Inevitably, whenever I am around a fire with friends, on a road trip, or just hanging out, a certain topic always comes up…
What are the all-time best debut albums by a band or artist?
I’ve had my fair share of debates over the years around this topic. However, decided to finally go on record and share my thoughts with all of you.
Keep in mind, I may have been born in the 70s, but I cut my teeth and ripped my jeans (literally) in the 80s and early 90s, so naturally, there’s no denying a built-in bias may exist.
Nonetheless, I thought it would be fun to make this a blog topic. My list is in chronological order, as it would be too difficult for me to try to rank. Kind of like ranking your favorite child (although for some of you that might not be hard).
Without further ado…
My Top 10 Debut Albums
LICENSED TO ILL by Beastie Boys (1986): best track to crank – No Sleep till Brooklyn
APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION by Guns N’ Roses (1987): track I walked out to at my wedding – Welcome to the Jungle
STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON by N.W.A. (1988): only track I can mention on this blog – Express Yourself
PRETTY HATE MACHINE by Nine Inch Nails (1989): most overlooked track – Sin
SHAKE YOUR MONEYMAKER by The Black Crowes (1990): most underrated track – Sister Luck
TEN by Pearl Jam (1991): my favorite track – Release
SIXTEEN STONE by Bush (1994): track that is an unknown gem – Alien
MAYBE YOU’VE BEEN BRAINWASHED TOO by New Radicals (1998): track that introduced me to the band – You Get What You Give
HOT FUSS by The Killers (2004): track you can never get sick of – Mr. Brightside
SHOW AND TELL by Silvertide (2004): best track – Heartstrong
Honorable Mentions (interestingly, there mostly self-titled)
ARE YOU EXPERIENCED (North American version) by The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1967)
VAN HALEN by Van Halen (1978)
THE CARS by The Cars (1978)
MADONNA by Madonna (1983)
TRACY CHAPMAN by Tracy Chapman (1988)
So there you have it. Let the debate begin. List your favorites in the comments.
Stand Strong!
Scott
Can’t disagree but I’d move – Are You Experienced – Jimi Hendrix into your top ten.
I’d would then add:
Crosby Stills and Nash by Crosby Stills and Nash
Deja Vu by Crosby Stills Nash and Young
The Doors by The Doors
Led Zepplin by Led Zepplin
Lynyrd Skynyrd (pronounced Ley-nerd Skin-nerd) by Lynyrd Skynyrd
What a fun post, Scott!
I may have an unfair advantage here on account of my age. However, your parents will definitely appreciate this brief “sampling” of (IMO) some of the greatest debut albums of all time, many of which I saw in concert, and a few of which came right out of Cleveland USA:
Yes – The Yes Album; Jackson Browne – Saturate Before Using; Alice Cooper – Killer; James Gang – Barnstorm; Dan Fogelberg – Home Free; Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers – Same ; Michael Stanley – Same; Alex Bevan – Springboard; The Moody Blues – Same; The Eagles – Same; Heart – Dreamboat Annie; Kansas – Same … …. …..
Scott you are 100% a child of the 70’s! I enjoyed reading your list!
“If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.”
Albert Einstein
Boston: Boston – More Than A Feeling, I got lucky enough to see them when they were promoting their second album, Don’t Look Back, and they are my second all-time favorite band behind the undisputed heavy weight champion of rock n’ roll Lynyrd Skynyrd !!
Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ is the greatest debut album by the greatest artist on earth. End of debate! (no bias here :-). The best track was Lost In The Flood.
Bruce was actually a later “discovery” for me. The band that encapsulates my youth is actually KISS. I discovered them around the Hot In The Shade album in the early 90s, so during the non-makeup days. Their self-titled debut is brilliant and the track from it that I love most is Black Diamond. It’s also the best song they do/did in a live show.
Thanks for sharing Scott. Brings back some great memories from back in the day!
I thought you might have some “Swifties” or Eminem genes in your pool?
Reading through the mentions brought me back to different eras in my life. Listening to NWA as a kid (when I definitely should not have been), GNR and Bush as a middle schooler, Pearl Jam in my older sister’s car, to the Killers during college years. Brought back a lot of nostalgia. Great topic.