Besides Dark Side of the Moon.
Screamadelica by Primal Scream
That would depend on what you define as transcending their genre, but Screamadelica in particular is an oft cited example of a record that is hard to pin down in genre. Just the wikipedia article lists the following genres for that record: Alternative rock, alternative dance, neo-psychedelia, Madchester, dance-rock, acid house.
I love the album to bits, for as much of a hipster as that makes me.
The album Scatman’s World by Scatman John.
One of the most upbeat and positive albums humanity has ever birthed. Scatman John spits jazz scat with a eurobeat backing, all while singing about a land of love, Scatman’s World, that lies between your deepest dreams and your warmest wishes. An unlikely pop icon, a beacon of positivity, who’s reach extends far beyond the jazz or dance scenes.
“I hope that the kids, while they sing along to my songs or dance to it, feel that life is not that bad at all. Even for just a minute.” - Scatman John
Damnation by Opeth. It’s a goddamn mood. Listen to the album in its entirety on a night by the fire or somewhere dimly lit. Put away your phone and just go into it. You would never guess they’re a prog death metal band (or idk what they are now but it’s a great contrast to Deliverance).
Damnation was released as an accompaniment to Deliverance… and they are polar opposites in music style. The imagery conjured by the album titles is in contrast to the material on them… Whether, befitting the genre or not, it works both ways! Deliverance is a typical opeth album (pre Heritage) whilst Damnation was an amazing, essentially acoustic easy listening album… but still with the lyrical genius. IMO
Dub Qawwali by Gaudí + Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
Can’t say I am a huge fan of Sufi devorional music or of London/Jamaica dub, but this album truly transcends both of those genres.
One of my favorite albums, and a unique musical artifact.
