For 25 years, Anthony Raneri has delivered alt-meets-pop-punk sounds via Bayside, one of the longest-standing acts within the genre. Albums like Sirens and Condolences (2004), The Walking Wounded (2007), Vacancy (2016), and There Are Worse Things Than Being Alive (2024) are well-loved and well-remembered.
But now, on the solo side of things, Raneri is branching out and showcasing his country side—something not always common for a kid outta New York, whose band formed in Queens. No matter, though, as Raneri’s EP, Everyday Royalty, due out November 15, 2024, features a striking departure from his typical sounds.
Everyday Royalty is gritty, hypnotic, and filled with the sort of freedom that comes when an artist steps out of the shadow of their past. That’s not to say that Bayside—or its well-worn alt-leaning sound is going anywhere—it isn’t. But what is apparent is that Raneri is fearlessly willing to explore other avenues present within his musical soul.
Featuring seven tracks and dropping in the fall, Everyday Royalty is the perfect record to add to your upcoming season-changing mix. In celebration of such, Anthony Raneri beamed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to shine a light on the ten records that changed his life—and surely influenced Everyday Royalty.
Can you spot any of your favorites here, too?
Nevermind – Nirvana (1991)
This album started everything for me. I sparked my love of music. Even now, when I listen to it, I’m reminded of how beautiful songs don’t have to sound pretty.
Read More: Complete List Of Nirvana Albums And Discography
Rockin’ The Suburbs – Ben Folds (2001)
Not a lot of songwriters tell stories anymore. I always loved following the characters Ben would create like I knew them. I thought he’s always stretched the definition of what a pop song could be.
Read More: Complete List Of Ben Folds Five Albums And Discography
Hoss – Lagwagon (1995)
I wore this CD out on my discman every going to and from high school. It came at a really formative time for me and showed me that punk and aggressive music could be complex and interesting.
Back to Black – Amy Winehouse (2006)
I mean, what can you say about Amy that hasn’t already been said? One of the greatest voices and writers of our time. Her ability to control her voice is unmatched. She could tell a story with her voice without any lyrics.
Read More: Binky Griptite of Amy Winehouse Band: 13 Albums That Changed My Life
Louder Than Bombs – The Smiths (1987)
Unmatched lyrics. One of the most influential bands of the last 50 years. They’re one of those bands that, even if you don’t listen to them, your favorite band probably does.
Read More: Complete List Of The Smiths Albums And Discography
Fiddler on The Roof OST – Original Broadway Cast (1964)
This was a very formative record for me in my songwriting. The stories that show tunes can tell in their melodies and music alone, which is something that all songwriters should pay attention to.
Pageant Material – Kacey Musgraves (2015)
This is prime pop-country to me. It’s pop songwriting and techniques wrapped up in a classic country sound. To me, this record is like what Loretta Lynn might sound like if she wrote pop songs.
Read More: Top 10 Kacey Musgraves Songs
Everywhere – Tim McGraw (1997)
This was the record that let me know that I liked country music. I didn’t grow up around any country music at all, and this was the first record that made me realize, oh, these are great songs. It opened up a whole new world for me.
Read More: Complete List Of Tim McGraw Albums And Discography
Pinkerton – Weezer (1996)
This is a staple for any artist of my pedigree from my generation. It was really kind of the first mainstream emo record. Without it, I’m not sure you’d have a lot of the big emo of the 2000s.
Read More: Complete List Of Weezer Albums And Discography
Punk in Drublic – NOFX (1994)
To me, this will always be the most important punk record ever made. It was my introduction to underground punk and hardcore music, and I think a lot of other people’s as well.
Read More: Top 10 NOFX Songs
Music Video By Bayside
Anthony Raneri of Bayside: 10 Albums That Changed My Life article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
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