Previously I released my list of the top twenty artists of all time, Parts 1 and 2. Last week I published part 1 of the top twenty debut rock albums of all time. Here is Part 2. Feel free to share your own list, debate my choices, or tell me I am wrong in the comments.
The criteria I used for creating this list
Here are the three criteria I used for selecting my list of the best debut rock albums of all time:
- The band or artist must have released more than one album
- The debut album must be their best album ever – this eliminates many choices
- It must be a full long-play (LP) album, no EPs or singles.
For example, Led Zeppelin 1 is a killer debut album, but it is not their best. It is not on this list. A-ha’s first release, Hunting High and Low is a great album. But, it is known mainly for just one song, Take on Me, which has over one billion listens on Spotify.
Debut album #10 – The Crossing by Big Country
Let’s start the list with a somewhat obscure choice – The Crossing by Big Country. The band comes from Scotland. This album does not have a bad song on it. It contains the hit song “In a Big Country”, “Fields of Fire”, and a ton of other great songs.
At #9 – Cracked Rear View by Hootie and the Blowfish
All of my friends had this album back in the 1990s. Once again, there is not a bad song on the entire record. It includes several hits like “Hold my Hand”. No – I don’t know why the dolphins make Hootie cry.
Coming in at #8 – The Cars
This album has a ton of great songs on it. Hit songs include “Let the Good Times Roll”, “My Best Friend’s Girlfriend”, and “Moving in Stereo”. The latter song was made famous in the movie Fast times at Ridgemont High, an 80s classic.
Debut Album #7 – The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses really started the Manchester music movement back in the 1990s. They were better than Oasis and proved it with their debut album. Unfortunately, they got into a legal battle with their record company and did not release their second album until years later. It was not nearly as good as this one.
Debut album #6 – The Ramones
The godfathers of punk rock from NYC. This album clocks in under 30 minutes and is end-to-end punk rock energy. It inspired many bands to get started. They thought, hell if the Ramones can do it, so can we. Others may say the Ramones released better albums. No – they are all based on this one. Let’s face it, the Ramones basically wrote the same album, over and over again.
At #5 – Shake Your Money Maker by the Black Crowes
This debut album rocks with hits like “Jealous Again”, and “Twice as Hard”. Yet, it includes some softer songs like “She Talks to Angels”. I love listening to this album. It always takes me back to the early 1990s.
Speaking of the 1990s, at #4 – Ten by Pearl Jam
This debut album is end-to-end great music. It has “Jeremy”, “Evenflow’ and “Alive”. I can listen to this album any day of the year and enjoy it.
Debut album #3 – Van Halen 1
Time for the top three. At #3 – Van Halen’s first album. It changed the face of rock music for one specific reason – Eddie Van Halen’s guitar playing. Anyone who hears “Eruption” wonders what in the world is that guy doing with his guitar. It includes the hit songs “Jamie’s Crying”, and “Running with the Devil”. It even has an excellent cover version of the song “You Really Got Me”.
Coming in at #2 – Boston
Boston’s debut album is #2 on my list. When I drop the needle on this record I am transported to a better place. The first side of this album is pure gold. The guitar playing on this album is the main reason for its popularity. The sound is silky smooth. It is a great, great album.
Debut album #1 – Appetite for Destruction by Guns and Roses
The greatest rock debut album of all time is Appetite for Destruction by Guns and Roses. This album just plain kicks. Starting with “Welcome to the Jungle” all the way to “Sweet Child of Mine”. Other hit songs include “Take me a Paradise City” and “Mr. Brownstone”. Yes – this band was a mess off the streets of LA. Sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll. You name it – they did it. But, boy did they release an awesome first album.
There you have it – the rest of my list of top twenty debut rock albums of all time. If you think I am wrong – 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 sons.