The Rising by Bruce Springsteen
The Rising was the first album fully recorded with the E Street Band since Born In The USA
The Rising was an instant commercial and critical success for Springsteen. Unsurprising as it is the first full album recorded with the E Street Band since their reunion. They always seem to bring out the best in him in my opinion. Written in the aftermath of 9/11 in contains some of his most poignant work. The album topped the charts around the world and three singles were released. He then launched a successful world tour supporting the album and I finally got my chance to see him live at an outdoor gig at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Favourite track: “You’re MIssing”
Songs For The Deaf by Queens Of The Stone Age
Songs For The Deaf, a concept album taking the listener driving through the California desert
Featuring Dave Grohl on drums, Songs For The Deaf was the third studio album from Queens Of The Stone Age. The late Mark Lanegan, formerly of Screaming Trees, was also a member of the band at the time of recording. Three singles were released from the album and it was very successful for the band making the top 10 in the UK, Norway, Australia, Belgium and Germany.
Favourite track: The fantastic lead single “No One Knows”
Up by Peter Gabriel
Excluding Gabriel’s soundtrack work Up was his seventh studio album and thirteenth overall
Initially I found this album quite different to what I was expecting from Peter Gabriel, but like a fungal infection it grew on me. I now consider it a masterpiece on a par with Us and So. Largely concerning themes of death, it is considerably darker than his previous work. But that is also its appeal. Four singles were released and it was another successful album for Gabriel.
Favourite track: “Growing Up”
By The Way by Red Hot Chili Peppers
The eighth studio album from Red Hit Chili Peppers went on to sell 8 million copies
Guitarist John Frusciante has gone on record to say that writing this album was one of the happiest times of his life. It shows in the material, which has a strong melodic focus and little of the funk fusion that made their name. Four singles were released and it peaked at #1 on numerous album charts around the world.
Favourite track: “The Zephyr Song”
Strange Beautiful Music by Joe Satriani
Virtuoso guitarist Joe Satriani released his ninth studio album in June 2002
I have bought everything Joe Satriani has released ever since I became a fan upon hearing Surfing With The Alien. His releases never disappoint and I am continually amazed by his compositions as he somehow allows the music to breathe even when playing at his fastest. Someone else summed up his abilities as having the knack of knowing when not to play.
Favourite track: “Chords Of Life”
The Slabthrower 