Kevin Steele of Roxx Gang/The Mojo Gurus: 10 Albums That Changed My Life

Photo courtesy of Kevin Steele

If you were around at the height of ’80s glam and hair metal, you’d probably remember Kevin Steele’s band, Roxx Gang, whose 1988 record, Thing You’ve Never Done, proved to be one of the best of an era, which was admittedly oversaturated.

Standing out was never an issue for Steele, as his vocals are powerhouse, and his songwriting still holds up. Roxx Gang’s debut was great, but subsequent records, like 1996’s The Voodoo You Love, and 1997’s Love ’em and Leave ’em are classics, too.

But Roxx Gang isn’t all Steele has signed his name to, as his other band, The Mojo Gurus, smoke hard and heavy, too. Just listen to records like Shakin’ in the Barn (2005), Hot Damn! (2009), Who Asked Ya? (2014), and Gone (2017), and you’ll catch the vibe.

During a break in the action, Kevin Steele beamed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to dig into the ten records that changed his life. Are any of these your favorites, too?

Beggars Banquet and Let It Bleed by The Rolling Stones (1968/1969)

These are the two greatest Rolling Stones records ever made. Mick Jagger is often underrated as a lyricist overshadowed by John Lennon and Paul McCartney but he’s in fine form here. Sex, drugs, social issues, and maybe rock’s first mini-opera, “Midnight Rambler,” years before The Who’s Tommy.

The Slider by T. Rex (1972)

The album has remained one of my favorites since my teens. The production still holds up today. Great glam/pop songs that allow you to escape into Marc Bolan’s wordplay and imagery.

Mott by Mott The Hoople (1973)

Ian Hunter at his best. The last album before Mick Ralphs leaves for Bad Company.

Fun House by The Stooges (1970)

This is pure, unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll and the blueprint for punk rock.

Aladdin Sane by David Bowie (1973)

This one narrowly beats out the Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars album for me. Amazing songwriting and Mike Garson’s avant-garde piano playing really puts it over the top.

The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion by The Black Crowes (1992)

The difference in musicianship and songwriting between the Black Crowe’s first and this, their second album, is staggering. Chris Robinson is the greatest blue-eyed soul singer since Rod Stewart’s early solo albums. The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion also contains my favorite Black Crowes song, “Remedy.”

(Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd) by Lynyrd Skynyrd (1973)

It is probably the greatest Southern rock album ever with a heavy emphasis on the rock. It’s also one of the greatest debut albums of all time.

Ain’t Life Grand by Black Oak Arkansas (1975)

Say what you like: Jim Dandy was one of the most outrageous frontmen of all time. This album saw a big step up in their sound but still delivers their trademark raunch ‘n’ roll.

Hard Again by Muddy Waters (1977)

With a bit of help from Johnny Winter’s guitar playing and production, Muddy Waters made one of his finest albums and reached a whole new generation of blues enthusiasts. This album is a killer!