Fifty years in the past Bob Dylan launched Highway 61 Revisited, which is arguably the perfect album ever. Some may defend a selection of one among three of The Beatles albums, and even Dylan’s very personal Blonde on Blonde or Blood on the Tracks.
One level that can not be debated, nonetheless, is that Highway 61 Revisited is the primary album to be flawless in that it has no dangerous songs. Each document till then, irrespective of how good, contained at the very least one clunker.
Within the half century since its launch, Highway 61 Revisited has been joined by only a handful of different albums which are flawless. Listed below are the ten, all good and from a variety of the rock style.
Hunky Dory by David Bowie
The greatest single from the album was “Adjustments,” however every tune is a gem. There’s a tune honoring Dylan, one other praising Andy Warhol, one a few drag queen and one other about Mickey Mouse.
Watch by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
Simply seven songs are on the disc, however each is among the many better of the band’s profession. “Martha’s Madman” and “Circles” are my private favorites, however arguments may very well be made for “The Mighty Quinn” and “Chicago Institute.”
My Intention Is True by Elvis Costello
The debut supplied attractive perception into what followers may count on from the wittiest songwriter of the rock period. “Watching the Detectives” and “Allison” are probably the most well-known tunes, despite the fact that each are inferior to “Miracle Man” and “The Angels Wanna Put on My Crimson Sneakers.”
Excessive Land, Exhausting Rain by Aztec Digital camera
Roddy Body was simply a youngster when his band made this debut, which was highlighted by “Oblivious” and “The Boy Wonders” among the many ten wonderful choices.
The Royal Rip-off by Steely Dan
Whereas aspect one is the higher of the document, there’s a lot pleasure to be heard after you flip it over. Principally, there isn’t a must skip any of the songs from “Child Charlamagne” all the way in which to the title observe on the finish.
They Need My Soul by Spoon
Though it’s simply on e 12 months outdated, this extraordinary album has already been established as a traditional. Brit Daniels’ songwriting has by no means been higher, leaving the album absent of any of the occasional duds which have popped up on the alt band’s prior discs.
Someplace I’ve By no means Travelled by Ambrosia
The quartet’s sophomore album, not like all the relaxation of their discography, incorporates no hits. Total, although, it has by far the perfect assortment of songs, particularly epics like “Danse with Me, George (Chopin’s Plea)” and “The Brunt.”
Lengthy Distance Voyager by the Moody Blues
Spurred to the highest of the charts by the one “The Voice,” this document showcases the vary of the veteran British rock band. Every of the group’s 5 songwriters provide sharp compositions right here.
Self-titled by The Smiths
The Morrissey and Johnny Marr collaboration was first revealed on this debut, whose songs are nonetheless receiving air play and influencing different radio. There isn’t a feeling wanting awe because the document proceeds from “Reel Across the Fountain” all the way in which to “Undergo Little Youngsters.”
Self-titled by John Prine
Deems as the brand new Bob Dylan I am 1970, the people songwriter earned that moniker due to the gorgeous assortment of songs on his first launch. Lots of the tunes, particularly “Paradise (Muhlenberg County)” and “Sam Stone” have been lined by dozens of bands.