• AOL
  • MAIL
    • You might also like: 
    • Music | 
    • Movies | 
    • TV | 
    • Celebrity News
    •  and More
    Sign In / Register
Spinner
  • Main
  • Spinner RPM
  • Features
    • The Hit List
    • Spinner Interview
    • Tributes & Essays
    • Music Appreciation
  • Songs
    • Free MP3 of the Day
    • Play Full Albums Free
  • Videos
    • The Interface
    • Sessions
    • Video of the Day
    • All Videos
  • Radio
    • AOL Radio
    • AOL Radio Toolbar
    • Shoutcast
  • AOL Music Sites
    • The Boot
    • The BoomBox
    • Noisecreep
    • AOL Music Blog
  • SXSW
  • Send Feedback
  • Katherine McPhee

    Watch Katharine McPhee Sessions
  • Sugarland

    Watch Sugarland's Sexy Duet With Matt Nathanson
  • Beyonce

    Get Beyonce News
  • Katy Perry

    Read Latest on Katy Perry
  • Ringo Starr

    Read Ringo Starr Interview
  • Jill Janus of Huntress

    Huntress Reveal Debut Album Art
  • Kellie Pickler

    Read Kellie Pickler Interview
  • Chris Brown

    Chris Brown 'Wins' Unwelcome Award

Spinner Exclusives

  • The Interface - Live Performances
  • Listening Parties - New CDS for Free
  • Spinner Radio
  • Listening Parties - New CDS for Free

Features

  • Best Songs 2011
  • Top Albums of 2011
  • Sad Songs
  • Music Geeks in Film
  • Best Opening Lyrics

All Categories

  • Monthly Mixtape(1)
  • A Day in the Life(5)
  • All About Jazz(96)
  • Awards(233)
  • Free MP3 Download of the Day(1674)
  • Around the World(205)
  • Between the Notes(36)
  • Book Club(94)
  • Celebrity Doppelganger(18)
  • Clash of the Cover Songs(49)
  • Coming Out Stories(23)
  • Concerts and Tours(6846)
  • Count Five(83)
  • Exclusive(5980)
  • Guest Blogger(133)
  • Holy Hell(1016)
  • I Fought the Law(111)
  • I Freakin' Love This Song(252)
  • In House(12)
  • Listen Up!(18)
  • Movies(424)
  • Music Appreciation(123)
  • New Music(862)
  • New Releases(615)
  • News(12276)
  • PhotoSynthesis(88)
  • Picture Book(31)
  • Politics as Usual(61)
  • Pop Culture(93)
  • Potent Quotables(776)
  • Q + A(493)
  • Quizzes & Trivia(6)
  • R.I.P.(454)
  • Road Report(61)
  • Rock Almanac(366)
  • Rock Hall(44)
  • RPM(263)
  • Spinner Says(16)
  • Spinner Interview(212)
  • Television(245)
  • The Chum Bucket(777)
  • The Hit List(1388)
  • Twisted Tales(194)
  • Video(1785)
  • Video of the Day(1225)
  • What's That Song?(134)

10 Eponymous Albums Worthy of Their Name

  • Posted   by Spinner Staff
  • Comments
Email This

When an act names an album after itself, it's often introducing itself to the world, signaling a rebirth or telling fans that this record is its magnum opus. Either that, or they're just not very good at titles. Some ('The Byrds') have failed to live up to their creator's name, while others ('Christina Aguilera') have accurately signaled the birth of a star. (By the way, R.E.M.'s 'Eponymous' doesn't count -- that's a title.) And acts with multiple self-titled discs (Weezer, Peter Gabriel) are just trying to confuse us. That said, here are our favorites:

Wilco'Wilco' (2009)

Not only did these indie rockers give us a self-titled album -- which they jokingly called 'Wilco (The Album)' -- they also gave us the single 'Wilco (The Song),' which kicks off this collection of catchy, feel-good tunes. After 15 years and seven studio albums, it was a gutsy move to finally go self-referring on us. But, like its predecessor, 'Sky Blue Sky,' 'Wilco' prove that rock is not entirely dead -- and that we don't have to keep dusting off old '60s acts to keep it hobbling along.



Van Halen'Van Halen' (1978)

This album set a standard for what an eponymous album should be: As a debut, it introduced the band to the world, and it featured several great songs that would lay the groundwork for the band's signature sound -- at least during the David Lee Roth years. Songs like 'Eruption,' 'Jamie's Cryin'' and 'Running With the Devil' embraced rock 'n' roll excess with Roth's confident, sex-charged vocals, reminding us that it's all in the name of fun. They even added muscle to what was already a great song -- 'You Really Got Me.'



Madonna'Madonna' (1983)

While 'Like a Virgin' better defines Madonna's music, this record kicked off the influential pop maven's career while setting the standard for dance pop. Not long after the death of disco, Madonna proved you could still do dance tunes by adding an '80s twist. Synth-led hits like 'Borderline' and 'Lucky Star' distanced themselves from disco just enough to make us think it wasn't disco. Meanwhile, this record and its follow-up helped MTV become the arbiter of pop culture for more than a decade.



Eagles'Eagles' (1972)

Though groups like the Byrds and Poco had blended country with rock before, the Eagles would take it further, starting with this debut disc. Sure, there were some duds -- 'Tryin'' and 'Earlybird' -- but it also spawned tunes ('Take It Easy,' 'Witchy Woman,' 'Peaceful Easy Feeling') that would forever be identified with the band's early success. Featuring a collection of lead singers, this album gave us a sampling of those great "ooooh" and "aaaaah" harmonies that would typify Eagles music through the '70s.



Buddy Holly'Buddy Holly' (1958)

Songs like 'Peggy Sue' and 'Rave On' created a huge impression on the Beatles, which should be enough to consider this a masterpiece. Also, timeless songs like 'Everyday' set Holly apart from his '50s contemporaries, making us think he might have actually survived the transition to the psychedelic '60s -- if he grew his hair long and ditched the nerd glasses in favor of funky shades. This was the last studio album of Holly songs released during the pioneering rocker's life.



Ramones'Ramones' (1976)

This debut record is considered by most to be the first punk album. Yet, unlike many to follow, it featured pop sensibilities, making it accessible to to both the guy with the attitude and the guy with the Beemer. The group's loose, garage-band sound defied the slick production of the supergroups that dominated the era, proving a song ('Blitzkrieg Bop') didn't have to be complicated to be sublime. And while punk would give mainstream a studded finger, this record gave nods to girl groups, early rock and surf music. Now that's punk.



Boston'Boston' (1976)

This debut album was also the band's best, featuring an arena rock sound with layered melodies, seemingly inhuman harmonies and spacey guitar riffs. The first side of the album ('More Than a Feeling,' 'Peace of Mind,' 'Foreplay/Long Time') represented an all-star lineup, but the second side was no slouch. Tom Scholz, a successful mechanical engineer before he became a rocker, created a signature sound, recording much of this album in his basement.




Genesis'Genesis' (1983)

The band's official rebirth occurred when its drummer, Phil Collins, took over lead singing duties from the departed Peter Gabriel in the late '70s. But this album appropriately marked the apex of the band's commercial career -- one that saw a transformation from weird prog rock to mainstream pop. This album was at times dark ('Mama'), at times silly ('Illegal Alien') and at times rocking ('Just a Job to Do'). But Gabriel beat his former mates in the eponymous category -- he had four self-titled records before Genesis had its first.



Fleetwood Mac'Fleetwood Mac' (1975)

The band already had one eponymous LP. But seven years later, the group had changed so drastically, it made sense to have a second. The original 'Fleetwood Mac' was a psychedelic blues album. The second, featuring new bandmates Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, was a masterpiece of polished pop, showcasing three diverse songwriters who all contributed lead vocals. Great from start to finish, this album not only paved the way for the mega-hit 'Rumours,' it's as good if not better.



The Beatles'The Beatles' (1968)

Universally referred to as the White Album, many don't even think of this as eponymous. Released a year after 'Sgt. Pepper,' it was problematic for some critics who had difficulty with an album of solo tracks disguised as Beatles tunes. Still, even if you hate 10 of the songs, that leaves 20 you could love. Sure, the band members were heading their own ways. But that's why this album was so diverse, with songs giving nods to the avant-garde ('Revolution 9'), vaudeville ('Honey Pie') and hard rock ('Helter Skelter'), just to cite a few examples.

  • Filed under: The Hit List
  • Email This

All the AOL Music info you want to know

Bon Iver + the Roots Turn 'Perth' Into…

Spinner

NBC Well, this is surprising. Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, the man who could not…

Miranda Lambert's Cause for the Paws…

The Boot

Rick Diamond, Getty Images for CMT Due to its growing size, Miranda Lambert's…

Wale 'Slight Work' Video: Chris…

The Boombox

Prince Williams | Chris McKay, Getty As The BoomBox previously reported, Wale…

See all AOL Music »

Add a Comment

Sign in »
*0 / 3000 Character Maximum
64

74 Comments

Filter by:
inertia:creeps

What about GARBAGE (1995), BLUR (1997), GORILLAZ (2001), and ORBITAL (1991, 1993)? All fabulous albums...

May 27 2010 at 11:25 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Muttley

ahem...Black Sabbath...thank you.

January 13 2010 at 3:28 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Paul

What about" Elvis Presley" the title of his 1st LP. He also had his second LP called "ELVIS"

December 16 2009 at 8:27 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
BeatleJEB

What about "The Poop-Eaters"? That's the greatest album I've ever listened too.

December 16 2009 at 10:48 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Steve

Asia

December 16 2009 at 10:35 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Hairy P P

What about some DEVO????

December 16 2009 at 10:29 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
mark richardson

what about them?

December 16 2009 at 10:20 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
david bartley

Boston Pretenders Jeff Beck Group Cars

December 16 2009 at 10:09 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
harry

HOW ABOUT ELVIS 1ST ALBUM........IF IT WASNT FOR ELVIS, NONE OF THESE PEOPLE WOULD HAVE MADE IT.... LIKE JOHN LENNON SAID----BEFORE ELVIS THERE WAS NOTHING... AS A TEENAGER THE ONLY MUSIC WE HAD WAS OUR PARENTS. WHEN ELVIS CAME THOUSANDS OF RADIO STATIONS CHANGED THEIR FORMAT TO WHAT US KIDS WANTED....STORES STARTED SELLING RECORDS AND RECORD PLAYERS...IMAGINE BEING IN YOUR EARLY TEENS AND THATS ALL YOU HAD FOR MUSIC. ELVIS CHANGED EVERYTHING... THAT IS WHY EVEN TODAY 33 YEARS AFTER HE DIED THREE QUARTERS OF A MILLION PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD GO TO GRACELAND.. TELL ME ANYONE THAT HAPPENS TO EVEN A YEAR OR SO AFTER THEY DIE...NO-ONE CAN COMPARE NOR EVER WILL..

December 16 2009 at 10:07 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to harry's comment
ROCKIN

AMEN----TELLS IT LIKE IT WAS AND STILL IS...........

December 16 2009 at 11:28 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
fattrucker@aol.com

just when I think I've seen the stupidest list on aol, they raise the bar!

December 16 2009 at 9:50 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Load more comments

Follow Us

  • Newsletter
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • RSS

Sign Up for Spinner's Newsletter! Get free MP3s, play a selection of each week's new albums free, read features, win sweet music swag and more!




  • Contact Us
  • Send News Tips
  • Advertise with Us

SIGN UP FOR SPINNER'S NEWSLETTER

  • Get free MP3s, play a selection of each week's new albums free, read features, win sweet music swag and more!

  • Sign Up!

AOL Radio

Listen to Slacker AOL Radio Now
play arrow
Top Indie - Today's best indie rock and pop
play arrow
Indie Rock Mix - A mix of new and old indie rock
play arrow
New Indie First - The latest in indie music
Online Radio Guide

Listen to Full CDs

  • Paul McCartney, 'Kisses on the Bottom'
  • Sharon Van Etten, 'Tramp'
  • AIR, 'Le Voyage Dans La Lune'
  • Bahamas, 'Barchords'
  • Band of Skulls, 'Sweet Sour'
  • Play More Albums Free

Most Popular

  • Katy Perry Divorce: With No Prenup How Much Will Russell Walk Away With?
    Like

    16

  • Can You Guess This Famous Face?
    Like

    11

  • Randy Travis Apologizes for Public Intoxication
    Like

    247

  • M.I.A., Fiance Benjamin Bronfman Split, Singer Rarely Sees Son -- Report
    Like

    54

  • It's Pink!
    Like

    5

  • Josh Powell's Last Words: 'I Am Not Able To Go On Anymore': Report
    Like

    956

  • Alori Joh Dead: Singer and Kendrick Lamar Affiliate Dies at 25
    Like

    98

  • American Heart Month: 17 Celebrities Who Faced Heart Problems
    Like

    18

  • Randy Travis Arrested in Texas
    Like

    241

  • Powell 911 Call Released: Cops Declare Investigation Of Missing Mom A Murder Case
    Like

    323

  • Thudda Boy Dead: Rapper Brondon McDaniel Dies From Gunshot Wound
    Like

    40

  • PHOTOS: Anti-Gay Protesters Getting Pwned
    Like

    2K

  • Chi Cheng Improving: Deftones Bassist Raises Leg After Three Years in Coma
    Like

    216

  • PHOTO: Miley Cyrus Wears Racy Garter Tights
    Like

    83

  • Can You Guess This Famous Face?
    Like

    6

  • Mia Farrow's Low-Key, Philanthropic Style
    Like

    7

  • Dead Man Found In Foreclosed Home Four Years Later
    Like

    1K

  • Laura Linney's Colorful Frocks
    Like

    9

  • The Best And Worst Burgers
    Like

    141

  • PHOTOS: Massive Whale Shark Reeled Into Harbor
    Like

    1K

  • Is Social Media Causing The Mystery Illness?
    Like

    1K

  • Lacrosse Player Accused Of Killing Ex-Girlfriend Emailed Her 'I Should Have Killed You'
    Like

    66

  • Powell Boys Suffered 'Chop Injuries' Before Explosion
    Like

    457

  • Prop 8, California's Same-Sex Marriage Ban, Declared Unconstitutional
    Like

    17K

  • Staten Island Mother Suing City For $900 Trillion
    Like

    2K

  • Freakish Fossil Upends Ideas About Origins Of Animal Life
    Like

    242

  • Missing Alaska Barista Had Filed Restraining Order Against Man
    Like

    275

  • Obama's Favorite Day As President?
    Like

    681

  • Werewolf Sisters Are Coated In Hair (PICTURES)
    Like

    1K

  • The 10 Biggest Sources Of Salt In Our Diets
    Like

    612

  • Good Things Come In Small Packages: Top Selling American Craft Breweries (PHOTOS)
    Like

    808

  • Post 50 Celebrity Dream Homes on the Market (PHOTOS)
    Like

    17

  • 'Dancing With The Stars' Season 14 Dream Casting
    Like

    53

Also on AOL

Quick Links

  • Slipknot Masks
  • Saddest Songs
  • Funny Music Videos
  • SXSW 2011

Also on AOL Music

  • Concert Tickets
  • Grammys 2012
  • Music Videos
  • New Music Releases

Blogs on AOL

  • Country Music
  • Hip Hop Music
  • Metal Music
  • Pop Music News

More on AOL

  • Best Lyrics
  • Best Metal Songs
  • Break Up Songs
  • Online Radio

More on AOL

  • Christmas Music
  • Classic Rock Songs
  • Best Songs of 2010
  • SHOUTcast

Help Links

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Trademarks
  • About Our Ads
  • Follow Spinner on Twitter
  • The Interface
  • Free MP3
  • Full CDs
  • RSS

Spinner.com © 2011 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved.