Hey everyone! Hope I've got the right forum for this...if not, apologies!

 

Anyways, I've decided to do a countdown of my Top-40 albums of all-time. The list is varied, with genres ranging from pop-rock all the way up to thrash metal, and with years spanning between 1968 to present. I realise my tastes may be a little less mainstream than many here, but I guarantee you'll see at least a few albums on this list that you'll like. Feel free to drop a comment on the list at any time! Anyways, we'll start off, rather appropriately, with No. 40 on the list...

 

No. 40

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/68/Foos-ESPG.jpg

Artist: Foo Fighters

Album: Echoes, Patience, Silence And Grace

Released: September 25th, 2007

UK Chart Position: 1

 

Description: In my humble opinion, up until this album, Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters had failed to escape from the massive shadow on their backs that was Nirvana. Albums prior to this packed a punch, but only as far as any post-grunge album did in a mainstream rock scene that was still desperately looking to emulate the success of Cobain. Grohl, a very talented drummer, instead played guitar for the Foo Fighters - while this resulted in a lack of technicality, the energy of his vocals and the sheer attack of his playing style kept the Foos firmly in the spotlight. The release of this album in 2007 marked a more mature direction for the Foos, who were successful in breaking away from the established post-grunge sound, and straying into territory varying from hard-rock, to acoustic ballads, to classic-rock summer tunes. Undoubtedly their finest effort, and a shining example that harder rock music still plays an important part in mainstream consciousness.

 

Essential Album tracks: The Pretender, Long Road To Ruin, Let It Die, Summers End

 

'The Pretender'

 

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I'll try and get one or two done a day. Enjoy!

Edited April 11, 201114 yr by ags_rule

Hello, I'm moving this to out 'Chart Histories' forum where all these lists are going. Thanks for doing it, will be very interesting reading. :D

No. 39

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/ags_rule/Queen_Sheer_Heart_Attack.png

Artist: Queen

Album: Sheer Heart Attack

Released: November 8th, 1974

UK Chart Position: 2

 

Description: Out of all of Queen's albums, and out of all the albums released in the 1970s, I believe that this is one of the most overlooked, both in terms of quality and influence. Freddy Mercury puts in incredible vocal performances - as is displayed by his range in 'Brighton Rock' - whilst Brian May's performances are simply full of innovative guitar techniques which would go on to influence guitarists for many years after. 'Killer Queen' shows Queen at their aethemic best, creating a defining rock n' roll anthem that is instantly recognisible. Furthermore, Sheer Heart Attack is owed special praise by metal fans such as myself - the track 'Stone Cold Crazy', with it's high-tempo drumming, virtuoso guitar playing and solo breakdowns, marks for many the beginning of the genre known as 'thrash metal'. While not thrash or indeed metal on it's own, the track undoubtedly showcases the techniques that would later be used by thrash giants such as Metallica and Megadeth. Indeed, Metallica even covered 'Stone Cold Crazy' on their Garage Inc. album as a testament to it's significance in defining the genre. In conclusion, Sheer Heart Attack is a superb album of one of rock's all-time great bands, and easily as influential on countless genres as anything released in that decade.

 

'Brighton Rock'

 

Queen, James Hetfield (Metallica) and Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath) play 'Stone Cold Crazy' at Freddy Mercury Tribute Concert

 

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Hope you're all enjoying the countdown. Please leave a comment!:)

No. 38

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5e/Rise_sleeve.jpg

Artist: The Answer

Album: Rise

Genre: Rock

Released: 2006

UK Chart Position: Not charted

 

Description: The Answer, a five-piece rock band from Northern Ireland, are slowly beginning to gain a foothold, and have earned themselves a spot as the opening act for the upcoming AC/DC tour. Yet all The Answer brings is pure and simple classic rock music. With a singer who sounds like Robert Plant, and a very able guitarist, they immediately evoke memories of the most famous classic-rock act of all-time, Led Zeppelin. Indeed, Jimmy Page even attended one of their concerts! 'Rise', the bands debut and thus far only album, is filled with infectious grooves, soaringly powerful choruses, impressive vocals and plenty of intricate guitar-work to boot. In my opinion, this album is one of the most impressive rock debut albums of all-time, and rest-assured, you'll be hearing plenty more of The Answer in years to come. A track from the album, 'Never Too Late', features in Guitar Hero: World Tour, which will gain the band plenty more exposure.

 

Essential Album Tracks: Under The Sky, Be What You Want, No Questions Asked, Into The Gutter, Preachin'

 

'Under The Sky'

Love the Foo Fighters album, not to sure about Queen's 'Sheer Heart Attack', and never heard of The Answer. But they sound very cool, might check them out!

i think there are better foo's albums (but maybe you have included others) and same with Queen actually lol, havent heard The Awnser's album.

No. 37

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b7/NirvanaNevermindalbumcover.jpg

Artist: Nirvana

Album: Nevermind

Genre: Grunge Rock

Released: September 24th, 1991

UK Chart Position: 7

 

Description: Let's get one thing straight here - I'm not a fan of grunge. I think that the genre ultimately killed rock and metal music in the mainstream. Yet, on the other hand, it would be remiss of me to say that grunge didn't do some things right - it showed that rock music is for everybody and can be played without the need for makeup and huge expensives (taking potshots at both the glam scene and also the highly-indulgent band that Guns N' Roses became in the early 90s), and it ultimately became the voice of a generation. Nirvana's Nevermind is a simple album, but one of the most powerful you'll ever hear. The scorching opener 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' can be played by a beginner on guitar, yet with it's aethemic power, is it any wonder why a generation of teenagers turned towards it as their rallying cry? 'Polly' is disturbingly simple in it's structure, and no matter how many times you listen, it's still a shock when you realise that the song is about rape. Tracks such as 'Breed' and 'Lithium' offered pure attack and aggression without any strings attached, whilst 'Territorial Pissings', ironically titled given how the album cemented Nirvana's status as legends, broke every law about what defined lyrics in the rock scene. Nevermind is ultimately an album which I'm divided about - on one hand, it led to the post-grunge movement, in my opinion one of the laziest sub-branches of rock to ever come about. Nevermind itself is also far from a classic in terms of musicianship, technicality and - especially - lyrical prowess. Yet on the other hand, it's an immensely powerful and influential record, and one which EVERY rock fan - whether they want to admit it or not - will put on when they want to reignite the spirit of youthful rebellion that Nirvana propelled into the mainstream with this release. And for that reason, and that reason alone, it would be criminal to leave this out of my Top-40.

 

Essential Album Tracks: Smells Like Teen Spirit, Lithium, Breed, Polly, Territorial Pissings

 

'Smells Like Teen Spirit'

 

'Lithium'

Lets see how many non GunsNRoses albums there will be in the top 5 :kink:

 

Description: Let's get one thing straight here - I'm not a fan of grunge. I think that the genre ultimately killed rock and metal music in the mainstream. Yet, on the other hand, it would be remiss of me to say that grunge didn't do some things right - it showed that rock music is for everybody and can be played without the need for makeup and huge expensives (taking potshots at both the glam scene and also the highly-indulgent band that Guns N' Roses became in the early 90s), and it ultimately became the voice of a generation. Nirvana's Nevermind is a simple album, but one of the most powerful you'll ever hear. The scorching opener 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' can be played by a beginner on guitar, yet with it's aethemic power, is it any wonder why a generation of teenagers turned towards it as their rallying cry? 'Polly' is disturbingly simple in it's structure, and no matter how many times you listen, it's still a shock when you realise that the song is about rape. Tracks such as 'Breed' and 'Lithium' offered pure attack and aggression without any strings attached, whilst 'Territorial Pissings', ironically titled given how the album cemented Nirvana's status as legends, broke every law about what defined lyrics in the rock scene. Nevermind is ultimately an album which I'm divided about - on one hand, it led to the post-grunge movement, in my opinion one of the laziest sub-branches of rock to ever come about. Nevermind itself is also far from a classic in terms of musicianship, technicality and - especially - lyrical prowess. Yet on the other hand, it's an immensely powerful and influential record, and one which EVERY rock fan - whether they want to admit it or not - will put on when they want to reignite the spirit of youthful rebellion that Nirvana propelled into the mainstream with this release. And for that reason, and that reason alone, it would be criminal to leave this out of my Top-40.

 

Agree with most of what you say here. It was played on Radio 1 a few months back in full, and although i've only listened to it just once, it was really good, considering it was Grunge. WTF at the cover though? :unsure:

Edited November 16, 200816 yr by Harve

Nevermind, a classic album, although i perfer Bleach this has some amazing tracks on it such as Breed, terriotial Pissings and Drain You.

 

Harve, how can you of only listened to it once? thats crazy.

No. 36

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/24/Megadeth-Youthanasia.jpg/592px-Megadeth-Youthanasia.jpg

Artist: Megadeth

Album: Youthanasia

Genre: Heavy-Metal

Released: November 1st 1994

UK Chart Position: 8

 

Description: After Dave Mustaine was fired from Metallica, he could have went on to become simply a former member of a famous band, and grind out a living for himself playing music in local pubs. However, what he did achieve was nothing short of incredible - his band, Megadeth, went on to become one of the highest selling metal acts of all-time, at times even matching the success of their 'bigger' brother Metallica. While both bands suffered accusations of 'selling out' - changing their thrash sound to a slower tempo heavy-metal sound - there's no doubt that even their heavy-metal records still packed a punch. While Youthanasia was not as successful as Countdown To Extinction, Megadeth's first forray into commercial metal, it does showcase a growing maturity in writing style. Lead single 'Train Of Consequences' has one of the catchiest metal choruses I've ever heard, whilst 'Addicted To Chaos' gradually builds in intensity, propelled by an incredibly memorable drum sequence. However, the album also has it's softer moments - ballad 'A Tout Le Monde' shows Mustaine at his most vulnerable, 'Family Tree' is a disturbing story of incest told indirectly through metaphors, whilst 'Youthanasia' features the most astute political commentary Mustaine has ever written - 'Who'd believe we'd spend more shipping drugs and guns/Than to educate our sons'. Yet the album has even more tricks up it's sleeve, with 'Victory' returning to the bands thrash metal roots. The lyrics to 'Victory' are incredibly clever, with Mustaine using old song titles in order to tell the story of the band and his life up until then: 'May the past 'Rust In Peace' in 'Hangar 18'/ And 'Countdown To Extinction' just be a bad dream'. And, of course, the whole album is packed with excellent guitar work from Marty Friedman, one of the finest metal guitarists in the world.

 

Essential Album Tracks: Train Of Consequences, Addicted To Chaos, A Tout Le Monde, Family Tree, Victory

 

'Train Of Consequences'

 

'Victory'

 

 

Sorry for the gap between these. Can't get one done today either, but I will get one done tomorrow. In the meanwhile, have a gander at some countdown statistics:

• Five artists feature multiple times

One album on the list is now entirely out of print

Only two albums are by individual artists rather than bands

One musician features on the list twice; but in two different bands

Only 7 bands featured are now inactive

The Top-10 stretches from the 1960s-1990s

The countdown continues tomorrow with No. 35!

 

Major apologies for the gap, but I've been very busy this past week or so. Here we go again with No. 35...

 

No. 35

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3a/Museoriginofsymemtryalbumcover.jpg

Artist: Muse

Album: Origin Of Symmetry

Genre: Alternative Rock/Progressive Rock

Released: 17th June 2001

UK Chart Position: 3rd

 

Description: In my opinion, Muse's second studio offering is also their best. Arguably one of the most successful bands to come out of the UK this decade, Muse have managed to write music in a complex, intricate and progressive style, yet still maintain a great deal of mainstream success both in this country and abroad. Origin Of Symmetry transverses a wide range of styles; from the synth-laden introduction to 'New Born', to the hard-rock riffing of 'Plug In Baby' and to the apocalyptic falsetto-pomposity in 'Micro Cuts', Origin Of Symmetry constantly reinvents the wheel and never disengages the listener. Matt Bellamy puts in some outstanding vocal performances and truly makes the guitar his own, whilst the distortion-laden bass-line and heavy drumming allow this record to reach volumes and levels of sound previously thought impossible in a band with only three members. A fantastic, innovative record, and one of the best alternative-rock albums this decade.

 

Essential Album Tracks: New Born, Plug In Baby, Citizen Erased, Micro Cuts, Feeling Good

 

'Plug In Baby'

 

'New Born'

 

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All thoughts and comments welcome.:)

Nevermind, a classic album, although i perfer Bleach this has some amazing tracks on it such as Breed, terriotial Pissings and Drain You.

 

Harve, how can you of only listened to it once? thats crazy.

Sorry i phrased the sentence wrong. I listened to it when it was played in full on radio 1. I wouldn't just buy it and listen to it once :lol: . Speaking of Radio 1 playing full albums on weeknights, Rage Against The Machine are having an album played right now :o .

Edited December 2, 200816 yr by Harve

Sorry i phrased the sentence wrong. I listened to it when it was played in full on radio 1. I wouldn't just buy it and listen to it once :lol: . Speaking of Radio 1 playing full albums on weeknights, Rage Against The Machine are having an album played right now :o .

 

yeah but how can you not own nevermind :lol:

 

i have all Rage Against The Machine's studio albums (4) + 14 bootleg albums + 1 live album, i dont need radio 1 for that, and radio 1 dont deserve to play rage, not wit the complete $h!tness thats is radio 1.

yeah but how can you not own nevermind :lol:

 

i have all Rage Against The Machine's studio albums (4) + 14 bootleg albums + 1 live album, i dont need radio 1 for that, and radio 1 dont deserve to play rage, not wit the complete $h!tness thats is radio 1.

But surely you are glad that other people, like me (ok maybe not me :P ) are discovering it?

 

Anyway, i might find Origin Of Symmetry one day. Micro Cuts is really good :w00t:

But surely you are glad that other people, like me (ok maybe not me :P ) are discovering it?

 

Anyway, i might find Origin Of Symmetry one day. Micro Cuts is really good :w00t:

 

i dont want radio one listener scum hearing it, they would proberly get too scared after listening to it and crawl into their holes.

 

Micro Cuts is mental with good quality headphones on. set to stereo.

Apologies for the gap again, but I've been incredibly busy lately. Will update this as often as I can. Here's No. 34:

 

No. 34

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/43/Buckethead_-_crime_slunk_scene.jpg/590px-Buckethead_-_crime_slunk_scene.jpg

Artist: Buckethead

Album: Crime Slunk Scene

Genre: Instrumental/Alternative

Released: September 15th 2006

UK Chart Position: Not Eligible

 

Description: He wears a Michael Myers 'Halloween' mask, a KFC bucket on his head and claims he was raised in a chicken coop. Yet Buckethead, real name Brian Carroll, is widely lauded as one of the finest, most innovative and adaptable guitar players in the world today. His work ranges from acoustic ballads, to shred-tastic feasts of speed, to jazzy solos and to hugely experimental sounds and rhythms, occasionally combining electronica and dance with genres such as thrash metal. 'Crime Slunk Scene' is often regarded as one of his finest pieces of work, combining most of his talents in one package. Tracks such as 'We Can Rebuild Him' and 'Electronic Slight Of Hand' showcase Buckethead's talents for creating unique guitar sounds, whilst others such as 'Mad Monster Party' offer pure heavy-metal shred-fests. However, Crime Slunk Scene also spawned what is Buckethead's most famous track, and arguably his best: 'Soothsayer', a sprawling 9-minute epic, begins with a slow, melodic and hauntingly beautiful clean-guitar section, before going into an overdriven chorus. The song eventually goes into an extended guitar solo section, showcasing some of Buckethead's finest shredding. An essential track for anybody who is a fan of the electric guitar. The albums shorter opener, 'King James', is also of a similar style. Crime Slunk Scene is now out-of-print, as are many of Buckethead's albums, so your best bet for getting a hold of a physical copy is eBay. However, all the songs are on YouTube, so here's a few for your listening pleasure.

 

'Soothsayer'

 

'King James'

 

'Electronic Slight Of Hand'

We're on-fire with these atm! Must be the Xmas spirit! :yahoo:

 

No. 33

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c9/Linkin_park_hybrid_theory.jpg

Artist: Linkin Park

Album: Hybrid Theory

Genre: Nu-Metal

Released: October 24th 2000

UK Chart Position: 4

 

Description: If you're reading this and around age 18-20 at the moment, chances are that nu-metal played a major part in the music you listened to when first hitting adolesence. Most if not all of us will have grown out of the nu-metal phase - some will have faded back into mainstream pop genres, whilst others such as myself look back on nu-metal as the platform for access to heavier, louder and more technical material - however, regardless, one cannot deny the impact it had on the music scene in the early 2000s. Heavy, aggressive and angry, nu-metal was the 00s equivalent of grunge in the 90s. And it was Linkin Park who helped to spearhead the scene. Hybrid Theory, despite only debuting at No. 4 on the UK albums charts, has since gone on to sell 24 million albums worldwide, making it one of the best selling metal albums of all-time. So what made it such a big success? Nu-metal did go against the typical grain of the metal genre; the lyrics were simple and introspective, the music was loud yet untechnical, the vocals were aggressive but accessible, and the inclusion of elements of hip-hop into a 'pure' genre such as metal was previously unheard of. The nations youth, spurred on by a new millenium and a new start, lapped it up. And while I hardly listen to this album anymore, you've got to say, that like Nevermind by Nirvana, there is an undeniable youthful spirit about this record. 'One Step Closer' is one of the heaviest tracks to enter the Top-40 this decade, 'Crawling' is a fist-pumping, aethemic track at it's best, whilst 'In The End' is a brave attempt at a nu-metal ballad. More than anything, the whole album is catchy; Chester Bennington has a natural talent for writing pure and simple anthems, and Hybrid Theory is full of them. However, for me, if there's one reason this has to be in my Top-40, it's the role it played in developing my musical tastes. I listened to the fecking Spice Girls before I heard this, and it just completely redefined what music was all about in my opinion. It's the record that was the soundtrack to a good few years of my adolesence, and for that reason it holds a very special place in my record collection.

 

Essential Album Tracks: Papercut, One Step Closer, Crawling, In The End, Pushing Me Away

 

'Crawling'

 

'In The End'

No. 32

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b1/Oasis_-_(What's_The_Story)_Morning_Glory_album_cover.jpg

Artist: Oasis

Album: (What's The Story) Morning Glory?

Genre: Rock/Indie/Brit-Pop

Released: 2nd October 1995

UK Chart Position: 1

 

Description: Is it fair to say that Oasis were the last proper rock band to garner such mainstream success in the UK, in both the single and albums charts? While some may point towards the recent success of The Arctic Monkeys, that particular bands love of the theatrical suggests otherwise. Oasis, certainly in their early career, were undoubtedly proper rockers - the music was full of attitude, melodies, and at times could be pretty technical as well. Yet it maintained an aethemic, sing-along quality that hadn't been seen since the hey-day of Guns N' Roses nearly a decade earlier, and it was this quality that propelled Oasis in superstardom. What's The Story (Morning Glory)? was a major chart success, selling over 18 million copies worldwide, spending 10 weeks at the top of the UK albums chart, and now stands as the third-highest selling album in the UK of all-time. From start to finish, What's The Story delivers catchy yet powerful rock classics. Noel and Liam's John Lennon-esque vocal delivery provide the perfect accompaniment to the hard-hitting rhythm section in the albums heavier tracks. However, it was the acoustic ballad, 'Wonderwall', that was the albums outstanding point; it's staying power has undoubtedly earned it a spot up there with 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' as one of the defining anthems of the 1990s. For me, this album is - or should be - the benchmark by which Oasis's other album are measured by. However, as of yet, I don't think they've even came close to the quality of this, their finest work.

 

Essential Album Tracks: Roll With It, Wonderwall, Don't Look Back In Anger, Champagne Supernova

 

'Wonderwall'

 

'Champagne Supernova'

 

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As usual, all thoughts and comments are welcome. :)

Edited December 29, 200816 yr by ags_rule

i forgot about this, you must come post some more in the punk/metal forum (or soon rock/punk/metal forum).

 

Buckhead: Not heard.

Linkin Park: i like, but perfer Meteora, but HT was one of the first albums i ever brought.

Oasis: good album, but overated imo.