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5 famous albums by musicians who struggled with mental health issues

The idea that you have to be in a terrible state of mind to make a good album isn't exactly the healthiest. These five famously good albums may have been written by musicians struggling with drug addiction or poor mental health, but the release of many of them was followed by misfortune and even tragedy. If anything, these records are a reminder that good art isn't worth the risk of destroying itself; no form of success is worth that.

1. “Visions” by Grimes

Visions was released in 2012 and was a major breakthrough for synthpop artist Grimes. The singles “Oblivion” and “Genesis” have seen several resurrections over the years (particularly on TikTok), proving that the album was ahead of its time.

Grimes spoke openly about her mental state during the recording Visions. According to the producer herself, she lacked stability in her life and was behind on completing the album by a deadline set by her manager. She began recording the album “at a psychotic pace,” refusing to sleep or eat for a total of nine days. She also took amphetamines to finish the album on time. Although Grimes said the experience was “fun and excruciating in equal measure,” we can't imagine this creative process working well in the long term.

2. “In Utero” by Nirvana

Unfortunately, this is a story that grunge fans and diehard Nirvana fans know all too well. During the recording of Nirvana's last album in 1993 In the wombKurt Cobain was at his worst in terms of his mental health and drug addiction. The album was a commercial success, but the recording and touring phase was anything but healthy. While on tour to promote the album, Cobain suffered an overdose in Rome, Italy. The tour was canceled and Cobain took his own life a few months later, bringing an end to the band and a life loved by many.

3. “Rumours” by Fleetwood Mac

While the publication of Rumors Although no serious tragedy followed the 1977 album, the recording process was notoriously unhealthy. The band was riddled with personal problems, outrageous drug use, and romantic (and toxic) love affairs. Combined, these factors nearly caused Fleetwood Mac to implode from within. Thankfully, that didn't happen. Rumors became her greatest success, even though most of these love relationships did not last.

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4. “Black To Black” by Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse left us far too early at the age of just 27. All we have left of this incredibly talented English singer are her albums, especially her last album. Back to Black.

The album deals with Winehouse's explosive relationship with her ex-boyfriend (and then-husband) Blake Fielder-Civil. The album deals with a range of themes, from grief to infidelity and heartbreak to trauma. It also addresses drug addiction, particularly through the hit single “Rehab”. Winehouse was subject to heavy drug and alcohol use before and after the release of this album, and many believe that the success of this release combined with her poor mental health contributed to her death in 2011.

5. “Dirt” by Alice In Chains

dirt put Alice In Chains on the grunge map in 1992. It quickly became the band's best-selling album, but the album's subject matter reflected the poor mental state and drug addiction of its lead singer and songwriter, Layne Staley.

Staley recorded the album after being released from rehab and relapsing almost immediately. Several other members of the band were also struggling with alcohol addiction at the time. dirt was recorded. Unfortunately, this story does not have a happy ending. Several band members died of drug overdoses in later years.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives

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