Modern Rock music is almost a wasteland, but for the longest time in the past, it was the most bankable genre. It has helped in shaping popular music as we know it today. To celebrate its heritage, here are some of the most influential albums of the genre that have been game changers on release.
Revolver – The Beatles (1966)
Between Sgt Pepper’s… and Revolver, fans and critics will forever be at a loss, in declaring either one of the two as the best record the Fab Four ever put out. While on technicality alone, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band stands as the clear winner; let it be said that without Revolver, the British quartet would have had no direction to run in. The album sees the band wear their influences on their sleeve, and dish out a succinct vision for the future of rock and pop for nearly half a century.
Are You Experienced – The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1967)
Jimi Hendrix is rightfully declared by many, as one of the best guitarists that ever lived (and for good reason). The brand of rock and roll he peddled, had become the ‘go-to’ influence for budding guitarists and musicians, even months and years after his death. When his debut album hit the market in ‘67, there was nothing that could even remotely hold water to the raw, yet restrained output that Hendrix is now known for. The debut album is not just a cream ‘guitar album’, but also a sublime rock and psychedelic record overall.
Velvet Underground & Nico – Velvet Underground & Nico (1967)
If not for this album, the ‘alternative’ rock movement wouldn’t ever have grown the teeth the way it did. Many genres and sub-genres draw inspiration directly from this controversial piece of musical history. Velvet Underground spoke about many sensitive topics, like drug abuse and sadomasochism (for a pop record to tackle such elements back then, was almost unheard of), and handled them with commendable maturity. The album is also very influential as a concept album (at a time when such a ‘concept’ didn’t have the meaning it does now). Moreover, the iconic album cover was designed by Andy Warhol, and Brian Eno assumed the role as producer.
Paranoid – Black Sabbath (1970)
Heavy Metal would’ve been very different if the Brits hadn’t gone renegade. Case in point, Black Sabbath with their double whammy of albums, releasing one after another in 1970. While the self-titled debut was a neat introduction, the sophomore follow-up was the real deal. It sealed Sabbath as progenitors of a genre that nobody had even heard of till then. They also brought with them the tropes that metal is known for till this very day. Surprisingly, Paranoid is not as metal as one would expect, making it a wonderful jumping-off point for anybody looking to explore the scene.
The Dark Side Of The Moon – Pink Floyd (1973)
The concept of the ‘ALBUM’ had been established by the time Dark Side… had released, but until Pink Floyd released their psychedelic magnum opus, nobody knew how well ‘cohesion’ would fare for a record. TDSoTM is one of those albums that still manages to sell pretty well even now, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time. Hardcore Floyd fans will argue over which PF album is actually the best; although one thing is ascertained – the ‘high’ that Floyd reached on this record, artistically and technically, was a watershed moment in music as a whole.
Horses – Patti Smith (1975)
Punk Rock in the ‘70s was a living, breathing entity. Its origins were rough almost on purpose, and its followers were delinquents in the eyes of the public – until Patti Smith released Horses, that is. Before this record, there was almost no polish in Punk Rock to speak of (and for some, it would’ve sufficed as such), the genre was seen largely as ‘unmarketable’. Patti Smith cut through all the testosterone present in the scene, and gave a compelling case for making Punk Rock a legitimate genre to be archived. If not for her, Punk would’ve never seeped into conscience of the music industry.
Remain In Light – Talking Heads (1980)
When nobody was looking, Talking Heads dropped one of the most influential albums of all time; the shockwaves of which, still resonate in modern music to this day. The whole world was growing tired of the two-dimensionality of pop music by the turn of the century. Remain in Light broke fresh ground by turning to experimentalism and helping the burgeoning ‘new-wave’, ‘dance rock’ scene stand on its own two feet. The album is dripping with technical brilliance. With legendary producer Brian Eno on-board, the band went all out with this one, and gave the world a record for the ages.
The Smiths – The Smiths (1984)
The poster boys for ‘sad-boy rock’, The Smiths are known nowadays for being featured on many TV and movie soundtracks, most famously, in the movie 500 Days of Summer. But in the ‘80s, the band cut through the red tape of hair and spandex that rock was known for, and emerged from the indie scene, for making some really solid music, and become self- aggrandizing for it. With their eponymous debut, The Smiths tacked child abuse, while being modest about how well they did it. While there are other contenders from this era better suited for this spot, none echo in modern rock music the way this record does.
The Joshua Tree – U2 (1987)
U2 is known for its larger than life ballads now, but in the ‘80s, they were merely a bunch of Irish musicians determined to make their mark on popular culture. With this record, they had finally managed to do just that. Full of tracks that are now seasoned picks in most playlists, TJT is sonically lush and lyrically impressive. It was an immediate radio darling upon release – a title it maintains to this day. Instead of being a path-breaker, the record is filled with really impressive and timeless tracks; some of which are the band’s best work to date.
Bleach /Nevermind/ In Utero – Nirvana (1989/91/93)
Now here is a special case: Nirvana achieved a godlike status, years after its lead singer died, following his struggles with alcohol and drugs. After Cobain’s death, fans flocked to Nirvana, and their brief, but comprehensive discography, almost remorseful for not appreciating them when possible. In time, their major releases have meshed within each other, through the continued influence they exert on popular music even now. For all the afterglow Nirvana left behind, their moment in time was a flash that was almost too blindingly brief. Even though each album is full of hits and misses; overall, they combine to form one respectable body of work.
Ten – Pearl Jam (1991)
Grunge ruled the ‘90s, without question. Though Nirvana became the poster child for the scene, Pearl Jam definitely had the best career overall. Including the best showcase of the genre – Ten, released in 1991, drew in the crowds with its melancholic subject matter, and dynamic, riveting music. Pearl Jam were in their element, churning out songs about suicide, loss, and death, while maintaining a veil of head bopping rockability. Eddie Vedder’s voice booms in echo on every track, grounding the wary listener that dares peek their ear in.
Loveless – My Bloody Valentine (1991)
The casual listener would be remiss to acknowledge the impact that the short-lived scene of Shoegaze and dream POP, left on modern popular music. The genre showed the world, the power of creating a landscape with music alone. The soundscapes and dreamy vocals, became indicative of a genre that died as soon as it took off. Its production values, though have seeped into modern music, almost existing as a haunting eerie presence. Known for its troubled development, the best offering from this genre, also happens to be hill it died on – Loveless by My Bloody Valentine is an underappreciated gem that gets rewarding with every listen.
OK Computer – Radiohead (1997)
“Radiohead Can Do No Wrong”, is a phrase that has been bowdlerized beyond comprehension now, but it exists for a damn fine reason. When OK Computer dropped in 1997, it wasn’t the immediate success people take it for. Instead of appealing to the purists, Radiohead took upon themselves, to change the very definition of a ‘Genre’. The album marks the civil union between rock and electronic music – an unlikely match in heaven, but one that has stuck, as a partnership of love and exchange. OKC spoils the listener for the better. Its themes of social isolation and technology being a modern malaise, flow like aging wine through the record. The album makes more sense now, than it did more than two decades ago.
Is This It – The Strokes (2001)
Julian Casablancas is known now for being in that one Daft Punk song, than for changing the course of modern Rock and Roll at the turn of the millennium, along with his band. Is This It is like every other album you’ve heard, while at the same time, there is really nothing that quite sounds like it. The Indie scene, that is almost mainstream now, jumped off the wagon, the day The Strokes released their debut masterpiece. It takes the concept of Garage Rock, and tweaks it for modern sensibilities. Music now sounds more like this, than it does The Beatles.
Your favorite albums might have missed the cut. Don’t worry, so did mine. Showcased here is merely a glimpse of the pantheon of legendary rock albums. Whether you agree or disagree, there is no denying the influence these albums have left on the landscape of popular music.