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

[Ghost Rider]

My brother sent me Workingman's Dead and American Beauty years ago, and I remember both being good, but I have rarely revisited either since. The Grateful Dead just aren't a band I ever thought much about if I wasn't hearing them on the radio or someone wasn't in my ear about them.

Not sure I have heard that Neil Young record, but I know it is considered perhaps his most classic record, and I do like the songs I know. The Needle and the Damage Done is a terrific one.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

55. Neil Young- Harvest (1972)

Classic Rock Radio Hits: Old Man, Heart of Gold, The Needle and the Damage Done

I originally didn’t have this masterpiece on my list because I erroneously regarded it more as a singer-songwriter effort than classic rock. It actually qualifies as both, but it’s best described as folk rock of the highest quality. And the songs listed above were prominent on the classic rock station I listened to.

Out on the Weekend
Nearly every song here is classic Young, and this catchy tune is a great example. What an irresistible melody.

Harvest
The headliner also features a gorgeous melody. In song structure it reminds me very much of Dylan’s “Positively 4th Street”- short two line verses with no chorus or bridge. And it works.

A Man Needs a Maid
The irony in the lyrics is at a Randy Newman level. The use of the London Symphony Orchestra might seem odd on a folk rock album but I think it gives the song a haunting quality.

Heart of Gold
First song I ever learned to play on guitar. Amd I did OK with it. Of course I didn’t know how to play harmonica and I didn’t have Linda Ronstadt backing me up. But I did master the riff.

Are You Ready For the Country?
Rare blues song for Neil. But of course he sounds great.

Old Man
@Pip's Invitation’s song descriptions put my short and weak efforts here to shame. In his superb thread on Young I commented that I regarded this tune as Young’s greatest song. And I’ll stand by that. Sublime and perfect.

There’s A World
Another brilliant song, and the use of the orchestra is terrific and not pretentious somehow. A couple of prog rock bands I can think of should have paid more attention about how to do this correctly.

Alabama
More great rock and roll. Terrific deep cut. It was this tune in particular, with its strong electric guitar riff, that made me decide this is not just another singer-songwriter album.

The Needle And the Damage Done
Nearly as great as Old Man. And oh so sad. One of the greatest tributes ever written.

Words (Between the Lines of Age)
I’ve always thought the sound quality was too muffled, otherwise this might be regarded as one of Neil Young’s great epics. Perhaps it is by Young fans, I don’t know. Love the guitar solo.

I probably have this, oh, about 10th in terms of Neil albums. It mixes some of his strongest songs with some of his weakest. It was his only #1 album, and Heart of Gold was his only #1 song.

In my Neil countdown, these songs made my top 204. The writeups can be found here: https://forums.footballguys.com/thr...02-204-notable-covers-and-other-stuff.786493/

12. Old Man
30. Words (Between the Lines of Age)
36. The Needle and the Damage Done
50. Heart of Gold
105. Out on the Weekend
130. Harvest
136. Are You Ready for the Country?
198. A Man Needs a Maid

At #125 I had Bad Fog of Loneliness, which was an outtake from this album. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYCf44Ugmys

I find Alabama kind of problematic and I wrote about it in this post: https://forums.footballguys.com/thr...e-covers-and-other-stuff.786493/post-22910742

And I think There's a World is one of his worst songs. It sounds like someone trying to write a song for a musical that has absolutely no idea how to do so.

If Neil had taken these steps:

1. Replace There's a World with Bad Fog of Loneliness
2. Replace this version of A Man Needs a Maid with a solo piano version -- the ones from his 1971 acoustic tour are incredible
3. Rework the lyrics of Alabama (but keep the music)

Then this would be an album I would rank VERY highly.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

The Needle And the Damage Done
Nearly as great as Old Man. And oh so sad. One of the greatest tributes ever written.

Not technically a tribute, as Danny Whitten of Crazy Horse was still alive when Neil wrote this. It's more of a cautionary tale. Some of the songs on the Tonight's the Night album were written shortly after Whitten died in late 1972 and are tributes to him.

Whitten was supposed to be in Neil's band for his first tour after the release of this album. But he showed up to the first rehearsal strung out, and Neil fired him. Despondent, Whitten went home and shot himself up with heroin, and died of an overdose.

 

[timschochet]

The Needle And the Damage Done
Nearly as great as Old Man. And oh so sad. One of the greatest tributes ever written.

Not technically a tribute, as Danny Whitten of Crazy Horse was still alive when Neil wrote this. It's more of a cautionary tale. Some of the songs on the Tonight's the Night album were written shortly after Whitten died in late 1972 and are tributes to him.

Whitten was supposed to be in Neil's band for his first tour after the release of this album. But he showed up to the first rehearsal strung out, and Neil fired him. Despondent, Whitten went home and shot himself up with heroin, and died of an overdose.

Thanks. I didn’t know this; I thought he was already dead.

 

[timschochet]

54. Rush- Moving Pictures (1981)

Classic rock radio hits: Tom Sawyer, Limelight, Red Barchetta, Vital Signs

The three guys who comprised Rush during most of their existence were without doubt among the best musicians in rock history. But IMO their music was often an acquired taste, and not very accessible to the casual listener, as I would describe myself. Moving Pictures is easily their most accessible album, with its almost New Wave sound, and radio hits. And it’s a highly enjoyable listen.

Tom Sawyer
The band’s most famous and signature song is a re-imagining of the Mark Twain character. One of the great classic rock songs of all time.

Red Barchetta
This “Orwellian racing song” is a huge favorite among Rush fans and did get some radio play back in the day. I can’t get enough of Lifeson’s guitar riff here. So good.

YYZ
Another huge fan favorite because of the live performances. It was this song that my late brother offered up as proof of Neal Pearl’s greatness (some folks here may remember the thread in which I discussed my brother’s claim that Peart was the greatest rock drummer of all time.)

Limelight
Almost as great as Tom Sawyer, simply an irresistible rock saga about stardom. I wonder what Taylor Swift thinks of it?

The Camera Eye
After 4 songs basically designed for commercial appeal, we get prog rock for the first time on this record. Has a great melody (especially the first section) and some amazing performances.

Witch Hunt
More prog rock, this is apparently part of a group of songs from different albums. I’ve included it in various Halloween playlists I’ve made over the years.

Vital Signs
The third single released after Tom Sawyer and Limelight. Never really liked this at first, but its melody has grown on me over the years.

 

[Tau837]

54. Rush- Moving Pictures (1981)

Classic rock radio hits: Tom Sawyer, Limelight, Red Barchetta, Vital Signs

The three guys who comprised Rush during most of their existence were without doubt among the best musicians in rock history. But IMO their music was often an acquired taste, and not very accessible to the casual listener, as I would describe myself. Moving Pictures is easily their most accessible album, with its almost New Wave sound, and radio hits. And it’s a highly enjoyable listen.

Tom Sawyer
The band’s most famous and signature song is a re-imagining of the Mark Twain character. One of the great classic rock songs of all time.

Red Barchetta
This “Orwellian racing song” is a huge favorite among Rush fans and did get some radio play back in the day. I can’t get enough of Lifeson’s guitar riff here. So good.

YYZ
Another huge fan favorite because of the live performances. It was this song that my late brother offered up as proof of Neal Pearl’s greatness (some folks here may remember the thread in which I discussed my brother’s claim that Peart was the greatest rock drummer of all time.)

Limelight
Almost as great as Tom Sawyer, simply an irresistible rock saga about stardom. I wonder what Taylor Swift thinks of it?

The Camera Eye
After 4 songs basically designed for commercial appeal, we get prog rock for the first time on this record. Has a great melody (especially the first section) and some amazing performances.

Witch Hunt
More prog rock, this is apparently part of a group of songs from different albums. I’ve included it in various Halloween playlists I’ve made over the years.

Vital Signs
The third single released after Tom Sawyer and Limelight. Never really liked this at first, but its melody has grown on me over the years.

YYZ is the best song on this album IMO.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Tim, I have to admit that your opinions on songs and bands you clearly don't know much about always crack me up (in a good way). Too much silliness in your comments above to address it all.

But yeah, anyone who knows me knows that Rush is my favorite band, that is their magnum opus. A top 5 all-time album for me.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

Tim, I have to admit that your opinions on songs and bands you clearly don't know much about always crack me up (in a good way). Too much silliness in your comments above to address it all.

But yeah, anyone who knows me knows that Rush is my favorite band, that is their magnum opus. A top 5 all-time album for me.

Same. I get Rush doesn't appeal to everyone, mostly because the songs are longer and Geddy's voice doesn't sound great to females like tim. But if one wants an instrumental experience and lyrics that support dystopian, futuristic or libertarian beliefs, the band simply is beyond awesome.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Tim, I have to admit that your opinions on songs and bands you clearly don't know much about always crack me up (in a good way). Too much silliness in your comments above to address it all.

But yeah, anyone who knows me knows that Rush is my favorite band, that is their magnum opus. A top 5 all-time album for me.

Same. I get Rush doesn't appeal to everyone, mostly because the songs are longer and Geddy's voice doesn't sound great to females like tim. But if one wants an instrumental experience and lyrics that support dystopian, futuristic or libertarian beliefs, the band simply is beyond awesome.

Very true. The idea that all of Side 1 was designed for commercial appeal is where I take umbrage. Rush never tried to write "hits" or anything like that. There is no way a sane person could have written Tom Sawyer and thought the masses would love that. The band talked about that years later, how it boggled their mind that such a weird song got so popular. It just goes to show you that you never know what is going to land with the masses or even existing fans.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Tim, I have to admit that your opinions on songs and bands you clearly don't know much about always crack me up (in a good way). Too much silliness in your comments above to address it all.

But yeah, anyone who knows me knows that Rush is my favorite band, that is their magnum opus. A top 5 all-time album for me.

Same. I get Rush doesn't appeal to everyone, mostly because the songs are longer and Geddy's voice doesn't sound great to females like tim. But if one wants an instrumental experience and lyrics that support dystopian, futuristic or libertarian beliefs, the band simply is beyond awesome.

at the bolded.

It is indeed Rush's best album and one of the best records of its era. Every single song is a banger.

 

[timschochet]

The problem with calling me a female is, if I was I wouldn’t like this album at all. (Because personally I’ve never met a female that liked anything by Rush, lol.)

As per my lack of knowledge, I’m not quite as ignorant as I may appear. There are long articles about Moving Pictures discussing seemingly every aspect of these songs: the lyrics, the structure, the instruments used, the original intent, etc etc. I’ve read some of these. But in my song notes I wanted to express how they make ME feel. For instance I know that “Red Barchetta” is about a dystopian car race and that there’s all kind of relevance there. But I just love that guitar riff. That’s what does it for me.

 

[timschochet]

Tim, I have to admit that your opinions on songs and bands you clearly don't know much about always crack me up (in a good way). Too much silliness in your comments above to address it all.

But yeah, anyone who knows me knows that Rush is my favorite band, that is their magnum opus. A top 5 all-time album for me.

Same. I get Rush doesn't appeal to everyone, mostly because the songs are longer and Geddy's voice doesn't sound great to females like tim. But if one wants an instrumental experience and lyrics that support dystopian, futuristic or libertarian beliefs, the band simply is beyond awesome.

at the bolded.

It is indeed Rush's best album and one of the best records of its era. Every single song is a banger.

I found it interesting that it was voted the best album of the 1980s. If we’re talking all genres of music here I would probably have to have works by Prince, Michael Jackson, Talking Heads, and maybe Guns N Roses a little higher. But that’s a different conversation.

 

[timschochet]

Since this morning I keep playing “The Camera Eye” over and over. I really like the melody to this. I don’t know why I haven’t paid attention to it before.

@Ghost Rider did “The Camera Eye” make your top 50 Rush songs? I can’t remember now.

 

[Ghost Rider]

The problem with calling me a female is, if I was I wouldn’t like this album at all. (Because personally I’ve never met a female that liked anything by Rush, lol.)

As per my lack of knowledge, I’m not quite as ignorant as I may appear. There are long articles about Moving Pictures discussing seemingly every aspect of these songs: the lyrics, the structure, the instruments used, the original intent, etc etc. I’ve read some of these. But in my song notes I wanted to express how they make ME feel. For instance I know that “Red Barchetta” is about a dystopian car race and that there’s all kind of relevance there. But I just love that guitar riff. That’s what does it for me.

Red Barchetta is a top 5 Rush tune for me most days. It's just incredible from start to finish, and all three guys are on fire. And it manages to be brilliant despite having no chorus.

Since this morning I keep playing “The Camera Eye” over and over. I really like the melody to this. I don’t know why I haven’t paid attention to it before.

@Ghost Rider did “The Camera Eye” make your top 50 Rush songs? I can’t remember now.

I can't either. haha Great song, but I am sure there are a ton of great songs that didn't make my top 50.

 

[Raging weasel]

The problem with calling me a female is, if I was I wouldn’t like this album at all. (Because personally I’ve never met a female that liked anything by Rush, lol.)

As per my lack of knowledge, I’m not quite as ignorant as I may appear. There are long articles about Moving Pictures discussing seemingly every aspect of these songs: the lyrics, the structure, the instruments used, the original intent, etc etc. I’ve read some of these. But in my song notes I wanted to express how they make ME feel. For instance I know that “Red Barchetta” is about a dystopian car race and that there’s all kind of relevance there. But I just love that guitar riff. That’s what does it for me.

My sister is a huge Rush fan, she's seen them more than I have 4-2

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Tim, I have to admit that your opinions on songs and bands you clearly don't know much about always crack me up (in a good way). Too much silliness in your comments above to address it all.

But yeah, anyone who knows me knows that Rush is my favorite band, that is their magnum opus. A top 5 all-time album for me.

Same. I get Rush doesn't appeal to everyone, mostly because the songs are longer and Geddy's voice doesn't sound great to females like tim. But if one wants an instrumental experience and lyrics that support dystopian, futuristic or libertarian beliefs, the band simply is beyond awesome.

at the bolded.

It is indeed Rush's best album and one of the best records of its era. Every single song is a banger.

I found it interesting that it was voted the best album of the 1980s. If we’re talking all genres of music here I would probably have to have works by Prince, Michael Jackson, Talking Heads, and maybe Guns N Roses a little higher. But that’s a different conversation.

Who was the electorate?

 

[Leroy Hoard]

54. Rush- Moving Pictures (1981)

Classic rock radio hits: Tom Sawyer, Limelight, Red Barchetta, Vital Signs

The three guys who comprised Rush during most of their existence were without doubt among the best musicians in rock history. But IMO their music was often an acquired taste, and not very accessible to the casual listener, as I would describe myself. Moving Pictures is easily their most accessible album, with its almost New Wave sound, and radio hits. And it’s a highly enjoyable listen.

Tom Sawyer
The band’s most famous and signature song is a re-imagining of the Mark Twain character. One of the great classic rock songs of all time.

Red Barchetta
This “Orwellian racing song” is a huge favorite among Rush fans and did get some radio play back in the day. I can’t get enough of Lifeson’s guitar riff here. So good.

YYZ
Another huge fan favorite because of the live performances. It was this song that my late brother offered up as proof of Neal Pearl’s greatness (some folks here may remember the thread in which I discussed my brother’s claim that Peart was the greatest rock drummer of all time.)

Limelight
Almost as great as Tom Sawyer, simply an irresistible rock saga about stardom. I wonder what Taylor Swift thinks of it?

The Camera Eye
After 4 songs basically designed for commercial appeal, we get prog rock for the first time on this record. Has a great melody (especially the first section) and some amazing performances.

Witch Hunt
More prog rock, this is apparently part of a group of songs from different albums. I’ve included it in various Halloween playlists I’ve made over the years.

Vital Signs
The third single released after Tom Sawyer and Limelight. Never really liked this at first, but its melody has grown on me over the years.

YYZ is the best song on this album IMO.

The guitar bites in so good on that track. Add in the bass and drums and it's one of the best rock instrumentals ever.

 

[timschochet]

Tim, I have to admit that your opinions on songs and bands you clearly don't know much about always crack me up (in a good way). Too much silliness in your comments above to address it all.

But yeah, anyone who knows me knows that Rush is my favorite band, that is their magnum opus. A top 5 all-time album for me.

Same. I get Rush doesn't appeal to everyone, mostly because the songs are longer and Geddy's voice doesn't sound great to females like tim. But if one wants an instrumental experience and lyrics that support dystopian, futuristic or libertarian beliefs, the band simply is beyond awesome.

at the bolded.

It is indeed Rush's best album and one of the best records of its era. Every single song is a banger.

I found it interesting that it was voted the best album of the 1980s. If we’re talking all genres of music here I would probably have to have works by Prince, Michael Jackson, Talking Heads, and maybe Guns N Roses a little higher. But that’s a different conversation.

Who was the electorate?

I dunno. Just voters for some magazine. It’s on the Wiki page.

 

[New Binky the Doormat]

54. Rush- Moving Pictures (1981)

reaction.

 

[Ghost Rider]

54. Rush- Moving Pictures (1981)

Classic rock radio hits: Tom Sawyer, Limelight, Red Barchetta, Vital Signs

The three guys who comprised Rush during most of their existence were without doubt among the best musicians in rock history. But IMO their music was often an acquired taste, and not very accessible to the casual listener, as I would describe myself. Moving Pictures is easily their most accessible album, with its almost New Wave sound, and radio hits. And it’s a highly enjoyable listen.

Tom Sawyer
The band’s most famous and signature song is a re-imagining of the Mark Twain character. One of the great classic rock songs of all time.

Red Barchetta
This “Orwellian racing song” is a huge favorite among Rush fans and did get some radio play back in the day. I can’t get enough of Lifeson’s guitar riff here. So good.

YYZ
Another huge fan favorite because of the live performances. It was this song that my late brother offered up as proof of Neal Pearl’s greatness (some folks here may remember the thread in which I discussed my brother’s claim that Peart was the greatest rock drummer of all time.)

Limelight
Almost as great as Tom Sawyer, simply an irresistible rock saga about stardom. I wonder what Taylor Swift thinks of it?

The Camera Eye
After 4 songs basically designed for commercial appeal, we get prog rock for the first time on this record. Has a great melody (especially the first section) and some amazing performances.

Witch Hunt
More prog rock, this is apparently part of a group of songs from different albums. I’ve included it in various Halloween playlists I’ve made over the years.

Vital Signs
The third single released after Tom Sawyer and Limelight. Never really liked this at first, but its melody has grown on me over the years.

YYZ is the best song on this album IMO.

The guitar bites in so good on that track. Add in the bass and drums and it's one of the best rock instrumentals ever.

Add in the crowd in Brazil singing along (to an instrumental!!), and it's even better!

- YouTube

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

www.youtube.com

 

[DocHolliday]

Tim, I have to admit that your opinions on songs and bands you clearly don't know much about always crack me up (in a good way). Too much silliness in your comments above to address it all.

But yeah, anyone who knows me knows that Rush is my favorite band, that is their magnum opus. A top 5 all-time album for me.

Same. I get Rush doesn't appeal to everyone, mostly because the songs are longer and Geddy's voice doesn't sound great to females like tim. But if one wants an instrumental experience and lyrics that support dystopian, futuristic or libertarian beliefs, the band simply is beyond awesome.

at the bolded.

It is indeed Rush's best album and one of the best records of its era. Every single song is a banger.

I’m not a big Rush fan but this is an incredible album by outstanding musicians.

 

[zamboni]

54. Rush- Moving Pictures (1981)

Classic rock radio hits: Tom Sawyer, Limelight, Red Barchetta, Vital Signs

The three guys who comprised Rush during most of their existence were without doubt among the best musicians in rock history. But IMO their music was often an acquired taste, and not very accessible to the casual listener, as I would describe myself. Moving Pictures is easily their most accessible album, with its almost New Wave sound, and radio hits. And it’s a highly enjoyable listen.

Tom Sawyer
The band’s most famous and signature song is a re-imagining of the Mark Twain character. One of the great classic rock songs of all time.

Red Barchetta
This “Orwellian racing song” is a huge favorite among Rush fans and did get some radio play back in the day. I can’t get enough of Lifeson’s guitar riff here. So good.

YYZ
Another huge fan favorite because of the live performances. It was this song that my late brother offered up as proof of Neal Pearl’s greatness (some folks here may remember the thread in which I discussed my brother’s claim that Peart was the greatest rock drummer of all time.)

Limelight
Almost as great as Tom Sawyer, simply an irresistible rock saga about stardom. I wonder what Taylor Swift thinks of it?

The Camera Eye
After 4 songs basically designed for commercial appeal, we get prog rock for the first time on this record. Has a great melody (especially the first section) and some amazing performances.

Witch Hunt
More prog rock, this is apparently part of a group of songs from different albums. I’ve included it in various Halloween playlists I’ve made over the years.

Vital Signs
The third single released after Tom Sawyer and Limelight. Never really liked this at first, but its melody has grown on me over the years.

YYZ is the best song on this album IMO.

The guitar bites in so good on that track. Add in the bass and drums and it's one of the best rock instrumentals ever.

Add in the crowd in Brazil singing along (to an instrumental!!), and it's even better!

- YouTube

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

www.youtube.com

That Rio crowd is awesome. Also nice camera eye at the 2:05 mark.

 

[timschochet]

53. Chicago- Chicago Transit Authority (1969)

Classic rock radio hits: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, Beginnings, Questions 67 and 68, I’m A Man

Brass, jazz and blues- this album attempts to fuse these three seemingly disparate musical styles and and is largely successful at doing so thanks to the talented writing of Robert Lamm and the amazing musicianship of the band members, particularly the guitar playing of Terry Kath, who offers a performance here for the ages.

Introduction
A microcosm of everything I just wrote above. It begins with a 40s big band sound but suddenly we get Kath’s gravelly vocals and we know we’re somewhere else entirely. We then get some off the charts brass and guitar playing. The whole thing is brilliant.

Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?
The album now offers three of the band’s most famous hits, each one seemingly better than the last. Great melody on this one, great brass, great vocals.

Beginnings
Probably my favorite of the big three. Very soulful vocals. I’m not the biggest brass fan in the world but they work very well here.

Questions 67 and 68
Longest intro of the three songs, before we are introduced for the first time to Peter Cetera’s vocals, which are fine though I prefer Kath and Lamm especially on this album.

Listen
Following the big three hits written by Lamm, the blues rock aspects of this album begin to emerge, starting here. Less horns (though never gone entirely), more of Kath’s guitar. No surprise that this is my favorite part of the record,

Poem 58
Easily my favorite song on this album and probably my favorite Chicago song. These guys are so good. Kath rivals Hendrix and Clapton here. Incredible performance.

Free Form Guitar
Said to be Jimi Hendrix’s favorite and it sure sounds like him. But for me it’s just OK as I don’t get a lot out of making an electric guitar sound like a motorcycle. Give me Poem 58.

South California Purples
Another terrific deep cut. Straight blues here and of course I love it.

I’m A Man
Cover of a Steve Winwood song, got a lot of radio play. I prefer it slightly to the original.

Prologue/Someday
The last side is a live set from 1968. I like this but it’s a little weaker IMO from the rest of the material.

Liberation
Album closes with a 14 minute jam session. 14 minutes of Terry Kath? Count me in.

 

[FairWarning]

An outstanding Chicago tribute band, from Russia -
http://leonidandf.com/

 

[Pip's Invitation]

53. Chicago- Chicago Transit Authority (1969)

Classic rock radio hits: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, Beginnings, Questions 67 and 68, I’m A Man

Brass, jazz and blues- this album attempts to fuse these three seemingly disparate musical styles and and is largely successful at doing so thanks to the talented writing of Robert Lamm and the amazing musicianship of the band members, particularly the guitar playing of Terry Kath, who offers a performance here for the ages.

Introduction
A microcosm of everything I just wrote above. It begins with a 40s big band sound but suddenly we get Kath’s gravelly vocals and we know we’re somewhere else entirely. We then get some off the charts brass and guitar playing. The whole thing is brilliant.

Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?
The album now offers three of the band’s most famous hits, each one seemingly better than the last. Great melody on this one, great brass, great vocals.

Beginnings
Probably my favorite of the big three. Very soulful vocals. I’m not the biggest brass fan in the world but they work very well here.

Questions 67 and 68
Longest intro of the three songs, before we are introduced for the first time to Peter Cetera’s vocals, which are fine though I prefer Kath and Lamm especially on this album.

Listen
Following the big three hits written by Lamm, the blues rock aspects of this album begin to emerge, starting here. Less horns (though never gone entirely), more of Kath’s guitar. No surprise that this is my favorite part of the record,

Poem 58
Easily my favorite song on this album and probably my favorite Chicago song. These guys are so good. Kath rivals Hendrix and Clapton here. Incredible performance.

Free Form Guitar
Said to be Jimi Hendrix’s favorite and it sure sounds like him. But for me it’s just OK as I don’t get a lot out of making an electric guitar sound like a motorcycle. Give me Poem 58.

South California Purples
Another terrific deep cut. Straight blues here and of course I love it.

I’m A Man
Cover of a Steve Winwood song, got a lot of radio play. I prefer it slightly to the original.

Prologue/Someday
The last side is a live set from 1968. I like this but it’s a little weaker IMO from the rest of the material.

Liberation
Album closes with a 14 minute jam session. 14 minutes of Terry Kath? Count me in.

I already weighed in on this in the last MAD countdown, as it provided 6 of my top 31 Chicago songs.

It's a remarkable accomplishment and the band never topped it.

The main place where I differ with the consensus is that I think South California Purples is boring and its tease of I Am the Walrus is awkward and kind of annoying.

The last side is a live set from 1968.

It's not.

 

[timschochet]

53. Chicago- Chicago Transit Authority (1969)

Classic rock radio hits: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, Beginnings, Questions 67 and 68, I’m A Man

Brass, jazz and blues- this album attempts to fuse these three seemingly disparate musical styles and and is largely successful at doing so thanks to the talented writing of Robert Lamm and the amazing musicianship of the band members, particularly the guitar playing of Terry Kath, who offers a performance here for the ages.

Introduction
A microcosm of everything I just wrote above. It begins with a 40s big band sound but suddenly we get Kath’s gravelly vocals and we know we’re somewhere else entirely. We then get some off the charts brass and guitar playing. The whole thing is brilliant.

Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?
The album now offers three of the band’s most famous hits, each one seemingly better than the last. Great melody on this one, great brass, great vocals.

Beginnings
Probably my favorite of the big three. Very soulful vocals. I’m not the biggest brass fan in the world but they work very well here.

Questions 67 and 68
Longest intro of the three songs, before we are introduced for the first time to Peter Cetera’s vocals, which are fine though I prefer Kath and Lamm especially on this album.

Listen
Following the big three hits written by Lamm, the blues rock aspects of this album begin to emerge, starting here. Less horns (though never gone entirely), more of Kath’s guitar. No surprise that this is my favorite part of the record,

Poem 58
Easily my favorite song on this album and probably my favorite Chicago song. These guys are so good. Kath rivals Hendrix and Clapton here. Incredible performance.

Free Form Guitar
Said to be Jimi Hendrix’s favorite and it sure sounds like him. But for me it’s just OK as I don’t get a lot out of making an electric guitar sound like a motorcycle. Give me Poem 58.

South California Purples
Another terrific deep cut. Straight blues here and of course I love it.

I’m A Man
Cover of a Steve Winwood song, got a lot of radio play. I prefer it slightly to the original.

Prologue/Someday
The last side is a live set from 1968. I like this but it’s a little weaker IMO from the rest of the material.

Liberation
Album closes with a 14 minute jam session. 14 minutes of Terry Kath? Count me in.

I already weighed in on this in the last MAD countdown, as it provided 6 of my top 31 Chicago songs.

It's a remarkable accomplishment and the band never topped it.

The main place where I differ with the consensus is that I think South California Purples is boring and its tease of I Am the Walrus is awkward and kind of annoying.

The last side is a live set from 1968.

It's not.

Oops. Well it sounds like it. Sorry.

 

[zamboni]

An outstanding Chicago tribute band, from Russia -
http://leonidandf.com/

Yup - I've touted these guys many times on other threads - amazing musicians and incredibly spot on covers. Saw them in concert last year and was blown away. From this album:

Introduction
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It is
Beginnings
Questions 67 and 68 (perhaps my favorite cover they do - that Cetera replication :chefskiss: )
I'm A Man

 

[Ghost Rider]

I didn't really dig deep into the early Chicago material until the last decade or so, but there is some great stuff there. That debut is a fine record for sure.

 

[higgins]

A Chicago album better than Moving Pictures? Ppffft….

 

[Bogart]

53. Chicago- Chicago Transit Authority (1969)

Not enough Big Pete Cetera for this 80s kid.

 

[northern exposure]

53. Chicago- Chicago Transit Authority (1969)

Classic rock radio hits: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, Beginnings, Questions 67 and 68, I’m A Man

Brass, jazz and blues- this album attempts to fuse these three seemingly disparate musical styles and and is largely successful at doing so thanks to the talented writing of Robert Lamm and the amazing musicianship of the band members, particularly the guitar playing of Terry Kath, who offers a performance here for the ages.

Introduction
A microcosm of everything I just wrote above. It begins with a 40s big band sound but suddenly we get Kath’s gravelly vocals and we know we’re somewhere else entirely. We then get some off the charts brass and guitar playing. The whole thing is brilliant.

Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?
The album now offers three of the band’s most famous hits, each one seemingly better than the last. Great melody on this one, great brass, great vocals.

Beginnings
Probably my favorite of the big three. Very soulful vocals. I’m not the biggest brass fan in the world but they work very well here.

Questions 67 and 68
Longest intro of the three songs, before we are introduced for the first time to Peter Cetera’s vocals, which are fine though I prefer Kath and Lamm especially on this album.

Listen
Following the big three hits written by Lamm, the blues rock aspects of this album begin to emerge, starting here. Less horns (though never gone entirely), more of Kath’s guitar. No surprise that this is my favorite part of the record,

Poem 58
Easily my favorite song on this album and probably my favorite Chicago song. These guys are so good. Kath rivals Hendrix and Clapton here. Incredible performance.

Free Form Guitar
Said to be Jimi Hendrix’s favorite and it sure sounds like him. But for me it’s just OK as I don’t get a lot out of making an electric guitar sound like a motorcycle. Give me Poem 58.

South California Purples
Another terrific deep cut. Straight blues here and of course I love it.

I’m A Man
Cover of a Steve Winwood song, got a lot of radio play. I prefer it slightly to the original.

Prologue/Someday
The last side is a live set from 1968. I like this but it’s a little weaker IMO from the rest of the material.

Liberation
Album closes with a 14 minute jam session. 14 minutes of Terry Kath? Count me in.

You don’t get a lot out of making an electric guitar sound like a motorcycle????
Todd Rundgren circa Bat Out Of Hell would like a word with you!

 

[timschochet]

53. Chicago- Chicago Transit Authority (1969)

Classic rock radio hits: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, Beginnings, Questions 67 and 68, I’m A Man

Brass, jazz and blues- this album attempts to fuse these three seemingly disparate musical styles and and is largely successful at doing so thanks to the talented writing of Robert Lamm and the amazing musicianship of the band members, particularly the guitar playing of Terry Kath, who offers a performance here for the ages.

Introduction
A microcosm of everything I just wrote above. It begins with a 40s big band sound but suddenly we get Kath’s gravelly vocals and we know we’re somewhere else entirely. We then get some off the charts brass and guitar playing. The whole thing is brilliant.

Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?
The album now offers three of the band’s most famous hits, each one seemingly better than the last. Great melody on this one, great brass, great vocals.

Beginnings
Probably my favorite of the big three. Very soulful vocals. I’m not the biggest brass fan in the world but they work very well here.

Questions 67 and 68
Longest intro of the three songs, before we are introduced for the first time to Peter Cetera’s vocals, which are fine though I prefer Kath and Lamm especially on this album.

Listen
Following the big three hits written by Lamm, the blues rock aspects of this album begin to emerge, starting here. Less horns (though never gone entirely), more of Kath’s guitar. No surprise that this is my favorite part of the record,

Poem 58
Easily my favorite song on this album and probably my favorite Chicago song. These guys are so good. Kath rivals Hendrix and Clapton here. Incredible performance.

Free Form Guitar
Said to be Jimi Hendrix’s favorite and it sure sounds like him. But for me it’s just OK as I don’t get a lot out of making an electric guitar sound like a motorcycle. Give me Poem 58.

South California Purples
Another terrific deep cut. Straight blues here and of course I love it.

I’m A Man
Cover of a Steve Winwood song, got a lot of radio play. I prefer it slightly to the original.

Prologue/Someday
The last side is a live set from 1968. I like this but it’s a little weaker IMO from the rest of the material.

Liberation
Album closes with a 14 minute jam session. 14 minutes of Terry Kath? Count me in.

You don’t get a lot out of making an electric guitar sound like a motorcycle????
Todd Rundgren circa Bat Out Of Hell would like a word with you!

He’ll get one shortly…

 

[Pip's Invitation]

53. Chicago- Chicago Transit Authority (1969)

Classic rock radio hits: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, Beginnings, Questions 67 and 68, I’m A Man

Brass, jazz and blues- this album attempts to fuse these three seemingly disparate musical styles and and is largely successful at doing so thanks to the talented writing of Robert Lamm and the amazing musicianship of the band members, particularly the guitar playing of Terry Kath, who offers a performance here for the ages.

Introduction
A microcosm of everything I just wrote above. It begins with a 40s big band sound but suddenly we get Kath’s gravelly vocals and we know we’re somewhere else entirely. We then get some off the charts brass and guitar playing. The whole thing is brilliant.

Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?
The album now offers three of the band’s most famous hits, each one seemingly better than the last. Great melody on this one, great brass, great vocals.

Beginnings
Probably my favorite of the big three. Very soulful vocals. I’m not the biggest brass fan in the world but they work very well here.

Questions 67 and 68
Longest intro of the three songs, before we are introduced for the first time to Peter Cetera’s vocals, which are fine though I prefer Kath and Lamm especially on this album.

Listen
Following the big three hits written by Lamm, the blues rock aspects of this album begin to emerge, starting here. Less horns (though never gone entirely), more of Kath’s guitar. No surprise that this is my favorite part of the record,

Poem 58
Easily my favorite song on this album and probably my favorite Chicago song. These guys are so good. Kath rivals Hendrix and Clapton here. Incredible performance.

Free Form Guitar
Said to be Jimi Hendrix’s favorite and it sure sounds like him. But for me it’s just OK as I don’t get a lot out of making an electric guitar sound like a motorcycle. Give me Poem 58.

South California Purples
Another terrific deep cut. Straight blues here and of course I love it.

I’m A Man
Cover of a Steve Winwood song, got a lot of radio play. I prefer it slightly to the original.

Prologue/Someday
The last side is a live set from 1968. I like this but it’s a little weaker IMO from the rest of the material.

Liberation
Album closes with a 14 minute jam session. 14 minutes of Terry Kath? Count me in.

You don’t get a lot out of making an electric guitar sound like a motorcycle????
Todd Rundgren circa Bat Out Of Hell would like a word with you!

He’ll get one shortly…

Are you giving us something from Todd? Anything?

 

[northern exposure]

53. Chicago- Chicago Transit Authority (1969)

Classic rock radio hits: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, Beginnings, Questions 67 and 68, I’m A Man

Brass, jazz and blues- this album attempts to fuse these three seemingly disparate musical styles and and is largely successful at doing so thanks to the talented writing of Robert Lamm and the amazing musicianship of the band members, particularly the guitar playing of Terry Kath, who offers a performance here for the ages.

Introduction
A microcosm of everything I just wrote above. It begins with a 40s big band sound but suddenly we get Kath’s gravelly vocals and we know we’re somewhere else entirely. We then get some off the charts brass and guitar playing. The whole thing is brilliant.

Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?
The album now offers three of the band’s most famous hits, each one seemingly better than the last. Great melody on this one, great brass, great vocals.

Beginnings
Probably my favorite of the big three. Very soulful vocals. I’m not the biggest brass fan in the world but they work very well here.

Questions 67 and 68
Longest intro of the three songs, before we are introduced for the first time to Peter Cetera’s vocals, which are fine though I prefer Kath and Lamm especially on this album.

Listen
Following the big three hits written by Lamm, the blues rock aspects of this album begin to emerge, starting here. Less horns (though never gone entirely), more of Kath’s guitar. No surprise that this is my favorite part of the record,

Poem 58
Easily my favorite song on this album and probably my favorite Chicago song. These guys are so good. Kath rivals Hendrix and Clapton here. Incredible performance.

Free Form Guitar
Said to be Jimi Hendrix’s favorite and it sure sounds like him. But for me it’s just OK as I don’t get a lot out of making an electric guitar sound like a motorcycle. Give me Poem 58.

South California Purples
Another terrific deep cut. Straight blues here and of course I love it.

I’m A Man
Cover of a Steve Winwood song, got a lot of radio play. I prefer it slightly to the original.

Prologue/Someday
The last side is a live set from 1968. I like this but it’s a little weaker IMO from the rest of the material.

Liberation
Album closes with a 14 minute jam session. 14 minutes of Terry Kath? Count me in.

You don’t get a lot out of making an electric guitar sound like a motorcycle????
Todd Rundgren circa Bat Out Of Hell would like a word with you!

He’ll get one shortly…

Are you giving us something from Todd? Anything?

I'd say you saw the light.

 

[timschochet]

52. The Allman Brothers Band- Eat A Peach (1972)

Classic Rock Radio Hits: Melissa, Blue Sky, Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More, One Way Out

The tragic death of Duane Allman while the band was still recording music caused the producers to fill half this album with live music from the same concert that became the band’s previous record, At Fillmore East. But while the studio work here is incomplete, it’s still enough to comprise this band’s best output of songs.

Ain’t Wastin Time No More
The album begins with a bang with this classic rocker mournfully sung by Gregg Allman. You can hear the sorrow in his voice; like hurricanes and subway trains indeed.

Les Bres In A Minor
An instrumental featuring the great Dickey Betts who demonstrates some terrific playing here.

Melissa
Gregg’s masterpiece, and one of the most beautiful love songs ever written in rock music. Simply gorgeous.

Mountain. Jam
I’ve always loved the original weird psychedelic song by Donavan. ABB decided to take the melody and turn it into a 33 minute jam session, which is quite pleasurable to listen to except it lasts a little too long. They could have stopped it right around the time of the drum solo; in truth I’ve never been a big drum solo fan.

One Way Out
No idea why this didn’t make the live album. It’s every bit as good as most of the tunes there (which is saying something.) A blues classic and that lead guitar is simply amazing.

Trouble No More
See what I just wrote above, rinse and repeat. These two songs are some of the best live blues you’re ever going to hear anywhere by anyone.

Stand Back
Pretty good deep cut but overall unremarkable compared to the rest of this record.

Blue Sky
This is my favorite Allman Brothers song,, and there are times that it’s my favorite song, period. Its melody and performance relaxes me. The two competing guitar solos (by Duane and Dickey, respectively) are my favorites of all time.

Little Martha
Sweet instrumental by Duane, so pretty. I’m think it’s the last thing he ever did.

 

[Anarchy99]

52. The Allman Brothers Band- Eat A Peach (1972)

Just curious. Entirely live albums were not considered, but two-thirds live albums were (at least based on total studio time vs. total live time)? The album is great either way.

 

[zamboni]

Nice - doesn't get a whole lot better than Eat A Peach.

 

[Stoneworker]

52. The Allman Brothers Band- Eat A Peach (1972)

Classic Rock Radio Hits: Melissa, Blue Sky, Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More, One Way Out

The tragic death of Duane Allman while the band was still recording music caused the producers to fill half this album with live music from the same concert that became the band’s previous record, At Fillmore East. But while the studio work here is incomplete, it’s still enough to comprise this band’s best output of songs.

Ain’t Wastin Time No More
The album begins with a bang with this classic rocker mournfully sung by Gregg Allman. You can hear the sorrow in his voice; like hurricanes and subway trains indeed.

Les Bres In A Minor
An instrumental featuring the great Dickey Betts who demonstrates some terrific playing here.

Melissa
Gregg’s masterpiece, and one of the most beautiful love songs ever written in rock music. Simply gorgeous.

Mountain. Jam
I’ve always loved the original weird psychedelic song by Donavan. ABB decided to take the melody and turn it into a 33 minute jam session, which is quite pleasurable to listen to except it lasts a little too long. They could have stopped it right around the time of the drum solo; in truth I’ve never been a big drum solo fan.

One Way Out
No idea why this didn’t make the live album. It’s every bit as good as most of the tunes there (which is saying something.) A blues classic and that lead guitar is simply amazing.

Trouble No More
See what I just wrote above, rinse and repeat. These two songs are some of the best live blues you’re ever going to hear anywhere by anyone.

Stand Back
Pretty good deep cut but overall unremarkable compared to the rest of this record.

Blue Sky
This is my favorite Allman Brothers song,, and there are times that it’s my favorite song, period. Its melody and performance relaxes me. The two competing guitar solos (by Duane and Dickey, respectively) are my favorites of all time.

Little Martha
Sweet instrumental by Duane, so pretty. I’m think it’s the last thing he ever did.

Great album. Standard listening for the ride home after a day on the ski slopes

 

[timschochet]

52. The Allman Brothers Band- Eat A Peach (1972)

Just curious. Entirely live albums were not considered, but two-thirds live albums were (at least based on total studio time vs. total live time)? The album is great either way.

Yes. But this is the only album on the list that qualifies. It’s an exception.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Allman Brothers are another classic rock band with a dozen or so songs that I love, but have never been an album band for me. I have little urge to check out any of their albums in full.

 

[turnjose7]

I included this in my Allman song countdown, but here is Duane's guitar track to "Blue Sky" isolated: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHchf05j1fc

His solo starts at 1:20. Just the greatest guitar tone ever.

 

[timschochet]

51. Led Zeppelin- Led Zeppelin III (1970)

Classic rock radio hits: Immigrant Song, That’s the Way, Tangerine, Gallows Pole

The first two LZ albums, which will be discussed in more detail later on, were essentially almost all hard blues rock, with just a little bit of acoustic folk blues thrown in. This record reverses that situation; it’s largely acoustic with just a little bit of hard rock. Apparently John Paul Jones plays about a million different instruments on this record.

A note on the radio hits I listed above: as we get more into the giants of classic rock radio (LZ, Beatles, Stones, Pink Floyd, etc.) the radio hits are more of a relative thing. With the possible exception of “Hats Off to Roy Harper” I’m pretty sure I’ve heard every one of this album’s songs on the radio by themselves at least once, and that will also be true of every other upcoming album by this band.

Immigrant Song
I still say it should have been the theme song to the Vikings TV show. Somehow it captures the feeling of icy cold weather and armed invaders. I would write that this is one of Page’s best opening guitar riffs except he’s got so many.

Friends
My favorite song on the record. I’m pretty sure I ranked it relatively high on my list for @Anarchy99 ’s thread. Love everything about this tune, especially the guitar.

Celebration Day
Phenomenal bass playing on this- and two guitars (both by Page). Superlative.

Since I’ve Been Loving You
Slow blues. They’re so damn good at this. Only The Jeff Beck Group, on one album (Truth) can rival LZ at this sort of thing.

Out On the Tiles
Written mostly by John Bonham, and like him you keep wondering when this song is going to explode (or implode). Somehow it never does.

Gallows Pole
An old acoustic blues song which is a lot of peoples’ favorite because it’s so classic and expertly done. For a more traditional version of this tune, check out Alvin Youngblood Hart from his excellent debut album Big Mama’s House.

Tangerine
Love this, so so good. But I’ve read in a couple of different places that “Stairway To Heaven” was written out of this song. I can’t hear that, but whatever. It’s awesome.

That’s The Way
More Zeppelin greatness. How can anyone listen to this and not immediately adore it? Just a gorgeous tune.

Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
A delightful guitar instrumental by Page. Tremendous listen.

Hats Off to (Roy) Harper
Based on a Bukka White song (a really old Delta blues artist). Roy Harper was a folk singer and friend of the band; he will show up as a guest vocalist at a later time on this list.

 

[timschochet]

I included this in my Allman song countdown, but here is Duane's guitar track to "Blue Sky" isolated: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHchf05j1fc

His solo starts at 1:20. Just the greatest guitar tone ever.

Thank you so much for posting this.

 

[zamboni]

III has always been one my lesser favorite Zep albums, although that's a really high bar. Thanks to many of the good folks here though, I've been listening to it more and it's growing on me in my LZ rankings.

 

[Tau837]

51. Led Zeppelin- Led Zeppelin III (1970)

I view this as Zeppelin's 6th best album, which is hard to believe since it is so great. As I have posted in the past, I think it is part of the best run of 6 consecutive albums in the history of rock music.

 

[Ghost Rider]

III isn't as consistent as all of the other early LZ records, but Immigrant Song, Since I've Been Loving You, Tangerine, Just the Way and Bron-Y-Aur Stomp are all excellent.

 

[timschochet]

50. Meat Loaf- Bat Out of Hell (1977)

Classic rock radio hits- Paradise By the Dashboard Light, Bat Out of Hell

Sorry Rundgren fans: there won’t be any of his solo albums on this list. This is what I meant. Todd is the producer here and also plays lead guitar throughout this record, which features several other well known musicians, including a couple members of the E Street Band. We get the amazing vocals of the lead singer as well as Ellen Foley.
But even with all of that, this album belongs really to one guy: the composer, Jim Steinman. This extravagant, bombastic, intensely melodic effort is his baby. I’ve always had two conclusions about Steinman after listening to this record: (a) the man is a musical genius, (b) his relationships with women must have been a complete train wreck.

Bat Out of Hell
A monumental opening, perhaps the greatest intro in all of rock music. And the song is an epic masterpiece. But like so many other tunes on this record, the lyrics express a terrible attitude towards the opposite sex. I had to read the playwright August Strindberg back in college and I used to think this record was a musical expression of Strindberg’s hatred of women. But in truth the narrator here (Meat Loaf? Steinman himself) seems to despise himself even more.

You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)
The spoken word opening is pretty cheesy but this is terrific rock and roll, and it does sound a lot like early Springsteen which I guess is why many critics make that connection. Once again the lyrics tell the tale of a real jerk looking for excuses as to why he can’t express his feelings.

Heaven Can Wait
Probably the least pretentious song on this record, and maybe the prettiest tune Steinman ever wrote IMO, which is saying something because the guy was a master at writing incredibly pretty melodies. Meat Loaf’s voice here is a near perfect falsetto.

All Revved Up with No Place to Go
There is no way for me to ever listen to this song without associating it with HBO commercials that ran for over a decade.

Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad
Another epic, another great melody, and probably Steinman’s best ever lyrics. Certainly his funniest. My wife absolutely detests this song Gee I wonder why.

Paradise By the Dashboard Light
Steinman’s signature effort (unless you consider Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart”). One of the most popular sing alongs ever. If you’ve ever watched the video, the sexy girl featured is Karla DeVito, not Ellen Foley; Foley was ill at the time. However, DeVito is lip syncing to Foley’s voice. The baseball narrative is by Phil Rizzuto, who always claimed afterwards that he didn’t know the song was about premarital sex and as a religious Christian he never would have recorded it. “He’s lying”, Meat Loaf responded years later.

For Crying Out Loud
Yet another gorgeous (and very long) ballad ends the album.

 

[northern exposure]

50. Meat Loaf- Bat Out of Hell (1977)

Classic rock radio hits- Paradise By the Dashboard Light, Bat Out of Hell

Sorry Rundgren fans: there won’t be any of his solo albums on this list. This is what I meant. Todd is the producer here and also plays lead guitar throughout this record, which features several other well known musicians, including a couple members of the E Street Band. We get the amazing vocals of the lead singer as well as Ellen Foley.
But even with all of that, this album belongs really to one guy: the composer, Jim Steinman. This extravagant, bombastic, intensely melodic effort is his baby. I’ve always had two conclusions about Steinman after listening to this record: (a) the man is a musical genius, (b) his relationships with women must have been a complete train wreck.

Bat Out of Hell
A monumental opening, perhaps the greatest intro in all of rock music. And the song is an epic masterpiece. But like so many other tunes on this record, the lyrics express a terrible attitude towards the opposite sex. I had to read the playwright August Strindberg back in college and I used to think this record was a musical expression of Strindberg’s hatred of women. But in truth the narrator here (Meat Loaf? Steinman himself) seems to despise himself even more.

You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)
The spoken word opening is pretty cheesy but this is terrific rock and roll, and it does sound a lot like early Springsteen which I guess is why many critics make that connection. Once again the lyrics tell the tale of a real jerk looking for excuses as to why he can’t express his feelings.

Heaven Can Wait
Probably the least pretentious song on this record, and maybe the prettiest tune Steinman ever wrote IMO, which is saying something because the guy was a master at writing incredibly pretty melodies. Meat Loaf’s voice here is a near perfect falsetto.

All Revved Up with No Place to Go
There is no way for me to ever listen to this song without associating it with HBO commercials that ran for over a decade.

Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad
Another epic, another great melody, and probably Steinman’s best ever lyrics. Certainly his funniest. My wife absolutely detests this song Gee I wonder why.

Paradise By the Dashboard Light
Steinman’s signature effort (unless you consider Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart”). One of the most popular sing alongs ever. If you’ve ever watched the video, the sexy girl featured is Karla DeVito, not Ellen Foley; Foley was ill at the time. However, DeVito is lip syncing to Foley’s voice. The baseball narrative is by Phil Rizzuto, who always claimed afterwards that he didn’t know the song was about premarital sex and as a religious Christian he never would have recorded it. “He’s lying”, Meat Loaf responded years later.

For Crying Out Loud
Yet another gorgeous (and very long) ballad ends the album.

Don't forget Edgar Winter on sax. I heard Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad a lot on classic rock radio.
I first heard this album on a late Sunday night local FM radio station program where the host featured new releases. A short while later it was announced the tour would stop in our Canadian prairie city of 100,000 people. My friend and I snapped up tickets. When we first bought them, nobody had any idea who Meatloaf was. By the night of the concert,Bat Out Of Hell was the hottest thing on the radio.

Rundgren has said he agreed to do the project because he saw it as a parody of Springsteen.

 

[Tau837]

Most of the albums so far are properly in the top 100, but the ordering is pretty awful. Easy examples: Van Halen and Moving Pictures are far too low. Those seem the most egregious to me, but there are others.

But there is still good entertainment value here, so thanks for that Tim.

 

[dutch]

50. Meat Loaf- Bat Out of Hell (1977)

Classic rock radio hits- Paradise By the Dashboard Light, Bat Out of Hell

Sorry Rundgren fans: there won’t be any of his solo albums on this list. This is what I meant. Todd is the producer here and also plays lead guitar throughout this record, which features several other well known musicians, including a couple members of the E Street Band. We get the amazing vocals of the lead singer as well as Ellen Foley.
But even with all of that, this album belongs really to one guy: the composer, Jim Steinman. This extravagant, bombastic, intensely melodic effort is his baby. I’ve always had two conclusions about Steinman after listening to this record: (a) the man is a musical genius, (b) his relationships with women must have been a complete train wreck.

Bat Out of Hell
A monumental opening, perhaps the greatest intro in all of rock music. And the song is an epic masterpiece. But like so many other tunes on this record, the lyrics express a terrible attitude towards the opposite sex. I had to read the playwright August Strindberg back in college and I used to think this record was a musical expression of Strindberg’s hatred of women. But in truth the narrator here (Meat Loaf? Steinman himself) seems to despise himself even more.

You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)
The spoken word opening is pretty cheesy but this is terrific rock and roll, and it does sound a lot like early Springsteen which I guess is why many critics make that connection. Once again the lyrics tell the tale of a real jerk looking for excuses as to why he can’t express his feelings.

Heaven Can Wait
Probably the least pretentious song on this record, and maybe the prettiest tune Steinman ever wrote IMO, which is saying something because the guy was a master at writing incredibly pretty melodies. Meat Loaf’s voice here is a near perfect falsetto.

All Revved Up with No Place to Go
There is no way for me to ever listen to this song without associating it with HBO commercials that ran for over a decade.

Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad
Another epic, another great melody, and probably Steinman’s best ever lyrics. Certainly his funniest. My wife absolutely detests this song Gee I wonder why.

Paradise By the Dashboard Light
Steinman’s signature effort (unless you consider Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart”). One of the most popular sing alongs ever. If you’ve ever watched the video, the sexy girl featured is Karla DeVito, not Ellen Foley; Foley was ill at the time. However, DeVito is lip syncing to Foley’s voice. The baseball narrative is by Phil Rizzuto, who always claimed afterwards that he didn’t know the song was about premarital sex and as a religious Christian he never would have recorded it. “He’s lying”, Meat Loaf responded years later.

For Crying Out Loud
Yet another gorgeous (and very long) ballad ends the album.

This album has a special place in my heart as it is an album my wife-to-be and I sang along to so much on our road trips when we first started dating that we knew every word from start to finish. We recreated the video of paradise in our crappy one bedroom apt. with she and I alternating parts while staring each other down.

Good memories from the late 80s.