In a recent episode of AXS TV’s Vinyl Obsession podcast, renowned guitarist John 5 shared his top five favorite vinyl records of all time, showcasing his eclectic taste in music. The podcast hosts presented John 5 with the challenge of selecting his all-time favorite records at The Record Parlour in Los Angeles, a task that proved to be both nostalgic and revealing. Many of the albums he selected were ones that had a profound influence on him during his formative years, leaving an indelible mark on his musical journey and career.

John 5’s selections reflect a diverse musical palette that spans hard rock, progressive rock, and even folk influences, illustrating the rich tapestry of sounds that have shaped his artistry. He provided captivating insights into each record’s significance in his life, so continue reading to discover his choices. Quotes from John 5 accompany each album cover to provide further context and depth.

Discover The Monkees’ Debut Album: John 5’s Fond Memories of The Monkees (1966)

John 5 fondly reminisces about his childhood admiration for The Monkees, particularly their debut self-titled album, which he first encountered as a young fan of their television show. His version of the record was a special mail-away that marked a significant moment in his early musical experiences. The excitement he felt for the band was palpable, as he described them as “heroes” from his youth. Years later, he had the opportunity to see Peter Tork and Micky Dolenz perform live, which was a dream come true for him.

Reflecting on the impact of this album, John 5 highlighted how The Monkees’ catchy melodies and playful lyrics resonated with him, cementing their place in his heart and influencing his musical style. Their blend of humor and music made a lasting impression, and he cherishes the joy their songs brought him during his formative years.

Exploring the Depths of Pink Floyd’s Visionary Rock Opera: The Wall (1979)

John 5 chose Pink Floyd’s iconic rock opera The Wall as his second favorite, noting its profound impact on his musical sensibilities. This groundbreaking album, which is their eleventh studio release, offers a unique auditory experience that is both immersive and emotionally charged. John 5 expressed how the album’s production and storytelling resonate with him, evoking vivid imagery that reflects his love for visual storytelling in music.

He also shared a memorable anecdote about watching the film adaptation of The Wall (1982), describing how it left him feeling “freaked out” and overwhelmed, to the point of feeling unwell after the screening. John 5 emphasized that the simplicity of the album cover belies the profound themes and complex emotions expressed within the music, proving that sometimes less is more when it comes to artistic expression.

Joni Mitchell’s Blue: A Deep Dive Into Emotional Storytelling (1971)

John 5 recalls being enchanted by Joni Mitchell’s deeply personal album Blue during his childhood, thanks to his sisters’ fondness for her music. He was particularly captivated by the haunting melodies and poignant lyrics that explore themes of love and heartache. The songs “California” and “My Old Man” stood out to him as powerful narratives that vividly depict life experiences and emotions.

His admiration for Mitchell’s songwriting is evident as he stated, “All these songs were things that happened in her life… It’s unbelievable.” This connection to genuine storytelling through music has influenced his own approach to songwriting, as he aims to evoke similar feelings of authenticity and depth in his work.

KISS’s Love Gun: The Unforgettable Impact of Rock’s Icons (1977)

At just seven years old, John 5 experienced the release of KISS’s sixth album, Love Gun, which left a lasting impression on him. He vividly remembers being entranced by a promotional display for the album in a Sears store, despite not knowing who KISS was at the time. The striking visuals of the album art sparked a curiosity that would grow into a lifelong passion for rock music.

John 5 noted that many musicians shared a similar experience, often recalling KISS’s Destroyer as their gateway into rock music. He fondly reminisced about a childhood belief that whenever he heard KISS on the radio, the band was actually performing live from the radio station, highlighting the magic and allure their music held for him.

The Groundbreaking Sound of Van Halen: A Game Changer in Rock Music (1978)

John 5’s admiration for Van Halen’s self-titled debut album is rooted in its groundbreaking sound, which he discovered after learning that Gene Simmons had produced it. This revelation piqued his interest, and upon listening, he experienced a musical revelation due to the album’s innovative guitar work and energetic performances. He expressed that this album provided him with the most significant shock in terms of sound and style, fundamentally changing his perspective on rock music.

By the time he experienced the album, John 5 had already taken up the guitar, yet Eddie Van Halen’s extraordinary guitar skills left an undeniable impact on him. He acknowledged, “Without these four guys, it wouldn’t be the same,” illustrating the profound influence Van Halen had on generations of musicians, including himself. To delve deeper into John 5’s thoughts about these iconic artists and their music, check out the video version of the podcast episode provided below.

Explore John 5’s Top 5 Favorite Records That Shaped His Musical Journey