The Best Debut Albums I’ve Owned

'You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.' - Will Rogers

That famous quote may be 100 years old or so, but it's as true today as it was a century ago.

And when it comes to first impressions in the music business, one of the most prolific opening statements was made 54 years ago this week with the release of the Jimi Hendrix Experience's debut album, 'Are You Experienced', May 12, 1967.

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How good was this album?

When Rolling Stone released its list of the '500 Greatest Songs of All-Time', four of the album's 11 tracks made the cut:

• 17. 'Purple Haze' (17)
• 153. 'Foxy Lady' (153)
• 201. 'Hey Joe'
• 379. 'The Wind Cries Mary'

An impressive showing indeed, earning the album a number-three spot on Rolling Stone's list of the best debuts ever.

BEST DEBUT ALBUMS OF ALL-TIME (Rolling Stone)

1. 'Licensed to Ill' (1986) – Beastie Boys
2. ‘The Ramones’ (1976) – The Ramones
3. ‘Are You Experienced’ (1967) – Jimi Hendrix Experience
4. ‘Appetite For Destruction' (1987) – Guns N’ Roses
5. 'The Velvet Underground and Nico' (1967) – The Velvet Underground
6. ‘Straight Outta Compton’ (1988) - N.W.A.
7. 'Never Mind the Bollocks' (1977) - The Sex Pistols
8. 'Is This It' (2001) - The Strokes
9. 'Music From Big Pink' (1968) - The Band
10. 'Horses' (1975) - Patti Smith

All of this talk about the most iconic debut releases got me thinking about my own music library and some of the best debut albums I ran to the record store to add to my collection over the years.