catapult magazine

catapult magazine
 

Vol 5, Num 1 :: 2006.01.13 — 2006.01.26

 
 

Top Ten re: rock albums

Attempting to compile a list of the Top 10 Rock Albums is an extremely daunting task, and one that proved hard to begin.

First of all, you feel obligated to consider the classics (can others really surpass them?). Secondly, you have to consider the charts (can something obscure be in the top 10?). Finally, there are only so many spots.

Therefore, I have made a list based on albums which I feel have made a significant influence on the style and sound of rock music. I have tried to select albums that cover many different cross-sections of the rock world. What else do you expect from a guy who puts his CDs in order by style and not alphabetically? Would Rob from High Fidelity approve? You make the call.


  1. Raising Hell by Run DMC: The defining rap/hip hop album for a generation which also gained crossover appeal with the help of Aerosmith.
  2. Stone Roses by Stone Roses launched the English Rock sound which blossomed in the 1990?s.
  3. War by U2: ?Sunday Bloody Sunday? came to define the protest rock of a generation, but this is also when U2 still sounded like they came from the streets of Ireland, a recording that came with those qualities worked into the mix.
  4. The Freewheelin? Bob Dylan by Bob Dylan: A folk singer who changed the rock world in terms of lyrics, melody, and style.
  5. Help! by The Beatles: Gorgeous pop rock of harmony and melody.
  6. London Calling by The Clash: While certainly the Sex Pistols defined punk, London Calling continues to be noted as influential for so many bands and musicians.
  7. Led Zeppelin II: the great blend of blues and rock ?n?roll which took Robert Johnson and others to the stadiums.
  8. Nevermind by Nirvana: Claimed as the anthem for a generation and a tremendous step forward in rock?s creativity, claims which are actually. . .true.
  9. Murmur by R.E.M.: The indie rock foundation, catchy songs, obscure lyrics, and a simple approach to the sound which made the album sound like it was recorded just down the block by some friends.
  10. The Smiths by The Smiths: There is no better combination of singer and guitarist than Morrissey and Marr, the combination that has inspired so many towards greater lyricism with guitar work which carries the weight of the lyrics.




Find a more extensive list of the 25 Top Rock Albums at Music Spectrum.

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