My Top 3 Favorite Rock Albums of ALL TIME!
Sometimes you find the greatest songs in the strangest of places. Ā Over the years, by accident, I have seemingly stumbled upon the music that I love and behold today. Ā I've heard many of the classics as well as many highly esteemed records from the past two decades, and while I've heard lots of good albums, only a few of them have been able to transcend that line between goodness and greatness. Ā They have done what many albums try and fail to do, as their compelling sound has captured my attention enough to make me want to share them with others. Ā They are hidden gems which, in my opinion, are deserving of a much greater following than they may have realized in the past. Ā Here are my top three favorite rock albums of all time!
#3 - Norma Jean: Meridional
As a friend of mine put it - Norma Jean is an acquired taste. Ā Back when I first listened to them, I felt that they were practically unlistenable and didn't understand their appeal. Ā However, years later, Norma Jean grew on me, and on a whim, I picked up a copy of Meridional at a Target sale (thanks Target).
Upon the first listen, I felt that the very first song, "Leaderless and Self-Inlisted" had already topped everything they had ever done. Ā If you're not familiar with the band, you may be shocked to understand why Norma Jean has any place on this list. Ā For many, it's hard to look past the screams and noisy guitars, but Norma Jean wrote some of the best music I have ever heard in my life on this album. Ā Though dark and agressive, the songwriting techniques throughout are catchy and inventive in their own way. Ā The album itself has an epic feel to it that carries you throughout; each song leads into a much better, more intense song. Ā Unlike many other metalcore acts, Norma Jean incorporates melody into their music in a way that sings without actually singing. Ā Look past all the growls, and you'll see that Norma Jean has crafted some of the best melodies out there. Ā
It's an angry album, but that's not a bad thing. Ā I get angry sometimes too. Ā This is hands down the heaviest music I listen to, and I do listen to lots of heavy music. Ā Their sound is definitely different but awesome all in the same. Ā Meridional is just too epic to not be included on this list. Ā Just grit your teeth, and go listen to it on YouTube. Ā If you are in to heavy music, check out "Blood Burner" (one of my personal favorites). Ā If you like softer music, check out "Falling From The Sky Day Seven." Ā If you don't like either, then just check out my next favorite album of all time...
Favorite song: Leaderless and Self-Enlisted
#2 - Blue Oyster Cult: Agents of Fortune
Some of the greatest music was made even before I was born, and Blue Oyster Cult's "Agents of Fortune" is proof. Ā At some point in your life, you have probably heard the song "Don't Fear the Reaper," and this is the very song that led to me to illegally download this album. Ā And though I DO fear the reaper, I love the music Blue Oyster Cult released here. Ā
Upon first listen, I was expecting a group of songs that would compliment the hit single and make for a sub-par album; however, what I heard far surpassed my expectations. Ā Every song sounds as if a different band is playing. Blue Oyster Cult's ability to write unique songs is evident here, as "Agents of Fortune" is host to a track list that showcases a variety of styles and sounds. Ā What makes this all so great is the fact that each song is masterful in how it represents its respective genre. Ā The music flows from bar music to rock music to progressive music to lounge music to punk music...you get the picture. Ā Just listen to "True Confessions" and then "Tattoo Vampire." Ā You'll see what I mean.
This is probably one of the most influential albums for me. Ā Blue Oyster Cult showed me that it's okay to make songs of different genres and put them all together. Ā What results is a collage of sounds that are pure ear candy. Ā
Favorite song: E.T.I.
#1 - The Used: The Used
This is a hard pick for me. Ā The first time I heard this band on MTV, I thought to myself...here we go...this is the downfall of music...this band sucks. Ā That is up until I heard them play "Buried Myself Alive" in all of its glory. Ā The next day, I proceeded to illegally download a few songs from their self-titled album, and to my surprise, the band wasn't as bad as I thought. Ā In fact, they were good. Ā Wait...they were awesome.
"The Used" is what happens when a talented band from a small town has one chance to make it big. Ā This album isn't necessarily great on a technical level, but the emotional drive witnessed in the music is enough to make this my favorite album of all time. Ā This was a groundbreaking album, as it influenced so many bands that came after them. Ā This album was a emo trendsetter in how different but appealing it was. Ā It was pop punk music with screaming. Ā At the time, it was like listening to Blink182 on crack. Ā The Used had the melodies, the guitar riffs, and everything else you would love about a pop punk bands. Ā It's just that The Used was more original and infinitely better.
The album itself is amazing, but when you also know the story behind it, it is even better. Ā For most bands, it takes a lot of time to come together and produce good music. Ā Many are several albums deep before they even find a sound that is unique to them and are able to push it into the mainstream media. Ā The Used's self-titled is an exception. Ā This was their first album, and they garnered mainstream success from it even though the music was not mainstream at the time. Ā Why? Ā Because the music was so good. Ā This is an album that shows you that good music will be heard even if it does not conform to modern trends. Ā
This album broke every rule and still brought success to the band. Ā Everything about it is good. Ā The guitars...the bass...the drums...the vocals. Ā I could go on and on about why I love this album, but it would take forever. Ā Overall, it's an album that speaks to me musically. Ā People change over time, but in the 10+ years I have known about The Used, my preference towards them has stayed the same. Ā The Used is The Used, and their time with me is definitely not used up.
Favorite Song: Buried Myself Alive
So, what do you guys think? Ā Have you heard any of these albums? Ā If you were to make a list, what would be your top three favorite rock albums of all time? Ā