Photo: AVRO, CC BY-SA 3.0 NL <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/nl/deed.en>, via Wikimedia Commons
Our 10cc albums ranked list looks back at the recordings released by one of the most creative bands in classic rock history. 10cc released their first album in 1973 entitled 10cc. At the time, the group consisted of original members Eric Stewart, Lol Creme, Graham Gouldman and Kevin Godley. The brilliant quartet released four albums together in a span of three years between 1973 and 1976. The band became a household name when their 1975 single “I’m Not In Love,” became a worldwide hit single. The band spilt in half in 1976 with Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman continuing on as 10cc as a duo with other musicians. Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman had a huge hit entitled “The Things We Do For Love,” on their first 10cc album after the split. From that point on Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman released six more 10cc albums over the next 17 years that never really had much commercial success. While there’s more to their individual stories especially Graham Gouldman who has written many famous songs for bands such as the Hollies, Yardbirds and many others, this article just focuses on the 10cc album releases.
# 11 – Mirror Mirror
10cc’s Mirror Mirror album stands as the final 10cc album ever released. The album was issued in 1995. This is not really a 10cc album at all, but rather the combination of separate tracks recorded by Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman mixed on to what was called a 10cc album. After the album was released Graham Gouldman continued to tour as 10cc without any of the other three original members. It’s all in a name.
# 10 –Ten Out of 10
We open up our 10cc albums ranked list with the group’s Ten Out of 10 album. This is one you might not have ever heard of. The album failed to chart on both the UK album charts and the US album charts. There were no hit singles although five singles were released. The only single to put a dent in the charts was the song “Don’t Turn Me Away,” which was a minor hit in Canada. Still, a really good song. The album was released in 1981. The album only featured Graham Gouldman and Eric Stewart as Lol Cream and Kevin Godley had left the band a few years earlier. The rest of the band was just filled in with studio musicians.
# 9 – …Meanwhile
We move eleven years ahead to 1991 for the album …Meanwhile. This would be the first time all four original members of 10cc would play together on a 10cc album since the 1978 album How Dare You. Although it was only on a few tracks. The legendary drummer Jeff Porcaro played drums on the album with contributions from Dr. John and Andrew Gold. Check out “Woman In Love,” and “Welcome To Paradise.”
# 8 – Windows in the Jungle
The 10cc album Windows in the Jungle album was the band’s ninth studio album and once again only featured Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman. The second single from the album entitled “Feel The Love,” became a top 10 hit in the Netherlands but that’s about it as far as successful singles released from the record. The album failed to chart in the US. It’s not a bad album, but there was not really anything that special on it.
# 7 – Look Here!
In 1980, 10cc released the album Look Here! The album spawned the single “One-Two-Five.” The album was successful in Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands but only reached number 180 in the United States on the Billboard charts and number 35 in the United Kingdom. Both Graham Gouldman and Eric Stewart said they were disappointed with what they released on this album
# 6 – 10cc
We finally get to a real 10cc album on our 10 10cc albums ranked list. By saying real 10cc we mean a 10cc album that featured all four original members Eric Stewart, Lol Creme, Graham Gouldman and Kevin Godley. The 10cc album was released in 1973. It stands as the band’s great debut album. A lot of fans did not at first know how to take the band. The album’s filled with sarcasm, humor and many creative reference to pop culture surrounded by wonderful melodies and brilliant musicianship. One thing we did know for sure, these guys were going to do something special.
# 5 – Sheet Music
Sheet Music was the follow up album to 10cc’s debut. It is a much stronger record than their first one. The vocal arrangement were stunning on this one. 10cc were very creative in a Frank Zappa sort of way, yet their melodies were much sweeter and their vocals more appealing. But the genius and depth of the music was there if you listened closely. This is the album where it all comes together for the first time. Some standout tracks included “The Worst Band In The World,” “The Wall Street Shuffle” and “Silly Love.”
# 4 – Bloody Tourist
Bloody Tourist served as the follow up album to the very successful Deceptive Bends album. Bloody Tourist is a really good 10cc album. The band no longer sounds like the original group, but the songs are well written and the musicianship aided by the new members is top notch. The standout track is the hit single “Dreadlock Holiday.” The Bloody Tourist album was released in 1978.
# 3 – How Dare You!
The fantastic and very much underrated 10cc album How Dare You was released as the follow up album to 10cc’s groundbreaking earth shattering successful album The Original Soundtrack. It is also the last album to feature all four member of the original 10cc Eric Stewart, Lol Creme, Graham Gouldman and Kevin Godley. This is a really good album that for whatever reason was ignored by commercial radio and just about everyone else in the US when it was first released. However it was warmly met with open arms in the UK where the lead single “Art For Art’s Sake,” hit number five on the UK Pop Charts. The second single “I’m Mandy Fly Me,” hit number six in the UK. Both singles did not break the top 50 in the US. “Don’t Hang Up,” stands as one of our favorite 10cc songs of all time.
# 2 – Deceptive Bends
In 1977, the band 10cc released the very successful album entitled Deceptive Bends. The album featured only half of the band. Lol Creme and Kevin Godley left the band to work on other projects which was supposed to be just for a temporary basis but turned into a permanent split. So this version of 10cc just featured Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman. It would be a very successful version as the album’s lead single entitled “The Things We Do For Love,” hit number 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song also hit number one on the Canadian top singles charts and number 6 in the United Kingdom. The album itself hit number three on the UK album charts and broke the US Billboard Top 200’s Top 40 peaking at number 31
# 1 – The Original Soundtrack
We close out our 10cc albums list with our favorite 10cc album entitled The Original Soundtrack. The album was released in 1975. It was a top 20 album in the United States. It was much more popular in the United Kingdom where it reached all the way up to the number three spot on the UK Album Charts. The album featured the band’s biggest hit of their career in the song “I’m Not In Love.” It was one of the most unique, original pop singles ever released. It was loved by everyone and you couldn’t go a day without hearing it on the radio in 1975. The core legendary 10cc lineup of Eric Stewart, Lol Creme, Graham Gouldman and Kevin Godley were still together as a group when they released this album. It was the band’s career highlight. Other noted tracks included the grand suite “One Night In Paris,” and “Life Is A Minestrone.”
10cc Albums Ranked article published on ClassicRockHistory.com© 2021
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
10cc were a delightfully quirky and massively talented band. My favorite is “Bloody Tourists” but all their albums are treats for the ears. What I think about here is how different the world of “pop” rock and roll, or “pop” music for short, is from Top 40 music.
At the time of Elton John, 10cc, The Eagles, too many bands and performers to count, the “most popular” songs were indeed a varied list. For every single from a Top 40 boy band or similar type like The Bay City Rollers, Elton John would be delighting listeners with some of the most tasteful and sometimes beautiful pop music ever recorded. “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” – that’s Beatle quality stuff, GOOD Beatle stuff.
But I hate to say that because today’s music has been splintered into such absurd degrees that the odds of a truly great single perhaps from 10cc like the gorgeous “I’m Not In Love” or Billy Joel’s “My Life” appearing alongside some of the most predictable and manufactured “songs” is almost non-existent. This is not good because for bands today who can and do write really great pop rock, exactly where to market them can be a very difficult challenge because people are increasingly locked in to their own “favorite” music, usually the same stuff over and over again.
So keeping the bands featured here for example is important to raise awareness among young listeners who some of the performers were, and hopefully, those of us who grew up around these bands might, in return, give a listen to some really good recent music, too. It’s out there, but oh so hard to track down!