The 10 Albums That Serj Tankian Named His Favorites

Serj Tankian picks his favorite vocalists ever. System of a Down lead vocalist Serj Tankian is also one of the most famous artists with his vocal style and stage performances. He also likes to spend good times with the band members and wrote new songs and adds different vocal styles too. In this article, we’ll look at some of Serj Tankian‘s favorite albums and why he chooses them.

SOAD‘s frontman Serj Tankian has been praised for his singing abilities since the beginning. He has been described as one of the best metal vocalists and also appeared on the whole System of a Down album.

Serj Tankian is a musician, composer, and activist best known as the main vocalist of System of a Down, a Grammy-winning rock band. Tankian was born in Lebanon in 1967 and grew up in Los Angeles, California, where he founded System of a Down in 1994 with three childhood friends.

Serj Tankian’s Favorite 10 Albums

After that, System of a Down immediately became known for their powerful live shows and politically charged songs that addressed issues like the prison system. Serj Tankian’s unusual vocals and dramatic stage presence contributed to the band’s reputation as one of the most prominent and influential rock acts of the early 2000s.

Serj Tankian has released several solo albums and cooperated with a diverse spectrum of artists and musicians in addition to his involvement with System of a Down. His solo work, which frequently mixes elements of classical music, jazz, and Middle Eastern music, has received recognition for its intricacy and creativity.

Tankian is also a vocal activist and philanthropist, using his platform to support topics such as human rights, environmental sustainability, and governmental corruption. He founded the non-profit group Axis of Justice. It also brings musicians and activists together to raise awareness of social and political issues.

You can also check our best System of a Down songs list here.

What kind of albums does Serj Tankian listen to?

During his interview with Metal Hammer, Serj Tankian reveals his favorite albums of all time:

• Khatchadour Tankian – Inchbes Moranank (2010)
• Radiohead – Kid A (2000)
• Slayer – Reign In Blood (Def Jam, 1986)
• Depeche Mode – Greatest Hits (1987)
• Serj Tankian – Orca (Reprise/Serjical Strike, 2013)
• Miles Davis – Decoy (1984)
• Metallica – …And Justice For All (1988)
• Ennio Morricone – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly OST (1996)
• Earth, Wind & Fire – I Am (1979)
• Various Artists – Saturday Night Fever OST (1977)

System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian revealed the Top Ten Greatest Albums of All Time in Metal Hammer magazine. Here is the Serj Tankian picks albums as follows:

1. Khatchadour Tankian – “Inchbes Moranank”

When a musical project is created with love and passion, it has the potential to be one of the most profound listening experiences a music listener can have.

Serj Tankian was overjoyed to have the opportunity to create and distribute his father, Khatchadour Tankian‘s, first record. The tracks are a mix of traditional Armenian folk music and two previously unpublished pieces.

Serj Tankian explains why he chooses Khatchadour Tankian as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“It is a song I did on one of my dad’s records, a cover of an Armenian song. I just remember playing that with him when I was young. I actually covered it again a couple of years ago with him. And released it on my own label!”

2. Radiohead – “Kid A”

“Kid A” is the fourth studio album released by the English rock band Radiohead in 2000. It was a considerable change from the band’s traditional guitar-driven style, integrating electronic and experimental elements, complex rhythms, and unique song structures.

The album was recorded over the course of two years, and it highlighted the band’s phase of experimentation and exploration. From the eerie, atmospheric opener “Everything in Its Right Place” to the frantic, glitchy “Idioteque,” the tracks on “Kid A” include enigmatic lyrics that frequently address themes of isolation, technology, and societal disintegration.

Despite its departure from Radiohead’s previous sound, “Kid A” was warmly welcomed by fans and reviewers alike, and is regarded as one of the most important and influential albums of the twenty-first century. It received a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album and has been on various “best album” lists, including Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.”

The unique sound and structure of the album challenged traditional notions of what a rock album could be, paving the path for other experimental and electronic music acts to achieve mainstream success. “Kid A” was a watershed moment in Radiohead’s career, and it has since become a landmark for music lovers and critics alike.

Serj Tankian shows why he choose “Kid A” as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“Artists don’t take enough risks. I always say, ‘We’re not surgeons; no one’s dying on the operation table, so go for it.’ Radiohead took a risk with the transition from OK Computer to Kid A.

It was a huge step for them. I remember all my rock friends going, ‘Argh, I don’t like it!’ but now looking back, you can really see that Radiohead grew with that album.”

3. Slayer – “Reign In Blood”

“Reign in Blood” is the third studio album released by the American metal band Slayer in 1986. It is largely considered to be one of the most important and influential metal albums of all time, and it continues to serve as a benchmark for the genre.

The album is a furious assault of quick tempos, forceful riffing, and dramatic vocals that cover themes of violence, death, and social degradation in just 28 minutes. It includes legendary tracks like “Angel of Death,” and “Raining Blood” and was produced by Rick Rubin, who helped provide the band’s music with a raw and powerful feel.

Serj Tankian shares why he chooses “Reign In Blood” as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“I would go with Slayer – Reign In Blood most likely. Because I think the historical significance of Slayer as a band is very interesting. They opened up a lot for death and black metal.”

4. Depeche Mode – “Greatest Hits Album”

Depeche Mode is an English electronic music band founded in Basildon, Essex in 1980. Dave Gahan on vocals, Martin Gore on keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals, Andrew Fletcher on keyboards and bass, and Vince Clarke on keyboards comprised the band’s original lineup.

Depeche Mode has published 14 studio albums and sold over 100 million copies globally during their career. They have multiple popular singles, including “People Are People,” “Personal Jesus,” and “Enjoy the Silence,” and have received numerous prizes, including several Brit prizes and a Grammy.

Serj Tankian claims why he chooses Depeche Mode’s “Greatest Hits” album as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“What is interesting is to try to see from someone else’s perspective and look at what they’d be surprised at. I didn’t listen to any rock and metal until my late teens. I liked goth and new wave in the 80s – Depeche Mode, Sisters Of Mercy, Bauhaus…”

5. Serj Tankian – “Orca Symphony No. 1”

Serj Tankian‘s “Orca Symphony No. 1” is a symphony album composed and produced by the System of a Down frontman. The album was released in June 2013 and features four acts, each of which is divided into multiple parts. The symphony was performed by the Das Karussell Ensemble in Linz, Austria, and was conducted by Werner Steinmetz.

“Orca Symphony No. 1” is also a concept album that tells the story of a killer whale, and explores themes of captivity, freedom, and the relationship between humans and nature. The album features a mix of orchestral instrumentation, including strings, brass, and woodwinds, as well as electronic elements and Tankian’s distinctive vocals.

Serj Tankian talks about why he chooses his “Orca Symphony No. 1” album as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“Orca – it is my first symphony! I’d choose that. Because it’s just so different. Harakiri is great, too, and Imperfect Harmonies! I’d rather not be remembered for one record but for the scope of everything.”

6. Miles Davis – “Decoy”

“Decoy” by Miles Davis is a jazz fusion album released in 1984. Davis leads a group of outstanding musicians including organist Robert Irving III, guitarist John Scofield, and saxophonist Branford Marsalis on the album. The album also offers a combination of electric and acoustic instrumentation.

“Decoy” shows Miles Davis’ avant-garde approach to jazz, combining elements of rock, funk, and electronic music into his sound. Each tune on the album showcases the players’ improvisational ability and creative interplay, with intricate rhythms and harmonies.

The title tune, “Decoy,” is one of the album’s outstanding pieces, with a captivating synth melody and driving rhythm section. Other standouts are “Robot 415” and “Code M.D.,” both of which include elaborate guitar and keyboard work and demonstrate Miles Davis’ ability to create lush, layered songs.

Serj Tankian speaks about why he chooses “Decoy” as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“Miles Davis was making these really crazy compositions in the 80s, and he fell in love with the electric guitar and turned off all his fans. I think that’s pretty amazing!”

7. Metallica – “…And Justice For All”

“…And Justice for All” is the fourth studio album released by the American heavy metal band Metallica in 1988. The album was a change from the band’s prior work, with a more polished and progressive sound with complex rhythms, intricate guitar work, and socially concerned lyrics.

The album’s lengthy and complex songs are one of its defining aspects, with many tracks lasting more than six or seven minutes. This is likely most apparent on the album’s opening track, “Blackened,” which boasts rapid-fire guitar riffs.

…And Justice for All” has been criticized for lacking a bass guitar in the mix, leading some fans and critics to complain that the album sounds too thin and treble-heavy. Still, the album is regarded as an important turning point in heavy metal history.

Serj Tankian tells about why he chooses “…And Justice For All” as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“Metallica’s song arrangements are so unique. They write really intense, complex songs, that are so popular. They’ve sold millions, and you’re like, ‘These are really complex songs!’”

8. Ennio Morricone – “The Good, The Bad And The Ugly OST”

“The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” is the soundtrack CD to Sergio Leone’s famous western film of the same name. Ennio Morricone, the great Italian composer recognized for his excellent cinema themes, created and conducted the music. The CD contains a distinct blend of musical styles such as western music, folk music, and symphonic music.

The soundtrack is best known for its distinctive main theme, which has appeared in numerous films, television series, and advertising. “The Ecstasy of Gold,” which is frequently utilized during athletic events, and “The Trio,” which has a remarkable harmonica solo, are two more prominent tracks from the album.

Serj Tankian reveals why he chooses “The Good, The Bad And The Ugly OST” as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“It’s genius – I find his compositions incredible. Because they are orchestral compositions done in a very classical style, but also really modern and unique. He uses jazz and rock elements, and it’s extremely memorable.”

9. Earth, Wind & Fire – “I Am”

“I Am” is the ninth studio album released by the American band Earth, Wind & Fire in 1979. The album represented a shift in the group’s sound, moving away from its funk and soul roots and mixing more pop and disco elements. The album contains some of the band’s most popular and enduring classics, such as “Boogie Wonderland” and “After the Love Has Gone,” both of which were commercial successes and remained live standards.

“I Am” also includes a number of ballads and slower-tempo songs that demonstrate the band’s range and ability. The production of the album is professional and sleek, with an emphasis on catchy melodies, tight harmonies, and danceable beats.

Serj Tankian opens up about why he chooses “I Am” as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“Earth, Wind & Fire had this record with, I think, a sun god. It was so awesome. As a kid, I thought it was incredible! Am I a fan of their music? I am!”

10. Various Artists – “Saturday Night Fever OST”

The “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack CD, published in 1977, is a disco classic. It includes songs by the Bee Gees, Kool & The Gang, Tavares, and KC and the Sunshine Band, among others. The album went on to become one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time. This also helped to popularize disco music around the world.

Some of the Bee Gees’ biggest singles are included on the album, including “Stayin’ Alive,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” and “Night Fever.” These songs helped define the disco sound and were cultural touchstones of the time.

“Disco Inferno” by The Trammps, “Boogie Shoes” by KC and the Sunshine Band, and “More Than a Woman” by Tavares are among the album’s other famous tracks. The success of the film of the same name, which starred John Travolta. And helped begin his career as a Hollywood star, also contributed to the album’s popularity.

Serj Tankian talks about why he chooses “Saturday Night Fever OST” as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“Rick James, or possibly ABBA, or The Bee Gees, Saturday Night Fever! I was 14 or 15 and I got a subscription to Columbia House, where you could get six records for free if you bought one record a year. I ordered five or six records and those were the first I bought on my own.”

What are your thoughts on Serj Tankian‘s favorite albums of all time? Let me know in the comment section!