The 100 Greatest Classic Rock Albums of All Time: #1. Sticky Fingers (2 Viewers)

[Ghost Rider]

20. The Who- Tommy (1969)

Classic rock radio hits: Pinball Wizard, We’re Not Gonna Take It, I’m Free

Of the three “rock operas” that appear on this list (Quadrophenia, Tommy, and one yet forthcoming) this one is the most coherent, in that it tells a story you can at least understand from start to finish. That being said it’s a pretty bizarre story. Traumatized as a child by the murder of his mom’s lover, Tommy becomes deaf dumb and blind. In this state he is both abused by relatives and cruelly treated. As a teenager he excels at pinball, then the breaking of a mirror releases him and he becomes a rock star/cult leader until his followers finally reject him. Got it?
The music is beyond superb. This would be Pete Townshend’s finest effort (and in terms of composition it might well be) except that the sound and production is not up to the standards of their 70s work without the addition of synthesizers which gave the band, on their next stereo album which we will get to, a fuller richer sound. But that is not to take away from the band’s performance here. In particular Keith Moon is outstanding on this record.

Overture
As per traditional Broadway, an introduction to the dominant melodies on the record. However the story begins late into this song. As a side note the first several songs on this record feature Townshend’s vocals and while he has a good voice he lacks Roger Daltry’s commanding hard rock edge.

It’s A Boy
Short introduction of the baby. There are several of these short tunes, some lasting only a few seconds, but the melodies are really good.

1921
One of my favorite tunes by this band. Simple but delightful. The bridge contains the story line amd the reason for Tommy’s condition (though it’s a bit confusing.)

Amazing Journey
Fine rock song exploring Tommy’s descent into deaf dumb and blindness. It merges into the major instrumental theme, Sparks.

Sparks
I like Sparks, a rather simplistic instrumental theme (it’s basically only a few chords repeated over and over) and at two minutes it’s perfect. It is NOT perfect at 10 minutes which comes later. The band also performed a rousing live version on the Leeds record which was excellent.

Eyesight to the Blind (The Hawker)
A blues cover, originally performed by Blind Lemon Jefferson. Pretty incongruous here but what the hell? It’s a great performance.

Christmas
Continues the story and also a sharp commentary on Christianity and the question of eternal salvation.

Cousin Kevin
One of two songs about child abuse, both written by John Entwistle (which is interesting). Cousin Kevin seems to enjoy torture.

The Acid Queen
Great rock song immortalized by Tina Turner in the movie (practically the only performance in that film that is worth watching.) This version is fine but not as good.

Underture
Basically a repeat of Sparks except this is ten minutes which is way too long. My suspicion is that they simply ran out of music and wanted to finish out side two of the record. Unnecessary to listen to this whole thing, except that Moon’s drumming is memorable.

Do You Think It’s Alright?
Intro to the Uncle Ernie song.

Fiddle About
The Uncle Ernie song. Not sure there had been a song overtly about this subject before. Pretty serious theme.

Pinball Wizard
Given the terrific opening guitar this ought to be one of the great classic rock songs of all time but again it suffers from sound quality. Imagine if it been on Who’s Next with a Moog synthesizer. Even so it’s still great, and IMO superior to the Elton John cover which replaced the lead guitar with piano.

There’s A Doctor
My favorite of the short intros. I like this melody.

Go The Mirror!
Contains some of main themes of the album, including “See Me, Feel Me” which would later be repeated on We’re Not Gonna Take It. This is sublime rock and roll.

Tommy Can You Hear Me?
Nice rock song but really repetitive.

Smash the Mirror
Short great rock that is the pivotal moment in the story.

Sensation
Nice trippy song. A hippie psychedelic favorite.

Miracle Cure
Another throwaway short.

Sally Simpson
Along with 1921 my favorite song on the record. Again rather incongruous to the storyline but its description of a groupie is still relevant even today- Sally could just as easily be a Swiftie! Marvelous tune and story.

I’m Free
Like Sensation, except with a better guitar riff, this is more hippie trippy psychedelic goodness.

Welcome
My least favorite. I don’t like this melody. Important to the storyline of course as Tommy creates his cult.

Tommy’s Holidays Camp
The only song I know from this band composed by Keith Moon. Very weird and love the “Ha ha!”

We’re Not Gonna Take It
Epic fitting conclusion. Awesome lyrics and melody. Satisfying the whole way through.

Only 19 albums left. Whatever your definition of classic rock is, one more Who album has to appear.

Leaving some wiggle room in that Tim has some interesting choices sometimes, I would guess the remaining albums are 4 from Zeppelin, 3 from the Stones, 3 from The Beatles, 2 from Floyd, 2 from Bruce, and single entries from FMac, Boston, The Who, Bowie, and Queen. But that's me thinking out loud.

I wasn’t going to be that specific. I was only going to say I expect a British Invasion in the top 20.

Yep, proper courtesy would be let the thread runner list the albums instead of listing obvious spoilers, but anarchy likes to seem like the smartest one, as if he is the only one who has figured out the remaining ones. It's kind of his thing.

 

[DocHolliday]

Would love to see what we did with the awesome Beatles countdown thread Krista4 conducted. No, not the post-Beatles Fab Four releases countdown, which was also awesome. The re-ordering of the 1-204 countdown based on FBGs submissions. We each put in a Top 25 and ended up with a new Beatles-world order of the top 1-172 as ranked by FBGs.

No offense to timmay, but in it's current form this one is pretty lame. Does not reflect the world I grew up in. Would love to hear others thoughts on this concept.

OK good talk thnx guys

I’m sure many of us would participate if you started the thread. We love music almost as much as we love football here.

 

[BassNBrew]

I understand why Tommy is on the list, but I don't understand Tommy. Pink Floyd concept albums (including their opera, The Wall) "I get". I like other The Who albums better and I hope others might chime in and explain to me what I am missing here. Tim, I get your points, so thanks.

I don't understand/follow any of these concept albums, just enjoy the individual songs. Probably why I enjoy instrumentals more than most. Shut up and play that guitar.

 

[zamboni]

Shut up and play that guitar.

Frank Zappa is beaming from above.

 

[pacman_fl]

I understand why Tommy is on the list, but I don't understand Tommy. Pink Floyd concept albums (including their opera, The Wall) "I get". I like other The Who albums better and I hope others might chime in and explain to me what I am missing here. Tim, I get your points, so thanks.

I don't understand/follow any of these concept albums, just enjoy the individual songs. Probably why I enjoy instrumentals more than most. Shut up and play that guitar.

If you can find an album of Gilmore playing for an hour straight, I'm all in.

 

[BassNBrew]

I understand why Tommy is on the list, but I don't understand Tommy. Pink Floyd concept albums (including their opera, The Wall) "I get". I like other The Who albums better and I hope others might chime in and explain to me what I am missing here. Tim, I get your points, so thanks.

I don't understand/follow any of these concept albums, just enjoy the individual songs. Probably why I enjoy instrumentals more than most. Shut up and play that guitar.

If you can find an album of Gilmore playing for an hour straight, I'm all in.

Just tune out Waters whining and you're good to go.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I understand why Tommy is on the list, but I don't understand Tommy. Pink Floyd concept albums (including their opera, The Wall) "I get". I like other The Who albums better and I hope others might chime in and explain to me what I am missing here. Tim, I get your points, so thanks.

I don't understand/follow any of these concept albums, just enjoy the individual songs. Probably why I enjoy instrumentals more than most. Shut up and play that guitar.

If you can find an album of Gilmore playing for an hour straight, I'm all in.

Maybe not exactly what you were looking for but imo this comes rather close.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

m.youtube.com

 

[BassNBrew]

I understand why Tommy is on the list, but I don't understand Tommy. Pink Floyd concept albums (including their opera, The Wall) "I get". I like other The Who albums better and I hope others might chime in and explain to me what I am missing here. Tim, I get your points, so thanks.

I don't understand/follow any of these concept albums, just enjoy the individual songs. Probably why I enjoy instrumentals more than most. Shut up and play that guitar.

If you can find an album of Gilmore playing for an hour straight, I'm all in.

Maybe not exactly what you were looking for but imo this comes rather close.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

m.youtube.com

Heck yeah!

 

[timschochet]

19. The Beatles- Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)

Classic rock radio hits: the entire album

Sgt. Pepper is the most important musical album of all time because it changed the nature of albums from a collection of songs to a work of art in which the components are connected, however loosely. It was not the first record to do this of course; Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, The Beach Boys and even the Beatles themselves all had examples of an album as a work of art well before Sgt Pepper, but Sgt. Pepper popularized the concept. That concept has lasted nearly 60 years, but with the advent of apps like Spotify and iTunes it probably won’t last.

Beyond this, Sgt. Pepper is a terrific rock and roll album. Given its importance and greatness, why isn’t it at the top of this list? Simply put, because there are 18 other classic rock albums which I think are better.

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club
A nice rock song with music hall overtones. Probably rocks harder than anything else on the record, which overall is pretty soft rock.

With a Little Help From My Friends
I know this will be heresy to @krista4 and a few others, but I prefer the Joe Cocker version with its great vocals and gospel influences. Ringo’s vocals here are workmanlike and fine, however.

Lucy In the Sky with Diamonds
On the other hand, John’s original version of this psychedelic rock classic is, IMO, far better than the Elton John cover. The lyrics, even after all these years, remain both poetic and enigmatic.

Getting Better
A nice optimistic send up for Paul, (though John tries to bring it down). Love the melody to this.

Fixing A Hole
Good peaceful soft rock here.

She’s Leaving Home
Gorgeous, meaningful tragic tune. Both lyrically and musically I regard this as the finest song on the album and one of the Beatles’ greatest songs. That may not be a popular opinion I know.

Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite!
John Lennon’s weird circus like song. It’s fun though.

Within You, Without You
it never occurred to me before this list, but Led Zeppelin absolutely ripped off the intro to this tune for their classic “In the Light”. Anyhow this is the most Indian sounding of George’s songs. The use, by George Martin, of the London Symphony Orchestra to back up the sitar is quite brilliant.

When I’m Sixty Four
Paul loves music hall songs and this is probably the most famous example.

Lovely Rita
This is also actually a music hall song but it’s disguised a little better with a more rock intro.

Good Morning Good Morning
Love the song, hate the rooster and barnyard songs. This is very good rock and roll.

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band (reprise)
I actually prefer this to the original- it seems to rock a little harder. That could be my imagination.

A Day In the Life
A whole lot of people regard this as not only the album’s best song but one of the Beatles’ very best tunes. I’ve never thought so. It’s a fine tune but I don’t see it as worthy of comparison to their greatest songs. Maybe that’s just me. The John part is great but rather repetitive while the Paul section seems trite to me. Feel free to disagree.

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

Great album, obviously. Glad to see it.

She's Leaving Home is timeless, so agree with you there.

A Day In the Life. The thing about the two parts is, and this is just IMO obviously, the juxtaposition between John and Paul's parts is such a great encapsulation of John and Paul as artists overall. John's part is all tripped out, and Paul's is like "hey just singing a great little song over here".

Also, the way that Sgt. Pepper's transitions to With a Little Help is so good.

 

[Tau837]

19. The Beatles- Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)

Classic rock radio hits: the entire album

Every song was a classic rock radio hit? I don't think so. I'm admittedly a casual Beatles fan, but I don't even know at least half of these songs by name, and I'm 99% sure they were not all played regularly on any classic rock radio I listened to at any point in my life.

I think a number of these songs are great, though.

 

[Mr. Mojo]

I also love She's Leaving Home.

I disagree on A Day In The Life.
"Woke Up, got outta bed, dragged a home across my head". My foot can't seen to stop tapping at this part, it's that infectious.

 

[timschochet]

19. The Beatles- Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)

Classic rock radio hits: the entire album

Every song was a classic rock radio hit? I don't think so. I'm admittedly a casual Beatles fan, but I don't even know at least half of these songs by name, and I'm 99% sure they were not all played regularly on any classic rock radio I listened to at any point in my life.

I think a number of these songs are great, though.

I was making a list when I abruptly realized I’ve heard every one of these songs on the radio. There’s only a small number of albums I can say that about- all coming up.

 

[falguy]

I’ve heard every one of these songs on the radio

The Beatles channel?

 

[rockaction]

I didn't realize how great an album this was until I looked at the track listing in this here thread.

Awesome stuff.

Not Pet Sounds, but awesome.

 

[BassNBrew]

19. The Beatles- Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)

Classic rock radio hits: the entire album

Every song was a classic rock radio hit? I don't think so. I'm admittedly a casual Beatles fan, but I don't even know at least half of these songs by name, and I'm 99% sure they were not all played regularly on any classic rock radio I listened to at any point in my life.

I think a number of these songs are great, though.

I heard exactly zero of these songs on classic rock stations and none of my friends ever were spinning the Beatles.

 

[Doug B]

Around here, these were the classic rock radio staples from Sergeant Pepper:

“Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club” / “With a Little Help From My Friends” (back to back)

“Lucy In the Sky with Diamonds”

“A Day in the Life” (sometimes with the “Sgt Pepper’s” reprise as a lead-in)

I got familiar with “Getting Better” and “When I’m 64” from advertising, not radio airplay.

 

[New Binky the Doormat]

I also love She's Leaving Home.

man ...I still tear up most of the time when I hear this thinking about if our daughter left like this ...

 

[Ghost Rider]

Sgt. Pepper's is greatness (duh). First record I ever heard in full, thanks to my dad when I was like 7 or 8.

To anyone denying the awesomeness of A Day in the Life, the door is that way.

 

[DocHolliday]

Sgt. Pepper's is greatness (duh). First record I ever heard in full, thanks to my dad when I was like 7 or 8.

To anyone denying the awesomeness of A Day in the Life, the door is that way.

My mom was one of those crazy teenage girls that went nuts when the Beatles exploded onto the US. I was listening to the Beatles from birth and am forever grateful to mom for raising me on the best music.

Great album from the greatest band. This album doesn’t get old.

 

[krista4]

With a Little Help From My Friends
I know this will be heresy to @krista4 and a few others, but I prefer the Joe Cocker version with its great vocals and gospel influences. Ringo’s vocals here are workmanlike and fine, however.

Yes. You're awful.

 

[krista4]

With a Little Help From My Friends
I know this will be heresy to @krista4 and a few others, but I prefer the Joe Cocker version with its great vocals and gospel influences. Ringo’s vocals here are workmanlike and fine, however.

Yes. You're awful.

Also, love you, man.

 

[BassNBrew]

Sgt. Pepper's is greatness (duh). First record I ever heard in full, thanks to my dad when I was like 7 or 8.

To anyone denying the awesomeness of A Day in the Life, the door is that way.

It can be great and still not "classic rock". Beatles are a genre of their own.

Maybe they markets played them regularly, but in STL I don't recall them being of any significance in the 80's classic rock rotations.

 

[Ghost Rider]

KSHE here in STL would play some Beatles tunes back in the 90s when I listened to them, and I know A Day in the Life was one of them, but it's not like they were played early and often. LZ, Rush, VH and Floyd all seemingly got played the most on KSHE, and they would go through spells with certain artists as well. I remember in the early 90s where they went through a spell where it was Tom Petty, Tom Petty and more Tom Petty. And then they'd have a stretch where they suddenly played a lot of Springsteen and then all of a sudden it was like they stopped playing him at all except for maybe Born to Run.

 

[AAABatteries]

For two reasons I have zero issue with any of the albums included - 1. It’s Tim’s thread so he’s free to do whatever he wants. 2. The people arguing with him can’t even agree on a definition. Not to pick on Bass but saying The Beatles aren’t classic rock seems insane. There’s plenty of others examples (hell, I joked about Rod Stewart).

Looking forward to the top 20 - all should be bangers.

 

[timschochet]

18. The Rolling Stones- Beggars Banquet (1968)

Classic Rock radio hits: Sympathy for the Devil, Street Fighting Man, Stray Cat Blues, No Expectations, Salt of the Earth

The Stones returned to their blues roots with this record after experimenting with psychedelic rock on the previous two albums. This was also their first stereo record so the sound is incredibly richer than their previous mono recordings. And of course the songs are simply amazing.

Sadly this album would represent the demise of Brian Jones as he disintegrated during its recording. (He does appear on two more songs on the next record but by then he was no longer with the band.)

Sympathy For the Devil
So so great. Has to be in the running for their best ever song though that’s obviously a very tough contest. But even now what completely brilliant lyrics. The best live performance, IMO, is from the film “Rock and Roll Circus”, made shortly after this album.

No Expectations
Gorgeous ballad largely due to that slide blues guitar. Love that, always.

Dear Doctor
The Stones were really into old country like the Carter family and it shows here.

Parachute Women
Straight up blues, Elmore Jones variety, with a hard edge again due to Richard’s guitar work.

Jigsaw Puzzle
One of my favorite deep cuts ever by the Stones. The rhythm section of Wyman and Watts are especially great here. The lyrics are a little bit of a Dylan ripoff but what’s wrong with that?

Street Fighting Man
This massive hit is all Keith Richards, with one of his most famous guitar riffs. It remains a great listen.

Prodigal Son
More acoustic blues, this one a nod to Skip James. This is some of the best music you’re ever going to hear.

Stray Cat Blues
Despite the title not really blues but rock and roll. And great rock and roll. The sound explodes here. For all the greatness that is on this record, this song might be the best of all, I wouldn’t argue.

Factory Girl
More acoustic goodness, this one more folk than blues but I absolutely adore this tune; always have.

Salt of the Earth
Sweet acoustic sing along. The Stones are happy here and so am I.

 

[AAABatteries]

Sympathy For the Devil
So so great. Has to be in the running for their best ever song though that’s obviously a very tough contest. But even now what completely brilliant lyrics. The best live performance, IMO, is from the film “Rock and Roll Circus”, made shortly after this album.

My favorite Stones song. I'd have to put the overall album lower on my list but I never tire of this one.

 

[DocHolliday]

Sympathy For the Devil
So so great. Has to be in the running for their best ever song though that’s obviously a very tough contest. But even now what completely brilliant lyrics. The best live performance, IMO, is from the film “Rock and Roll Circus”, made shortly after this album.

My favorite Stones song. I'd have to put the overall album lower on my list but I never tire of this one.

Same. Not a big Stones fan due to Micks annoying vocals mostly but Sympathy is an outstanding R&R song. This album would probably not make my top 100. I don’t think I have ever made it through the whole album.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

Sympathy For the Devil
So so great. Has to be in the running for their best ever song though that’s obviously a very tough contest. But even now what completely brilliant lyrics. The best live performance, IMO, is from the film “Rock and Roll Circus”, made shortly after this album.

My favorite Stones song. I'd have to put the overall album lower on my list but I never tire of this one.

I'm no Stones fan. But this is a great song. Along with Beast of Burden and Paint it Black. Pretty much all of their music I can stand.

 

[Mr. Mojo]

18. The Rolling Stones- Beggars Banquet (1968)

Sympathy For the Devil
So so great. Has to be in the running for their best ever song though that’s obviously a very tough contest. But even now what completely brilliant lyrics. The best live performance, IMO, is from the film “Rock and Roll Circus”, made shortly after this album.

Possibly their best lyrics ever.

 

[timschochet]

Sympathy For the Devil
So so great. Has to be in the running for their best ever song though that’s obviously a very tough contest. But even now what completely brilliant lyrics. The best live performance, IMO, is from the film “Rock and Roll Circus”, made shortly after this album.

My favorite Stones song. I'd have to put the overall album lower on my list but I never tire of this one.

Same. Not a big Stones fan due to Micks annoying vocals mostly but Sympathy is an outstanding R&R song. This album would probably not make my top 100. I don’t think I have ever made it through the whole album.

If you’re not a big Stones fan, then I suspect my top 20 may not be altogether to your liking…

 

[Doug B]

18. The Rolling Stones- Beggars Banquet (1968)

Sympathy For the Devil
So so great. Has to be in the running for their best ever song though that’s obviously a very tough contest. But even now what completely brilliant lyrics. The best live performance, IMO, is from the film “Rock and Roll Circus”, made shortly after this album.

Possibly their best lyrics ever.

When my daughter was around 4 years old and this came on the radio ... she used to call "Sympathy" "the Wooh Wooh song".

Wooh wooh!

 

[Ghost Rider]

I like the Stones, but never cared for Sympathy for the Devil. I can't say I've ever heard this album in full.

 

[timschochet]

17. Led Zeppelin- Led Zeppelin (1969)

Classic rock radio hits: Communication Breakdown, Good Times Bad Times, Babe I’m Gonna Leave You, Dazed and Confused

Changed rock history for the better when the album was released. It’s a brilliant work, one of the greatest hard rock records of all time, only (possibly!) surpassed by a few later efforts by the same band. It remains timeless and wonderful to listen to.

There is, however, a negative aspect: many of these tunes were ripped off from other artists without credit. In a few cases it took decades of lawsuits to get that changed, which has only been done recently. It doesn’t take away from my listening pleasure, though.

Good Times Bad Times
I love those opening chords. I would never consider this among my favorite Zeppelin tunes but it’s great nonetheless.

Babe I’m Gonna Leave You
In my voting for @Anarchy99 ‘s thread, I think I had this in my top 5. On some days it’s higher. How can you not love this beautiful tune? Can’t believe it’s a Joan Baez cover.

You Shook Me
It’s fascinating to me that Jeff Beck, Page’s former band mate and rival, also released a similar version of this tune on his debut record, Truth (with Rod Stewart as the vocalist- take that, haters!) Both versions are great blues rockers. Not sure which one I like better.

Dazed and Confused
An absolute epic of a song. It’s a ripoff of a folk tune though Plant revised the lyrics, throwing in some real hatred of women evocative of Skip James and other early blues artists. Musically it’s a tour de force. Of course the live versions are beyond insane, but I love the original.

Your Time Is Gonna Come
Really melodic tune. Sublime chorus. So much goodness here.

Black Mountain Side
Love these Page acoustic instrumentals. First of many on these albums that I adore.

Communication Breakdown
A good argument could be made that this is the first punk rock song ever. Along with Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid”, one of the hardest driving rock songs that appear on this list.

I Can’t Quit You Baby
Much like “All Shook Up”, a showcase for slow blues. Plant’s vocals here are simply terrific, as is the (greatest of all time of any rock band ever) rhythm section.

How Many More Times
That bass line by Jones makes this tune. It’s so awesome. Yet another classic.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I was never a huge Plant fan but to my ears this album was his best. "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" is quite amazing.

 

[DocHolliday]

Sympathy For the Devil
So so great. Has to be in the running for their best ever song though that’s obviously a very tough contest. But even now what completely brilliant lyrics. The best live performance, IMO, is from the film “Rock and Roll Circus”, made shortly after this album.

My favorite Stones song. I'd have to put the overall album lower on my list but I never tire of this one.

I'm no Stones fan. But this is a great song. Along with Beast of Burden and Paint it Black. Pretty much all of their music I can stand.

I can’t turn off Beast of Burden fast enough when I hear it. Micks vocals are just awful. I do like Paint it Black a lot though.

Me and the Stones music have a very complicated relationship that goes back many decades. I don’t even think counseling can save it though. They are a cool band but just don’t do it for me.

 

[DocHolliday]

Sympathy For the Devil
So so great. Has to be in the running for their best ever song though that’s obviously a very tough contest. But even now what completely brilliant lyrics. The best live performance, IMO, is from the film “Rock and Roll Circus”, made shortly after this album.

My favorite Stones song. I'd have to put the overall album lower on my list but I never tire of this one.

Same. Not a big Stones fan due to Micks annoying vocals mostly but Sympathy is an outstanding R&R song. This album would probably not make my top 100. I don’t think I have ever made it through the whole album.

If you’re not a big Stones fan, then I suspect my top 20 may not be altogether to your liking…

I knew that would be the case when you started this thread. I still love the thread and your work. My disagreement with your list is only my opinion and not meant to come across as negative towards your opinion. I have a feeling you and I could discuss music for hours or days and I would be better for it.

 

[FairWarning]

I can't stand Tommy. I think it's a ridiculously dumb concept album. Maybe I gotta be on acid to understand it ... or whatever drug they said in Almost Famous.

The Who has always seemed overrated to me. They were a good but not great band and Tommy is an average album. There are a lot of songs that are not worth listening to ever again.

Very hit or miss for me also. There are some great songs that rarely get played (5:15, My Wife), for starters. I’m fine if I never hear Behind Blue Eyes ever again.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Despite being a bit more blues-based than their other records (I like the blues, but it tends to be a style I rarely want to listen to on my own), the Zeppelin debut is a beast of a record. There are a few songs that I only hear when doing full album listens, but some of my favorite LZ songs are on this record (Good Times Bad Times, Dazed and Confused, How Many More Times).

 

[Anarchy99]

I know no one really cares, but I am finally able to listen to some Zeppelin again two years after the LZ rankings thread. I had some serious Zeppelin PTSD after that thread.

 

[timschochet]

I know no one really cares, but I am finally able to listen to some Zeppelin again two years after the LZ rankings thread. I had some serious Zeppelin PTSD after that thread.

Trust me I get it. When this list is done I won’t be listening to many of these albums for quite some time.

 

[timschochet]

16. Queen- A Night at the Opera (1975)

Classic rock radio hits: Bohemian Rhapsody, You’re My Best Friend, Love of My Life

A pompous and glorious rock extravaganza. The one thing I would never have predicted back in the 70s is that of all the bands who were huge then, this is the one whose songs would still be widely known and loved nearly 50 years later. As I mentioned I was recently at a Queen and Adam Lambert concert. It was sold out and at least a third of the crowd was in their 20s or younger. And they knew almost every song by heart especially the ones off this album. Amazing.

Death On Two Legs (Dedicated to…)
One of the cruelest rock songs ever released, about Queen’s former manager (who ended up suing the band for defamation.) This is spiteful, mean-spirited, and great rock and roll.

Lazing On a Sunday Afternoon
The first 3 songs on this album are meant to be listened to as a medley ala Abbey Road. Like Paul McCartney, Freddie Mercury loved the British music hall and you can hear it on this fine interlude.

I’m In Love With My Car
Roger Taylor’s car song has cheesy lyrics “told my girlfriend I had to forget her, gotta buy me a new carburetor”- but it’s good rock. He performed it live at the concert- it was the only tune he sung.

You’re My Best Friend
By Deacon. A great pop rock song, and one of the band’s biggest hits. For some reason they never perform it live.

‘39
Brian May’s strange sci-fi lullaby has always been one of my favorite Queen songs and I selected it for one of Krista’s 31 song drafts. To my great surprise and gratification he performed it live at the concert.

Sweet Lady
Hardest rocking song on the album. Really love May’s guitar here.

Seaside Rendezvous
More music hall. One of those songs I hear now and wonder, how did anyone not realize Freddie was gay? “I feel like dancing”.

The Prophet’s Song
Closest thing this band ever got to prog rock. Also, the guitar sounds exactly like the later “Flash Gordon”.

Love of My Life
Such a gorgeous piano tune, and a live favorite even now. And probably the tune that makes me miss Freddie Mercury the most.

Good Company
And even more music hall. Still a lot of fun.

Bohemian Rhapsody
Not much to say here. It may have eclipsed Stairway to Heaven as the greatest classic rock song of all time. Certainly the most ubiquitous.

God Save the Queen
They also play this at the end of every concert.

 

[Psychopav]

Seaside Rendezvous
More music hall. One of those songs I hear now and wonder, how did anyone not realize Freddie was gay? “I feel like dancing”.

Why do you think that nobody thought he was gay? It was a different time, when people didn't really talk about it publicly, but it was pretty obvious he wasn't a straight arrow. I mean he was no Boy George but Liberace or Elton John wouldn't be far afield imo.

Hell people had George Michael pegged before he even knew himself. Then again we also thought Simon Lebon was gay. So there's that.

 

[timschochet]

Seaside Rendezvous
More music hall. One of those songs I hear now and wonder, how did anyone not realize Freddie was gay? “I feel like dancing”.

Why do you think that nobody thought he was gay? It was a different time, when people didn't really talk about it publicly, but it was pretty obvious he wasn't a straight arrow. I mean he was no Boy George but Liberace or Elton John wouldn't be far afield imo.

Hell people had George Michael pegged before he even knew himself. Then again we also thought Simon Lebon was gay. So there's that.

I think there is a big difference between 70s artists like Queen and 80s artists after New Wave. When I saw Queen live in 1980 the crowd was filled with teenage guys like me- rock fans who were, I would guess, pretty homophobic.

 

[Psychopav]

Seaside Rendezvous
More music hall. One of those songs I hear now and wonder, how did anyone not realize Freddie was gay? “I feel like dancing”.

Why do you think that nobody thought he was gay? It was a different time, when people didn't really talk about it publicly, but it was pretty obvious he wasn't a straight arrow. I mean he was no Boy George but Liberace or Elton John wouldn't be far afield imo.

Hell people had George Michael pegged before he even knew himself. Then again we also thought Simon Lebon was gay. So there's that.

I think there is a big difference between 70s artists like Queen and 80s artists after New Wave. When I saw Queen live in 1980 the crowd was filled with teenage guys like me- rock fans who were, I would guess, pretty homophobic.

Were you homophobic? Put another way, would you have gone to see them had you known he was gay?

Also do you think you may have been naive? They were four guys who called themselves "Queen". Frankly I'm surprised it only turned out that one of them was gay. If you had asked me at the time I'm quite sure I assumed they were all gay tbh.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Leave it to Tim to sandbag his own music thread by making a general assumption about people from decades ago with a post that would have created firestorm on the now-banned subforum.

 

[timschochet]

Seaside Rendezvous
More music hall. One of those songs I hear now and wonder, how did anyone not realize Freddie was gay? “I feel like dancing”.

Why do you think that nobody thought he was gay? It was a different time, when people didn't really talk about it publicly, but it was pretty obvious he wasn't a straight arrow. I mean he was no Boy George but Liberace or Elton John wouldn't be far afield imo.

Hell people had George Michael pegged before he even knew himself. Then again we also thought Simon Lebon was gay. So there's that.

I think there is a big difference between 70s artists like Queen and 80s artists after New Wave. When I saw Queen live in 1980 the crowd was filled with teenage guys like me- rock fans who were, I would guess, pretty homophobic.

Were you homophobic? Put another way, would you have gone to see them had you known he was gay?

Also do you think you may have been naive? They were four guys who called themselves "Queen". Frankly I'm surprised it only turned out that one of them was gay. If you had asked me at the time I'm quite sure I assumed they were all gay tbh.

I was absolutely homophobic as a teen and absolutely naive about Queen. The thought of gay men back then completely disgusted me when I thought about it at all (I tried not to.) Would I have seen them anyhow? Can’t say.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

Sympathy For the Devil
So so great. Has to be in the running for their best ever song though that’s obviously a very tough contest. But even now what completely brilliant lyrics. The best live performance, IMO, is from the film “Rock and Roll Circus”, made shortly after this album.

My favorite Stones song. I'd have to put the overall album lower on my list but I never tire of this one.

I'm no Stones fan. But this is a great song. Along with Beast of Burden and Paint it Black. Pretty much all of their music I can stand.

I can’t turn off Beast of Burden fast enough when I hear it. Micks vocals are just awful. I do like Paint it Black a lot though.

Me and the Stones music have a very complicated relationship that goes back many decades. I don’t even think counseling can save it though. They are a cool band but just don’t do it for me.

My first time, Beast of Burden was the song Dominique slow danced w me to just prior. The best blue eyes. Blonde hair. Good memories.

 

[timschochet]

15. Pink Floyd- The Wall (1979)

Classic rock radio hits: Comfortably Numb, Another Brick In the Wall Pt. 2, Mother, Young Lust, Hey You, Run Like Hell, Goodbye Blue Sky

Roger Waters is crazy and he’s gotten crazier as time goes by. Of late he spends his time spewing extreme political conspiracy theories which I won’t discuss here except to say that they’re pretty hateful.
But Waters is also, undeniably, a musical genius, and this portrait of alienation is one of his most brilliant works. It’s an incredible album and a joy to listen to.

In the Flesh?
Such great guitar. And the lyrics are brutal. Terrific opening to the record.

The Thin Ice
We go back to Pink’s beginning. Very nice piano ballad.

Another Brick in the Wall Pt. 1
Kind of an introduction to the melody. That guitar by Gilmour is mesmerizing.

The Happiest Days of Our Lives
The intro continues. Not sure why this part needed its own song title.

Another Brick in the Wall, Pt 2
Some folks don’t really like this because it’s kind of disco. I think it rocks. I really love the guitar solo in the middle. I also, even after all these years, still crack up over the “pudding” lines at the end.

Mother
One of Pink Floyd’s greatest songs. Completely classic from beginning to end. Mother do you think they’ll like this song? That’s a yes.

Goodbye Blue Sky
Gorgeous melody and another great performance. Another of my favorites.

Empty Spaces
Mostly instrumental intro for the next tune but the sung part reminds me a lot of Bauhaus and goth rock.

Young Lust
Maybe the most “standard” rock song on the album but still great to listen to. And the lyrics are fun.

One of My Turns
Most of these tunes have this dialogue in the background and it’s hard to figure out exactly what’s going on. The actual song here is an interesting melody that one feels more could have been done with.

Don’t Leave Me Now
Probably my least favorite on the album. It doesn’t go anywhere for the longest time and by the time it does I’m ready to move on.

Another Brick in the Wall, Part 3
Unnecessary reprise.

Goodbye Cruel World
Short interlude with very muffled singing.

Hey You
Another really brilliant song. Because it’s pretty slow I’m not always in the mood for it. But it’s outstanding, lyrically and musically.

Is Anybody Out There?
Another song that would fit right in on a Bauhaus record of the era. But I love the acoustic guitar.

Nobody Home
Such pretty piano here. A bit reminiscent for me of a Randy Newman tune. I’ve always really liked this.

Vera
Short pretty tune.

Bring the Boys Back Home
Nice military drums.

Comfortably Numb
Most people regard this as the band’s best song. Who am I to argue? I might suggest a tie between this song, “Wish You Were Here” and “Brain Damage”.

The Show Must Go On
Short interlude but I’ve always enjoyed this.

In the Flesh
The opening to the record was a prelude to this, the real tune, which is outstanding. Pink (Waters?) lashes out angrily at his audience. So petulant yet awesome.

Run Like Hell
Great rock and roll. Another terrific performance.

Waiting for the Worms
OK song, it’s never really done anything for me.

Stop
Short interlude.

The Trial
Always loved this. Hilarious and great music. The animation in the video is superb, particularly the presentation of the judge. Whole thing is totally brilliant.

Outside the Wall
Not much going on here. A pretty quiet ending.

 

[Anarchy99]

I always liked the movie version of Mother better.
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