Van Halen (1978): An album every bit as important, in its own way, as the debut albums by Jimi Hendrix and the Ramones, Van Halen's introductory blast of guitar pyrotechnics and party-boy lyrics changed the way hard rock albums sounded forever.

Elton John and Brandi Carlile are a pair of kindred musical spirits on their collaborative album, "Who Believes in Angels." Here are the best songs.

To young Brandi Carlile, a girl coming of age and struggling with her own sexuality, Elton John was a flicker of hope in a confusing world. Today, the two music superstars are friends and collaborators,