The Cult - Electric (1987)

I thought I should start with one I know, I know this one back to front. This album, The Cult's 3rd, is arguably their best, although it was at the time controversial as it was a complete departure from their 2 previous releases. Electric is what it says on the label, Electric, pure Electric. It gallops (not in the Iron Maiden sense) along at full speed dropping a couple of timeless songs along way. In the lower parts it is 7 out of 10 level hard rock that is fun & catchy, but at for more than half of the album the songs are unforgettable jams that show off the unmistakable Cult nuances; Ian Astbury's bluesy rasp & unreplicatable snarls; Billy Duffy's strong Gibson Les Paul tones & slightly punk influenced riffs; all tied together with pure (not to little, but definitely not too much) production, solid songwriting & (too steal from Wikipedia) "pseudo-mysticism" permeating their lyrics. Overall an essential for any Metalhead willing to try out something less harsh, Rock fans who are not afraid of rocking Hard & the occasional Punk who doesn't mind if the singer is absolutely pissed off ... or just pissed.

Best Tracks: Wild Flower, Electric Ocean, Bad Fun, Love Removal Machine, Outlaw & Memphis Hip Shake