#48 - Toxicity

#48
Artist: System of a Down
Album: Toxicity
Year of Release: 2001
Label: American/Sony

On the list of works of art which bear responsibility for "radicalizing" me, Toxicity is somewhere near the top of the list.  While it doesn't hurt that its release happened to be one week before the most notable event of my lifetime (one that we would, not coincidentally, react very poorly to), the album largely stands on its own merits as a bulwark against American exceptionalism and greed.  The surprisingly informative opening track "Prison Song" even contains a goddamn thesis statement in the breakdown:

"All research and successful drug policies show
that treatment should be increased
and law enforcement decreased while abolishing
mandatory minimum sentences"

But besides all the righteous fury of its lyrics, Toxicity is just an absolute musical delight.  A combination of pounding metal, thrash, Armenian influences, and pop sensibilities make for one of the most unique albums ever to acheive widespread success.  Like "Semi-Charmed Life" from the last entry, hit single "Chop Suey!" could be viewed as a punchline of its time if not for the fact that it's so damn good.  Just make good, catchy music and the rest is easy.