The Scottish music scene is once again our focus before the weekend, and ahead of the BRIT Awards next week, now seems timely to discuss the country’s musical influence.
Be it the lush, dream-pop landscapes that Cocteau Twins sonically painted, through to the romp-and-stomp folk of The Proclaimers, many of your modern crop of bands and musicians have all in some way, shape or form been influenced by those Scottish acts preceding them…
… and yes, we are clearly going to include Mogwai into our selection.
We’ve trawled through ‘Best Of’ lists across the media divide, from Rolling Stone’s ‘500 Greatest Albums’ list, AllMusic and Pitchfork to look at 15 albums released by Scottish musicians considered highly influential on the wider music scene.
Do you own any of the albums on the list?
5. The Proclaimers – Sunshine on Leith (1988)
Sunshine on Leith by The Proclaimers is a vibrant, folk-pop album that captured the heart of Scottish identity. The album’s most famous track, I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), became a beloved anthem, while the title track and others like Letter from America showcased the duo’s ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with catchy, uplifting melodies. | Getty
6. The Twilight Sad – Fourteen Autumns & Fifteen Winters (2007)
Fourteen Autumns & Fifteen Winters by The Twilight Sad is a raw and emotional post-punk album that gained widespread critical acclaim for its intensity and honesty. With its powerful, often haunting lyrics and sweeping, atmospheric instrumentation, the album creates an immersive soundscape that captures the feeling of heartbreak and personal struggle. | Getty
7. Mogwai – Young Team (1997)
Mogwai’s Young Team is a cornerstone of post-rock, setting the tone for the genre’s expansive, instrumental sound. With its dynamic build-ups and emotionally charged soundscapes, the album created a blueprint for later acts like Explosions in the Sky and Godspeed You! Black Emperor. The album’s blend of atmospheric tension, slow crescendos, and dramatic release is masterful, and its impact on the post-rock genre cannot be overstated. | Getty
8. Boards of Canada – Music Has the Right to Children (1998)
Music Has the Right to Children by Boards of Canada is a landmark electronic album that defined the ambient and IDM genres of the late '90s. Known for its warm, nostalgic sound, the album blends atmospheric textures, field recordings, and subtle melodies to create a deeply immersive listening experience. | Getty