Strings Attached: 10 Albums That'll Make You Bow to the Violin

Attention, music aficionados of all ages! There's one thing that's ageless, timeless, and just plain wicked – violins in music. These timeless strings have been weaving their enchantment throughout musical history, adding a sprinkle of class and a dash of rebel to every tune they touch.

So, whether you're a classical connoisseur or a rock 'n' roll renegade, we've got a symphony of sound for you. Brace yourself for a musical journey like no other, where violins take center stage and make your ears applaud in awe.

1/ 'Shatter Me' by Lindsey Stirling

Lindsey Stirling's "Shatter Me" isn't just an album; it's a violin-infused hurricane that stormed into the music scene. With her electrifying violin skills, Lindsey shattered expectations, earning her accolades and awards galore. Tracks like "Beyond the Veil" and "Shatter Me" with powerhouse Lzzy Hale are a sonic rollercoaster – a musical fusion reactor ready to explode. So, if you've ever wondered what it'd be like to party with a violin, this album's your VIP ticket to the coolest soirée in town!

2/ 'Promises' by Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & London Symphony Orchestra

'Promises' by Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders, and the London Symphony Orchestra is a mind-bending musical odyssey that's left culture stunned, jaws dropped, and strings soaring like never before. This otherworldly record merges electronic beats, Sanders' legendary saxophone skills, and the orchestral prowess of the London Symphony Orchestra. The result? An ambient masterpiece that catapults you through cosmic realms. Key tracks like "Movement 6" showcase the celestial dance between electronic wizardry and classical elegance.

3/ 'The Ones Ahead' by Beverly Glenn-Copeland

Beverly Glenn-Copeland's "The Ones Ahead" is a cosmic voyage through the realms of artistry that makes us rethink the boundaries of music. The album is a bold exploration of lush electronic landscapes that dances with violins in a way that feels like they've been lifelong partners. Key tracks like "Harbour (Song For Elizabeth)" and "People Of The Loon" lead us through a mesmerizing journey, proving that Glenn-Copeland's sonic wizardry transcends time and genre. 

4/ 'OK Computer OKNOTOK 1997 2017' by Radiohead

Radiohead's 'OK Computer OKNOTOK 1997 2017' is the rock equivalent of a dystopian rollercoaster ride that rewrote the rules of music. With iconic tracks like "Paranoid Android," "Karma Police," "No Surprises," and of course, Nigel Godrich's haunting strings on "Exit Music (For a Film)", this cinematic album rewired our brains while reminding us that rock can be as trippy as a kaleidoscope in zero gravity. It's the musical equivalent of your favorite mad scientist's laboratory, and we're all just dancing lab rats in this sonic experiment.

5/ 'Under The Skin (Original Soundtrack)' by Mica Levi

Mica Levi's "Under The Skin (Original Soundtrack)" is the auditory equivalent of diving headfirst into a psychedelic black hole. This soundtrack might not have snagged mainstream awards, but it's a violin-driven masterpiece that's as eerie as it is hypnotic. this soundtrack transcended the ordinary and ventured into the surreal. With tracks like "Lipstick To Void" and "Love," Levi crafts an eerie, mesmerizing atmosphere that's as haunting as a ghost's whisper in a dark alley. 

6/ 'Endless Forms Most Beautiful' by Nightwish

Nightwish's 'Endless Forms Most Beautiful' is a symphonic metal adventure that rocked the cultural boat and left a trail of awestruck listeners in its wake. With the fiery energy of violins and soaring operatic vocals, the album hits like a meteor shower on steroids. Key tracks like "Élan" and "The Greatest Show on Earth" are like sonic rollercoasters that take you through epic landscapes.

7/ 'Illinois' by Sufjan Stevens

Sufjan Stevens' 'Illinois' is the ultimate musical road trip through the heartland of the Midwest. With violins providing a touch of class, tracks like "Chicago" and "The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us!" are like an indie rock tour de force. It is a whimsical journey that'll have you packing your bags for the Prairie State in no time.

8/ 'Wu-Tang Forever' by Wu-Tang Clan

Wu-Tang Clan's 'Wu-Tang Forever' is the hip-hop equivalent of a thunderstorm on steroids – a sonic boom that left the culture drenched in the clan's legendary lyrical rain. While violins may not be the main act, the tracks, such as "Reunited" and "Triumph," are a symphony of street wisdom and razor-sharp rhymes. This album's cultural impact is bigger than Shaolin itself!

9/ 'Punisher' by Phoebe Bridgers

Phoebe Bridgers' 'Punisher' is the musical equivalent of a heart-to-heart conversation in a dimly lit coffee shop. Tracks like "Moon Song" and "I Know the End" are like emotional rollercoasters you can't get off. With contributions by luminaries like Rob Moose adding his strings magic to songs like "Savior Complex", the album's is the perfect soundtrack for your next brooding existential crisis.

10/ 'Swimming' by Mac Miller

Mac Miller's 2018 masterpiece, 'Swimming,' is a deep and introspective voyage. The late rapper skillfully combines vulnerability and raw honesty as he navigates the realms of mental health, self-discovery, and personal growth, all set against a backdrop of jazz-infused instrumentals and heartfelt lyrics heard on tracks like "Self Care". The subtle presence of violins adds an extra layer of sophistication to songs like "Wings" and "2009". 'Swimming' stands as a testament to Miller's exceptional talent, etching an indelible mark in hip-hop history with its emotional depth and profound introspection.