The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

What’s your all-time favorite album?

Music, to me, is like a time machine. The songs, albums, and artists we listen to at different stages in life reflect not only our tastes but also the emotions, experiences, and growth we go through. When people ask, “What’s your all-time favourite album?” the question feels almost impossible to answer. I can’t pinpoint just one. Instead, my musical journey is a mishmash, a blend of genres, emotions, and cultures that have shaped me over the years.

The Early Days: Michael Jackson’s Bad

I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that Michael Jackson’s Bad was a pivotal part of my musical upbringing. It was a global phenomenon, and I was swept away by the energy and innovation of MJ. From “Smooth Criminal” to “Man in the Mirror,” there was something powerful about the way his music made me feel—unstoppable, alive. Bad wasn’t just music; it was a whole mood, a statement, and it became the background score to some of my earliest memories.

The Bollywood Connection: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ)

Then came the teenage years, where hormones, emotions, and identity all collided. It’s impossible to talk about this phase without mentioning Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ). I mean, who wasn’t in love with Raj and Simran, right? That album wasn’t just Bollywood; it was the soundtrack of dreams, love, and rebellion. It resonated deeply with me, not just because of the catchy tunes but because it captured that emotional whirlwind we all go through in our youth. I’d put it on repeat, imagining myself, running toward something grander, something more meaningful.

Rebellion and Reality: Tupac’s Greatest Hits

As life progressed, so did my taste in music. And this is where Tupac comes in. His Greatest Hits became the soundtrack of my rebellious years, a time when I questioned the world around me, much like he did in his music. Tupac wasn’t just a rapper; he was a voice of anger, rebellion, and truth. Songs like “Changes” and “California Love” spoke to the conflicts I felt inside—between society’s expectations and my own journey of self-discovery. His music was raw and unapologetic, and it offered me an outlet to process the world in a way that no other genre could.

Craig David’s Born to Do It: The UK Vibe

Later on, Craig David’s Born to Do It came into my life. This album captured a very specific vibe—the UK’s garage and R&B scene. Craig David’s smooth vocals and catchy hooks made it easy to keep going back to, and for a long time, this album was my go-to. It was simple, relatable, and had that unmistakable UK flavour. Songs like “7 Days” and “Walking Away” felt like a perfect reflection of where I was at the time—navigating relationships, work, and all the uncertainties of adulthood.

A Cultural Mix: Bollywood Flashback by Bally Sagoo

To top it all off, Bollywood Flashback by Bally Sagoo stands as another favourite, not for its timelessness but for its unique cultural blend. It brought together traditional Bollywood music with the sounds and beats of the UK, and it felt like the perfect representation of being both South Asian and British. This album wasn’t just music; it was an identity, a way to bridge two worlds that I often felt caught between. It was like looking in the mirror and seeing both parts of me—the British and the Bangladeshi—reflected back.

The Mishmash of Me

So, if you ask me for my all-time favourite album, I can’t give you a straight answer. Because there isn’t one. My life, like my music, is a mishmash of different cultures, emotions, and phases. I’ve got the infectious energy of Michael Jackson, the romance of Bollywood, the rebellion of Tupac, the chill vibes of Craig David, and the cultural blend of Bally Sagoo.

And that’s okay. That’s me. I’m a product of my upbringing, my culture, my surroundings, and most importantly, my journey through life. Just as I couldn’t choose one album to define my life, I wouldn’t want to, because life isn’t one song on repeat. It’s a playlist, and every track has its own unique place and time.