Once in a while, an album comes along that completely changes the game. Some of them come along just at the right time, finding that sweet spot between familiarity and uncertainty. Others, however, are so revolutionary that it takes years for them to get their just due. Whatever the special sauce that brings them to fruition, several classic albums changed music forever.
There’s a certain je ne sais quoi to these recordings that manages to transcend time and genre. Not only do they often serve as high watermarks of artistry, they often make profound statements about the times in which they were released. Many albums come and go, but some are truly classics. Let’s explore eight stellar examples.
Nirvana – Nevermind (1991)
When Nirvana’s “Nevermind” hit in the fall of 1991, it was a revelation for rock and roll. It changed the indie rock landscape and suddenly made independent music a lucrative revenue stream. As a high watermark of the grunge era, “Nevermind” perfectly blended hard rock angst and pop sensibility.
Michael Jackson – Thriller (1982)
Everything about Michael Jackson’s classic album “Thriller” was revolutionary. It effortlessly combined funk, rock, and pop, resulting in a track listing that puts other artist’s entire discographies to shame. Its adventurous promotional strategy of releasing seven of nine tracks also proved classic. This helped “Thriller” win a record-breaking eight Grammy Awards and quickly become the biggest-selling album of all time.
Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On (1971)
A lot happens in Marvin Gaye’s classic album “What’s Going On.” Whether it’s rowdy party tracks, odes to love, or biting social commentary, Gaye managed to take a personal genre like soul and extrapolate it to the social climate of the 1970s. This helped the album transcend mere music into something approaching fine art, the kind that will endure for decades to come.
Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath (1970)
In hindsight, it is incredible to see how far ahead of the world Black Sabbath was in the late 1960s. While most bands were playing sweet-toned pop, Black Sabbath practically invented heavy metal with Tommy Iommi’s sludgy riffs and Ozzy Osbourne’s howling vocals. What ties their classic sound together is the oddly progressive and zen-like lyrics written by the band’s bassist, Geezer Butler.
Loretta Lynn – Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind) (1967)
There had been female country stars before Loretta Lynn, but she truly refined the blueprint. Her 1967 album “Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)” exemplified her ability to stand apart thanks to killer songwriting but still fit in thanks to her down-home, yet artistic image. Lynn’s effort helped pave the way for generations of female country and country-adjacent artists including Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and Taylor Swift.
The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)
“It was 20 years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play…” So begins arguably the greatest album of the post-war period. It is The Beatle’s most profound musical effort, combining pop, rock, classical, and even chamber music. While superficially psychedelic, the album features so many disparate elements combined harmoniously that it becomes high art. Plus, the recording techniques inspired producers for years to come.
The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds (1966)
While The Beach Boy’s grand statement album, “Pet Sounds,” failed to sell many copies, it paved the way for generations of musicians to come. When Paul McCartney of The Beatles heard the track “God Only Knows,” he was so incensed and inspired he dreamt up another album on this list, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” With its classic arrangments and innovative use of instruments, “Pet Sounds” may be the most lush-sounding album ever made.
Run D.M.C. – Run D.M.C. (1984)
It’s hard to argue that Run D.M.C.’s eponymous 1984 album was a landmark. Not only was it the first classic hip-hop album, but it helped shift the genre’s sensibilities from electro and disco to something more raw, authentic, and loud-mouthed. Though the album’s production is minimal and crisp, its hit singles like “Rock Box” and “Sucker MC’s” remain beloved sing-alongs for multiple generations of listeners.
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