Classic Albums Celebrating 40th & 50th Anniversaries in 2019

Some of culture’s most beloved albums are seeing milestone anniversaries in 2019. Whether they were released 10, 20 or even 50 years ago, these albums have left a lasting impression on music and culture that can still be felt all these years later.

Last week, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, took a look back at some influential albums celebrating milestone 10^th, 20^th and 30^th anniversaries in 2019. This week, we bring you the second half of that list, this time featuring iconic albums turning 40 and 50 this year. Here are just a few titles that have continued to leave their mark nearly half-a-century after their initial release.

Forty Years:

1.       Pink Floyd, ‘The Wall’: Helmed by Roger Waters, ‘The Wall’ was one of Pink Floyd’s most ambitious and successful albums. A concept album dealing with Waters’ deep-seeded feelings of isolation and abandonment, the passion put into the project gave it wide-reaching appeal. Upon its release, it spent 15 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and produced their only number one single, “Another Brick In The Wall Pt. 2.” It has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling double LP of all. The album It also inspired a cult-classic film just a few short years later.

2.       AC/DC, ‘Highway to Hell’: After five albums, AC/DC finally broke through in the US with their sixth release, ‘Highway to Hell,’ in 1979. The title track became an instant classic upon release and drew new fans into the band’s fanbase. Unfortunately, ‘Highway’ would also become their last to feature Bon Scott on vocals.

Fifty Years:

1.       The Beatles, ‘Abbey Road’: ‘Abbey Road’ was one of The Beatles’ most iconic albums, featuring some of the band’s most important late-career work. Tracks like the George Harrison-penned “Something” and “Here Comes The Sun,” and John Lennon’s “Come Together,” became indisputable hits, propelling the album to the top of the charts in several countries.

2.       The Who, ‘Tommy’: When you think of rock operas, the first album that comes to mind is The Who’s groundbreaking 1969 release, ‘Tommy.’ The story of a child who becomes deaf, blind and dumb after witnessing a tragedy, the album stunned fans and critics alike, launching The Who to even higher points of popularity. The album sold more than 20 million copies as of 2015 and remains the ultimate rock opera.

3.       Led Zeppelin, ‘Led Zeppelin I’ & ‘Led Zeppelin II’: Led Zeppelin’s debut album was unlike anything music had heard prior to 1969. While rock at the time was beginning to focus more on fast and loud, ‘Led Zeppelin I’ focused on creating compositions that combined blues and heavy rock guitars, regardless of length. The sound became a precursor to heavier ones, especially heavy metal. But the band didn’t stop there. By the end of the year they released a second album, which was heavier than the first and more-well received by critics. ‘Led Zeppelin II’ is also considered by many publications to be one of the most influential albums of all time.

From bands nearing the end of their run to those who were just getting started, some of rock’s most influential and iconic albums are celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2019. These albums continue to be remembered fondly decades after their initial success, withstanding the test of time and being passed on for rediscovery by newer generations.

---

Rediscover these classic albums and more at Vinyl Bay 777. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in an array of genres to suit the tastes of most music fans. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, music memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Albums Celebrating 30, 40 & 50-Year Anniversaries in 2018

There are a lot of albums that are celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2018. This year marks the 30^th and 40^th anniversaries of debut albums from the likes of Soundgarden, NWA, Van Halen and The Cars. Iconic albums from The Beatles, Blondie, Jimi Hendrix and more are also being fondly remembered and celebrated 40 and 50 years later.

Last week, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, took a look at albums celebrating 10^th and 20^th anniversaries in 2018. Today, we return to the nostalgia rabbit hole to look at albums turning 30, 40 and 50 this year.

30 Years

1.       Metallica, ‘…And Justice for All’: Metallica’s fourth studio album and first without bassist Cliff Burton, ‘…And Justice for All’ saw the band release some of their most complex songs ever. The album was also one of their most popular, peaking at number six on the Billboard 200.

2.       Soundgarden, ‘Ultramega OK’: Though not originally a hit, Soundgarden’s debut album, ‘Ultramega OK,’ laid the groundwork for grunge and the sound that was about to come out of the Seattle scene. Ahead of this year’s anniversary, the album was reissued, this time taking its rightful place within the top 10 on Billboard’s Vinyl Albums and Tastemaker Albums charts.

3.       NWA, ‘Straight Outta Compton’: One of the defining albums of the late 80s hip-hop scene, ‘Straight Outta Compton’ helped give rise to west coast “gangsta” rap. It’s influence remains apparent three decades later, being included into the National Recording Registry last year, as well as inspiring the title of an award-winning biopic about NWA in 2015.

4.       R.E.M., ‘Green’: R.E.M. made their major label debut in 1988, releasing their sixth album, ‘Green,’ on Warner Bros. Records. Opting for more major-key tracks and the inclusion of mandolin, lap steel guitar, accordion and cello, the album saw the band expanding their sound and creating one of their most well-received albums of all time.

40 Years

1.       Blondie, ‘Parallel Lines’: The second of two albums released in 1978, ‘Parallel Lines’ became Blondie’s most iconic album. A step away from the band’s punk and new wave roots, singles like “Heart of Glass” and “One Way or Another” took on more of a pop and disco sound, giving them crossover pop fame.

2.       The Who, ‘Who Are You’: The Who were already big stars when they released ‘Who Are You,’ their eighth studio album and last to feature Keith Moon on drums. The title track became a hit for the band, leading the album to reach number two on the Billboard Pop Albums chart.

3.       Van Halen, ‘Van Halen’: Van Halen’s self-titled debut album was a huge hit upon its release in 1978. Featuring several singles that would become rock radio staples, including “Runnin’ with the Devil” and “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” the album reached number 19 on Billboard’s pop albums chart and continues to be a best-seller decades later.

4.       The Cars, ‘The Cars’: The Cars released their self-titled album in 1978 to critical and commercial success. “Just What I Needed” became a rock radio staple, while the album itself peaked on the Billboard Charts at number 18.

50 Years

(Note: Yes, Led Zeppelin is turning 50 this year. However, their debut album came out in 1969, and therefore will not be 50 until January 2019.)

1.       Velvet Underground, ‘White Light/White Heat’: The follow-up to their groundbreaking debut album, ‘White Light/White Heat’ found the Velvet Underground headed in a new direction with their sound. Without influence from Andy Warhol or Nico, the band got more aggressive with their sound and content, writing about unsavory subjects like sex and drugs. The album can be seen as a step towards punk before punk was even a conscious thing.

2.       Big Brother & the Holding Company, ‘Cheap Thrills’: ‘Cheap Thrills’ saw Big Brother & the Holding Company earn their biggest success yet. Their second (and last) album with Janis Joplin as frontwoman, the album reached number one on the Billboard Top LPs chart with single “Piece of My Heart” becoming a classic rock track. It would be the last time the band would see that kind of success.

3.       Jimi Hendrix Experience, ‘Electric Ladyland’: Noted by many as one of the greatest albums of all time, ‘Electric Ladyland’ became the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s best-selling album ever. The album topped the Billboard album chart for two weeks with their cover of “All Along the Watchtower” becoming their highest-charting single and arguably more iconic than the original.

4.       The Beatles, ‘The Beatles (The White Album)’: Released near the end of The Beatles’ career together, their self-titled album features some of the band’s most iconic and eclectic songs. Songs like “Back in the U.S.S.R.” and “Revolution” were more upbeat while “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Blackbird” and “Don’t Pass Me By” are some of the most beautiful melodies the band has ever recorded.

5.       Rolling Stones, ‘Beggars Banquet’: The Rolling Stones’ ninth album, ‘Beggars Banquet’ found the band hitting out with a harder edge than their previous album. Leading off with “Sympathy for the Devil,” the album reached number five on the Billboard 200 upon release.

In 2018, there are a lot of iconic albums that are celebrating milestone anniversaries. Go back in time by checking out some of those turning 30, 40 and 50 this year, and let us know what albums you’re nostalgic for.

---

Rediscover and celebrate iconic albums and more at Vinyl Bay 777. Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop has thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres sure to satisfy any music lover. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.