Complete List Of Moby Albums And Discography

Moby Albums

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This Complete List Of Moby Albums And Songs presents the full discography of Moby studio albums. Moby was born on September 11, 1965. Moby hails from the New York City area. This complete Moby discography also includes every single Moby live album. All these albums have been presented below in chronological order. We have also included all original release dates with each album as well as all original album covers. Every Moby album listed below showcases the entire album tracklisting.

MOBY ALBUMS

Moby

Released 1992

Moby is the eponymous debut studio album by American musician Moby, released in 1992. This album marked Moby’s transition from a DJ and remixer to a notable figure in the electronic music scene. The sound of Moby is a diverse mix of electronic styles, showing Moby’s interest in club culture, ambient music, and techno. While it didn’t achieve significant commercial success upon release, it laid the groundwork for Moby’s future innovations in electronic music.

The album was recorded primarily in Moby’s home studio, with sessions spread over a few months in late 1991 and early 1992. Moby himself was the producer, handling most of the instrumentation and programming. The DIY ethos is evident in the album’s sound, which is raw and experimental, differing significantly from the polished electronic music commonly heard today. Notable instruments used include early drum machines, synthesizers, and samplers, showcasing Moby’s penchant for blending organic and electronic sounds.

Critical reception of Moby was mixed at the time of its release. Some praised the album for its bold and eclectic approach to electronic music, while others found it inconsistent and lacking a cohesive theme. However, in retrospect, critics and fans alike have come to view Moby as an important, if embryonic, stage in Moby’s artistic development. It’s noted for its innovation in blending various electronic styles and its influence on the burgeoning rave culture of the early 1990s.

Tracklisting:

  1. “Drop a Beat” – 4:20
  2. “Everything” – 4:52
  3. “Yeah” – 5:48
  4. “Electricity” – 3:27
  5. “Next Is the E” – 4:40
  6. “Mercy” – 5:44
  7. “Go” – 3:36
  8. “Help Me to Believe” – 6:31
  9. “Have You Seen My Baby” – 4:09
  10. “Ah Ah” – 3:44
  11. “Slight Return” – 4:28
  12. “Stream” – 3:37

Ambient

Released 1993

Ambient, released in 1993, is the second studio album by Moby. This album signified a departure from the dance-floor oriented sound of his debut, delving instead into the realm of ambient music. The album’s texture is ethereal and introspective, designed to provide a sound environment rather than serve as the forefront of the listener’s attention. It showcases Moby’s versatility as an artist, moving away from the club scene and exploring the subtleties of atmospheric soundscapes.

Recorded in Moby’s home studio, Ambient features layers of synth pads, light piano motifs, and soft rhythmic elements. Moby himself produced the album, playing most of the instruments. His approach was minimalistic, focusing on creating moods and environments rather than traditional song structures. The critical reception was generally positive, with reviewers praising its calming and meditative qualities, though some missed the energetic beats of Moby’s earlier work.

Tracklisting:

  1. “My Beautiful Blue Sky” – 5:18
  2. “Heaven” – 8:14
  3. “Tongues” – 5:36
  4. “J Breas” – 2:45
  5. “Myopia” – 4:45
  6. “House of Blue Leaves” – 6:20
  7. “Bad Days” – 2:24
  8. “Piano & String” – 1:33
  9. “Sound” – 1:09
  10. “Dog” – 7:33
  11. “80” – 2:04
  12. “Lean on Me” – 3:49

Everything Is Wrong

Released 1995

Everything Is Wrong, released in 1995, is Moby’s third studio album. This album is a dynamic departure from the ambient textures of his previous release, showcasing an eclectic mix of electronic genres – from techno and house to ambient and even hardcore punk. The album’s title reflects Moby’s concern with environmental and social issues, themes subtly woven throughout the tracks.

Recorded over several months in Moby’s studio, the album features a variety of guest vocalists and collaborators, expanding the sonic palette. Moby produced the album, showcasing his ability to blend diverse musical styles into a cohesive whole. The album received critical acclaim for its versatility and the skillful fusion of different genres, cementing Moby’s status as a significant figure in electronic music.

Tracklisting:

  1. “Hymn” – 3:17
  2. “Feeling So Real” – 3:21
  3. “All That I Need Is to Be Loved” – 2:43
  4. “Let’s Go Free” – 0:38
  5. “Everytime You Touch Me” – 3:41
  6. “Bring Back My Happiness” – 3:12
  7. “What Love” – 2:48
  8. “First Cool Hive” – 5:17
  9. “Into the Blue” – 5:33
  10. “Anthem” – 3:27
  11. “Everything Is Wrong” – 1:14
  12. “God Moving Over the Face of the Waters” – 7:21
  13. “When It’s Cold I’d Like to Die” – 4:14

Animal Rights

Released 1996

Animal Rights, released in 1996, is Moby’s fourth studio album. With this release, Moby made another unexpected turn, this time towards punk rock and heavy metal, surprising many of his electronic music fans. The album reflects Moby’s passion for these genres, which he listened to in his youth, and his ongoing concern for animal rights, as indicated by the album’s title.

Recorded in Moby’s home studio and various locations, the album features Moby on vocals and guitar, with additional musicians for live drumming and bass parts. The production of Animal Rights was a departure from his electronic works, emphasizing live instrumentation and a raw, unpolished sound.

Tracklisting:

  1. “Now I Let It Go” – 2:08
  2. “Come on Baby” – 4:40
  3. “Someone to Love” – 2:51
  4. “Heavy Flow” – 1:53
  5. “You” – 2:33
  6. “My Love Will Never Die” – 4:32
  7. “Soft” – 3:57
  8. “Say It’s All Mine” – 6

Play

Released 1999

Play, Moby’s fifth studio album, released in 1999, marked a significant milestone in his career. This album, blending electronic, blues, gospel, and folk sounds, achieved massive commercial success and brought Moby widespread recognition. It’s notable for its extensive use of samples, particularly from old blues and gospel recordings, which Moby deftly incorporated into his electronic soundscapes.

Tracklisting:

  1. “Honey” – 3:27
  2. “Find My Baby” – 3:58
  3. “Porcelain” – 4:01
  4. “Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?” – 4:23
  5. “South Side” – 3:48
  6. “Rushing” – 2:58
  7. “Bodyrock” – 3:34
  8. “Natural Blues” – 4:13
  9. “Machete” – 3:36
  10. “7” – 1:00
  11. “Run On” – 3:45
  12. “Down Slow” – 1:32
  13. “If Things Were Perfect” – 4:17
  14. “Everloving” – 3:24
  15. “Inside” – 4:46
  16. “Guitar Flute & String” – 2:07
  17. “The Sky Is Broken” – 4:16
  18. “My Weakness” – 3:37

18

Released 2002

Following the monumental success of Play, 18 was released in 2002 as Moby’s sixth studio album. Continuing in a similar vein, this album mixes electronic music with samples from various genres, although it leans more towards reflective and somber tones.

Tracklisting:

  1. “We Are All Made of Stars” – 4:32
  2. “In This World” – 4:02
  3. “In My Heart” – 4:36
  4. “Great Escape” – 2:08
  5. “Signs of Love” – 4:26
  6. “One of These Mornings” – 3:12
  7. “Another Woman” – 3:56
  8. “Fireworks” – 2:13
  9. “Extreme Ways” – 3:57
  10. “Jam for the Ladies” – 3:21
  11. “Sunday (The Day Before My Birthday)” – 5:09
  12. “18” – 4:28
  13. “Sleep Alone” – 4:45
  14. “At Least We Tried” – 4:08
  15. “Harbour” – 6:27
  16. “Look Back In” – 2:20
  17. “The Rafters” – 3:22
  18. “I’m Not Worried at All” – 4:13

Hotel

Released 2005

Hotel, Moby’s seventh studio album, released in 2005, represented a shift towards a more cohesive, song-based approach, moving away from the heavy reliance on samples. The album is a mix of downtempo, electronic, and atmospheric tracks, with Moby taking on most of the vocal duties himself.

Tracklisting:

  1. “Hotel Intro” – 1:54
  2. “Raining Again” – 3:45
  3. “Beautiful” – 3:12
  4. “Lift Me Up” – 3:18
  5. “Where You End” – 3:22
  6. “Temptation” – 4:54
  7. “Spiders” – 3:44
  8. “Dream About Me”

Last Night

Released 2008

Last Night is Moby’s eighth studio album, released in 2008. It is a return to his electronic dance music roots, with an emphasis on disco and house music. The album reflects the energy of New York City’s nightlife, featuring a mix of club-oriented tracks and ambient pieces.

Tracklisting:

  1. “Ooh Yeah” – 5:18
  2. “I Love to Move in Here” – 4:44
  3. “257.zero” – 3:38
  4. “Everyday It’s 1989” – 3:40
  5. “Live for Tomorrow” – 4:02
  6. “Alice” – 4:26
  7. “Hyenas” – 3:35
  8. “I’m in Love” – 3:42
  9. “Disco Lies” – 3:22
  10. “The Stars” – 4:21
  11. “Degenerates” – 3:58
  12. “Sweet Apocalypse” – 5:19
  13. “Mothers of the Night” – 3:19
  14. “Last Night” – 4:54

Wait for Me

Released 2009

Wait for Me, released in 2009, is Moby’s ninth studio album. It represents a departure from the upbeat dance music of Last Night, favoring a more melancholic and introspective style. The album is characterized by its ambient, downtempo tracks, with themes revolving around isolation and longing.

Tracklisting:

  1. “Division” – 1:56
  2. “Pale Horses” – 3:37
  3. “Shot in the Back of the Head” – 3:15
  4. “Study War” – 4:18
  5. “Walk with Me” – 4:01
  6. “Stock Radio” – 0:55
  7. “Mistake” – 3:47
  8. “Scream Pilots” – 2:48
  9. “Jltf 1” – 1:27
  10. “Jltf” – 4:40
  11. “A Seated Night” – 3:23
  12. “Wait for Me” – 4:13
  13. “Hope Is Gone” – 3:31
  14. “Ghost Return” – 2:38
  15. “Slow Light” – 4:00
  16. “Isolate” – 3:28

Destroyed

Released 2011

Destroyed, Moby’s tenth studio album, was released in 2011. The album is an exploration of loneliness and detachment, inspired by Moby’s experiences touring and spending time in empty cities at night.

Tracklisting:

  1. “The Broken Places” – 4:10
  2. “Be the One” – 3:29
  3. “Sevastopol” – 4:21
  4. “The Low Hum” – 4:13
  5. “Rockets” – 4:47
  6. “The Day” – 4:32
  7. “Lie Down in Darkness” – 4:26
  8. “Victoria Lucas” – 5:55
  9. “After” – 5:30
  10. “Blue Moon” – 3:31
  11. “The Right Thing” – 4:26
  12. “Stella Maris” – 5:14
  13. “The Violent Bear It Away” – 6:51
  14. “Lacrimae” – 8:05
  15. “When You Are Old” – 2:19

Innocents

Released 2013

Innocents, released in 2013, is Moby’s eleventh studio album. This album sees Moby collaborating with various artists, including Wayne Coyne, Mark Lanegan, and Damien Jurado. The sound of Innocents combines Moby’s electronic background with elements of folk and gospel.

Tracklisting:

  1. “Everything That Rises” – 4:38
  2. “A Case for Shame” (with Cold Specks) – 6:05
  3. “Almost Home” (with Damien Jurado) – 6:00
  4. “Going Wrong” – 3:43
  5. “The Perfect Life” (with Wayne Coyne) – 6:02
  6. “The Last Day” (with Skylar Grey) – 4:41
  7. “Don’t Love Me” (with Inyang Bassey) – 4:19
  8. “A Long Time” – 4:31
  9. “Saints” – 4:34
  10. “Tell Me” (with Cold Specks) – 5:32
  11. “The Lonely Night” (with Mark Lanegan) – 4:53
  12. “The Dogs” – 9:24

Long Ambients 1: Calm. Sleep.

Released 2016

Long Ambients 1: Calm. Sleep., released in 2016, is a departure from Moby’s usual sound, focusing entirely on ambient and meditative music. Designed to facilitate calm and sleep, the album consists of lengthy, tranquil tracks.

Tracklisting:

  1. “LA1” – 17:35
  2. “LA2” – 11:20
  3. “LA3” – 9:40
  4. “LA4” – 11:46
  5. “LA5” – 8:30
  6. “LA6” – 9:00
  7. “LA7” – 10:50
  8. “LA8” – 11:45
  9. “LA9” – 11:50
  10. “LA10” – 10:40
  11. “LA11” – 11:45

These Systems Are Failing

Released 2016

These Systems Are Failing is an album released in 2016 as Moby & The Void Pacific Choir. This album marks a shift towards a more aggressive, punk-influenced sound. The album is a critique of contemporary society and its failing systems, both political and environmental. Recorded with his new band, The Void Pacific Choir, Moby returns to the high-energy, fast-paced music of his early career. The album’s sound is raw and urgent, reflecting the themes of activism and protest inherent in the lyrics.

Tracklisting:

  1. “Hey! Hey!” – 4:22
  2. “Break. Doubt” – 4:13
  3. “I Wait for You” – 4:59
  4. “Don’t Leave Me” – 4:38
  5. “Erupt & Matter” – 4:09
  6. “Are You Lost in the World Like Me?” – 4:26
  7. “A Simple Love” – 4:40
  8. “The Light Is Clear in My Eyes” – 3:27
  9. “And It Hurts” – 2:53

More Fast Songs About the Apocalypse 

Released June 12, 2017

“More Fast Songs About the Apocalypse” is the fourteenth studio album by American electronica musician Moby and the second studio album by Moby & The Void Pacific Choir. The album, recorded between 2014 and 2016, was released as a free download and later physically on June 16, 2017, by record labels Little Idiot and Mute. The project features Moby collaborating with musicians Jamie Drake, Mindy Jones, Julie Mintz, Joel Nesvadba, Jonathan Nesvadba, and Lauren Tyler Scott.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Silence” – 3:56
  2. “A Softer War” – 4:29
  3. “There’s Nothing Wrong with the World, There’s Something Wrong with Me” – 3:52
  4. “Trust” – 2:50
  5. “All the Hurts We Made” – 5:06
  6. “In This Cold Place” – 3:57
  7. “If Only a Correction of All We’ve Been” – 5:25
  8. “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye” – 3:27
  9. “A Happy Song” – 2:49​​​​​​​​

Everything Was Beautiful, and Nothing Hurt 

Released March 2, 2018

“Everything Was Beautiful, and Nothing Hurt” is Moby’s fifteenth studio album, reflecting his signature electronic style. Released by the record labels Little Idiot and Mute, the album was recorded at Moby’s home studio in Los Angeles, California. This work showcases a blend of electronic and ambient elements, featuring contributions from several artists.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Mere Anarchy” – 5:15
  2. “The Waste of Suns” – 4:44
  3. “Like a Motherless Child” – 4:37
  4. “The Last of Goodbyes” – 4:23
  5. “The Ceremony of Innocence” – 3:56
  6. “The Tired and the Hurt” – 4:28
  7. “Welcome to Hard Times” – 5:08
  8. “The Sorrow Tree” – 4:28
  9. “Falling Rain and Light” – 4:46
  10. “The Middle Is Gone” – 5:13
  11. “This Wild Darkness” – 4:09
  12. “A Dark Cloud Is Coming” – 5:24​​​​​​

Long Ambients 2 

Released March 15, 2019

“Long Ambients 2,” the sixteenth studio album by Moby, is a sequel to his previous ambient album, “Long Ambients 1: Calm. Sleep.” The album, released on March 15, 2019, features a series of lengthy ambient tracks, adding to Moby’s diverse discography. Recorded at Moby’s home studio in Los Angeles, California, the album marked a significant contribution to the ambient music genre and reached number 3 on the US New Age Albums chart.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “LA12” – 47:02
  2. “LA13” – 26:54
  3. “LA14” – 39:18
  4. “LA15” – 32:08
  5. “LA16” – 29:48
  6. “LA17” – 42:36

Live Ambient – Improvised Recordings Vol. 1 

Released December 24, 2020

“Live Ambient – Improvised Recordings Vol. 1” is a unique entry in Moby’s discography, featuring ambient tracks all recorded in 2020 at his home studio in Los Angeles, California. This album stands out for its improvisational nature, as each track was created spontaneously, showcasing Moby’s versatility and creativity in the ambient genre.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Live Ambient 1” – 10:51
  2. “Live Ambient 2” – 10:11
  3. “Live Ambient 3” – 10:08
  4. “Live Ambient 4” – 11:33
  5. “Live Ambient 5” – 9:17
  6. “Live Ambient 6” – 8:56
  7. “Live Ambient 7” – 9:43
  8. “Live Ambient 8” – 6:55
  9. “Live Ambient 9” – 8:03
  10. “Live Ambient 10” – 27:12

Reprise 

Released May 28, 2021

“Reprise” marks Moby’s 19th studio album, featuring orchestral and acoustic arrangements of songs from his extensive career. The album includes performances by the Budapest Art Orchestra, a string quartet, and multiple guest artists. It was recorded at Moby’s home studio in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, East-West Studios, Los Angeles, and Budapest, Hungary.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Everloving” – 3:18
  2. “Natural Blues” (with Gregory Porter and Amythyst Kiah) – 4:30
  3. “Go” – 3:44
  4. “Porcelain” (with Jim James) – 5:54
  5. “Extreme Ways” – 5:00
  6. “Heroes” (with Mindy Jones) – 5:18
  7. “God Moving Over the Face of the Waters” (with Víkingur Ólafsson) – 7:42
  8. “Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?” (with Apollo Jane and Deitrick Haddon) – 4:38
  9. “The Lonely Night” (with Mark Lanegan and Kris Kristofferson) – 5:43
  10. “We Are All Made of Stars” – 6:01
  11. “Lift Me Up” – 5:22
  12. “The Great Escape” (with Nataly Dawn, Alice Skye, and Luna Li) – 2:51
  13. “Almost Home” (with Novo Amor, Mindy Jones, and Darlingside) – 5:28
  14. “The Last Day” (with Skylar Grey and Darlingside) – 5:13

Ambient 23 

Released January 1, 2023

“Ambient 23” is another ambient album by Moby, released as a file-based album (FLAC format). It continues his exploration in the ambient and drone music styles.

Track Listings:

  1. “Amb 23-1” – 8:01
  2. “Amb 23-2” – 9:06
  3. “Amb 23-3” – 5:23
  4. “Amb 23-4” – 7:57
  5. “Amb 23-5” – 8:01
  6. “Amb 23-6” – 9:46
  7. “Amb 23-7” – 6:48
  8. “Amb 23-8” – 9:30
  9. “Amb 23-9” – 10:41
  10. “Amb 23-10” – 10:22
  11. “Amb 23-11” – 10:06
  12. “Amb 23-12” – 10:31
  13. “Amb 23-13” – 8:48
  14. “Amb 23-14” – 9:03
  15. “Amb 23-15” – 12:00
  16. “Amb 23-16” – 9:57

Resound NYC 

Released May 12, 2023

“Resound NYC” is Moby’s 21st studio album, released by Deutsche Grammophon. This album features orchestral arrangements of songs recorded in New York City between 1994 and 2010, reflecting Moby’s roots and time spent in the city. It includes collaborations with various guest vocalists and reworks of Moby’s songs, along with a cover of Neil Young’s “Helpless.”

CD Track Listings:

  1. “In My Heart” (featuring Gregory Porter) – 4:56
  2. “Extreme Ways” (featuring Dougy Mandagi) – 4:46
  3. “South Side” (featuring Ricky Wilson) – 4:47
  4. “Flower (Find My Baby)” (featuring Amythyst Kiah) – 4:39
  5. “In This World” (featuring Nicole Scherzinger and Marisha Wallace) – 4:33
  6. “Helpless” (featuring Margo Timmins and Damien Jurado) – 6:34
  7. “Signs of Love” – 5:54
  8. “The Perfect Life” (featuring Ricky Wilson) – 5:12
  9. “When It’s Cold I’d Like to Die” (featuring P.T. Banks) – 5:11
  10. “Slipping Away” – 3:50
  11. “Second Cool Hive” (featuring Oum and Sarah Willis) – 4:28
  12. “Hyenas” (featuring Mylène Farmer) – 6:07
  13. “Last Night” (Moby & Sylvia Gordon) – 6:14
  14. “Run On” (featuring Danielle Ponder and Elijah Ponder) – 5:38
  15. “Walk with Me” (featuring Lady Blackbird) – 5:45

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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."
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