A bit before Ozzy decided to leave the band. There was plenty of turmoil, but they turned out a beautiful yet dark album. Check out "You Won't Change Me" and "It's Alright" to see what I mean.

A lesser known progressive metal band. Extremely talented as most in that genre of music need to be. Although most fans prefer the earlier albums, I found this one to be more accessible. Almost every track is a winner and be sure to listen after the album is over to hear a long discussion about a UFO.

Europe was always an underrated band that got thrown in with every other band that wore long hair. The majority of their albums are more glam rock than anything, but this album has Joey Tempest doing everything from screaming like a banshee, to sounding exactly like Jon Bon Jovi. A bit edgier than their previous two releases.

A fairly unpopular Tull release, but undeservedly so. It has great songs with a few gentle medeival-type instrumentals thrown in. Also the song "Dark Ages" is one of the band's best.

Journey's first album is probably the best of the records without Steve Perry. That's right folks, Journey had a few albums before Steve Perry was invited to join the band! This album leans more progressive with a couple of amazing instrumentals and Neal Schon rocking on every song.

King Diamond always had a little pop sensibility even with Mercyful Fate's nine minute long songs. This album proves that. Even though it was fairly ignored by metalheads it should be purchased of any metal fan who enjoys technical speed metal.

Paul's infamous disc originally only released in Russia. This is the "I Saw Her Standing There" type of Paul again. On this album is nothing but raw, one take cover songs from some of the artists he admired. "Summertime" is still my favorite Paul song.

The only jazz entry here, but I do love this genre of music. Charles Mingus is one of the greatest bassists of all time. I don't remember the jazz critics loving this album, but for us regular folks the title track carries one of the catchiest tunes in all of jazz.

A fairly difficult album to find, but if you're a punk or Danzig fan - find it now! The album does sound like it was recorded in a garage, but that kind of adds to it's punk charm. Glenn Danzig does an entire record of all brilliant hardcore punk songs. I don't think the Misfits ever got as good as this.

Half the world knows who Frank Zappa is, but how many of you own one of his albums? Musically he's all over the place. This album is almost strictly a jazz affair though, with one hard rocking jam with Captain Beefheart. Mostly instrumental, the songs are extended work outs on the guitar, drums and horn sections. If you want to try out Zappa for the first time, try out 'Hot Rats'.