Originally Posted by Trollheart (Post 1587245)

I don't want to be "that guy", but Michael Jackson? Come on: the great progressive rock acts of the 60s and 70s were making concept albums before Jacko got famous! Yes, Genesis, Rush, Camel ... the list goes on. To say nothing of the fact that The Beatles kicked it all off with Sgt Peppers, and then there's Zappa. Springsteen explored themes of disaffection, adventure and abandonment and broken dreams on Born to run, ELO had "A concerto for a rainy day" on Out of the blue... really, concept albums and themes were in effect long before MJ came on the scene. If we have anyone to thank for the idea of bringing the album to the fore as more than just a collection of singles and filler tracks it's the Fab Four.

Originally Posted by ZRFTS (Post 1588576)

Huh, never thought about it that way but seeing as how Michael Jackson was the first to successfully master the art of the "project" (where every track is consistent and related to each other) I thought I'd reference it but you're right about every other artists mentioned.

I don't know, I'm still a newbie to music knowledge. I will say that Sgt. Peppers' could of used more of it's theme.