Mountain – Climbing! (1970) is a hard rock powerhouse that blends bluesy grit with soaring, anthemic riffs. Best known for the classic Mississippi Queen, with its cowbell intro and thunderous guitar work, the album is packed with heavy, yet melodic tracks that showcase Leslie West’s raw, commanding vocals and guitar prowess. Theme for an Imaginary Western, co-written by Jack Bruce, adds a more introspective, almost prog-like depth, while Never in My Life and Silver Paper deliver driving, blues-infused rock. Balancing heaviness with melody, Climbing! helped define early ‘70s hard rock and remains a cornerstone of the genre.