Tesla Albums Ranked
Tesla is an American rock band formed in Sacramento, California in late 1981 by bassist Brian Wheat and guitarist Frank Hannon. Lead vocalist Jeff Keith, drummer Troy Luccketta, and guitarist Tommy Skeoch joined them by 1984. By 1986, the band had changed from its glam-derived sound to a ‘rootsier’ direction under a new name: Tesla. In 1996, the band disbanded, with members devoting themselves to solo projects. In 2000, they reformed, but Tommy Skeoch departed the band in 2006 and was replaced by Dave Rude. They have sold 14 million albums in the United States. Here are all of Tesla’s albums ranked.
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8. Reel to Reel (2007)
“This is a very good collection of cover songs. They are done well. They keep them as close to the original versions as possible. Some people do not like cover albums. I usually don’t but this is done well. Not their own music, overall still very enjoyable.
7. Simplicity (2014)
“There seems to be a surge lately of 70s and 80s bands making a comeback and making new music. The advantage of this, aside from buying music from a band you know and remember as rockin’, is that they are usually out on tour in more intimate settings (read smaller venues). So, combined with that, Tesla is creating some great buzz about this album which, by the way, is every bit as great as any of their older music. In fact, as we all grow a bit older, appreciation for music we like deepens. I think that is what happens to the bands too.”
6. Into the Now (2006)
“it’s not really a hard rocking album but it’s still got a lot here that’s worth listening to. It’s not groundbreaking but if you want a pretty decent album to add to your collection and you like Tesla then this album is for you. If you’re not necessarily a Tesla fan then there’s still lot’s here for you; What a shame is the kind of song you’ll instantly like and after a few listens you’ll love the whole album. What more is there to say but….Rock on”
5. Forever More (2008)
“I can listen to this album everyday. It’s not a great album for guitar solos like their old albums, and it doesn’t have enough heavy songs, but the songs are still great. Jeff’s lyrics are really good and his vocals are awesome. There are a couple of Alice Cooper sounding songs on this album, including the title track, “In a Hole Again,” and the middle of part of “So What!” Some other songs sound like more modern artists like Daughtry. I think they could have cut a couple of tracks from the album such as, “the Game”, “Pvt. Ledbetter”. “Fallin’ Apart” is a good song, but it sounds too much like stuff on the radio, and “Just in Case” is a better song. I recommend buying this.”
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4. Mechanical Resonance (1986)
“Always found that Tesla stood out from the majority of the pop metal, hair metal or standard rock of the day because they continued to grow musically. If they had just released more albums similar to Mechanical Resonance then I would have to say that they had not challenged themselves and would have fizzled out like so many before them but they continue to release tasty slabs of melodically kick ass tunes.”
3. Bust a Nut (1994)
“I hadn’t really paid attention to these guys since high school back in the 80s, and while I liked them then, I kind of wrote them off with the rest of the hair bands and moved on with other stuff. So I picked this up cheap and used on a whim the other day and threw it on the player, only to be really surprised by how good it was. These guys still have a very unique and pure hard rock sound. Apparently Tesla never bothered to become imitators. They’ve still got their roots in older blues-rock, and 80s metal and pop but more in the former than the latter as it’s anything but the semi-cheesy affair I’d had expected to find in a band 20 years after their prime. Well, whose to say what their ‘prime’ is? If anything they’ve gotten better since last I heard them. Tesla’s the real deal if you like no-nonsense rock n roll. Get Bust a Nut and see for yourself.”
2. The Great Radio Controversy (1989)
“Tesla’s debut album “Mechanical Resonance” blew me away. Rarely had I ever heard such a straight ahead, quality hard rock sound. Well, with this second effort the songs are every bit as good. Of course I love the radio songs–the top 10 quality (not cheesy) ballad “Love Song”, the also slower tempo but excellent “The Way It Is”, and the gritty “Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out)”. However, every other song on this album RULES too! Like with the first album, I could rave about each and every track. “Hang Tough” is an awesome heavy start to the album, “Lady Luck” just screams with attitude, “Lazy Days, Crazy Nights” is a party rocker, and “Paradise” is just one amazing anthem with a great softer side but a very uptempo ending–a true masterpiece of a song. Anyone who likes straight ahead, heavy, and yet melodic rock and roll should definitely own this one. A truly underrated classic.”
1. Psychotic Supper (1991)
“Tesla’s Psychotic Supper is their 3rd release after their brilliant albums Mechanical Resonance and Great Radio Controversy this is is just as good from Tesla as their earlier albums from start to finish brilliant guitars and vocals a must for any Tesla fan. By far my favorite album by them, and includes a number of can’t miss songs for any Tesla fan.”