This English punk rock band formed in 1976 with Joe Strummer on lead vocals and guitar, Mick Jones on lead guitar and vocals, drummer Nicky Headon, and bassist Paul Simonon.
The band debuted on July 4, 1976 at the Black Swan (Boardwalk) along with the Sex Pistols.
"London Calling" was the third studio album released by the Clash in 1979 and became certified platinum in 1996. The title is a reference to the World War II BBC World Service's station identification.
The band broke up in 1986.
2. The Cars
Answer: Candy-O
Boston-based new-wave rock band, The Cars, formed in 1976. The original band members included Ric Ocasek, vocals and rhythm guitar, Ben Orr, bass guitar and vocals, David Robinson, drums, Elliot Easton, lead guitar, and Greg Hawkes, keyboard.
Although "Candy-O" was the band's second album, it was more successful than their debut album "The Cars". "Let's Go" was released in 1979 as the debut single from "Candy-O".
The Cars disbanded in 1988.
3. The Police
Answer: Synchronicity
The Police had a successful run from 1977 to 1986. They reunited for a reunion tour in 2007, although three members had gone on to have solo careers prior to that. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.
The trio of talented musicians included lead singer Gordon Sumner, better known as Sting, Stewart Copeland on percussion and drums, and Andy Summer, guitar.
Considered to be one of the first new-wave bands to achieve success, their music consisted of a blend of jazz, reggae, and punk.
Although "Synchronicity" was not their first album, it has been their best selling album. At one point it went to number one in the UK, Australia, Canada, Italy, and the U.S. "Every Breath You Take" is the well-known single from this album, although it does have dark lyrics.
4. The White Stripes
Answer: White Blood Cells
Jack White and Meg White formed their duo in 1997 in Detroit. While claiming to be brother and sister, they are not related. They were married at one point and later divorced. Jack provides vocals and plays guitar while Meg plays drums.
The duo's success came from fusing punk and rockabilly. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1999. Their third album, "White Blood Cells", was released in 2001 and was a commercial and critical success.
In 2011 Jack and Meg White decided not to continue as The White Stripes. Jack has since forged a solo career.
5. My Chemical Romance
Answer: The Black Parade
Some bands break up due to creative differences. For others it's just their time and they want to go out while still on top. My Chemical Romance fits into the latter. As of 2013 they are no longer together as a band.
Formed in New Jersey in 2001 soon after the 9/11 attacks, the original band consisted of brothers Gerard and Mikey Way, Ray Toro, and Frank Iero. Gerard was lead vocalist, his brother Mikey played bass, Ray played lead guitar while Frank played rhythm guitar.
Their rock opera, "Black Parade", was a commercial success. In fact the single, "Welcome to the Black Parade", became their first number one hit on the U.K. Singles Chart.
6. Led Zeppelin
Answer: Physical Graffiti
This very successful English rock band formed in 1968. The band was originally known as the New Yardbirds. They successfully fused heavy metal, hard rock, blues rock and folk rock.
Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Bonham, and John Paul Jones were the founding members. Page played guitar, Plant provided vocals and lyrics, Bonham played drums and Jones played keyboard and bass.
Drummer Jon Bonham died in 1980 and Led Zeppelin disbanded, although the remaining musicians continued on as solo artists or performed with other musicians.
Although the album "Physical Graffiti" came out in 1975 and showcased a range of musical styles, it was the song "Stairway to Heaven" from their album "Led Zeppelin IV" that is considered to be one of the all-time greatest rock songs.
7. Nirvana
Answer: Nevermind
Nirvana was a grunge band that formed in the state of Washington in 1987. Kurt Cobain sang vocals and played guitar, Dave Grohl played drums, and Krist Novoselic played bass.
Seattle-based bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam provided a bridge between mainstream 1980s heavy metal-hard rock, and postpunk alternative rock. Their sound was distinctive.
"Nevermind" was one of the more successful albums of 1991. Its cover of a baby
floating under water, a dollar bill dangling in front of it, is memorable. The single from the album,"Smells Like Teen Spirit", could be Cobain's social commentary on the angst of teenage years.
Nirvana disbanded after the death of Cobain in 1994.
8. The Smiths
Answer: Meat is Murder
The life of a successful rock band has its rewards. However, sometimes bands break up after years of success. Grueling schedules, constant publicity, excessive drug use, and personality conflicts between managers and/or band members all contribute to the breakup of a band.
Such was the case with the English band The Smiths. They were together only five years, 1982-1987. The band members didn't get along. Other factors included Rourke's heroine addiction and royalty disputes among band members.
Members included vocalist Morrissey, guitarist Johnny Marr, drummer Mike Joyce and bassist Andy Rourke.
Their debut album, "The Smiths", reached a respectable number two on the U.K. charts. Their second album, "Meat is Murder", was released in 1985. It was their only album to reach number one on the U.K. charts. The album title refers to the fact that Morrissey is pro-vegetarian.
9. Talking Heads
Answer: Speaking in Tongues
This innovative and sometimes quirky rock band formed in 1975 with David Byrne on vocals and guitar, Chris Frantz on drums, Tina Weymouth on bass, and keyboardist Jerry Harrison. Byrne did much of the songwriting for the band.
Talking Heads was successful right from the start. They came on the scene at just the right time to help usher in a new sound; new wave. New wave music encompassed a variety of styles, including punk, pop, and electronic music. The use of synthesizers was a big part of the new wave sound.
David Byrne, a former art student, designed the cover of "Speaking in Tongues".
It was released in 1983 and featured the song "Burning Down the House", a mix of
new wave and funk.
Talking Heads broke up in 1991.
10. Oasis
Answer: Definitely Maybe
Oasis formed in Manchester, England in 1991 with original members Liam Gallagher, Tony McCarroll, Paul McGuigan, and Paul Arthurs. Liam's brother, Noel, joined later. The band was originally called the Rain before it was changed to Oasis.
Unfortunately, for this band, the fighting between the brothers escalated over the years. Drug use, accusations of plagiarism, and a revolving door of band members also contributed to their breakup in 2009.
"Definitely Maybe", released in 1994, was the band's debut album and was both a commercial and critical success. Noel Gallagher wrote the hit single from the album "Live Forever" before he joined Oasis. The lyrics are more upbeat than the dark lyrics representative of grunge bands.
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