Richard and Linda Thompson - I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight (1974)

This is truly timeless folk-rock! Richard and Linda Thompson's critically acclaimed 1974 album is the sort of emotionally powerful, intensely personal work that defined the singer-songwriter movement of the '70s. It's an often melancholy, meditative ride that takes you to the heart of the matter without a hint of artifice.

The songs may touch on such dark themes as the bleakness of life and the cruel nature of fate, but there's a hopeful spark in the music that comes through in Richard's sometimes searing, sometimes sweet guitar solos and Linda's achingly beautiful voice. I'd choose this over the somewhat overpraised 'Shoot Out the Lights' (1982) anytime.