I'm certainly having a busy spring, putting out all these articles. There's just so many different bands and albums I want to get to, partially because of all these Top 5 pieces, and I'm enjoying the ride. However, let's stay on track with this one, which was not easy to decide, let me tell you. Even for my Anniversary Article, I talked about how good this year was, and in reviewing this year, that feeling has only gotten stronger!
The first, second, and third came together pretty quickly for me, but for fourth and fifth, it was a struggle. With Rush, Journey, Ozzy, and Saxon all in the mix, providing solid albums, I had to do a lot of relistening to decide who would make it and who wouldn't! However, the biggest heartache has to go to Def Leppard's debut album. So many good, clever songs with catchy leads and choruses, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough to squeeze into a very packed Top 5. So what made it? Keep reading!
5. Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell
I remember when I first reviewed this album, I was impressed. Dio's time with Black Sabbath was pretty unique, blending the iconic singer's flair for the dramatic with Tony Iommi's massive riffing, making for a very memorable album. Listening to it again, there were all these little moments that really elevate this album beyond the ones that didn't make the cut. It's just those last few songs that keep it from getting even higher.
4. Judas Priest - British Steel
When I first listened to this album, I was actually not that impressed. Sure, the two big singles were great, but I felt that the rest of the album was just okay. Going back to it now for this article, I have no idea what I was thinking. This is front-to-back solid, classic Priest to a T, with plenty of great, catchy songs and riffs.
3. AC/DC - Back in Black
Of course this album is up here. You know it's great, so I won't bother with the details. As tragic as the passing of Bon Scott was, you can't deny that the band bounced back well. We all still hear most (if not all) of these songs on the radio, and for good reason. Catchy, memorable, hard-hitting, no-frills rock and roll by musicians who have mastered their craft.
2. The Alan Parsons Project - The Turn of a Friendly Card
So here's where the nostalgia kicks in. I've mentioned before that I grew up on this band, so they were going to rank high, no matter what. Here, we have them focusing on the themes of gambling and its consequences, while still giving a very solid set of catchy songs that have been ingrained into my DNA. The basslines in particular are strong, and the album never seems to lose its luster after these years, thanks to the brilliant production of Parsons himself. The only reason it isn't number 1 is because my favorite band also put an album.
1. Yes - Drama
Drama is certainly an odd album, considering the circumstances. Bringing the Buggles on board certainly changed up their sound, bringing new wave sensibilities to their classic prog style. The result is a very crisp album with some fresh new synths from Geoff Downes, and a mind-blowing rhythm performance from Alan White and Chris Squire. The album wasn't a hit at first, but over the years, Yes fans have come to accept this dark horse in the catalog, and frankly, it's one of my favorites. I promise Yes won't always come out on top with these lists, but when they release albums like this, I can't help myself!
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