Thought I would put my sentiments to this thread.
I'd go with Ju's Rush recommendation 2112, (ATWAS is great), but the studio album is 'Right', a must have in your collection.
AC/DC again back in Black, Johnson did an amazing job on his first album with the band and having to follow Bon scott, again a Classic without question.
I saw one of his first British shows that year 1980 at the first stirring of the cider oblivion years (aged 15

)
Deep Purple, In Rock (surely one of the best hard rock albums in existance, clean, raw, powerful, fresh and moderately quick too
Made in Japan, THE live album of all time, however there is a much better 3cd/LP version called "Live in Japan" (CD No. 7243-8-27726-2-0), remastered in 93, superbly well, captures ALL the 3 dates in Japan in the summer of 72.
Dio "Holy Diver" his first album after his blast with the Sabs
Van Halen 1984, Im not a big Eddie fan, but its a great Album of the American style.
Rainbow Rising sublime. Classical buffs check out side 2 Stargazer mind blowing, only 15 mins so you keep you from falling asleep, even the Berlin Philarmonic chucked in for good measure, Live it was a close to sex as you can get)
Zep for me "Houses of the Holy" did it also have a soft spot for Kashmir
Here's one that will surprise you Simple Minds 'Live in the city of light' I saw them on that Tour in Sydney 86' on my gap year to to Oz fab live band, except for those red roses on the seats
Sorry but Bat of Hell must also go up in the list, love it or hate it, It's got something plus 20+million sales
Floyd DSOTM or Pulse for me though Meddle is good.
Yes, Yes album
Here's another surprise Metallica I can't stand, not because they are naff, they do nothing for me
There are plenty more, but thats for another day
