As I sit and ponder this question "What are the albums that changed your life", I thought it would be a lot harder than it actually was. To come up with only 5 albums for this list, with ALL the music that has come from the industry in my 5+ decades of life, it kind of just came to me. So let's delve into my list and let me know what you think. Just keep in mind, this isnt in a top 5 order, for those critics out there.
First album on the list is DEFINITELY Van Halen's 5150. This album came out in 1986, I was 16 years old at the time. Back in the day when it 
was all hanging out with friends, band practice, a part time job that I had to pay for gas, drum sticks, a dime bag or 3, and maybe some Mickey's big mouths on the weekend. This album holds a special place in my heart because when I hear it, it brings me back to cruisin in my Camaro, T tops off, and the way too loud stereo system blasting. It was the first album that Sammy sang on. It was different and changed the game for Van Halen. From the opening track Good Enough, to the 
last one, Inside, it's a solid album cover to cover. The title track, 5150, is the one that gets me. Just time machines me back to '86. Next one for me is Queensryche's "Operation Mindcrime". This album is PERFECTION from start to finish. Definitely one I would take to that notorious "deserted island" (NOT desert island for you grammar police). Released in early 1988, this album had an effect on me in more ways than just one. Not only was it an album I can listen to coast to coast, and on repeat, but is a concept album with a storyline. I mentioned band practice earlier in this. This is the album I warmed up to before the boys showed up to jam. Also used this one and Iron Maiden's "Live After Death" (honorable mention) when I practiced after school and on the weekends. For me, Queensryche was never the same to me when Tate left, but at least I had this to remember them by.
Another one that absolutely has to be on this list is "Welcome to Hell" by Venom. released in 1981, Venom is considered by many to be the first 
Black Metal band. My friend Steve introduced me to this band way back in the day and honestly, shifted my music listening habits towards the heavier music. The opening track on this banger "Sons of Satan", followed immediately by the title track "Welcome to Hell' just gets ya. And with names like Cronos, Mantas, and Abaddon... nuff said. I bought this one on vinyl and it makes it that much more special. I still have it kicking around here somewhere. Might have to dig it out and let the kiddo have it for his growing vinyl collection. This one is solid on this list. It's also the first album I bought with my own money (look at me being a big boy, big spender). I was 12 years old when this one came out in '82. I think it was paper route money or allowance. Either way I HAD to have this album. Judas Priest "Screaming For Vengeance". The air guitar was alive in the house for sure. The cover art alone on this one is one for the ages. From "The Hellion" right into "Electric Eye", right from the jump this album is metal gold. Halford isn't called The Metal God for no reason (who would have thought, 31 years later I would interview this dude. Thank you Ralph). I wore this album out, wore 2 cassettes out, and still have the CD I replaced them all with.
Now if you are still reading this, first off, sorry you KNOW I talk a lot so thanks for hanging in there. Ok last one. Let's give the nod to Type O 
Negative and their Bloody Kisses album. ANYTHING from Type O stands on its own.This one not only shot the band into the spotlight by going gold (first for the band AND Roadrunner Records), and eventually platinum.but pushed boundaries with their satirical takes on a lot of controversial subjects. I can remember playing Type O on WVCR ALL the time back when I was somewhat cool, and seeing them live at Saratoga Winners was something else. (I REALLY MISS THAT PLACE) RIP Pete. Well, there it is. It was fairly easy to put that list together, but there's probably 1000 more that I could swap in and out for. As subjective as this and others lists can be, one thing stands head and shoulders above all. Music has an effect on all of us in so many ways. Some use it for therapeutic reasons, some for motivation, others for simply background noise. Honestly there is no such thing as bad music. It's just a difference of opinion. Whatever your take is on these and every other album ever made, just keep the music coming and keep it alive. We need it. Cheers Fuzz
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