Complete List Of Yes Studio Albums And Songs

Yes Albums

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This Complete List Of  Yes Studio Albums And Songs presents the full discography of Yes studio albums. The band Yes was first formed in 1968. The group Yes hails from the area of  London, England. All these brilliant Yes albums have been presented below in chronological order. We have also included all original release dates with each Yes album as well as all original Yes album covers. Every Yes album listed below showcases the entire Yes album tracklisting.

YES STUDIO ALBUMS

Yes

Released July 25, 1969

Yes’ self-titled debut album was released in the summer of 1969 and marked the beginning of the band’s progressive rock journey. The record is characterized by a mixture of original compositions and cover songs. It didn’t reach the level of commercial success that the band’s later albums achieved but is still a crucial starting point in their discography.

The album featured Jon Anderson on vocals, Peter Banks on guitar, Chris Squire on bass, Tony Kaye on keyboards, and Bill Bruford on drums. The album was produced by Paul Clay and Yes. It was released on Atlantic Records. The album was recorded at Advision Studios, in London, in the spring of 1969.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Beyond and Before” – 4:55
  2. “I See You” – 6:33
  3. “Yesterday and Today” – 2:37
  4. “Looking Around” – 3:49
  5. “Harold Land” – 5:26
  6. “Every Little Thing” – 5:24
  7. “Sweetness” – 4:19
  8. “Survival” – 6:01

Time and a Word

Released July 24, 1970

The band’s second album, “Time and a Word,” continued to explore progressive and symphonic rock but also introduced orchestral arrangements. It garnered moderate success but is often overlooked in favor of the band’s subsequent releases.

The album featured Jon Anderson on vocals, Peter Banks on guitar, Chris Squire on bass, Tony Kaye on keyboards, and Bill Bruford on drums. The album was produced by Tony Colton. It was released on Atlantic Records. The album was recorded at Advision Studios, in London, in early 1970.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed” – 4:47
  2. “Then” – 5:42
  3. “Everydays” – 6:08
  4. “Sweet Dreams” – 3:49
  5. “The Prophet” – 6:32
  6. “Clear Days” – 2:04
  7. “Astral Traveller” – 5:53
  8. “Time and a Word” – 4:06

The Yes Album

Released February 19, 1971

“The Yes Album” was the third studio album and marked a significant turn in the band’s career. With new guitarist Steve Howe replacing Peter Banks, the album moved towards a more definitive progressive rock sound. It was also the first Yes album to hit the UK Top 10 and U.S. Top 40 charts.

The album featured Jon Anderson on vocals, Steve Howe on guitar, Chris Squire on bass, Tony Kaye on keyboards, and Bill Bruford on drums. The album was produced by Yes and Eddie Offord. It was released on Atlantic Records. The album was recorded at Advision Studios, in London, in late 1970.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “The Clap” – 3:07
  2. “Starship Trooper” – 9:25
  3. “I’ve Seen All Good People” – 6:47
  4. “A Venture” – 3:13
  5. “Perpetual Change” – 8:50

Fragile

Released November 26, 1971

“Fragile” was Yes’ fourth studio album and introduced keyboardist Rick Wakeman, who replaced Tony Kaye. The album was a commercial success, hitting the Top 10 in both the UK and U.S. It included one of the band’s biggest hits, “Roundabout.”

The album featured Jon Anderson on vocals, Steve Howe on guitar, Chris Squire on bass, Rick Wakeman on keyboards, and Bill Bruford on drums. The album was produced by Yes and Eddie Offord. It was released on Atlantic Records. The album was recorded at Advision Studios, in London, in September 1971.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Roundabout” – 8:29
  2. “Cans and Brahms” – 1:35
  3. “We Have Heaven” – 1:30
  4. “South Side of the Sky” – 7:58
  5. “Five Per Cent for Nothing” – 0:35
  6. “Long Distance Runaround” – 3:30
  7. “The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)” – 2:35
  8. “Mood for a Day” – 2:57
  9. “Heart of the Sunrise” – 10:31

Close to the Edge

Released September 13, 1972

The album “Close to the Edge” is often cited as one of the greatest progressive rock albums ever made. It consists of just three long tracks and is known for its complex instrumental arrangements, mystical lyrics, and innovative production techniques. The album reached No. 3 in the UK and No. 4 in the US charts.

The album featured Jon Anderson on vocals, Steve Howe on guitar, Chris Squire on bass, Rick Wakeman on keyboards, and Bill Bruford on drums. The album was produced by Yes and Eddie Offord. It was released on Atlantic Records. The album was recorded at Advision Studios, in London, between April and June 1972.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Close to the Edge” – 18:43
  2. “And You and I” – 10:09
  3. “Siberian Khatru” – 8:55

Tales from Topographic Oceans

Released December 7, 1973

“Tales from Topographic Oceans” is a double album that was inspired by ancient Hindu scriptures. Its conceptual and musical depth divided both critics and fans, but it was commercially successful, reaching No. 1 in the UK and No. 6 in the US.

The album featured Jon Anderson on vocals, Steve Howe on guitar, Chris Squire on bass, Rick Wakeman on keyboards, and Alan White on drums. The album was produced by Yes and Eddie Offord. It was released on Atlantic Records. The album was recorded at Morgan Studios, in London, between August and October 1973.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “The Revealing Science of God (Dance of the Dawn)” – 20:25
  2. “The Remembering (High the Memory)” – 20:38
  3. “The Ancient (Giants Under the Sun)” – 18:35
  4. “Ritual (Nous sommes du soleil)” – 21:37

Relayer

Released November 28, 1974

The album “Relayer” saw Yes exploring the jazz fusion landscape, inspired by the temporary inclusion of keyboardist Patrick Moraz. Despite its experimental approach, the album reached No. 4 in the UK and No. 5 in the US.

The album featured Jon Anderson on vocals, Steve Howe on guitar, Chris Squire on bass, Patrick Moraz on keyboards, and Alan White on drums. The album was produced by Yes and Eddie Offord. It was released on Atlantic Records. The album was recorded at Squire’s home studio, in Virginia Water, Surrey, between August and October 1974.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “The Gates of Delirium” – 21:55
  2. “Sound Chaser” – 9:25
  3. “To Be Over” – 9:08

Going for the One

Released July 15, 1977

Returning to a more accessible format, “Going for the One” was a commercial and critical success. The album reached No. 1 in the UK and No. 8 in the US and featured the hit single “Wonderous Stories.”

The album featured Jon Anderson on vocals, Steve Howe on guitar, Chris Squire on bass, Rick Wakeman on keyboards, and Alan White on drums. The album was produced by Yes and Eddie Offord. It was released on Atlantic Records. The album was recorded at Mountain Studios, in Montreux, Switzerland, between February and April 1977.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Going for the One” – 5:30
  2. “Turn of the Century” – 7:58
  3. “Parallels” – 5:52
  4. “Wonderous Stories” – 3:45
  5. “Awaken” – 15:31

Tormato

Released September 22, 1978

“Tormato” was met with mixed reviews upon its release but still managed to achieve commercial success. The album is known for its variety of styles, ranging from prog-rock to pop. It reached No. 8 in the UK and No. 10 in the US.

The album featured Jon Anderson on vocals, Steve Howe on guitar, Chris Squire on bass, Rick Wakeman on keyboards, and Alan White on drums. The album was produced by Yes. It was released on Atlantic Records. The album was recorded at Advision Studios, in London, between late 1977 and early 1978.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Future Times / Rejoice” – 6:46
  2. “Don’t Kill the Whale” – 3:55
  3. “Madrigal” – 2:21
  4. “Release, Release” – 5:44
  5. “Arriving UFO” – 6:02
  6. “Circus of Heaven” – 4:30
  7. “Onward” – 4:01
  8. “On the Silent Wings of Freedom” – 7:45

Drama

Released August 18, 1980

“Drama” marked a significant change in the band’s lineup, with Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes replacing Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman, respectively. The album was more rock-oriented and was met with divided opinions. It reached No. 2 in the UK and No. 18 in the US.

The album featured Trevor Horn on vocals, Steve Howe on guitar, Chris Squire on bass, Geoff Downes on keyboards, and Alan White on drums. The album was produced by Yes and Eddie Offord. It was released on Atlantic Records. The album was recorded at Townhouse Studios, in London, between April and June 1980.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Machine Messiah” – 10:27
  2. “White Car” – 1:21
  3. “Does It Really Happen?” – 6:34
  4. “Into the Lens” – 8:31
  5. “Run Through the Light” – 4:43
  6. “Tempus Fugit” – 5:15

90125

Released November 7, 1983

The album “90125” saw the return of a more commercial orientation, blending progressive elements with mainstream rock. The album was a commercial success, reaching No. 16 in the UK and No. 5 in the US. It included the hit single “Owner of a Lonely Heart.”

The album featured Jon Anderson on vocals, Trevor Rabin on guitar, Chris Squire on bass, Tony Kaye on keyboards, and Alan White on drums. The album was produced by Trevor Horn. It was released on Atco Records. The album was recorded at SARM Studios, in London, between 1982 and 1983.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Owner of a Lonely Heart” – 4:27
  2. “Hold On” – 5:15
  3. “It Can Happen” – 5:29
  4. “Changes” – 6:16
  5. “Cinema” – 2:09
  6. “Leave It” – 4:10
  7. “Our Song” – 4:16
  8. “City of Love” – 4:48
  9. “Hearts” – 7:34

Big Generator

Released September 21, 1987

Continuing the commercial orientation from “90125,” “Big Generator” received mixed reviews but was commercially successful, reaching No. 17 in the UK and No. 15 in the US.

The album featured Jon Anderson on vocals, Trevor Rabin on guitar, Chris Squire on bass, Tony Kaye on keyboards, and Alan White on drums. The album was produced by Trevor Rabin, Trevor Horn, and Paul DeVilliers. It was released on Atco Records. The album was recorded at various locations, including Los Angeles, Italy, and London, between 1985 and 1987.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Rhythm of Love” – 4:48
  2. “Big Generator” – 4:29
  3. “Shoot High, Aim Low” – 7:00
  4. “Almost Like Love” – 4:58
  5. “Love Will Find a Way” – 4:49
  6. “Final Eyes” – 6:25
  7. “I’m Running” – 7:34
  8. “Holy Lamb (Song for Harmonic Convergence)” – 3:20

Union

Released April 30, 1991

“Union” was a project that brought together various past and present members of Yes. The album was met with mixed reviews but performed well commercially, reaching No. 7 in the UK and No. 15 in the US.

The album featured Jon Anderson on vocals, Steve Howe and Trevor Rabin on guitar, Chris Squire and Tony Levin on bass, Rick Wakeman and Tony Kaye on keyboards, and Alan White and Bill Bruford on drums. The album was produced by Jonathan Elias and various others. It was released on Arista Records. The album was recorded at various locations between 1990 and 1991.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “I Would Have Waited Forever” – 6:32
  2. “Shock to the System” – 5:08
  3. “Masquerade” – 2:17
  4. “Lift Me Up” – 6:30
  5. “Without Hope You Cannot Start the Day” – 5:18
  6. “Saving My Heart” – 4:41
  7. “Miracle of Life” – 7:30
  8. “Silent Talking” – 4:00
  9. “The More We Live – Let Go” – 4:34
  10. “Angkor Wat” – 5:23
  11. “Dangerous (Look in the Light of What You’re Searching For)” – 3:36
  12. “Holding On” – 5:24
  13. “Evensong” – 0:52
  14. “Take the Water to the Mountain” – 3:01

Talk

Released March 21, 1994

“Talk” marked another lineup change, focusing on a more modern, streamlined rock sound. Despite the modern approach, the album wasn’t as commercially successful, peaking at No. 20 in the UK and No. 33 in the US.

The album featured Jon Anderson on vocals, Trevor Rabin on guitar, Chris Squire on bass, Tony Kaye on keyboards, and Alan White on drums. The album was produced by Trevor Rabin. It was released on Victory Music. The album was recorded between 1992 and 1993 at Trevor Rabin’s home studio.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “The Calling” – 6:55
  2. “I Am Waiting” – 7:25
  3. “Real Love” – 8:49
  4. “State of Play” – 5:00
  5. “Walls” – 4:57
  6. “Where Will You Be” – 6:09
  7. “Endless Dream: Silent Spring (Instrumental)” – 1:55
  8. “Endless Dream: Talk” – 11:55
  9. “Endless Dream: Endless Dream” – 1:53

Keys to Ascension

Released October 28, 1996

“Keys to Ascension” was a mix of live recordings and new studio tracks, aiming to capture the band’s classic progressive rock sound. The album did not chart significantly but was generally well-received by fans.

The album featured Jon Anderson on vocals, Steve Howe on guitar, Chris Squire on bass, Rick Wakeman on keyboards, and Alan White on drums. The album was produced by Yes. It was released on Essential Records. The album was recorded at San Luis Obispo in 1996.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Siberian Khatru” – 10:16
  2. “The Revealing Science of God” – 20:31
  3. “America” – 10:28
  4. “Onward” – 5:48
  5. “Awaken” – 18:32
  6. “Roundabout” – 8:30
  7. “Starship Trooper” – 13:05

Disc Two
1. “Roundabout” Anderson, Howe 8:30
2. “Starship Trooper”
a. “Life Seeker” (Anderson)
b. “Disillusion” (Squire)
c. “Würm” (Howe)”
Anderson, Squire, Howe 13:05
3. “Be the One”
a. “The One” (Anderson, Squire)
b. “Humankind” (Anderson, Squire)
c. “Skates (Howe)”
Anderson, Squire, Howe 9:50
4. “That, That Is”
a. “Togetherness” (Howe)
b. “Crossfire” (Anderson, Squire)
c. “The Giving Things” (Anderson, Howe)
d. “That Is” (Anderson)
e. “All in All” (Anderson, White)
f. “How Did Heaven Begin” (Anderson, Howe, White)
g. “Agree to Agree (Anderson, Squire)”

Keys to Ascension 2

Released November 3, 1997

“Keys to Ascension 2” continued the format of its predecessor, blending live tracks with new studio recordings. Like the previous volume, it was largely appreciated by fans but did not achieve significant commercial success.

The album featured Jon Anderson on vocals, Steve Howe on guitar, Chris Squire on bass, Rick Wakeman on keyboards, and Alan White on drums. The album was produced by Yes. It was released on Essential Records. The album was recorded at San Luis Obispo in 1996, the same as “Keys to Ascension.”

CD Track Listings:

  1. “I’ve Seen All Good People” – 7:15
  2. “Going for the One” – 4:58
  3. “Time and a Word” – 6:23
  4. “Close to the Edge” – 19:40
  5. “Turn of the Century” – 7:55
  6. “And You and I” – 10:50
  7. “Mind Drive” – 18:37
  8. “Foot Prints” – 9:09
  9. “Bring Me to the Power” – 7:25
  10. “Children of Light” – 6:02
  11. “Sign Language” – 3:29

Open Your Eyes

Released November 25, 1997

“Open Your Eyes” aimed for a more accessible rock sound and received mixed reviews from fans and critics alike. Commercially, it reached No. 151 on the US Billboard 200.

The album featured Jon Anderson on vocals, Steve Howe on guitar, Chris Squire on bass, Billy Sherwood on keyboards and guitar, and Alan White on drums. The album was produced by Yes and Billy Sherwood. It was released on Beyond Music. The album was recorded in 1997 at various locations.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “New State of Mind” – 6:00
  2. “Open Your Eyes” – 5:14
  3. “Universal Garden” – 6:17
  4. “No Way We Can Lose” – 4:56
  5. “Fortune Seller” – 5:00
  6. “Man in the Moon” – 4:41
  7. “Wonderlove” – 6:06
  8. “From the Balcony” – 2:43
  9. “Love Shine” – 4:38
  10. “Somehow…Someday” – 4:47
  11. “The Solution” – 5:25

The Ladder

Released September 20, 1999

“The Ladder” was seen as a return to the band’s classic progressive sound and received generally positive reviews. The album peaked at No. 36 in the UK and No. 99 in the US.

The album featured Jon Anderson on vocals, Steve Howe on guitar, Chris Squire on bass, Billy Sherwood on guitars and keyboards, Igor Khoroshev on keyboards, and Alan White on drums. The album was produced by Bruce Fairbairn. It was released on Beyond Music. The album was recorded between February and June 1999 at Armoury Studios, Vancouver.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Homeworld (The Ladder)” – 9:32
  2. “It Will Be a Good Day (The River)” – 4:53
  3. “Lightning Strikes” – 4:35
  4. “Can I?” – 1:32
  5. “Face to Face” – 5:32
  6. “If Only You Knew” – 5:43
  7. “To Be Alive (Hep Yadda)” – 5:07
  8. “Finally” – 6:02
  9. “The Messenger” – 5:13
  10. “New Language” – 9:19
  11. “Nine Voices (Longwalker)” – 3:20

Magnification

Released December 4, 2001

“Magnification” was unique in that it was the band’s first album in two decades to feature an orchestra, used in place of a keyboardist. The album was well-received and peaked at No. 71 in the UK.

The album featured Jon Anderson on vocals, Steve Howe on guitar, Chris Squire on bass, and Alan White on drums, with the orchestra arranged by Larry Groupe. The album was produced by Tim Weidner and Yes. It was released on Eagle Records. The album was recorded between 2000 and 2001 at various locations.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Magnification” – 7:15
  2. “Spirit of Survival” – 6:02
  3. “Don’t Go” – 4:27
  4. “Give Love Each Day” – 7:44
  5. “Can You Imagine” – 2:58
  6. “We Agree” – 6:30
  7. “Soft as a Dove” – 2:45
  8. “Dreamtime” – 10:45
  9. “In the Presence Of” – 10:24
  10. “Time Is Time” – 2:09

Fly from Here

Released July 1, 2011

“Fly from Here” marked the return of Geoff Downes on keyboards and featured Benoît David as the lead vocalist. The album received generally favorable reviews and reached No. 30 in the UK and No. 36 in the US.

The album featured Benoît David on vocals, Steve Howe on guitar, Chris Squire on bass, Geoff Downes on keyboards, and Alan White on drums. The album was produced by Trevor Horn. It was released on Frontiers Records. The album was recorded in 2010-2011 at SARM West Coast Studio, Los Angeles.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Fly from Here – Overture” – 1:53
  2. “Fly from Here Pt. I – We Can Fly” – 6:00
  3. “Fly from Here Pt. II – Sad Night at the Airfield” – 6:41
  4. “Fly from Here Pt. III – Madman at the Screens” – 5:16
  5. “Fly from Here Pt. IV – Bumpy Ride” – 2:15
  6. “Fly from Here Pt. V – We Can Fly (Reprise)” – 1:44
  7. “The Man You Always Wanted Me to Be” – 5:07
  8. “Life on a Film Set” – 5:01
  9. “Hour of Need” – 3:07
  10. “Solitaire” – 3:30
  11. “Don’t Take No for an Answer” – 4:20
  12. “Into the Storm” – 6:54

Heaven & Earth

Released July 16, 2014

“Heaven & Earth” was the first to feature singer Jon Davison, who brought a fresh but familiar vibe to the band’s sound. Reception was mixed, with critics and fans noting a departure from the band’s traditional progressive style. The album charted at No. 20 in the UK and No. 26 in the US.

The album featured Jon Davison on vocals, Steve Howe on guitar, Chris Squire on bass, Geoff Downes on keyboards, and Alan White on drums. The album was produced by Roy Thomas Baker. It was released on Frontiers Records. The album was recorded between January and March 2014 at Neptune Studios, Los Angeles.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Believe Again” – 8:02
  2. “The Game” – 6:51
  3. “Step Beyond” – 5:34
  4. “To Ascend” – 4:43
  5. “In a World of Our Own” – 5:20
  6. “Light of the Ages” – 7:41
  7. “It Was All We Knew” – 4:13
  8. “Subway Walls” – 9:03

The Quest

Released October 1, 2021

“The Quest” received generally favorable reviews and was heralded as a return to a more classic progressive rock style. It reached No. 56 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 132 on the US Billboard 200.

The album featured Jon Davison on vocals, Steve Howe on guitar, Billy Sherwood on bass, Geoff Downes on keyboards, and Alan White on drums. The album was produced by Steve Howe. It was released on InsideOut Music. The album was recorded in 2020-2021 at various locations.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “The Ice Bridge” – 6:59
  2. “Dare to Know” – 6:00
  3. “Minus the Man” – 5:35
  4. “Leave Well Alone” – 8:06
  5. “The Western Edge” – 4:26
  6. “Future Memories” – 5:08
  7. “Music to My Ears” – 4:41
  8. “A Living Island” – 6:52

Mirror to the Sky

Released May 2023

It’s amazing that in 2023 we are still enjoying the release of new Yes studio albums. The most recent Yes album features Jon Davison on lead vocals, Steve Howe on guitars, Geoff Downes on keyboards, Billy Sherwood on bass, and Jay Schellen on guitar.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Cut from the Stars” – 5:25
2. “All Connected” – 9:02
3. “Luminosity” – 9:04
4. “Living Out Their Dream” – 4:45
5. “Mirror to the Sky” – 13:53
6. “Circles of Time”-  4:59

Complete List Of Yes Studio Albums And Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023

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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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