Ahhh... 1995, a time when the internet was in it's infancy, Windows 95' came on the scene and changed home computing forever, all our phone number codes in the UK changed from starting with 0 to 01, John Major was Prime Minister and some truly legendary albums were topping the charts.
For some you may not have even been born, in fact Dua Lipa was born in 1995! For others it will seem like a lifetime ago, but it was a mere 30 years since CDs were dominating the physical music sales charts. So it’s the perfect time to revisit some of the standout albums that defined the year nay, the decade. While some of these albums may not have been the very best sellers, they’ve undeniably left a lasting impact and remain influential to this day. You likely have some of them sitting collecting dust in your collection (if you didn't sell them off).
Whether you're revisiting your old CD collection or looking to discover these albums for the first time on Spotify, these five iconic releases of 1995 are a must-listen with these selected CD players.
1. Oasis – (What's the Story) Morning Glory?
Featuring the Marantz CD 60
The band that defined the 90s. Oasis’s second album is arguably one of the most important releases of the '90s Britpop scene. Full of swagger, catchy hooks, and unforgettable anthems like "Wonderwall" and "Don't Look Back in Anger," this album became a cultural touchstone. With its massive success, it turned Oasis into global superstars.
For audiophiles, the crispness and depth of these iconic tracks truly come alive when played on a high-quality CD player like the Marantz CD 60. Known for its extraordinary sound and precision CD playback, this player will make every note from "Champagne Supernova" feel fresh and engaging.
2. The Smashing Pumpkins – Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
Featuring the Fell Audio Fell Disc
A double album that blends alternative rock with orchestral grandeur, Mellon Collie saw The Smashing Pumpkins pushing the boundaries of what rock music could be. From the dark, brooding "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" to the wistful "1979," the album spans a wide range of emotions and sounds.
The layers of production on this album shine through with exceptional clarity when played on a player like the Fell Audio Fell Disc CD Player. The Fell Disc offers sleek controls and impressive sound quality, ensuring you get the most out of this complex album.
3. Radiohead – The Bends
Featuring the Cyrus 40 CD
Before they became the genre-defying pioneers of OK Computer and Kid A, Radiohead released The Bends, a record that blended grunge, alternative rock, and electronic elements. Tracks like "High and Dry" and "Fake Plastic Trees" became iconic not only for their haunting melodies but for their emotional depth. It signalled to the world that Radiohead had arrived, and they were just getting started. With the resurgence of CD purchasing, The Bends is a prime example of why many music lovers are returning to the format.
CD sales are now outpacing digital downloads, with CDs almost three times as popular as digital albums, according to the RIAA’s mid-2024 report. This shift in listening habits has been driven by a renewed appreciation for the superior sound quality that CDs provide, something that CD players like the Cyrus 40 CD Integrated Player deliver effortlessly. This player’s advanced DAC ensures you're hearing every detail of this brilliant album.
4. Alanis Morissette – Jagged Little Pill
Featuring the Denon DCD-900NE
Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill was an explosion of raw emotion and powerful songwriting that resonated with listeners around the world. With hits like "You Oughta Know" and "Ironic," Morissette’s confessional lyrics became anthems for a generation. Her raw and powerful voice is synonymous with the 90s, in a time where guitar bands were at their absolute peak. Did you know on that the sadly departed legendary Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins played for Morissette on the tour for Jagged Little Pill?
Whether you're revisiting it on an older CD or discovering it again, the powerful sound of this album demands to be heard clearly. The Denon DCD-900NE CD Player, with its advanced AL32 Processing Plus, is perfect for delivering the high-resolution audio needed to capture the sharp emotional power of Morissette's voice.
5. PJ Harvey – To Bring You My Love
Featuring the Audiolab 8300CDQ
PJ Harvey’s To Bring You My Love is a haunting, experimental masterpiece that blends rock, blues, and experimental sounds. From the raw intensity of the title track to the evocative "Down by the Water," Harvey crafted a record that is as enigmatic as it is compelling. For such a layered and complex album, it deserves a CD player capable of bringing out every intricate detail in the mix.
The Audiolab 8300CDQ CD Player/DAC/Pre-Amp is an excellent choice for this. Not only does it deliver exceptional CD playback, but its integrated DAC and MQA technology allow you to experience audio files with the clarity and precision of the original master recording. This makes it the ideal player for an album as rich and textured as To Bring You My Love, ensuring each of Harvey's powerful notes and atmospheric moments resonate fully.
Why Return to CDs?
While digital downloads have been the dominant format for music consumption in recent years, CD sales are making a surprising comeback. The first half of 2024 saw CDs outselling digital downloads by nearly three to one, according to the RIAA. There’s a growing appreciation for the tangible nature of CDs—whether it’s the album artwork, the physical disc itself, or the higher quality of sound compared to compressed digital formats. Pairing your collection with a top-tier CD player like the Marantz CD 60 or the Cyrus 40 CD elevates the experience, ensuring your favorite albums sound as rich and immersive as ever.
As we celebrate these iconic albums from 1995, now is the perfect time to revisit them in their best possible form—on CD. Whether you're rediscovering these classics or hearing them for the first time, the right CD player can transform your listening experience, making every note feel like it’s brand new again.