When I told Simon the first Scorpions album rules, he laughed and said 'Wind of Change?' Well, I would like to watch him eat his words with a knife and fork while he listens to this proto-prog masterpiece at full volume.

Produced by Krautrock mastermind Conny Plank in 1972, this is the only Scorpions album to feature Michael Schenker, who soon left to form UFO, as a full-time member. Schenker was only 16 or 17 at the time, apparently. Klaus Meine's vocals, which later acquired their trademark nasal shriek, are toned down and tougher. Also, you must admit it features some pretty sweet artwork.

Download.