Name Your Favourite Album

I find it really hard to choose. I tend to go through phases in music. I'll love an album totally and completely for about a month and then hate it intensely for three before finally I accept it again.

But still I can narrow it down to about four at the moment.

1. Nirvana's Nevermind. I've never particularly identified with it, but I've always loved it. It was the first album I've ever owned and the one I've most listened to. Every time I listen to it I relive my childhood.

2. By the Way by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It's not a great album but there's nothing I'd rather listen to when I'm in the mood to sing badly. It's another long-stayer, having been in and out of my cd player since it was released.

3. My current obsession is Gotye's Like Drawing Blood. There's something hauntingly beautiful in the sound of "Heart's a Mess" that I get drawn to over and over again. The funky track "learnalilgivinanlovin" is also one of the coolest songs I know.

4. The Subways self-titled album was an obsession from earlier in the year that I'm just starting to get back into. It also ranks up there with the other three.

If I had to pick just one it would be Nevermind. It's my oldest CD and the one that has been the soundtrack for more fun times than anything else in my collection. Sure it's got flaws, sure it's nothing spectacular history-of-music-wise, but it has the most meaning to me, and really when it comes to the favourites that's all that should matter.

You are right.  Trying to name one album is a real tough nut.  But if forced to, I would have to Say Moody Blues Octave. Actually all of theirs and all of Led Zepplins are up there along with many other classics. (Mid Year Beatles 66-68, Harry Chapin, Stevie Nicks, and on and on and on).

Sublime self title I would have to go with.

Besides that, all of the zepplins, the older Tool albums, Jonah Smith, and any funk jam band. (Ryan Montbleau, Deep Banana Blackout, Martin Sexton ect)

Link

AC/DC's Who Made Who is one of the first albums that I could take listening to every song. I had it on vinyl and casette and later, cd. I was raised on easy listening music- the guitar, drums and voice blew every Barry Manilow, Chuck Mangione, and Barbara Streisand song away.

for years i've always said that when posed with this question , or a sim. one, the 1st "great album" that comes to mind is "Fleetwood Mac-Rumours." it is an album that is a) among the best selling of all time doesn't have a bad "filler" track on it c) is very genuine in it's emotional output, the songs reflect what was going on withthe band at the time, the relationships, the breakups, the tensions, etc...d) transported this "mid level " band to "hall of fame" status and totally reshaped their career as well as influencing many.

london calling is too "obvious" a choice for me. it's one of those 'ya gotta love it or ya don't know anything about music" albums that music snobs like myself often point to. there have been other "if you don't like em, you just don't understand" bands like wilco, the cure, smashing pumpkins and today's installment, radiohead.

zeppelin albums are tough to pick for me because so many of them are really good albums. then ya run into conflicts about do ya go with the "rippin off old blues songs" era, the "spacey jam" era or the "john had to fill the album with keyboards cause jimmy was so smacked out" era...

my favorite live band, the grateful dead, never put out a truly "great" album...some good ones, but no great ones.

with the stones, ya run into sim. conflicts as zeppelin, same with the beatles and like london calling, sgt. pepper is just too obvious and acknowledging it almost diminishes their other albums.

pink floyd made some great albums, but every one has some filler imho...

purple rain would prob be my choice for the same reasons as the fleetwood mac album, except i think of the fleetwood mac album 1st. the same could be said for dire straits "brothers in arms" which might be my pick for most underrated album.

then ya have albums by bands like the mothers of invention and the velvet underground that influenced much more than they sold.

it is a tough question in the end, but i'll stick with fleetwood mac and their masterpiece, rumours.

but i ramble...

Well, make the question any easier and less complicated why don't ya?!!! I have to mull this over some more. I know my fav is going to be much older or more modern and the genre, not rock. I still have to think it over though.

Cacto,

There you go... I forgot to mention Nirvana in my initial article, despite them having a huge influence on me musically. In the late 80's, I picked up a little known album called Bleach by a little known band called Nirvana. It reminded me a little of my favourite band of the time, The Pixies. The soft/loud dynamic shifts used so well by Frank Black and crew became de rigueur for a lot of acts that followed, with Nirvana being the most proficient adherents.

it's nothing spectacular history-of-music-wise

It is the album that defined the grunge movement, gave rise to major-playing independant labels and set a precedent for a lot of music that followed. Not only did it do all this, but it remains one of the few albums that consistently appears on 'Top' lists and is now considered a classic. And the legion of fans the band still has (and it is still acquiring because of this album) is incredible.

I also forgot about Gotye. 'Like Drawing Blood' is a bedroom masterpiece and an inspiration to all home recordists such as myself. It has a quality and eclecticism I very much admire and a delicacy very few pieces of music have today. It shows that music can still be inventive, clever and just plain cool. I don't know The Subways at all and while I am a Chili Peppers fan, I must admit By The Way isn't on of my favourites. Thanks for your response.

Doc,

I must admit I don't know the Moody Blues album you mention. However, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles were some of the albums I would always want to have in my collection while my wife would agree with you about Stevie Nicks.

Caracarn1,

Thanks for your response.

Sublime self title I would have to go with

This would be my number 2 choice. Actually, it would be a draw between this and Sublime's '40 Ounces To Freedom'. Both a awesome pieces of music that genre-jump all over the place yet somehow maintain a consistency very few bands are capable of achieving. I am not a fan of Tool and am not familiar with any of the funk bands you mention. But I sure do appreciate your input. Thanks for stopping by, fellow Sublime fan.

Nicky,

Heya, good to 'see' you. There you go, I completely forgot about AC/DC too. Man, the more I think about it, the more bands I've forgotten. I grew up listening to AC/DC. 'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap' was a huge favourite, as was 'Back In Black'. They are, without a doubt, still one of the best rock bands in the world.

Sean,

First of all, welcome and thanks for stopping by. My wife would probably agree with you about 'Rumours'. She would also probably say 'Goodbye Yellowbrick Road' by Elton John. But I digress. As far as I'm concerned, the subjective personal choice should have nothing to do with whether it is obvious but how it affects the individual. I agree with you though in that like a lot of bands, if you like 'em, you love 'em and if you don't, then you hate 'em. There is no middle ground for a lot of fans.

Like you, I toyed with the idea of some of the most classic albums of all time, but I went with The Clash because, like Sublime, they weren't afraid of diversity. As you know, the album goes from reggae to rockabilly to punk to pop and back to reggae so easily, one could be mistaken for thinking it is a compilation album.

but i ramble...

And in the words of Led Zep; Ramble On...

Thanks again to everyone for your responses.

Serenity,

make the question any easier and less complicated why don't ya

I look forward to reading what your choice will be.

Good to 'see' you, BTW.

I'm back so soon!! I kept thinking about this and the one person whose album kept coming to my mind was Bob Marley. I grew up listening to him. I've watched him in concert before he became super famous, I've seen his children become superstars. Whenever I put his music on it brings me back to my childhood and I'm transported back to my homeland, with memories of my parents and all those really great times I can't forget.

Bob's song, One Love is my absolute favourite, I also love Redemption Song and Stir it up. These songs are on his "The Best of Bob Marley'" CD Album one and Two and can also be found on his "Legend" CD. So that would be my choice if I HAD to choose just one.

And of course honorable mentions would go to these nine which comprise my Top 10 (with Marley's):
Sade Lovers Rock
The Carpenters Yesterday Once More
The Eurythmics their Greatest Hits CD
Heather Headley, This is who I am
Annie Lennox, Bare
CeCe Winan, Alone in His Presence
Anastacia, Freak of Nature - Especially her song "How Come the World Won't Stop"
India Arie's, Testimony
Lennie Kravitz' Baptism

Not exactly the greatest of all time albums, but my favorites that have seen me through a lot of sweat and tears!

Serenity,

I really like Marley too. Bob's music fuelled so many good moments in my life, it was hard to ignore. Having said that, I couldn't pick Marley because I like such a variety of styles, which is why The Clash won for me. But The Clash were fans of reggae, amongst other styles, so I guess I am still nodding to Bob in a roundabout way. My favourite Marley song is probably Buffalo Soldier or No Woman No Cry.

Some of your other choices are interesting. Toni would love that you've chosen Eurythmics and Annie Lennox as she is a big fan.

Not exactly the greatest of all time albums,

Well, its your choice, so it is as valid as anyone else's choice. The pleasure we derive from music is purely subjective anyway, so if you're happy with your choice, then this is all that matters.

My favourite Marley song is probably Buffalo Soldier or No Woman No Cry.

Oh yes, these two are always great to listen to.

Toni would love that you've chosen Eurythmics and Annie Lennox as she is a big fan.

Cool! I just love Annie!

The pleasure we derive from music is purely subjective anyway, so if you're happy with your choice, then this is all that matters.

So true!

--- I like such a variety of styles, which is why The Clash won for me.---
--- Toni would love that you've chosen Eurythmics and Annie Lennox as she is a big fan.---

Did you ever hear Annie's version of "Train in Vain"? It's a bluesy version, and it's great.

UDigIt,

Did you ever hear Annie's version of "Train in Vain"? It's a bluesy version, and it's great

No, I haven't. I can imagine she'd do it justice, though. And speaking of Eurythmics, we were watching an English music show on cable last night. The show is called 'Later With Jools' and featured The Pretenders (another of those bands that never disappoint me). Who should be playing guitar for Chrissy but none other than Dave Stewart, formerly of The Eurythmics. Small world, huh?

On another note, I've just bought a copy of an album titled 'Radiodread' by a band called Easy Star All Stars. Their claim to fame, of a sort, is an album they made a few years ago titled 'Dub Side Of The Moon'. As the name implies, this is a faithful rendering of the Pink Floyd classic, Dark Side Of The Moon, done as reggae/dub music. It is a household favourite. This go round, the band has tackled Radiohead's classic 'Ok Computer'. If you like reggae or dub, these pieces of music will blow you away.

Thanks for stopping by, mate. Always good to see you.

I have tried to come up with a top 10 albums list, because narrowing it down to just one is darn near impossible.  Here are some of my tops though:

1. Moving Pictures by Rush.  It is the perfect synthesis of Rush's progressive tendancies, focused into concise, dare I say radio friendly songs.  It is a moving, anthemic, thoughtful and focused album.  Brilliantly done.

2. Second Life Syndrome by Riverside.  This is a relatively recent album, having only been released last year.  However, that doesn't diminish just how amazing of an album it is.  It is emotionally gripping, marvelously written, and one of the most cathartic musical experiences I have ever had.

3. Blackwater Park by Opeth.  Some albums define genres (like Nevermind did - and still does - for grunge).  Others defy them.  Blackwater Park is one such example.  Is it death metal?  Is it progressive metal?  Is it psychedelic?  Is if acoustic folk?  Yes, yes, yes, yes and then some.  That and the fact that the title track, "Blackwater Park" is my absolute favorite song ever, I can't pass up mentioning this disc.

4. The Human Equation by Ayreon.  No one, and I mean no one, comes close to the rock opera prowess of Arjen Lucassen.  No one.  And The Human Equation is the perfect example of what a rock opera should be.  A coherent story, powerfully told through quite possibly the most impressive cast of vocalists ever assembled for a rock album, with the stellar songwriting of Arjen, it just doesn't get any better.

5. Disconnected by Fates Warning.  This one makes the "Favorite" list, though I wouldn't argue that it is Fates' best album.  They have too many.  Heck, Jim Matheos has written more obscenely good songs than any one person has a right to.  And while I wouldn't try to assert that Disconnected is Fates' best, it is my favorite of theirs.  It is the album that really introduced me to Fates Warning, and got me hooked.  It is a moving listen, melancholic, outraged, and hopeful.  I love it.

Put a gun to my head, I would probably go with Moving Pictures, only because I have been in love with Rush for most of my life.  But any one of those albums deserves that top spot.

'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap' was a huge favourite, as was 'Back In Black'. They are, without a doubt, still one of the best rock bands in the world.

Highway to Hell is WAY up there. But then so is Aerosmith Rocks. And then there's ZZ Top's Tres Hombres. Oh, hell Maso! I DON'T KNOW! WHY DO YOU ASK THESE QUESTIONS!??!! AHHHHHHH.....

Alice Cooper's Go to Hell

Kiss's Kiss Alive and Destroyer

and Hootie and the Blowfish Cracked Rear View

and Led Zeppelin II and...and...and...   

On another note, I've just bought a copy of an album titled 'Radiodread' by a band called Easy Star All Stars. Their claim to fame, of a sort, is an album they made a few years ago titled 'Dub Side Of The Moon'. As the name implies, this is a faithful rendering of the Pink Floyd classic, Dark Side Of The Moon, done as reggae/dub music. It is a household favourite. This go round, the band has tackled Radiohead's classic 'Ok Computer'. If you like reggae or dub, these pieces of music will blow you away. Thanks for stopping by, mate. Always good to see you.

I've heard them and they are great to listen to!

BlueDev,

If someone had asked me, I would have guessed you'd probably pick a Rush album

I must admit, prog rock and a lot of metal has passed me by. Given what you say about some of the bands you mention, I might just have to go and see if I can listen to some of these bands.

Thanks heaps for your response, mate. As you say, it is a really tough question but it is interesting to see what different people choose.

Shovel,

Yep, 'Highway To Hell' is up there, as is 'High Voltage' and quite possibly Midnight Oil's '10, 9, 8...', another awesome record I forgot all about. Oh, yeah, then there is Kiss 'Alive II' and Thin Lizzy's 'Jailbreak' or Cheap Trick's 'Heaven Tonight' or... Yeah, you're right, the list could stretch on forever.

WHY DO YOU ASK THESE QUESTIONS!??!!

Somebody has got to ask the tough ones, mate. How can we challenge our intellect if we don't ask ourselves the hard questions?

(Citizen)BlueDevOctober 11, 2006 15:19:19

Not fair. he beat me to it, and most of mine would be on his as well.

Others that make my top so-and-so that don't necessarily make his:

1. Visual Audio Sensory Theater by VAST. This album singlehandedly changed the way I thought of rock music in my mid teens. It made me want to return to the wonderful progressive rock roots of my youth. It's sad, moving, painful, heart-filled, and just plain brilliant. Too bad their other albums pale in comparison.

2. Vapor Trails by Rush. BlueDev already put Moving Pictures on the list, and that's my favorite Rush album, but this one is a close second. It's gutsy, it's in-your-face, it makes my feet just pump up and down - unforgettable rock.

3. X by Fates Warning. This is the Fates disc that would be on my list, rather than Disconnected. It was my introduction to the band, and that first listen never really goes away. This album has more brute force than almost any other.

I'll think of some more and add later, it's dinner time.

I've heard them and they are great to listen to

Indeed they are. The 'Radiodread' album is almost as good as the original. Toots & The Maytals doing 'Let Down' is superb.

Not fair. he beat me to it, and most of mine would be on his as well.

Ah, you boys... I knew if one got in before the other there would be some bitching

As I said to your bro, I am going to have a listen to some of the albums you mention. I'll get back to you once I do with my opinion, for what its worth.

it's dinner time

For you maybe, but I've not long had breakfast. Thanks for your response, mate. I look forward to seeing what others you will add to the list.

My favorite album is the one that I am listening to at the time.

My favorite album is the one that I am listening to at the time

Ah, a Zen music lover. Nice one...

---On another note, I've just bought a copy of an album titled 'Radiodread' by a band called Easy Star All Stars. Their claim to fame, of a sort, is an album they made a few years ago titled 'Dub Side Of The Moon'. As the name implies, this is a faithful rendering of the Pink Floyd classic, Dark Side Of The Moon, done as reggae/dub music. It is a household favourite. This go round, the band has tackled Radiohead's classic 'Ok Computer'. If you like reggae or dub, these pieces of music will blow you away.---

---The 'Radiodread' album is almost as good as the original. Toots & The Maytals doing 'Let Down' is superb.---

I'm going to have to look for them. OK Computer is one of my favorite albums. Actually my drunken karaoke version of 'Let Down' is better, but of course only to me.

---Thanks for stopping by, mate. Always good to see you.---

Thanks, mate. I haven't been able to get on too much lately so it's good to be seen.

---WHY DO YOU ASK THESE QUESTIONS!??!! ---

It's so damn hard picking just one.

I have hundreds of favorite albums. I didn't think I could pick just one but I decided to not pick the one I thought were the best but ones that bring back the best memories.

Sure there are better albums out there but these are my absolute favorite because of where I was in my life when I heard them.

White Blood Cells by The White Stripes

Unplugged in New York by Nirvana

Rage Against The Machine by Rage Against The Machine

Ten by Pearl Jam

To the East Blackwards by X-Clan

It Take A Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back by Public Enemy

40 Greatest Hits by Hank Williams Sr.

If I was to narrow it down to my favorite it would be Texas Flood by Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Hey, Maso next time make it easier and ask us what's our favorite album for a particular year.

'Radiodread'

liked it more the 1st time when it was called "dread zeppelin."