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Another edition of Friday Five.

That’s right, fifty years ago, these are five of the most interesting albums released in 1976. These albums made an indelible mark on music in different ways.

Boston, Boston – What can you say that hasn’t been said before. A zillion albums sold, almost every song on the album was in regular radio play rotation. Arena rock. The band that wasn’t quite a band, but had to get out and play the album. A high-water mark that was impossible to match.

Blondie, Blondie – What you hear on this debut album is wild and raw. Maybe not quite as trendsetting as the Ramones debut the same year, but Blondie had Debbie Harry. Blondie actually needed several albums before they really caught fire and had that sound. Blondie brought an energetic and direct style of music, more diverse than similar bands, and much more visual.

Bright Size Life, Pat Metheny – Guitarist Pat Metheny released a jazz/jazz fusion album that hinted at what was to come. A very understated album, sparse arrangements and just a trio, including the incredible Jaco Pastorius on bass. Metheny’s tonal sound and his unique style of play were apparent even then. Many solo and group configurations, millions of albums, a bazillion Grammy Awards later, Metheny is still the unassuming, brilliant musical force, who lets his guitar do his talking.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – “American Girl” was the standout song, the album’s closer. The rest of the album showed promise, but wasn’t distinctive in songwriting or performance. There was something there, but raw and unfocused. “American Girl” had the definitive sound of the band, the jangly guitars, the energy and the swagger. It was the Byrds meet the Eagles.

Tales of Mystery and Imagination, Alan Parsons Project – Who were these guys and what kind of music was this? Two guys and some borrowed singers and musicians. Parsons and Woolfson wrote, produced and recorded basic backing tracks and hired talented artists to add the flavor, sort of symphonic rock. These APP albums were built on lyrical themes, sweetened with orchestral backing and devoured by listeners.

Other debuts: Sex Pistols, The Runaways, Heart, Air Supply, Al Di Meola, Les Dudek, Kenny Loggins, Pat Metheny, Graham Parker, Warren Zevon, Stephen Bishop, Ramones