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

[Uruk-Hai]

Cotton Fields
Very catchy deep cut that sounds a little like “Lodi”, but also like traditional country. The Band gets a lot of credit for creating what is now known as “Americana” music in this same year of 1969, but CCR was doing the same kind of thing nearly as well.

This is a cover. I remember being very small (maybe '67 or so) and my mom had an album where the artist sang this. I wish I could remember who it was - some MOR singer like Steve Lawrence - but I'm assuming it wasn't original to him.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

My stations played the majority of these songs -- only Lady of the Island and 49 Bye-Byes never showed up.

Hell, XPN still plays 6 of them as part their "regular" programming.

 

[Stoneworker]

Fortunate Son
Might win my vote for this band’s best song ever, along with “Proud Mary”. Fogerty seems pretty angry about the unjust nature of the draft and the Vietnam War. Supposedly the “Senator’s son” was Al Gore.

Interesting. Nice piece of trivia

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I love the album but….not gonna go there….

This is definitely classic rock.

Yes - but so is Blood on the Tracks.

Doc, I'm just curious for discussion purposes only what is your broad definition of classic rock?

I don’t know that I have a definition but think radio play on classic rock stations is a decent barometer- but this thread is also showing that’s flawed in that different tracks got traction in different markets. For some of us some of these albums wouldn’t meet Tim’s criteria even though it does for him (different markets).

I guess it’s a cop out in some ways but it’s one of those “you know it when you see it” things. I’m pretty sure most would classify Dylan as rock/classic rock - I mean one could call him “folk” but that would only cover a minuscule time period of his career.

 

[Stoneworker]

Doc, I'm just curious for discussion purposes only what is your broad definition of classic rock?

I don’t know that I have a definition but think radio play on classic rock stations is a decent barometer- but this thread is also showing that’s flawed in that different tracks got traction in different markets. For some of us some of these albums wouldn’t meet Tim’s criteria even though it does for him (different markets).

I guess it’s a cop out in some ways but it’s one of those “you know it when you see it” things. I’m pretty sure most would classify Dylan as rock/classic rock - I mean one could call him “folk” but that would only cover a minuscule time period of his career.

I would similarly use "reasonably prominent in the rotation of 70's-era FM rock stations" as the barometer.

Which is a much broader range of music relative to the narrower subset of the genre which is now called "classic rock" which as a label emerged IIRC in the 90's to contrast it to the "modern rock" of that newer era. Or what each of us gravitates toward from a subjective stylistic standpoint.

In particular, there was a lot of "singer/songwriter/protest" music that got prominent airplay in the 70's on FM rock stations that sonically is quite different from what is played on most 2023 "classic rock" platforms. In this I would include Dylan (how is Tangled Up in Blue not classic rock?), America, James Taylor, Harry Nilsson even Carole King that would likely be not immediately thought of today as classic rock.

 

[AAABatteries]

I absolutely love CCR - their greatest hit cassette tape was one of my favorite and most played “albums” ever.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Which is a much broader range of music relative to the narrower subset of the genre which is now called "classic rock" which as a label emerged IIRC in the 90's

It emerged in the '80s. It was a time capsule (like Oldies) of '64-'76 rock when it started. It wasn't an "active" format playing new music. A lot of people confuse it with AOR, which was active with an emphasis on currents.

Tim's using the original definition of CR radio as he remembers it from the late '80s & '90s, when they moved the goalposts to '67 through early '80s.

 

[zamboni]

A lot of people confuse it with AOR, which was active with an emphasis on currents.

I think there would be a clearer delineation here if we used AOR rather than classic rock as the label. Even so, it's a very blurry line across genres.

In any event, seems like we'll all still be having this discussion/argument when we're in assisted living facilities.

 

[Stoneworker]

Which is a much broader range of music relative to the narrower subset of the genre which is now called "classic rock" which as a label emerged IIRC in the 90's

It emerged in the '80s. It was a time capsule (like Oldies) of '64-'76 rock when it started. It wasn't an "active" format playing new music. A lot of people confuse it with AOR, which was active with an emphasis on currents.

Tim's using the original definition of CR radio as he remembers it from the late '80s & '90s, when they moved the goalposts to '67 through early '80s.

Ah. Thanks. I had my head in the sand culturally during the 80's for various reasons so that helps.

 

[Anarchy99]

One thing I am a little confused over is one of the criteria in compiling the list is # of songs with FM airplay, but beyond that, it seems like there may be a lot of consideration for the other songs on the album in terms of determining if it is "great" or not. As I mentioned pages and pages ago, until we see the entire list, it's hard to comment on what made it and where the albums are ranked.

For now, all I can say is we are about 20 songs in, and there were some selections that where I lived didn't get a ton of airplay. I don't know if that will come at the expense of albums that (at least to me) fit the profile that had a lot of songs on the radio. I guess my theorical question is if an album with one big song (and maybe a fringe song) could make the list while an album that had 6 songs that got significant airplay could end up missing the list altogether?

For example, if a song had 6 songs on the radio and 6 songs as filler could that be left off the list while an album with 1.5 songs on the radio and 9 other strong songs with no filler end up being ranked?

I get it, it's Tim, so consistent logic and rules may not fully apply (no offense).

 

[timschochet]

One thing I am a little confused over is one of the criteria in compiling the list is # of songs with FM airplay, but beyond that, it seems like there may be a lot of consideration for the other songs on the album in terms of determining if it is "great" or not. As I mentioned pages and pages ago, until we see the entire list, it's hard to comment on what made it and where the albums are ranked.

For now, all I can say is we are about 20 songs in, and there were some selections that where I lived didn't get a ton of airplay. I don't know if that will come at the expense of albums that (at least to me) fit the profile that had a lot of songs on the radio. I guess my theorical question is if an album with one big song (and maybe a fringe song) could make the list while an album that had 6 songs that got significant airplay could end up missing the list altogether?

For example, if a song had 6 songs on the radio and 6 songs as filler could that be left off the list while an album with 1.5 songs on the radio and 9 other strong songs with no filler end up being ranked?

I get it, it's Tim, so consistent logic and rules may not fully apply (no offense).

I can’t answer you until the list is done.

As I look at my list I don’t think there are any really great classic rock albums that are missing, though others may disagree. My goal in doing this, beyond the simple joy of discussing great music, was because I don’t want to compare the classic late Beatles albums to What’s Gong On or Tapestry or London Calling or Innervisions. I want to compare the classic late Beatles albums to the classic Stones, Who and LZ and Floyd albums, and all the rest, if that makes any sense.

 

[Gr00vus]

Happy to see Credence show up.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Happy to see Credence show up.

Yep, it is very Dude for them to be featured here.

----

I can honestly say I have never heard a CCR album in full, however. It is crazy how many good songs they had in such a short span of time, but I never felt the urge to go listen to a full album. The greatest hits was so damn good that it was all I needed (and no one I knew ever talked up any one individual album). Down on the Corner and Fortunate Son from the featured album here are probably two of my three favorite songs by the band, with Lookin' Out My Back Door being the other.

 

[zamboni]

Happy to see Credence show up.

Yep, it is very Dude for them to be featured here.

----

I can honestly say I have never heard a CCR album in full, however. It is crazy how many good songs they had in such a short span of time, but I never felt the urge to go listen to a full album. The greatest hits was so damn good that it was all I needed (and no one I knew ever talked up any one individual album). Down on the Corner and Fortunate Son from the featured album here are probably two of my three favorite songs by the band, with Lookin' Out My Back Door being the other.

Wanna see something really scary

 

[timschochet]

80. Santana- Abraxas (1970)

Classic Rock Radio Hits: Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va

Carlos Santana has always been about Latin influenced blues rock with a jazz tinge, and Abraxas was his masterpiece. Its mixture of instrumentals and rock classics makes it a smooth and wonderful listen all the way through, not to be missed. The lead singer here is Greg Rolie, who was also the original lead singer of Journey.

Singing Women, Crying Beasts
Great instrumental to begin the album which folds right in to the main tune…

Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen
This was actually a Fleetwood Mac song, written by blues master Peter Green, but Santana offers the definitive here. There is so much to like in this classic but I especially love the bass by David Brown.

Oye Como Va
An early 60s hit for Latin great Tito Puente, but again Santana offers the rock version most people know. Like Black Magic Woman, this is a timeless classic.

Incident at Neshabur
A gorgeous jazz instrumental. The slow down in the middle here is simply breathtaking. Damn this band can play.

Se a Cabo
Another very good (mostly) instrumental, featuring Rolie’s great keyboards, and some fantastic percussion.

Mother’s Daughter
This is a pretty good deep cut. Just straight up blues rock but done very well.

Samba Pa Ti
This slow instrumental, written by Carlos, is one of his most famous tunes, though not played on classic rock radio. His live concert version, which I saw years ago, is long and with much improvisation.

Hope You’re Feeling Better
Another excellent bluesy deep cut.

El Nicoya
This short ending to the album sounds very much like a lot of South American jazz I have heard.

 

[Doug B]

The second appearance of Gregg Rolie here.

 

[Raging weasel]

Love Abraxas and would rate it at least 50 spots higher.

 

[zamboni]

The second appearance of Gregg Rolie here.

He escaped a potential third one here.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

As I look at my list I don’t think there are any really great classic rock albums that are missing

Well one that should be definitely on the list - but won’t be due to one of your rules is “Frampton Comes Alive” - I get why you don’t allow live albums but it’s a bit flawed for cases like that and “Live At The Filmore East”, “At Budakon” and a few others that will get left off.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

The second appearance of Gregg Rolie here.

And Neal Schon

 

[Doug B]

The second appearance of Gregg Rolie here.

And Neal Schon

Not on Abraxas -- he joined Santana the following year.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Incident at Neshabur is my #1 Santana. The whole album is brilliant.

My stations used to play Hope You’re Feeling Better in addition to the big 2.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

My stations used to play Hope You’re Feeling Better in addition to the big 2.

I was going to say that also, but wasn’t sure if my mind was working correctly, but I’ll second it now.

 

[timschochet]

79. The Rolling Stones- Some Girls (1978)

Classic Rock Radio Hits: Miss You, Shattered, Beast of Burden

This was the Stones’ best effort since Exile On Main Street and arguably their last really good album. Mick Jagger had spent a lot of time listening to the relatively new sounds of disco, punk rock, and New Wave, and sought to incorporate these into the band’s usual blues-rock output. This was also Ronnie Wood’s first official album (he had been around for a few songs previously.)

Miss You
IMO this is one of the most brilliant tunes of he late 70s. So catchy and irresistible. Featuring a harmonica player named Sugar Blue who Mick discovered. And I’m still waiting to meet those Puerto Rican girls.

When The Whip Comes Down
A two chord punk rock song about being gay. Great sound, and it needs to be played loud.

Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)
The Stones seemed to love covering the Temptations. Their version of this classic is faithful in some ways except that the guitar is turned up loud to make it rock and roll instead of soul.

Some Girls
Sexist, racist, hilarious, including a highly controversial line about black girls which the band has removed when they perform this live. Also catchy and fun to listen to.

Lies
Terrific hard rocking deep cut. Another tune on the record which sounds like it was influenced by punk rock.

Far Away Eyes
The Stones love country. I like this tune but it’s ruined a little bit by Mick’s silly intro and fake southern voice.

Respectable
Yet another loud punk rock style rocker. This one was a successful single when the album was released but I can’t recall ever hearing it on classic rock radio.

Before They Make Me Run
Keith sings vocals here. You can’t really make out what he’s saying but apparently the song is about his heroin arrest. Pretty catchy tune.

Beast of Burden
This is my favorite song on the album and one of my favorite all time Stones songs. Soulful and always great to listen to. I even love the Bette Midler cover.

Shattered
Another of their most well known songs. The New Wave guitar sound is awesome.

 

[otb_lifer]

pretty sure "Black n' Blue" were Woody's first ('75)



but, yeah ... great work by the Stones here - they adapted and stylized so much better than any of the "dinosaurs" - they upped the game, got back to the sleazy and salacious ... the streets came callin' and they answered - coulda been CRINGE as f***, but i heartily applaud their effort.

 

[timschochet]

pretty sure "Black n' Blue" were Woody's first ('75)



but, yeah ... great work by the Stones here - they adapted and stylized so much better than any of the "dinosaurs" - they upped the game, got back to the sleazy and salacious ... the streets came callin' and they answered - coulda been CRINGE as f***, but i heartily applaud their effort.

That’s why I used the word “official”. According to Wiki he appeared on Black n’ Blue but hadn’t joined the band yet.

 

[Mr. Mojo]

79. The Rolling Stones- Some Girls (1978)

Classic Rock Radio Hits: Miss You, Shattered, Beast of Burden

This was the Stones’ best effort since Exile On Main Street and arguably their last really good album. Mick Jagger had spent a lot of time listening to the relatively new sounds of disco, punk rock, and New Wave, and sought to incorporate these into the band’s usual blues-rock output. This was also Ronnie Wood’s first official album (he had been around for a few songs previously.)

Miss You
IMO this is one of the most brilliant tunes of he late 70s. So catchy and irresistible. Featuring a harmonica player named Sugar Blue who Mick discovered. And I’m still waiting to meet those Puerto Rican girls.

When The Whip Comes Down
A two chord punk rock song about being gay. Great sound, and it needs to be played loud.

Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)
The Stones seemed to love covering the Temptations. Their version of this classic is faithful in some ways except that the guitar is turned up loud to make it rock and roll instead of soul.

Some Girls
Sexist, racist, hilarious, including a highly controversial line about black girls which the band has removed when they perform this live. Also catchy and fun to listen to.

Lies
Terrific hard rocking deep cut. Another tune on the record which sounds like it was influenced by punk rock.

Far Away Eyes
The Stones love country. I like this tune but it’s ruined a little bit by Mick’s silly intro and fake southern voice.

Respectable
Yet another loud punk rock style rocker. This one was a successful single when the album was released but I can’t recall ever hearing it on classic rock radio.

Before They Make Me Run
Keith sings vocals here. You can’t really make out what he’s saying but apparently the song is about his heroin arrest. Pretty catchy tune.

Beast of Burden
This is my favorite song on the album and one of my favorite all time Stones songs. Soulful and always great to listen to. I even love the Bette Midler cover.

Shattered
Another of their most well known songs. The New Wave guitar sound is awesome.

Miss You is iconic and unforgettable.
But Shattered is one of my least favorite songs by them as it's just dull.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

pretty sure "Black n' Blue" were Woody's first ('75)



but, yeah ... great work by the Stones here - they adapted and stylized so much better than any of the "dinosaurs" - they upped the game, got back to the sleazy and salacious ... the streets came callin' and they answered - coulda been CRINGE as f***, but i heartily applaud their effort.

That’s why I used the word “official”. According to Wiki he appeared on Black n’ Blue but hadn’t joined the band yet.

It was his audition, along with Wayne Perkins and Harvey Mandell, to take over for Mick Taylor.

 

[otb_lifer]

pretty sure "Black n' Blue" were Woody's first ('75)



but, yeah ... great work by the Stones here - they adapted and stylized so much better than any of the "dinosaurs" - they upped the game, got back to the sleazy and salacious ... the streets came callin' and they answered - coulda been CRINGE as f***, but i heartily applaud their effort.

That’s why I used the word “official”. According to Wiki he appeared on Black n’ Blue but hadn’t joined the band yet.

pretty sure "Black n' Blue" were Woody's first ('75)



but, yeah ... great work by the Stones here - they adapted and stylized so much better than any of the "dinosaurs" - they upped the game, got back to the sleazy and salacious ... the streets came callin' and they answered - coulda been CRINGE as f***, but i heartily applaud their effort.

That’s why I used the word “official”. According to Wiki he appeared on Black n’ Blue but hadn’t joined the band yet.

It was his audition, along with Wayne Perkins and Harvey Mandell, to take over for Mick Taylor.

plz to show me any of those other chaps on the album cover/gatefold?

it are the gaunt and birds nest haired Woody ... ergo, it are him.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

pretty sure "Black n' Blue" were Woody's first ('75)



but, yeah ... great work by the Stones here - they adapted and stylized so much better than any of the "dinosaurs" - they upped the game, got back to the sleazy and salacious ... the streets came callin' and they answered - coulda been CRINGE as f***, but i heartily applaud their effort.

That’s why I used the word “official”. According to Wiki he appeared on Black n’ Blue but hadn’t joined the band yet.

pretty sure "Black n' Blue" were Woody's first ('75)



but, yeah ... great work by the Stones here - they adapted and stylized so much better than any of the "dinosaurs" - they upped the game, got back to the sleazy and salacious ... the streets came callin' and they answered - coulda been CRINGE as f***, but i heartily applaud their effort.

That’s why I used the word “official”. According to Wiki he appeared on Black n’ Blue but hadn’t joined the band yet.

It was his audition, along with Wayne Perkins and Harvey Mandell, to take over for Mick Taylor.

plz to show me any of those other chaps on the album cover/gatefold?

it are the gaunt and birds nest haired Woody ... ergo, it are him.

Yes, he passed the audition. Wood only plays guitar on 3 songs though and backup vocals on a few others.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

My stations played everything from Some Girls except the title track and Lies.

When the Whip Comes Down is not just about being gay, it’s about being a gay garbage collector who’s into S&M.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

When the Whip Comes Down is not just about being gay, it’s about being a gay garbage collector who’s into S&M.

and moves from NYC to LA

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Sugar Blue

He played on four Stones songs, "Some Girls", "Miss You", "Send It To Me" and "Down in the Hole" - with the last song being his biggest and best contribution.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Before They Make Me Run
Keith sings vocals here. You can’t really make out what he’s saying but apparently the song is about his heroin arrest. Pretty catchy tune.

Booze and pills and powders, you can choose your medicine
Well it’s another goodbye to another good friend

 

[rockaction]

An-gie AN-gie

You're not on this album, noo oooo ooooh

Angie

Some Girls is an awesome album. The only Rolling Stones on vinyl that I own. "Miss You" is a perfect incorporation of disco that loads of rock bands would try to imitate later, with only Hanoi Rocks and Spoon coming close to these ears. The aughts punk/disco bands are another story, and they threaded the needle just perfectly at times. The two were made for each other.

 

[timschochet]

78. Bob Seger- Night Moves (1976)

Classic Rock Radio Hits: Night Moves, Rock and Roll Never Forgets, Mainstreet, The Fire Down Below

By 1976 Bob Seger was a longtime veteran regional artist from Detroit, but after this album he became a superstar. It’s a combination of traditional Chuck Berry style rock and roll combined with gospel and soul elements and some really good songs which have been on the radio ever since.

Rock and Roll Never Forgets
No it doesn’t and this unpretentious rocker has been a favorite for decades now.

Night Moves
Seeger’s signature song is probably his best, telling a simple story of his youth with a gospel tinge. An absolute classic.

The Fire Down Below
Very traditional rock and roll, but done very well.

Sunburst
This deep cut sounds like a combination of Dear Prudence and a lot of what Springsteen was doing at the same time. It’s really quite good.

Sunspot Baby
More traditional rock. There is nothing innovative here but it’s pleasant.

Mainstreet
My favorite song of his and another classic. Seeger’s lyrics are simple but you know he means it.

Come to Poppa
Unremarkable deep cut rocker.

Ship of Fools
Excellent country style ballad. Does sound a bit like Glen Fry.

Mary Lou
Seger saves his best vocals for last on this 50s style do woo tune. He sings the **** out of this song.

 

[massraider]

Bob Seger is like Helen of Troy, but instead of ships, this face launched a million trade school yearbook photos.

 

[Anarchy99]

Night Moves is the example of an album that had me question how the rankings would be put together. In addition to the 4 radio tracks listed, Come to Poppa also was played a ton in the Northeast. And I also remember hearing Mary Lou a number of times. I am not the biggest Seger fan, but that's 6 songs from one album. Obviously, we haven't seen the remaining 77 albums, so hard to comment, but it will be interesting to see if this album is ranked lower than other albums with fewer songs that got radio airplay. Also, curious as to how many other Seger albums made it, as there are two other albums that had at least 5 songs in regular radio rotation.

 

[Stoneworker]

Sunburst
This deep cut sounds like a combination of Dear Prudence and a lot of what Springsteen was doing at the same time. It’s really quite good.

Love this song. Epitomizes "deep cut" in the sense that it's not hit material due to structure/length/lack of catchy hooks.

But when you listen to it in the context of the full album it is placed perfectly and captures Seger's trademark vocal grit.

 

[Stoneworker]

Night Moves is the example of an album that had me question how the rankings would be put together. In addition to the 4 radio tracks listed, Come to Poppa also was played a ton in the Northeast. And I also remember hearing Mary Lou a number of times. I am not the biggest Seger fan, but that's 6 songs from one album. Obviously, we haven't seen the remaining 77 albums, so hard to comment, but it will be interesting to see if this album is ranked lower than other albums with fewer songs that got radio airplay. Also, curious as to how many other Seger albums made it, as there are two other albums that had at least 5 songs in regular radio rotation.

Agree with this general sentiment. I would also rank higher those albums that are "quality listening start-to-finish" vs. "a couple huge hits + fillers."

 

[Doug B]

Ship of Fools
Excellent country style ballad. Does sound a bit like Glen Fry.

One day, I should count up how many different artists have wholly separate songs with this title.

 

[zamboni]

Can't really judge the Seger ranking here, as I admittedly don't know a ton of his stuff beyond the big and secondary songs. Always enjoy his material in general - that crisp opening guitar sound on Mainstreet is about as distinctive as anything in the classic rock genre.

 

[Raging weasel]

78. Bob Seger- Night Moves (1976)

Classic Rock Radio Hits: Night Moves, Rock and Roll Never Forgets, Mainstreet, The Fire Down Below

By 1976 Bob Seger was a longtime veteran regional artist from Detroit, but after this album he became a superstar. It’s a combination of traditional Chuck Berry style rock and roll combined with gospel and soul elements and some really good songs which have been on the radio ever since.

Rock and Roll Never Forgets
No it doesn’t and this unpretentious rocker has been a favorite for decades now.

Night Moves
Seeger’s signature song is probably his best, telling a simple story of his youth with a gospel tinge. An absolute classic.

The Fire Down Below
Very traditional rock and roll, but done very well.

Sunburst
This deep cut sounds like a combination of Dear Prudence and a lot of what Springsteen was doing at the same time. It’s really quite good.

Sunspot Baby
More traditional rock. There is nothing innovative here but it’s pleasant.

Mainstreet
My favorite song of his and another classic. Seeger’s lyrics are simple but you know he means it.

Come to Poppa
Unremarkable deep cut rocker.

Ship of Fools
Excellent country style ballad. Does sound a bit like Glen Fry.

Mary Lou
Seger saves his best vocals for last on this 50s style do woo tune. He sings the **** out of this song.

In the Detroit area, only Ship of Fools and Sunburst aren't radio staples.

 

[Anarchy99]

It will be interesting to see how high / if certain albums get ranked that at this point in time probably aren't considered classic rock but back then likely were (at least in my neck of the woods). For example . . . Breakfast In America, Bat Out Of Hell, American Beauty, Aqualung, Every Picture Tells A Story, The Cars first album, etc.

 

[timschochet]

It will be interesting to see how high / if certain albums get ranked that at this point in time probably aren't considered classic rock but back then likely were (at least in my neck of the woods). For example . . . Breakfast In America, Bat Out Of Hell, American Beauty, Aqualung, Every Picture Tells A Story, The Cars first album, etc.

I consider all of these albums to be classic rock.

 

[pacman_fl]

78. Bob Seger- Night Moves (1976)

Classic Rock Radio Hits: Night Moves, Rock and Roll Never Forgets, Mainstreet, The Fire Down Below

By 1976 Bob Seger was a longtime veteran regional artist from Detroit, but after this album he became a superstar. It’s a combination of traditional Chuck Berry style rock and roll combined with gospel and soul elements and some really good songs which have been on the radio ever since.



Mainstreet
My favorite song of his and another classic. Seeger’s lyrics are simple but you know he means it.

Mainstreet MAY be overplayed and even cliché by this point in our life, but the lyrics did something to a young me at the time and still take me back. My favorite too, even though Night Moves is a classic in its own right.

 

[timschochet]

77. Kansas- Point Of Know Return (1977)

Classic Rock Radio Hits: Dust In The Wind, Point Of Know Return, Portrait (He Knew)

This is a personal favorite. My older brother, who loved Kansas, played it every morning in the fall of 1977, as we got ready for school. As a result it’s one of those albums on this list that I know every song, every groove, every chord change by heart.
Kansas is at their peak here, a prog rock band able to churn out radio friendly tunes of a high order.

Point Of Know Return
Epic and catchy, with one of the greatest violin riffs ever in a rock song. And a terrific sing along.

Paradox
Very good deep cut rock tune with a long intro- well, all of these tunes have long intros.

The Spider
Instrumental lead in to the next song- as a result this sometimes (not often) got radio play.

Portrait (He Knew)
One of Kansas’ biggest, and best radio hits. Just a terrific rock song about Einstein.

Closet Chronicles
A slower deep cut similar to The Wall and Opus Insert from the previous album. So good.

Lightning’s Hand
Probably the hardest rocker on the record. It’s fine but nothing special.

Dust In The Wind
One of the best and most beautiful acoustic songs of the 1970s, or possibly of all time. Simply gorgeous.

Sparks Of The Tempest
More hard prog rock, with another catchy hook.

Nobody’s Home
An awesome deep cut ballad and one of my favorite tunes by this band. However, the knocking on the door towards the end is really cheesy.

Hopelessly Human
And yet another of their best deep cuts- another great intro leading into classic Kansas. A great way to end the album.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Damn good album. Not as awesome as Leftoverture, but still really good. Dust in the Wind is a timeless classic for sure, and Closet Chronicles is a top tier Kansas tune.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Hopelessly Human
And yet another of their best deep cuts- another great intro leading into classic Kansas. A great way to end the album.

IIRC @Mrs. Rannous is a big fan of this one.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Ship of Fools
Excellent country style ballad. Does sound a bit like Glen Fry.

One day, I should count up how many different artists have wholly separate songs with this title.

The Doors
Grateful Dead
World Party