For me, it was Queen's A Night at the Opera (1975). At the time, Queen wasn't really on my radar until "Bohemian Rhapsody" began dominating the airwaves in early 1976. Its unconventional structure and theatrical flair were both unusual and captivating. The song's surreal lyrics—mentioning characters like Scaramouche and terms like Fandango—piqued our interest and drew us into its eccentric world. 

 The album itself became a cornerstone of my musical playlist. Its eclectic mix of genres—from rock and opera to vaudeville and folk—was unlike anything I'd heard before. Tracks like "You're My Best Friend," penned by bassist John Deacon, offered heartfelt simplicity, while "Love of My Life" showcased Freddie Mercury's emotive prowess. The whimsical "Seaside Rendezvous" and "Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon" transported listeners to a bygone era, contrasting sharply with the biting "Death on Two Legs" and the epic "The Prophet's Song." Very Tolkien/Zep.

In New Zealand, the album's impact was profound. Released in November 1975, it soared to the top of the charts by March 1976, remaining in the Top 5 for about 20 weeks. Amidst a chart landscape filled with varying quality, A Night at the Opera stood out as a beacon of creativity and musical excellence. 

"Bohemian Rhapsody” was a tour-de-force and has only grown in popularity, much like ‘Queen’ the band, over the last 40 years. For those of you who know the movie “Waynes World”, and who doesn’t know this finely crafted cultural movie about Auroroa, Illinois. One of the highlights, much like Wayne and Garth's banter, was the scene in the AMC Pacer where the lads lip-synced to “BR”. Priceless, and introduced a new generation to the awesomeness of this song. And today a new generation of fans discovers ‘Queens’ brilliance.

Looking back, this album didn't just introduce me to Queen; it opened the door to a broader appreciation of music's diverse possibilities. It was more than just a collection of songs—it was a revelation.

What was the first album you bought? I'd love to hear your stories and the impact it had on your musical journey.

Thanks

David & Otis