Tattoo icon, makeup guru, and musician Kat Von D recently shared her passion for music on an episode of AXS TV’s Vinyl Obsession podcast, where she enthusiastically discussed her five all-time favorite vinyl records. With a deep love for music, Von D’s collection has grown significantly since her teenage years, now numbering “in the hundreds.” Her journey into vinyl collecting began with her introduction to punk rock, leading her to discover an array of artists and genres that would shape her musical taste.

Throughout the episode, Von D mentioned her habit of purchasing albums based on captivating cover art, even when the musical content varied in quality. One notable example she provided was KISS‘ 1976 record Destroyer, which features artwork that suggests a darker sound than what the actual music delivers, as the band appears more menacing on the cover than in their melodies.

Continue reading to explore the five albums that Von D passionately selected as her favorites.

The Cure, ‘Disintegration’ (1989)

Von D chose The Cure‘s eighth studio album, Disintegration, as her top pick, expressing her admiration for how the album flows seamlessly from start to finish. “I’m a huge fan of The Cure; there’s not a single album of theirs that I dislike. However, this one has always held a special place in my heart,” she revealed, highlighting the title track as the quintessential soundtrack for a gloomy, rainy day.

She praised Robert Smith for his profound and poetic songwriting, noting how relatable his lyrics can be for listeners. The emotional depth and haunting melodies found in Disintegration resonate with many fans, making it a timeless piece in the realm of alternative rock.

Depeche Mode, ‘Songs of Faith and Devotion’ (1993)

While Kat Von D typically finds herself favoring the early works of most bands, she noted a unique exception in the case of Depeche Mode. Their eighth album, Songs of Faith and Devotion, is where she believes they truly hit their stride and showcased their best work. “I adore Dave Gahan’s vocals; they possess a raw humanity and soulful essence,” she said, emphasizing the band’s willingness to embrace imperfections in their sound, which adds a layer of authenticity to their music.

She appreciates the album’s biblical themes and lyrical depth, which contribute to its powerful emotional resonance. Von D’s connection to this album reflects her broader appreciation for music that transcends superficiality and touches on deeper human experiences.

Motorhead, ‘Ace of Spades’ (1980)

Kat Von D expressed her admiration for Motorhead, asserting that they embody the essence of rock ‘n’ roll, despite many categorizing them as a metal band. “I absolutely love every aspect of this album?the artwork, the music, the energy?everything resonates with me,” she declared. Her introduction to Motorhead occurred during her transition from punk rock into the world of metal, where she discovered legendary bands like Iron Maiden.

Reflecting on her personal connection to the band, she fondly remembered Lemmy Kilmister, stating, “[Lemmy] was one of my favorite people on the planet, and I miss him every day.” This sentiment speaks volumes about the impact that music and its creators can have on our lives.

Bjork, ‘Homogenic’ (1997)

Kat Von D described Bjork’s third album, Homogenic, as a complex masterpiece that many listeners have yet to fully understand. She likened the darkness within the lyrics to that often found in black metal music, showcasing the album’s unique artistic depth. “Bjork’s voice and her delivery are distinctive; she stands alongside the likes of Morrissey and Axl Rose in terms of vocal uniqueness,” she remarked, emphasizing the powerful emotional expression in her music.

This album’s intricate layers of sound and profound lyrical content reflect Bjork’s innovative approach to music, making it a standout in the landscape of alternative and electronic genres.

Bauhaus, ‘In the Flat Field’

From Bauhaus’ debut album, In the Flat Field, Von D highlighted “Double Dare” and the title track as two of her all-time favorite songs, describing them as “tribalistic” in nature. Although she doesn’t remember the exact moment she first heard Bauhaus, she believes it coincided with her deepening appreciation for The Cure and Depeche Mode, both influential bands in her musical journey.

To delve deeper into Kat Von D’s thoughts on these remarkable albums and the reasons behind her choices, be sure to check out the full episode below.

Discover Kat Von D’s Top Five Favorite Vinyl Records for Music Lovers