are all amazing!

Jewel - Pieces of You (1995)

I adore this album. All the songs are amazing, and Jewel sings so beautifully, with such passion.

The memories I have of this album are my mum driving me to school with this album playing on the way. I hated school, it was awful. Every morning before school I felt physically sick. Therefore this album has a range of emotions and memories for me. Riding in the car with my mother trying to analyze the lyrics and meanings of the song "Adrian" (if you have never heard it, listen to it!) What happened to Adrian? This song can really bring tears...

"I'm sensitive" is another favourite. At a time when I never felt confident in who I was, or even liked who I was. This song was (and still is) very comforting for me. The lyrics are amazing.

Some lyrics are "I was thinking, if we're told we're bad, then that's the only idea we'll ever have"

It really is an amazing album, you're missing out if you haven't heard it.

Standout Tracks - "Adrian" "I'm sensitive" "Little sister"