Album

For Public Image Ltd's 1986 set Album, frontman John Lydon, also known as Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols, stepped away from his touring band and assembled a formidable cast: guitarist Steve Vai, keyboardist Ryuichi Sakamoto, drummer Ginger Baker and bassist Bill Laswell, who also co-produced.

Lydon said, "I make records for myself. I want them to be completely precise," and that focus runs through the whole record. Even with such seasoned session players, it still hits hard. Standouts include FFF, Home and Rise, which became one of PiL's most successful singles.

An unusually accessible release for one of the 1980s' most challenging groups, Album reached the U.K. Top 20 and remains a brilliant way into Public Image Ltd's world.