The Best That Rock Has To Offer
Rock ‘n roll made a huge mark in history in the swingin’ sixties. It was an era of glorious sound and there were several things simultaneously happening during this decade – musicians being influenced by earlier music (thus the emergence of folk rock and blues rock) and rock branching out into other subgenres.
From 1960 to 1969, we witnessed the birth of iconic songs and legends. It was no longer just music but a movement. And so it might be a daunting task but we will compile a list of the greatest classic rock albums released during these years. While most of those we included here were chart-toppers, we also threw in some underappreciated records.
Enjoy!
The Beatles – “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (1967)
It didn’t just spend weeks at #1 in both the UK and US charts but it was also the tour de force of The Beatles which says a lot considering they have other epic albums too.
Steve Miller Band – “Children of the Future” (1968)
It may have only peaked at #134 on the US Billboard 200 but Rolling Stone wrote about it as “ranks with Moby Grape’s first album in terms of economy and with Sgt. Pepper in terms of taste” and that’s more than enough for us.
The Beach Boys – “Pet Sounds” (1966)
It wasn’t a huge commercial success but overtime, critics and fans recognized the album’s greatness and it eventually landed on the 2nd spot in Rolling Stone’s list of “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.”
Cream – “Disraeli Gears” (1967)
https://youtu.be/QbRLuR8_HDg
This was when Cream started moving from blues and towards psychedelia. It was heavy and coherent – all the things their debut album was not.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience – “Are You Experienced?” (1967)
https://youtu.be/3nEYT1ZvgI0
It’s not every day we hear a rockstar who found his sound and style from the get-go. A stunning debut, this is how you announce your arrival in the music scene.
The Rolling Stones – “Let It Bleed” (1969)
After some struggles, they finally found their identity and it started the ball rolling.
Bob Dylan – “Highway 61 Revisited” (1965)
https://youtu.be/_xCjIdwdCwg
It’s the definitive Bob Dylan record – from the opening track, it was like a punch in the face!
The Velvet Underground & Nico – “The Velvet Underground & Nico” (1967)
https://youtu.be/3qK82JvRY5s
One of the finest musical masterpieces of the ’60s, it’s dark, eerie and unique.
The Doors – “The Doors” (1967)
https://youtu.be/JSUIQgEVDM4
Another rock act who kickstarted their career, this albums is what The Doors is all about – menacing, creative, rebellious and unafraid.
King Crimson – “In The Court Of The Crimson King” (1969)
In the world of progressive rock, this remains the most influential record ever made.
Pink Floyd – “Piper At The Gates” (1967)
While it’s certainly not Pink Floyd’s greatest achievement, it was still innovative and way ahead of its time.
The Kinks – “The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society” (1968)
This brilliant concept album is a must-have for every classic rock fan.
The Byrds – “Fifth Dimension” (1966)
It had weak moments, yes but overall, it’s still a stellar album.
The Who – “Tommy” (1969)
https://youtu.be/EK33CY68s1w
If we could describe this in one word, it would be “groundbreaking.”
Led Zeppelin – “Led Zeppelin” (1969)
Announcing their arrival, Led Zeppelin had one of the most stunning debuts in rock.