Today, I'm just sittin' here and listening to some tunes. . . I decided to do a top ten list. I always refer to my top ten lists as being nebulous, because they will change from time to time, depending on what particular tunes I'm listening to and how they all sort of bounce around and daisy-chain together in my head. I did take some pains to make sure that there was only one album per artist, though. Other than that, the list is pure. So, here it is, in no particular order other than that in which I thought of them. . . My nebulous top ten list of my favorite rock albums of all time. Enjoy and discuss, if you want to.
1. The Who -- Tommy
For my money, The Who is probably the best band ever on the planet. They still rock, today, in a past-their-prime sort of way. It was hard to decide on which of their albums would be most representative of them. Who's Next and Who Are You? are also favorites of mine. But this is where it all started for me. Sparks, Amazing Journey, See Me Feel Me. . . and of course Pinball Wizard. I have six different versions of this album in my collection, and each one is a little different.
2. Styx -- The Grand Illusion
This is another favorite band of mine. You'll notice that I have an affinity for self-important, pompous arena rock. And this one is probably Styx at their self-importantest and pompousest. But it's hard not to be wrapped up in that opening piano line from Come Sail Away. And Miss America just rocks. And, my personal favorite, Man in the Wilderness, is just a great song that has a poingnance that remains relevant, even 30 years later. They probably did only four really great records. This one is the best, for me.
3. KISS -- Destroyer
I know, I know. . . Being a KISS fan is not as easy, these days, as it used to be. How much money do I really want to shell out for the same stuff, over and over and over and over. . ? But, Bob Ezrin got his claws into them on this one and they did something that stands alone in their catalog. Certainly from the music they had done before it. Detroit Rock City, Shout It Out Loud, God of Thunder. . . and Beth, of course. Totally different sound, and a totally different way of rocking for this band. If I were in KISS, I would want this one to remain behind to represent me, when I'm gone.
4. Savatage -- Streets: A Rock Opera
So. . . In the 80s, there was a band that came out of the Tampa, FL area (I believe), called Savatage. They had a very imported, eurometal sound. Their early stuff reminds me a lot of the stuff that Metallica did on Kill 'Em All and Ride the Lightning. A few years and a few albums later, they got involved with this guy, Paul O'Neil, who was able to emphasize all of the operatic, symphonic elements of their style. . . and voila! A whole different band called Savatage was born. Streets was probably the best realization of their style of operatic rock. And it was the last with the original line-up of the band. It's full of well thought-out arrangements, a vicious guitar tone, and a narrative through-line that is lacking from most albums that claim to be "rock operas." Definitely worth checking out.
5. David Bowie -- Hunky Dory
This was another tough one. I love some David Bowie. . . Ziggy is another favorite of mine, of course. It's brilliant. But, this album makes the cut on the strength of one amazing song. Life on Mars? It is so freaking cool! This one also has Changes, and Oh! You Pretty Things, which are both great tracks, as well. But for me, it's all about Life on Mars? Without that song, Ziggy would have made this list. The Bowie fans out there in Fubaria will understand how difficult it was to make this decision, I hope.
6. AC/DC -- Back in Black
I'm not gonna' bother writing a big paragraph about this one. There's just something wrong with anyone who doesn't think this is one of the best rock records of all time. 'Nuff said.
7. Dream Theater -- Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
These guys are another big favorite of mine. I love this CD--which is a double CD--because of the title track. . . which is split into segments, but is really one, long 24-minute masterpiece. There's also a track called Misunderstood, which is one of their best. It's one of their more mainstream arrangements, but they never get any airplay, so it didn't really matter. If you haven't ever listened to Dream Theater, and you're interested in their style of progressive rock, then I would suggest starting here. It definitely has a more modern sound than their earlier works, which may make it more palatable to people who favor that NIN or Mansony guitar sound.
8. Alice Cooper -- Billion Dollar Babies
I've only been really listening to Alice Cooper since about 2000. I always kinda' knew about him, but he's a little before my time. However. . . I have become a big fan. He can't sing that well, but his lyrics are superlative. The word "brilliant" comes to mind. The title track, Generation Landslide, No More Mr. Nice Guy, Hello Hooray. . . and the really creepy I Love the Dead. . . All of them are classics. Most Coop fans would probably agree with me that this is his best album. For some trivia, it was also produced by Bob Ezrin, who produced KISS' Destroyer album, above. Check this one out if you're only familiar with the early 90s-era Alice. It's way better.
9. Damn Yankees -- Damn Yankees
I know, I know. . . But, I'm serious about this one. I defy anyone to say that this album doesn't rock. It's 90% amazing. And the 10% is still pretty good. Some of the best songwriting of the time, and it features what I would say is the best guitar solo of Ted Nugent's career on Come Again. It also has the power balad, High Enough. That was a big hit. I think this is probably the best album that came out in 1990. And to see these guys perform live--I'm a four-time veteran--was one of the most entertaining rock shows you would ever have seen. They really just rock. There's not really anything negative to say about them, except that they should have done more than only two albums.
10. Queensryche -- Empire
Lots of 'Ryche fans will disagree with me on this one. Most people tend to think Operation: Mindcrime is the best by these guys. That one is brilliant. But from a standpoint of accessability and hooky, strong songwriting. . ? I have to say that this one tops it. It was a turning point for the band, beginning their era of less high-concept work. I think it captures the best mix of their early sound and their latter sound, though. Plus, Jet City Woman, Empire, and Anybody Listening? are some of the best songs that this band ever did. When I'm listening to Queensryche, the songs from this album are the ones that I am least likely to skip over. And just to maintain my Queensryche street cred. . . My second favorite is Rage for Order. See? I'm not totally off my rocker, after all.
That's it. All ten of them. Tomorrow, I'll be able to make another list. For today, though, these are the ones that I'm going with. Feel free to comment. I love looking at the discussion threads. Enjoy!
The Layman
