The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees are an interesting bunch this year, all top-notch groups and artists overdue for entry. Since each are a bit older, if you haven't checked out these albums by these classic artists, there's no better time than right now. Or at the very least, you have until the November ceremony. Here are the best albums from the inductees in 2022.
Though the signature Pat Benatar track 'Hit Me With Your Best Shot' elevates Crimes of Passion on its own, the rest of the album has most of the singer's best deep cuts. The uniquely dark 'Hell Is For Children' is the obvious standout, but the rocking 'Never Wanna Leave You' and 'Treat Me Right' are also highlights.
Another album supremely elevated by its signature single (in this case, it's the era-defining 'Hungry Like The Wolf'), but the varied yet singular groove across the whole album is untouchable. Not every song is a winner by itself, but the journey of Rio is a thrilling portrait of its time.
With a great list of classic rappers recently inducted, Eminem was clearly only a short ways behind. His popularity and talent is unquestionable, but don't sleep on the artistic statement of The Marshall Mathers LP, which pairs his shocking darkness with emotional depth for a remarkable record and once fanciful and personal.
The self-titled single is an essential, and the sound was unlike anything else for its time. A radio-ready bunch of songs that had a dark chill were warmed by Annie Lennox's thrilling voice. You can hear the Eurythmics sound to this day in electronic-based music.
Parton became the most notable entry on the list because she asked to be removed from the ballot, stating she did not believe she deserved it yet. This request was ignored, and now we get an excuse to listen to this legitimately perfect country record.
While no one would say Lionel Richie's Can't Slow Down rocks, per se, it was the best and most popular R&B album at the time, with slight variety throughout that made everyone like it. 'All Night Long (All Night)' was groovy, catchy, and instantly iconic, 'Running With The Night' felt dynamic and epic, and the ballads were far less cheesy and easier to take seriously than most others in adult contemporary music.
The album has 'You're So Vain'... need I say more? Also, this song, which does not deserve to be forgotten.
The induction ceremony is set for November 2022 on HBO.