Best debut album

Irish, I recall you bashing the Dan on another thread. Your hatred runs deeper than just a disliking for a band. What gives?

 

Well, they truly are one of my least favorite pop bands of all time. No, I don't have a bad mental association with them. I've never had a bad life experience with anyone who likes Steely Dan, so there's no lurking psychological issue. Just have always been mystified by why they're popular. We all have things we don't "get"...things the mass appeal of which escapes us. I don't "get" Steely Dan, NASCAR, celebrity magazines, or mayo-based potato salad. So it goes....

Anyway, back on topic.

 

I do agree with you about the Clash, however.

 

Chicago Transit Authority's (later Chicago) self-titled album. Of course, listening to it just frustrates me when considering how Peter Cetera ripped the balls off that band.

Also, The Who's "My Generation" is up there.

 

Just about every great band had a great debut album. Very few released something lame and then later evolved into greatness. Although I guess it's common enough for a band to have a first album that shows just part of their potential...then they kick it into higher gear later. Ramones are a good example of this...the first album was damn good, but I'd say that "Leave Home" and "Rocket to Russia" are the two best Ramones albums.

Tom Waits' "Closing Time" would have been a cult classic even if the man had never recorded another note. But of course, he went on to greater things. Similar thing with the Stones...first album was damn good but deriviative...they found their own voice later.

"Great Second Albums" would be a more challenging thread, but I bet SportsJournalists.com's audiophiles could rise to the occasion.

 

Southside Johnny & the Jukes - I Don't Want to Go Home

 

Some, however, take an album or two to reach their peak. To reference your earlier example, would you dare say London Calling is the lesser of The Clash (self-titled) ?

 

Have to give the slight edge to London Calling, despite the first Clash album being a sentimental favorite. After that, I'd put Give Em Enough Rope, Sandinista! and Combat Rock in a three-way tie for third. I know Sandinista! gets lots of shit because there's about a side's worth of throwaways on that one, but I think it's very good in spite of that. Of course you have to like late 70s punk-style dub reggae.

Speaking of taking three albums to reach their peak, EStreetJoe's post reminded me, of course, of Springsteen. Born to Run was number three. But damned if The Wild, the Innocent... doesn't hit the spot just as well, sometimes.

 

I doubt there's a great debate among Clash fans that the first two albums are 1-2, but I value London Calling miles ahead of The Clash due to the range displayed and the depth of feeling. My favorite album ever.

 

Tubthumping by Chumbawumba

 

The Duchess -- Fergie

Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich -- Warrant

 

Not the best debut album, but George Strait's second album, Strait From The Heart, is one of the all-time best for me.