All he has to do is get some guest musicians, pick up his guitar, and let that magic voice of his take command. Never shocked us, but always pleased.

For their initial six-album run, the Eagles always cranked out some fantastic, laid back, country-tinged rock 'n' roll that never surprised much but always entertained. And it didn't change much even after all that time away from one another.

The Michael McDonald-led Doobie Brothers always gave some fantastic blue-eyed soul, occasionally were able to do some straight-ahead funk, and put out some fantastic pop-rock tunes.

When Jonathan Cain joined Journey starting on this album, they found the sound that would launch them into the stratosphere, and even after breaking up and reuniting once again they still have never been too far removed from the sound that was brought to life here.

The Sammy Hagar version of Van Halen was more artsy and pop-friendly, but the band kept the basic Van Halen sound intact.

After so long, it's great to know that Aerosmith are still able to keep blues-rock in style; they always had a knack for the occasional pop-rock hit, but even that had their traditional sound intact.

From this album on, Slayer's standard formula was born: tune a half step down, crank out some thrash riffs and solos, shout out stuff that'll piss off Pat Robertson and those people, pound the heck outta the drums. And you know what? Me and the rest of their fanbase LOVE it!

Swords and Sorcery power metal in it's rawest and most pure form. Joacim's soaring voice coupled with the thick dual guitar attack of Stefan and whichever other guitarist is on board always makes for a good time.