I am counting down the best album from my top fifty favorite rock bands. In case you missed the first two videos in this series, here are parts 1 and part 2. This week I share part 3 of the list and count down from #30 to #21. As always your feedback and thoughts are welcome.
The criteria I used for creating this list
Here are the three criteria I used to create it:
- I must own the album on vinyl.
- The album cannot be a greatest hits compilation
- No live-in-concert albums are allowed.
For example, The Doors’ greatest hits record is not on the list.
The best album by Twenty-One Pilots is Blurryface
Let’s start the list with the best album by Twenty One Pilots. It is Blurryface. I like several of their albums. Blurryface is my favorite. It is full of great songs like the upbeat hit “Heavy Dirty Soul”.
Coming in at #29 – Forever Now by the Psychedelic Furs
At #29 is The Psychedelic Furs. I own two albums by this post-punk UK band – Talk Talk and Forever Now. My choice is the latter. Sure, “Pretty in Pink” is on the other one, but Forever Now is my pick.
The best album by The Doors is their debut record
At #28 is The Doors. Easy pick here – their debut album. It includes the hits “Break on Through”, and “Light My Fire”, along with several other great songs.
The best album by FTP is Sacred Hearts Club
At #27 is Foster the People. This choice is somewhat difficult for me because I like all their albums. My selection is Sacred Heart’s Club. You have probably never heard of it, but it is my favorite. This record is full of excellent pop songs.
At #26 – Spoon with Hot Thoughts
Next up is a modern band, Spoon. My choice is Hot Thoughts – a great album. I like their latest release a lot as well. I have to confess that I have not listened to all Spoon albums yet. Note to self – need to buy more Spoon records.
The best record by Pearl Jam is Ten
At #25, is Pearl Jam. Another easy choice – is Ten, their debut album. It is their first and finest record. Sure they have several other excellent ones, but nothing compares to the original.
#24 – Black Crowes with Shake Your Money Maker
Coming in at #24 is another debut album, Shake Your Money Maker by the Black Crowes. This record rocks hard and also includes some acoustic gems like “She Talks to Angels”.
Coming in at #23 – The Church with Starfish
At #23 is an obscure Australian band, The Church. This choice is actually difficult for me because I enjoy so many of their albums. Been a fan for decades. I am picking their most popular album Starfish. It includes the hit songs “Under the Milky Way”, “Reptile”, and several other excellent tunes.
At #22 – BoDeans with Outside Looking In
At #22 is the BoDeans. Another hard choice for me because I enjoy several of their records. My selection is Outside Looking In. It is probably their best release. It includes many great songs, although not a lot of hits. I always enjoy this record whenever I play it.
The best album by AC/DC is Back in Black
At #21 is a hard-rocking band from down under AC/DC. Their best record is definitely Back in Black. It includes several hit songs like “Hells Bells”, “Shook me All Night”, and “Shoot to Thrill”. There is not a bad song on this album. It is remarkable when you think about it. The band had just lost their lead singer Bon Scott. They bring in someone new and come out of the gate kicking and screaming.
There you have it – part 3 of my newest list. If you recommend a band – let me know in the comments. All feedback is welcome. Feel free to post your own list.
I am Doug Keating and this is my letter to my sons.