Source: BroBible
Summary
Charlie Bereal, a Grammy-nominated session guitarist, shared his five most influential albums on BroBible Side Quests. The list includes Marvin Gaye’s *Anthology*, Tony! Toni! Toné!’s *House of Music*, D’Angelo’s *Voodoo*, L.A. Mass Choir’s *Come As You Are*, and Coldplay’s *X&Y*. Bereal emphasized how each album shaped his understanding of recording techniques and musical structure. The list reflects his background in gospel and soul, as well as his appreciation for studio craftsmanship.
Our Reading
The habit gets a new name.
Gospel roots meet arena rock.
Studio secrets get a second listen.
Soul and effects pedals align.
Coldplay’s mic placement matters.
A guitarist’s ear is just a filter for what everyone else calls “good sound.”
Charlie Bereal’s Musical Influences
Charlie Bereal, a session guitarist and producer, has worked with Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, and Jay-Z. His recent album *Walk With the Father* is under Snoop Dogg’s Death Row Records. Bereal’s musical influences include Marvin Gaye, Tony! Toni! Toné!, D’Angelo, and the L.A. Mass Choir. His fifth choice, Coldplay’s *X&Y*, surprised some listeners. Bereal explained that he was drawn to the album’s use of real instruments and recording techniques.
Marvin Gaye’s *Anthology*
Bereal’s first choice, Marvin Gaye’s *Anthology*, is a compilation album that includes *What’s Going On*. He admitted it was a bit of an apology for starting with a compilation, but he said it was an album as a CD. The compilation is a foundational piece of soul music and a key influence on Bereal’s work.
Tony! Toni! Toné! and D’Angelo
Tony! Toni! Toné!’s *House of Music* was a 1996 farewell album that deeply influenced Bereal. He later worked with Raphael Saadiq, the group’s leader. D’Angelo’s *Voodoo*, released in 2000, is considered a masterpiece and shaped the culture of many musicians. Bereal was in the room for some of D’Angelo’s legendary sessions.
Gospel and Studio Craft
The L.A. Mass Choir’s *Come As You Are* is a gospel album that marked a turning point for Bereal. It helped him understand how records are built, blending his church background with studio techniques. His fifth choice, Coldplay’s *X&Y*, surprised some, but Bereal explained that he was drawn to the album’s use of real instruments and recording methods.
Recording Techniques and Influence
Bereal’s list shows a deep interest in how music is recorded. He values the use of real instruments, mic placement, and studio acoustics. His influences range from soul and gospel to modern rock, showing a broad appreciation for musical craftsmanship. The Coldplay album, while unexpected, highlights his focus on the technical aspects of music production.
