Favorite Debut Albums

A lot of cool bands have had fantastic debut albums... Some bands are able to match their early success on later albums, others never quite get "there." What are your favorite debuts?

Here are mine:

1) Bad Company Bad Company (1974) - Not a bad song on it. Strong start to finish. Fantastic effort from one of the first 70s "supergroups." Highlights include the title track, the cover of Mott the Hoople's Ready For Love which by far exceeds the original version (after all, Paul Rodgers can sing circles around Ian Hunter), and Seagull.

2) Boston s/t (1976) - Much like with Bad Company, there wasn't a bad song on their debut. Unfortunately, their debut got so heavily overplayed when it came out that it staled the band for many would be fans. Highlights include More Than a Feeling, Smokin', Foreplay/Long Time, and Let Me Take You Home Tonight.

3) Chicago Transit Authority (1969) - Other than Free Form Guitar this album is strong from start to finish. While I personally do enjoy Free Form Guitar I think it's out of place on the album. It should have been put at the very end of the album AFTER the nearly 15 minute long opus Liberation I think having it in the middle of the album kind of shunts the album continuity. Other than the awkward placement of FFG, this album is absolutely fantastic. Highlights include I'm a Man, Introduction, Beginnings, and South California Purples.

4) Toto s/t (1977) - Not a bad song on this stellar debut. While it's not their best album it certainly shows glimpses of the brilliance that would be exhibited on their later material. Highlights Hold the Line, I'll Supply the Love, and Angela

5) Sons of Champlin Loosen Up Naturally (1969)- originally released on vinyl on the exact same day as Chicago Transit Authority... what a great day for music that was! There's not a bad song on this great collection. There's a certain energy and cohesiveness that was lacking on their 1970 follow-up. This truly shows off what Bill Champlin was/is capable of. Highlights Freedom, Things Are Gettin' Better, 1982-A, Everywhere, and Don't Fight It, Do It

Honorable Mention(s): King Crimson In the Court of the Crimson King (1969), Matchbox 20 Yourself Or Someone Like You (1996), Steve Lukather s/t (1989), Trillion s/t (1978), and Peter Cetera s/t (1981), Dream Theater When Dream and Day Unite (1989), Asia s/t (1981), Meat Loaf Bat Out of Hell (1977)