Ten Albums ( Rock Edition ) that are a must have for any collection.

[benson111]

1. Pink Floyd - Dark Side Of The Moon.
A must have for any one. This is just a fantastic album, and should be issued at birth to everyone.
My review of the album is here
http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=100331

2. Black Sabbath - Paranoid.
I have not done a review of Sabbath, because i feel i couldn't do them any justice. This was my introduction to Heavy Metal when i was younger, and i have been hooked ever since. Sure there might be a better Sabbath album in your eyes, and feel free to disagree with me if you must, but you have to admit that there isn't a bad tune on the album.

3. Ozzy - Diary Of A Madman.
As you can tell Ozzy is my favorite artist. I can understand if you are not a fan, But this album is indeed a must have.
Here is my review of the album
http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105748

4. Deep Purple - Machine Head.
Just because!
Here is my album review.
http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99580

5. Truckfighters - Gravity X
The best band you have never heard of. This is what happened when Sabbath and Deep Purple got together and had some kid they locked in a studio until he produced this. Great stuff, and i hope to hear more. ( Picked up Phi another great album! )

6. Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin II
Yea Yea, let the flaming begin, sorry that this is my opinion. This in my opinion is Zeps greatest album by far. Yes there are other good ones that should be owned as well. But every song is enjoyable on this album ( IV or Zoso is another good one with enjoyment all around but heavy rotation has ruined it for me )

7. AC/DC Highway to Hell.
This is another album that i think needs to be heard, even if you don't dig the band. When AC/DC came out, there was just nothing like them on the air. This album is the true high point in there discography. They have LOTS of solid stuff, and are an homage to themselves in every way. They hardly ever strayed from the musical style, with the few exceptions of bad production.

9. Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven
To me this band defined Post Rock, not that I am a Genre Whore. This album while introduced to me not long ago, has really delved me deeper into this Genre, and shown me that they are the true pioneers of the movement of post rock.
My review
http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99380


10. Alice Cooper - Billion Dollar Babies.
Another album i could not do justice with a review. I love this album with a passion. It really needs to be heard and seen in concert. Live Alice, is forever better than Studio Alice in my opinion.


Well here is my list of 10 albums that should be in your collection right now.
Hey if you agree or disagree that is cool, music is subjective, and the listener now what He/She likes.
I am only trying to show you ten albums that you should listen too.

I also have another 300 or so more album just off the top of my head that are at least MUST listen to's.

If you would, please list your ten albums of interest here.
Also, these are not my Top Ten Albums of all time, If you want i can make a list of my Top Ten Albums of all time ( In MY Opinion Of Course!! ) Or top 20 or top 100 whatever.

There is of course ALLOT of albums that could be listed here.

So have at it>

[schmeankman]

I have 3 of those...

I'll put up my list in a little while.

[franticfish]

No Who = Loose. Plus I find 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath' to be a far better album than Paranoid & I like LZ III more than II

[Hungryfreak]

Not a bad list. Those are definitely some quintessentials, though it really only covers rock (not that that's a bad thing). Off the top of my head, here's a varied genre take on this (order does not mean anything):

1. Frank Zappa - We're Only In It For The Money
A lesson in experimentation, concept albums and early progressive rock. Great fun, amazingly weird and an essential piece from an essential musician.

2. The Dave Brubeck Quartet - Time Out
Perhaps the quintessential jazz album. Great jazz sound and instrumentation that can represent many aspects of the genre.

3. Death - Leprosy
A great representation of metal at its finest. To represent the metal genre as a whole, I think death metal is perfect, taking most aspects of metal to an extreme.

4. Kraftwerk - Autobahn
Representing electronic type music, Autobahn amazingly uses its simplicity to establish an atmosphere. In that sense, it also covers the territories of ambient, drone and of the like.

5. Johnny Cash - Johnny Cash With His Hot And Blue Guitar
Johnny Cash is definitely needed to talk about country, being the one who's usually an exception to people's hate of the genre. This album is a fine representation of his work.

6. Public Enemy - It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
A great display of hip hop at its finest. Great lyrics and vocals that can be both serious and satirical, excellent use of sampling, nice use of beats that doesn't get too repetitive and the album is just overall fun.

7. The Melvins - Stag
The Melvins broke many genre lines and Stag shows this the best, going all over the place in the course of one album. They bring record scratching to metal effectively, play a few more ambient/drony pieces, have a couple softer more grungy songs and more.

8. Gustav Holst - The Planets
Though more modern than most classical out there, The Planets is still a classic and manages to set many different moods with the same orchestra and does well in basically representing the genre.

9. Dead Kennedys - Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables
A good overall image for punk. Aggressive riffing, satirical anti-government lyrics, incorporation of certain elements from other genres (like surf rock) and plain old crazy fun.

10. Phil Ochs - I Ain't Marching Anymore
Great American folk that demonstrates the power of the genre when it comes from the heart. You can feel what Phil Ochs feels through the music as well as the lyrics.

Meh, I don't like my descriptions too much and I didn't quite get every genre (somehow couldn't think of a blues album to use, haha), but I think this is an okay list that covers a lot of bases.

[franticfish]

I was listening to 'Leprosy' today. Awesome album, I love 'Pull The Plug'

[Vedicardi]

9. Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven

FUuuuuuuuuuuuck yes

[benson111]

Not a bad list. Those are definitely some quintessentials, though it really only covers rock (not that that's a bad thing). Off the top of my head, here's a varied genre take on this (order does not mean anything):


Yea thats why i put ( Rock Edition ) in the thread title.
There are more to come...;)

[benson111]

No Who = Loose. Plus I find 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath' to be a far better album than Paranoid & I like LZ III more than II

How about posting your list, instead of finding faults in mine. ;)

[Hungryfreak]

Gah, must have mentally skipped over that, haha. I would say it's definitely a good representation of rock. I would still diversify it a bit, but those are definitely some essential albums

[benson111]

Gah, must have mentally skipped over that, haha. I would say it's definitely a good representation of rock. I would still diversify it a bit, but those are definitely some essential albums

Thanks for the positive comments. I will add that it is heavy on the harder edge of rock, and that it does need diversity.

I also like your list as well, and what you posted is what i was looking for, a list that could show the diversity, as well as a look into what music people hold dear to them.

[Hungryfreak]

Thank you. I might just make a more rock-based list later (though I will probably include rock-spawned genres, like metal and punk).

[Lolicat]

Rock's finest albums? In no particular order, then;

1. Bob Dylan, Highway 61 Revisited
The moment at which Dylan really showed himself to be worthy of being called more than just a protest/folk singer.

2. Pixies, Surfer Rosa
All of your alternative belongs to them, this is probably one of the most important albums in the development of alternative music, and a great influence for many, many artists beyond that.

3. Sonic Youth, Daydream Nation
Pitchfork voted it the best album of the 80s, and I'm inclined to agree now and then. Sure, it's overlong at points, and I have my prefered Youth album, but this is the one where they really showed themselves as a force to be reckoned with, and thusly proved that prepared guitars, etc, were not just a gimmick.

4. Led Zeppelin, IV
Although it's not something I ressurect on a regular basis, it's definately one of the most important albums in the development of rock music, and the band's defining moment. Unfortunate side effects was the increase of the band's money-grabbing tendencies, in despite of increased artistic control.

5. Patti Smith, Horses
The best proto-punk album, because it shows that rock music wasn't just for the plebs, or just for the boys. Also, the likes of Redondo Beach hinted at things such as post-punk and New Wave when everyone else was still in diapers.

6. My Bloody Valentine, Loveless
Where would shoegaze be without this album? Influential, whether or not I think it's as great as the chroniclers.

7. Sleater-Kinney, The Woods
This album proves not only that punk is still going strong, but is one of the best albums ever made. The energy, the playing, all of it comes together to blow your speakers up and blow off your head, completely essential.

8. The Beatles, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Because if you haven't heard it, you're a bit off, aren't you? Sure, it's not the amazing album people are led to believe, but the influence and importance of the album is itself a reason to own it, because it greatly enriches your understanding of later developments in music.

9. Deep Purple, Live in Japan
Best live album ever, even if I don't particularly enjoy the band. Never before or since has a concert been so clearly captured. Maybe if the crowd had given a rat's ass it might have been even better.

10. The Shins, Oh, Inverted World
Just a personal favourite, really, this is a brilliant pop album, and I love the sunshine pop influences. Definately one more people should buy.

[Hungryfreak]

I don't think he means the finest nor your favorite, but more the essential.

[Lolicat]

I don't think he means the finest nor your favorite, but more the essential.

My list can still do that.:p All of those are essential.

[afterstasis]

with the exception of "highway to hell" i dig all of those, so kudos!

[Hungryfreak]

My list can still do that.:p All of those are essential.

I guess so, haha. Im just pointing that out in case it would have influence on your list. Pretty nice list as well. I was going to put some Dylan or Beatles in there, but I figured that if you hadn't heard either band, ever, then you shouldn't even be possible, haha.

[Lolicat]

I guess so, haha. Im just pointing that out in case it would have influence on your list. Pretty nice list as well. I was going to put some Dylan or Beatles in there, but I figured that if you hadn't heard either band, ever, then you shouldn't even be possible, haha.

Even a revisionist scumbag like me puts on Sgt. Pepper's... now and then. Dyaln is one of my all-time favourites though.

I can't believe I forgot Bowie though! But that's more of a favourite rather than something to own. Plus, he had too many to pick just one.

[afterstasis]

actually, looking over the other lists there's only one album in each list that i don't care for (gustav holst and sleater-kinney along with the aforemention ac/dc album).

kudos for everyone! eat up!

[Hungryfreak]

Well, they can't all be winners, haha. It was a toss up for me between a few, but The Planets tends to be an essential in more people's books (and is one of my favorites).

[benson111]

Yea i wasnt going for the end all be all, just more of a , you should have these because they are what the are.

Like I said in my OP, these are albums that i find defining in there own right ( Not exact words ) they are just simple must haves.

Later I will post ten more, that are must haves, ( In My Opinion Of Course ) and then ten more, and so on and so on...:)

[WhiffleBallTony]

No Who = Loose. Plus I find 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath' to be a far better album than Paranoid & I like LZ III more than II

Oh my god.

Oh my god.

Where have you been my whole life? Your avatar is amazing.

Can I hug you? Seriously, that is amazing.

[idiotec]

Here is a pretty narrow list but since it is so hard to get down to 10, I figured I would go a different route. Others are covering some great albums in other genres of rock.

The Ramones - Ramones
Sex Pistols – Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols
The Clash - London Calling
Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures
Talking Heads - More Songs About Buildings and Food
Television - Marquee Moon
Bauhaus - In the Flat Field
The Smiths – The Smiths
Sonic Youth - Daydream Nation
The Pixies – Doolittle

[packerfan8675309]

i only count 9 albums on your list.

[idiotec]

i only count 9 albums on your list.
That's OK, math is tough for a lot of people. :p

[My name is Fez]

That's OK, math is tough for a lot of people. :p

That was the best possible response XD

OP's list is pretty good, although one thing I'd like to mention, "Just because!" is a pretty lame pitch for an essential album =p

[benson111]

That was the best possible response XD

OP's list is pretty good, although one thing I'd like to mention, "Just because!" is a pretty lame pitch for an essential album =p

:o he he

[clashcityrocker10]

I own three of the albums on your list, and all in all it's not a bad list. If I was going to say top 10 rock albums, I'd say:

1. The Clash- London Calling: Any real surprise what my #1 album would be? Honestly though, I find the album to be great, with different music styles blended together without feeling mashed together haphazardly. The lyrics were intelligently written, and the music compliments the writing very well.

2. The Who- Quadrophenia: There were a few Who albums I considered to put here, but in the end I went with Quadrophenia. Why? The musicianship is amazing and sets a great mood. Daltrey is singing with the most emotion on any Who album, and Townsend is writing the deepest lyrics he wrote.

3. Neil Young- Harvest: A great album that shows the genius of Neil Young. His lyrics, as always, are brilliant.

4. The Police- Outlandos D'Amour: I still find this to be The Police's best work, by far. The band had a slightly harder edge when making this album, but still showed a lot of the elements that made the band huge later on.

5. Dead Kennedys- Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables: The Dead Kennedys' debut album is still, I think, one of the best written albums ever. Biafra's lyrics are bitterly sarcastic, and the band plays intensely behind his snarling commentary.

6. Pink Floyd- Dark Side of the Moon: While many of my favorite Pink Floyd songs are not found on this album, this album still remains Pink Floyd's most consistent album. Absolutely no filler to be found on this album, if you ask me.

7. The Bealtes- Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band: The Beatles were another band that I could've put a few albums on, but I decided to go with Sgt. Pepper's. This album was one of the first really popular concept albums, and the songs on the album flow together beautifully.

8. Black Flag- Damaged: This album is full of energy, which enthralls the listener. This album is hardcore punk, at its very raw, unpolished core, and that makes it great.

9. Tom Petty- Full Moon Fever: Tom Petty made a very strong album, with catchy guitar hooks and intelligent writing.

10. Bad Brains- Bad Brains: This album is another album that mixes different music styles with ease. Not many bands can pull off an album that combines aggressive hardcore punk and reggae, but Bad Brains pulls it off with great results.

Honorable Mention
Bad Religion- No Control
Metallica- Ride the Lightning
Weezer- Weezer (Blue Album)
Grateful Dead- American Beauty
Frank Zappa- Apostrophe

Probably not going to write album reviews for a while now.

[dalcyte]

1. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Club Band--The Beatles. Overrated or not, this defined 60s popular music. It was done beautifully in all senses of the word. A Day in the Life is amazingly brilliant and without a doubt the best collaboration of John and Paul at the artistic peaks

2. Highway 61 Revisited--Bob Dylan. Once again, another definition of 60s culture. Truly Dylan's best. Really.

3. Aqualung--Jethro Tull. Well this is personal preference. You could go with Thick as a Brick also, but it fluctuates. Something with Tull belongs here, and Aqualung is one of the best examples of their brilliance. The album includes hard rock, prog rock, folk rock--incredibly well done and diverse.

4. OK Computer--Radiohead. I honestly have never gotten tired of Radiohead in general, let alone OK Computer. I define good albums by ones that you can always pop in and be excited to hear, and this one is that way for me and a lot of others. This album brought so much to the table musically, from the 3 part Paranoid Android to the bizzarre Fitter Happier to the creepy Climbing Up the Walls. Brilliant.

5. Exile on Main Street--The Rolling Stones. An album that really should get a lot more press than i feel like it gets. This album is really well done in all senses, and is exciting to listen to and presents the stones at their best and rawest.

6. Led Zeppelin II--Led Zeppelin. I agree with the first poster. Led Zeppelin II is the best. For me, it's either that or Physical Grafitti, but I really don't like some of the songs on it, so i have to go with II because i like every single song (though the Lemon Song wears on me after a while). Zeppelin here shows their best on this album in every which way...the guitar solo on Heartbreaker, the differentness on Whole Lotta Love..the fantastic drumming on Moby ****. Nuff said.


7. Born To Run--Bruce Springsteen. Another one of those albums that i just don't get tired listening to. I've heard born to run (the song) a bazillion times and still get pumped every time i hear it. This album IS BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN. It defines him, and i really like that definition. If you listen to Jungleland on a summer night looking up at the stars and not caring about anything just for a while, it's magic (bud um cshh)

8. Automatic For the People--R.E.M. I love R.E.M. and how they're the shining example of why the 80s really didn't suck that much. This album brings the best of them, at their peak. Bill's still around, they're all creative and producing good music...best album of theirs.

9. American Beauty--Grateful Dead. I'm tired of writing, and this one doesn't need any fortunately. Ripple, Box of Rain, Sugar Magnolia, Truckin, Brokedown Palace? Yeah. that's right.

10. London Calling--The Clash. I do want to put this one higher, but i don't have room for it. London Calling really was the defining punk album. Ever. It's amazing. Buy it now. If you have, buy it twice.

[wolfbane]

queen- a day at the races
the police-synchronicity
u2- the joshua tree
van morrison-moondance
the beach boys-pet sounds
the jimi hendrix experience-are you experienced?
journey-escape
bruce springsteen-the river
john mayall and the blues breakers- blues breakers with eric clapton
led zeppelin-led zeppelin

[Lolicat]

queen- a day at the races
the police-synchronicity
u2- the joshua tree
van morrison-moondance
the beach boys-pet sounds
the jimi hendrix experience-are you experienced?
journey-escape
bruce springsteen-the river
john mayall and the blues breakers- blues breakers with eric clapton
led zeppelin-led zeppelin

Ignoring the fact that I disagree with most of the rest of the choices, could you explain why Led Zepp I? I mean, as debuts go I thought it was pretty weak, especially when one considers the heights to which the band soared later.

[wolfbane]

WHOA didnt mean to step on toes. the post stated "list your top ten albums of interest here" people
are taking these forums way to seriously lately

[dalcyte]

Ignoring the fact that I disagree with most of the rest of the choices, could you explain why Led Zepp I? I mean, as debuts go I thought it was pretty weak, especially when one considers the heights to which the band soared later

Ah, but the post isn't "best albums ever", it's albums you have to have. I mean there is a small subtle difference. Led Zeppelin I was by far more influential than say houses. Zep I rocked people's worlds in the late 60s, and it was and still is incredibly important in zeppelin's history and any other hard rock band's history to come. It's an important album to have because of its effect.

[Lolicat]

Ah, but the post isn't "best albums ever", it's albums you have to have. I mean there is a small subtle difference. Led Zeppelin I was by far more influential than say houses. Zep I rocked people's worlds in the late 60s, and it was and still is incredibly important in zeppelin's history and any other hard rock band's history to come. It's an important album to have because of its effect.

I don't know that I'd say the album was essential though. II was much more influential, for example, and had a wider spread. 'Essential' also factors in the quality of the album, to me; something is essential because it is brilliant. I does not ring that bell imo.

[benson111]

I don't know that I'd say the album was essential though. II was much more influential, for example, and had a wider spread. 'Essential' also factors in the quality of the album, to me; something is essential because it is brilliant. I does not ring that bell imo.

It was a great album, but to me just not on par with II. In my opinion, II really rocketed Zep into the statust that they had throught there career.

Sorry if i started a debate over opinion, and if you recall from my orig, post ( Let the flams begin ) after my choice for Zep's must have album. :D

[Gowienczyk]

I don't know if I'd call any of Zep's material essential from my history with their albums.

[Runesmith]

And now for something completely different...

1. Depeche Mode - Violator
2. Black Sabbath - Vol. 4
3. The Jam - Setting Sons
4. Nirvana - In Utero
5. Marvin Gaye - What's Going On? (does this count as rock?)
6. The Smiths - The Queen Is Dead
7. The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground & Nico
8. The Cars - The Cars
9. My Bloody Valentine - Loveless
10. The Who - Live at Leeds

[Gowienczyk]

Here's what I came up with for mine, in no specific order:

......

Charity Ball (Fanny) - Psychedelic Rock, early Hard Rock

Before The Runaways and Heart there was a little all-woman rock band called Fanny. Arguably the first proper all female rock band and it was good. A definite proper band in the vein of the heavy psychedelic scene going on (or hard rock if you prefer). The music wasn't without it's soul/funk influences and it polishes well enough in the sound in their second album. It's essential to the concept of all women bands and women contributions in rock music.

Chuck Berry is On Top (Chuck Berry) - Rockabilly

Way back in 1959, Chuck Berry was well on his way to making himself a household name and this album sold it. While not the earliest of Chuck's records, it was definitely a key piece into putting together rock music. Two tracks from this record highlighting Berry's songwriting and contribution to the scene; Maybellene and the ever famous Johnny B. Goode. Now if you are a rock fan and don't own this record, well I don't even know what to say.

Deathconsciousness (Have a Nice Life) - Drone, Post-Punk, Shoegaze

Released in 2008 this unique record is something of a enigma. Some call it this decade's Loveless, so it has to count for something. Mixing post-rock atmospheres, shoegaze texturing, post-punk structures and a dash of drone and other things... it shows something that is both mesmerizing and makes you thank god for modern music. Definitely essential to a shoegaze or drone fan. In it's essence it's a powerful record and leaves you blown.

Doolittle (Pixies) - Alternative Rock

This 1989 release took upon the previous releases style and furthered it to a more refined pop flavoring. Maybe this is why it was their best seller at the time. This also furthered the concept of alternative rock as a sound and not a movement so it truly did have it's mark on music. Any worthwhile band that wanted to be alternative emulated the Pixies to some degree. Despite not being their most edgy or consistent record, this album is definitely essential in all meanings of the term.

Kingdom Come (Sir Lord Baltimore) - Psychedelic Rock, early Hard Rock

Rooted as one of THE early metal albums, Sir Lord Baltimore did push the barriers. Highly energetic and loud songs with the whole song throwing a line of notes at you. Forget Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. These guys were just as (if not more) important for hard rock and early metal. Perhaps only forgotten due to releasing few albums and having lyrics that would be too ironic for metal fans. I'll give you a hint, they liked god a whole lot.

Loveless (My Bloody Valentine) - Shoegaze

Just as innovative as their contemporaries; mixing the dreamy pop idea and somewat noisy layering and textures to premise a album that is coined as one of THE albums of the century. With a mesmerizing single and influencing a new genre of rock (or pop, depending on your perspective) music it is essential in the innovative and influential sense. Whether you can enjoy the texturing or dreamy atmosphere is up to you.

Masters of Reality (Masters of Reality) - Stoner Rock, Neo-Psychedelic Rock

At the time stoner rock was barely an idea; but with the Melvins, Soundgarden and Kyuss; Masters of Reality made it happen. This album unlike the others took more of a retro approach, if you could call it that. Mixing psychedelic melodies and sometimes composition with the heavy hitting Black Sabbath-inspired "desert rock" riffs and tone... it was something. This album is essential just like some would say the other big three of stoner rock's beginnings were.

Mirrored (Battles) - Progressive Rock

Yes, something a bit more... new. Battles is a complex band with a minimalist concept. Mixing 'progressive' pop rhythms at times with experimental rock guitar textures and avant-garde layering with electronica and vocals. You could call it math rock like the rest of the people do. But I call it a unique contribution to modern progressive music. This album shows as such that they are a force to be reckoned with, or will be.

Spiderland (Slint) - Post-Rock

Another album that started things and is debated to be the first post-rock record. Slint was something of a enigma with their soft and sometimes loud guitar melodies mixed in with the atmosphere the rest of the instruments conveyed. This album also was said to inspire many 'math rock' bands in the future. So that is another thing. Essential in its own right, this album is something unique.

Three Sides Dead (Funeral Diner) - Post-Hardcore

Putting emotive hardcore to a truly unique level, Funeral Diner have always been one of those post-hardcore bands that actually put effort into the music they are creating. At times this record may seem harsh and chaotic. The other it could lead you to believe it's a beautiful and light one. This could all happen over the course of one song. With deeply written poetry in the midst of some of the best harsh vocals for music... it is truly amazing. Essential for post-hardcore fans and those who like to broaden their horizons.

[Soror_YZBL]

I've owned a couple, but I only agree with GYBE. :) That album is amazing. Here's my list:

1. The Velvet Underground and Nico. If you ever wondered why people stopped making pop music and started making music to live to, here is your answer. (runner up is beefheart's trout mask replica)
2. Lush - Spooky. I don't consider it their best, but it is *the* shoegazer record to end all shoegazer records.
3. Marillion - Misplaced Childhood. It's full of amazing hooks and incredible lyrics, but what makes this record special is that no one had ever made a record that consisted of two complex yet accessible twenty minute long pop songs. They still haven't.
4. Black Sabbath - S/T. Sure, the metalheads prefer Paranoid, but it just expanded upon their visionary first release.
5. Beach Boys - Pet Sounds. Perfect for a schizophrenic day in the sun.
6. Liz Phair - Exile in Guyville. The soundtrack to every single woman's life.
7. Jimi Hendrix - Are you experienced?. I'm not as into this as I was when I was in high school, but if you're a 15 year old, there's no way you can listen to this record and not want to go out and buy your first guitar.
8. Genesis - The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. It's the best rock musical ever, I have no idea why someone has never adapted it to the stage.
9. The Ramones - S/T. Punk Rock is best when it's honest, and no one was more honest than the Ramones.
10. Nirvana - Nevermind. Because we have all been alienated teens who wished that the sheep would just go away.

[Lolicat]

I like your list, Gowie. Not all albums I love, but definately a solid list, nothing I would write off artistically.

[Gowienczyk]

I like your list, Gowie. Not all albums I love, but definately a solid list, nothing I would write off artistically.

:D

[rockfresh126]

Ok i did my own list, and not even all of these are my personal favorites by the artists. Just the ones you HAVE to have.

1. The Jimi Hendrix Experience-Are You Experienced? Not the greatest album of all time, but if you are a guitar player it is your solumn duty to study this album. And the rest of the Experience is incredibly talented.

2. The Beatles--Abbey Road. IMHO the greatest album, by the greatest band ever. Enough said.

3. The Beach Boys-Pet Sounds. It's so influencial it influenced the Beatles (they've all said they made Revolver because of this album).

4. Black Sabbath-Paranoid. Not neccessarily their best album (Vol.4 and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath are probably better). But this album wrote the blueprint for heavy metal.

5. Bob Dylan--Take your pick of Blonde on Blonde or Highway 61 Revisited. Lame argument--they're Dylan's best work. Get them.

6. U2--Auchtung Baby. Is Joshua Tree better? Possibly. But I've never heard a band completley change their sound, mix in dance/rave, make an incredibly dark album (especially the last few tracks), and have it sound this good.

7. Pink Floyd--Darkside of the Moon. Do I really need to rehash the arguments? Plus, a lesson in production is learned from this,

8 (Tie)--NWA Straight out of Compton or Public Enemy-It takes a Nation. I'm not a rap fan, but these two albums defined everything about the genre, and what I wish it still would be about today.

9. The Who-Tommy. Again, are there better albums by the Who? Yes. This one set the standard for concept albums, and made the Who into what they are.

10. David Bowie--The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust. No real argument here. I just think it's awesome

[n4sc4r]

I want to try!

1. The Beatles - The White Album: While there are much better Beatles albums out there (IMO Rubber Soul is their best), this is one of the best known albums and has a nice mix of different sounds the band was known for.

2. The Who - Live at Leeds: Yes, the Who have great studio albums, and yes, Tommy is probably one of the best rock operas ever, but when you want to hear the Who doing what they do best, this is the album to listen to. The live album contains so much energy, it's just amazing.

3. The Smashing Pumpkins - Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness: This was a hard choice. I also love Siamese Dream. When it comes down to it, though, Mellon Collie is the album that really jump started the band's career and got them as well known as they are now. This may not be their best work, but this double disc album simply must be experienced at least once.

4. Queen - A Night at the Opera: Queen is one of those bands that you either love, or you hate. Many have a biased view of them simply because of Freddie Mercury's sexual preference, but that's just stupid, because when you listen to an album as amazing as this one, I could care less what sexuality the band members practice. This album has many great songs, including the legendary "Bohemian Rhapsody", and for that alone it deserves a listen.

5. Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon: I'm just stating the obvious here. From the opening heart beat tot he closing one, this album takes you on a journey like no other with the legendary Pink Floyd sound. If you haven't heard this album at least once, you are keeping yourself from a great experience.

6. Weezer - The Blue Album: Weezer has a lot of haters and a lot of lovers, but it would be a lie for either to say that this album doesn't deserve a listen. It's an awesome work of heart from a then small band. They may not be to your liking, but please do yourself a favor and listen to this album once in your life.

7. Boston - Boston: This legendary debut album has so many well known songs it's crazy. No matter what kind of music you listen to normally you can recognize "More Than a Feeling", or at least one song off of the album. For this reason alone it is worth a listen.

8. Van halen - Van Halen: You simply must listen to this album once. It was unheard of then, and it still is now. This isone of the albums you must listen to in order to get an understanding of where rock went afterword. And besides that, it's awesome.

9. AC/DC - Highway to Hell: This album is AC/DC in their prime. it isn't really their best album, but it is one of the most consistent track per track. Every fan should own one album from them, so why not this one?

10. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Blood Sugar Sex Magik: Yeah, the Chili Peppers are a bit different, but that's what's so cool about them. They managed to make a sound all their own, and still is to this day. This is probably their best work, and has some of the most well known songs. For that reason, it is a must listen.

[Hungryfreak]

Essential Rock (not giving descriptions, now, but if someone argues an entry, I can give a counterpoint):

1. Frank Zappa - We're Only In It For The Money
2. The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
3. The Melvins - Stag
4. Dead Kennedys - Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables
5. Death - Leprosy
6. King Crimson - In The Court Of The Crimson King
7. Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath
8. Neurosis - Through Silver In Blood
9. Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisited
10. Deep Purple - Machine Head

I really didn't put as much thought into this one. Honestly, the other list was easier since I could do a sort of 'one per genre' thing. There's so many essential albums within the rock spectrum, though, especially if you're including metal and punk. Take those 10 as just a preview of a bigger list.

[benson111]

Ten more albums that are must haves... 80's Edition.

1. Motley Crue - Too Fast For Love.
A great intro to the band and there debut as-well. There is something different here that is almost unexplainable.
There is something here that needs to be heard for everyone. From Live Wire to On With The Show, this album is full of early 80's Epicness.

2. Prince and the Revolution - Purple Rain.
While not one of my favorite artist's, this album is however a masterpiece. Darling Nikki, and Take Me with you are indeed standouts in there own right.

3. Van Halen - 1984. I always wondered what Van Halen would have been if Diamond Dave was still in the band after this album Came out, and i guess we are about to find out. There is just so much coolness on this album that i think it needs an album review. **Eyebrows Raise**

4. Def Leppard - Pyromania. One of my personal favorites of all time. Every song on this album is single worthy, and is guitar heavy to the fullest.
Simply an amazing album.

5. INXS - Kick. Simply put, a staple album that has to be put into regular rotation. Needs more love.

6. Pretenders -Learning To Crawl. Several good Pretenders albums to choose from but this one wins because it features some of their most varied music like "Back on the Chain Gang", "2000 Miles", "Middle of the Road" and the punkish "Watching the Clothes".

7. 10000 Maniacs - In My Tribe. Perfect songwriting, singing (by Natalie Merchant) and musical arrangements. Many of there best known songs ("Hey Jack Kerouac", "What's The Matter Here") are here but "Gun Shy" was truly the bands best moment

8. Tears For Fears - Songs From the Big Chair. There isn't a song on this album that I don't like. "Shout", "Head Over Heels", and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" bring back the most memories for me.

9. Duran Duran - Seven And The Ragged Tiger. Alex Sadkin's production really brings out their slinky style.

10. Cinderella - Long Cold Winter. After there debut album, Cinderella went back to there roots and pumped out this Hot Blues influenced album, and i consider it one of the must haves, because this is what the band was before the record producers got hold of them.

[benson111]

Iguess my last selection is teh suxzores?