25. Master of Puppets, Metallica (1986)
Metallica was certainly building up to this moment in its career. The band’s third studio album proved that thrash metal was no longer an underground movement, but when perfectly precise and polished, could earn a broader audience. While the record didn’t completely push Metallica into the hard-rock mainstream, its aggressively melodic vibe showed that thrash was listenable. And, could also sell (the album earned platinum status in the United States). The title cut, “Battery” and “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)” still resonate as some of the great pure metal songs of all time, and should be appreciated through the beauty of vinyl.
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24. Back in Black, AC/DC (1980)
We can easily throw 1979’s Highway to Hell in this spot. But, when it comes to a true top-to-bottom, hard-rock listening experience, this is the AC/DC choice. The band was trying to move on from the death of famed frontman Bon Scott. And, this unabashed tribute showed that AC/DC had what it took to succeed with new, raspy-voiced singer Brian Johnson in tow. AC/DC ushered in the 1980s with a more accessible, but no less powerful, sound. The album houses such classics as “Hells Bells,” “You Shook Me All Night Long,” “Shoot to Thrill” and the legendary title cut.
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23. The Chronic, Dr. Dre (1992)
From a production standpoint, Dre set the bar relatively high with his solo hip hop masterpiece. The record, which essentially launched Snoop Dogg’s solo career, took gangsta rap — and West Coast rap — to more mainstream heights thanks to MTV favorite “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang.” It’s also responsible for drawing attention to the “G-funk” subgenre within the same movement. There’s thinking that rap/hip hop projects aren’t made for vinyl, that’s not the case when it comes to The Chronic. There’s plenty of old-school feel that makes for the perfect vinyl listening experience.
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22. The Stranger, Billy Joel (1977)
There were signs that Joel was ready to break out and enjoy true international stardom. Each of his previous four albums saw promise, but it all truly came together on The Stranger. The record is still the perfect mix of light rock (“Just the Way You Are”) and up-tempo favorites (“Only the Good Die Young” and “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)”). Then there’s the poignantly theatric “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” and sweet “She’s Always a Woman.” It’s Billy Joel at his collective finest, and put together, makes for an exceptional analog listening experience.
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21. Ten, Pearl Jam (1991)
Compact discs were the preferred choice for playing music during the grunge years of the early 1990s. However, Pearl Jam has been known to release all its albums on analog. The first or which, Ten, still might be the best to kick back and listen. It was our introduction to the band, who presented a definite alternative vibe, but with a healthy dose of classic rock thrown in for good measure. Songs like “Once,” “Alive” and “Porch” drive home the intensity of the album. While “Black” and “Release” offer a melodic and emotional approach that offers a strong balance within the record.
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20. Days of Future Passed, The Moody Blues (1967)
The Moody Blues second album makes the list for a couple of reasons. 1) It’s simply a great conceptually, progressive rock album. 2) The project was made to be heard on vinyl. From the first scratch of the needle to the surround-sound brilliance that comes with putting on a pair of headphones. There’s definitely an orchestral feel to the record about a certain day in the life of an ordinary man. The album includes parts to certain tracks like “The Day Begins,” “The Afternoon,” “The Evening” and “The Night”. The latter including the classic “Nights in White Satin.”
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19. Moving Pictures, Rush (1981)
By the early 1980s, Rush was already among the most prominent rock bands on the planet. With a die-hard, almost cult-like fan base. However, Moving Pictures officially brought the band to the mainstream with its fusion of progressive rock, synth rock and even some metal. The four-song Side One might be the best in rock history with “Tom Sawyer,” Red Barchetta,” the exceptional instrumental “YYZ” and “Limelight.” The album sold five million copies in the United States. Making it the band’s biggest-selling record in America.
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18. Alive!, Kiss (1975)
That album that took Kiss from a popular, campy rock act to international superstars. Notably, because it brought the music to life, and set the stage for Kiss to become one of the greatest live bands of all time. Even if it’s widely known that the band rerecorded pretty much the entire album – including crowd reaction and noise – to add to the magnitude of the product. That said, Alive! certainly brought to life every Kiss song on the record. Which comes off brilliantly on vinyl. In studio, songs like “Strutter,” Deuce,” “Nothin’ to Lose” and “Rock and Roll All Nite” were serviceable, but packed more of a wallop in this form. Alive II (1977) should also get some love.
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17. Songs in the Key of Life, Stevie Wonder (1976)
It was always an exciting time when a double album came out. There’s usually good bang for your buck when this happens. Especially when it was strong as this Stevie Wonder classic. The record spent 13 straight weeks sitting atop the Billboard 200. It also won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, thanks to Wonder gems like “Sir Duke,” “I Wish” and “Isn’t She Lovely.”
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16. Woodstock: Music from the Original Soundtrack and More, Various Artists (1970)
One could assume the next best thing to actually being at Woodstock is listening to the music from the festival. Curated and exceptionally produced for vinyl. There are six sides in all to this acclaimed original release. And, features most, if not all, depending on one’s musical taste, of the musical highlights from the event. Historically memorable performances from Richie Havens (“Freedom (Motherless Child)”), Crosby, Stills & Nash (“Suite: Judy Blue Eyes”), The Who (“We’re Not Gonna Take It”), Joe Cocker (“With a Little Help from My Friends”), Santana (“Soul Sacrifice”) and, of course, Jimi Hendrix’s early-morning version of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” It’s all there. Over the years, more songs and dialogue have been added to the album, but the original still stands up quite well.
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15. Who’s Next, The Who (1971)
There are certainly multiple options from The Who to own on vinyl (Tommy and Quadrophenia are strong choices). Yet, if any classic rock fan is looking for an “all killer, no filler” album, Who’s Next is where to go. “Baba O’Riley,” “Bargain,” “Getting in Tune,” “Going Mobile,” “Behind Blue Eyes” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” And that’s not the entire album. It’s hard driving, but mellow. Poignant, but raunchy. Simply said, this is a great rock record that must be in any collection of fans of the genre.
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14. Rumours, Fleetwood Mac (1977)
When Rumours came out towards the end of the 1970s, Fleetwood Mac was a much different sounding — and looking – band than when it started out, heavily steeped in the blues, in late 1960s. This was Fleetwood Mac’s 11th studio album, but second with Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks at the forefront. The demise of that rock power couple’s relationship provided some juicy and emotionally charged classics like “Go Your Own Way” and “The Chain.” These are just a couple of tracks that helped Rumours win a Grammy Award. And, a great record to throw on the turntable and enjoy the brilliance of a band at the height of its mainstream popularity.
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13. Tapestry, Carole King (1972)
Perhaps the only downfall of a brilliant top-to-bottom album is that listeners must get up to flip the record over to Side Two. That’s certainly the case with Tapestry. It’s King’s most celebrated studio album, and one that earned four Grammy victories, including Album of the Year. King proved that a woman can be a strong songwriter. “Where You Lead,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “I Feel the Earth Move,” “It’s Too Late,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” are all timeless light-rock classics. From the same album. It doesn’t get more special than this, really.
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12. Frampton Comes Alive!, Peter Frampton (1976)
There are those music and fans who hail Frampton Comes Alive! as the greatest live album of all time. In the mid-to-late 1970s, the record was everywhere. And, since its release, its songs remain classic rock staples. It’s the record that turned the respected English rocker into a universal star, thanks to hits “Show Me the Way,”, “Baby, I Love Your Way” and his stellar guitar work on “Do You Feel Like We Do.” The album reportedly sold $11 million copies worldwide, and topped the charts in Australia, Canada, Portugal and the United States.
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11. Blonde on Blonde, Bob Dylan (1966)
If we listened to Jack Black’s character, Barry, from the brilliant 2000 John Cusack-vehicle High Fidelity, Blonde on Blonde is a must-own for any vinyl collector. We agree. Though, there are obviously plenty of special albums from Dylan to choose. But, with this record, one of the early double albums to be released, it’s critically been hailed as Dylan’s “grandest” effort in terms of sound, structure and writing. “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” is one of the great album openers of all time. While “I Want You” and “Just Like a Woman” only solidified Dylan’s presence as a complete singer-songwriter.
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10. At Budokan, Cheap Trick (1979)
Cheap Trick was a solid rock band with some decent hits throughout the 1970s. Then the band decided to put together this fabulous live offering. When a good amount of rock fans of a certain generation – or two — think live albums, this quickly comes to mind. It was recorded at Tokyo’s famed venue, which has also played host to other well-known artists (Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan) over the years. But, in terms of Cheap Trick, we really experience the “magnetism of Robin Zander” and “charisma of Rick Nielsen” – as Mike Damone told us. The album turned songs like “I Want You to Want Me” and “Surrender” into signature and career-defining moments for the band.
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9. Purple Rain, Prince and the Revolution (1984)
Prince didn’t need to make a movie for a reason to put out a simply sensational pop rock album. But, the film was a blockbuster, and added to his Hall of Fame legacy. With Purple Rain, Prince rose to the ranks of a superstar entertainer. The eccentric and mysterious performer truly delivered himself to the masses with this more pop-fueled record, but also showing experimental signs that opened the door for even more unique creativity on those albums that followed. The title track is still one of the great rock ballads of all time, while “Let’s Go Crazy” and “When Doves Cry” are just two songs that helped define mainstream music in the 1980s.
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8. Born to Run, Bruce Springsteen (1975)
Simply put, this was a make-or-break career moment for “The Boss.” His first two albums, while showing raw promise, were not critically successful and failed to produce a significant radio hit. He needed to make the record of his life, and certainly delivered. Born to Run not only saved his career, but propelled Springsteen to superstardom. Sure, it’s cheesy at times, but the album is an eight-song joy ride filled with unbridled musical passion. Complete with emotion and power, from the opening piano/harmonica combo of “Thunder Road” to the final bars of the epic “Jungleland.” The title cut is one of rock’s most iconic songs. While the rollicking “Tenth Avenue Freeze Out” is essentially a three-plus-minute mini E Street autobiography.
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7. What’s Going On, Marvin Gaye (1971)
Another one of the great conceptual albums of all time. This timeless Gaye classic has been praised for its flow and song sequencing. There’s also the record’s bookend structure, which concludes with a reprise of the famed opening title track. It’s all told from the perspective of a Vietnam veteran upon his return home to America. Gaye details the trials the character experiences in trying to move on with his life. That detail of the story, especially through the album’s lyrics and Gaye’s passionate and soulful voice, reinforced the emotion of the record – which remains strong decades later.
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6. Exile on Main St., Rolling Stones (1972)
As is the case with the Beatles, picking just one Stones’ album to highlight seems like a herculean task (Beggars Banquet, Let It Bleed and Sticky Fingers are in the running. But, if the casual classic rock fans want one Rolling Stones’ album to start their musical journey with these legends, it’s Exile. Pretty much all the band’s influences are showcased – rock and roll, the blues, country – on this double album. There are obvious gems in “Rip This Joint,” “Tumbling Dice” and “Happy.” But “Rocks Off” provides some unabashed listening enjoyment, while the twang of “Sweet Virginia” might be the Stones’ most underrated tune.
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5. Abbey Road, Beatles (1969)
The iconic cover alone is worthy of a spot on this list. But knowing the history of the album, and how it essentially marked the last time John, Paul, George and Ringo recorded music together. It’s almost magical. “Come Together, Ringo’s “Octopus’s Garden,” “You Never Give Me Your Money” and, of course, the closing “Golden Slumbers” medley, featuring “Carry That Weight” and “The End,” are several reasons fans and critics think it’s the band’s best work. But, perhaps, above all else, is George Harrison’s contributions of “Something” and “Here Comes the Sun” that prove the collective brilliance of the Fab Four.
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4. Thriller, Michael Jackson (1982)
Thriller is the best-selling album in music history (roughly 66 million copies sold). Going further, it’s arguably the greatest pop record every recorded. Jackson also showed that classics like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and the title cut, could be even more popular with the right music video. And, that fledgling cable network known as MTV was the right place for that to explode. The record solidified Jackson as the true “King of Pop.” He created the blueprint to follow, though hardly any were ever to duplicate.
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3. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Beatles (1967)
When you’re as popular a force as the Beatles were during the mid-1960s, it’s time to change things up. Unload on the creative process and let it rip. For the music industry and record-buying listener, Sgt. Pepper’s changed the game. The Beatles created an acclaimed counterculture of pop, mixed with conceptual art, psychedelic imagery and refined songwriting. It was foreign to some, embraced without hesitation by others and universally praised by critics. The Beatles’ vivid tale of a fictional band frolicking with “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds or “Lovely Rita,” was a departure from their mop-top, pop safety net. It was an experiment that could have failed, but only made the band more popular –if that was possible.
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2. Pet Sounds, The Beach Boys (1966)
The brainchild of Brian Wilson, Pet Sounds has rightfully been lauded for its superior, outside-the-box, production value. Something rather progressively unique for the time. It also showed Wilson’s overall maturity as a musician and song writer (notably on classics such as “God Only Knows” and “Sloop John B”). The experimental approach combined with creative, state-of-the-art production and an overall conceptual experience, made the album groundbreaking at the time. In terms of capturing all that on vinyl, Pet Sounds is truly second to (almost) none.
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1. Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd (1973)
Simply put, this Pink Floyd classic is the ultimate vinyl listening experience. It’s arguably the greatest album to listen while wearing headphones. We’re talking the old-school ear muffs. This innovatively creative sound experience made the Floyd international stars after years of being a quality, but obscure acid/progressive rock band. It’s the flow of the music, transitioning smoothly from one song to another, that makes it truly special. Not to mention the production value that’s perhaps the most influential part of the album. Songs like “Time,” “Money” and “Brain Damage/Eclipse” are examples of the behind-the-scenes genius from an album that spent 957 weeks on the Billboard charts.
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