I've been thinking about this for a while and recently rifled through my catalogue to look at some contenders. The criteria I used for selecting the best debut album is based on both impact to the genre and overall musical quality. For example some of the great Rock/Pop bands of the last 45 years didn't exactly come out of the gate swinging grand slams. For example, as great as the Beatles, Stones and even The Who were or are, they're first offering was largely based on covers of American blues and doesn't represent them hitting full stride. Same full stride scenario could also be said for great bands such as Zeppelin, Tull, Aerosmith, Talking Heads, Prince, CSN&Y etc.
Without further ado here is my list:
1. Yes - "Fragile" (Unbelievable debut album. Ushered in a classical sensibility to Rock music that hadn't been tapped into as deeply prior to their arrival on the scene. The muscianship and composition on Fragile is stunning. I put this album as number 1 on my list because of the incredible muscianship and maturity of this first offering) 2. Steely Dan - "Can't Buy A Thrill" (Damn near a flawless debut album. The Dan's influence was huge and made it difficult for critics to even figure how to categorize their style of music) 3. Chicago "Chicago Transit Authority" (Wham they came out of left field and combined horns, percussions and hot guitar licks the likes of which the music scene hadn't witnessed before. Right out of the gate their debut album sounded like it was a veteran work of art) 4. Nirvana - "Nirvana" (What can you say about this debut? It was a solid musical offering with a huge impact on music. Their debut was an invitation to the Grim Reaper for Old School and Hair Spray rock bands. It's influence is still being felt to this day) 5. The Doors - "The Doors" (Unbelievably good debut album. Light My Fire is one of the best Rock songs of all time IMHO. Right out of the gate The Doors brought a style and sound all their own)
The Eagles came out swinging. Their debut LP contained three hit singles (Take It Easy, Witchy Woman and Peaceful Easy Feeling). They went on to shape the 70s California sound.
Yes - "Fragile" is their 4th album..Their 1st album,"Yes" sucked big time.Led Zeppelin's 1st is still my favorite among their many great lp's,blew me away when I 1st heard it.Heavy stuff..Doors 1st a masterpiece.Jimi Hendrix 1st was great as well.Also Traffic,Pink Floyd,Santana,Eagles,Love and Emerson Lake and Palmer.JD
Led Zeppelin Mr. Tambourine Man Eagles EL&P Are You Experienced In the Court of the Crimson King Alone Together Peter, Paul, and Mary Pickin' Up the Pieces Ramblin' Gamblin' Man Six Wives of Henry VIII Climbing Centerfield
Rickie Lee Jones.... Her debut is still one of my favorite records ever.
Sex Pistols.... "Never Mind the Bollocks", what else can you say here?
Bob Dylan.... "Free Wheelin", not technically his "first", but his first release that had anything behind it (Columbia reportedly assigned $402 to "Bob Dylan" and Dylan himself has said "he didn't want to reveal too much")... Kinda changed things a little huh?
Elvis Costello.... "My aim is true", a classic.
The Byrds... "Mr tambourine man", Changed a lot of stuff in the popular music circles back in '65.
Wow I messed up on the Fragile Yes... I always thought it was their first. Oh well.
Interestingly Digital Dream Door released their list of Top 100 Debut Albums. Here's their top 10.
1. Jimi Hendrix - "Are You Experienced?" 2. Led Zeppelin - "Led Zeppelin" 3. The Doors - "The Doors" 4. Pearl Jam - "Ten" 5. Guns & Roses - "Appetite For Destruction" 6. Elvis Costello - "My Aim Is True" 7. Byrds - "Mr. Tambourine Man" 8. The Velvet Underground - "The Velvet Underground" 9. Van Halen - "Van Halen" 10 Run-D.M.C. - "Run-D.M.C.
I was a college freshman in NYC when this came out. Changed everything for me musically and completely plugged me into the downtown music scene. Still sounds fresh.
The Band, Music from Big Pink Guy Clark, Old No. 1 Allman Brothers Band, self-titled Eric Clapton, self-titled Gram Parsons, G.P. Black Sabbath, self-titled
...it was impactful with great music. That album influenced bands for years to come (to this day even). That was the first album that came to my mind when I read your post.
When I think back to hearing Purple Haze for the first time (wasn't it the first cut on side 1?)I can still bring that feeling back, sitting in my room with the black light, posters, and ear bleed spl levels. Didn't need any doobies to get me there. Very powerful experience. oops, I almost forgot: and my mothering screaming her head off to shut the f......music off. She didn't use those words, but can you identify?
Gotta include Dire Straits debut album. . .completely different sound for the time and Mark Knopfler has managed to stay relevant.
Huge "YES" vote for Elvis Costello's "My Aim is True". The vinyl re-issue speaks truth to power on the quality of the record and musicianship (something less than appreciated during the era when the angry young man was new on the scene). Lot's of staying power musically as well.
From the obscure file, Lowell George's (he of Little Feat) "Thanks, I'll Eat it Here" is a musical pleasure and sonic wonder. Warner Bros. seemed to care about quality long after others stopped.
The major errors here (Yes and Bowie) in selecting "first" albums really shows a LOT of the A-goners are hifi buffs rather than music fans. Sorry, but the truth hurts.
I got here late so most of these have been mentioned. 1. Counting Crows -- August and Everything After 2. Chicago Transit Authority -- Chicago Transit Authority 3. Crosby Stills and Nash -- Crosby Stills and Nash 4. Led Zeppelin -- Led Zeppelin 5. Nirvana -- Nevermind These are not only great debut albums but IMO each one represents the best album these groups put out. I would expect some arguments, especially the Zeppelin but I'll stand by my opinion.
Great suggestions - I agree w/ most. Audiofeil, etc. lists were home runs - plus Boston, Costello, CSN, Dire Straits, Santana, Dan Fogelberg, Hornsby & the Range, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Neil Young, etc. (although technically some were solo debuts).
What fun. Yes indeed to "Astral Weeks". Marvellous after all these years - it still thrills me.
Many good albums noted here already ... great debut albums often occur when established musicians form a new group - thus Blind Faith, Led Zep; rather than when they start their career - Bowie's first record showed only teasing glimpses of the superstar to come.
"Music From Big Pink" - The Band. How can we forget this one? Accomplished musicians created a new style and cut a timeless and influential album.
"High Voltage" - AC/DC. A 4-on-the-floor groove as basic as it gets, lifted out of the ordinary by Angus's incedinary solos - fun for Dick and Jane. It wasn't a long way to the top from here for these guys - well, maybe for Bon.
"Inner Mounting Flame" - Mahavishnu. This debut album brought a revolution in sound, and a stream of copy-cats. Maybe not quite as good as "Birds of Fire" to follow, but this record paved the way for rock fans to appreciate jazz fusion.
THE BEATLES With the Beatles (Meet the Beatles in the US) perhaps Im dating myself a bit, but the impact of this LP on the entire world was, and is, unprecedented in the world of popular music. Is it their best work? Hardly (in my opinion Rubber Soul better defines the beginning of their true brilliance), but what a debut!
THE BYRDS Mr. Tambourine Man
THE DOORS The Doors
THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE Are You Experienced I remember when this first hit the record stores, looking at the cover and thinking anyone that looks like this has got to be good. I was only 15 at the time and to say I was blown away when I got to hear it the first time at my best friends house is an understatement. That same year I got to see him live on the first US tour.
THE WHO My Generation while it is true that The Who didnt really start becoming popular until Tommy came out I thought they were great from the very beginning and loved their music. Then again I was very much into the music scene, particularly the so called British Invasion. Also saw The Whos first US tour. They opened for Hermans Hermits!
CREAM Fresh Cream although Disraeli Gears and Wheels of Fire are my favorites, Fresh Cream was a brilliant debut of what became known as the worlds first super group.
JEFF BECK Truth arguably the greatest rock guitarist, if not the most successful
JEFFERSON AIRPLANE Surrealistic Pillow technically this is their second LP, the first being Jefferson Airplane Takes Off, but the original singer and drummer were replaced by Grace Slick and Spencer Dryden. With Surrealistic Pillow Jefferson Airplane really did take off becoming one of the most successful San Francisco bands of the late 60s.
BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD hard to forget these guys! Third LP Retrospective covers all their great songs and was one of my favorite LPs in 1969
CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY first and only release as CTA
CROSBY, STILLS & NASH
SANTANA
ITS A BEAUTIFUL DAY a masterpiece from David and Linda Laflamme whose original group was short lived, but never the less a classic from the late 60s. They are still performing today.
LED ZEPPELIN not only a great debut, but to many their best overall
ELTON JOHN Im surprised no one else has mentioned this one. A fabulous debut!
GEORGE HARRISON All Things Must Pass in my opinion the best post Beatles solo effort - in all likelihood because he was overshadowed by John and Pauls brilliance his own song writing talents didnt come out until after the Beatles broke up.
KING CRIMSON In the Court of the Crimson King
EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER Im surprised this LP has never been remastered. No one ever surpassed Keith Emersons abilities with the all analog Moog synthesizer. An amazing performer to watch.
YES Im going to have to disagree with Jdleperas assertion that this LP sucked big time. This has always been one of my favorite Yes LPs and I feel it is a tremendous debut. Their earliest work is in my opinion their best and Im in complete agreement about Fragile in the history of popular music. I always thought their music went downhill from there on, but still enjoyed them.
THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND
THE EAGLES - Eagles a good debut for one of the 70s best hybrid rock bands (country, bluegrass, rock). Their second LP Desperado remains one of my favorites.
STEELY DAN Cant Buy A Thrill outstanding first effort of one of the most exceptionally musical bands. A lot of the above listed LPs dont get a lot of play in my house anymore, but I never tire of these guys. Some of the best recordings of this era. I think they used to mix down on Magnapans.
RICKY LEE JONES great music and a great recording.
BRAND X Unorthodox Behavior
Well, that gets me through the 70s and Im sure Ive missed some, but its late and my brain needs a rest.
Fat Parrot - Alanis Morrisette's Jagged Little Debut is not her debut album; prior to this release, Alanis was singing bubblegum tunes like Tiffany....
Another funny thread thsst shows when it comes to music Audiophilles never let the facts get in the way of an opiion. Hilarious.....Born To Run, Fragile,Ziggy Stardust,Nirvana....
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