The five most candid albums discussing addiction

Music has always provided a place where artists can openly discuss their challenges. Whether it be relationships, violence, drugs, sex or indeed rock and roll itself, the subject matter is often very on the nose.

During a period where addiction is more rife than ever before, it’s important to recognise the struggles of musicians, particularly those who have so candidly covered the likes of cocaine addiction, alcohol withdrawal and heroin rehab. There are some fantastic albums out there that can offer a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the realities of substance abuse.

That’s why, during a period where millions are suffering, we’re delving into five of the very best that courageously tackle the topic of addiction.

Amy Winehouse – Back to Black

Amy Winehouse’s life story in itself tells a worrying tale about addiction, but Back to Black takes on the topic with haunting honesty. It takes us through her battles with addiction, heartbreak and her self-destructive tendencies which in the end cost her her life.

Songs such as Rehab and Tears Dry on Their Own capture the tumultuous journey of addiction with incredible clarity and the album today is a poignant reminder of the dangers of substance abuse alongside being an incredible piece of music.

Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP

Released in 2000, The Marshall Mathers LP is a visceral and unflinching exploration of the rapper’s struggles with addiction, fame and his mental health. Tracks such as Drug Ballad and The Way I Am offer a real look into his life at the time, laying himself bare and delving into how addiction can really take its toll on both the individual and those around them.

The lyrics are candid and the delivery is intense, taking listeners into a dark place indeed.

Nirvana – Nevermind

One of the great albums of the 1990s, Nirvana’s seminal album catapulted them to fame but the themes were incredibly dark, discussing alienation, disillusionment and the struggle to find meaning.

The album was released during a time when frontman Kurt Cobain was struggling heavily with addiction and album tracks such as Lithium and Polly are believed to be influenced by his experiences of substance abuse. It’s a piece of work that really captures the despair that drug addiction can put you in.

The Velvet Underground – The Velvet Underground & Nico

A true classic, The Velvet Underground & Nico pushed the boundaries of rock music and was both lyrically and sonically incredible. It tackles a wealth of taboo subjects from prostitution to drug addiction, the latter of which Nico in particular really struggled with.

Tracks like Heroin and I’m Waiting for the Man are particularly on the nose and offer an unvarnished portrayal of addiction, and to this day it’s an incredibly powerful and intense listen.

Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here

Finally, Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here provides an insight into the feelings of people following the loss of someone who suffered from addiction and mental health problems. Losing Syd Barrett prior to the release of the album, the title track with its refrain of “How I wish, how I wish you were here” offers insight into the devastation that can be left behind by those that suffer from addiction. It offers a poignant look into just what addiction can do not to the people suffering, but the loved ones who are left behind.

The editorial unit