50s 

 

1. In the Wee Small Hours by Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra was one of the first artists to make of the newly developed LP. Through his albums, Sinatra released what is known as concept albums. Concept albums are albums which songs follow a collective meaning or theme. Strongly emphasized, through the album cover, the albums sees Sinatra singing on topics including heartbreak, lost love, isolation and depression. This was Sinatra's first major work to focus solely on the topics of love gone awry and sadness. This would help for future male artists to sing on these type of subjects, moving from the excessive masculine image.

 

 (Buy the Album here)

 

2. After School Session by Chuck Berry

If there was a King of Rock and Roll, it was definitely Chuck Berry. In his debut album, Berry proves just this. In an era where most popular artists were not writing their own songs, Berry was. Each song from After School Session was written by him. The album includes several of his hits and rock and roll anthems including "School Days," "Too Much Monkey Business," and "Brown Eyed Hand Man." Berry's gritty, blues-driven and evoking guitar is heard throughout the album. His backing band, including of highly acclaimed musicians such as bassist Willie Dixon, pianist Johnnie Johnson and drummer Fred Below help to keep the energy and spirit going throughout the entire album.

 

  (Buy the Album here)

 

3. Gene Vincent- The Capitol Years

Gene Vincent was a rockabily and rock and roll legend. Unfortunately, his name was largely forgotten when it comes to listing them. Gene Vincent and His Blue Caps put out some of the most enduring, energetic rock and roll music I've ever heard. Their first two albums Bluejean Bop! and Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps are incredible. It may come as a shock to some, but I may take these two albums over Elvis' first two. It's not a definite statement, but I do find myself going back to The Blue Caps' albums more in terms of debut and sophomore albums. This album collection includes of all Vincent's work while he was on Capitol Recods. If I'm being honest, I don't listen to Vincent's other work included in the collection after the second album Similar to Elvis coming back from the army, Vincent develops a less raw, pop-oriented style that seemed to be made for commercial appeal rather than trying to keep authencity. It also didn't help that he lost one of the early great guitarist Cliff Gallup after the first two albums, whose guitar playing brought speed and uproar to the music.

 

 

  (Buy the Album here)