Top 5 - Greatst Final Albums from Classic Rock

Founding members leave and bands call it quits. Sometimes, in the case of Van Halen, a band simply can’t go on after a death of an integral member. Some bands just understand it’s time to end things and they do. Some are realized by artistst who know their mortal time is up and are recording their swan song. Whether planned or not, here are my Top 5 Final Classic Rock Albums.

5. Led Zeppelin, 'In Through the Out Door' (1979) Greatest rock band in history (yes it is!) and this is their last true studio album. Songwriting domninated by John Paul Jones (most present in his near 12 minute synth jam in Carouselambra) and Robert Plant. The crappy ballad ‘All of My Love’ was my first introduction to the band and to rock and roll when I was 8 or 9.

4. Warren Zevon, ‘The Wind’ (2003) Upon learning of his cancer diagnosis, Zevon collected a bunch of his famous friends and recorded and released this shortly before his death in September 2003. Recruited were the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Don Henley, Jim Keltner, Dwight Yokam, Ry Cooder, Tommy Shaw, Joe Walsh and Emmylou Harris. The song to his wife: ‘Keep Me in Your Heart’ a personal fave.

3. Soundgarden, 'King Animal' (2012) 13 years after their intital break up the band got back together and decided to record new material rather than just re-learn and tour on the older stuff. The album starts with a song called ‘Been Away Too Long’. Yes you were! Tragically, Chris Cornell passed way too early, and this was the last recording. Reportedly, there are some voice recordings Cornell left behind that may be able to be turned into new songs.

2. Dire Straits, 'On Every Street' (1991) Six years after their massive release in ‘Money For Nothing’, this album might not be their “greatest” but it is a solid effort with some solid songs. The title song is gorgeous.

1. David Bowie, 'Blackstar' (2016) Bowie’s final gift to the world. Recorded while suffering from liver cancer, the lyrics deal with a man grappling with mortality, his own, and the music has influences of hip hop, jazz and electronica. Bowie ended as cool as ever, and even the packaging was fantastic.

Who did I miss? Agree or no? Let me know in the comments!