The Top 25 Rock Albums of All Time

Everyone has their favorites, but when lists are compiled, certain essential rock albums always rise to the top. There are many releases that simply demand to be included.

Rock music spans the decades. It has many sub-genres, and while listeners will all have differing opinions, we can surely all agree that it should be loud and heavy to qualify.

With those qualities in mind, which are the best rock albums of all time?

1. Are You Experienced: The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1967)

Some would list Electric Ladyland above this release, but it was Jimi Hendrix’s debut album that shook up the musical landscape. It’s often described as flawless, without a weak song. If you prefer a more modern term, Are You Experienced is all killer no filler.

Among the many stunning tracks on the album are the singles “Hey Joe” and “Purple Haze.” Are You Experienced reached Top Ten status in the US and the UK, and it was the blueprint for a brief but magical career.

2. Rumours: Fleetwood Mac (1977)

It’s an album that will divide opinion on the term “rock.” Fleetwood Mac originated as a blues band in the 1960s, but by 1977 had evolved into a complex and intelligent group with a softer edge.

The rockier elements remained, so Rumours is a worthy inclusion. It’s an incredible album telling the true life tales of a band that was holding it together, despite personal relationships falling apart. It’s still one of the best-selling albums of all time and is regarded as Fleetwood Mac’s finest work.

3. The Dark Side of the Moon: Pink Floyd (1973)

This 1973 release was Pink Floyd’s eighth album and most consider it to be their masterpiece. From early recordings with original member Syd Barrett, it took time for the band to find a direction once Barrett succumbed to his demons and David Gilmour took over.

The Dark Side of the Moon was the culmination of those years of experimentation, and now Pink Floyd was unstoppable. It’s a classic, with some of the band’s most memorable tracks including “Breathe (In the Air),” and “The Great Gig in the Sky.”

4. Hysteria: Def Leppard (1987)

English rock band Def Leppard had already broken America, but they remained a cult act in their native UK. The 1987 album Hysteria changed all that and became a hit on both sides of the Atlantic.

The release was made even more remarkable by the contributions of drummer Rick Allen, who had lost an arm in a car accident in 1987. Hysteria is packed with hit singles as the classic Leppard lineup acquired a new legion of UK fans rushing to discover their back catalog.

5. Nevermind: Nirvana (1991)

Most albums on any list of this kind are decades old, and it’s rare for newer artists to break through. Nirvana goes against that trend with their 1991 release Nevermind. It was a groundbreaking production, and although it was the band’s second album, it was the one that introduced the world to grunge.

Nevermind is another stunning release with no duff tracks. The three members of the classic lineup were at the peak of their powers, and while all songs are memorable, the stunning “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is an inevitable standout.

6. Magical Mystery Tour: The Beatles (1967)

How do you possibly choose one album from the Beatles above all others? It’s a tough task, and many would opt for a more obvious release as Abbey Road or Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Others know that Magical Mystery Tour is the real winner. Unlike other later Beatles albums, there are no filler tracks and little of the work that Paul McCartney received criticism for. Instead, this is a consistent album with classic tracks and no weaknesses.

7. Highway to Hell: AC/DC (1979)

It’s the album that the band will be best remembered for, but Highway to Hell marked the end of an era. This 1979 release was the last to feature legendary singer Bon Scott before his tragic death a year later.

Even those with little knowledge of the group will be familiar with the title track, but don’t let the single version of “Highway to Hell” overshadow the whole album. This is a classic with many great tunes including “Touch Too Much,” and “Beating Around the Bush.”

8. Sticky Fingers: The Rolling Stones (1971)

Image Credit: Decca Records/Rolling Stones.Like the Beatles, it’s almost impossible to pick the best Rolling Stones album from their vast back catalog. Exile on Main St gets many votes, but it’s difficult to ignore the claims of 1971’s Sticky Fingers. From the Andy Warhol-inspired artwork to the many great songs, it’s the one must-have album for anyone getting into the band for the first time.

A number one in the UK and the US, tracks include “Brown Sugar,” “Wild Horses,” and the criminally underrated “Dead Flowers.”

9. London Calling: The Clash (1979)

London Calling was so good that it made Rolling Stone magazine’s list of best albums of the 1980s, even though it was released in 1979. The Clash excels here as there is no duff track, even though London Calling is a double album.

There’s even a hidden Easter Egg with “Train in Vain” not shown on the track listing. The title track “London Calling” is arguably the band’s best-ever song, but there’s so much more to enjoy on this brilliant release.

10. The Best of the Ronettes: The Ronettes (1992)

While it may be debatable whether a “best of” album should be on this list, it’s a release that offers the perfect insight into the world of the Ronettes. The man behind them, producer Phil Spector developed his wall of sound technique, and it shines through here.

The Best of the Ronettes is the best album to purchase if you want to learn more about the band and their controversial mentor. There are no fewer than 18 essential tracks on the album including “Be My Baby,” “Do I Love You,” and “Baby, I Love You.”

11. Appetite for Destruction: Guns N’ Roses (1987)

Many bands have long careers, without ever matching the success of their best album. That’s the case with Guns N’ Roses whose 1987 release, Appetite for Destruction, contains all of the group’s top tracks.

The production also featured the classic lineup, so it was a perfect storm for fans. “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Paradise City,” “Sweet Child o’ Mine” — they’re all here. Guns N’ Roses soldier on, but they will never, ever match this.

12. The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars: David Bowie (1972)

Like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, David Bowie produced a huge volume of work, but there can be little debate as to which was the best. The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars was a genius concept, telling the tale of the man who eventually had to break up the band.

The story can sometimes mask the fact that this is a brilliant album. Many of Bowie’s best deep cuts are here, along with the unforgettable hit single, “Starman.”

13. Jagged Little Pill: Alanis Morissette (1995)

Every track on this 1995 album is an assault on the ears, and I mean that in a good way. To date, Canadian artist Alannis Morissette has released ten studio albums, but she could produce another ten and none would come close to Jagged Little Pill.

Rage, loneliness, betrayal, and trauma are brilliantly dealt with in an album that sold over 33 million copies worldwide. Jagged Little Pill also gave us six singles including the haunting “You Oughta Know,” and the clever and funny “Ironic.”

14. Germ Free Adolescents: X-Ray Spex (1978)

If you want to learn about the punk movement, I’d suggest avoiding the usual artists such as the Pistols and the Ramones. Instead, check out singer Poly Styrene and her memorable — but sadly short-lived — band X-Ray Spex.

Released in 1978, Germ Free Adolescents tells the story of an outsider through songs such as “Identity” and the title track. It perfectly encapsulates the scene at the time and is a must-have for fans of the genre.

15. Led Zeppelin IV: Led Zeppelin (1971)

Arguably the greatest rock band of all time, Led Zeppelin presented us with another tough choice. My personal favorite is Physical Graffiti, but I can see that this album is somewhat niche in comparison to their other work.

Led Zeppelin IV is a classic album featuring a brilliant band at the peak of their powers. It reached number one in the UK, and number two on the US Billboard 200. It’s Led Zeppelin’s biggest-selling album, and one of the highest-selling of any artist, making it the obvious choice for this list.

16. Pet Sounds: The Beach Boys (1966)

The fun surfing band that couldn’t surf produced many iconic albums in their career, but most of the Beach Boys’ best-loved tunes are contained in Pet Sounds. It was an album that inspired many artists and is generally considered the group’s best work.

Brian Wilson’s clever songwriting and those beautiful vocal harmonies are clear throughout this release. Look out for some deep cuts alongside hit songs including “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” and “Sloop John B.”

17. A Night at the Opera: Queen (1975)

Some might argue that this 1975 album from Queen only makes the list on the basis of one song. There are other contenders, including the follow-up, A Day at the Races, but the presence of the brilliant “Bohemian Rhapsody” tips the balance in favor of A Night at the Opera.

The hit single helped to bring Queen into the public’s consciousness, and it showcased Freddie Mercury’s flamboyance and the excellent musicianship of his sporting cast. Along with the hit single, A Night at the Opera also features the Top Ten smash, “You’re My Best Friend.”

18. Born to Run: Bruce Springsteen (1975)

Some albums here demand to be included, and it would be pretty embarrassing if we missed Born to Run. This was Bruce Springsteen’s third studio album, released in 1975, and it ticks two qualification boxes. It was the album that launched the artist on the world stage, and many believe The Boss has yet to better it.

It’s essential Springsteen with the title track as the main single, along with other classic tunes such as “Thunder Road” and “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out.”

19. Brothers in Arms: Dire Straits (1985)

Some will be screaming that Dire Straits isn’t a “rock band,” and it’s true that they cover many genres. They began as a pub rock outfit in the North East of England, and are also associated with more bluesy numbers such as the single “Sultans of Swing.”

In 1985, Dire Straits released this masterpiece and it was a groundbreaker. Brothers in Arms was the first album to sell over one million copies on CD, and it came at a time when the band was dominating the charts. It’s a classic and another release without a single weak track.

20. Hotel California: The Eagles (1976)

Another album demanding inclusion is this 1976 release by The Eagles. Tensions within the band were high, but the creative force found its perfect storm in Hotel California.

Most of us will know this album because of its title track, but it’s another release where many other classics are waiting to be heard. Look out for “New Kid in Town,” and “Life in the Fast Lane,” along with some exceptional deep cuts.

21. Bat Out of Hell: Meatloaf (1977)

Meatloaf falls into the category of artists who could never live up to the success of their debut album. At the time of Bat Out of Hell’s release in 1977, Meatloaf was a struggling singer, who was best known for his acting career, and a part in the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

The album changed everything and although it failed to reach number one in the US or the UK, Bat out of Hell continues to sell in high numbers almost a half-century after its initial release.

22. Deep Purple in Rock: Deep Purple (1970)

When you instantly recognize an album from its cover, you know it’s a big deal. Deep Purple in Rock features the members of the band carved into a mountainside, Mount Rushmore style, and it’s still regarded as their finest work.

All the elements of a top 25 rock album are in place. The album features the classic Deep Purple lineup, including singer Ian Gillan and guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, while the impressive track listing features unforgettable tunes such as “Black Night,” “Speed King,” and “Child in Time.”

23. The Doors: The Doors (1967)

It’s said that the flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long, and that was the case with Jim Morrisson. The Doors may have eventually reformed with a new singer, but without their iconic frontman, they were little more than a tribute act.

Morrison’s personality shines through on the band’s 1967 debut album. The music world instantly knew they had something special, thanks to The Doors and its genius track listing that includes “Light my Fire,” and “Break on Through (To the Other Side.)”

24. The Queen Is Dead: The Smiths (1986)

The whimsical rock stylings of The Smiths reach their peak with this 1986 release. It’s sad to think that the band would soon split up, and while they released a follow-up, The Queen is Dead is their essential album.

The tracks perfectly underline the genius of Morrissey’s lyrics and the songwriting skills of Johnny Marr. Included on the track listing is the beautiful, “There is a Light That Never Goes Out,” and the quirky “Bigmouth Strikes Again.”

25. Remain in Light: Talking Heads (1980)

Talking Heads was one of the first American new wave, CBGB bands to be embraced in the UK. We loved them long before Remain in Light came out, although we acknowledge that this is their finest forty minutes and ten seconds.

The album is full of memorable tunes and deep cuts, and it was impossible to overlook a release that contains the unforgettable “Once in a Lifetime.”