The other day I was walking around the hardware store where I work when the song “As” by Stevie Wonder came over the radio. I smiled because I remember playing that over and over on the cassette player. I think I played that whole recording so much I wore out the cassettes.
That got me wondering what other albums made such in impact on me that I might have worn them out, also. This is my list, in no particular order. You can tell that it dates me rather well, but this is my list, not yours! However, if you’d like to tell me about some of the albums you wore out and why, I’d like to hear about it.
1. 
Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder. It is hard to put into words the sheer brilliance of Stevie Wonder. Many consider this album his finest work, and I would have to agree.
2. Paris – Supertramp. One of the best live albums I ever heard. The lyrics and astounding chord patterns still amaze me. I found it interesting to learn this was Princess Diana’s favorite group.
3. That’s the Way of the World – Earth, Wind and Fire. Maurice White, Philip Bailey, the Phoenix Horns. Enough said.
4. Graceland – Paul Simon. This was the album I listened to walking on the beach while wondering what I wanted to do with my life. I’m still trying to figure out why a girl would have diamonds on the soles of her shoes.
5. Joshua Tree – U2. The song “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” spoke volumes to me when I was contemplating going into the monastery. I figure if a successful Bono could make that statement, so could I.
6. Close to the Edge – Yes. “And You And I” remains one of my all-time favorite songs.
7. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John. This album came out when I was in Junior High and simply astounded me. That one person could write so many different songs for one album was beyond my comprehension. I bought the songbook and learned to play “Funeral For A Friend” on the piano.
8. Secret Story – Pat Metheny. I listened to this album over and over after the break-up of a relationship. It seems Pat wrote most of this album after a break up. The haunting song “The Truth Will Always Be” still moves me.
9. The Koln Concert – Keith Jarrett. The best-selling solo album in jazz history and the all-time best-selling piano album. Recorded before a live audience, this is a completely improvised recording. I’m still trying to figure out how he does some of the things he does on the piano.
10. Hymns to the Silence – Van Morrison. Van was anything but silent in this very personal and spiritual album. “Take me back, take me way back….”
Thinking Out Loud 
What’s an album? Haha Just kidding, my step dad had a HUGE album collection…. I grew up to Jackson Brown, Earth Wind and Fire, Billy Joel and Genesis! Have agreat weekend, and thanks for sharing your fun side!
Tiffany,
I should probably do a “Wore Out Part 2” to include Genesis, Seawind, 2nd Chapter of Acts. Bob Seger, Boz Scaggs, Flim and the BB’s (bet you haven’t hear of them!) and even Chuck Berry!
I wore out Yessongs, which had a live recording of Close To the Edge, along with other songs. I also wore out “Yellow Brick Road.” My copy of The Joshua Tree is a CD…I would have worn that out, too. But my top album that I wore out would still have to be “Horrendous Disc,” by Daniel Amos. It may very well be my favorite album of all time.
Jeff,
Yessongs was probably one of their best live albums. I still like to listen to them, and try to keep up with Rick Wakeman, who is a Christian. A bit of trivia — Rick was the piano player on Cat Steven’s recording of “Mornings is Broken.” I did wear out Sweet Comfort Band’s first album, but that was because I used to see them in Thousand Oaks, CA before that album came out.
Wakeman played on “Morning Has Broken?” Wow. I did not know that. I did know that he had become a Christian, but I haven’t heard much from him in recent years. I love the excerpt from his “Six Wives” that is on Yessongs!
Yes. Try this link. And, once you know it’s Wakeman, you can hear his style. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLO-zuV4LrQ&feature=related
You know what’s funny? As soon as I read your comment, I could “hear” it. I didn’t even have to listen to it. I recalled the piano work and though, “yep, that WAS Wakeman, wasn’t it??” That’s really crazy! Thanks for that revelation.
Jeff,
I did the same thing. As soon as I was told, I knew it. It makes me wonder why I didn’t hear it soon. Also, it makes for a GREAT trivia question. Especially for Yes fans.