10 Albums That Changed My Life: John Corabi

John Corabi has often been referred to as a rock and roll journeyman but in truth he is a seasoned pro who has brought top quality vocals and musicianship to many groups over the years. Corabi boasts an extensive list of contributions to well-established acts such as Motley Crue (from 1992 to 1996, during the hiatus of original frontman Vince Neil) and Ratt (as a songwriter and guitarist). Additionally, he has contributed to Union and ESP (both featuring former Kiss lead guitarist Bruce Kulick), Twenty 4 Seven (alongside his former Ratt bandmate Bobby Blotzer), Cardboard Vampyres (with Alice In Chains’ Jerry Cantrell and The Cult guitarist Billy Duffy and bassist Chris Wyse) and Angel City Outlaws (with former Ratt bandmates Robbie Crane and Bobby Blotzer, as well as former Ratt guitarist Keri Kelli, whom he replaced in Ratt).

Last year, Corabi returned as the lead singer for guitarist David Lowy's supergroup The Dead Daisies and it wasn’t long before the band recorded new material in the studio, which resulted in this year’s full-length album, Light 'Em Up. The band is currently on an international tour, too. (See video below.)

In addition to his musical pursuits, Corabi has released his autobiography titled Horseshoes & Hand Grenades in 2022. The following are his 10 albums that changed his life.

The Beatles, Abbey Road 

Obviously, the songs on this record are nothing short of amazing, but, the reasons I love this record are A) Side 2 — The way they put together that collection of unfinished pieces of music, to make that amazing medley, to me is pure genius! And…B) — From a vocal point of view, McCartney’s vocals on “Oh Darling” and “Golden Slumbers” just completely astonished me. I didn’t know what I was hearing or feeling when I heard it, but I LOVED it!

KISS, Alive! 

A friend turned me onto this record. I heard “Rock And Roll All Nite” on the radio, but hadn’t seen the album artwork. My buddy had the record, and when I saw the cover, I was BLOWN AWAY! Next, we saw KISS on that tour, in Philadelphia at the convention center, and again their show was next level! At that point in my life it was all about KISS.

David Bowie, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

Again, another record that I was VISUALLY, as well as sonically, attracted to. David had such an “odd” approach to music, lyrics and visuals, as seen in songs like “Life on Mars,” “Oh! You Pretty Things!” and it was incredibly showcased on the Rise and Fall record. Songs like “Moonage Daydream,” “Suffragette City,” “Lady Stardust” and “Ziggy Stardust.” There’s not one "skip song" on the record; every song is brilliant lyrically and musically!

Led Zeppelin, IV 

This record to me is just a masterstroke of genius! How many bands can write a record like this, and intentionally not put their name on it — no photos of the band members, no singles, — and have it be their biggest selling record? Led F--ing Zeppelin….that’s who! I remember hearing “Stairway to Heaven” for the first time, and just being in awe of the beauty in the beginning, the tension of the build and the raw power of the end! Genius! And can I mention that Robert Plant at that point of his career was only 23?! But I think one of my favorite songs on the record, still to this day, is “Misty Mountain Hop.”

Deep Purple, Machine Head

I love all of the Deep Purple records, but this was my “introduction” to the band. “Smoke on the Water” was on every radio at the time, and I was hooked on that song. My mother bought me the album, and I completely lost my mind from the first note of “Highway Star” to the last note of “Never Before.” It’s the perfect representation (in my opinion) of Deep Purple.

Jimi Hendrix, Are You Experienced

What can I say that hasn’t been said? Jimi was not just an innovator on the guitar but the songwriting was next level! Just some of the things he did in the studio for sound! Like using a cellophane covered comb (like a kazoo) to “mimic” the guitar in “Crosstown Traffic”…who does that? The list of unforgettable songs though on Are You Experienced are  just PURE GENIUS!

Aerosmith, Get Your Wings

This record kind of pulled me out of my “KISS ONLY” phase. (laughs) My same friend that turned me onto KISS Alive! called me and said, “You got to check out this band Aerosmith.” He played me the Get Your Wings record, and the first riff of “Same Old Song and Dance” I was HOOKED! NOT ONE BAD SONG ON THIS RECORD!!! My favorite “Tylerism” on the record has to be “I ain’t what you’d call a city slicker, or claim to fame to be a slitty licker.” (laughs) And can I mention, they looked cool as F--K on the cover!

Grand Funk Railroad, Caught In the Act

I had all of Grand Funk's records early on. As soon as I heard some older friends of mine play “I’m Your Captain (Closer To Home)” in their cover band, I was completely into Grand Funk! But for me, Caught In the Act is Grand Funk at the top of their game. It’s later in their career, and a live record to boot, but it covers their entire career (up to that point). `The tones, songs, and performances are stellar, and I’ve turned quite a few friends onto that record, Check it out!

Queen, A Night at the Opera

As much as I loved Queen’s “Killer Queen” record (1974’s Sheer Heart Attack), Opera is just on a whole other level of musicianship! It still AMAZES me today; how intricate “Bohemian Rhapsody” is musically! Who thinks of this sh-t? The things they painstakingly did in the studio on each of the songs to me is “otherworldly.” Brain May EQ’ing his guitar to sound like a horn section, Freddie (Mercury) and Roger (Taylor) mimicking “tap dancers” with metal thimbles? INSANE,…but BRILLIANT! They all wrote, contributed and executed one of the greatest albums of ALL TIME! And if I may brag, I saw Queen with Freddie five times! Life changing musical experience!

Aerosmith, Rocks

I remember waiting for this record to be released. Listening to Rockline interviews prior to its release, and being filled with anticipation! When I finally bought it, IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! This record was five dudes working together and firing on all cylinders to create a statement! The power of songs like “Back In the Saddle,” “Nobody’s Fault” and “Rats In the Cellar,” fused with the funk of “Last Child” and “Get the Lead Out,” with a dash of snotty New York punk with “Lick and a Promise,” made this record a must-have! The songs, playing and production is perfect!

Plus, an honorable mention...

Led Zeppelin, Physical Graffiti

There’s a million more records that have all influenced me to some degree, even by some artists you wouldn’t think…i.e., James Taylor, Yes, Black Sabbath, Humble Pie, Jim Croce, Lynyrd Skynyrd etc. But (I need to mention) Physical Graffiti because of the diversity of the music. I’ve always been partial to bands that can spread their wings per se from “song to song” and this record encapsulates that. From the opening riff of “Custard Pie” to the last riff of “Sick Again,” Zep touches on everything! Blues ("In My Time of Dying”), acoustic ("Black Country Woman"), funk ("Trampled Under Foot") to the mighty (“Kashmir”). Diversity, and musicianship, at its finest!

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