“What are the greatest rock albums of all-time?” Perhaps one of the more common questions examined between music-loving chums that has led to many a good-natured debate. But if you really dig deeper into the question...is it from the standpoint of the album’s importance in rock history? A classic release that proved significant to an artist’s career? Or perhaps merely a personal favorite, that you just can’t get enough of?

Rock writer/author Greg Prato took all three of these pointers into consideration while painstakingly whittling it down to 50 entries for A+ Albums: The Stories Behind 50 Rock Classics (Vol. I), 1970-1982; plus 50 more for A+ Albums: The Stories Behind 50 Rock Classics (Vol. II), 1982-2000.

The set-up is simple–set in chronological order vis-à-vis release date, each entry contains a brief artist history, where the album fits in their history, an analyzation of the material, and in most cases, quotes from either the artist or someone associated with the recording and/or a renowned admirer (as well as chart placements and certifications, where applicable).

It’s time to discover, learn more about, or become reacquainted with some of the very best rock recordings of all-time via A+ Albums: The Stories Behind 50 Rock Classics (Vol. I), 1970-1982...with Greg Prato as your guide!