Thin Lizzy - Fighting (1975)

Whilst Jailbreak is the ‘classic’ Thin Lizzy album in many eyes, I’d have to go with Fighting as being equally as important in defining what was a truly great rock group. I bought a copy at a school jumble sale about 25 years ago and still play it today (well, not that vinyl version, but you know what I mean!).

Not only was it the first Thin Lizzy album to feature the twin harmony guitar stylings of Brain Robertson and Scott Gorham, an approach which really defined Lizzy’s sound for the remainder of their career, but also featured a cleaner production than the follow-up, Jailbreak, allowing for you to really hear the twin guitar work nuances and the criminally under-rated Brian Downey’s drum work.

That said, the album kicks-off with Brian Seger’s ‘Rosalie’ which is not one of my favourites by any stretch of the imagination – but became a popular live staple of Thin Lizzy’s for many years to come – but from there on in they really raise the bar. For Those Who Love To Live really shows the first example of the ‘Lizzy’ harmony guitar sound and features some nice melodic guitar riffing throughout, Suicide is a real standout track too (see below with Snowy White and Gorham on guitar) and also showcases the trading of solos approach which featured on many a Lizzy number in the future, along with some fine drumming from Downey.

Unusually for an album (going back to vinyl here), side 2 maintains the quality and Spirit Slips Away is a stunningly poignant number – a track that seemed all the more profound when I played it on the night of Phil Lynott’s death many years later.

Anyway, before I over-eulogise about this album I’ll stop but urge anyone into hard rock to purchase this release without hesitation: even the cover’s an absolute gem!

• Phil Lynott – Bass/Vocals
• Brian Downey – Drums
• Scott Gorham – Guitar
• Brian Robertson – Guitar