I feel like I've been working on this post forever, but I'm sure it's not been that long. Work has been crazy and I just haven't had time to be online. The question was, if you could only listen to just one album for the rest of your life what would it be. I have listed my top 10, but excluded greatest hits albums and/or compilations. I'm sure it has and will continue to change, but as of today this is where I'm at. I will get right down to business:
10. Garth Brooks - "No Fences" Released in 1990.
I love country music, but you will see that this is the only country album that made the list. Great from start to finish. I wore out this cassette in my truck. Everyone will recognize "Friends in Low Places," but my favorite track is "Unanswered Prayers." Best track most have never heard has to be "Wolves." Great story song - "Lord please shine a light of hope - On those of us who fall behind - And when we stumble in the snow - Could you help us up while there's still time." We all need help at times.
09. Corrosion of Conformity - "Deliverance" Released 1994
Personal reasons. It's a great reflective CD for me, eerily quiet even though it's not exactly quiet. Have to listen to tracks "Clean My Wounds" and "Without Wings." My personal favorite track is "Albatross." Best song most have never heard "Broken Man."
08. Prince - "Purple Rain" Released 1984
I was 10 years old and I had never heard anything like this album. I had to buy it. I saved up enough money to buy this cassette myself (which I still have). This was Prince's first album with The Revolution. The title track itself is in a league of it's own, but my personal favorite is "Take Me with U." Best track most have listened to is "The Beautiful Ones." This album is full of musicality.
07. Fleetwood Mac - "Rumors" Released 1977
This album was recorded during a time of great strife personally for all band members and they poured their collective soul into this Grammy award winning album. It's solid from start to finish. It has been said that "What distinguishes Rumours—what makes it art—is the contradiction between its cheerful surface and its anguished heart. Here is a radio-friendly record about anger, recrimination, and loss."
Everyone will recognize "Go Your Own Way." My personal favorite is also the sleeper song "Songbird." Hearing Christine sing this live, just her and her piano was priceless.
06. Wide Mouth Mason - Wide Mouth Mason Released 1997 in Canada and US
I was late in getting on the Wide Mouth Mason bus, but I'm glad I didn't miss it entirely. I am so thankful that I was introduced to this band. This Canadian band sounds alot like the group at the top this list. It's been said that this band is in my "wheelhouse" of music and it certainly is. Love "Midnight Rain" and "All It Amounts To."
05. Head East - "Flat as a Pancake" Released 1974 and re-released 1975
Another IL band. I grew up listening to Head East. I can't remember not hearing this music. Of course everyone will recognize "Never Been Any Reason," but my favorite is "Love Me Tonight," followed by "City of Gold," "Jefftown Creek" and "Lovin' Me Along."
04. Reo Speedwagon - "Hi Infidelity" Released 1980
This was the cassette that I first heard in my Uncle Brad's shiny new stereo. It's still hard to beat. Pure musical gold. The band still opens up their set with the opening track "Don't Let Him Go." My favorite track back then and still is "Take It on the Run." Best track most people haven't heard - "I Wish You Were There." After listening to this entire album again, I rediscoverd "Follow My Heart." I had actually forgotten how good this song is.
Metallica - Death Magnetic Released 2008
Certainly the newest album to make the list. This album has replaced the "Black" album as my favorite CD from Metallica and also pushed that album off of this top 10 list. It's certainly one of the best top to bottom albums Metallica has put out and helps to ease the pain of the horrid "St. Anger" release. Trivia time - This album is the band's fifth consecutive studio album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 in the United States, making Metallica the first band ever to achieve five consecutive number one debuts. Pretty impressive considering the last song that received massive mainstream air time was "Enter Sandman" in 1991. I love every song on this album, but my favorites are "Broken, Beat and Scarred," and "Unforgiven III."
02. Coverdale/Page - Self-titled and only album released 1993
David Coverdale of Whitesnake fame and Led Zeppelin guitar legend Jimmy Page joined forces to produce this knockout album. This album made a serious run at number one. Something I hadn't expected, but after listening to it repeatedly, I failed to see any holes. Probably the only song that anybody heard off of this album is "Shake My Tree." If you like the underrated LZ tune "Nobody's Fault but Mine," you will love this album. My personal favorite song is almost impossible to pick. They are all solid. Again, if I had to choose, I would say "Take Me for a Little While." I would also say you are a fool if you don't listen to the whole album. "Take a Look at Yourself" and "Whisper a Prayer for the Dying" are not to be passed up.
01. Cry of Love - "Brother" Released 1993
This has been my favorite album for years and it still holds up. It certainly faced some tough competition. "Brother" is the first of only two albums this band produced. Apparently they put all of their talent in this one disc, but I'm so glad they did. For me, it's the strongest top to bottom album I have heard to date. Most people would recognize the only hit for Cry of Love - "Peace Pipe." My personal favorite is "Too Cold in the Winter." Must listen to song is all of them. Take a listen, there's something for everyone.
There you go. You don't have to agree with any of them, it's my list. What does your list have on it?
That's Nice - MH
