Albums
In no particular order, please find below some of the greatest works of music I am yet to encounter. Please at the very least, check out 'The Crimson Idol' as W.A.S.P. are a criminally underrated band that deserve far more attention than they get.
The Crimson Idol by W.A.S.P.
In my opinion this has to be the greatest concept album of all time. Following the rise and fall of the young rock star Jonathon, this album is truly epic in every sense of the word both musically, and crucially, lyrically. Check out 'The Idol' on Youtube to see one of the greatest power ballads you will see. Such deep, heart-felt lyrics can't help but make you well up. This is one album you will never regret buying.
Favourite tracks: The Idol, Arena of Pleasure, The Titanic Overture
The Yngwie Malmsteen Collection by Yngwie J. Malmsteen
I put this up here as this has to be my most listened to album ever. Strangely enough, not necessarily because of any particular song, but more because this is the album that gets me writing. Musically, I'm not sure Malmsteen can be beaten as a classical guitarist, and this 'greatest hits' album of his early years is a true revelation to anyone, and especially those new to the genre.
Favourite tracks: Making Love, Deja Vu, Far Beyond the Sun
S & M by Metallica
The ultimate blend of metal and classical music, the S & M album is another 'greatest hits' album in once sense, though here Metallica have turned the concept on it's head, joining forces with the San Francisco State Philharmonic to create a musical masterpiece. My only regret is that the CD doesn't contain 'Fade to Black'- my all time favourite Metallica song.
Favourite tracks: Outlaw Torn, No Leaf Clover, Master of Puppets
The War of the Worlds (Musical version) by Jeff Wayne et al
I can't believe I actually forgot about this album on the first edition of this page. It actually pains me to think most young people these days won't have heard this musical masterpiece, but hopefully by my putting it on this list, at least one person out there may well learn the joy that is Jeff Wayne's musical version of The War of the Worlds. To this day 'The Eve of the War' still sends shivers down my spine. Best listened to at full volume in a darkened room, this album should be taught in schools it's that good! Really!
Favourite tracks: The Eve of the War, Forever Autumn, Thunder Child
Appetite for Destruction by Guns N Roses
Such a widely acclaimed album doesn't really need much of an explanation on my part really, but needless to say this album is amazing. If you're going to go out partying, this is the album for you.
Favourite tracks: Out ta get me, Welcome to the Jungle, Think about you
Unholy Terror by W.A.S.P.
I could have picked any number of other W.A.S.P. albums out there to add to this list, and close contenders included 'Dying for the World' and 'The Headless Children'. The reason I picked 'Unholy Terror' however was sheerly for the fact that in a way it's something of a departure from traditional metal for W.A.S.P. as this album has a distinctly 'rock' feel to it, but it's a sound I just love. Mixing their frankly astounding rock sound with lyrics only the genius of Blackie Lawless could come up with, 'Unholy Terror' is powerful in every sense of the word. A terrific album. Imagine a mix of 'Appetite for Destruction' with 'The Crimson Idol' and you'd be half way there.
Favourite tracks: Charisma, Wasted White Boys, Who Slayed Baby Jane, Locomotive Man