Rolling Stone's 500 "Greatest Albums" Part 26 Quiz

Answer: Steady

Number 250: Buzzcocks, "Singles Going Steady".

Released in 1979, "Singles" collected eight British 45s into what "Rolling Stone" called: "...a perfect punk album". It was also the first time that American ears got to hear the Bolton, Lancashire, punk rockers on vinyl. Side one contained the band's A singles and side two their B sides. It was released as a 'greatest hits' collection in the UK in 1981.

"Punk energy with catchy tunes" was how Robert Denselow categorised a Buzzcocks concert in the "Guardian" in 1978. Indeed, the Buzzcocks were in the forefront of the punk charge in the UK in the 1970s. While punk rockers seemed to be angry all the time at their mainstream brethren, the Buzzocks were more relaxed, citing David Bowie and Beat writer William Burroughs as inspirations.

Answer: Whitney

Whitney Houston - 'the queen of pop' - had a voice unlike any other, Atrteyi Banerji wrote in "Far Out" magazine in 2021, adding "To this day, Whitney Houston's artistic genius remains unparalleled, and her compelling voice continues to be cherished amongst a wide range of audience, including the younger generations." But it was a career and a life that was all too brief. Houston's demons caught up with her and she died in 2012 at the age 49.

The self-titled album was released in 1985 and topped the album charts in the USA, Canada and Australia. It reached number two in the UK. The album also contained three of Houston's 11 Hot 100 number ones.

Answer: Idiot

"American Idiot" was the seventh album from East Bay, California punk rockers Green Day. It was a chart topper around the world, hitting the number one spot in Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA, among others.

The trio that made up Green Day were, though, no idiots and were to have a huge influence from those who followed their 1985 'birth'. And they did not have a short shelf life, unlike some others. Writing in 'New Musical Express' in 2016, Leonie Cooper called them "...the greatest living punk band" and added: "Most excellent punk bands - The Clash, Black Flag, the Sex Pistols, Minor Threat, The Ramones, Fugazi, Operation Ivy - burned briefly but brightly" but Green Day created their own longevity through "making properly decent tunes".

Answer: Deluxe

The band called Sade got together in 1982 and took their name from lead singer Sade Adu. In 1992, "Love Deluxe" was their fourth album. It reached number 10 on the UK albums chart and number three on the Billboard 200. "Love Deluxe" featured the Grammy-winning single "No Ordinary Love".

In a band and as as solo artist, Sade, birth name Helen Folasade Adu, was known for a smooth singing style and a sophisticated blend of soul, funk, and jazz.

Answer: Mama

Released in 1990, "Mama Said Knock You Out" was the fourth album from the rapper born James Todd Smith in New York City. It reached number two on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop albums charts. The professional name comes from "Ladies Love Cool James".

The album was a huge success and it also sparked an acting career. As a singer he won two Grammys.

Answer: Heaven

Springing out of Grangemouth, Scotland, alternative rocker the Cocteau Twins released their sixth album "Heaven or Las Vegas" in 1990. It reached number seven in the UK. In the spirit of 'family bands', neither of the original duo were related. In addition, they were a trio for most of their 20 years together and their parting was not altogether amicable.

The critics loved the band. One described lead vocalist Liz Frazer as having "the voice of God".

Answer: Heartbreak

In 2008, "808s & Heartbreak" was the fourth album from Atlanta, Georgia, rapper Kanye West. It topped the Billboard 200. In rap music '808' is a reference to the Roland TR-808 drum machine, and to a type of beat.

The album marked a divergence from the musical route West had previously travelled and this was one that did not convince some critics.

Answer: Oracle

In 1968 St Albans, Hertfordshire rockers The Zombies released "Odessey and Oracle" as their second LP. It failed to chart and the band had split by the time of the release in any case.

In the "Guardian" in 2008, Alexis Petridis wrote the album was "...one of rock history's great what-ifs. It was an achievement to rival anything the summer of love produced, but recorded by a band whose moment had passed, and whose singer celebrated its release by becoming an insurance clerk. It never stood a chance."

Answer: Loaded

The Velvet Underground got together in New York City in 1964. In 1970, "Loaded" was their fourth album and the last with Lou Reed at lead vocals. It failed to chart.

Velvet Underground were much misunderstood in the 1960s - indeed they did not seem to care. Yet their legacy has stood the test of time. Greg Kot, writing for 'BBC Music' shortly after the death of Lou Reed, was of the view that the Velvet Underground were as important and influential as The Beatles. He wrote: "...in strictly musical terms, the Velvets - Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison, Maureen Tucker and, later, Doug Yule - were new rock's future."

Answer: Lines

In 1991, "Blue Lines" was the debut album from Bristol, England, electronic band Massive Attack. It reached number two on the UK R&B Albums charts.

Massive Attack were among the first British bands to rap in their own dialect - what they produced became known as "trip-hop" with a distinct reggae feel. The band also had a strong environmental ethos.