The 100 Greatest Rock Albums Of All Time
Every one of these albums is worth a listen, whether you’re discovering it for the first time or reconnecting with a longtime favorite.
After many hours of head-scratching and more than a few worn grooves, we present one of the most ambitious and hopefully provocative lists we’ve ever done: The 100 Greatest Rock Albums of all time.
A few ground rules here: We’ve tried to cover the entirety of rock history, while making sure that each album still sounds great a few years after its release. This list adheres to a fairly narrow definition of “rock,” confining it to largely guitar-based music, and making exceptions only in a few cases where the album was too important to leave off. Which means, you won’t find a lot of blues, country, or R&B on this list, even though we realize how important they were as rock influences. (A few entries do fall into the R&B realm, but with so much of a rock sound that they had to be here). We’ve also left off certain genres, like electronica and acoustic singer-songwriter, that are closely related to the rock world but not really part of it. We have (or will) have other lists for that.
That said, we’ve tried to spread the wealth around, not favoring one genre of rock over another. Hence the presence of some highly mainstream albums right alongside the indie/underground entries. Punk and prog, hardcore and AOR, glam and metal, roots and arena rock – they’ve all got a place on this list, and your ears are better off for absorbing all of it.
Finally, this list has been confined strictly to one album per band/artist. When an artist obviously has more than one essential album, we’ve made a case for the one that we believe to be the most important of the lot. Only one artist appears twice, as a group member and solo, but if you were a Beatle and then made a game-changing solo debut we can cut you some slack. And yes, some of your favorites – and for that matter, some of ours – may be missing, but rock history is so loaded by now that 100 albums can only begin to tell the story.
One thing we’ll say without hesitation: Every one of these albums is worth a listen, whether you’re discovering it for the first time or reconnecting with a longtime favorite.
100: Blink-182 – Enema of the State
Skate-punk produced a number of the greatest rock albums ever. But few were catchier, funnier, or savvier than Enema of the State. For all their bluster, this was a band that knew and loved its audience: If you were hitting your late teens around 1999, “What’s My Age Again?” offered reassurance that you didn’t have to grow up just yet. In time, blink-182 proved they had a serious side; at this point nobody needed one.
99: Pearl Jam – Ten
While their Seattle brethren Nirvana distrusted everything about traditional hard rock, Pearl Jam saw the opportunity to make it meaningful again. There were plenty of visceral thrills in Mike McCready’s leads and Eddie Vedder’s vocal flights, but it was all channeled into the dark, sympathetic observations of “Alive,” “Even Flow” and “Jeremy.” Misfits seldom had this much power on their side.
98: Smashing Pumpkins – Siamese Dream
Billy Corgan reaches for the heavens, pouring all of his guitar virtuosity and studio wizardry into a richly detailed album that still reveals new subtleties over two decades later. The wonder is that Siamese Dream’s songs, including hunting gems like “Today” and “Mayonaise,” don’t get lost in the mix.
97: Frank Zappa – Apostrophe
There’s a reason many fans remember this fondly as their first favorite Frank Zappa album: Apostrophe had so much musical invention and lyrical hilarity that it even had commercial potential (yes, “Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow” was even a single). The title track is his great power-trio moment, and it’s a wonder the New Age movement survived “Cozmik Debris.”
96: Television – Marquee Moon
A New York landmark, this album expanded the scope of punk rock by taking in the influence of free jazz and French Symbolist poetry; not for nothing, the leader did rechristen himself Tom Verlaine. And it’s still energetic as all get-up, especially on the classic opener “See No Evil” and the title track’s epic guitar jam.
95: Deep Purple – Machine Head
This isn’t just one of the loudest and greatest rock albums ever – it’s also one of the most joyful. Deep Purple’s darker side (in full display on the last album Fireball) is largely checked this time, on an album of pure rocking celebration. If the interplanetary stomp of “Space Truckin’” and the high-speed cruising anthem “Highway Star” don’t get your blood pumping, call the doctor.
94: Husker Du – Zen Arcade
The protean trio poured everything into this double epic, working psych, hardcore, avant-rock and noisy pop into a loose concept about a young man’s first year of freedom. Bob Mould and Grant Hart both emerge as first-class songwriters, and the band as a formidable power trio. It was famously recorded in a speed-fueled three-day session, and you can hear that too.
93: The Jam – Sound Affects
The trio’s fifth and best album shows why Paul Weller’s been a world-class rock songwriter ever since. They expand in all directions here, from furious commentary to open-hearted love songs to the sardonic classic “That’s Entertainment.” Note that The Jam regularly left their singles off the albums, and you must be at your peak when you can afford to omit a monolith like “Going Underground.”
92: Pavement – Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain
With a thoroughly original songwriter in Stephen Malkmus and a guitar sound to die for, Pavement avoided production trappings and delivered songs that rocked with heart and charmed with cerebral wit. The album’s influence ran deep. For one thing, it proved you didn’t need a massive studio budget when you had the songs.
91: Pretenders – Pretenders
Chrissie Hynde became an instant icon on this debut, but the original Pretenders were also a true band, taking in everything from pure punk to near-arena rock to disco and dub. But Hynde always dazzled as a singer, whether it was the personal revelations of “Tattooed Love Boys” or the cool swagger on “Brass in Pocket.”
90: The Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Fever to Tell
This album almost had too much going for it: A stack of between the eyes hooks, a band that could swing from raucous punk to classic-level pop, and Karen O’s vocal charisma and instant star quality. They’d get more polished later on, but the try-anything spirit on Fever to Tell makes it a winner – as does “Maps” one of the best rock singles of its time.
89: Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Jeff Tweedy had to fight hard for this album, with his label and even some of his band – but he knew he was on to something. The dense electronic touches prove an essential part of the picture, as the songs (largely written with the late and brilliant Jay Bennett) wrap up a fractured America headed to an uncertain future. The future of musical Americana proved brighter, making this one of the greatest rock albums ever made.
88: Boston – Boston
Originally rejected by nearly every record label, this record-breaking debut wrote the book on AOR rock. But while Boston’s countless imitators got the sound nearly right, they couldn’t get the underlying heart in Tom Scholz’s songs – especially when sung so emotively by the late Brad Delp. Besides, the imitators spent millions getting the kind of sounds that Scholz dreamed up in his living room.
87: The Kinks – The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks wasted no time in growing from their beat-group beginnings to a vehicle for Ray Davies’ sharp-eyed social comments. That trend hit its first peak on Village Green, an album of bittersweet wit, well-drawn characters, and indelible melodies. And The Kinks could still rock hard, anticipating punk on “Johnny Thunder” and becoming a rustic English blues band on “Last of the Steam-Powered Trains.”
86: The Cars – The Cars
Five savvy Boston-based guys give New Wave its first commercial blockbuster. With virtually every song becoming a radio hit, The Cars were the perfect mix of cool artsiness and rock’n’roll heart. Ric Ocasek’s songs put an ironic spin on rock catchphrases – shake it up, let the good times roll – but still invited you to clap along.
85: Siouxsie & the Banshees – Juju
An album full of dark allure, Juju was one of the goth movement’s seminal texts. Having long realized that punk rock didn’t suit her, Siouxsie Sioux became an otherworldly siren, delivering two of her most grabbing vocals in the singles “Arabian Knights” and “Spellbound.” The other key to the Banshees’ golden era was guitarist John McCeogh, whose array of guitar sounds meshed perfectly with the throbbing Severin/Budgie pulse.
84: Van Morrison – Astral Weeks
Fresh from a trailblazing R&B band and a war with his previous label, an angry young man makes an album of meditative, transcendental beauty. It’s arguably the least “rocky” album on this list, but then Astral Weeks – produced like a rock album, played mainly by jazz musicians, and sung with some kind of divine influence – doesn’t fit into any category but classic.
83: Elvis Costello – Armed Forces
Just when the world had him pegged as an angry young man, Elvis Costello hit back with an album of brilliant melodies, textured arrangements, multi-layered wordplay…and plenty of anger as well. As a bonus for the US album, he turned a perfectly lovely Nick Lowe song, “What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace, Love and Understanding,” into an anthem for the ages.
82: Genesis –- Selling England By the Pound
One of prog’s pinnacles, Selling England By The Pound finds Genesis at their grandest. On “Dancing With the Moonlit Knight,” Peter Gabriel’s flights of lyrical fancy meet guitarist Steve Hackett’s landmark tapped solo. The instrumental breaks on “Cinema Show” and “Firth of Fifth” are among prog’s most majestic, while Gabriel’s surreal wit runs wild on “The Battle of Epping Forest.”
81: TV on the Radio – Return to Cookie Mountain
This was and is a band bursting with ideas, and found space on this album to try them all out. This is an album to get immersed in, with endless sonic textures to explore, and an underlying sense of existential dread. They made this an old-fashioned album experience, putting the most jarring track “I Was a Lover” right up front and letting you dig for catchier tunes like the single “Wolf Like Me.”
80: Hole – Live Through This
Just before Courtney Love became an endlessly controversial personality, she made one of the greatest rock albums ever. Live Through This was designed to be pretty on the outside, with an attractive alt-pop sound that would get its frank, feminist lyrics on the air. She gives a vocal performance to match, with venom behind the sweetness.
79: The White Stripes – White Blood Cells
Jack and Meg White took the world by storm, with enough raw nerve for their underground fans and enough wattage for the Zeppelin lovers. Few two-piece bands ever had this much intuitive chemistry, and the tracklist bears out their ability to do just about anything – from grisly blues-rockers to the giddy bubblegum of “I Think We’re Going to Be Friends.”
78: The Doors – The Doors
During the first week of 1967 when this album was released, the future of rock could be anything, including a jazz-identified band with a Dionysian Beat poet upfront. The Doors’ self-titled debut is remarkably diverse, with covers of songs by both Willie Dixon and Bertolt Brecht. The first side closes with the sexual release of “Light My Fire” while the second ends with the Apocalypse on “The End.”
77: PJ Harvey – Rid of Me
PJ Harvey was still messing with the blues on her sophomore album Rid of Me, but her songs had taken on more of a raw, personal tinge. Key tracks “50 Ft. Queenie,” “Rub Til It Bleeds” and the previous album’s belated title track “Dry” look fearlessly into the darkest corners of romantic relationships, and producer Steve Albini makes it all razor-sharp.
76: The Police – Synchronicity
By their fifth and final album, The Police had largely dropped their trademark reggae grooves, but by now their sound was so distinctive it was even recognizable on a ghostly textured piece like “Tea in the Sahara.” Side two is Sting’s post-breakup outpouring, while the band’s creative eccentricity is all over Side One. It also marked the first (and probably the only) use of the phrase “humiliating kick in the crotch” in a hit single.
75: Love – Forever Changes
Love’s 1967 classic really stands apart from the rest of the psychedelic masterpieces. There are no studio effects, no freeform jams, and barely any electric guitars. The psychedelic influence came entirely from the mind of Arthur Lee, whose lyrics were always otherworldly and never fully possible to pin down, and whose melodies were completely unforgettable. ‘You Set The Scene’ still ranks as one of rock’s great existential statements.
74: Thin Lizzy – Jailbreak
Thin Lizzy had so much going for them that it still boggles the mind that they were essentially a one-hit-wonder in the US. But the UK knew all about Phil Lynott’s resonant street poetry and the band’s distinctive harmony guitars. “The Boys Are Back in Town” and “Cowboy Song” are the epics on this, their greatest album, but the Irish rock group’s secret weapon was always its musical roots, put to memorable use in “Emerald.”
73: R.E.M. – Murmur
They’d have many peaks over the years but R.E.M.’s long-playing debut really defined their sound, embracing unfashionable things (in 1983) like subtlety, Southern-ness, and jangly Rickenbackers. They already had a flair for hauntingly lovely tunes (see the acoustic “Perfect Circle”) and “Radio Free Europe” became a rallying call for the 80s musical underground. And for all that was said about his enunciation, the poetic imagery in Michael Stipe’s lyrics was immediately apparent.
72: Megadeth – Rust in Peace
Dave Mustaine and his crew had been raising hell for nearly a decade by this time, but Rust in Peace marked the debut of Megadeth’s classic lineup with guitarist Marty Friedman. It was also where Mustaine refined his vision, with equal parts personal dread, dark political forecasts, and just a bit of superhero fantasy. With its tricky structure and underlying fury, “Holy Wars…The Punishment Due,” is one of thrash’s pinnacles.
71: Sleater-Kinney – Dig Me Out
Sleater-Kinney wanted to say resonant things about society and sexuality; they also wanted to be a rock’n’roll band for the ages. Their third album succeeds grandly at both: Though steeped in heartache and discontent, it’s also one of the more exhilarating albums of its time. Credit that to Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein’s perfect synchrony as singers and guitarists.
70: Queens of the Stone Age – Songs for the Deaf
Rock in 2002 needed a swift kick, and Josh Homme was the man to do it. On one hand, this is an album that a bunch of music-loving guys made for fun, daring to be quirky with the songwriting and production. But there are so many massive hooks and killer riffs that it couldn’t help being a mainstream smash – especially with Dave Grohl going wild on drums throughout.
69: Grateful Dead – Workingman’s Dead
After four albums of unabashed psychedelia, the Grateful Dead pulled a classic shapeshifting trick and invented (or at least perfected) cosmic Americana. You didn’t have to be a Deadhead to catch the groove on “New Speedway Boogie,” the words of wisdom in “Casey Jones” or the profundity of “Uncle John’s Band.” This has to be taken as a whole with the equally essential American Beauty, released just five months later.
68: Soundgarden – Superunknown
The Seattle underground produces a hard rock monolith, as producer Michael Beinhorn brings out the band’s psychedelic tinge. Superunknown had emotional power to match its sonic heft, thanks largely to Chris Cornell’s singing. “Black Hole Sun” and “The Day I Tried to Live” are heavy rock at its most expressive.
67: Arcade Fire – Funeral
Probably the greatest band ever rooted at a prep school, Arcade Fire made their debut at a time when modern rock was in danger of getting soulless. Funeral hit like a blast of pure emotion, with the urgency of Win Butler’s lead vocals as the immediate grabber, but further listens revealed how much was going on instrumentally. The semi-conceptual Funeral is a cry of desperation that ultimately provides hope.
66: Arctic Monkeys – AM
Take Arctic Monkeys away from the nightclub scene, and what do you get? An even better and more thoughtful band, one that can embrace electronica and textured pop without losing the raw edge. AM marked a personal turn in Alex Turner’s writing; it also gave a long-deserved payoff to the band’s mentor, street poet John Cooper Clarke, who gets a song covered.
65: Betty Davis – They Say I’m Different
Whoever said that sure wasn’t kidding. With its groundbreaking funk-rock fusion, edgy sexual talk, and Betty Davis’ over-the-top singing and female strength, They Say I’m Different was just too much for the early 70s. But if it had gotten its due upon release, rock history would have been very different.
64: Rush – Moving Pictures
Rush’s best-loved album caught them halfway between the three-piece rock of their early days and the heavily textured prog to come. There’s a thrill of discovery on every track on Moving Pictures, from the arena-shaking “Tom Sawyer” to the reggae-inspired “Vital Signs.” And there’s a peak Rush moment in “Red Barchetta,” where high ambitions ride along with cheap thrills.
63: The Go-Go’s – Beauty and the Beat
Historically, the Go-Go’s debut ranks as the first No.1 album ever performed, and largely written, by an all-female band. It’s also a blast of pure fun, showing Charlotte Caffey, Jane Wiedlin, and Kathy Valentine as first-class songwriters who’d absorbed everything great about California pop. “We Got the Beat” and “Our Lips Are Sealed” never get old.
62: The Strokes – Is This It?
With Is This It?, The Strokes delivered New York punk for a new era, taking the best from the past – mainly the Cars, Stooges, and Velvets – and channeling them into songs that are invariably short and tasty (all under four minutes) and never quite linear. Originally catching on in late 2001, it became a welcome reminder that New York was never going to lose its attitude.
61: Motörhead– Ace of Spades
Leader and mastermind Lemmy always insisted that Motörhead wasn’t heavy metal, it was rock’n’roll. Which may be why the punks and metalheads both got behind them – or it maybe because they were too much fun to resist. Of all the albums from Motörhead’s classic stretch, this has the most anthems – “We Are the Road Crew,” “The Chase is Better Than the Catch” and the title track – and exemplifies the Motörhead philosophy: Not so much “Live fast, die young” as “Live even faster and die old.”
60: Blondie – Parallel Lines
Like many 70s punks, Blondie grew up on classic AM radio and loved everything about it. The third album was where they became a world-class pop band, finding room on their dial for punk, disco, Brill Building pop, and even a bit of prog (with Robert Fripp on “Fade Away & Radiate”). Three songs on Parallel Lines were hit singles, at least a half-dozen others could have been.
59: Joy Division – Closer
Ian Curtis left the world with an influential album that defined the dark and moody, yet still danceable territory that would characterize post-punk. None of Joy Division’s best-known singles are here, but the soundscapes of Closer create a world that’s equally forbidding and enticing.
58: KISS – Alive!
If you grew up at a certain time, Alive! was your Bible – and the future superstars who did grow up on it are a legion. Early KISS was nothing but anthems and attitude, and these songs were made for an arena in Detroit Rock City. This is one of the few live albums where you can literally catch the roar of the greasepaint.
57: ZZ Top – Tres Hombres
Before the synthesizers and the videos, ZZ Top was that little ole band that lived and breathed Texas. The spare, tasty sound of Tres Hombres evinced the trio’s chemistry, Billy Gibbons’ knack for a great lick, and their solid blues roots, with “La Grange” treating the classic rock audience to a John Lee Hooker groove.
56: Sonic Youth – Daydream Nation
Daydream Nation was simultaneously Sonic Youth’s most accessible album to that point, and the most packed with ideas. The mini-epic “Teen-Age Riot” opened with Kim Gordon’s spooky invocation, giving way to an onslaught of guitars and a surprisingly joyful hook. The roller coaster ride continues for two LPs packed with volume and invention.
55: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers – Damn the Torpedoes
After two albums full of should’ve-been hits (yes, “Breakdown” and “American Girl” flopped at the time), Tom Petty and company decided it was time to haul out the big guns. So they pulled in producer Jimmy Iovine, amped up the sound, and treated each song like the last one they’d ever play. “Refugee” and “Don’t Do Me Like That” kicked the doors open, while deeper cuts like “Louisiana Rain” made Damn the Torpedoes the perfect road-trip album.
54: Derek & the Dominos – Layla
A broken heart never did a bluesman any harm, and Eric Clapton made his defining statement while his muse Pattie Harrison was out of reach. Guitar heroics abound, but every big-guitar moment – some by Clapton alone, some in tandem with Duane Allman – is a cry from the heart. The unsung hero of the band and album is keyboardist Bobby Whitlock, whose harmonies add a deeper shade of soul.
53: Bad Brains – Bad Brains
Bad Brains found a world of possibilities in the hardcore movement; as African-American Rastafarians they also saw that it could embrace positivity and spirituality. For all that, they could be fast and furious with the best of them, and were one of the first hardcore bands to dabble both in heavy metal and in almost-pop chorus hooks.
52: Rage Against the Machine – Rage Against the Machine
A groundbreaker in a few respects, Rage Against The Machine remains the most powerful case of a rock band absorbing hip-hop. Key tracks “Bullet in the Head” and “Killing in the Name” were made to provoke discussion, and the lyrics dared to be multi-layered. It’s still a fist-waver from start to finish, and Tom Morello took his place among modern guitar heroes.
51: Talking Heads – Remain in Light
Plenty of artful rock bands fell in love with Fela Kuti and James Brown, but nobody did more with that influence than Talking Heads in 1980. Remains in Light was not quite rock and not quite funk, but a new invention capped by David Byrne’s endlessly fascinating lyrics. It was also one of Brian Eno’s landmark productions, even if he fell out with the band afterward.
50: The Cure – Disintegration
Having scored a left-field breakthrough with the pop-friendly Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Robert Smith turned the other direction, reportedly dabbled in acid, and returned The Cure to its gothic roots. The result was the band’s darkest and most daring album – and perversely enough, one that stands as their greatest.
49: Metallica – Master of Puppets
After mastering thrash on their first two albums, Metallica was now reaching for grandeur – very loud grandeur of course. Monolithic tracks like “Battery” and “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)” broke musical boundaries with acoustic breaks and prog-like complexity, while the lyrics evince social conscience and a general sense of dread. The loose theme was power, which was something Metallica had to spare.
48: Liz Phair – Exile in Guyville
One of the wonders of the 90s indie scene was that an album this good could appear out of nowhere. Liz Phair’s songs were disarmingly frank, with pop hooks all over the place, but she was always a step ahead of the listener – for starters, nobody’s ever figured out if she was entirely serious about modeling the album after the Rolling Stones’ Exile on Main Street. Either way, it remains one of the best albums of the 90s.
47: Allman Brothers Band – At Fillmore East
Has there ever been a better jam-heavy, live rock album than At Fillmore East? Much has been said about the Duane Allman/Dickey Betts guitar magic and Gregg Allman’s deep-soul vocals, but don’t overlook the band’s secret weapon, its hypnotic double-drum interplay. The Allmans didn’t even headline these historic shows (Johnny Winter did), but they’d never be just the “special guest” again.
46: U2 – Achtung Baby
How often does the most popular band in the world do something completely unexpected? With its innovative electronic sound, Achtung Baby redefined U2 while presenting five of its most indelible singles. And it spawned Zoo TV, which forever upped the ante for rock tours as conceptual spectacle.
45: The Replacements – Let It Be
The wonder of the Replacements was that they could play a glorious shamble of a live show, then go home and write an anthem for the ages. By now Paul Westerberg’s songs were evincing self-doubt, sympathy, and dogged hope (all three on “I Will Dare”), and they could still come up with a hilarious aside or two.
44: Van Halen – Van Halen
Perhaps the greatest party album ever made, Van Halen’s debut immediately upped the hard rock ante for technical skills and pure attitude. The album’s 1978 release immediately sent a generation of guitarists to their basements to figure out “Eruption.” Many of them are still working on it.
43: Bon Jovi – Slippery When Wet
If Bruce Springsteen gave voice to everyone living to escape from New Jersey, Bon Jovi spoke for those who stuck around. Their greatest rock album had three smashes, but “Livin’ on a Prayer” was the kind of street-life story-song – with a whooping radio hook, of course – that would be their specialty from here on in.
42: Pixies – Doolittle
An aptly-named band makes an album that gets your blood pumping while it messes with your head. The Pixies were writing some of the catchiest hooks in indie rock, then harnessing them to songs about mutilation, strange sex, and lab monkeys. Plenty of important bands borrowed the Pixies’ sound, but nobody could match the sense of mischief of Black Francis’ screams.
41: Bikini Kill – The First Two Records
Ground zero for the riot-grrl movement, Bikini Kill delivered on punk’s promise of liberation. But this is more than a feminist manifesto with a soundtrack: It’s jarring, exploratory punk rock that shouts truth. This essential album begins by calling for a revolution, then it goes ahead and starts one.
40: Black Sabbath – Paranoid
Retaining the killer riffage of their first album, Black Sabbath turned their attention to various social ills, from the war machines to guys with bad taste in footwear. They also inspired punk metal with the title track, one of the few (pre-Motörhead) heavy rock classics under three minutes. Buried treasure: “Hand of Doom,” perhaps the strongest anti-heroin statement that metal ever produced.
39: Creedence Clearwater Revival – Willie and the Poor Boys
Willie and the Poor Boys was CCR’s only concept album, and the one where John Fogerty’s social conscience came to the fore. And a perfectly symmetrical album too: Each side begins with one side of the classic “Down on the Corner”/”Fortunate Son” single, followed by a searing topical rocker, a country/folk cover, an instrumental, and finally one of the two longer, darker pieces that give this album its depth.
38: Def Leppard – Hysteria
Hysteria is the pinnacle of high-tech, 80s style hard rock, where digital wizardry and a hopped-up band could find common ground (producer Mutt Lange was the ultimate, painstaking studio rat). Def Leppard sweated blood over this album; including the loss of drummer Rick Allen’s arm. But they somehow kept their heads in party mode, and produced one of the greatest rock albums ever.
37: Patti Smith – Horses
Punk and poetry collide on a game-changer of an album that imagines Arthur Rimbaud and Cannibal & the Headhunters as kindred spirits. Patti Smith’s “Gloria” remains one of the strongest statements of purpose ever to open a debut album. Extra points for the Robert Mapplethorpe cover photo, by now as iconic as the album itself.
36: My Bloody Valentine – Loveless
Less an album of songs than an immersive sonic experience, Loveless both influenced and transcended the shoegaze trend. With its sensual layers of guitars and voices, it’s the perfect soundtrack for dreaming, and other bedroom activities. Easily one of the greatest rock albums ever made.
35: Neil Young – After the Goldrush
Sometimes Neil Young picked up his acoustic for tender intimate albums, sometimes he called in Crazy Horse and became the godfather of punk (or grunge or metal, depending on the year). After the Goldrush handily does both: You get soft and touching Neil on “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” and searing topical Neil on “Southern Man,” and those tracks even come back to back.
34: Green Day – American Idiot
The breakout success of Dookie wound up fueling Green Day’s ambitions; they wanted to get beyond pop-punk and take their place as a great American band. Even so, the giant step they took on American Idiot came as a surprise, with epic tracks that rocked and a satirical narrative that actually hung together. They also pulled off a great ballad with, “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” which they’d been trying to nail for years.
33: Janis Joplin – Pearl
The sad part here is that Janis Joplin was really hitting her stride on her last album: She’d formed her first really great band in Full Tilt Boogie, and moved beyond the Big Brother acid blues to a more rootsy mix, showing what a soulful and versatile singer she was. Though not a hit, “Get It While You Can” was the statement of her life. Just think of the follow-ups we missed out on.
32: John Lennon – Plastic Ono Band
At least three Beatles made big musical statements in the year after their breakup, but John Lennon took the occasion to bury both The Beatles and the 60s – yet accomplished this in songs that still had a bit of Beatlesque magic to them. Characteristically, he provided a few beautiful songs to go along with the dark cathartic ones.
31: Steely Dan – Aja
Walter Becker and Donald Fagen’s masterstroke puts all of their hipster inflections into an album that’s still heavy on film-noir romance and cerebral wit. “Deacon Blue” remains the most sympathetic portrait of a jazzman that any rock band has written, while “I Got the News” includes a couple of rock’s funniest sexual one-liners. Still a sonic wonder, Aja proves that spending weeks to get a drum sound isn’t always a bad idea.
30: AC/DC – Back in Black
How many bands can simultaneously bounce back from tragedy, pay a fitting tribute to their lead singer Bon Scott, have a great party, and double their fanbase while they’re at it? AC/DC’s Back in Black is one of classic rock’s greatest albums, with “You Shook Me All Night Long” going right to the history books.
29: The Who – Who’s Next
The Who truly became larger than life on Who’s Next, with “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” setting the tone for decades of arena rock to come. But there was still room for Pete Townshend’s spiritual yearnings, a bit of lighthearted fun on “Goin’ Mobile” and as always, a touch of dark humor from John Entwistle.
28: David Bowie – The Rise & Fall of Ziggy Stardust & the Spiders from Mars
On one hand, this was a conceptual masterstroke: David Bowie created the character of a pansexual, otherworldly rock star and that’s just what he became. But on a more down-to-earth level, it takes all the musical styles Bowie had been experimenting with for a few years – theatrical cabaret, Dylanesque folk-rock, proto-prog, and tough Stonesy rock – and rolls them into one of the greatest rock albums ever.
27: Ramones – Ramones
This album upended everything we know about rock’n’roll in 1976: It wasn’t supposed to be this raw, this snotty, or this much fun. The punk movement started here, but few at the time noticed how smart the Ramones really were: Just try writing a song (“I Don’t Wanna Walk Around With You”) that creates recognizable characters and a situation with exactly 10 words.
26: Queen – A Night at the Opera
It was typical of Queen in 1975 that they could record something this grand and symphonic, then poke fun at it with a Marx Brothers album title. Starting off with the nastiest song ever written about an ex-manager (“Death on Two Legs”), A Night at the Opera goes everywhere from metal to music hall. Rock opera “Bohemian Rhapsody” had to come near the end, because few things could follow it.
25: Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon
Dark Side of the Moon is all about insanity and alienation, and it’s one of the best-selling and greatest rock albums of all time. Toured live for a good year before its recording, Dark Side found both Pink Floyd’s improvisational skills and their studio wizardry at a pinnacle. David Gilmour’s classic “Money” solo created plenty of new Floyd fans by itself.
24: The Velvet Underground & Nico – The Velvet Underground & Nico
For all the hippies it scared in 1967, The Velvet Underground’s debut was anything but an avant noisefest (that came next, on White Light/White Heat). It was a provocative and often beautiful collection of songs, where love and heroin were treated with the same care. Dark and dangerous they may be, Lou Reed’s characters treat the listener as a trusted confidante.
23: Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John truly became a larger-than-life rock star on an album about larger-than-life movie stars. The fantasy Hollywood theme proves the perfect occasion for him and Bernie Taupin to let their imaginations flow. It was his most musically adventurous album to date, while the lyrics range from poetic to downright raunchy.
22: Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run
Everybody has a favorite Springsteen album but Born to Run is the most mythic of them all, an epic ride from the great escape on “Thunder Road” to the dead-end highway exit of “Jungleland.” No Springsteen concert – and for that matter, no young adult life – has since been complete without it.
21: Buddy Holly & the Crickets – The ‘Chirping’ Crickets
The ‘Chirping’ Crickets is one of the earliest rock albums that holds together as a full LP, where the deeper cuts (covers of Roy Orbison, Chuck Willis, and Little Richard) show the band’s roots and give context to the hits. Of course, it doesn’t hurt when those hits are “Not Fade Away,” “Oh Boy” and “That’ll Be the Day.”
20: Sex Pistols – Never Mind the Bollocks
The singles brought England to its knees during the Silver Jubilee summer, with “God Save the Queen” throwing a monkey wrench into the royal festivities. Never Mind The Bollocks wrapped up most of the Sex Pistols’ setlist during their crash-and-burn existence, just in time for them to implode – making the original Pistols a punk band that never released a bad track.
19: Iggy & the Stooges – Raw Power
Funny how things can change over time: Upon release, Raw Power was called a punk record before that was a compliment – way too rough and scary for the mainstream. But listen to it now and you hear how much thought went into Iggy Pop’s lyrics, how well those guitars are layered (Bowie wasn’t in the studio just to look good), and how many killer riffs and tunes Pop and James Williamson came up with. In short, there was never a reason not to love one of the greatest rock albums of all time.
18: Funkadelic – Maggot Brain
The title track to Maggot Brain is rightly acclaimed as one of George Clinton’s masterpieces, with his doomsaying monologue and Eddie Hazel’s heavy guitar solo telling the hippies everything they weren’t yet ready to hear. But not to forget, this was an album; and some of its less celebrated tracks are just as notable – like “Wars of Armageddon,” which works Afro-Cuban rhythms, acid-drenched studio tricks, and the Apocalypse into 10 mind-blowing minutes.
17: Ike & Tina Turner – River Deep-Mountain High
The Phil Spector-produced title track is arguably the greatest flop in pop history, a passionate outpouring that proved too intense for the charts. As a result, only the UK got the original release of River Deep-Mountain High – with more Spector tracks (some of his last great ones, Beatles and Ramones aside) and tougher rock/R&B overseen by Ike. Tina of course wails throughout.
16: Radiohead – OK Computer
Radiohead’s triumph here was to revive the multi-layered concept album, one that demanded you put on headphones, ponder all the musical surprises, and absorb its take on modern alienation. And wouldn’t you know it, this wilfully noncommercial album produced their biggest singles, at least in the UK, and remains a classic.
15: Prince & the Revolution – Purple Rain
During his 1984 peak, Prince verged on superhuman. You want funkafied Ramones? “Let’s Go Crazy.” You want modernized Hendrix? The title track. You want a classic pop single with no bass? “When Doves Cry.” You want a gorgeous ballad? “The Beautiful Ones.” You want wild sexuality and the best party in town? The whole damn album.
14: The Clash – London Calling
In 1979 the Clash weren’t just the “only band that matters,” they were arguably the most ambitious band in rock. They wanted to take every sound they loved – reggae, vintage R&B, rockabilly, vocal jazz, Motown – and put it into an empowering punk-rock format. Above all, this double LP shows the majesty of the Strummer/Jones songwriting team – delivering one of punk’s definitive battle cries in the title song, and a gem of an accidental hit single in “Train in Vain.”
13: Fleetwood Mac – Rumours
Fleetwood Mac weathered every kind of interpersonal drama and studio misadventure – and somehow they came up with a collection of perfect pop songs whose delivery sounds absolutely effortless. In addition to the music, listeners were entranced by the backstory of the members that made it: Christine McVie, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks. To this day, no couple in a band can break up without drawing Mac comparisons.
12: Led Zeppelin – IV
Their untitled fourth studio album represented the peak of everything Led Zeppelin did – their hardest rockers, their heaviest blues, their loveliest folk tunes (including the one that introduced Sandy Denny to US ears) and of course, “Stairway to Heaven.”. Robert Plant becomes a mythic figure, John Bonham and John Paul Jones jell into an earthshaking rhythm section, and Jimmy Page is Jimmy Page.
11: The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds
Brian Wilson takes pop arrangements to new levels of sophistication, getting the Wrecking Crew’s performances of their lives. But what really lingers on Pet Sounds is the sheer beauty of the singing and the timeless nature of the songs, which trace a young-adult relationship from a hopeful start to its gorgeously sad finish.
10: The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main Street
Exile on Main Street is dirty, messy, and The Rolling Stones at their absolute peak. Steeped in blues, country, and gospel, recorded in countless all-night sessions and fueled by Lord only knows what, Exile is above all the work of serious blues scholars – and one of the greatest rock albums ever written.
9: Guns N’ Roses – Appetite for Destruction
Both Guns N’Roses and Appetite for Destruction revitalized heavy rock, making it dangerous and fun again – and made instant icons out of Slash and Axl Rose. On an album full of gritty street-life lyrics, GNR could somehow do a timeless love song (what else but “Sweet Child o’Mine”) without breaking character.
8: Jerry Lee Lewis – Live at The Star Club, Hamburg
It’s 1964, Jerry Lee’s career is in limbo, and his band for the night is one of the least-known British Invasion bands, the Nashville Teens. And Jerry Lee Lewis absolutely kills, rampaging through his own and other peoples’ hits. The definitive version of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” is here, with its raunchy breakdown and furious finale.
7: Bob Dylan – Highway 61 Revisited
It was the first fully electric Bob Dylan album, the first without a ballad, the one where his surreal wordplay really takes flight, and the one that demanded he wear a motorcycle jacket on the cover. With the number of landmark tracks here, Highway 61 Revisited would still be one of the greatest rock albums ever if it didn’t have “Like a Rolling Stone.” But of course, it did.
6: Elvis Presley – From Elvis in Memphis
It doesn’t seem like a tall order to put Elvis Presley in the studio with a great band, a sympathetic producer, and songs worthy of his gifts – but this was one of the few times post-Army when it actually happened. He stepped forward with the vocal performances of his life, completing the triumph of the ‘68s comeback and delivering one of the greatest rock albums to date.
5: Jimi Hendrix Experience – Electric Ladyland
There is no bad Jimi Hendrix album, but this double LP was where he harnessed the album format to create a real experience. The two long tracks are a lowdown late-night blues and a heady sonic trip; elsewhere there’s proto-metal, slinky R&B, New Orleans rock’n’roll, and with “All Along the Watchtower,” one of the all-time top Dylan covers.
4: Nirvana – Nevermind
Nevermind wound up having a far greater cultural impact than its creators intended or even wanted. But at the end of the day, songs like lead single “Smells Like Teen Spirit” really were strong enough to make this one of the greatest albums of all time. Kurt Cobain’s lyrics really were that sharp, and his singing that effective – and of course, the drummer clearly had a future ahead of him. Not to mention Butch Vig’s savvy production, which became the grunge-era standard.
3: The Beatles – The Beatles (The White Album)
Revolver stands as one of the best rock albums ever. And Sgt. Pepper inspired a million bands to get psychedelic. But the “White Album” created its own template too: The wildly eclectic, everything-goes double album. But nobody ever had the stylistic reach the Fab Four had here. Just try to name another album with a protest song, a vaudeville novelty, a nursery rhyme, a tough rocker, an easy-listening lullaby, and an avant-garde sound collage – and that was only Side Four.
2: Chuck Berry – The Great Twenty-Eight
Chuck Berry was such a master of the rock 45 that his definitive statement has to be this greatest hits album. There’s no filler or deep cuts in sight: Every track is a touchstone, from the debut single “Maybelline” to the Merseybeat nod on “I Wanna Be Your Driver.” If rock’n’roll has an Old Testament, this is it.
1: Little Richard – 17 Grooviest Original Hits
This is it, the essential sound that made most of the greatest rock albums possible. The deeper tracks here, like “Boo-Hoo-Hoo-Hoo” and “Send Me Some Lovin’”, bear out the gospel and blues roots that Little Richard channeled into rock’n’roll. But to listen to “Tutti Frutti” and “Long Tall Sally,” you have to wonder if rock ever got any wilder.
Think we missed one of the greatest rock albums ever? Let us know in the comments below. And, in case you’re hungry for more, you can complete your collection with some of the greatest rock albums on vinyl.
Marvin
May 31, 2015 at 2:28 pm
Good list, but you listed the Chilis twice with the Blood Sugar Sex Magik album (93 & 99). What other album is meant to be on one of those spots?
uDiscover
May 31, 2015 at 2:45 pm
Marvin, good spot. We had such a complex spreadsheet that when we transferred it to a list we missed Lou Reed’s Transformer!
Mary
June 1, 2015 at 7:34 am
You’ve done it again, alright… How on earth could Daft Punk and Prince be on here and yet nothing
from Jethro Tull or The Moody Blues?????
Debby Couture
June 3, 2015 at 2:23 am
not enough prog, really I mean no Moody Blues, Tull or ELP?
Bruce Griffin
November 10, 2019 at 2:06 pm
Exactly!
Mike
March 3, 2020 at 4:30 am
Don’t forget about Yes.
Alan
June 13, 2015 at 6:58 pm
Pink Floyd’s Dark Side at #12 !!! No way it should be that low. ABB at #39! What about Jethro Tull’s Aqualung – not even a mention?!! No Segar or Journey? Come on – what were you guys smokin’?
Tony Byrne
August 27, 2015 at 12:07 am
I agree disgraceful
steve
October 9, 2015 at 7:58 pm
Nirvana??? Please!!! They were mediocre at best. Top 100, maybe. Top 10, no way.
Bob J.
April 10, 2016 at 11:54 pm
The Sgt. Pepper LP effected the hole world, as did Rubber Soul. Plus no Bob Seger, Doobie Brother’s, Beach Boy’s, or Three Dog Night?
Your List has a very limited, short sighted view. For example; a very limited view of MOTOWN, which most rock & rollers will agree is some of the greatest music to dance to.
Bob J.
April 10, 2016 at 11:58 pm
Did I just miss it or is there really No Eric Clapton included?
imnotmakingausername
May 15, 2019 at 3:38 pm
Dirt Alice in Chains
David W
August 27, 2015 at 7:51 am
Amen!
Tom
September 27, 2020 at 11:04 pm
This is what happens when you let Millennials or their kids rate rock music. I’m surprised that Madonna or Britney Spears didn’t make their list. First off…Costello’s My Aim Is True and or This Years Model are better than any of the New Wave or Punk lps on this list. As for Sgt. Pepper…SHAME on you Millennials.Give up your lame Sirus/XM and weenie downloads, buy a turntable and check out this great stuff you missed.
Jim Bates
December 7, 2020 at 9:37 am
Can you read, Tom? Reading not a strong point?
Read the first line of the article again, and maybe, just maybe, it will dawn on you what this article is about!!
JD
October 13, 2015 at 10:06 pm
Right, any list of Top 100 albums without some of the Moody Blues albums in it has no credibility. Also, Pet sounds is overrated, definitely not Top Ten material but Sgt. Pepper and Rubber soul both are Top Ten stuff.
Peepeepoopoo
October 28, 2019 at 2:43 pm
I know they had bloody oasis but not sgt peppers
Buddy Drummond
March 15, 2016 at 4:38 pm
How come ELP, Procol Harem, Mothers of Invention, Free, Family, ELO, Blood Sweat & Tears are not there. There is a long list.
JOHN
January 4, 2018 at 12:18 am
THEY WOULD NOT BORN YET THANK YOU MR BUDDY DRUMMOND
Joseph Spinelli
June 1, 2015 at 1:00 pm
How about Emerson Lake and Palmer. You know, the band that practically invented the synthesizer.
Peter
June 1, 2015 at 5:35 pm
You are so right Joseph Spinelli. ELP was an awesome band. With their talent and electronic mastery they sounded like a band of more than three people. I saw Carl Palmer back in 1970 at St.Mary’s High School,South Amboy,NJ.. He was then with Atomic Rooster,his other band. In the middle of his drum solo at 11:00PM,the Monsignor walked behind the curtain and cut the power. “Concert over, curfew”, he shouted out. Carl threw down his sticks and that was that. I have been in touch with Carl Palmer via FB. Mentioning that night to him,he remembers it.
Beresford du-Cille
October 12, 2015 at 8:58 am
ELP were the only band I ever walked out on. I liked the albums but they were so boring live.
Carmeli
April 6, 2016 at 5:35 pm
Yeah, ELP and how come there’s no mention of Yes.
Zappa and Tull.
Who picked those albums, teenagers?
Not impressed about Nirvana being in the top ten either.
JOHN
January 4, 2018 at 12:22 am
AND KEITH EMERSON WITH THERE STAGE ACT AND G .LAKE VOISE AND BASSPLAYING
Mike
February 14, 2020 at 8:20 pm
That would make sense. Most teenagers probably have no idea about prog rock. Then again the Lamb Lies Down on broadway is on the list at least and that’s very much prog. At the bottom of the list but still. Other than that it’s sort of a typical classic rock list with a few other things thrown in. I wouldn’t expect to see King Crimson on here except for maybe their first album but not having anything by Yes is a problem though. Rush only have one and 2112 isn’t even their best. Pink Floyd are only on here with Dark Side and that is at 12(I’m used to seeing it in the top five). This list almost may as well have been made by someone who works with the Rock n roll hall of fame.
rox
June 3, 2015 at 3:28 pm
3 of the Beatles all in the top 3? no Led Zeppelin, No Pink Floyd, No Judas Priest, Deep purple. these were also game changing bands. “The White “Album top 10 i understand, the other 2 ?? not in top 10 and then one of the other bands I mentioned should be , Priest needs to be on the list.. also NO DETROIT BANDS? no mC5, no Amboy dukes, no BOB SEGER? .. And the biggest glaring hole
Jefferson Airplane !Surrealistic pillow or a different album but to be left out! . what exactly was the criteria? Maybe for next time, your criteria could be 1) all bands not just the few we like 2) if we could only hear 1 album form these bands..so only use their absolute best albums, and only use the bands once and 3) maybe one of these days we should ask fans, then take top 150 or 200 and have fans vote to get it to 100 ..and put fan based top 100 Greatest albums of all time Rock era.. Judas priest first should still be under this heading, they started as hard rock.. and finally $ your definition of “Rock” since it left Elvis presley out.. if this gets posted, ill be shocked and say thank you ..
Bill
August 23, 2015 at 9:56 pm
You’ve done it alright . Made yourselves look like idiots. lol
mike sweet
October 9, 2015 at 8:26 pm
i dont know how or who pcked this list but they sure as hell must have been young there are far too many on this list that wouldnt nake the top 1000 rock album list someone sure as hell dont know ROCK
Andy J
April 7, 2016 at 1:58 am
Spot on Mike, no Little Feat either, gotta go back to Rock drawing board and “do it again” (they did get Steely Dan though). No Bobby Z, Greatful Dead, The Band, King Crimson, Audience, Traffic, Creedance Or Z Z Top. Like to see a new list after all the input.
the loner at the moon
May 16, 2016 at 11:13 am
Second from the last is Lou Reed Transformer .
Jim Bates
December 7, 2020 at 9:39 am
You obviously missed the first line of the article!! Maybe read the article before making yourself look like a …..
Craig
May 31, 2015 at 7:52 pm
The fact that even one Chilli Peppers album could make the list makes this whole list null and void in my eyes!
chris soady
June 1, 2015 at 12:33 am
are you kidding !! no TOOL ??lateralus ..aenima…smashing pumpkins melon collie ..ect you really do have quite a few UNINSPIRED picks there !!
Craig
June 1, 2015 at 8:19 am
Totally agree! Craig
chris
June 3, 2015 at 12:21 am
I agree ! they don’t even come close which tells me whoever compiled this list really doesn’t have a clue !
joanne
June 3, 2015 at 11:20 pm
RHCP….my LOVES !!! mind your tongue!!
Will
June 11, 2015 at 12:26 am
a good start but many that don’t belong and so many that do. I found at least 30 that don’t belong and it would be tough selecting from so many of the true “Rock Era” bands the ones that do….noticed the oversight of a little band with Steve Marriot known as Humble Pie…perhaps Smokin or Live at Fillmore, Fleetwood Mac in early years had a keeper called Bare Trees also, Ten Years After oldies like Cricklewood Green and so many more, all the new stuff is not “Rock Era” but more like new wave trying to sound like rock…I associate Rock Era as British Invasion up till late 70’s….thanks to disco it all got confusing after that and besides the “hangers on” and a very few new acts doesn’t qualify as rock with me….leaving out Sgt. Pepper and Axis Bold as Love and The Doors disqualifies this entire list and warrants a total remake….
woody
August 24, 2015 at 12:00 pm
Love your work. Agree that Humble Pie and Ten Years after should be there.
As should Traffic “Low Spark of High Heeled Boys”, Blind Faith, Grateful Dead “American Beauty and Workingmans Dead. Jefferson Starship “Surrealistic Pillow” How can the genius Frank Zappa be not on that list.
What about the Santana album?.
Fleetwood Mac Rumours….. seriously. That’s an example of what happens when a formally brilliant band changes direction and sells out to achieve commercial success.
Lee
August 26, 2015 at 7:22 am
Axis Bold as Love is on the list.
Juergen
August 24, 2015 at 7:33 am
99. Lou Reed – Transformer
Randy
August 26, 2015 at 5:34 am
What…no Peter Gabriel or Yes….crime of the century!!!
Randy
August 26, 2015 at 5:38 am
Another crime of the century ….no Tom Petty!!!
steve
October 9, 2015 at 8:08 pm
Nirvana is one of the most over rated bands of all time. They can’t be serious about ranking them ahead of Beggars Banquet and ABB/Fillmore East.
David LeRoy
May 31, 2015 at 2:30 pm
You have the same album listed twice at 99 and 93. And no Sgt. Pepper? Really??
uDiscover
May 31, 2015 at 2:46 pm
David, good spot. We had such a complex spreadsheet that when we transferred it to a list we missed Lou Reed’s Transformer!
Reg Warner
May 31, 2015 at 2:31 pm
this list has no meaning
Chris Chamberlain
May 31, 2015 at 5:34 pm
I agree! It’s the same old predictable stuff voted for by people who probably don’t listen to very much music or take their cues from Q or the Guardian. Dull dull dull
iwgm66
May 31, 2015 at 6:32 pm
No one is going to be entirely happy with any !00 greatest (Enter subject here). Abbey Road is the 2nd best Rock album of all time ? Come on. No room at all for the far, far better Rubber Soul. Still, if you marry together statistics from other polls, you will multiply or divide numbers without knowing it. Dead? Airplane ? I am clearly out of synch with your chart, so will move on.
Vlietist
June 1, 2015 at 2:24 am
Trout Mask Replica dull, predictable, and popular?
Robert
June 1, 2015 at 6:04 pm
Yeah I can never figure why people list Trout Mask Replica on any list of greatest this or that. It is not rock, and can only be listened to while on acid.
Andy J
April 7, 2016 at 2:18 am
Try it without the lsd, listen to all four sides and then you’ll be trippin’ bro!
tom
June 11, 2015 at 6:22 am
this one is for freaks
Bobg
April 8, 2016 at 5:28 am
Hell yes!
James Yates
May 31, 2015 at 2:36 pm
Sonic Youth but no Kinks????
Martin Lindsey
May 31, 2015 at 2:37 pm
Quite a comprehensive list, though I don’t agree with the order. To put Metallica’s “Black Album” and Cream’s “Disraeli Gears” so far down the list is wrong, not to mention “Dark Side of the Moon” not making the top ten.
Chuck
May 31, 2015 at 2:40 pm
@ David Leroy: Really!! This is about the top 100 ALBUMS, not bands… Just sayin’
Lucky Man
May 31, 2015 at 2:41 pm
What about Grateful dead’s American Beauty and Emerson Lake and Palmer’s Brain Salad Surgery?
Close to the Edge
May 31, 2015 at 9:51 pm
Thank you! No Yes either? I’ve seen a lot of these lists and this is by far the one I disagree with the most.
richard kozlowski
May 31, 2015 at 2:46 pm
Why o why is it always same okd dirdge beatles stones who cream hendrix. Etc just because they were made to make more appealing to the mass media does not mean that makes them great or influential. They got their ideas from blues singers bands jazzers folkies avent garde and just plain old eccentrics that were to unpalatable. To me id rather leave the great titles out and simply class them as popularist. Coz thats what they are the stonees beatles floyd etc
Victor
May 31, 2015 at 3:36 pm
They were more ‘appealing to the mass media’, and therefore had more presence in the music industry. Their influence is a consequence of their success.
Darryl
June 1, 2015 at 2:43 pm
You are entitled to your reasoned opinion, but, I think, you are just too young. Have you digested yet what The Beatles did? From your comments, I don’t think so.
John
December 12, 2015 at 4:15 pm
I agree Darryl. The Beatles changed an entire generation. They touched almost every aspect of life. They changed views on music to the point that, if there was no Beatles, music would be very, very different today. They influenced the way we dressed, changed our views on politics, changed the way we interacted on a societal level, and the relationship between men and women, but most of all, I think they changed our values. Yes, they had an effect on practically everything about the ’60s.
JOHN
January 3, 2018 at 11:52 pm
WHAT NOOOOOOOOO KINKS –WHAT THEY PICK SONIC YOUTH NOW IAM JUST PISSSSSSS
Delores Bennett
March 5, 2019 at 5:46 pm
I don’t know where you are coming from, man, but your analysis sounds like you think you are taking a more informed outsider type of viewpoint, but you are not. Because any viewpoint like that falls on its face in the presence of greatness. Which all those bands you mention actually were.
Chris Leighfield
May 31, 2015 at 2:46 pm
So what you are saying is that Led Zeppelin, the greatest rock band ever, had only one great album…….Take a flying leap………Who is #9 Brice Springsteen????
uDiscover
May 31, 2015 at 2:48 pm
He is a typo 🙂
warren
May 31, 2015 at 3:12 pm
Take a flying leap. Really? Because you disagree?
Larry
May 31, 2015 at 2:50 pm
Kansas Leftoverture, surly this epic album could have been placed somewhere in that list.
John Blair
September 11, 2015 at 7:29 pm
Agree with you. Should be in the top 20 at least, if not Top 5.
JD
October 13, 2015 at 10:11 pm
I agree. Leftoverture is Top Ten … a masterpiece.
Alan Peter Seger
December 8, 2016 at 4:21 am
I’m a huge Kansas fan. The best album by far is Masque. It happened before they were famous but really it is the best thing they ever did “complete album-wise.”
galiano
May 31, 2015 at 2:54 pm
I agree with 20 % of the list. To each his own.
TheAsphaltWorld
May 31, 2015 at 2:59 pm
Decent list and my own personal favourite album “Superunknown” by Soundgarden is included (though only at #97).
The obvious missing at first glance:
Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin I
The Wall
Wish You Were Here
In the Court of the Crimson King
Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (remove some of the other Beatles albums)
Could have been included:
Dog Man Star (Suede) – given the inclusion of Pulp and Blur
Dirt (Alice In Chains) – one of the big 4 grunge albums.
michael knight
May 31, 2015 at 5:36 pm
well said agree with all your coments!
JOHN
January 4, 2018 at 12:00 am
WHY O WHY GIVE A BREAK DID YOU EVERY SEE JIME H— THE WHO ARE CREAM LIVE ARE LED ZE LIVE IF NOT YOU DO KNOW WHAT ROCK MUSIC IS
dave
May 31, 2015 at 3:00 pm
No Brittney Spears. Tour list is meaningless
Philip James
June 1, 2015 at 6:35 am
Now, THAT was funny!
dbk
June 1, 2015 at 8:05 pm
lmao
Steve
April 6, 2016 at 5:13 pm
Cute
RevRonsRants
May 31, 2015 at 3:01 pm
I agree with most of your choices, but I’d definitely include the first Led Zeppelin album, add Jethro Tull’s Benefit and Stand Up, Crosby, Stills, & Nash first album, Days of Future Past by Moody Blues, Blues From Laurel Canyon by John Mayall, and Deep Purple’s In Rock.
Jaydizzoh
May 31, 2015 at 3:01 pm
There is an Album called sth Luke Sgt. Pepper by this Band called the Beatles. Ever heard about it? Its not the worst Beatles LP
Rick
June 5, 2015 at 8:17 pm
DITTO on Pepper !!!!!
Bryan
October 10, 2015 at 4:45 am
I was thinking the same thing Sgt
Pepper.
Would also add Boston and Peter Frampton.
splasher
May 31, 2015 at 3:04 pm
No yes, Gary numan, cars, moody blues,or marillion but the Beach Boys. Your list is invalid
George
June 1, 2015 at 6:04 pm
The Beach Boy’s may not have been as big as Yes, Gary Numan, Cars, Moody Blues or Marillion but Pet Sounds was a highly innovative album that helped to kick start the entire prog rock movement that led way to Yes, Cars, Moody Blues, Marillion and later Gary Numan.
Reynaldo
August 24, 2015 at 2:47 pm
Cant be more agreed with your comments
George
May 31, 2015 at 3:05 pm
Seriously now,a top 100 of the greatest rock albums without Deep Purple,Uriah Heep,Iron Maiden and Motörhead ? Really???
mike
May 31, 2015 at 3:05 pm
It’s all a matter of personal taste. There is no right or wrong. if I made my top 100, half of the ones on this list would be missing.I have never understood why the Clash album is so highly regarded. It might the most over rated album in history.
Dean
May 31, 2015 at 3:08 pm
No physical graffiti?
Alan Peter Seger
December 8, 2016 at 4:25 am
All thumbs up on Physical Graffiti! In the light you will find the road!
tom kuhn
May 31, 2015 at 3:09 pm
Where is …
– Deep Purple in Rock?
– Deep Purple Made in Japan?
– Led Zeppelin I, II, III …. ?
– YES, Relayer?
– Yessongs?
– Steven Wilson, Raven … ?
– Steven Wilson – Grace ….?
– Genesis – Selling england …. ?
– Emerson, Lake & Palmer – welcome back live tripple album ?
– Emerson, Lake & Palmer – Trilogy ?
– Emerson, Lake & Palmer – Brain salad surgery
….. and many more.
The collection on this website only shows one thing: It is not possible to make an “official” top 100 list – because everybody has an individual taste for music. This is my opinion. If there is an objective approach – the people who made this list are complete idiots.
Tom Kuhn
Brian
May 31, 2015 at 8:44 pm
Exactly! Where is my YES!
frann
November 17, 2015 at 3:51 pm
Tes? With the rest of the dreadful prog-rock shit: in the bin of our bad memories 🙂
steve G
October 3, 2016 at 6:27 pm
Amen, brother! What about Jethro Tull–Aqualung, Thick as a Brick, and controversially my favorite, A Passion Play? Yes Close to the Edge? Your ELP selections are great! IMHO, Traffic is a truly great band, but this list is very obviously void of much of any Progressive Rock, which to me is the most creative, amazing music out there. My son, a music wonk, has deconstructed Karnevil 9 for me, showing me how it works mechanically, playing the intro by ear, something I have not been able to do for 40 years. No, there are so many albums not on here!
JOHN
January 3, 2018 at 11:26 pm
PETER GREEN DAN CUR WIN JOHN MC-VIY CRISTIN McVIE
JOHN
January 4, 2018 at 12:08 am
FRIST 2 ALBUMS OF LED ZEPP AND THE 3 ALBUMS OF JUST FRIST JETHRO TULL AND BENEFIT AND STAND UP –GOOD FOR ANY YOUNG BASS PLAYER TO LISTEN AND YES
Jefsil
May 31, 2015 at 3:10 pm
I probably would’ve added Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti, Neil Young’s Harvest, Yes Fragile and certainly Beatles Sgt. Peppers, The Kinks and The Yardbirds. List hits most of the biggies.
sjxian
May 31, 2015 at 3:10 pm
What about Highway 61 Revisited? Rubber Soul? Thanks for including Trout Mask Replica and Astral Weeks, though…
Andy J
April 7, 2016 at 2:08 am
Ditto the Captain and Van the man.
Limpi
May 31, 2015 at 3:12 pm
Perhaps I’m the biggest Cream-fan of all time and even I don’t think that Disraeli gears is a good album. I only like two songs from it. Fresh Cream and Wheels of fire are far better albums. But I cannot see them on your list… 🙁
Burt
May 31, 2015 at 3:13 pm
i hate these lust. You missed so many. No Yes. No King Crimson. You have crappy bubblegum Van Halen on here and you don’t have Judas Priest. Master of reality Black Sabbath. No Jethro Tull. Yours is a bubblegum list. I’m surprised you don’t have Rick Springfield on here. Lol. You don’t have trick of the tail by Genesis. I could go on and on.
George
May 31, 2015 at 3:26 pm
Probably Daft Punk and Prince are milestones of rock and we ignore this fact..lol
JOHN
January 3, 2018 at 11:29 pm
THANK YOU LIMPI I TOO LOVE CREAM SAW THEM 2 TIMES
Jorgen Larsen
May 31, 2015 at 3:23 pm
If this is the 100 best rock albums, then I will stick to jazz from now on. The best rock album of all, Bob Dylan’s “Highway 61 Revisited”, is not even mentioned, just like U2’s “All That You Can’t Leave Behind”. And where are the Kinks??? The two double albums in Top 5 by the Beatles and the Stones are full of boring crap (just like many other double albums). Pink Floyd’s sensational first album is much more interesting than the predictable “Dark Side of The Moon” -and I could go on ….
super stevens
May 31, 2015 at 4:50 pm
About Pink Floyd you say “Dark Side of the Moon” is predictable only because you know it well.
Dustin
May 31, 2015 at 7:41 pm
Agreed.
Paul Watson
May 31, 2015 at 9:51 pm
892 weeks on the Billboard charts? I think Dark Side Of The Moon deserves a spot here with so many No.1’s around the world. . The Piper at the Gates of Dawn only got to 6th spot in the UK and 131 in the USA.
Dave
June 1, 2015 at 3:12 pm
That list is bogus. Highway 61 is undoubtedly the #1 rock album. I admit that the White Album is arguably is equally, but 61 is the best.
Magin
May 31, 2015 at 3:26 pm
¿No YES?, ¿No Emerson Lake &Palmer? ¿No Credence Clearwater Revival? ¿No Tangerine Dream? ¿No Jetrho Tull? ¿No Gentle Giant? ¿No Marillion? ¿No Janis Joplin? ¿No AC/DC? ¿Just one record from Pink Floyd or Genesis? It´s alrigth that never trust on this kind of lists, but this one it´s just ridiculous!
JOHN
January 4, 2018 at 12:28 am
PRICK BUCE SPRIGSTEEN WHAT WHO LET HIM IN HES NOT ROCK
james
May 31, 2015 at 3:33 pm
sorry this list is invalid. i´m in doubt about udiscover music knowledge
Joe Cogan
May 31, 2015 at 3:46 pm
I agree that The Beatles deserve three of the top four spots, but to have none of their other albums even make the list is more than a bit weird. And will someone please explain the adulation Exile on Main Street always draws? It’s great, but I wouldn’t put it in the top five Stones albums, much less the top five of all time.
roger d smith
May 31, 2015 at 3:48 pm
some of the albums chosen are not my personal ,what I would call rock.and some I can,t stand and don,t get the hype that surronds them
Sylvain Chartrand
May 31, 2015 at 3:48 pm
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band ?!?!?!?
yogi 8
May 31, 2015 at 3:57 pm
Chicago ??? ELP ??? James Brown ??? Tommy 92 ????
Veder Pučić
May 31, 2015 at 3:59 pm
I mean ok for the large part….but not at least one from the Tool ? thea did leave “some” mark in the rock history…..
Taylor
May 31, 2015 at 4:01 pm
Reading comment strings on any post on the Internet is a useless endeavor and utterly frustrating.
I think your list is quite good. Like anybody on the planet, I feel there are albums that aren’t included here that should be based on my personal preference. I won’t voice those opinions here because the point of this list is udiscovermusic’s opinion. Isn’t subjectivity great?
It’s great to see bands that commonly aren’t listed out for their albums here go hand in hand with established classics from the likes of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Clash, and The Beach Boys. Though it’s definitely very uncommon for albums like “Highway 61 Revisited” or “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” not to make the list in the top five, I think your inclusion of “Born to Run”, “Ziggy Stardust”, “London Calling”, “Nevermind”, and “Exile on Main Street” in the top ten shows an understanding that rock and roll is an ever evolving concept that wasn’t innovated and complete by 1967. It’s a living, breathing thing that takes time, changes, and reinvents itself again and again through blues, punk, grunge, and electronic music.
While I could lambast you for not including my favorite albums wholesale, that’s not the point. There is room for debate, but your list isn’t invalid because it doesn’t align with what my top 100 rock albums would be; it’s valid because it expresses your belief of the top 100 albums that make rock great
Vinyl Junkie
May 31, 2015 at 6:03 pm
Agree on all fronts. I’m sure there is something in here that I haven’t heard before, so I’m looking forward to new discovery. And given that Sgt. Pepper’s usually makes the cut (and in the Top 5 of nearly EVERY other list!) there must have been some discussion about intentionally excluding it. Would love to hear from the “editors” about how that conversation unfolded.
John
December 12, 2015 at 4:51 pm
BRAVO!!!, BRAVO!!! Finally, someone who understands this list. Too many people are thinking about personal favorites. We aren’t talking about albums that a small group of individuals listened to, we’re talking about albums that people, across the board, listened to. Still, there are some albums that are universally thought of being in the top 5, or top 10, 20, 50, 100, that have been omitted. Albums like Dylan’s “Highway 61 Revisited”, The Beatle’s “Sgt. Peppers”, Springsteen’s “Darkness on the Edge of Town”, Billy Joel’s “The Stranger, or his “52nd Street” albums. In addition, Yes’ “Close to the Edge” and “Roundabout”‘ have been left out.
John
December 12, 2015 at 5:04 pm
Just a correction to my above reply to Taylor’s comments. The album by Yes in “Fragile”, not “Roundabout”, which was their big hit off of that album. Sorry–Brain Cramp!!!
Dead Parrot
May 31, 2015 at 4:05 pm
No Queen (News of the World, Night at the Opera), No Journey (Escape), No Blue Oyster Cult (too many to name), No Jethro Tull (Aqualung is one of the best albums of all time)…
Andres
May 31, 2015 at 6:38 pm
A Night at the Opera is at #40 on the list.
El Duderino
May 31, 2015 at 4:12 pm
so you’re saying Rock arguably started with Revolver.
what happened then to that band a year later in the summer of 67 ?
oh, they released Sgt. Pepper, only the record that defined the 60’s and made serious people start appreciate that ‘weird’ music.
i’m not saying it’s the #1 record ever but seriously ? ignoring it is just childish
2 Van Halen ? gimme a break
Blue is an amazing album, Rock it is not
same for Pet Sounds but no big deal
Lamb Lies Down one of my all time favs, but ignoring Court of the Crimson King ?
Manic Street Preachers – The Holy Bible better than Tommy ?!
and Let England Shake the best Rock album by PJ ? only white chalk is quieter
the list goes on
don’t get me wrong, i got about 90 of the 100 records here but nevertheless
oh well, whatever. nevermind..
Sidney Allen Johnson
May 31, 2015 at 4:14 pm
Horrible list. Revolver #1? Really? I do not understand critics fascination with “Exile On Main St.” and these things always over-represent the extremely over rated Springsteen. Toys in the Attic better than Rocks? A great argument can be made for Dark Side to be #1 with only Sgt. Pepper a worthwhile contender. But Daft Punk is on a greatest list? The Pixies? Nirvana a top 10? Thin Lizzy can make this list but not the Rock Hall? No…NO…NO!!!!! and then there is the matter of the failure to have either a “Destroyer” or Alive! on the list…THEIR bias was on display there…
Joe Cogan
May 31, 2015 at 6:07 pm
I concur on “Exile”. As I noted in another comment, it wouldn’t make my top 5 Stones albums, much less the top 5 albums ever.
Ernesto San Giacomo
April 7, 2016 at 8:06 pm
I love Exile on Main Street. Own the CD and (gulp) Vinyl. However, I still rate Sticky Fingers, Beggar’s Banquet, and Let it Bleed, above it.
JOHN
January 3, 2018 at 11:16 pm
THANK YOU SIR
Ernesto San Giacomo
April 7, 2016 at 8:18 pm
I’ve seen Revolver at #1 on other lists as well. I believe it was the top 500 list from Rolling Stone magazine from a few years ago. Yes, for me as well Revolver has taken the #1 slot over Sgt. Pepper. It certainly marks a “breaking point” as many of the original British Invasion bands couldn’t keep up with the changes implemented by the Beatles, and summarily became nostalgia lounge acts. Also a break from the early Beatles sound.
On Revolver, the Beatles introduced alternative tunings, backwards tapes, and exotic instruments.
Well, at least that’s why it’s an important album to me. However, personal taste will always prevail as to agreement / disagreement on lists.
John Whitworth
February 4, 2018 at 7:08 pm
I also agree on Exile on Main street..The stones had Sticky Fingers, Beggars Banquet and Let it Bleed ALL had more critically acclaimed and commercially recognizable songs that Exile did….Pink Floyd or Moody Blues were also not justly recognized…Only one Album by Led Zeppelin..that cant be right…Beatles Revolver a tad over rated.
Jacob
May 31, 2015 at 4:18 pm
Frank Zappa. Always passed over 🙁
Hubert
May 31, 2015 at 6:38 pm
I agree. No Frank Zappa album in Top100 is a f***n joke.
PS. At least Cpt. Beefheart is there at 46…
Dude
June 1, 2015 at 7:49 am
they can’t put any Zappa album in this list, otherwise they should put all his album in this list from 100 to 1
MUGTECH
May 31, 2015 at 4:21 pm
NO HIGHWAY 61?
NO DAYS OF FUTURE PAST?
Jeff Clausen
May 31, 2015 at 4:22 pm
Unless Randy Newman isn’t rock, he deserves a spot here.
mlhesler
May 31, 2015 at 4:34 pm
Highway 61 revisited should be top 5. Marvin Gaye What’s going on also. Where’s Blow by Blow, Super Sessions, Cosmo’s Factory, East West, Santana, 461 Ocean Boulevard, Machine Head, Paranoid, Dirty Deeds, Can’t Buy a Thrill, just to name a few. Do you really know anything about music?
Brad Deniston
May 31, 2015 at 4:38 pm
Highway 61 Revisited & Sgt. Pepper? Really?
Fernando Passos
May 31, 2015 at 4:40 pm
Opus Focus, Trespass-Genesis, Crime of the Century-Supertramp, Atom Earth Mother-Pink Floyd…?
mark
June 2, 2015 at 6:04 pm
atom HEART mother-pink floyd…
Laurobf
May 31, 2015 at 4:40 pm
whit out Quadrophenia???
Wayne
June 2, 2015 at 2:54 am
I agree with Laurobf! The Who’s Quadrophenia should be on the list! It’s #2 on mine.
Danny Griffin
September 12, 2015 at 2:01 am
Agree with Quadrophenia. One of the best albums of all time, period! Much better than Tommy which somehow made this list.
JOHN
January 3, 2018 at 11:21 pm
THE WHO THE BASS –JOHN ENDWISTIL K .MOONDRUMS THE BEST
jake
May 31, 2015 at 4:40 pm
TOTO IV ??..
Paul Mcateer
May 31, 2015 at 4:41 pm
Good list but not have Sabbath bloody Sabbath or holydiver by dio on it,and having londons calling in top ten,please
dane
May 31, 2015 at 4:42 pm
How the heck is America-History not on this list?
Gray
May 31, 2015 at 4:46 pm
I love these lists, bit like soft porn. There will always be notable exceptions in any list so just get over it! Mine of course are: Easter Everywhere by the 13th Floor Elevators, #1 Record – Big Star, Crown of Creation-Ride, The Tindersticks debut, Songs from Northern Britain – Teenage Fanclub, Moon Safari-Air, The Boy with the Arab Strap – Belle & Sebastian, Between 10th & 11th-The Charlatans, Teenage Head-The Flamin’ Groovies, Forever Breathes the Lonely Word – Felt, 16 Lovers Lane – The Go Betweens, Cold Water Flat – Revolver, The Magical World of The Strands-Michael Head, Psychocandy-JAMC, Prehistoric Sounds-The Saints, No Other-Gene Clark, Foxbase Alpha-Saint Ettienne, The Gilded Palace of Sin-The Flying Burrito Brothers, I am the Cosmos-Chris Bell, John Barleycorn Must Die-Traffic, Meat Puppets II, Nine Types of Light-TVOTR, The Bends-Radiohead, The Pretenders debut, Rattlesnakes-Lloyd Cole, Road to Rouen-Supergrass, Spirit debut, Technique-New Order, Turtle Soup-The Turtles, Waterpistol -Shack, White Light White Heat-The Velvet Underground,
Gray
May 31, 2015 at 5:10 pm
Sorry should have read, Carnival of Light by Ride. Really late now!!!
paul mcateer
May 31, 2015 at 4:52 pm
Plus no pearl jam,ten has to be one of the best albums ever,and to have nirvana ahead of them,total disgrace,nirvana weren’t even the best grunge band ,plus no la women by the doors,the more I study the list the more I want to vomit
Joe Cogan
May 31, 2015 at 6:14 pm
“Ten” is #59 on the list.
Mark Thompson
May 31, 2015 at 5:04 pm
I was hoping to see Linkin Park’s “Hybrid Theory” on the list.
ChrisB
May 31, 2015 at 5:05 pm
This is a bizarre list – dispense with the most influential album of all time why not – Sgt Peppers – but include Abbey Road ? No Hot Rats, Stand Up, Village Green Preservation Society, Hejira, Pawn Hearts or God Bluff, Big Pink, Five Leaves Left, Liege and Lief, CSN or Deja Vu, LA Woman, On the Beach, Quadrophenia, Fragile, this is just off the top of my head. I must live in a parellel world…
Exile, Born to Run, Hotel California – you must be joking ….
JOHN
January 3, 2018 at 11:39 pm
THANKS SIR TO ERNESTO SAN– GIACOMO —- TO MR JACOB WHY DO PEOPLE WHY CALL IF KNOW A LITTEL ABOUT MUSIC MISS FRANK ZAPPA–
Gray
May 31, 2015 at 5:06 pm
apologies meant to say Carnival of Light by Ride, it’s late!!
Steve
May 31, 2015 at 5:12 pm
Good list but I really think Def Leppard Pyromania should be at least top 50
Dave Young
May 31, 2015 at 5:14 pm
I think that more than half of the albums don’t meet the definition of Rock, Of the 50 or so that do I own or have owned about 45. If you list were correct that number would closer to 90.
Ed
May 31, 2015 at 5:19 pm
I understand Rushes 2112 but what about Moving Pictures? That has some classic rock stables on it that still get play today ; Tom Sawyer, Limelight, Red Barchetta, YYZ!?
Glenn Peterson
May 31, 2015 at 5:28 pm
Oh boy……let me say though I agree with many of the selections, the snub of Sgt Pepper not even included in the Top 100 is mind blowing. If you were alive and listening to music in 1967 you know this was the game changer……it became the standard by which other albums were judged, even by the Beatles themselves. So this list is like a collection of 100 Greatest Films that doesn’t include Citizen Kane.
Also….The first Led Zeppelin is another essential, as is anything by Janis Joplin. Sweetheart of the Rodeo by the Byrds is where country rock and modern country really began. And how about the greatest British folk rock record of them all, Liege and Lief by Fairport Convention?
Other than that….
JOHN
January 4, 2018 at 12:15 am
THANK YOU ED I WILL LISTEN AGAIN RUSH 2112 AND MOVING PICTURES AND MORE RUSH THANKS AGAIN ED.
georgert
May 31, 2015 at 5:34 pm
To leave out Deja Vu by Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jethro Tull’s Stand Up, and Buffalo Springfield makes me sad.
Pete
June 1, 2015 at 5:43 pm
Geogert,I read you post regarding the 100 top albums. How about the oversight of Jethro Tull not being in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? I started a page on Facebook back in October 2014 to bring attention to that fact. The class of 2016 Inductees for the HOF will be announced in September. If you agree,please visit & “like” my page: Induct Jethro Tull into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It is has gotten a lot of support. Thanks,Pete
Ernesto San Giacomo
April 7, 2016 at 8:03 pm
Wow Jethro Tull not in the RNRHOF! A sin of omission indeed!
Nige
May 31, 2015 at 5:48 pm
A waste of time! Everyone has their own. So many albums not listed here! In fact some are hardly under the rock catagory.
William
May 31, 2015 at 5:55 pm
Replace Breakfast in America with Crisis What Crisis. Much more ground breaking. Ozark Mountain Daredevils should have multiple albums on this list. What about Three Dog Night who owned the late 60s and early 70s? Not passing this list forward as it’s terribly flawed.
Mike Steuber
May 31, 2015 at 6:03 pm
Since when is Daft Punk, Pulp, Carol King or Joni Mitchell ROCK music? Nothing against what they play or really how great their albums are, but they do not belong to the genre rock. Daft Punk – Electro-Dance, Pulp – New age pop, Carol King – pop, Joni Mitchell – Folk, but most definitely not rock…
Gonzo
May 31, 2015 at 6:12 pm
I’d like to see a top (10 at least, if not 50 or even 100) list as chosen by some of the luminaries on this list.
steve
May 31, 2015 at 6:46 pm
Who made this lis? Whatt a friggin joke! Led Zeppelin has at least 5 albums that should be in the top 30, most of these albums i wouldn’t listen to unless I was forced to!
JOHN
January 3, 2018 at 11:43 pm
ME TOO ABOUT JETHRO TULL FRIST 3 ALBUMS AND BUFFALO SPRINGFLELD
Tunanorth
May 31, 2015 at 7:04 pm
Fun list to read, its really impossible to make lists like this, so applaud the effort no matter how many of “my own” favorites were left out.
One observation, the slight “cultural divide” between the UK and USA, and the differing impacts some artists had on one side of the pond or the other.
Such differences may account for some of the “Wha?’ comments.
I have one great but forgotten band name for Brits and Yanks to re-discover: Buffalo Springfield.
Rob
May 31, 2015 at 7:06 pm
Guns N’ Roses Appetite For Destruction should be #1
Randy Pogue
May 31, 2015 at 7:08 pm
No Blind Faith. ..idiots
Eric
May 31, 2015 at 7:14 pm
Hello where’s KISS Alive!
Angelo
May 31, 2015 at 7:23 pm
Yeah….lots of good stuff on the list. There were several that I’m not familiar with. Surprised to see Tommy so far back…..hella double-album in a number of ways. “Aqualung”, “Surrealistic Pillow”, “Pretenders” and “Stop Making Sense” not making the list is difficult to understand. It was FUN to read the list and the replies, with folks bringing up lots of really great albums. It’s cool to see music-lovers talk and share thoughts…..really is..These lists are always controversial. Oh well ……..
Kev
May 31, 2015 at 7:53 pm
Best Albums of the Rock Era is not the same as Best Rock Albums of the Rock Era. You’ve picked the latter, but called it the former. The former should include Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis, Public Enemy, Bassekou Kouyate, etc who have released incredible albums in the Rock Era.
Jennifer Lapidus
May 31, 2015 at 10:49 pm
Nothing by Elvis Costello?
AB
June 1, 2015 at 4:28 am
Elvis Costello the most serious omission IMHO
EB
May 31, 2015 at 8:02 pm
There is no “100 Greatest List” of anything in music. It’s all depends to us. But, This List is not a realistic list, the others told why this list is so far from “Greatests” in overall.
Jeff Oakes
May 31, 2015 at 8:04 pm
JETHRO TULL, YES, KING CRIMSON, ELP, GENTLE GIANT, ZAPPA, MIKE OLDFILED, THE MAMAS AND THE PAPAS, ARTHUR BROWN, DREAM THEATER, FLOWER KINGS, PORCUPINE TREE, SPOCK’S BEARD, TRANSATLANTIC all together didn’t make it into top 100… Doesn’t this situation remind you of ROck’n’roll HAll of SHAME? This list, as well as the other lists it derives from, is an insult to rock music, aimed to neglect the originality and innovation, and praise the mainstream mediocrity.
Mike Omalior
May 31, 2015 at 8:08 pm
The
Sex Pistols ahead of Derek and the Dominos, seriously?
shocked
May 31, 2015 at 8:13 pm
And what about Free? Fire and water? I can’t believe that Paul Rodgers is not on the list!
JOHN
January 3, 2018 at 11:48 pm
YES I ARGEE J-TULL KING CRIMSON ELP GENTLE GIANT FRANK ZAPPA AND DREAM THEATER THIESE I KNOW ABOUT
John O'Rourke
May 31, 2015 at 8:16 pm
I will push for Mott The Hoople’s Mott album t0o make sure someone does. Brain Capers would have been an inspired choice.
Neil Avey
May 31, 2015 at 8:19 pm
I agree with half of this list as a Seventies kid. But if I listed my top 100 everyone would knock that tio. Btw, your No 100 is my favourite. See what I mean?
john mole
May 31, 2015 at 8:20 pm
Would Sgt. PEPPER MAKE YOUR TOP 200? SMH…Cmon it is #1. It meets your definition exactly. I know there is only 100 slots, and this is very subjective, but WHY????
Michael
May 31, 2015 at 8:33 pm
Frampton comes alive.
Edward
May 31, 2015 at 8:36 pm
For me excluding Sgt Pepper is strange – it’s a better, tighter album than the White Album for instance. I would find room for Fire and Water by Free, Highway to Hell by ACDC and two by Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath and Master of Reality. I’d also want to know about criteria for making such a list – sales (objective) vs quality of songwriting (subjective?) or musicianship (again subjective).
Jeff Oakes
June 2, 2015 at 10:57 pm
Sales maybe objective criteria, but the least MUSICAL. If we talk about music we must discuss music. Therefore I’d like to see at least one of those lists were made on musical criteria which are CREATIVITY (both musical & poetic), ORIGINALITY, HISTORIC IMPACT, NOVICE balanced with the performing brilliance and skillful production. And these are not completely subjective issues.
YesYesYes
May 31, 2015 at 8:40 pm
Great list but… Where is Yes? I’ve seen other list like this and I remember perfectly seeing Yes in or the 27 or 26 place. And I think The White Album is better than Revolver.
George
May 31, 2015 at 8:46 pm
Really nice try but ..PJ Harvey,Arctic monkeys ,and Joy division all are there and no Frank Zappa…..no Rory Gallagher there also…
Think of it …Zappa evolved music
PJ HARVEY IN TOP 100 is outrageous…….
Kevin Gratton
May 31, 2015 at 9:15 pm
Pet Sounds has always been highly over rated. George Harrison’a All Things Must Pass deserves a much higher position, perhaps in the top 20.
Gilbert
May 31, 2015 at 9:29 pm
No Deep Purple? Emerson, Lake & Palmer? Rainbow?
How about the European Progressive Rock bands Camel, Deyss, Eloy and Marillion.
They all deserve at least one album on the list.
Like several people said – to each their own.
khodayar
May 31, 2015 at 11:23 pm
agree !
Dominic Pennachio
May 31, 2015 at 9:38 pm
Born to Run top ten – no way. Where is Grand Funk Closer to Home? Jethro Tull Aqualung? Bill Bruford – One of a Kind? Queen II? Beatles – Sgt. Pepper and Yesterday and Today? Frampton Comes Alive?
Clayton Nimtz
May 31, 2015 at 9:40 pm
Oh come on, no Jethro Tull – not even Aqualung, but you include Hotel California that’s a rip off of a Tull song “We used to know”. Get real.
Grumpy Cat
May 31, 2015 at 9:50 pm
You still have to work on the list. Nirvana is not rock, doesn’t belong here, or anywhere. Bon Jovi is glam rock, not for this list either. Red hot chili should be on the ‘white trash hip hop’ list. Rush should be under the ‘singers on helium’ list. Fleetwood Mac belongs to the ‘Soft, cheesy, romantic, elevator music genre’. Clean that list up.
me
May 31, 2015 at 10:44 pm
geesh you r grumpy
John Hammond
May 31, 2015 at 10:00 pm
No Tres Hombres, No Stevie Ray, In Step?
Pedro Escarela
May 31, 2015 at 10:17 pm
UFO – “Strangers un the night”
Grand Funk Railroad – “Caught un the act”
Pink Floyd – “Animals”
Rush – “Moving pictures”
Oasis – “Familiar to millions”
Jethro Tull – “Thick as a brick”
Jethro Tull – “Aqualung”
Emerson, Lake & Palmer – “Pictures at an exhibición”
Emersión, Lake & Palmer – “Tarkus”
Santana – “Abraxas”
Yes – “Close to the edge”
Yes – “Fragile”
Yes – “Relayer”
Ten Years After – “A space in time”
Ten Years After – “Shhhh!!!”
And excuse me if i forget some others (that i like too)
YakuzaMonkey
May 31, 2015 at 10:29 pm
None of the albums from The Stooges? Wtf? They fucking invented punk. Ramones, Sex Pistols and Clash woulnd’t even exist without them. Shitty list. Ow, and just one album from The Doors? Where is L.A Woman? Strange Days? Only one album from Led and one from Velvet? Why the fuck Van Halen have 2 albums? BON JOVI?? PFFTFTFTF Ridiculous
jay
May 31, 2015 at 10:34 pm
No “Emerson Lake & Palmer”‘s Brain Salad Surgery???
No Frank Zappa, only one album?
No Ten Years After?
No Grand Funk Railroad?
No Jethro Tull?
And finally, no YES?
You must do rock rehab…
Blaine Kim
May 31, 2015 at 10:40 pm
Jethro Tull Bursting out YESSONGS Kiss Alive Destroyer Uriah Heep Magicians birthday Alice Cooper schools out – Killers Etc? EH?
Billy Auld
May 31, 2015 at 10:55 pm
Wishbone Ash’s ARGUS. I rest my case. This list is a nonsense when such a band as Wishbone Ash doesn’t get in the top 20, let alone the top 100.
HIBSON JR
May 31, 2015 at 11:04 pm
This is the biggest joke i have ever seen how can u call this the top 100 ROCK ERA albums only 1 ZEPPELIN/FLOYD/SABBATH no YES/E.L.O/E/L.P/TROWER.
John
May 31, 2015 at 11:38 pm
“Boston” should have been on there, as their debut album was the highest selling until “Appetite for Destruction” came along…
CrazyHorse
June 1, 2015 at 12:51 am
Jefferson Airplane – Surrealistic Pillow, nowhere on this list. Really?!
Dan .kies
June 1, 2015 at 12:55 am
No FOGHAT, no savoy brown no mountain no Ted Nugent no Robin Trower no iron maiden no Dokken No REO SPEEDWAGON dude this list SUCKS
bassman54
June 1, 2015 at 1:05 am
no James Gang Rides Again? Workingman’s Dead? really? and I too don’t get the thrill some people get over Exile on Main St. Both Let it Bleed and Sticky Fingers FAR superior albums in my humble opinion…..
Robert
June 1, 2015 at 1:07 am
Except for Bob, Prince and Jimi, pretty white as if the last 70 plus years of music was just a bunch of white guys with a few women thrown in for balance.
Lisa
June 1, 2015 at 2:05 am
Kraftwerk “Autobahn” created electronic music and the next two decades after it in terms of music technology and electronic music phrasing. I am in no way saying I don’t appreciate the more organic sound of a string or percussion instrument played by hand, and composing still belongs to people who play with their breath and hands till they hurt. But it was influential as hell.
J-Nasty
June 1, 2015 at 2:07 am
sgt peppers???
Patrick
June 1, 2015 at 2:13 am
No Free, ZZTop, Blue Oyster Cult, Zappa?
Chuck
June 1, 2015 at 2:30 am
Cobain is probably rolling in his grave knowing Nirvana had been included in the top Ten…but not one Led Zeppelin album. who were heroes of his. Groundbreaking as Bowie, the Clash, Springsteen and Nirvana were, there are few Rock bands that have not in some way, directly or indirectly, been influenced by that album.
João
June 1, 2015 at 4:24 am
Okay, Beatles is the best bands ever, but 3 of the 4 first albums by them is too much. Led and Dylan were forgotten in this list .
Dick Cahoon
June 1, 2015 at 4:28 am
Rubber Soul is the Best Album ever
Michael M
June 1, 2015 at 5:06 am
Great list. Albeit, I have never seen a top 100 album list that did not include Sgt. Pepper or Rubber Soul.
Rich
June 1, 2015 at 5:18 am
Nirvana’s Nevermind is ranked higher than every single Led Zeppelin album? You’ve got to be kidding me!!
Zvi Lando
June 1, 2015 at 5:30 am
I can remember where I was when I first heard many of these albums – but – FUCK – half of these I have never heard! Who the fuck are these bands?
“Tommy” in the 90s? Are you deaf? The “eagles”? What are you – a bunch of girls who were born in the late 60s?
ken n.
June 1, 2015 at 6:27 am
I realize that this is just a list whom everyone probably won’t agree with – I certainly don’t. No Steppenwolf, Ten Years After, JoJo Gunne, Bloodrock, Grand Funk, Mountain, Procol Harum, Blue Oyster Cult, Atomic Rooster, Rory Gallagher, Osibisa, Mama Lion, Birtha, Foghat, Climax Blues Band, Savoy Brown, “Love It to Death”, Colosseum, Hard Stuff, Funkadelic, Killing Joke, Uriah Heep, Quatermass, Shocking Blue, Babe Ruth, James Gang, UFO, Fairport Convention, Renaissance, Pentangle, Steeleye Span… : – ) Nice try, tho.
Tony
June 1, 2015 at 9:47 am
Top 100 ‘rock’ albums and we don’t have ‘Very Heavy Very Humble,’ ‘Aqualung,’ ‘Quadrophenia’ or Terrapin Station, pretty pi*s poor list, and yes the Beatles were good but 3 of the top four, that indicates laziness of the complier and from some of the picks a definite lack of musical taste!
Muso
June 1, 2015 at 1:03 pm
WTF; no WHITESNAKE!!!!!!! O-M-G
Paul Taylorson
June 1, 2015 at 2:25 pm
What about Spirit’s Dr. Sardonicus
Leonard Mosher
June 1, 2015 at 2:37 pm
I don’t know what you used to qualify these choices and how the order from top to bottom was compiled, if it was total sales, total requests by on air radio or other ways but you surly missed some of the all time greats to include “Pink Floyd’s” Final Cut, I could go on and mention a lot more of my personal favorites but I try to keep in mind what is quality compositions by artists and surely there should have also been more “Frank Zappa” included in the mix. But then, this is just my opinion.
Silverio
June 1, 2015 at 2:39 pm
Bed list! No Grand Funk? No Creedence? No Kinks? No Santana, Faces…?
Ted Ventura
June 1, 2015 at 2:39 pm
A good list. I personally would have added at least one LP by the artist who started it all: Elvis Presley.
LLvis
October 9, 2015 at 5:23 pm
You are right. But so we can say: the artists of these LPs are among the best disciples of the King 😀
Kelli
June 1, 2015 at 2:49 pm
“Lighten up Francis.” I think everyone commenting should make their OWN list, post it, then let everyone comment on it….but before you give us your list, make sure you let us know if it’s based on FACTS, or your opinion. If it’s based on fact, can’t argue with facts, if it’s based on opinion, well everyone has different opinions because of how the music touched them…doesnt mean it belongs on the list…and remember, its only the top 100…maybe your pick is # 101 or 110 or 200.
Brian
June 1, 2015 at 3:14 pm
No InXcess?
Euan Wilkinson
June 1, 2015 at 3:58 pm
No Yes….yer havin’ a laugh!
Also, no Crimson, Zappa, Little Feat, Gentle Giant, PFM, Roxy Music, Tim Buckley, Tull, VDGG, Talking Heads, Elvis Costello, Bjork, etc, etc…
I know these are bands/artists, not albums but where oh where is Sgt Pepper, Quadrophenia, the Yes Album, Fragile, Close to the Edge, Zep 2, Physical Graffiti, Selling England, Foxtrot, Bandstand, Trilogy, Wish you Were Here, the Wall, the Power & the Glory, Made in Japan, Hot Rats, Fear of Music, Remain in Light, LA Woman, Harvest, Heroes, Station to Station, Aladdin Sane, the Clash, Aqualung, the Man Machine, Sign O’ the Times, Hounds of Love, Hissing of Summer Lawns, Hejira, etc, etc!
Howzabout a top 1,000 the next time to right quite a few wrongs?
Grateful Doug
June 1, 2015 at 4:54 pm
Euan hit it dead on. No Quadrophenia? No Wish You Were Here? No Hejira? No Sgt Pepper? Obviously none of you were there when it was happening.
Craig
June 1, 2015 at 6:15 pm
What a difficult list to try and put together! For me ACDC’s Back in Black was a massive game changer.
Dave Priestap
June 1, 2015 at 6:48 pm
No Moody Blues, Jethro Tull, Bob Seger, John Mellencamp, Cactus, Creedence Clearwater Revival or John Fogerty, Doobie Brothers, ZZ Top, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Frank Zappa, Grateful Dead, Savoy Brown, Mountain, Canned Heat, Jefferson Airplane/Starship, Santana, and the list goes on and on.
SERIOUSLY???
Randy Berner
June 1, 2015 at 7:08 pm
How totally arbitrary. No Sgt Pepper? Useless!
Steve Holmes
June 1, 2015 at 7:38 pm
Beach Boys middle of the road easy listning Rock band ???? No question of Beatles credability But could you please swop Revolver with Exile you nearly got the top bit right
This is a first glance comment I,m sure there is other listings up for debate but apreciate that peoples opinions differ
Mike
June 1, 2015 at 10:12 pm
I think many can agree with me when I say Dark Side of the Moon is at least top 5.
GARYGROSS
June 1, 2015 at 10:40 pm
JETHRO TULL’S AQUALUNG IS EASILY TOP 5 ALBUM OF ALL-TIME, CROSBY, STILL, NASH & YOUNG’S DEJA VU IS RICHLY DESERVING AS IS THE BEATLE’S RUBBER SOUL WHICH IS MUCH BETTER THAN YOUR “1” REVOLVER, MOUNTAIN’S NANTUCKET SLEIGHRIDE, ALLMAN BROS. EAT A PEACH, JIMI HENDRIX’S AXIS: BOLD AS LOVE, DEREK & THE DOMINOES LIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gary Brewer
June 1, 2015 at 11:39 pm
I own copies of and am more than familiar with many albums from this list. (Pet Sounds, Revolver, Pretzel Logic, Dark Side…, Back in Black, etc.) Many others I have certainly heard of, but have not gotten around to giving them my valuable time. (Dylan, Stones, Sex Pistols) I have seen many of these titles on just about every other Best of .. lists. I enjoy reading these lists and know that all of my personal favorites will not make the cut (Time- ELO, Days of Future Passed,-Moody Blues and Fragile- Yes), but it gives me opportunity to open my mind and expand my musical experience. I never would have dreamed I loved The Beatles (anything) and the Beach Boys Pet Sounds without these lists lying around all the time.
Thanks.
Paul Higginbotham
June 1, 2015 at 11:40 pm
Utter Rubbish.
Ryan
June 1, 2015 at 11:43 pm
Boston – Boston? That album had more top tracks than any of the time period…
Bashkim
June 2, 2015 at 2:17 am
Shit List
Gerry
June 2, 2015 at 5:07 am
At least a dozen songs that do not qualify as rock by your own standards. Tapestry is a great album but not rock by any stretch. No Kinks pretty much shows a complete lack of knowledge.
SaltLakeSmitty
June 2, 2015 at 12:31 pm
Come on now. No Fleetwood Mac no Bob Seger no CCR no Zep. Comer on now get it together. Its like not having the Doobie Bro and Foreigner in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
SaltLakeSmitty
June 2, 2015 at 12:35 pm
Come on now. no Bob Seger no CCR no Zep. Comer on now get it together. Its like not having the Doobie Bro and Foreigner in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Jack Webb
June 2, 2015 at 2:56 pm
Seriously, no Grateful Dead. Rubbish. Back to the drawing board lads.
Jeff Oakes
June 2, 2015 at 11:11 pm
I agree that REVOLVER maybe the very “record that made everyone start thinking differently about popular music” It turned the musical world upside down, therefore maybe it deserves the 1st place in this list. But where are the other albums that made the same impact in other ways – Deep Purple’s “Concerto for Group & Orchestra” & “In Rock”, YES “Close to the Edge”, KC “In the Court of the Crimson King”, GG “Octopus”, ELP ‘Tarkus”, PF “Atom Heart Mother”, S&G “Parsley Sage Rosemary & Thyme” FZ “Hot Rats”, DT “Images & Words”, Chicago’s 1st and so many others…. Who the hell are guns’n’roses & aerosmiths to be put ahead of King Crimson, Yes & Frank Zappa
John Blair
June 3, 2015 at 11:20 am
Some great albums on this list, but Best 100, I don’t think so. With lists like this, nobody is going to agree with the list. 2112 by Rush, but no Moving Pictures. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, but no Captain Fantastic (my personal fave). No Jethro Tull (Minstrel In The Gallery should be here), Boston’s 1st album, Kansas Leftoverture album, and too many Beatles albums. OK they influenced many of todays artists, but there are many better albums. Sgt Pepper is regarded as the best Beatles album, but also doesn’t appear. I could go on for ages listing lots more.
Junebug
June 3, 2015 at 11:41 am
At least a few other posters validated my disappointment in not listing Fripp, particularly In The Court Of The Crimson King.
Brian
June 3, 2015 at 6:39 pm
Where are the early rock & rollers – Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard?
ray
June 3, 2015 at 7:51 pm
I learned a long time ago that by definition these lists are there to wind you up.
Like people said no Sgt Pepper/ Smashing Pumpkin/ Eel and so on.
Some lists put Robbie Williams and Take That above Good artists. Works though still winds me up.
Dark side of the moon @ 12
Springsteen @ 9 ?
Tony Sweeting
June 3, 2015 at 11:30 pm
The problem with these ‘ top greatest’ ‘rock’ album compilations, are that, fun, though they are, and not to be taken too seriously of course,’100′ albums is always only going to be just a very tiny tip of a gigantic iceberg of extremely subjective opinions…and that is just the ‘rock’ genre alone ! (however one defines rock with it’s various hybrids)
Although I would certainly agree with some choices, ( including some of the old chestnuts) that, without fail, will always turn up in these poles, there is a huge percentage of (IMO) important influential, some slightly left field albums missing ….
Anyway, to name but a few ‘rock’ albums that haven’t been mentioned…….
In The Court Of The Crimson King – King Crimson
Lieg and leaf – Fairport Convention
Third – Soft Machine
Hot Rats – Frank Zappa
Thick as a brick – Jethro Tull
Octopus – Gentle Giant
Foxtrot – Genesis
Close to the edge – Yes
Irish Tour 74′ – Rory Gallagher
Live Dates – Wishbone Ash
Doc at the radar station – Captain Beefheart
Mirror Blue – Richard Thompson
Tin Drum – Japan
*******
Billy Auld
June 8, 2015 at 1:46 am
Nice list. :¬)
mark atkinson
June 4, 2015 at 3:05 am
mostly garbage in this 100 alblums.black sabbath should move up in top 20 not enough heavy music on list.
Richard
June 4, 2015 at 3:53 am
Just swap Slippery When Wet for Def Leppard’s Hysteria. A much better ’80’s rock album in every way.
Colin
June 4, 2015 at 4:17 pm
This List is Rubbish. How about classic’s like Status Quo Live (classed as the greatest live recording of all time) Only 1 Pink Floyd, ACDC, Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, Led Zep, How about Def Leopard, Bon Jovi. Uriah Heep. The list goes on. How about the longest running chart Album of all time -BAT OUT OF HELL by Meatloaf, The Eagles………………………………………………….
Garrett Jennings
June 4, 2015 at 10:03 pm
I agree with the other comments that Quadrophenia needs to be on the list! Best album ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JIQJc8WU7U
Sean
June 5, 2015 at 9:20 am
Surely Iron Maiden should feature high up with atleast 5 albums??? Number of the beast??? and Metallica much higher.
Rick
June 5, 2015 at 8:22 pm
Your List SUCKS. Sgt. Pepper fan.
Joaquin Leoni
June 7, 2015 at 5:07 pm
Talkin Heads (77), Kula Shaker (K), Iron Maiden (Killers), Genesis (Abacab), King Crimson (The Construktion of the Light), Echo and The Bunnymen (Crocodiles), The Jesus and The Mary Chain (Psychocandy), Faith No More (Angel Dust), Suicidal Tendencies (Still Psycho ….. ), Kyuss (Welcome to the Sky Valley), Marillion (Misplaced Childhood), The Alan Parsons Project (I Robot), Tame Impala (Innerspeaker), Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (Take them on your own), Brian Jonestown Massacre (Who killed sgt Peppers), Sleep (Jerusalem), and the list goes on and on and on and on…..
Ted Wright
June 10, 2015 at 10:53 pm
Joaquin: You are so right. The list goes on. Thanks Joaquin.
Elisdad44
June 7, 2015 at 5:37 pm
As music fan that actually was a living witness to this era having grown up in it. And even though I was still a young child when the Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan show, I would still sing along to every song of theirs and all the other bands that I saw for the first time on Sunday Night TV when they played on the radio. The first two albums that I ever purchased as a consumer with the allowance that my mom gave to me were Led Zeppelin 4 and Love it to Death by Alice Cooper, so of course I feel qualified to critique this every other list published on this sight, and I know in which order I’d rank these Albums listed here, as well as having my own feelings about omissions and unworthy inclusion. I could be wrong here, but I am thinking based on all the lists that I’ve seen on this site, that they are compiled by someone who is from a far more recent generation than my own. And my feeling is you can be a huge music fan and you might love this particular era as much if not more than anyone else on the planet. If you weren’t there then you don’t know how each and every Album on your list impacted those who were there. Yes you may be a great historian of this music, and you have probably read every review available, but you’d never be able to actually feel the emotional impact of these records. For instance, hardly anyone at all heard Forever Changes when it first came out, and I know I didn’t hear it till it started ranking consistently in top ten greatest rock records of all times lists sometime in the late 70’s, and by then I had a fairly hard time tracking it down as most copies had ended up as cutouts in the bargain bins. The same goes for any album by the Velvet Underground (though I did get to hear their first one when it came out, believe me most did not) or Astral Weeks, Trout Mask Replica and Marquee Moon,. Or did you know that Paranoid was almost universally hated by the critics of time even though it was intensely loved by almost every kid my age. If you were sitting around with you friends rolling up the devils weed while listening to music, you were certainly far more likely to be listening to Sgt. Pepper than any Beatles Album you have listed. And that Darks Side of the Moon was probably the most likely pick for that setting for the 5 or 6 generations of kids coming up behind you. I could go on, but I don’t want to bore you.
Ted Wright
June 10, 2015 at 10:52 pm
There are at least another 100 we can fit in to The Top 100. Why vote. I like all 200.
Roberto
June 10, 2015 at 11:26 pm
No dude, Isn’t a good work …where are Ben Harper, Janis Joplin, Zappa, Santana….and just one about Bob Marley?…and Exodus or Live?… I’ve got some work for you, pump up the volume…..
Gary
June 10, 2015 at 11:33 pm
There was no Steppenwolf at all.Even saw them in Germany when only sodiers and germans were there ALL singing: AMERICA where are you now ,don’t you care about your sons and daughters? Don’t you know we need you know , we cant fight alone against the Monster.{1977}
Sergio Quintana
June 11, 2015 at 12:53 am
What about GINO VANNELLI???!!!
Gompie
June 11, 2015 at 7:50 am
No King Crimson, CSNY, ELP, Traffic, Blind Faith….?
Kev
June 11, 2015 at 10:20 am
“Elvis Presley” by Elvis Presley deserves at least a mention, being the seminal rock album and all. Granted, he didn’t write any of the songs but that was the only part of the music making process he didn’t do – he sang, played guitar and piano, he was also de facto producer and A&R man. And there are songs on there that deal with adult concerns, like paying rent or marriage – polyamory even! (“Tutti Frutti”, anybody?) – and “Heartbreak Hotel” is definitely not a disposable teeny-bopper song if you listen to it, plus take into account it was inspired by a suicide note. The album came out in the Northern Hemisphere spring of 1956 (a full decade before the summer of ’66) – if Elvis wasn’t ahead of his time on this one, then at least let’s agree all he laid the foundations and made rock happen.
LLvis
October 9, 2015 at 5:41 pm
🙂
Dewi
June 11, 2015 at 12:12 pm
Sad – no Spirit.
Danny
June 11, 2015 at 3:30 pm
Definetly not my favorite top 100 albums list either, but instead of slammin’ all the work this guy did putting it together, make up your own top 100 list and see what everybody else thinks of your list.
Barry
July 16, 2015 at 10:48 pm
I agree with you Dan. lists are both subjective and open to criticism. there are albums on there I agree with and a lot that I don’t. I have a record collection that works for me….and that’s all that matters.
Speedking
June 11, 2015 at 8:13 pm
No “Deep Purple In Rock” and no “Aqualung”?
paul
June 12, 2015 at 12:51 am
Disappointed in your picks there that have nothing more than cult followings and surely won’t be remembered for any contributions made to rock. It is fairly easy to compile a list of 100 albums of 100 bands (most of which had a handful of albums that should make a true rockers list) that all have albums that sold platinum or better I can think of 10 that went diamond and were major influences to rock around the world. scratch this list and start again.. let me know if you need help.
Frank
June 12, 2015 at 3:26 am
……..Lou Reed..Rock And Roll Animal is in the top 3 live albums of all time……
Will
June 12, 2015 at 3:34 am
Tull / Santana ?
Eric Hall
June 12, 2015 at 7:26 am
I run a classic rock show on French radio, and I have a mere 25 of these albums.
Where’s Aqualung by jethro Tull?
Where’s Fragile by Yes?
Where’s Thank Christ For The Bomb by the Groundhogs?
Where’s Ragged Glory by Neil Young?
Where’s Live by Colosseum?
Where’s On The Road by Traffic?
Joachim Kraudelat was born in Russia and lived in Germany and Canada, although you never would have thought so.by looking at this list.
John McT
June 12, 2015 at 9:43 am
The bottom 40 are for the most part terrible and do not belong. J Geils live, Bob Seger had an incredible double live album, the Doors- L.A woman, not a huge Beatle fan but yea Sgt Pepper belongs on this list, Too Much Too Soon by the New York Dolls, even some Alan Parsons beats most of the bottom picks here. I can live with your top 50 or 60 in diff order but all in all a failing grade for a sad list.
MIRCEA666
June 12, 2015 at 7:07 pm
U DISCOVER STUPIDITY !!!…2 ALBUMS FROM THE OVERRATED nirvana AND u2 , AND ONLY 1 FROM LED ZEPPELIN , DEEP PURPLE , BLACK SABBATH , PINK FLOYD , GENESIS , ,QUEEN AND NONE FROM YES ? JETHRO TULL ? EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER ? KING CRIMSON ?
Kirk Koster
June 12, 2015 at 7:40 pm
It’s getting soooooooo old seeing Nirvana in the top 100 period, let alone at #8. This band was the most overrated in rock ever. Just seeing that takes all legitimacy from your list so I won’t even waste my time with the rest.
Ernie
June 12, 2015 at 7:54 pm
There is A LOT of crap on that list!! Some I wouldn’t even classify as music.
You should replace some with these:
Yes – Close To the Edge
Montrose – Montrose
Jethro Tull – Aqualung
Robin Trower – Bridge of Sighs
Ten Years After – A Space In Time
Humble Pie – Rockin’ The Fillmore
ELO – El Dorado
Joe Walsh – The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get
The Who – Quadrophenia
Deep Purple – Who Do We Think We Are
Emeron, Lake and Palmer – Brain Salad Surgery
UFO – Lights Out
Peter Gabriel – Security
Procol Harum – Broken Barricades
Fleetwood Mac – Future Games
Roxy Music – Avalon
Moody Blue – On the Threshold of a Dream
Ernie
June 12, 2015 at 8:08 pm
Add to my list:
Crosby, Still, Nash and Young – Deja Vu
The trouble with “Top” lists is that it is so subjective. But there are LPs on this list that do not qualify as “rock” some don’t even qualify as music.
Some of the LPs I’d remove are Daft Punk, Television, The Smiths, Radiohead (the most over-rated band in history), Guns and Roses (the second most over-rated band in history), Pulp,Arctic Monkeys, Arcade Fire, Manis Street Preachers, Blur, Primal Scream. Thses clearly do not have the popularity and staying power of “top LPs”. And if it’s a “top” list… that HAS TO be a qulaifying detail.
steveo
August 24, 2015 at 9:22 pm
bad list folks. Peter Frampton live , the number one live album. No quicksilver, airplane, bob dylan, man now i know why i stopped rocking and rolling, because of people who know nothing of it. Just my two cents and over 507 concerts, 4807 cds and over 10000 lps in my collection
right on ernie if with ya
Alan Peter Seger
December 8, 2016 at 4:28 am
Mostly yeah! You are more on track than this list.
Ernie
June 12, 2015 at 8:12 pm
And why the HELL is Led Zeppelin 1 not on this list? THE best debut LP in rock history, and still today on of the most popular rock LPs (as is LZII). Whoever put this list together has no concept of what quality rock and roll is.
Jackson
June 18, 2015 at 2:37 am
Indeed
Jyri Mikkola
June 12, 2015 at 8:20 pm
Uriah Heep: Salisbury, Wake the Sleeper ; Kingston Wall: II ; Jethro Tull: Benefit, Minstrel in the Gallery, Catfish Rising ; Free: Heartbreaker ; Wishbone Ash: Wishbone Ash ; Ten Years After: Rock & Roll Music to the World ; Eppu Normaali: Rupisia Riimejä Karmeita Tarinoita, Peer Günt: Backseat ; Midnight Oil: Diesel and Dust, Blue Sky Mining, Earth and Sun and Moon ; Big Country: The Seer ; Guns N’ Roses: Appetite for Destruction; Santana: Santana ; Boycott: Boycott ; Def Leppard:High´N Dry, Pyromania ; Judas Priest: Rocka Rolla, Sad Wings of Destiny ; Lapko:Love ; The Cult: Sonic Temple ; and so many more…
kevin
July 6, 2015 at 2:53 pm
lets not forget Y&T’s IN ROCK WE TRUST
ivan
June 14, 2015 at 1:32 am
What about Van der Graaf Generator or Gong ?
johnnykmusic
June 15, 2015 at 11:57 pm
A decent list, but methinks someone hit puberty in 1966 (I do not get the start date at all; for example, Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited released in 1965). And am I not seeing Cosmo’s Factory?
RobD
June 20, 2015 at 1:41 pm
Electric Warrior by T.Rex should be in there. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd surely? I’d have the Pleasure Principle by Numan, hugely influential.
SylvainT
June 20, 2015 at 6:35 pm
No Kraftwerk, this is a joke !
Vas
June 30, 2015 at 7:10 pm
If this parametre is for real:
“It’s music that is more ‘grown up’ than Pop, demands more of a listener’s attention and is definitely not disposable”
Where the hell is “Aqualung”? (or any Tull LP, for that matter…)
kevin
July 6, 2015 at 2:50 pm
try doing this again but with someone that knows the difference between rock, pop, easy listening and punk. Carol King, The Smiths and many others that ive never even heard of shouldnt be on the list. im 59 years old and i lived through the many phases of rock.
jake
July 26, 2015 at 2:34 am
Wel! Well!……100 greatest rock albums?,,,,My God!
massimo
July 28, 2015 at 4:52 pm
listGrateful dead American beauty ? Yes Fragile? Blue Oister cult 1°? Iron Maiden The number of the beast? Jefferson Airplane Surrealistic Pillow? Velvet Underground VU? King Crimson In the court of the Crimson King? CSN&Y live 1974? Emerson Lake and Palmer? Cream? Gentle Giant? Tom Petty ? Traffic? Van Morrison? Zappa?…………bad bad bad list. Go to play another job…..sorry
Nick
August 1, 2015 at 7:23 am
I think at least one of Stevie Nick’s first three solo albums should have been included! Bella Donna perhaps might be the best candidate. She is the queen of rock and at the time of Bella Donna being put out, she was at an all time career high.
Also – Carole King, Tapestry DOES belong on this list. It rocks for so many people. A classic that has stood the test of time. She’s a great songwriter and throaty vocalist.
Rolling Stones – Tattoo You is a bluesy and jazzy rock album that could have been on here including the gems Start Me Up and Waiting on a Friend.
Steeler Bob
August 12, 2015 at 5:45 am
Obviously, any top 100 list on this subject
requires 1000 entries!
For starters, I’m addin’
J.A. VOLUNTEERS!!!
PUT THAT IN YER PIPE ‘N SMOKE IT!
Jim
August 23, 2015 at 7:31 pm
Not a bad list
but Skynyrd at 94?
and No “Rocking the Fillmore”
or “Bridge of Sighs”
or “Irish Tour ’74”
Shawn
August 23, 2015 at 7:34 pm
A couple of glaring omissions.
Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band: Live Bullet
ZZ Top: Deguello
The Allman Brothers Band: The Allman Brothers Band
Bruce Springsteen: Nebraska
Jethro Tull: Aqualung
John Cougar: American Fool
Morriswrath
August 23, 2015 at 9:16 pm
Hai hai hai, how many missing!
VDGG Pawn Hearts, Wishbone Ash Argus, M.O. Tubular Bells, Yes close to the edge and many other, i think that’s must some tied!
walter
August 23, 2015 at 10:52 pm
50 + Zappa albumns and not one in there….absurdity!!
dion
August 24, 2015 at 1:30 pm
you said no pop and yet you have u2 and springsteen and prince on here.
Leo
August 24, 2015 at 5:29 pm
Does nobody remember Buddy Holly? I’ll bet it you asked most of the members of these bands who inspired them, most would include Buddy Holly. AND Bruce Springsteen said his biggest influence was Elvis. I have news for you guys, they belonged to Rock.
LLvis
October 9, 2015 at 5:45 pm
!
steveo
August 24, 2015 at 9:19 pm
bad list folks. Peter Frampton live , the number one live album. No quicksilver, airplane, bob dylan, man now i know why i stopped rocking and rolling, because of people who know nothing of it. Just my two cents and over 507 concerts, 4807 cds and over 10000 lps in my collection
Malcolm
August 26, 2015 at 8:20 am
Has anyone ever heard of “Led Zeppelin”?
MDL
August 26, 2015 at 8:30 am
This list was compiled by a halfwit who has about as much knowledge of Rock Music as I have of extraterestial micro biology……what qualifications do they have or did they just go round the office and ask their mates “whats your favourite album”…you could loose 30% of these and that would still leave some that are questionable…….find someone with a knowledge and understanding of what they’re doing to compile your lists before you commit them to print!
dave 524
August 26, 2015 at 1:23 pm
At 65 now, feel the Beatles highly over rated, rarely listen to them today but still lay my old Cream and other blues influenced stuff of their era, no way they should be with 3 in the top 10. Where is Little Feat – Waiting for Columbus??? top ten material for sure. Van Morrison -Astral Weeks would be in my top 5, actually like it better now than 50 years ago.
David
August 27, 2015 at 8:03 am
How about Traffic, Talking Heads, Ted Nugent, did I miss Umaguma Pink Floyd, Animals? How about Stevie Ray Vaughn, Uriah Heep, Edgar Winters
Jason John
August 27, 2015 at 12:27 pm
Not bad, maybe would of found a place for “Bat Out Of Hell ” though.
Richter
August 27, 2015 at 8:07 pm
Eagles значит 17 а Deep purple 45?!
Andy
August 28, 2015 at 8:06 pm
Wishbone Ash? Budgie? Groundhogs? John Mayall? Steve Hackett?, etc, etc, not a mention. This list is a waste of space.
Brien Comerford
August 29, 2015 at 7:07 pm
The list should have included.
Jeff Beck-Blow By Blow
Boston
Yes-Close To The Edge
Tangerine Dream-Phaedra
Alan Peter Seger
December 8, 2016 at 4:32 am
I’d take Wired over Blow by Blow but not by much.
James
September 10, 2015 at 9:50 pm
Not a bad list. I don’t agree with all the choices, but I think a lot of them deserve to be on there. I would have liked to have seen a Little Feat on there, maybe Dixie Chicken.
Arash
September 11, 2015 at 6:38 pm
Any serious rock list without Zappa and The Mothers is incomplete.
Dick Singer
September 20, 2015 at 3:13 am
The Doors is 19, and Nirvana is 8? Just no.
JackBH
September 21, 2015 at 10:27 pm
Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band = Hors concours
hhahahahahahahahaha…
emin
October 7, 2015 at 6:37 pm
How about ” TRAFFİC” !
Ron I
October 9, 2015 at 11:08 am
Controversial, yes! The Allman Brothers Band – Live At Fillmore East at #39…??? Were you even born yet?
mnt1974
October 9, 2015 at 6:01 pm
The rock era began in 1966?? Says who?? And you forgot Highway 61 Revisited, but I guess since its 65 it must not be rock as, apparently rock was a year away.
What R U Smokin?
October 9, 2015 at 7:53 pm
Sgt Pepper? NOT on the list? Only the most influential album ever. Ziggy Stardust #10 – Really? More like bottom 50. Velvet Underground, Patti Smith, The Clash and the Sex Pistols should also be bottom 50. Neil Young ‘After The Goldrush’ at #41? Carol King ‘Tapestry’ at #42? Both should be in the top 20 easily. ‘Tapestry’ only sold about 100 million copies and stayed in the top 100 for something like 20 years as the top selling record of all time. I guess that don’t count. Who the F&#k are The Stone Roses? Pulp? My Bloody Valentine? Joy Division? Did you make those up? Daft Punk? The Smiths? No Jethro Tull? No ELP? No Yes? Where are The Kinks? Tom Petty? Billy Joel?
XXX
October 9, 2015 at 8:17 pm
Where is Hanna Montana and Justin? 🙂
Dave Mack
October 9, 2015 at 10:12 pm
Any list like this is completely bogus unless I see Rory Gallagher in the top 10, if not the top 5. There is way too much talent missing from this list. Then again, most lists like this that are made up of the “Top 100” of anything, is usually done without the required knowledge/experience to do so. I would prefer a list of the “Top Whatever Number” music acts in no particular order. That is what is great about music, we all have a “favorites list” of musicians/bands that may not jive with anyone else. My list can change on a moments notice depending on the mood I’m in at the time.
walty.ch
December 31, 2017 at 11:56 am
Your comment is 100% correct! Music (art) is a matter of taste. Imagine all the same and would give only one song!
Bruce Allen
October 10, 2015 at 5:46 am
Nothing from Jefferson Airplane. Not even Surrealistic Pillow. Fuck you.
Rob Mcintyre
October 10, 2015 at 8:43 am
Where’s Def Leppard ? Judas Priest ? Heart ? Bryan Adams ? Iron Maiden ? ZZ Top ?
Aafon
October 10, 2015 at 10:13 am
LET’S FACE IT…..It’s all subjective. wE CAN GO ON FOREVER AND STILL NOT EVERYONE IS HAPPY. Journey to the center of the Earth, where is SRV for god’s sake, CSN&Y, only one Led Zep????? Just make your own top 100.
simmo
October 10, 2015 at 11:37 am
What a load of bollocks
Jean
October 10, 2015 at 11:50 am
Obviously, U’ve still got a lot to discover – Just for starters, Where is Sgt Pepper? Or the Floyd?
Vis
October 10, 2015 at 11:57 am
NO ; GRAND FUNK
NO; BAD COMPANY
NO: PETER FRAMPTON
You really do not know your music
Steve
October 10, 2015 at 1:01 pm
This is obviously an opinion of one! and unfortunitly the one is horribly mistaken!
Grahame North
October 10, 2015 at 1:23 pm
Interesting list, but these things are always subjective anyway. However, it is called the top 100 “rock” albums isn’t it? Carole King, Beach Boys, etc.??? Fans of their music, but they’re not rock… People like Led Zep, Deep Purple, Hendrix, AC/DC etc should then be closer to the top of the list.
vince
October 10, 2015 at 2:27 pm
How can BOB SEGER NIGHT MOVES not be in top 100 is was one highs selling of all time,
mike
March 22, 2016 at 4:40 pm
sales figures do not equate to Quality. Kiss? Rap? no talent there.
vince
October 10, 2015 at 2:27 pm
How can BOB SEGER NIGHT MOVES not be in top 100 is was one highs selling of all time,
Richard
October 10, 2015 at 4:16 pm
No Barclay James Harvest? Are you mad?
Adrian Sr
October 10, 2015 at 5:38 pm
Neil Young’s Harvest not on this list ? A worthless list !
goatman
October 10, 2015 at 5:54 pm
You can’t please all of the people all of the time . . .
My 2 cents: I thought this was to be a list of bands not albums?
ClassicRocker
October 10, 2015 at 8:24 pm
I call BS on this list. Where’s Pat Benetar, Foreigner, Boston, Styx, Kansas, Journey, Def Leppard, or Reo Speedwagon? They leave all these classics out and include groups/people no one has ever heard of like – Manic Street Preachers, Primal Scream, Arctic Monkeys, Blur, Pixies, Daft Punk, Arcade Fire, and Joy Division. Disgusting!
JW
October 10, 2015 at 8:26 pm
There’s no way Van Halen’s “Fair Warning” shouldn’t be on this list.
William
October 12, 2015 at 7:03 pm
How can Ziggy Stardust and Nirvana be higher on the list than Rumours and The Doors “the Doors”? I am with Classic Rocker on the content of this list. Silly, really.
JD
October 13, 2015 at 10:40 pm
Although Led Zep’s 4th album has STH, arguably their greatest song, their 1st album was overall far better than the 4th album overall. And how could anyone put together a Top 100 album without including Rubber soul and Sgt. Pepper. My gosh, you lost all credibility that can’t be made up by throwing us Beatles’ fans a bone with thet John Lennon album or Paul’s Band on the run, both good albums, but not great like Rubber soul or Pepper. Actually how could you not include “Meet the Beatles” (the US version) or Beatles for Sale (British version) n the Top 100. Sheer sales numbers would tell anyone that they should be in the Top 100. Kansas’ Leftoverture is also better than most of the albums you listed and yet no mention of that masterpiece. Styx Grand Illusion was also overlooked… how could you? I could go on and on but you get the idea. You screwed up, big time! Hey, but on the positive side, a lot of the albums you listed deserved to be on the list! 🙂
Lisa Walsh
October 14, 2015 at 12:38 am
No Def Leppard? Hmm……
Steve
November 16, 2015 at 6:16 pm
No Neil Young….No Moody Blues….CSNY….ELP….Traffic….the list goes on
georgia
November 18, 2015 at 12:48 pm
Wings instead of Tom Petty? I thought this was rock and roll. Tom Petty has proven himself,The Beatles are on here enough so as not to hurt PMs feelings,so correct this.Also one of the best rock concerts I ever saw was ELP.
Richard P. Spinoza Qukalón,.-
November 27, 2015 at 11:02 pm
I desagree with this selections of the Best or Greatest 100 albums of Cassical Rock.I consider that there are to many more important classic Albums; not put on list; As : Sgt.Peppers,of The Beatles; 2nd.Album of Led Zeppelin; Grand Funk, Rare Earth,Yes-Fragile,ELP,Pink Floyd,Dark Side of the World, and so much more,that i don´t remember rigth now,.-
reg
December 31, 2015 at 3:48 am
Iron Butterfly ( In a Gadda Da Vidda ) ??? Vanilla Fudge.??? Jeff Beck ??? Manfred Mann ??? There should be a list for progressive rock.Too many good records that could easily be a list by itself.
Oz
February 24, 2016 at 6:53 pm
And no YES…..NO sorry, tis list is not a list but a shambling mess. Please study you rock n roll, you are missing way to much good music my friend.
pepe siena
January 14, 2016 at 3:53 pm
i can not believe that bands as scorpions or led zep are not in your 100 chart. this is seriuos? many of the groups you state have lots of influence from them and never will do scorpions or led zep carreer nor quality in musicians, arranges, sound, and lyrics, never mind scorpions or led zeb concerts, that were faboulus!! obvius your chart is not serious, if you put from u2 auchtung baby and you forget war or the unforgettable fire!! you need to listen lots of music first to make a chart as this poor one, sorry!
Oz
February 24, 2016 at 6:52 pm
Where is Quadrephenia???? This list is totally flawed.
paul
March 9, 2016 at 2:29 am
should would be nice if I could print this out…. would love to make this my collection..
mike
March 22, 2016 at 4:32 pm
Releases that have high sales amounts do not necessarily equate to greatness…Many of the ones listed, appealed to the masses. And yes, many of them belong on the list….But are they the greatest of all time ? hardly…..There are hundreds of others that are better in both talent, and creativity. I would go far as to say that 80% of the greatest albums of all time have rarely been played on the media…Plus, it is a matter of taste…Many don’t care for the Beatles. I don’t understand the constant love affair with the Clash…I see nothing of any value in them. One person told me Hendrix is over rated…Is he an idiot? No, just has a different view.
Michael Ferris
April 6, 2016 at 5:46 pm
Um…..ever hear of Quadrophenia?
Andrew michaels
April 6, 2016 at 6:54 pm
NO TRAFFIC No TULL No FREE NO MOODYS
brett freeman
April 6, 2016 at 8:22 pm
No offense but please, remove yer heads from wherever you’ve stuck them – you’ll breathe better! Nirvana!? Top ten!? 90 some spots before Transformer?
You did say rock ‘n roll, correct?
No Elvis, Tull, Airplane, Quicksilver, Moody Blues or Traffic!? Really? No Zappa or Big Brother?
How is Rumours even on any list of ‘great rock albums’? I like Fleetwood Mac but try Kiln House or even Penguin, something less pop.
And I would have thrown in Spirit’s Twelve Dreams of Dr Sardonicus as well. And where the hell is Highway 61 Revisited? And After the Gold Rush? And that commercial Born to Run before Greetings From Asbury Park?
How old are you guys? You need to hire some guys that remember huddling around a record player listening to say the Pictures of Matchstick Men 45 and talking about how psychedelic it sounds!
Carlos Mata
April 6, 2016 at 9:12 pm
No Tull ? And the Sargeant Pepers Lonely Hearts Club Band?
pete cosmic
April 6, 2016 at 10:12 pm
thats the Truth!!!!! 🙂
1. Sergeant Pepper
2. Space Oddity
3. A Night at the Opera
4. Dark side of the Moon
5 Electric Ladyland
6 The Inner Mounting Flame
7. Electric Warrior
8. Quadrophenia
9. Thick as a Brick
10. After the Goldrush
pete cosmic
April 6, 2016 at 10:23 pm
First cause: The Beatles formed the greatest Rock Revolution ever
second: David Bowie was an incredible Chameleon and formed since the 70’s every year a new Rock Rhythm Blues Glam Character/Style he was everything in once
third: Freddie is/was the greatest Voice in Rock History!
Jim Gray
April 6, 2016 at 10:35 pm
It’s quite simple for me. I agree with so many of the complaints about great classics omitted here, but when I see a list like this, I just look to see if Easter Everywhere by the 13th Floor Elevators is included, and if not, I just move on, as it was obviously compiled by people with a shallow knowledge of the genre. You just pick the popular faves with no original thought.
MAX C
April 6, 2016 at 10:52 pm
Y MEGADET???????? PEASE SELL , RUST IN PEACE
Larry Squire
April 6, 2016 at 11:01 pm
John Lennon- Imagine
Mikey Ige
April 7, 2016 at 8:49 am
I normally don’t post any comments on these community type posts. Everyone has their own personal taste, Likes and opinions, but I strongly felt a gross oversight occurred here. No Traffic- Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, Blind Faith and Cream- Wheels of Fire.
Adam
April 7, 2016 at 11:01 am
Comon. – no Boston- their self titled album is the top ten selling album of all time
Ernesto San Giacomo
April 7, 2016 at 8:29 pm
Lists will always be controversial for the simple reason that they are meant to increase website traffic. The amount of responses to this list shows that this one was successful. Of course listings on personal blogs are quite different.
As an indie author, my blog has to be all about writing and me. Without being an egotistical narcissistic maniac. I do have some lists of *my* favorite films. from the 60’s, 70’s et al. Even though there’s a heavy stress on the word “my” some people still comment with disbelief that one of their favorites wasn’t listed.
And so it goes…
Nancy Lyford
April 8, 2016 at 12:49 am
Really surprised that the Jefferson Airplane’s “Surrealistic Pillow” is not on this list. Also no Jackson Browne. I don’t know why any heavy metal is on here. I don’t really consider it rock or even music. Where is Jethro Tull? They certainly belong on the list. So many others I could come up with. Why is “Rubber Soul” by The Beatles not in the top few? It should be ahead of “Revolver” and “Abbey Road”, though those do belong here. “Rubber Soul” was such a change in The Beatles music. There are also many British rock bands missing, such as The Searchers, The Kinks, and I could go on and on, but won’t, for now.
Mark Silverman
April 8, 2016 at 1:46 am
IMHO ” Dark Side of the Moon”. Best. Album. Ever!
Steve
April 10, 2016 at 9:58 am
Revolver, who da thought? A dark horse, but rightfully so. Both raw and energised. R and R
Marc
April 10, 2016 at 11:55 am
Good list,,,,I would of put Supertramp,,,,Crime of the century,
Anderson Brown
April 10, 2016 at 1:00 pm
Zappa, Over-Nite Sensation; Neil Young, Zuma; Clash, Sandinista (vs. London Calling); Doors, eponymous first album; Steppenwolf, Monster; Dead, Europe ’72; Airplane, Surrealistic Pillow; Ramones should be in, the one with “I Wanna Be Sedated”; I agree that Exile on Main Street is a masterpiece; agree that Revolver and Rubber Soul are the big breakthrough; lots more Zappa, Young, Stones and Dylan albums are worthy, Zappa is the biggest hole; Tom Waits? maybe Nighthawks at the Diner; Yes is a big hole, first album and Fragile; the good thing about lists is not the ranking which is always and inevitably completely bollox including at present, but that you might spot something you don’t know or have forgotten. Age is a huge factor no getting around that.
Anderson Brown
April 10, 2016 at 1:01 pm
Also Tull, Aqualung. And is Who’s Next on? Because it should be.
Anderson Brown
April 10, 2016 at 1:09 pm
Doors first album is on the list after all, good
Stanisław wolski
April 10, 2016 at 3:04 pm
Colosseum Live,Vanilla Fudge Rennaissance,Cactus,Live Dead,Traffic John Burleycorn,Family A song for me,Bloodwyn Pig Gettin to this,King Crimson In the court of the Crimson King, Jethro tull Stand up,Bob dylan and Band Before the flood,Jefferson Airplane Surrealistic pillow ,Chicago transit authority, Hooker and heat, Fleetwood mac Then play on,Manfred Mann Chapter three.
Joel Antkowiak
April 10, 2016 at 3:59 pm
This list is just bogus. Where in the heck is Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band? Did I miss it? Hi Infidelity by REO Speedwagon? Boston – by Boston-probably the best debut album ever. Scarecrow by John Mellencamp should certainly be on there as well, along with Escape by Journey.
Rick
April 10, 2016 at 4:56 pm
Sgt. Pepper anyone ?
clive
April 10, 2016 at 8:38 pm
music from the pig pin ? is it as good as music from the big pink?
Earl
April 10, 2016 at 9:40 pm
There are so many omissions, CCR, Tull, Yes, etc, but there are two albums in my Top 10 that need to be mentioned. Spook Tooth’s “Spooky Two” and “Captain Beyond”. These are two of the best albums ever recorded. I’d also like to mention three local bands from my home area that never got the recognition they deserved, Donnie Iris and the Cruisers, The Iron City House Rockers, and especially The Michael Stanley Band.
Mikey Ige
April 15, 2016 at 9:53 am
I agree with Captain Beyond. I have 2 copies of the 3D cover and a copy of 2D. Raging River of Fear and Dancing Madly Backwards. As for Spooky Tooth, Last Puff’s my fave. I Am the Walrus, classic version.
Bruce Kelly
April 11, 2016 at 3:03 pm
As all lists concerning Rock and Roll, there are so many different views on which albums should be in a top 100 list. We all carry baggage as to when and where we first heard a particular group or song, and it is very hard to criticize someones picks for their list.
I do not happen to agree with this list, for the most part. My influences are varied and during my informative years, I was traveling the world listening to everything out there. My list would include quite a few changes from udiscovermusic picks. All in all, we all have different opinions and I commend them for their nice try.
Duane Albert
April 15, 2016 at 9:35 pm
You guys have gotta do better than this or you’ll lose your credibility. Who made the list, a bunch of 15 year old girls????
Thomas Clahane
April 15, 2016 at 10:06 pm
Not a totally horrible list- much is good- but leaving out “Thick s A Brick” by Tull is not forgivable. Also, not the best choice for the Byrds- although “Notorious” is a great album-“Sweetheart” much more important, as is “Younger Than Yesterday”–and where, oh where, is “Last Time Around” by Buffalo Springfield? Should be in the top 10!
Conrad
April 15, 2016 at 11:50 pm
Harry Nilsson’s Nilsson Schmilsson is an album the Beatles were in awe of, but I don’t see it?
mark drinkard
April 16, 2016 at 2:59 am
Any and all Mothers of Invention, springsteen,and rem pffffffft!
Darrell Parks
April 16, 2016 at 4:09 pm
Sgt. Peppers, still #1. Moody Blues, Days of Future Passed. NO SRV? BTW, SRV gets shafted on “Best Guitar Player also. But lists like this will always short someone who deserved it.
Darrell Parks
April 16, 2016 at 4:12 pm
Forgot Bob Seeger, best “rocker” going. “Turn The Pager”, one of the top rock anthems ever.
Patrick Longworth
April 16, 2016 at 8:41 pm
I am sorry but you have completely lost all credibility with me; you claim all sorts of research, claim to be exclusive to rock (whose definition of rock?), and you want us to stand up and applaud you?
I give two thumbs down to this entire list and to your so-called intentions. A waste of time to read and look over (it took me seconds).
Perhaps you could try again and research all eras, not just your favorites? Perhaps you could acknowledge that, for some, grunge is not rock but grunge? Perhaps you could acknowledge that not everyone wants to listen to music created by drug addled musicians as much as by those who know how to create with all their faculties intact?
I think very few if any of these examples are among my favorites, not that I claim to be an expert on rock but I know what I like and enjoy.
Patrick Longworth
April 16, 2016 at 8:46 pm
I found perhaps 9 on this list that I’ve heard and possibly enjoyed. I don’t know how you go about your criteria but this list makes me think I will block articles from your site from now on.
ignacio dobles
April 18, 2016 at 7:37 pm
¡no kinks? get serious¡
Howard
October 9, 2016 at 7:55 pm
Totally agree!
Ray King
May 16, 2016 at 9:31 am
no Meatloaf: Bat out of Hell??? crap list
Eric Hall
May 16, 2016 at 10:01 am
I own 31 of these. But what on earth are all of these Beatles albums doing on here? And there’s a load of other stuff that doesn’t belong on here too. But why is there no Jethro Tull, no Yes, no Man?
Darrell Parks
May 31, 2016 at 11:16 pm
No Moody Blues, Texas Flood? Sergeant Peppers has long been the best ever and didn’t even make the list.
PAUL SMITH
June 5, 2016 at 10:17 pm
It’s Rock and Roll, no Chuck Barry, no Elvis. British Invasion and you leave out The Hollies, The Kinks, and The Yardbirds. No Stooges.
Tom M
June 19, 2016 at 3:00 pm
No Janis = No Credibility for this list.
Captain
September 7, 2016 at 1:05 pm
Rock Era? When’s that? I listened to Doors LA Woman and Morrison Hotel, Led Zeppelin 1-4, Stones – Sticky Fingers, Cream’s Fresh Cream and Wheels of Fire, Jefferson Airplane’s – Surrealistic Pillow, Zappa’s – We’re Only In It for the Money, Overnight Sensation, Hot Rats
i’d forget billion dollar babies, all things must pass, genesis, band on the run etc. really? – still listen to this crap? Led Zeppelin 1 and LA Woman still crackle!
Brad
September 8, 2016 at 4:06 am
What the hell? I don’t disagree the Beatles own at least 3 of the top 5. But led zeppelin II was a top 5 album and Led Zep IV was a top 15er. Dark side of the moon at 12? Nevermind for me wasn’t even the greatest grunge album and you don’t even have that on the list of 100. But nothing Nirvana done was even close to Led Zeppelin”s best 4 albums.
Jezeebel
September 22, 2016 at 6:53 pm
Guys who list the 100 top best ever album from anywhere (you can find zillions of those list on youtube) don’t know how to play any instrument, don’t know even what a C7maj is. At the moment that you have a little musical theory, you probably wouldn’t list things like tons of bullshit like this one has). That means, they dont have template or qualification to vote what the best are. They only suggest their own poor musical acknowlege. Don’t take that serious. They take some titles from list of other guys and put together (they don’t even have listened to the album itself, they don’t know how the album sounds, they don’t know how the circumstances the album was recorded etc..). Musically talking by entire album >>> where’s Relayer YES? No Aqualung? Ok ok… there are 2 + Nirvana. I Laugh!
Richard C.
September 23, 2016 at 1:08 am
WTF!!! Who wrote this list???? Where’s Led Zeppelin’s 1,2,3 or 4, Styx’s Equinox, Boston’s Boston, Santana’s Santana, Abraxas, or Santana lll, Jethro Tull’s Aqualung or Thick as a Brick, Chicago’s Chicago, Steely Dan’s Can’t Buy a Thrill or Aja, Steppenwolf’s Steppenwolf, etc. Meh!!!!!!!!
gerry
September 23, 2016 at 2:32 am
don’t see canned heat blues band on the list they were a great band few regulars gone but they still do some gigs
Skiddy
September 23, 2016 at 2:35 pm
No Grand Funk Railroad?
Peter Prague
September 25, 2016 at 9:28 am
Where is Sgt. Peppers from Beatles? First album of Pink Floyd, and Electric Ladyland from Hendrix is not in top 5? First studio album of Janes Addiction? Why?
Jim Fisher
September 25, 2016 at 6:38 pm
How is Bob Dylan’s “Freewheelin'” not on this list? A casual view of the song list on that album reveals how trite some of these other choices are. The songs & the words on “Freewheelin'” CREATED the 60’s music that was & lead to nearly every other album on this list. Far less important … how does “Tommy” come in so far down this list (number 92)? It created a genre & is still some of the most played music around. This List is a personal editorial of the Compilor of the list … not a serious analysis.
Fatoldbloke
September 28, 2016 at 12:10 pm
Trout Mask Replica? It’s a terrible album.
I’d say 50% of this list is accurate
Joe Zonie
October 12, 2016 at 9:28 pm
Totally agree. That Captain Beefheart album is totally unlistenable. And no Cosmo’s Factory from Creedence. I wouldn’t waste my time of day on half of those albums.
Spider-Man
October 3, 2016 at 5:29 pm
Bridge of Sigh Robin Trower comes to mind. Bread Fan by Budgie. Nice list but it’s yours and it’s not the top 100. No Bob Seger or the Eagles aND Jackson Brown is no slouch. Jim Steinman and Meatloaf put out one hellva an album. And long John Baldry should be there. E.L.O. and Santana….the list goes on and on.
Dave S,Sr.
October 3, 2016 at 11:38 pm
No Crack the Sky? How about Eat a Peach?
Perry
October 4, 2016 at 1:10 am
It’s not a terrible list. I disagree with a lot of it, but heck…no one would 100% agree with it. Kudos for putting The Band up there. The Stones had good songs, but I don’t really think they had good albums. Very clever ranking of The Beatles albums. I loved Blind Faith’s only album. A 65 year old would vote for different albums than a 55 year old would. And the 45 year old’s choice would also be different. Maybe have separate lists for each age group? Thanks for taking the effort.
FRANK
October 4, 2016 at 2:18 am
EN TOTAL DESACUERDO…UN ORDEN PARA EL RASTRO…. NI IDEA DE CLASIFICAR LOS MEJORES 100
J. Hess
October 4, 2016 at 7:44 pm
How could you leave out the 1st supergrass- Blind Faith.
Must have been the youngsters pickers.
Howard
October 9, 2016 at 7:53 pm
Ok, being a big Byrds’ fan, my question is how can Notorious Byrd Brothers make this list over Younger than Yesterday, Mr, Tambourine Man, Fifth Dimension or Turn Turn Turn? Especially, Younger than Yesterday. No Kinks, or Moody Blues either?
Richard Heine
October 9, 2016 at 10:56 pm
Prince listed as rock? puhleeze! No Yes? No Kansas? Styx? Van Halen? This list has no meaning.
Anthony Nguyen
October 28, 2018 at 10:47 pm
You’re listing bands that you like only not GREATEST ALBUMS. Sorry Styx didn’t have an album that could be put into top 100. YES (ST) i would agree on. Van Halen no way! So many other better albums left off the list.
Gary
October 10, 2016 at 3:09 pm
U2Achtung Baby is better than the Allman Brothers at the Filmore ? On what planet ? The Pixies? Arctic Monkeys ? Come on dude ! What a crappy list !
hnklbn
November 12, 2016 at 2:30 am
not a bad list but maybe we should all list our Top 100 albums but then tally the results. Personally, U2 “Boy”, Pink Floyd “The Wall” and numerous others were obviously omitted. Nice try though; thanks for sharing.
Mo
November 13, 2016 at 7:11 am
Led Zeppelin is usually in the top 5 of any rock list.
No CCR?
Alan Peter Seger
December 8, 2016 at 4:45 am
Where is Iggy and the Stooges Raw Power? It’s sure to come runnin’ to you.
For David Bowie, the correct choice is Aladdin Sane.
Alice Cooper – Killer or Love It To Death
ELP – Brain Salad Surgery
Yes – Close To The Edge
Jeff Beck – Wired
Queen – Queen (first album)
Andy
March 25, 2017 at 3:25 pm
No Grand Funk Railroad, Mountain , Jefferson Airplane,…. sad sad sad what kind of list is this ? Grand Funk Railroad were and they still are top american band or they were most the following band in 70’s with a such great albums like Closer To Home, Red Album, E Pluribus Funk, On Time and classic We’re an American Band and Shinin’ On and Mountain’s top albums Climbing and Nantucket Sleighride and where is Jefferson Airplane’s Surrealistic Pillow, Volunteers, Crown of Creation,… and many more.
bruno
March 26, 2017 at 8:16 pm
God there’s some absolute shite on this list.
Patti Smith ??? for fucks sake.TWO U2 albums ? They hardly made half a dozen decent tunes .
other contributors have made many significant omissions.
if this is the top 100,i have literally just wasted my life
John Yeats
March 26, 2017 at 9:33 pm
Excuse me, but I believe you forgot “Highway 61 Revisited”. What were you thinking?
Peter
March 26, 2017 at 9:33 pm
There is only one Led Zeppelin, and it came in at #21? Do you know how influential Zeppelin was in the historical sense, not to mention the influence they had on most of these artists on this list?
Agustin
March 27, 2017 at 1:29 am
Ok, now i understand, The best albums excepting sgt. Pepper, that has no list to be included.
Mark
March 27, 2017 at 1:39 am
I can not believe that Deep Purple “Machine Head” and “In Rock” are not in 100 best albums!
Trond Steine
March 27, 2017 at 5:20 am
yeah ok, great albums, a lot really quite boring,so what about Robin Trower,( Bridge of Sighs), Midnight Oil (Powderworks) and Lou Reed ( Rock and Roll Animal) and more
Malte
March 27, 2017 at 9:18 am
What about THE GUN? First Album from 1968 is one of THE best Rock-Album of all time!!! Maybe too unknown? But it stands the “test” ’till today!
Sean Kaye-Smith
March 27, 2017 at 4:26 pm
Hang on, did I read that right? Guns and Roses are better than the Edgar Broughton Band AND Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen? When did that happen?
Jim
March 27, 2017 at 11:40 pm
I totally agree with Peter re Led Zepplin.They were and still are one of the most influentual groups and are still outselling a lot of these artists in your top100.This list is a load of shit and a complete waste of time.
Common Sense
March 28, 2017 at 1:56 am
The idea that daft punk, arcade fire, arctic monkeys, and plenty of other modern hipster nonsense is on here is pretty sad. Maybe it’s from citing bad sources but there should be some common sense moderation in that.
Obvious albums missed: sgt pepper, rubber soul, literally any Beatles album over some of these, in through the out door, the rest of Led Zeppelin, fleet wood Mac, rumors, aqualung, boston’s first two, queen, traffic, Simon and Garfunkle, more dire straits, more Bruce Springsteen, billy Joel, more Clapton… I won’t even get into the order
If you define it weirdly it could maybe make sense to exclude the 50s folks like Elvis, chuck berry, buddy holly, Roy Orbison, etc but that’s silly. Same goes for a group like talking heads
Also this may be more personal taste but if you’re going to include less classic modern groups there are far better ones than daft punk: blues traveler, Dave Matthews band, gin blossoms, spin doctors, counting crows, muse… the list goes on
Sascha Witter
September 14, 2017 at 5:57 am
Some Bands just made it, & to understand their work is only a little forgetting of the elder all-the-same-things necessary…Whatever People Say I Am That’s What I Am Not is a really cool Title for an album…of course…if it’s not your truth, I accept that it don’t mean something precious to you, but listening to such Music is not away from the early Rock Acts…it’s how the people who made this site described: A way of—–Rock—–that is an genre that is not disposable.
Anthony Nguyen
October 28, 2018 at 10:42 pm
Simon & Garfunkel is not rock ok. They’re folk artists. That’s like saying Louis Armstrong is blues. lol
wunderdog
March 28, 2017 at 6:00 pm
Your list defies logic: Three Beatles albums in the top five, but none in the bottom 95? That might be OK if both Rubber Soul and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band weren’t both widely acknowledged to be masterpieces and yet somehow absent from this ranking.
Val
March 28, 2017 at 7:47 pm
Fun list. Agree with over half the selections in the Top 40… after that I do find some of my favorites further down… sometimes much further down. But that is ‘art’… it is in the eye or ear of the beholder.
Gino
March 29, 2017 at 2:51 pm
Nothing new here. Too much Beatles and few too many non-rock types. A little more research about what is an influential album would have included a couple recordings from Zappa. Then King Crimson, Tim Buckley, Chicago Transit Authority, CCR, Humble Pie, Rare Earth, Roxy Music, Traffic, War, Tom Waits and Harmonium (french Canadian). Where are Mashmakhan and Babe Ruth? I say half of the ones you listed wouldn’t be there without the influence of the ones I just listed. Start listening to the ones you missed and come back with something new!
Rey Henningham
March 30, 2017 at 1:18 am
Hope not to be rude.
Publishing this list is a big offense to the Great musician and Bands of all times. First of all, contributions to this list should be done by fans over 50.
Where are The Beach Boys, Grand Funk “Closer to Home” should be one of the Tops, Led Zeppelin II, Chicago, Yes, Black Sabbath, The Band, Stepenwolf, Alice Cooper, Cream and a lot more.
Allan Emery
April 2, 2017 at 6:56 pm
Greatest? What does that even mean? Most iconic? Best? Popular? Influential? I am convinced that there was no consistent criteria used. There is no way that any knowledgeable music historians would put them in this order. I agree that every album on this list is important in the ream of Rock, but you will have to work harder to order them properly. Not including Sgt. Peppers and Court of the Crimson King is just horrible oversight.
Steve
June 6, 2017 at 8:38 pm
Umm, because Led Zeppelin just wasn’t that good, and Highway 61 Revisited and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band are, what, overrated? I know you want some variety, but The Beatles never released an album that wasn’t superior to the likes of Daft Punk. You want variety? Where the hell are The Replacements? Husker Du? Elvis Costello?
Ed
August 6, 2017 at 1:43 am
Okay. no Yes or King Crimson…? There is so much to choose from; a top 10,000 wouldn’t even cover it…
Sascha Witter
September 14, 2017 at 5:48 am
I think there should be a few more albums from The Doors first; then eventually in the middle of the list some Grateful Dead,
Frank Zappa is missing (I only talk about the top 100), more Beatles is unnecessary, but ah, Jefferson Airplane & maybe “Da Capo” from Love. #1 with Revolver is okay, but as second position “Abbey Road” which is (yeah) also Beatles, I think, is not cool. What is with Echo & The Bunnymen, some early Rock N’ Roll albums (at least 3 or 4 good things), a little more Garage & Psychedelic Rock albums….& Black Sabbath? So my way goes…Elvis yes, … A King should be available….maybe Bad Company & some of Def Leppard & sorry: I have to state this. The Doors are the most underrated Band in the world, even though they’re coming higher with any Generation that appears…remember…they are a never to be closed case…& Jim Morrison the most exciting Singer & Poet in the whole wide world…their music never gets bored, if you have the right style to listen to music. But ah…actually I don’t wanted to change this list, because I am already satisfied with lists like that…& this one has, unpersonally spoken, if its truly a list created by all the other Rock albums top whatever & of course ROLLING STONE…the impression to me, that it could be a very special collection of the entire Rock-World of all time…most influencial & generating non-systematically your mind with ROCK MUSIC for all you need through your day…thank you for your work!
Daniel Pastor
December 30, 2017 at 3:24 pm
BASICS:
Rory Gallagher : Irish Tour 74
Grateful Dead : American Beauty
Quicksilver Messenger Service : Happy Trails
Creedence Clearwater Revival :Cosmos Factory
Free: Fire and water
Allman Brothers Band: Eat a Peach
Janis Joplin : I Got Dem of Kozmic Blues again Mama (*)
Janis Joplin: Pearl (*)
(*) If Eagles is rock music, then Janis is ROCK MUSIC
steve drizis
May 2, 2020 at 9:38 pm
Ehat are u guys smoking I would love some
Sgt peppers hands down is the greatest album ever written then abbey road tevover white album then take your pick
Mike
December 30, 2017 at 4:41 pm
As painful as this is, I realize as I get older, my favorite albums are left out. Time and music go hand in hand.
Earl Dechter
December 30, 2017 at 6:31 pm
have you ever been to”Electric Ladyland’
walty.ch
December 31, 2017 at 12:23 pm
The albums most sold worldwide are:
Michael Jackson – Thriller (-)
AC / DC – Back in Black (28)
Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon (12)
Various Artists – The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album (-)
Michael Jackson – Bath (-)
Meat Loaf – Bat Out of Hell (-)
Eagles – Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) (-)
Various Artists – Dirty Dancing (-)
Bee Gees / Various Artists – Saturday Night Fever: The Original Movie Sound Track
Fleetwood Mac – Rumors (16)
Shania Twain – Come on Over (-)
For the albums of Michael Jackson it is to be noted that no details of the albums sold are given (from – to).
Surely you can argue, what is a rock album? But it has performers who make the same music style as those in the list!
In any case, a list of sales figures (Worldwide) is more meaningful so this one!
Jan S.
January 1, 2018 at 8:42 pm
What about Tyrannosaurus Rex, and T. Rex? With some of the most original music, sounds, lyrics ever heard? 🙂
ChelseaDrugstore
January 5, 2018 at 2:42 pm
Many angry comments with folks really just pushing their won favorite albums. But I agree with Allen Emery and Wunderdog. First what does “Greatest” mean? Someone’s favorite? Because then there is no end. ‘Most influential’? Biggest Seller? And then there isnt much logic having the Betales at #1, #2 and #4, but nowhere else. “Rubber Sould”, “Magical Mystery”, “Pepper” . ffs. It is so hard doing these lists because there are so many very, very good albums out there.
Henrik
January 24, 2018 at 6:46 pm
Where is Sgt. Pepper?
Anthony Nguyen
October 28, 2018 at 10:37 pm
This list is such a rocker’s list and shows the lack of depth of music. Carole King is NOT ROCK. OMG, she’s folk. I can think of two absolutely GREAT albums that should be here in the top 30! Rage Against the Machine (ST), and My Chemical Romance – Black Parade. ANYONE who listens to rock should know these 2 albums or forget thinking you know music ie Nirvana Perl Jam, Pink Floyd lol as your knowledge base. LOL We’re not talking commercial sales but pure genius and song crafting. And Stone Roses? LOL I mean I like them but they shouldn’t be on this list.
Thomas
December 12, 2018 at 11:41 pm
Joni Mitchell Blue is an amazing album not sure it is rock though.
mr
July 26, 2019 at 4:34 am
The Cars The Cars….need I say more
Paddy Power
August 5, 2019 at 10:08 am
Stop Making Sense , Talking Heads has to be in there
Don
August 10, 2019 at 7:38 pm
If Tapestry is there, why not Bridge over Troubled Waters?
Jesús
August 25, 2019 at 10:29 am
1 el patio de Triana 1975
2 blops 1970
3 biglietto per l’inferno 1974
4 Ultimate spinach 1968
5 die grune reise (A.R. & machines) 1971
john davis
May 6, 2020 at 8:16 pm
Where is Saturday Night Fever?
Doug B
June 17, 2020 at 3:01 pm
Bat Out of Hell needs to be on this list, no matter the criteria….popularity, originality, influence…..that album is an absolute masterpiece!!!!
Berries best band ever
January 25, 2021 at 8:51 pm
“Everybody else is doing it, so why can’t we” is a MASTERPIECE.
No need to argue.
Uncle Bud
August 21, 2021 at 7:04 pm
Since you only use one album per artist, this cannot be the 100 best albums. That’s you leave off things like Sgt. Pepper. Better to call it ‘Our best guess at the 100 most important rock artists.’ But then some of the one-hit wonders wouldn’t make it. I guess it’s all click-bait anyway. Reading the angry replies was very enlightening!
Mark Hogan
October 29, 2021 at 12:03 am
I’m sorry, but music is defined as BB and AB, meaning Before Beatles and After Beatles.
Then it is simple.
The best rock albums of all time are, at least from positions 1 to 10, Sgt. Pepper’s, Revolver, Abbey Road, Rubber Soul, The White Album, Let It Be, Help!, A Hard Day’s Night, Magical Mistey Tour, Beatles For Sale. It’s simple as that.
A list without Sgt Peppers, Revolver, Abbey Road and Rubber Soul could be everything but a list.
Max
January 17, 2022 at 7:11 am
Totally disagree! There should be 3 or 4 Pink Floyd albums in top 5 with Dark side of the moon at number 1. And no Jethro Tull in the list???
Mike
February 2, 2022 at 6:25 pm
What kind of top album list that mentions prog doesn’t include Yes or King Crimson? Not a very good one that’s what kind. Still, this list is probably good for discovering some more recent rock albums.
michael raes
August 6, 2022 at 5:09 pm
The fact that one puts a 2 Greatest Hits on top spots is mockin’ us all . One could do this for every artist.
Greatest hits albums don’t belong in such a list at all.
If you set a rule for only 1 album/artist , ok , but then don’t screw the list with a Greatest Hits or Live albums.
My opinion.
jeff Johnston
January 30, 2023 at 5:37 pm
I think if I were to make a list of the best lists of top rock albums, this one just might be #1. It is not perfect, as you acknowledged right off when comments began. But despite a few missed opportunities, this one has it all and gives all the important components and multiplying subgenres their due. I also like not repeating artists. Because we’ve had enough of 100 top albums lists with only 60-70 artists on them. Plus this old 50s rock and roll and rockabilly fan absolutely loves that you gave that first generation (Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Buddy Holly) their due.
Heartwing
May 23, 2023 at 1:45 am
Just a note that you missed Hounds of Love by Kate Bush…one of the most impressive, important and cutting edge albums of the day! That Fairlight….
Gun N Roses
May 25, 2023 at 12:41 pm
If you’re looking for an essential music album, there are a few to choose from. The best of these is certainly The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine, with their unique style and catchy tunes. Other standout albums include the Tom Petty and The analges
Dan Owen
July 4, 2023 at 3:26 am
So let me get this straight, a ‘Go Go’s’ beats out (by far) Deep Purple’s Machine Head, and Sgt Pepper, isn’t even on the list?!!! ROTFLOL!!!
Abil Shihadah
July 17, 2023 at 12:02 am
What about Alice in Chains’ Dirt?
Kinski
August 6, 2023 at 5:27 pm
Rectification : This are The Best English-spoken rock albums. At least 15 French Rock Albums should be in this list.
Kinski
August 6, 2023 at 5:32 pm
Rectification : The Best English-spoken rock albums. Several French French Rock Albums should be in this list. For instance “Tostaky” (Noir Désir) or “Novice” (Alain Bashung).
ur mum
August 7, 2023 at 3:55 am
WHERE IS RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS YA DOG
Gary
August 8, 2023 at 1:33 am
Has no ever heard of Supertramp Crime of the Century?
You don’t know what your missing!
PK-
August 8, 2023 at 8:09 am
This list is sophomoric and weak at best to be honest. Yes I get that every top album like list is suggestive etc or open to that, but yikes. I did scan through it quickly and if I recall I didn’t see many great albums. But, from what I seen here it’s almost on a Rolling Stone/Spin level. However I give you credit for not adding trendy picks like The Flaming Lips and such. As for The Beatles there needs to be a few albums on here, but thank you for putting their best record White Album (1968) over the over hyped Sgt Peppers that is usually on the top of a ton of lists. When their best albums are all in order in regards to release of Rubber Soul, Revolver and White Album. I don’t think there has or ever will be a band to release three consecutive perfect albums like the Fab Four did. As for Led Zeppelin I get the inclusion of IV (Zoso), but “Physical Graffiti” imo is their greatest release by far. Some indie/punk constant entries like Television or TV on the Radio should be replaced with bands like CCR or Bob Seger or another album entry by the Beatles or Rolling Stones. But, I have to give you credit for including such a wide variety of entries/bands/sub genres of rock when you could have easily included every Beatles album, the majority of Zeppelin and Sabbath as well. I just think the list although a nice variety, is vanilla and predictable etc. It could just be late for me, but that’s just what I take from it and rather than bash you guys completely like so many others did, I legit definitely enjoyed many aspects of your list. You should do a Top 50-100 albums per decade next, starting with the 60’s. I get the nod to placing Little Richard and Chuck Berry right at the top, but even if you ask any major successful rock band from the late 60’s to present who are their influences neither Richard or Berry will be named, but it’s understandable their place(s) given that they are considered the two founders of rock n roll. Whew, sorry about this long book of a comment. I just wanted to make sure I covered all my bases. In closing, The Velvet Underground is massively overrated!
Alexander
September 10, 2023 at 6:38 pm
Glad Def Leppard’s Hysteria was one of the 100. However, their third album Pyromania was critically acclaimed and has been named one of the greatest rock albums ever. Also being my favorite rock album, Pyromania should definitely be in the top 10 at the lowest.
Stampece
October 24, 2023 at 3:23 am
Embarrassing. 1 & 2 are not even true albums. They’re greatest hits collections. I’ll stop right there, because if the authors don’t even know what an album is, the entire list is invalidated.
Boe
October 29, 2023 at 2:56 pm
Emerson Lake & Palmer self titled debut album should be included. Quite The Beginning for this prog rock trio. (Saw them 6 times…fabulous)!!
Nick
December 16, 2023 at 6:18 am
Sorry guys,for me this list is terrible. I’m a life-long rock fan and reasonably successful musician but I can’t relate to this at all. Hardly any of my favourites are on here and the top ten only has two I that I like at all. There’s good stuff here but there’s way too much metal and rock’n’roll for this even to count as a list of rock albums. I’m a European, UK to be specific, and to my eyes this looks like an ‘Albums Popular in the US’ list.
Rob Mastro
December 25, 2023 at 9:30 pm
This is not even worth calling a joke. There are so many artists and groups left out and so many on the list that need an extension ladder to climb up to tripe. C’mon . .
Where are Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper, Electric Lady Land, Bookends, ? Where are the Moody Blues, Chicago, BS&T, Cream, CSN&Y, the Temptations, Jefferson Airplane, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Billy Joel, Elton John, Traffic, Procol Harum, the pre-disco BeeGees, the Allman Brothers, Warren Zevon, ZZ Top, Cat Stevens, The Cars, Yes, The Police, Genesis, The Eagles, and so many more . . .
You guys make idiots look like Albert Einstein
Nick M
January 1, 2024 at 3:47 pm
If you’re going to have a U2 album on the list, it needs to be Joshua Tree, and it needs to be higher.
Cat
January 24, 2024 at 2:56 pm
So have you all ever heard of Led Zepplin?
Jesse xx
March 12, 2024 at 11:36 am
The fact that Toxicity by System of a Down isn’t even on this list makes the entire thing almost entirely worthless. Easily top 100 if not top 10.