Kam Franklin: Five Essential Albums
Kam Franklin (photo by Agave Bloom Photography, PR)
Throughout Black History Month 2023, FUV is reaching out to musicians we admire to learn about the albums that are most essential in their lives. Find all of FUV's "Five Essential Albums" here.
As the lead singer for Houston's charismatic The Suffers, FUV has gotten to know Kam Franklin over the years, via the band's 2018 FUV Live session and their electrifying set for us at Rockwood Music Hall during CMJ back in 2015. Last year, the Gulf Coast band released It Starts with Love, their first album in four years. The album was a turning point, coming together over the pandemic and as the group faced some personal upheavals while witnessing global ones. It finds The Suffers addressing hard, pertinent and potent truths through Franklin's insightful lyrics.
More recently, Franklin, who is also an activist, writer, actress and a motivational speaker, released her first solo single, "Ya Girl Didn't Listen," which she produced, co-writing the funny, cannabis-dosed tune with guitarist Sara Van Buskirk.
The Suffers have a generous batch of spring and summer tour dates — including a stop at New York's Blue Note Jazz Club on July 11 and 12.
Intrigued by what Kam's been listening to these days, and what inspires her songwriting, we asked her to write about her "Five Essential Albums" for FUV.
Kam Franklin's Five Essential Albums:
Alice Coltrane, Journey Into Satchidananda
This was the soundtrack to me establishing personal boundaries, releasing myself from trauma, and forgiving myself. Every time I listen to an Alice Coltrane recording, I feel more free. This album is one of my favorites by her. It also features Pharoah Sanders, John Coltrane, and Coltrane's incredible band. Take your time with this one.
Erykah Badu, Live
This album has gotten me through breakups. It's helped me become a better singer and arranger. I know this album like the back of my hand, but still, every time I hear “Other Side of the Game” or “Next Lifetime," I’m taken to another place. Erykah has one of the strongest pens and voices in the game, and you really hear the best of both on this record. From the band, to the singers, this album is incredible.
Prince, Purple Rain
To me, this is a perfect album. Prince and I share the same birthday, and I’ve always felt so deeply connected to him and his work. This album impacted so deeply with me growing up, and it continues to teach me something new every time I listen to it.
System of a Down, Toxicity
I still revisit this album at least twice a year. When this record came out, I had just turned 14. The more I learned about the world and its dark history, the angrier I got. This album felt like a form of rage release written just for me. It was so angry and different from so many other things I’d heard before. I was obsessed with Serj Tankian’s voice, his lyrics, and the power of the band. “Toxicity” is also the name of my favorite song on the record, and there’s a good chance you’ll hear me bust it out at karaoke.
Mariah Carey, Butterfly
Mariah Carey is one of my favorite songwriters. “Breakdown” is my favorite song she’s ever written, and the vulnerability shown on this album is still just so beautiful to me. I really appreciate all the risks she took on this by bringing in so many hip hop artists and hip hop production. A lot of soul and R&B artists weren’t doing this at all at the time. From Diddy and Ma$e on “Honey” to Bone Thugz and Harmony on “Breakdown," Mariah took the creative risks and it all paid off.
- Kam Franklin
February 2023
