Top 20 Albums

A few months ago, some friends on Facebook were challenged to share their own lists of the 20 most influential albums growing up. The exercise combines two of my favorite mental activities – thinking up lists, and reminiscing about why something means what it does to me. So I’m making my own, and sharing it with you.

A couple (3 actually) rules.  It’s MY list, so it’s MY rules.

First – they are not listed “least to best” or in any chronological release order, (but I did use a hint of organization in each group of 5. See if you can figure it out.)

Second – only 1 entry per act. Can’t list every record by a band. It’s a cop out! It also doesn’t have to be the band’s best, most successful, or most critically acclaimed album; only the one that was personally significant, for whatever reason.

Third – Multi – artist compilation albums (K-Tel “best of the 70’s” or movie soundtracks) are not allowed, but a band’s greatest hits is OK.

Without further delay, the list:

  • The Stranger – Billy Joel
  • American Pie – Don McLean
  • Don’t Say No – Billy Squire
  • Tapestry – Carole King
  • Crimes of Passion – Pat Benatar
  • Through the Fire – HSAS
  • Finyl Vinyl – Rainbow
  • Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy – The Who
  • Classics Live! – Aerosmith
  • At Budokan – Cheap Trick
  • E5C4P3 – Journey
  • High Infidelity – REO Speedwagon
  • CODA – Led Zeppelin
  • Pyromania – Def Leppard
  • Diver Down – Van Halen
  • Aqualung – Jethro Tull.
  • Bat Out of Hell – Meatloaf
  • Rumors – Fleetwood Mac
  • Paradise Theater – Styx
  • Hotel California – Eagles

So, there it is. Now it’s YOUR turn. I’m tossing the challenge out into the universe. Agree or disagree? Leave a comment. Give your own list, or include any thoughts of what these records meant to you. I love food for thought!

-Toph


I can almost smell the incense and vinyl.

Author: Topher

I've always enjoyed writing. I see this as an opportunity to share my love of movies, action figures, comics, music, and just about anything else. As much as I enjoy writing, I also enjoy interacting with other folks online. If any of my stories or articles spark an idea for discussion, let me know. I read every email and comment I get! So look around, make yourself at home, and above all, enjoy your visit to my virtual discussion page!

2 thoughts on “Top 20 Albums”

  1. Where do I even begin? I loved the Def Leppard album “Hysteria,” one of the best of the era IMO. Guns & Roses “Appetite for Destruction” was also excellent. My favorite all-time rocker is the red one, Sammy Hagar! I went to several KISS concerts back then too. VanHalen were iconic as well. RATT was probably my overall favorite “hair metal” band. So many musical memories…

    1. Sammy H. is also one of my favorites. I’ve seen him in concert 5 times (the most of any rock act!)

      Thanks for sharing, Eric!

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