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Top 250 Best Selling Rock Albums (1967 - 1981) (2 Viewers)

When the Music's Over is my favorite Doors tune but that's not my favorite album
Bicycle Race is a song that makes we want to destroy whatever is playing it. My apologies to Tim.
I agree that Whole Lotta Rosie may very well be AC/DC's best song.
Sting and the Police are boring with only a couple of exceptions.
 
As such, I am sure "real" Rush fans would banish me for saying I would rather listen to 80s and 90s Rush albums with shorter songs than the earlier albums with their longer compositions (even if the earlier compositions might be better and more interesting).
The "real Rush fans take" is certainly true for a segment of Rush followers, and I understand their POV and agree that sentiment is out there. Me personally? I'll take the 80's and 90's shorter songs over the epic theme-based anthems. While I appreciate those full album side epics, I'm more of a Permanent Waves through Presto regular listener myself, where songs of 5-6 minutes or less are more prevalent.

IMO, our guy @higgins did a really stellar job of fleshing this out and balancing the songs vs. the epics in the top 30 thread. I was a big fan of that list.
 
Huh. Gonna have to dissent from the rest of you guys. Outlandos d'Amour, despite its pretentious title, has some killer tracks on it. "Roxanne" and "Can't Stand Losing You" are catchy as hell and actually rocked a bit back when The Police rocked a bit—before Sting became a total caricature of whatever he's a caricature of. Those songs are definitely in the rockaction Pantheon d'Song.

Won a trivia night and a free seventy dollar bar tab because the last and deciding question of the night was to order four Police songs by date of release. They read it off over the loudspeaker, and I just laughed when I heard the song selection. One of the songs was Roxanne, and I knew people would blow it.

Nailed it! Free night of drinking! Put on the red light!

Good stuff.
 
Huh. Gonna have to dissent from the rest of you guys. Outlandos d'Amour, despite its pretentious title, has some killer tracks on it. "Roxanne" and "Can't Stand Losing You" are catchy as hell and actually rocked a bit back when The Police rocked a bit—before Sting became a total caricature of whatever he's a caricature of. Those songs are definitely in the rockaction Pantheon d'Song.
Don't get me wrong - the Police have a lot of good songs. I'd say I'm retconning my feelings toward them (which I tend to do from time to time) based on Sting's solo stuff, but I distinctly remember not being crazy about them when they first hit. There's also some stuff I attach to the band that have nothing to do with same. I was in High School when "Roxanne" came out. All of the ******* LAX bros in my school would strut down the halls screaming "you don't have to put on the red light!" until people wanted to vomit.

Out of that late '70s New Wave scene, I liked Blondie and the Cars much better than the rest. The Police are........fine. Nothing wrong with them & I won't change the channel if they come on.
 
#115 - THE DOORS - Waiting For The Sun (1968) (6.27 million albums)
Notable songs: Hello, I Love You (#1), The Unknown Soldier (#39), Love Street, Five To One, Not To Touch The Earth, Spanish Caravan

I always forget that the song called Waiting For The Sun was on a different album. Another strong effort from Jim and the band. The third Doors entry on the countdown. I was always a big fan of the live Five To One medley.

#114 - BOB SEGER & THE SILVER BULLET BAND - Night Moves (1976) (6.3 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track (#4), Mainstreet (#24), Rock And Roll Never Forgets (#41), Come To Poppa, Mary Lou, The Fire Down Below

Our 4th entry from Bob Seger. I believe this was the first album with the Silver Bullet Band. Not really sure how best to describe my opinion of Seger. He has a few songs I like, and a lot of songs I don't mind. I am equal parts don't hate him and don't love him, so net neutral. If I knew someone over the years that said, "Seger's in town, let's go see him," I would have. But that conversation never happened. #78 on Tim's countdown. And I agree that Night Moves is pretty repetitive / redundant.

#112T - THE ROLLING STONES - Goats Head Soup (1973) (6.35 million albums)
Notable songs: Angie (#1), Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker), Star Star, Dancing With Mr. D, 100 Years Ago

Angie was one of eight #1 singles in the U.S. They also had eight #1 singles in the UK *but Angie wasn't one of them). I remember really liking Heartbreaker as a kid, The deluxe edition added a track called Scarlet with Jimmy Page on guitar.

#112T - CROSBY, STILLS & NASH - CSN (1977) (6.35 million albums)
Notable songs: Just A Song Before I Go (#7), Fair Game (#43), Dark Star, I Give You Give Blind, Shadow Captain

I'm not the biggest CSN / CSNY fan, but I did see them in concert before and enjoyed myself. I may have had some mind-altering assistance that makes things a little fuzzy and hard to remember. But from what I recall, it was a solid performance. This would explain why I am not as well-versed in bands like Deep Purple or Iron Maiden. Always liked Just A Song.

#111 - SUPERTRAMP - Even In The Quietest Moments . . . (1977) (6.37 million albums)
Notable songs: Give A Little Bit (#15), Babaji, From Now On

If someone were to bet me to name 10 Supertramp songs, I would likely lose that bet. They were popular for a stretch in the 70s until Roger Hodgson left the band in 1983. I was not aware that one of the first things Supertramp released when they started out in 1970 was a video for their take on All Along The Watchtower from the Isle of Wight Festival. It sounds a lot like Santana.

Scouting the next group of albums . . . we say goodbye to an artist that has dominated the countdown so far, another offering from Rod the Mod, and the USC Trojan Marching Band makes a guest appearance.
 
All of the ******* LAX bros in my school would strut down the halls screaming "you don't have to put on the red light!" until people wanted to vomit.

I would have been one of those LAX bros, possibly. God knows I went to a private, upper-middle class school both for my last year after high school and then college, so I probably fit the stereotype at least once or twice in my time.

That said, I can see where in/outgroups in high school can determine one's listening preference. Led Zeppelin will be forever ruined for me because of exactly that. The kids that ruled our public high school—the blue collar, working-class tough guys—all loved Zeppelin and I was definitely not one of them, less by class or income than by intelligence, frankly.

I was in all the advanced courses and they took vocational-agricultural tracks. That's a rough and somewhat potentially arrogant distinction perhaps, but it's sadly a fact of life that cognitive abilities differ and that people will divide along those lines if left unchecked or, as in my case, if they are funneled that way. To lessen the cockiness of that statement and passage, I will say that there are certainly people smarter than me in this world, and I was introduced rudely to that fact when I worked at a policy think tank in D.C. It's especially humbling when your cognitive ability has always been prized but you are then average to below-average in your peer and work group.

Yikes to all that. What were the next best-sellers?
 
Count me in with The Police. They have 5 very successful studio albums, including arguably one of the top 10 albums of all time. When I review the track listings from each of those, I enjoy almost every song from them all. I'll probably comment on each one now that Rush blew their wad already, gives me something to look forward to lol.
 
#110 - GENESIS - Abacab (1981) (6.39 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track (#26), No Reply At All (#29), Man On The Corner (#40), Keep It Dark, Dodo / Lurker

Our 8th and final entry from Genesis (and there was much rejoicing). I actually like this one (compared to the earlier 70s prog options). I still listen to Keep It Dark pretty regularly. I didn't actually attend, but Phil looked old and decrepit and could barely move much at all on their final tour from two years ago. Peter Gabriel attended their last show (but did not perform).

#109 - THE CARS - The Cars (1978) (6.41 million albums)
Notable songs: Just What I Needed (#27), My Best Friend's Girl (#35), Good Times Roll (#41), You're All I've Got To Night, Bye Bye Love, Moving In Stereo, I'm In Touch With Your World, Don't Cha Stop, All Mixed Up

Yes, I included every track from the album, as they all got played where I lived. I loved this one (and still do). All the songs are entertaining, it still sounds fresh and not dated. And it doesn't require great thought to listen to. Just a lot of fun (well . . . at least to me). Surprised a lot of this weren't released as singles. Tim had it at #29.

#108 - ROD STEWART - Footloose & Fancy Free (1977) (6.48 million albums)
Notable songs: You're In My Heart (#4), I Was Only Joking (#22), Hot Legs (#28), You Keep Me Hangin' On, If Loving You Is Wrong I Don't Want To Be Right, You're Insane

With Genesis having gone by the wayside, Rod takes the mantle of the act that just won't go away and keeps showing up. I admit, I was a fan of Hot Legs. Timeline wise, this marked transition of Rod moving on from being a rocker to a pop performer.

#107 - BOB SEGER & THE SILVER BULLET BAND - Stranger In Town (1978) (6.51 million albums)
Notable songs: Still The Same (#4), Hollywood Nights (#11), We've Got Tonight (#13), Old Time Rock And Roll (#28), Feel Like A Number

While we're at it, we say goodbye to the Detroit rocker after his 5th album on the list. I like all the popular songs from this one. Old Time Rock And Roll reached #48 after Tom Cruise pranced around in his tidy whities in Risky Business in 1984. Of all the songs Seger recorded, it was Breakdown from the Beverly Hills Cop II soundtrack that was his sole #1 chart topping single.

#106 - FLEETWOOD MAC - Tusk (1979) (6.6 million albums)
Notable songs: Sara (#7), Title Track (#8), Think About Me (#20), Sisters Of The Moon (#86), Not That Funny, Angel

Our first Fleetwood Mac sighting. I always liked the title track (complete with marching band). I also like the version they used in The Americans. As is often my opinion with double albums, I think they could have had a great single album here but stretching the material out over two discs watered things down a little (and least in my eyes).

The next block will bring us to the Top 100 (I can feel the excitement building! Oh, the humanity!). All the selections are from artists we've already seen appear on the list and includes a live album from a band that went on hiatus for a decade plus after this album was released.
 
#109 - THE CARS - The Cars (1978) (6.41 million albums)
Notable songs: Just What I Needed (#27), My Best Friend's Girl (#35), Good Times Roll (#41), You're All I've Got To Night, Bye Bye Love, Moving In Stereo, I'm In Touch With Your World, Don't Cha Stop, All Mixed Up

Yes, I included every track from the album, as they all got played where I lived. I loved this one (and still do). All the songs are entertaining, it still sounds fresh and not dated. And it doesn't require great thought to listen to. Just a lot of fun (well . . . at least to me). Surprised a lot of this weren't released as singles. Tim had it at #29.

One of the rare bands that my brother and I agreed upon when we were younger. I don't think you'll find many young people in America from that time that will actively dislike this album. Its songwriting and performances are really uniquely strong. I didn't hear "I'm In Touch With Your World" that much on the radio, but I've heard all of the others over the airwaves and that would seem to be quite an accomplishment. To catch the ears of those who otherwise wouldn't be tuned into the broadcast frequency is no small task, and The Cars were omnipresent.

In a bit of news about its current standing, Rhino Records just did a Hi-Fi release of this record and it sold out right quick. The secondary market for that record is now a bit astronomical, so I won't be hearing it on my own system, but it's certainly still a well-respected and coveted record. What a gift Ocasek and Orr had for songwriting. These are all classics that live on in the consciousness of people my age. A synth rock masterpiece.
 
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#109 - THE CARS - The Cars (1978) (6.41 million albums)
Notable songs: Just What I Needed (#27), My Best Friend's Girl (#35), Good Times Roll (#41), You're All I've Got To Night, Bye Bye Love, Moving In Stereo, I'm In Touch With Your World, Don't Cha Stop, All Mixed Up

Awesome album right here. The Cars are great: they're fun, a little funky, and the songs are iconic. Huge fan of "Good Times Roll".

#107 - BOB SEGER & THE SILVER BULLET BAND - Stranger In Town (1978) (6.51 million albums)
Notable songs: Still The Same (#4), Hollywood Nights (#11), We've Got Tonight (#13), Old Time Rock And Roll (#28), Feel Like A Number

"Still The Same" and "Hollywood Nights" are my 2 favorites from Seger. Solid album as rounded out by the other tunes.
 
#115 - THE DOORS - Waiting For The Sun (1968) (6.27 million albums)
Notable songs: Hello, I Love You (#1), The Unknown Soldier (#39), Love Street, Five To One, Not To Touch The Earth, Spanish Caravan

I always forget that the song called Waiting For The Sun was on a different album. Another strong effort from Jim and the band. The third Doors entry on the countdown. I was always a big fan of the live Five To One medley.

#114 - BOB SEGER & THE SILVER BULLET BAND - Night Moves (1976) (6.3 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track (#4), Mainstreet (#24), Rock And Roll Never Forgets (#41), Come To Poppa, Mary Lou, The Fire Down Below

Our 4th entry from Bob Seger. I believe this was the first album with the Silver Bullet Band. Not really sure how best to describe my opinion of Seger. He has a few songs I like, and a lot of songs I don't mind. I am equal parts don't hate him and don't love him, so net neutral. If I knew someone over the years that said, "Seger's in town, let's go see him," I would have. But that conversation never happened. #78 on Tim's countdown. And I agree that Night Moves is pretty repetitive / redundant.

#112T - THE ROLLING STONES - Goats Head Soup (1973) (6.35 million albums)
Notable songs: Angie (#1), Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker), Star Star, Dancing With Mr. D, 100 Years Ago

Angie was one of eight #1 singles in the U.S. They also had eight #1 singles in the UK *but Angie wasn't one of them). I remember really liking Heartbreaker as a kid, The deluxe edition added a track called Scarlet with Jimmy Page on guitar.

#112T - CROSBY, STILLS & NASH - CSN (1977) (6.35 million albums)
Notable songs: Just A Song Before I Go (#7), Fair Game (#43), Dark Star, I Give You Give Blind, Shadow Captain

I'm not the biggest CSN / CSNY fan, but I did see them in concert before and enjoyed myself. I may have had some mind-altering assistance that makes things a little fuzzy and hard to remember. But from what I recall, it was a solid performance. This would explain why I am not as well-versed in bands like Deep Purple or Iron Maiden. Always liked Just A Song.

#111 - SUPERTRAMP - Even In The Quietest Moments . . . (1977) (6.37 million albums)
Notable songs: Give A Little Bit (#15), Babaji, From Now On

If someone were to bet me to name 10 Supertramp songs, I would likely lose that bet. They were popular for a stretch in the 70s until Roger Hodgson left the band in 1983. I was not aware that one of the first things Supertramp released when they started out in 1970 was a video for their take on All Along The Watchtower from the Isle of Wight Festival. It sounds a lot like Santana.

Scouting the next group of albums . . . we say goodbye to an artist that has dominated the countdown so far, another offering from Rod the Mod, and the USC Trojan Marching Band makes a guest appearance.
Waiting for the Sun kind of sucks aside from Hello I Love You, Unknown Soldier and Five to One. (The "title track" is good, but as you said, it's on a different album.) This was mostly the leftovers of the initial songs the band worked up in 1966 and 1967, and it shows.

My parents had Goats Head Soup on vinyl for some reason. This was quite odd because they had no other records by the Stones or anyone like them. When they weren't listening to classical (which was most of the time), they preferred Carly Simon, Paul Simon/Simon and Garfunkel, CSN(Y) and occasionally the Beatles. (My father's tastes got more diverse after he met my stepmother.) I suspect by mom liked Angie so my dad bought the album for her. Most of the rest of the record is heroin-addled chaos -- which I love now -- but that would explain why my parents' copy sat in its jacket all the time.

The CSN 1977 reunion album isn't on par with the debut album and Deja Vu, but few things are. Yet it's got strong songs from all three members and gorgeous arrangements. Particularly underrated is Shadow Captain, written by Crosby and keyboardist Craig Doerge, which may be the best deployment of their signature harmonies, and which has a brisk piano-and-congas-driven arrangement that offers new insights with every listen.

The vast majority of Supertramp's radio songs come from two albums -- Crime of the Century and Breakfast in America. Just listen to those albums and you'll find your 10 songs you'll remember. Give a Little Bit is one of the few exceptions.
 
#110 - GENESIS - Abacab (1981) (6.39 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track (#26), No Reply At All (#29), Man On The Corner (#40), Keep It Dark, Dodo / Lurker

Our 8th and final entry from Genesis (and there was much rejoicing). I actually like this one (compared to the earlier 70s prog options). I still listen to Keep It Dark pretty regularly. I didn't actually attend, but Phil looked old and decrepit and could barely move much at all on their final tour from two years ago. Peter Gabriel attended their last show (but did not perform).

#109 - THE CARS - The Cars (1978) (6.41 million albums)
Notable songs: Just What I Needed (#27), My Best Friend's Girl (#35), Good Times Roll (#41), You're All I've Got To Night, Bye Bye Love, Moving In Stereo, I'm In Touch With Your World, Don't Cha Stop, All Mixed Up

Yes, I included every track from the album, as they all got played where I lived. I loved this one (and still do). All the songs are entertaining, it still sounds fresh and not dated. And it doesn't require great thought to listen to. Just a lot of fun (well . . . at least to me). Surprised a lot of this weren't released as singles. Tim had it at #29.

#108 - ROD STEWART - Footloose & Fancy Free (1977) (6.48 million albums)
Notable songs: You're In My Heart (#4), I Was Only Joking (#22), Hot Legs (#28), You Keep Me Hangin' On, If Loving You Is Wrong I Don't Want To Be Right, You're Insane

With Genesis having gone by the wayside, Rod takes the mantle of the act that just won't go away and keeps showing up. I admit, I was a fan of Hot Legs. Timeline wise, this marked transition of Rod moving on from being a rocker to a pop performer.

#107 - BOB SEGER & THE SILVER BULLET BAND - Stranger In Town (1978) (6.51 million albums)
Notable songs: Still The Same (#4), Hollywood Nights (#11), We've Got Tonight (#13), Old Time Rock And Roll (#28), Feel Like A Number

While we're at it, we say goodbye to the Detroit rocker after his 5th album on the list. I like all the popular songs from this one. Old Time Rock And Roll reached #48 after Tom Cruise pranced around in his tidy whities in Risky Business in 1984. Of all the songs Seger recorded, it was Breakdown from the Beverly Hills Cop II soundtrack that was his sole #1 chart topping single.

#106 - FLEETWOOD MAC - Tusk (1979) (6.6 million albums)
Notable songs: Sara (#7), Title Track (#8), Think About Me (#20), Sisters Of The Moon (#86), Not That Funny, Angel

Our first Fleetwood Mac sighting. I always liked the title track (complete with marching band). I also like the version they used in The Americans. As is often my opinion with double albums, I think they could have had a great single album here but stretching the material out over two discs watered things down a little (and least in my eyes).

The next block will bring us to the Top 100 (I can feel the excitement building! Oh, the humanity!). All the selections are from artists we've already seen appear on the list and includes a live album from a band that went on hiatus for a decade plus after this album was released.
No Reply at All and Man on the Corner are the first hints of the pop sound Phil Collins would pursue on his own creeping into the Genesis sound, but the rest of the record offers plenty for fans of their records up to this point. Me and Sarah Jane is one of their best songs IMO.

The first Cars album is a tour de force. In Philly they didn't play I'm in Touch with Your World or Don't Cha Stop, but they played everything else.

Tusk is better than its reputation. Though it certainly doesn't sound like the most expensive album ever made at the time -- they must have folded the cocaine budget into the recording budget. Some of Lindsey Buckingham's songs sound quite low-fi by contemporary mainstream standards. Stevie Nicks' songs on this record are particularly strong -- it's little wonder she had a breakout solo record the following year.
 
#105 - THE EAGLES - Eagles Live (1980) (6.65 million albums)
Notable songs: Seven Bridges Road (#21), at least 10 of their main hits

The first of three live Eagles releases, this one captured on the 1980 tour. The band ended up taking a break until 1994 . . . and that live album sold twice what this one did. Of course, the other big difference is Eagles Live is a double album while the 1994 release was a single CD release. As Frey would say, "w didn't break up, we were just on a 14 year vacation."

#103T -NEIL YOUNG - After The Gold Rush (1970) (6.67 million albums)
Notable songs: Only Love Can Break Your Heart (#33), When You Can Dance I Can Really Love (#93), Southern Man, Don't Let It Bring You Down, Title Track, Tell Me Why, Oh Lonesome Me

The first few Neil albums were both great albums and big sellers. He never went away and has released 46 studio albums (not counting his work in CSNY). Tim had this at #28.

#103T- CROSBY, STILLS & NASH - Crosby, Stills & Nash (1969) (6.67 million albums)
Notable songs: Suite: Judy Blue Eyes (#21), Marrakesh Express (#28), Wooden Ships, Guinnevere, Long Time Gone

Fitting that Neil and CSN would be tied for the same spot. The debut album from the band was one of 8 platinum albums in the States (9 if we count the live Woodstock album). Tim had this one at #82.

#102 - BILLY JOEL - Piano Man (1973) (6.7 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track (#25), Travellin' Prayer (#77), Worse Comes To Worse (#80), The Ballad Of Billy The Kid, Captain Jack, You're My Home

The album that put Billy on the map. I've seen him live multiple times, and the highlight was one show where he played Piano Man and almost the entire crowd had the lights on their phones out swaying back and forth. Our seats were front row right behind Joel in back of the stage, and the arena was a sea of lights.

#101 - SANTANA - Santana (1970) (6.75 million albums)
Notable songs: Evil Ways (#9), Jingo (#56), Soul Sacrifice, Waiting

Not to keep beating a dead horse, but I am amazed at how well Santana sold. I think I own three Santana albums, and that's 3 more than anyone else I have ever come across. One album I don't own is Supernatural (but 25 million other people do).

We've made it to the Top 100, and the next grouping features some new artists that we haven't seen sofar.
 
#102 - BILLY JOEL - Piano Man (1973) (6.7 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track (#25), Travellin' Prayer (#77), Worse Comes To Worse (#80), The Ballad Of Billy The Kid, Captain Jack, You're My Home
Billy Joel obviously has several great albums, and maybe close to 50 notable, memorable songs. Having said that, Billy Joel is the Piano Man. It's probably the first song most people would mention if asked "name one Billy Joel song". Pretty iconic stuff right here for Billy.

Captain Jack is a solid tune as well, although a bit long and somewhat repetitive.

Personally, I enjoy other Billy Joel material more, but this one is big.
 
#105 - THE EAGLES - Eagles Live (1980) (6.65 million albums)
Notable songs: Seven Bridges Road (#21), at least 10 of their main hits

The first of three live Eagles releases, this one captured on the 1980 tour. The band ended up taking a break until 1994 . . . and that live album sold twice what this one did. Of course, the other big difference is Eagles Live is a double album while the 1994 release was a single CD release. As Frey would say, "w didn't break up, we were just on a 14 year vacation."

#103T -NEIL YOUNG - After The Gold Rush (1970) (6.67 million albums)
Notable songs: Only Love Can Break Your Heart (#33), When You Can Dance I Can Really Love (#93), Southern Man, Don't Let It Bring You Down, Title Track, Tell Me Why, Oh Lonesome Me

The first few Neil albums were both great albums and big sellers. He never went away and has released 46 studio albums (not counting his work in CSNY). Tim had this at #28.

#103T- CROSBY, STILLS & NASH - Crosby, Stills & Nash (1969) (6.67 million albums)
Notable songs: Suite: Judy Blue Eyes (#21), Marrakesh Express (#28), Wooden Ships, Guinnevere, Long Time Gone

Fitting that Neil and CSN would be tied for the same spot. The debut album from the band was one of 8 platinum albums in the States (9 if we count the live Woodstock album). Tim had this one at #82.

#102 - BILLY JOEL - Piano Man (1973) (6.7 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track (#25), Travellin' Prayer (#77), Worse Comes To Worse (#80), The Ballad Of Billy The Kid, Captain Jack, You're My Home

The album that put Billy on the map. I've seen him live multiple times, and the highlight was one show where he played Piano Man and almost the entire crowd had the lights on their phones out swaying back and forth. Our seats were front row right behind Joel in back of the stage, and the arena was a sea of lights.

#101 - SANTANA - Santana (1970) (6.75 million albums)
Notable songs: Evil Ways (#9), Jingo (#56), Soul Sacrifice, Waiting

Not to keep beating a dead horse, but I am amazed at how well Santana sold. I think I own three Santana albums, and that's 3 more than anyone else I have ever come across. One album I don't own is Supernatural (but 25 million other people do).

We've made it to the Top 100, and the next grouping features some new artists that we haven't seen sofar.
I'd rank these:

1. Santana. They sounded so much more polished than the other Bay Area bands (looking at you in particular, Airplane).
2. CSN. I'm not their biggest fan, but this one's full of good stuff.
3. Neil. I think it's probably his best.
4. God.....I guess Eagles Live, though they were so fried and bitter by this point. This may be the most joyless live album I've ever heard.
5. I heard "You're My Home" on WXPN this morning and didn't loathe it. That's all you get from me.
 
#105 - THE EAGLES - Eagles Live (1980) (6.65 million albums)
Notable songs: Seven Bridges Road (#21), at least 10 of their main hits

The first of three live Eagles releases, this one captured on the 1980 tour. The band ended up taking a break until 1994 . . . and that live album sold twice what this one did. Of course, the other big difference is Eagles Live is a double album while the 1994 release was a single CD release. As Frey would say, "w didn't break up, we were just on a 14 year vacation."

#103T -NEIL YOUNG - After The Gold Rush (1970) (6.67 million albums)
Notable songs: Only Love Can Break Your Heart (#33), When You Can Dance I Can Really Love (#93), Southern Man, Don't Let It Bring You Down, Title Track, Tell Me Why, Oh Lonesome Me

The first few Neil albums were both great albums and big sellers. He never went away and has released 46 studio albums (not counting his work in CSNY). Tim had this at #28.

#103T- CROSBY, STILLS & NASH - Crosby, Stills & Nash (1969) (6.67 million albums)
Notable songs: Suite: Judy Blue Eyes (#21), Marrakesh Express (#28), Wooden Ships, Guinnevere, Long Time Gone

Fitting that Neil and CSN would be tied for the same spot. The debut album from the band was one of 8 platinum albums in the States (9 if we count the live Woodstock album). Tim had this one at #82.

#102 - BILLY JOEL - Piano Man (1973) (6.7 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track (#25), Travellin' Prayer (#77), Worse Comes To Worse (#80), The Ballad Of Billy The Kid, Captain Jack, You're My Home

The album that put Billy on the map. I've seen him live multiple times, and the highlight was one show where he played Piano Man and almost the entire crowd had the lights on their phones out swaying back and forth. Our seats were front row right behind Joel in back of the stage, and the arena was a sea of lights.

#101 - SANTANA - Santana (1970) (6.75 million albums)
Notable songs: Evil Ways (#9), Jingo (#56), Soul Sacrifice, Waiting

Not to keep beating a dead horse, but I am amazed at how well Santana sold. I think I own three Santana albums, and that's 3 more than anyone else I have ever come across. One album I don't own is Supernatural (but 25 million other people do).

We've made it to the Top 100, and the next grouping features some new artists that we haven't seen sofar.
I'd rank these:

1. Santana. They sounded so much more polished than the other Bay Area bands (looking at you in particular, Airplane).
2. CSN. I'm not their biggest fan, but this one's full of good stuff.
3. Neil. I think it's probably his best.
4. God.....I guess Eagles Live, though they were so fried and bitter by this point. This may be the most joyless live album I've ever heard.
5. I heard "You're My Home" on WXPN this morning and didn't loathe it. That's all you get from me.
Eagles Live to me screams easy money grab and last album left to fulfill their recording contract. Both are true. Clearly they were not having the best of times at that point. But they didn’t have to deal with Elektra/Asylum after that.
 
#114 - BOB SEGER & THE SILVER BULLET BAND - Night Moves (1976) (6.3 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track (#4), Mainstreet (#24), Rock And Roll Never Forgets (#41), Come To Poppa, Mary Lou, The Fire Down Below

Our 4th entry from Bob Seger. I believe this was the first album with the Silver Bullet Band. Not really sure how best to describe my opinion of Seger. He has a few songs I like, and a lot of songs I don't mind. I am equal parts don't hate him and don't love him, so net neutral. If I knew someone over the years that said, "Seger's in town, let's go see him," I would have. But that conversation never happened. #78 on Tim's countdown. And I agree that Night Moves is pretty repetitive / redundant.
I don't know what it is, but I AM a huge Seger fan. IMO, this is his best album and I can listen to the title track and Mainstreet daily and not tire of them.
 
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#100 - BOB DYLAN - Blood On The Tracks (1975) (6.8 million albums)
Notable songs: Tangled Up Un Blue (#31), If You See Her Say Hello, Simple Twist Of Fate, Meet Me In The Morning, You're A Big Girl Now, Buckets Of Rain

We kick off the Hot 100 with another selection from Dylan. I like him as a songwriter but am not a huge fan of his singing style. Plenty of people love him, and he's put out 127 total albums between studio, live, compilation, box sets, and official bootleg recordings.

#99 - CREAM - Disraeli Gears (1967) (6.81 million albums)
Notable songs: Sunshine Of Your Love (#5), Strange Brew, SWLABR, Tales Of Brave Ulysses, Outside Woman Blues, We're Going Wrong

We say goodbye to Cream (although not the album entitled Goodbye). Sunshine was their highest charting U.S. single. I was not aware that there is a 40-track deluxe edition of this one (linked above). I will definitely be giving that a listen at some point. SWLABR stands for She Walks Like a Bearded Rainbow (for those that were wondering). Tim had it at #40.

#95T - STEVE WINWOOD - Arc Of A Diver (1980) (7 million albums)
Notable songs: While You See A Chance (#7), Title Track (#48), Night Train (#104), Spanish Dancer

Our first 7 million selling album, and it's from . . . Steve Winwood? It's his only solo entry on the countdown (and ties as his best-selling album with Back In The High Life). I have a hard time believing that this one outsold High Life or Roll With It, but that's what the sales numbers show. With his two Spencer Davis Group hits included, he had a dozen Top 40 singles in the U.S.

#95T - THE ROLLING STONES - Let It Bleed (1969) (7 million albums)
Notable songs: You Can't Always Get What You Want (#42), Gimme Shelter, Title Track, Midnight Rambler, Monkey Man, Live With Me, Love In Vain, Honky Talk Women (deluxe version)

Rolling Stone had it at #32 in their Top 500 of all-time, while Tim had it at #11. With all those great songs, there wasn't much attempt to cash in on singles. Pretty surprised that this one "only" ranks at #95. Or maybe better stated, there are still multiple Stones albums to come that sold more than this one did.

#95T - JETHRO TULL - Aqualung (1971) (7 million albums)
Notable songs: Locomotive Breath (#62), Hymn 43 (#91), Title Track, Cross-Eyed Mary, Mother Goose

We say both hello and goodbye to everyone's favorite Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Grammy Award winner. Still can't believe that Crest Of A Knave beat out Metallica's And Justice For All. I literally cannot remember the last time I heard Tull on the radio. It's been many, many years. They put out a new album last year, so there must still be a fan base that's into them. Tim had it at #46.

Up next, a double shot from someone new to the countdown.
 
#100 - BOB DYLAN - Blood On The Tracks (1975) (6.8 million albums)
Notable songs: Tangled Up Un Blue (#31), If You See Her Say Hello, Simple Twist Of Fate, Meet Me In The Morning, You're A Big Girl Now, Buckets Of Rain

We kick off the Hot 100 with another selection from Dylan. I like him as a songwriter but am not a huge fan of his singing style. Plenty of people love him, and he's put out 127 total albums between studio, live, compilation, box sets, and official bootleg recordings.

#99 - CREAM - Disraeli Gears (1967) (6.81 million albums)
Notable songs: Sunshine Of Your Love (#5), Strange Brew, SWLABR, Tales Of Brave Ulysses, Outside Woman Blues, We're Going Wrong

We say goodbye to Cream (although not the album entitled Goodbye). Sunshine was their highest charting U.S. single. I was not aware that there is a 40-track deluxe edition of this one (linked above). I will definitely be giving that a listen at some point. SWLABR stands for She Walks Like a Bearded Rainbow (for those that were wondering). Tim had it at #40.

#95T - STEVE WINWOOD - Arc Of A Diver (1980) (7 million albums)
Notable songs: While You See A Chance (#7), Title Track (#48), Night Train (#104), Spanish Dancer

Our first 7 million selling album, and it's from . . . Steve Winwood? It's his only solo entry on the countdown (and ties as his best-selling album with Back In The High Life). I have a hard time believing that this one outsold High Life or Roll With It, but that's what the sales numbers show. With his two Spencer Davis Group hits included, he had a dozen Top 40 singles in the U.S.

#95T - THE ROLLING STONES - Let It Bleed (1969) (7 million albums)
Notable songs: You Can't Always Get What You Want (#42), Gimme Shelter, Title Track, Midnight Rambler, Monkey Man, Live With Me, Love In Vain, Honky Talk Women (deluxe version)

Rolling Stone had it at #32 in their Top 500 of all-time, while Tim had it at #11. With all those great songs, there wasn't much attempt to cash in on singles. Pretty surprised that this one "only" ranks at #95. Or maybe better stated, there are still multiple Stones albums to come that sold more than this one did.

#95T - JETHRO TULL - Aqualung (1971) (7 million albums)
Notable songs: Locomotive Breath (#62), Hymn 43 (#91), Title Track, Cross-Eyed Mary, Mother Goose

We say both hello and goodbye to everyone's favorite Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Grammy Award winner. Still can't believe that Crest Of A Knave beat out Metallica's And Justice For All. I literally cannot remember the last time I heard Tull on the radio. It's been many, many years. They put out a new album last year, so there must still be a fan base that's into them. Tim had it at #46.

Up next, a double shot from someone new to the countdown.
Blood on the Tracks is the best Dylan album after his '60s heyday but before his '90s/'00s renaissance. Most of the songs are inspired by his deteriorating marriage, and they are harrowing.

While You See a Chance was ubiquitous at the time. That plus regular airplay on FM radio for four of the album's six tracks (the four you mentioned), and a bump from new fans that came on after Back in the High Life, makes the Arc of a Diver sales numbers seem logical to me.

Until 1971, when they changed labels, the Stones often followed the then-common British model of not including singles on albums but instead promoting them as standalones for sales purposes. The single that coincided with Let It Bleed was Honky Tonk Women.

Aqualung is one of the quintessential albums for budding teenage intellectuals who are starting to question everything. That, plus four of its songs being mainstays on the radio, means it's perfectly logical that there are many people who own this album but nothing else by Tull.
 
#99 - CREAM - Disraeli Gears (1967) (6.81 million albums)
Notable songs: Sunshine Of Your Love (#5), Strange Brew, SWLABR, Tales Of Brave Ulysses, Outside Woman Blues, We're Going Wrong
And this is excluding what is arguably their greatest song, the Byrds jingle-jangle influenced “Dance The Night Away”.
Strange Brew/Sunshine of Your Love/World of Pain/Dance the Night Away is an incredible opening to an album.
I'm not a huge fan of most things Clapton but love the majority of this album plus a few other Cream songs. Probably makes me more of a Bruce and Baker fan I guess.
 
#95T - DIRE STRAITS - Communique (1979) (7 million albums)
Notable songs: Lady Writer (#45), Once Upon A Time In The West, Portobello Belle

Mark Knopfler is an acquired taste. I really like DS, but sometimes I find Knopfler's voice too grating and gravelly. His guitar playing is top notch, but the band has mostly slower, moody songs which won't be for everyone. I was surprised this album cracked the Top 100, and is doesn't really have any hits or staple songs from their catalog.

#94 - DIRE STRAITS - Making Movies (1980) (7.04 million albums)
Notable songs: Skateaway (#58), Tunnel Of Love, Romeo And Juliet, Solid Rock, Expresso Love

I much prefer this one from Dire Straits, and often play it on road trips. I still wonder how they sold so many albums. They only had four Top 40 singles in the U.S. (and three of them were on Brothers In Arms). They aren't really hard or up-tempo rock, arena rock, pop, or new wave.

#93 - THE DOORS - Morrison Hotel (1970) (7.13 million albums)
Notable songs: You Make Me Real / Roadhouse Blues (#50), Waiting For The Sun, Peace Frog, Blue Sunday, Ship Of Fools

Not my favorite Doors album, but is still has some strong songs. I always liked Waiting For The Sun and Peace Frog. Roadhouse Blues to me was overplayed / overrated.

#92 - THE EAGLES - One Of These Nights (1975) (7.17 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track (#1), Lyin' Eyes (#2), Take It To The Limit (#4), Journey Of The Sorcerer

The only Eagles album that produced three Top 5 singles in the States. IMO, the rest of the album besides that is pretty meh. They accelerated into the stratosphere with their next album,

#91 - FOREIGNER - Double Vision (1978) (7.2 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track (#2), Hot Blooded (#3), Blue Morning Blue Day (#15), Love Has Taken Its Toll, Love Maker (extended version)

Foreigner usually had 4-5 decent singles / songs per album and the rest filler that most people would never want to hear again. This album seems to follow that formula. I really like the radio air play songs. The bonus tack Love Maker should have made it onto an album back in the day.

I'd have to comb through the list again, but I believe this is the first 5-album block that I have all of the albums. Anyone else have a 5-pack of albums so far?

Coming up, Led Zeppelin makes their presence felt, more Foureigner, and we find a reason to believe that Rod Stewart has a lot of albums on the countdown.
 
I love the backstory on the title of the title track. According to Lou Gramm:

“I was a season ticket holder for the New York Rangers and they were playing the Philadelphia Flyers in the Stanley Cup Finals. While we were recording, I had an eight-inch TV taped inside my vocal booth with the volume turned all the way down. While I was singing and recording, I’d keep my eye on the screen. Then, whenever we stopped, I’d turn the volume up a little bit. On one occasion, the play had stopped when Dave Schultz the Flyers skated in front of John Davidson, the Ranger’s goalie, gave him an elbow and knocked him out cold. The trainers helped Davidson off the ice and the Rangers wound up putting in the second-string goalie. Every so often, the announcers would come on and say they were waiting for word on the condition of Davidson. Finally, the announcer said, “The trainers said they don’t think Davidson will be back tonight. He doesn’t have a concussion, but he is experiencing… double vision." That’s when I said — “That’s it!”
 
#95T - DIRE STRAITS - Communique (1979) (7 million albums)
Notable songs: Lady Writer (#45), Once Upon A Time In The West, Portobello Belle

Mark Knopfler is an acquired taste. I really like DS, but sometimes I find Knopfler's voice too grating and gravelly. His guitar playing is top notch, but the band has mostly slower, moody songs which won't be for everyone. I was surprised this album cracked the Top 100, and is doesn't really have any hits or staple songs from their catalog.

#94 - DIRE STRAITS - Making Movies (1980) (7.04 million albums)
Notable songs: Skateaway (#58), Tunnel Of Love, Romeo And Juliet, Solid Rock, Expresso Love

I much prefer this one from Dire Straits, and often play it on road trips. I still wonder how they sold so many albums. They only had four Top 40 singles in the U.S. (and three of them were on Brothers In Arms). They aren't really hard or up-tempo rock, arena rock, pop, or new wave.

#93 - THE DOORS - Morrison Hotel (1970) (7.13 million albums)
Notable songs: You Make Me Real / Roadhouse Blues (#50), Waiting For The Sun, Peace Frog, Blue Sunday, Ship Of Fools

Not my favorite Doors album, but is still has some strong songs. I always liked Waiting For The Sun and Peace Frog. Roadhouse Blues to me was overplayed / overrated.

#92 - THE EAGLES - One Of These Nights (1975) (7.17 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track (#1), Lyin' Eyes (#2), Take It To The Limit (#4), Journey Of The Sorcerer

The only Eagles album that produced three Top 5 singles in the States. IMO, the rest of the album besides that is pretty meh. They accelerated into the stratosphere with their next album,

#91 - FOREIGNER - Double Vision (1978) (7.2 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track (#2), Hot Blooded (#3), Blue Morning Blue Day (#15), Love Has Taken Its Toll, Love Maker (extended version)

Foreigner usually had 4-5 decent singles / songs per album and the rest filler that most people would never want to hear again. This album seems to follow that formula. I really like the radio air play songs. The bonus tack Love Maker should have made it onto an album back in the day.

I'd have to comb through the list again, but I believe this is the first 5-album block that I have all of the albums. Anyone else have a 5-pack of albums so far?

Coming up, Led Zeppelin makes their presence felt, more Foureigner, and we find a reason to believe that Rod Stewart has a lot of albums on the countdown.
Dire Straits were huge in continental Europe. My junior year of high school, we had an exchange student from Spain, and he told us that Dire Straits were as big as the Beatles in his country.

Morrison Hotel is IMO either the best or second best Doors album — the other contender is the debut — and marks a turn into more mature and grounded songwriting.
 
Dire Straits were huge in continental Europe. My junior year of high school, we had an exchange student from Spain, and he told us that Dire Straits were as big as the Beatles in his country.
If I didn't already know that they were huge in other countries, I would be shocked to learn they have sold 100 million albums (only 21 million in the States).

Here's the breakdown of the two recent Dire Straits albums . . .

Communique: 1 million in the U.S., 4.33 million in Europe
Making Movies: 1.45 million in the U.S., 4.09 million in Europe

Love Over Gold (came out too late to be considered): 900,000 in the U.S., 4.91 million in Europe (7.51 million total)
Alchemy: 800,000 in the U.S., 3.47 million in Europe (5.29 million total)
Brothers In Arms: 10.3 million in the U.S., 13.93 million in Europe (30.85 million total . . . WOW!)
On Every Street: 1 million in the U.S., 6.66 million in Europe (9.14 million total)
 
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Dire Straits were huge in continental Europe. My junior year of high school, we had an exchange student from Spain, and he told us that Dire Straits were as big as the Beatles in his country.
During my freshman year of college, my spring-semester dormmate was from Spain. He and his friends played A TON of Dire Straits, almost exclusively from their pre-“Money For Nothing” material.
 
#95T - DIRE STRAITS - Communique (1979) (7 million albums)
Notable songs: Lady Writer (#45), Once Upon A Time In The West, Portobello Belle

Mark Knopfler is an acquired taste. I really like DS, but sometimes I find Knopfler's voice too grating and gravelly. His guitar playing is top notch, but the band has mostly slower, moody songs which won't be for everyone. I was surprised this album cracked the Top 100, and is doesn't really have any hits or staple songs from their catalog.

#94 - DIRE STRAITS - Making Movies (1980) (7.04 million albums)
Notable songs: Skateaway (#58), Tunnel Of Love, Romeo And Juliet, Solid Rock, Expresso Love

I much prefer this one from Dire Straits, and often play it on road trips. I still wonder how they sold so many albums. They only had four Top 40 singles in the U.S. (and three of them were on Brothers In Arms). They aren't really hard or up-tempo rock, arena rock, pop, or new wave.

#93 - THE DOORS - Morrison Hotel (1970) (7.13 million albums)
Notable songs: You Make Me Real / Roadhouse Blues (#50), Waiting For The Sun, Peace Frog, Blue Sunday, Ship Of Fools

Not my favorite Doors album, but is still has some strong songs. I always liked Waiting For The Sun and Peace Frog. Roadhouse Blues to me was overplayed / overrated.

#92 - THE EAGLES - One Of These Nights (1975) (7.17 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track (#1), Lyin' Eyes (#2), Take It To The Limit (#4), Journey Of The Sorcerer

The only Eagles album that produced three Top 5 singles in the States. IMO, the rest of the album besides that is pretty meh. They accelerated into the stratosphere with their next album,

#91 - FOREIGNER - Double Vision (1978) (7.2 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track (#2), Hot Blooded (#3), Blue Morning Blue Day (#15), Love Has Taken Its Toll, Love Maker (extended version)

Foreigner usually had 4-5 decent singles / songs per album and the rest filler that most people would never want to hear again. This album seems to follow that formula. I really like the radio air play songs. The bonus tack Love Maker should have made it onto an album back in the day.

I'd have to comb through the list again, but I believe this is the first 5-album block that I have all of the albums. Anyone else have a 5-pack of albums so far?

Coming up, Led Zeppelin makes their presence felt, more Foureigner, and we find a reason to believe that Rod Stewart has a lot of albums on the countdown.
I'm having a really hard time ranking these. If you had asked me in 1980, it would have gone Foreigner then Eagles then probably the Doors.

Dire Straits got lumped into New Wave at the time and kind of got buried. The same would have happened to Petty, except that he was HERE and able to power through it - Knopfler didn't care enough to worry. Straits has continued to grow on me the last 45 years.

Today, I'd probably still go Double Vision (nostalgia has some strong gravity) then the 2 Straits LPs, then Eagles (I still think it's their best album), then the Doors (their lows are just too low).
 
#95T - DIRE STRAITS - Communique (1979) (7 million albums)
Notable songs: Lady Writer (#45), Once Upon A Time In The West, Portobello Belle

Mark Knopfler is an acquired taste. I really like DS, but sometimes I find Knopfler's voice too grating and gravelly. His guitar playing is top notch, but the band has mostly slower, moody songs which won't be for everyone. I was surprised this album cracked the Top 100, and is doesn't really have any hits or staple songs from their catalog.

#94 - DIRE STRAITS - Making Movies (1980) (7.04 million albums)
Notable songs: Skateaway (#58), Tunnel Of Love, Romeo And Juliet, Solid Rock, Expresso Love

I much prefer this one from Dire Straits, and often play it on road trips. I still wonder how they sold so many albums. They only had four Top 40 singles in the U.S. (and three of them were on Brothers In Arms). They aren't really hard or up-tempo rock, arena rock, pop, or new wave.

#93 - THE DOORS - Morrison Hotel (1970) (7.13 million albums)
Notable songs: You Make Me Real / Roadhouse Blues (#50), Waiting For The Sun, Peace Frog, Blue Sunday, Ship Of Fools

Not my favorite Doors album, but is still has some strong songs. I always liked Waiting For The Sun and Peace Frog. Roadhouse Blues to me was overplayed / overrated.

#92 - THE EAGLES - One Of These Nights (1975) (7.17 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track (#1), Lyin' Eyes (#2), Take It To The Limit (#4), Journey Of The Sorcerer

The only Eagles album that produced three Top 5 singles in the States. IMO, the rest of the album besides that is pretty meh. They accelerated into the stratosphere with their next album,

#91 - FOREIGNER - Double Vision (1978) (7.2 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track (#2), Hot Blooded (#3), Blue Morning Blue Day (#15), Love Has Taken Its Toll, Love Maker (extended version)

Foreigner usually had 4-5 decent singles / songs per album and the rest filler that most people would never want to hear again. This album seems to follow that formula. I really like the radio air play songs. The bonus tack Love Maker should have made it onto an album back in the day.

I'd have to comb through the list again, but I believe this is the first 5-album block that I have all of the albums. Anyone else have a 5-pack of albums so far?

Coming up, Led Zeppelin makes their presence felt, more Foureigner, and we find a reason to believe that Rod Stewart has a lot of albums on the countdown.
I'm having a really hard time ranking these. If you had asked me in 1980, it would have gone Foreigner then Eagles then probably the Doors.

Dire Straits got lumped into New Wave at the time and kind of got buried. The same would have happened to Petty, except that he was HERE and able to power through it - Knopfler didn't care enough to worry. Straits has continued to grow on me the last 45 years.

Today, I'd probably still go Double Vision (nostalgia has some strong gravity) then the 2 Straits LPs, then Eagles (I still think it's their best album), then the Doors (their lows are just too low).
One of these Nights has some of the succ that plagued their final records. But oddly one of my favorite songs from it is Visions, the only song they recorded with lead vocals by Don Felder.
 
#90 - VAN HALEN II (1979) (7.22 million albums)
Notable songs: Dance The Night Away (#15), Beautiful Girls (#84), Somebody Get Me A Doctor, Dance The Night Away, You're No Good, Women In Love, Outta Love Again, D.O.A., Bottoms Up

My biggest complaint about Van Halen was their albums in the DLR era clocked in at a little more than 30 minutes long. Most Beatles albums were longer. I still throw this one on now and again. Many of the songs were demoed before the first album was recorded, so the recording of the second album only took a week.

#89 - LED ZEPPELIN - Presence (1976) (7.3 million albums)
Notable songs: Candy Store Rock, Achilles last Stand, Nobody's Fault But Mine, For Your Life, Royal Orleans

If we didn't have the 6 albums that preceded this one in the LZ portfolio, this would probably be considered a great album. But we do have those other albums, so this one seems like a disappointment by comparison. Plant was recovering from a serious car accident when they recorded this one, Page had picked up some bad habits, and the same quality and detail doesn't seem to be there. And I want to know who had the bright idea of releasing Candy Store Rock as the one single from Presence.

#88 - FOREIGNER - 4 (1981) (7.35 million albums)
Notable songs: Waiting For A Girl Like You (#2), Urgent (#4), Juke Box Hero (#26), Break It Up (#26), Luanne (#75), Break It Up, Woman In Black, Girl On The Moon, I'm Gonna Win

The fourth and final entry from Foreigner. Where I lived, most of the album got radio airplay. My favorite album from them, mostly because there's hardly any filler on this one. I played this one to death back in the day. The nostalgia factor is strong.

#87 - OZZY OSBOURNE - Blizzard Of Ozz (1980) (7.37 million albums)
Notable songs: Crazy Train, Mr. Crowley, Suicide Solution, Goodbye To Romance, Steal Away (The Night), I Don't Know, Revelation (Mother Earth)

Ozzy's first solo album and first of two with Randy Rhodes. Rolling Stone ranked it 9th in their Top 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time. I never knew the story behind Rhodes death, which easily could have been avoided (Roads, a pilot, and a makeup artist were flying in a small plane and tried to buzz the tour bus, clipped the bus and the 3 died when the plane crashed and exploded).

#86 - ROD STEWART - Every Picture Tells A Story (1971) (7.43 million)
Notable songs: Maggie May (#1), (I Know) I'm Losing You (#24), Reason To Believe (#62), Title Track, That's All Right, Mandolin Wind, Tomorrow Is A Long TIme

Normally I would make some less than flattering commentary about Rod, but I really like this album. It ranked in the Top 200 of Rolling Stones Top 500 albums (and Tim had it at #26). I'm Losing You was recorded with The Faces and is probably my favorite Stewart song.

Last set was my first 5-pack of having all the albums . . . and this grouping makes it two full sets of albums back-to-back for me. The next slate features two artists that we haven't seen before (and won't see again).
 
#90 - VAN HALEN II (1979) (7.22 million albums)
Notable songs: Dance The Night Away (#15), Beautiful Girls (#84), Somebody Get Me A Doctor, Dance The Night Away, You're No Good, Women In Love, Outta Love Again, D.O.A., Bottoms Up

My biggest complaint about Van Halen was their albums in the DLR era clocked in at a little more than 30 minutes long. Most Beatles albums were longer. I still throw this one on now and again. Many of the songs were demoed before the first album was recorded, so the recording of the second album only took a week.

#89 - LED ZEPPELIN - Presence (1976) (7.3 million albums)
Notable songs: Candy Store Rock, Achilles last Stand, Nobody's Fault But Mine, For Your Life, Royal Orleans

If we didn't have the 6 albums that preceded this one in the LZ portfolio, this would probably be considered a great album. But we do have those other albums, so this one seems like a disappointment by comparison. Plant was recovering from a serious car accident when they recorded this one, Page had picked up some bad habits, and the same quality and detail doesn't seem to be there. And I want to know who had the bright idea of releasing Candy Store Rock as the one single from Presence.

#88 - FOREIGNER - 4 (1981) (7.35 million albums)
Notable songs: Waiting For A Girl Like You (#2), Urgent (#4), Juke Box Hero (#26), Break It Up (#26), Luanne (#75), Break It Up, Woman In Black, Girl On The Moon, I'm Gonna Win

The fourth and final entry from Foreigner. Where I lived, most of the album got radio airplay. My favorite album from them, mostly because there's hardly any filler on this one. I played this one to death back in the day. The nostalgia factor is strong.

#87 - OZZY OSBOURNE - Blizzard Of Ozz (1980) (7.37 million albums)
Notable songs: Crazy Train, Mr. Crowley, Suicide Solution, Goodbye To Romance, Steal Away (The Night), I Don't Know, Revelation (Mother Earth)

Ozzy's first solo album and first of two with Randy Rhodes. Rolling Stone ranked it 9th in their Top 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time. I never knew the story behind Rhodes death, which easily could have been avoided (Roads, a pilot, and a makeup artist were flying in a small plane and tried to buzz the tour bus, clipped the bus and the 3 died when the plane crashed and exploded).

#86 - ROD STEWART - Every Picture Tells A Story (1971) (7.43 million)
Notable songs: Maggie May (#1), (I Know) I'm Losing You (#24), Reason To Believe (#62), Title Track, That's All Right, Mandolin Wind, Tomorrow Is A Long TIme

Normally I would make some less than flattering commentary about Rod, but I really like this album. It ranked in the Top 200 of Rolling Stones Top 500 albums (and Tim had it at #26). I'm Losing You was recorded with The Faces and is probably my favorite Stewart song.

Last set was my first 5-pack of having all the albums . . . and this grouping makes it two full sets of albums back-to-back for me. The next slate features two artists that we haven't seen before (and won't see again).
I thought Stewart's record would have sold more.
 
#90 - VAN HALEN II (1979) (7.22 million albums)
Notable songs: Dance The Night Away (#15), Beautiful Girls (#84), Somebody Get Me A Doctor, Dance The Night Away, You're No Good, Women In Love, Outta Love Again, D.O.A., Bottoms Up
I'll also throw on VHII once in a while. One of the first albums (actually cassettes) I got when it first came out.
#89 - LED ZEPPELIN - Presence (1976) (7.3 million albums)
Notable songs: Candy Store Rock, Achilles last Stand, Nobody's Fault But Mine, For Your Life, Royal Orleans
This is a solid set of tunes, but agree, nothing like the predecessors.
 
#90 - VAN HALEN II (1979) (7.22 million albums)
Notable songs: Dance The Night Away (#15), Beautiful Girls (#84), Somebody Get Me A Doctor, Dance The Night Away, You're No Good, Women In Love, Outta Love Again, D.O.A., Bottoms Up
I'll also throw on VHII once in a while. One of the first albums (actually cassettes) I got when it first came out.
#89 - LED ZEPPELIN - Presence (1976) (7.3 million albums)
Notable songs: Candy Store Rock, Achilles last Stand, Nobody's Fault But Mine, For Your Life, Royal Orleans
This is a solid set of tunes, but agree, nothing like the predecessors.
I throw on VHII often. DOA is one of my favorite VH tunes and I love A LOT of VH.
 
#85 - MEN AT WORK - Business As Usual (1981) (7.47 million albums)
Notable songs: Who Can It Be Now? (#1), Down Under (#1), Be Good Johnny, I Can See It In Your Eyes, Underground

Timing is everything, and Men At Work cashed in when the new wave / MTV era exploded 4 years after they started out. Not the most cerebral record, but they were a fun band. I am pretty sure the vinyl album is gathering dust in my house somewhere. They put out 3 studio albums in 4 years.

#84 - AC/DC - High Voltage (1976) (7.55 million albums)
Notable songs: It's A Long Way To The Top, Title Tracks, The Jack, Baby Please Don't Go, T.N.T., Live Wire

We are just warming up on the AC/DC front. This one gets a little confusing, as there's an Australian version (their debut album) and an international version (which contains most of the songs on their T.N.T. album).

#83 - BOB DYLAN - Desire (1976) (7.7 million albums)
Notable songs: Hurricane (#33), Mozambique (#54), Isis, One More Cup Of Coffee, Joey, Sara, Romance In Durango

We bid adieu to Bob, which seems like an odd album to end on. I remember Hurricane pretty well and the other tracks sound vaguely familiar. This was the best selling Dylan album from any point in his career, which again, seems odd.

#82 - THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE - Electric Ladyland (1969) (7.71 million albums)
Notable songs: All Along The Watchtower (#20), Crosstown Traffic (#52), Voodoo Chile, Have You Ever Been (To Electric Ladyland). Little Miss Strange, Come On, Gypsy Eyes

Jimi's cover of Watchtower is how I remember Dylan, meaning I like other people version's of his songs better than his own. Voodoo Chile ((Slight Return) is still fresh and sounds like it could have been released last week. I know it's really good because when I play it, my wife immediately turns off "that noise."

#81 - JACKSON BROWNE - Running On Empty (1977) (7.74 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track (#11), Stay (#20), You Love The Thunder, The Load Out, Rosie,

Jackson stops in to say hello. This one is a non-studio album recorded either live or on the road in other places. I met him and hung out with him and Daryl Hannah for a beneift concert 40 years ago. He seemed like a decent enough guy. He's definitely more of an icon out in L.A. and nowhere near as popular elsewhere.

We cross the 8 million album threshold in the next set, which is exclusively comprised of British performers and features a double shot from one of the bands we discussed recently. (In fact, the next 11 albums are from UK artists . . . and Rod Stewart isn't one of them).
 
#85 - MEN AT WORK - Business As Usual (1981) (7.47 million albums)
Notable songs: Who Can It Be Now? (#1), Down Under (#1), Be Good Johnny, I Can See It In Your Eyes, Underground

Timing is everything, and Men At Work cashed in when the new wave / MTV era exploded 4 years after they started out. Not the most cerebral record, but they were a fun band. I am pretty sure the vinyl album is gathering dust in my house somewhere. They put out 3 studio albums in 4 years.

#84 - AC/DC - High Voltage (1976) (7.55 million albums)
Notable songs: It's A Long Way To The Top, Title Tracks, The Jack, Baby Please Don't Go, T.N.T., Live Wire

We are just warming up on the AC/DC front. This one gets a little confusing, as there's an Australian version (their debut album) and an international version (which contains most of the songs on their T.N.T. album).

#83 - BOB DYLAN - Desire (1976) (7.7 million albums)
Notable songs: Hurricane (#33), Mozambique (#54), Isis, One More Cup Of Coffee, Joey, Sara, Romance In Durango

We bid adieu to Bob, which seems like an odd album to end on. I remember Hurricane pretty well and the other tracks sound vaguely familiar. This was the best selling Dylan album from any point in his career, which again, seems odd.

#82 - THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE - Electric Ladyland (1969) (7.71 million albums)
Notable songs: All Along The Watchtower (#20), Crosstown Traffic (#52), Voodoo Chile, Have You Ever Been (To Electric Ladyland). Little Miss Strange, Come On, Gypsy Eyes

Jimi's cover of Watchtower is how I remember Dylan, meaning I like other people version's of his songs better than his own. Voodoo Chile ((Slight Return) is still fresh and sounds like it could have been released last week. I know it's really good because when I play it, my wife immediately turns off "that noise."

#81 - JACKSON BROWNE - Running On Empty (1977) (7.74 million albums)
Notable songs: Title Track (#11), Stay (#20), You Love The Thunder, The Load Out, Rosie,

Jackson stops in to say hello. This one is a non-studio album recorded either live or on the road in other places. I met him and hung out with him and Daryl Hannah for a beneift concert 40 years ago. He seemed like a decent enough guy. He's definitely more of an icon out in L.A. and nowhere near as popular elsewhere.

We cross the 8 million album threshold in the next set, which is exclusively comprised of British performers and features a double shot from one of the bands we discussed recently. (In fact, the next 11 albums are from UK artists . . . and Rod Stewart isn't one of them).
I was in sixth grade in 1982-83. Most of my classmates were obsessed with Men at Work.

Desire benefited from renewed interest in Dylan following the release of Blood on the Tracks, and the hype around the Rolling Thunder Revue tour that followed it. It’s also chock full of great songs and sounds like none of his other albums.

Electric Ladyland is a tour de force. I’m going to be pedantic about the song labeling. There is a 15-minute song called “Voodoo Chile” and a shorter song called “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”. Note the “e” and “d” differences in the spelling. The shorter song is the one that gets played on the radio and is presumably the one from your anecdote. I have seen the long one performed live by Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton, and the shorter one performed live by Umphrey’s McGee, among others.
 

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