The 100 Greatest Classic Rock Albums of All Time: #1. Sticky Fingers (3 Viewers)

[Pip's Invitation]

96. Billy Joel 52nd Street (1978)

Classic Rock Radio Hits: Big Shot, My Life

The sequel to The Stranger: Billy Joel has the usual hits (he’s one of the greatest hit makers of all time) but also explores new musical landscapes with some of the best jazz musicians of the era. The result is one of his very best albums.

Big Shot

As hard a rocker as you’re ever going to hear from Billy Joel. And one of his best songs IMO.

Honesty

Joel is one of a few performers on this list to bridge classic rock and easy listening. This fine ballad has been a staple for years on the easy listening stations (as well as a fan favorite at his concerts). But you’re unlikely to hear it on a classic rock station.

My Life

So many people adore this song. I don’t dislike it but it’s not something I seek out either and it wouldn’t be very high on my ranking of great Billy Joel songs. It would, however, make that list.

Zanzibar

If a Broadway show tune married a Steely Dan song, this might be the offspring. Strange but very listenable.

This was the first cassette I ever “owned”. My parents got it for me because I loved “My Life.”

I still think that, Big Shot, Stiletto and Until the Night are among his best songs. And I agree that Zanzibar sounds like Steely Dan.

 

[Tau837]

Just ran across this thread.

So far, ITTOD is the only one of these that would have made my top 100, and I expect I would have it ranked similarly.

I look forward to following along.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Zanzibar

The line "Rose, he knows he's such a credit to the game, but the Yankees grab the headlines every time" didn't hold up very well.

The Yankees still grab the headlines all the time, though.

Yes. I was referring to the Rose part. Wasn’t expecting everyone to concentrate on the Yankees part

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Just ran across this thread.

So far, ITTOD is the only one of these that would have made my top 100, and I expect I would have it ranked similarly.

I look forward to following along.

I agree with Zeppelin being the only one I’d have in so far. I love 52nd Street - but I like two other Joel albums better and I doubt I’d have 3 in the 100. I’m not actually sure I’d have 2.

 

[Ghost Rider]

52nd Street has never been one of my favorite Billy albums, probably because I never really liked My Live all that much until recently and I am still fairly ambivalent towards Big Shot, but some of the deep cuts are most excellent, especially Zanzibar.

 

[TheAristocrat]

Never had an urge to see Billy Joel until I went to Bonnaroo. Excellent performance and I knew all the songs except two. Super fun show.

 

[rockaction]

Never had an urge to see Billy Joel until I went to Bonnaroo.

Look at this hipster going to Bonnaroo.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Never had an urge to see Billy Joel until I went to Bonnaroo.

Look at this hipster going to Bonnaroo.

Thumper Rule for me on that comment (not yours, rock).

 

[timschochet]

95. Kansas- Leftoverture (1976)

Classic Rock Radio Hits: Carry On Wayward Son, The Wall

This was Kansas’ breakthrough record, possibly because Kerry Livgren took over most of the songwriting from Steve Walsh. The result was a monster hit in the opener, along with some of the band’s best ever music. I was 11 when this album was released and my late older brother played it every day, all day. (He was 14). As a result it’s one of those records in which I know every note by heart even now.

Carry On Wayward Son

On any list of greatest classic rock songs of all time, this would have to at the very least be up for consideration. Given its “progressive rock” changes and rather complex melody, it’s amazing that it’s lasted for decades as a top hit which even my kids know well. But it has.

The Wall

Considered by a lot of critics as the band’s finest song, or at least close to it. A universal theme with a terrific melody, earnestly sung.

What’s On My Mind

A really good deep cut hard rocker.

Miracles Out of Nowhere

This may be my personal favorite on the album, and in my top 3 favorite Kansas songs of all times. I love the opening that leads to the sweet acoustic guitar. The melody is terrific. And as a young teenager the lyrics had special meaning for me.

Opus Insert

Yet another fine deep cut. For all the complexity these songs have always been very easy to sing along to. “After all it’s all the same”.

Questions of My Childhood

The band shows off their musicianship here with some fine performances. But this is probably the weakest composition on the record.

Cheyenne Autumn

Okay so the lyrics to this mostly acoustic ballad are a little silly. But it’s still a pretty interesting melody.

Magnum Opus

With this 4 part epic we finally get to the progressive part of this progressive rock band. And it’s fittingly pompous and pretentious, with plenty of deep meaning and littered with self-importance. And yet I still love to listen to it.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Worthy selection.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Kerry Livgren was always the most prolific songwriter prior to this record.

Amazing record. I don’t listen to this band much anymore, but a longtime friend still remembers how my jaw was on the floor the first time he played me Miracles out of Nowhere and Cheyenne Anthem.

 

[Doug B]

The Wall

Considered by a lot of critics as the band’s finest song, or at least close to it. A universal theme with a terrific melody, earnestly sung.

I don't know why, but the classic rock stations down here that I'm most familiar with (Louisiana & Mississippi) never, ever played "The Wall". Just a blind spot by the station directors and DJs, I guess.

For that matter, I've not heard this song on Sirius XM's Classic Vinyl or Classic Rewind stations, either.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I don't know why, but the classic rock stations down here that I'm most familiar with (Louisiana & Mississippi) never, ever played "The Wall".

same in NYC area. I don't believe I ever heard it on the radio at all - regardless of format.

 

[zamboni]

I don't know why, but the classic rock stations down here that I'm most familiar with (Louisiana & Mississippi) never, ever played "The Wall".

same in NYC area. I don't believe I ever heard it on the radio at all - regardless of format.

Agreed - don't think I've ever heard it on the radio. Not sure I've heard anything from them on classic rock radio other than primarily "Carry On Wayward Son", "Point of No Return" and "Dust In The Wind", with the occasional "Hold On". On some '80s stations, once in a blue moon you'll hear "Fight Fire With Fire" or "Play The Game Tonight".

 

[timschochet]

With regard to “The Wall”:

It was played on my local station (KLOS) during the 80s, but fleetingly. So I’m cheating on my rules a bit here. I’m going to do this with at least one other album coming up. Some of these albums are too good to exclude. Nonetheless I didn’t want to throw out the rule entirely or else my list would REALLY be a mess. (Not that it isn’t one now.)

 

[Doug B]

With regard to “The Wall”:

It was played on my local station (KLOS) during the 80s, but fleetingly.

This is the kind of thing that made individual classic-rock stations more interesting before they ALL went corporate. Individual programmer curation could really enhance a station's playlist.

Even as recently as ~2005-06, there was a CR station in Baton Rouge that would pepper in all kinds of interesting live versions. Sometimes well-worn songs that took on new life via live performance. Other times interesting live deep cuts that made you wonder "Why wasn't this ever released?"

 

[Ghost Rider]

This is where classic rock being expanded to cover all the 80s and even the 90s has lessened how many songs by bands like this get played. While Kansas used to get 5-6 songs played on classic rock radio, because there are many more years and artists for classic rock stations to pool from, they are down to 3 on most now (Carry On, Dust, Point).

 

[Gr00vus]

This thread is reminding me why I didn't listen to classic rock stations much.

 

[BobbyLayne]

I don't know why, but the classic rock stations down here that I'm most familiar with (Louisiana & Mississippi) never, ever played "The Wall".

same in NYC area. I don't believe I ever heard it on the radio at all - regardless of format.

Agreed - don't think I've ever heard it on the radio. Not sure I've heard anything from them on classic rock radio other than primarily "Carry On Wayward Son", "Point of No Return" and "Dust In The Wind", with the occasional "Hold On". On some '80s stations, once in a blue moon you'll hear "Fight Fire With Fire" or "Play The Game Tonight".

Same same in my Midwest experience

***************

I loved Leftoverture when I was in h.s. I bought & enjoyed the first 3 - the eponymous debut (John Brown cover), Song for America and Masque - but this album seemed the most complete up to that point. The opener Carry On My Wayward Son brought them mainstream popularity and the final song Magnum Opus is a terrific prog rock composition.

They exploded beyond all recognition with the massively successful follow up, but for me this is actual peak in terms of enjoyment. I tended to move on from bands once they become oversaturated and Kansas is a prime example of that (my personal quirk, not a criticism, I just have always felt like some bands tend to run out of things to say at precisely the moment their popularity skyrockets.)

 

[Stoneworker]

Solid choice and the first on the list IMO that should be a staple of any vinyl collection for the era. Never personally cared much for Side 2 but Side 1 definitely got worn out.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

I don't know why, but the classic rock stations down here that I'm most familiar with (Louisiana & Mississippi) never, ever played "The Wall".

same in NYC area. I don't believe I ever heard it on the radio at all - regardless of format.

Agreed - don't think I've ever heard it on the radio. Not sure I've heard anything from them on classic rock radio other than primarily "Carry On Wayward Son", "Point of No Return" and "Dust In The Wind", with the occasional "Hold On". On some '80s stations, once in a blue moon you'll hear "Fight Fire With Fire" or "Play The Game Tonight".

In Philly the FM stations would occasionally play The Wall, but not nearly as often as Carry On Wayward Son, Dust in the Wind, Point of Know Return, Hold On or Portrait (He Knew).

 

[northern exposure]

Stiletto

Some really good piano work here, otherwise there’s nothing much interesting to me about this tune.

Rosalinda’s Eyes

This jazzy ballad is quite melodic and probably my favorite deep cut on the album.

Half A Mile Away

A joyful song that is also one of the better deep cuts.

Until The Night

Has that classic early 60s Four Seasons sound that Billy Joel has always loved.

52nd Street

The title song is interesting but I can’t stand that scream he makes.

first album listed that i can "see" on a top 100 platter countdown.

L.I. Strong

goodt pickins'

First album on the list I don't consider Classic Rock. William can try all he likes, but he can't rock.
Pop or Adult Contemporary.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

First album on the list I don't consider Classic Rock. William can try all he likes, but he can't rock.

Next phase, new wave, dance craze, anyways
It's still rock and roll to me.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I don't know why, but the classic rock stations down here that I'm most familiar with (Louisiana & Mississippi) never, ever played "The Wall".

same in NYC area. I don't believe I ever heard it on the radio at all - regardless of format.

Agreed - don't think I've ever heard it on the radio. Not sure I've heard anything from them on classic rock radio other than primarily "Carry On Wayward Son", "Point of No Return" and "Dust In The Wind", with the occasional "Hold On". On some '80s stations, once in a blue moon you'll hear "Fight Fire With Fire" or "Play The Game Tonight".

In Philly the FM stations would occasionally play The Wall, but not nearly as often as Carry On Wayward Son, Dust in the Wind, Point of Know Return, Hold On or Portrait (He Knew).

Here in STL, What's On My Mind was played far more often than The Wall back in the day, with regards to songs played from Leftoverture.

 

[shuke]

The Wall

Considered by a lot of critics as the band’s finest song, or at least close to it. A universal theme with a terrific melody, earnestly sung.

I don't know why, but the classic rock stations down here that I'm most familiar with (Louisiana & Mississippi) never, ever played "The Wall". Just a blind spot by the station directors and DJs, I guess.

For that matter, I've not heard this song on Sirius XM's Classic Vinyl or Classic Rewind stations, either.

I've never heard this on the radio. Too proggy?

 

[Doug B]

I've never heard this on the radio. Too proggy?

If you mean the '80s vintage classic-rock stations, maybe so. Though it seems that ELP and Yes got plenty of run.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I've never heard this on the radio. Too proggy?

If you mean the '80s vintage classic-rock stations, maybe so. Though it seems that ELP and Yes got plenty of run.

Some early Genesis (mostly two songs from Lamb Lies Down) also got some play.

 

[pecorino]

I don't know why, but the classic rock stations down here that I'm most familiar with (Louisiana & Mississippi) never, ever played "The Wall".

same in NYC area. I don't believe I ever heard it on the radio at all - regardless of format.

Agreed - don't think I've ever heard it on the radio. Not sure I've heard anything from them on classic rock radio other than primarily "Carry On Wayward Son", "Point of No Return" and "Dust In The Wind", with the occasional "Hold On". On some '80s stations, once in a blue moon you'll hear "Fight Fire With Fire" or "Play The Game Tonight".

In Philly the FM stations would occasionally play The Wall, but not nearly as often as Carry On Wayward Son, Dust in the Wind, Point of Know Return, Hold On or Portrait (He Knew).

Similar in Pittsburgh but also Miracles out of Nowhere and What’s on my Mind get sporadic radio play. Magnum Opus, geez. What a great all around album.

 

[BobbyLayne]

I've never heard this on the radio. Too proggy?

If you mean the '80s vintage classic-rock stations, maybe so. Though it seems that ELP and Yes got plenty of run.

Some early Genesis (mostly two songs from Lamb Lies Down) also got some play.

Genesis, Kansas and Supertramp are all examples of bands I really loved before they went mainstream, and pretty much not at all after they had a multi-platinum LP.

Wore the groves out on LLDOB.

 

[northern exposure]

First album on the list I don't consider Classic Rock. William can try all he likes, but he can't rock.

Next phase, new wave, dance craze, anyways
It's still rock and roll to me.

William Martin Joel aka ROCK GOD!

 

[BassNBrew]

I don't know why, but the classic rock stations down here that I'm most familiar with (Louisiana & Mississippi) never, ever played "The Wall".

same in NYC area. I don't believe I ever heard it on the radio at all - regardless of format.

Agreed - don't think I've ever heard it on the radio. Not sure I've heard anything from them on classic rock radio other than primarily "Carry On Wayward Son", "Point of No Return" and "Dust In The Wind", with the occasional "Hold On". On some '80s stations, once in a blue moon you'll hear "Fight Fire With Fire" or "Play The Game Tonight".

In Philly the FM stations would occasionally play The Wall, but not nearly as often as Carry On Wayward Son, Dust in the Wind, Point of Know Return, Hold On or Portrait (He Knew).

Here in STL, What's On My Mind was played far more often than The Wall back in the day, with regards to songs played from Leftoverture.

KSHE?

 

[timschochet]

94. Journey- Infinity (1978)

Classic Rock Radio Hits: Wheel In The Sky, Lights, Anytime

I only have room on this list for one Journey album and this is the one. It was their breakthrough record thanks to the addition of Steve Perry, IMO one of the greatest rock vocalists of all time. Future albums would be even more popular but I don’t think they’re quite as good. Infinity has a less commercial sound and the combination of Perry and Schon make for terrific rock and roll.

Lights
I was amazed to read that this was originally intended to be about Los Angeles. It seems like such a perfect tribute to San Francisco. Perry’s vocals are perfection, and Schon’s solo is superb. A true classic.

Feeling That Way
Sounds a little like Chicago from the same era. Pleasant pop rock.

Anytime
The only Journey song I can think of with not much Perry lead vocals (he does make a slight appearance) to make a splash on the radio. It’s OK, but forgettable.

La Do Da
Probably the hardest this band ever rocked. Almost sounds like heavy metal:

Patiently
In the early 80s, Journey would become masters of the rock ballad sound of the era. This tune was an early prototype.

Wheel In The Sky
I think this is the band’s best song ever and one of the great classic rock songs of the late 70s. Everything clicks.

Something to Hide
A pretty good deep cut. Perry sings his guts out.

Winds of March
I write a lot about Perry and Schon but Gregg Rolie’s fine keyboards should not be overlooked. This is an ordinary ballad but a good example of his skills.

Can Do
Another pretty good hard rocker. This album is simply harder than future efforts.

Opened The Door
The album closes with another ballad featuring Perry’s amazing skills.

 

[BobbyLayne]

94. Journey- Infinity (1978)

Classic Rock Radio Hits: Wheel In The Sky, Lights, Anytime

I only have room on this list for one Journey album and this is the one. It was their breakthrough record thanks to the addition of Steve Perry, IMO one of the greatest rock vocalists of all time. Future albums would be even more popular but I don’t think they’re quite as good. Infinity has a less commercial sound and the combination of Perry and Schon make for terrific rock and roll.

Lights
I was amazed to read that this was originally intended to be about Los Angeles. It seems like such a perfect tribute to San Francisco. Perry’s vocals are perfection, and Schon’s solo is superb. A true classic.

Feeling That Way
Sounds a little like Chicago from the same era. Pleasant pop rock.

Anytime
The only Journey song I can think of with not much Perry lead vocals (he does make a slight appearance) to make a splash on the radio. It’s OK, but forgettable.

La Do Da
Probably the hardest this band ever rocked. Almost sounds like heavy metal:

Patiently
In the early 80s, Journey would become masters of the rock ballad sound of the era. This tune was an early prototype.

Wheel In The Sky
I think this is the band’s best song ever and one of the great classic rock songs of the late 70s. Everything clicks.

Something to Hide
A pretty good deep cut. Perry sings his guts out.

Winds of March
I write a lot about Perry and Schon but Gregg Rolie’s fine keyboards should not be overlooked. This is an ordinary ballad but a good example of his skills.

Can Do
Another pretty good hard rocker. This album is simply harder than future efforts.

Opened The Door
The album closes with another ballad featuring Perry’s amazing skills.

Aw, the playlist of every wedding reception I’ve ever been to in the Midwest.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Feeling That Way and Anytime were always played together here, kind of like LZ’s Heartbreaker and Living Loving Maid.

Anyway, good album. Winds of March is a damn good deep cut.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Wheel In The Sky
I think this is the band’s best song ever and one of the great classic rock songs of the late 70s. Everything clicks.

Agreed.

Bang for your buck, this is a Mt Rushmore album if you're into late '70s arena rock.

 

[rockaction]

"Separate Ways" runs circles around the songs I know off of this Journey album.

And the video is just boffo. "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" despite its garish and almost vomit-inducing title, also runs rings.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Stiletto

Some really good piano work here, otherwise there’s nothing much interesting to me about this tune.

Rosalinda’s Eyes

This jazzy ballad is quite melodic and probably my favorite deep cut on the album.

Half A Mile Away

A joyful song that is also one of the better deep cuts.

Until The Night

Has that classic early 60s Four Seasons sound that Billy Joel has always loved.

52nd Street

The title song is interesting but I can’t stand that scream he makes.

first album listed that i can "see" on a top 100 platter countdown.

L.I. Strong

goodt pickins'

First album on the list I don't consider Classic Rock. William can try all he likes, but he can't rock.
Pop or Adult Contemporary.

I kind of agree with @northern exposure here. That said, I bought 52nd Street the same day

Spoiler: foreshadowing

Look Sharp

came out.

 

[rockaction]

BL, that spoiler is going nowhere near this list. At least I think.

Who knows with tim?

 

[Uruk-Hai]

BL, that spoiler is going nowhere near this list. At least I think.

Who knows with tim?

It won't be here.

 

[timschochet]

"Separate Ways" runs circles around the songs I know off of this Journey album.

And the video is just boffo. "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" despite its garish and almost vomit-inducing title, also runs rings.

@rockaction , the fan of schlocky commercialism? Who knew?

 

[Stoneworker]

"Separate Ways" runs circles around the songs I know off of this Journey album.

And the video is just boffo. "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" despite its garish and almost vomit-inducing title, also runs rings.

Completely disagree.

Steve Perry's vocals on Separate Ways are too processed and harmonized for my taste. And the synth pad enveloping the entire song gives it the MTV-esque "Eye of the Tiger/later vintage Van Halen's 80's sound" where too much makes me puke.

Perry's vocals on Infinity are much cleaner and authentic sounding. Ditto for the guitars plus you can actually hear the drum kit.

Multiple songs on Infinity simply blow Separate Ways away if a pure classic rock and roll sound is the goal.

ETA: i'm not saying separate ways sucks, just responding to the comparative comment

 

[rockaction]

@rockaction , the fan of schlocky commercialism? Who knew?

When comparing shlock, one goes headlong into the schlock, boats beating against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past,.

 

[rockaction]

Steve Perry's vocals on Separate Ways are too processed and harmonized for my taste. And the synth pad enveloping the entire song gives it the MTV-esque "Eye of the Tiger/later vintage Van Halen's 80's sound" where too much makes me puke.

Yes, yes. Go on...I like what I'm hearing in the boldface

if a pure classic rock and roll sound is the goal.

Houston, we've identified the problem here.

 

[Doug B]

Feeling That Way
Sounds a little like Chicago from the same era. Pleasant pop rock.

Anytime
The only Journey song I can think of with not much Perry lead vocals (he does make a slight appearance) to make a splash on the radio. It’s OK, but forgettable.

I always treat these two together as a single track.

 

[Ghost Rider]

"Separate Ways" runs circles around the songs I know off of this Journey album.

And the video is just boffo. "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" despite its garish and almost vomit-inducing title, also runs rings.

Completely disagree.

Steve Perry's vocals on Separate Ways are too processed and harmonized for my taste. And the synth pad enveloping the entire song gives it the MTV-esque "Eye of the Tiger/later vintage Van Halen's 80's sound" where too much makes me puke.

Perry's vocals on Infinity are much cleaner and authentic sounding. Ditto for the guitars plus you can actually hear the drum kit.

Multiple songs on Infinity simply blow Separate Ways away if a pure classic rock and roll sound is the goal.

ETA: i'm not saying separate ways sucks, just responding to the comparative comment

Good music is, and should always be, the goal. Separate Ways is a great song.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

How can anyone not like when Steve Perry bursts in to interrupt Greg Rollie's lead vocals in Feeling That Way?

When the summer's gone
She'll be there standing by the light
Once she's been to where she's gone to
She should know wrong from right
Is she feelin'
Are you feelin', you feelin' that way too
Or am I just
Am I just your fool?

 

[northern exposure]

BL, that spoiler is going nowhere near this list. At least I think.

Who knows with tim?

tim might just do a spite ranking of it now.

 

[Stoneworker]

"Separate Ways" runs circles around the songs I know off of this Journey album.

And the video is just boffo. "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" despite its garish and almost vomit-inducing title, also runs rings.

Completely disagree.

Steve Perry's vocals on Separate Ways are too processed and harmonized for my taste. And the synth pad enveloping the entire song gives it the MTV-esque "Eye of the Tiger/later vintage Van Halen's 80's sound" where too much makes me puke.

Perry's vocals on Infinity are much cleaner and authentic sounding. Ditto for the guitars plus you can actually hear the drum kit.

Multiple songs on Infinity simply blow Separate Ways away if a pure classic rock and roll sound is the goal.

ETA: i'm not saying separate ways sucks, just responding to the comparative comment

Good music is, and should always be, the goal. Separate Ways is a great s

"Separate Ways" runs circles around the songs I know off of this Journey album.

And the video is just boffo. "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" despite its garish and almost vomit-inducing title, also runs rings.

Completely disagree.

Steve Perry's vocals on Separate Ways are too processed and harmonized for my taste. And the synth pad enveloping the entire song gives it the MTV-esque "Eye of the Tiger/later vintage Van Halen's 80's sound" where too much makes me puke.

Perry's vocals on Infinity are much cleaner and authentic sounding. Ditto for the guitars plus you can actually hear the drum kit.

Multiple songs on Infinity simply blow Separate Ways away if a pure classic rock and roll sound is the goal.

ETA: i'm not saying separate ways sucks, just responding to the comparative comment

Good music is, and should always be, the goal. Separate Ways is a great song.

Meh. It's a popular song, not a great song.

Someday love will find you, break those ties that bind you is about as cliche and tired a chorus lyric as you can get

 

[rockaction]

How can anyone not like when Steve Perry bursts in to interrupt Greg Rollie's lead vocals in Feeling That Way?

When the summer's gone
She'll be there standing by the light
Once she's been to where she's gone to
She should know wrong from right
Is she feelin'
Are you feelin', you feelin' that way too
Or am I just
Am I just your fool?

I don't think I've ever heard it, but I'm still

Smalls, you're killing me.

 

[zamboni]

How can anyone not like when Steve Perry bursts in to interrupt Greg Rollie's lead vocals in Feeling That Way?

When the summer's gone
She'll be there standing by the light
Once she's been to where she's gone to
She should know wrong from right
Is she feelin'
Are you feelin', you feelin' that way too
Or am I just
Am I just your fool?

I do love the Schon solo at the end of Feeling though.