U2 – The Joshua Tree

This is the album that made U2 one of the most famous and commercially successful bands of all time. The album’s big hits ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’, ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ and ‘With or Without You’ came to define their sound and was one of the best opening trios of songs on an album.

Thin Lizzy – Live and Dangerous

The greatest Irish rock band were always destined to produce one of the world’s best live albums. Charismatic frontman Phil Lynott, and the duelling guitars of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson, go on a whirlwind our of some the band’s biggest hits including ‘Jailbreak’, ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ and ‘The Boys Are Back In Town’. One of the most underrated bands at their peak.

Van Morrison – Astral Weeks

“Van The Man” took a radical step away from the big hits such as ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ for his second album. His tender yet powerful vocals, his hypnotic stream of consciousness style lyrics and his blend of folk, rock, soul and jazz made it one of the most daring and enchanting albums ever made. Although often overlooked, he has deeply influenced so many incredible artists in a way that few other artists have.

The Pogues – Rum, Sodomy & the Lash

Shane MacGowan and the gang have always been unique, blending punk, traditional Irish folk music and a “fuck it” attitude. Equal parts brash and romantic, this was the bands finest hour. Featuring the hits ‘Dirty Old Town’ and ‘A Pair Of Brown Eyes’ it is an album from a band that remain quite unlike anything else, and yet are quintessentially Irish.