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?
13. The Waterboys – This Is the Sea (1985)
This Is the Sea by The Waterboys is the album that defined the band’s “big music” sound—a grandiose blend of folk, rock, and Celtic influences. Lead track “The Whole of the Moon” became a defining anthem, with its soaring lyrics and uplifting instrumentation. The album’s lush orchestration and dramatic sense of scale helped popularize the “big music” movement, with its focus on epic, emotionally charged soundscapes. | Getty
14. Chvrches – The Bones of What You Believe (2013)
Glasgow synth-pop trio Chvrches made a global impact with their debut, blending electronic, indie, and pop influences. Their polished yet emotionally charged sound helped define modern synth-pop, and they remain one of Scotland’s biggest contemporary acts. | Getty
15. Young Fathers – Dead (2014)
Dead by Young Fathers is a genre-defying album that blends elements of hip-hop, electronic music, and African influences in a way that feels wholly unique. The album’s Mercury Prize win further solidified its status as one of the most innovative and impactful releases of its time. Tracks like “Get Up” and Shame combine pulsating beats with raw, soulful vocals, while the album's broad stylistic range pushes the boundaries of contemporary music. | Getty