Nili Brosh: 10 Albums That Changed My Life

Feature Photo: Nili Brosh credited to @vehgus.

One look at Nili Brosh’s list of ten albums that changed her life will tell you this: life—and music—is about balance. And that checks out, as her playing is an amalgam of all the things she loves that are inherent in her list.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with her work, Nili Brosh is one of the premier guitarists out there today. At 35, she’s done her part to carry the torch for decades to come regarding guitar. Nili’s unique style, swagger, and outright ability to shed have found her alongside Danny Elfman, Steve Vai, Jennifer Batten, and many more.

Nili’s unmistakable style is not only unique but downright singular. She stands tall, and her musical voice cannot help but make itself known. What more can I say? Nili Brosh rocks. And so, dig into Nili’s list of the ten albums that changed her life below. Can you spot any of your favorites?

Extreme II: Pornograffitti – Extreme (1990)

I can’t help but be partial to Pornograffitti and would say it’s my all-time favorite album. I discovered it when I was around 11, granted, like many others, through “More Than Words,” and was hooked on the funky metal sound that Nuno [Bettencourt] had established so strongly on that record.

It was the first time I had heard those kinds of grooves and riffs on distorted guitars, and the entirety of the album made me want to pick up an electric guitar for the first time. It’s very safe to say I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing today if I hadn’t discovered it at such a young age.

Flamenco a Go-Go – Steve Stevens (2000)

This album really opened my eyes (or ears, rather) to the concept of a multi-genre record. I had never heard flamenco guitar playing fused with electronic elements and Middle Eastern flavors, and a completely unique vision of Steve’s that’s so specific.

He truly created his own style of music out of it. The writing is incredible, and it’s one of those albums that deserves to be listened to front to back as a cohesive piece. Looking back, I realize now that this was the album that subconsciously taught me that it’s okay to chase my own vision—even if it means putting together genres that don’t seem connected at first.

The Nightmare Before Christmas Soundtrack – Danny Elfman (1993)

When I first watched this movie and heard the music, I couldn’t even believe it was real. It just blew me away so much on every level – as a soundtrack and score, it was beyond fitting; it literally tells the story; it is the movie! I felt it was harmonically, melodically, and lyrically perfect, and I thought it was so rare to watch a movie where the score not only begets the entire thing but can be separated from the movie entirely and still stand alone as an incredible piece of musical work.

That Was Then, This Is Now – Andy Timmons (2002)

I discovered this album when I was around 14 years old, and it became my textbook definition of hooky and versatile instrumental guitar music. I loved the mastery of different playing styles playing Andy weaves in and out of seamlessly, the seemingly endless emotion and touch he has on the guitar, and so many catchy melodies, all while being instrumental. It was an incredible introduction to the art of the guitar, and completely opened my mind to what the instrument can be as a lead voice.

Extraction – Greg Howe, Victor Wooten, and Dennis Chambers (2003)

To me, this album is the “modern fusion bible.” Four absolute geniuses of their instruments (including keyboardist David Cook) come together with an incredible batch of compositions and even more jaw-dropping improvisation. They nailed down such a particular and unique fusion sound on this album that I don’t think is quite found anywhere else—even on their individual albums. There’s something about the combination of these guys coming together that created such spontaneous magic.

1984 – Van Halen (1984)

I’d imagine it’s tough to find a guitarist whose life hadn’t been changed by an Eddie Van Halen album, but for me, it’s 1984. As I was definitely born too late to experience the rise of Van Halen, I actually kind of like the fact that it’s considered one of their more “mainstream” albums.

I love that so many of the songs were basically pop hits but killer Van Halen tunes with insane work by the band. Not only that, but some of the so-called “deeper cuts” are the epitome of Eddie (and Alex!) to many people. “Drop Dead Legs,” “Girl Gone Bad”…I mean, jeez, what guitar player hasn’t been absolutely shaken to their core when they first heard those classics?

Drunk – Thundercat (2017)

Speaking of someone who has come up with his own particular vision and genre, I think only Thundercat can pull off endearing cheekiness through his virtuoso bass-R&B-video-game-y vibe. Somehow, his “made to sound like it was made at home” in-the-box productions add to the charm of the whole sound.

So, even when he gets musically complex, it contributes to the rawness and realness of it all. Not to mention, his lighthearted and hilarious lyrics definitely add to the characteristics of the whole thing. The combination really does end up with a unique voice that’s truly Thundercat.

Casualties of Cool  – Casualties of Cool (2014)

And more on fusing genres together. I discovered this album a few years after it came out, and it was once again a lesson in meshing styles of music. I found that I kept calling it “ambient country” when describing it to people, realizing that Devin’s done here what he does best—bringing new sonic scapes to genres that make them sound novel and fresh, and somehow a very particular vibe only he nails down.

The extended double-album version is an almost two-hour epic, and some of my favorite songs on that album are actually the latter bonus tracks. With such a specific atmosphere tying the whole thing together, it’s another one of those records I feel is very much worth the full front-to-back listens.

Simple Things – Zero 7 (2001)

Unintentionally, it seems this list is creating a running theme of musical variety, so my including an album of an entirely different genre is probably no surprise. I’m a sucker for jazzy ambient, modern vibes… not sure how to describe it, but Simple Things creates that sonic scape perfectly. The songwriting on it is amazing, featuring artists such as Sia and familiar tracks like “In the Waiting Line.” The record keeps that beautiful dreamlike atmosphere running throughout—completely unifying it.

Seventh Son of a Seventh Son – Iron Maiden (1988)

One of the first Maiden albums I became obsessed with somewhere around freshman year of high school. I think the sound of Maiden with keys was something I hadn’t realized I was jonesing for at the time. When I discovered it, it’s like everything I had hoped for had come together.

It had all the variables that were ear candy to me, but I didn’t know how to put my finger on it at the time. I think this was my gateway album to heavier music—all the layers of keys being added gave it such a gripping mood; it really made it a rabbit hole for me to want to find out about heavier metal for the first time.

Nili Brosh: 10 Albums That Changed My Life article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024

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