10 Albums That Changed My Life

I came across an article where one of my favourite musicians listed ten albums that changed his life. I found it quite interesting and so I thought I would have a go myself.

First Album Bought

Now you have to realise that when I scrapped together enough money to buy an album for the first time, I was just fourteen years old and I was quite into the pop charts and disco music from the 1970s. I loved one song in particular and it was by Donna Summer. I walked into the music shop and saw “The Greatest Hits of Donna Summer” and it contained the song – which was “I Feel Love”, with Giorgio Moroder. The synthesizer sound was incredible and it helped develop my love of electronic pop music, something that I would get into seriously about four years later.

Album Made Me Want To Play Guitar

Sadly I can’t play guitar and by the time I decided that it was a great instrument to play, I thought it was too late. I was around sixteen years old and I got into heavy metal at a time when it provided a perfect soundtrack for the rebellious nature that was dominating my life at that time. One album stood out and it was the first heavy metal album that I bought – a live album by the British rock band UFO called “Strangers in the Night”, recorded in Chicago. Michael Schenker was the guitarist for the band and on that album is a brilliant but long song called “Rock Bottom” where he showcases his amazing talent. Here is a song called “Doctor Doctor” that also features a great guitar.

Best Album Artwork

Again in the 1970’s I bought an amazing album called “No Mean City” by a Scottish rock band called Nazareth. I played it repeatedly but one thing that really appealed to me was the album cover, which you can see below. At the time I was into horror and fantasy and the sentinel guarding the gates of the city was perfect. My mum’s reaction when she first saw it was hilarious. “What the bloody hell is that?” she said shaking her head in disgust. I just laughed and said “Isn’t it amazing?” “No!” she said emphatically. Here is the title track from the album.

Album to Be Romantic to

I like soft music when I am in the mood to be romantic but as a grizzled old rocker, such albums are few and far between. However, my taste is quite eclectic and I will select a more recent offering, an ambient pop album by Zero 7 called “When It Falls”. This album is brilliant and although it is perfect for romance, I also love listening to it when I want to just relax and escape into a calm and peaceful place. Here is a great song called Warm Sound.

Album to Break the Speed Limit to

I am a fairly sensible driver so I would probably not break the speed limit that often. However, I have been in the car listening to music and only barely realized that I have slightly popped over the limit, particularly on a motorway. I have an album in mind – “Addicted!” by Devin Townsend. It is full of driving rock songs, ideal for a long car journey. Here is the title track.

If You Ask Me What Heavy Metal is I hand you a Copy of

“Defenders of the Faith” by British Heavy Metal band Judas Priest. The lead singer hails from my home town and they have been at the forefront of Heavy Metal since the beginning. This album is one of their best. Here is “Love Bites”:

The Album that No One Will Believe I Own is 

I stand by this choice. I heard the song “That’s Not My Name” and it is such an infectious pop song that I just bought the album, which is “We Started Nothing” and the band is, of course The Ting Tings. I wasn’t disappointed because it is full of similar songs that are, quite frankly excellent.

Here is the song that started it all.

The Album I Would Have Been Proud to Have Made is

There are lots of albums in my collection that I would have loved to have made had I been a musician and there are just too many to choose from. My favourite band over the past few decades have been Rush who are sadly no more. However they have left an incredible legacy and I will always love their music. The album I shall select is “Moving Pictures” – a classic from 1981. Here is a song about a car called Red Barchetta. 

Rest in Peace Neil Peart.

The Album That I Want Played At My Funeral Is

For me, I am torn with what I would like at my funeral. Part of me wants a celebration of who I am but part of me also wants a solemn occasion of reflection. Thinking about it, I think I am going to cheat and select two. My first is the slightly more ambient one with lovely songs  “Shepherd Moons” by Enya with the incredible song Caribbean Blue, reminding me of holidays in southern Europe.

The second is a proper progressive rock album that will keep the funeral party going with some brilliant and tunes. It is my favourite album by Dream Theater and is called “Images and Words”. Some of the songs are melodic, some atmospheric and some are just rock classics. Like this one:

The Album That Should Not Be Is

There are lots of albums that should not be (including most jazz, hip-hop and country albums) but I will choose one that I actually bought and, because I hoard CD’s, will not get rid of. Don’t get me wrong – there are some good songs on it (well one or two) but I just wish I hadn’t bought it. It is of course “Rattle and Hum” by U2, and it marks, for me at least, the point where Bono’s ego grew out of control. I am sure U2 fans love it and I am certain that some U2 fans might hurl abuse at me if they come across this particular post. Nevertheless, in my opinion it is full of self-indulgence and not a patch on “The Unforgettable Fire” which is my favourite by the band. Still, here is a song I like off the album.

And Finally …

I hope you found this post interesting. It would be fun to see what albums you would put in each category so if you feel inclined, please drop me a line – or feel free to steal the idea (which admittedly I stole).