10 Rock Albums You Might Want to Add to Your Collection

If you are looking to expand your rock vinyl collection with some gems, I have compiled a list of 10 albums you should consider adding. Whether you are a seasoned rock fan, or just starting out, these albums will enhance any music library. Some are obvious, some not so. I've tried to give you a few, 'outside the (obvious) box', as it were.

1. Piledriver - Status Quo. Thought by many to be one of their best, featuring the iconic single 'Paper Plane', and live classics such as 'Big Fat Mama', 'Don't Waste My Time' and 'Roadhouse Blues', it not only began Quo's most successful run of albums, it also contains underrated gems, such as 'Unspoken Words' which is a great blues number. Classic 'Frantic Four' as they were known.

2. Dark Side of the Moon - Pink Floyd. This masterpiece is essential for any collection. The hauntingly beautiful music and thought-provoking lyrics make this album a true work of art. Believed by many, to be the bands all time classic, there may be very few of you, who don't already own a copy, but it's still worth inclusion.

3. Led Zeppelin II - Contains the classic 'Whole Lotta Love', but besides that, 'What Is And What Should Never Be', 'Thank You', and 'Heartbreaker', help to make this at least as good as IV, which you probably already own, if you only have one Zeppelin album.

4. Made In Japan - Deep Purple. To many, the greatest live album ever made, and it's difficult to argue against it. Normally, I wouldn't recommend 'Anniversary Editions', but track down a copy of this one, because it also includes the encores, which the original didn't. Five outstanding musicians, and you won't hear better versions of 'Child In Time', 'Highway Star', 'Strange Kind Of Woman', and even a 20 minute version of 'Space Truckin' still works to this day.

5. Slade Alive - Slade. Whilst we're on the subject of Live albums, if you haven't already, check this classic out. Known for their 'Glam Pop' hits, that's a total misrepresentation of their 'live' act. Heavy, loud....and what a voice. 'Born To Be Wild' is enough to have the neighbours banging on the wall. 'Know Who You Are' just rocks, and then there's the gentler 'Darlin' Be Home Soon'. It's Slade doing their thing, not the 'chart' thing.

6. Fire & Water - Free. If you want some bluesy rock, then Free were your band. Yes, it contains the played to death 'Alright Now', which is still a great song, but the title track, and 'Mr. Big' showcase one of the greatest rock voices, in Paul Rodgers, and the great guitar work of Paul Kossoff. Once you've heard this album, I guarantee you'll want more.

7. Rainbow Rising - Rainbow. Blackmore left Purple to form this band, and with Dio and Cozy Powell, this album made it look a good decision. Whether it was or not, is not for this author to comment, (well, not yet anyway) but an album that only had six tracks, all worthy of note, was a blistering second album. Side two is arguably one of the best side two's ever...'Stargazer' and 'A Light In The Black' have stunning vocal, guitar and keyboard breaks, with a powerhouse rhythm section. Can't be faulted.

8. Let There Be Rock - AC/DC. Much is made of the Brian Johnson AC/DC, but I go back to the original Bon Scott line up. There isn't a weak track. The title track on it's own, would be enough, the other seven make this the perfect record to know what this band were really all about. It ends with 'Whole Lotta Rosie'...nothing else to add!

9. Strangers In The Night - UFO. Yes, it's another 'live' album, and it showcases probably one of the most underrated rock bands of the 70's. Vocalist Phil Mogg, and guitarist Michael Schenker ended up really not liking each other, which didn't help, but that happened after they had written some classic songs. If you don't listen to anything else, check out 'Rock Bottom', and you'll appreciate what this band were about. If you're into UFO, you know this album had to be included.

10. Sloe Gin - Joe Bonamassa. I was a latecomer to the Joe Bonamassa party, and it was this album that did it for me. The title track initially, but then 'One Of These Days', 'Dirt In My Pocket' 'Black Night', I could list the whole album, had me captured, and I've since gone on to own many Bonamassa albums....which is no mean feat, as he seems to release an album every 6 months!

    
    

    So, there you have it! 10 rock albums that I think you should add to your collection. Whether you're a fan of classic rock, hard rock, or heavy rock, these albums are examples of everything that is outstanding in the rock world. If you invest in just one of them, I'm satisfied I will have enhanced your listening enjoyment!