The Lost Soul's favorite albums #50-46

*This is just a notice. This is not a "best album" list, but rather a "favorite album" list. There is a difference. I don't think that all of these albums would be great for everyone. These are simply what I listen to the most because I enjoy them the most. Got it? Good. Also this list will not include live albums or greatest hit packages.

With that out of the way, here we go!

#50. Images and Words - Dream Theater (1992)

This is the most recent addition to my list, not by year, but of my approval. I used to not like Dream Theater much. I had only heard their Train of Thought album, which is not their best. This one is more prog rock, less noodly metal. It's got some very pretty songs on it. It's only their second album too, and their first with James Labrie.

Best Songs - Surrounded, Pull Me Under, and Learning To Live


#49. The Grand Illusion - Styx (1977)

I've had this album in various forms since I was about twelve. There's not one song on here I don't like. Some are stronger than the others, or else it'd be in the top 20. When someone talks about "art rock", they are probably referring to an album like this. Sort of prog-rock lite.

Best Songs - Fooling Yourself (Angry Young Man), Man In The Wilderness, and Castle Walls

#48. Destiny - Stratovarius (1998)

Most have probably not heard of this band. They are a Finnish power metal group. This album is from their heyday. It's the most progressive release, although I had a hard time picking between this and it's follow up, Infinite. Lots of feeling in these songs, along with some playful keyboard and guitar work. It's a dark-sounding album, musically, but lyrically it's pretty hopeful.

Best Songs - Destiny, No Turning Back, and Anthem of The World

#47. Argus - Wishbone Ash (1972)

This is an album that's been scandalously forgotten by most of the world. It's Wishbone Ash's only great album, and it inspired countless bands (Iron Maiden and Thin Lizzy to name two). It's one of the first albums to have twin guitar harmonies, and nowhere else on the album is two guitar brought to better effect than on Throw Down The Sword, which has two beautiful guitar solos going on at the same time, playing two different things, but converging in the middle, just to split again afterwards.

Best Songs - Throw Down The Sword, Time Was, and The King Will Come

#46. Van Halen II - Van Halen (1979)

To be truthful, the first four Van Halen albums are pretty equal in my view, but I listen to this one a lot. It's short, it's excellently played, and experimental. What more could I ask for? The cover of You're No Good is superb, and Dance The Night Away is their best pop type song.

Best Songs - Light Up The Sky, You're No Good, Dance The Night Away