Here you can find our selection of the 51 most influential rock albums to inspire you on your guitar sound journey.
I spent weeks researching rock albums. My goal was to present you with a good selection from all musical eras.
I found that there are many lists available from different publishers. They are mostly focusing on the golden ages of rock music from the ‘70s to the ’90s. I also found that commercial success is the main ranking factor.
As a guitarist, I looked at it from a different perspective. I wanted to show you the most innovative rock albums that opened up new directions in the rock music scene. As I see it, several albums are very inspiring for musicians but are not successful commercially. I focused on showing you a selection of influential ones. I also paid attention to represent albums from the ’60s up until the 2020s.
Art is not a competition. I don’t want to make a ranked list saying who is better than the other. It’s more exciting to go through the list in chronological order.
So here are the albums that you can explore today:
Ready to get inspired? Keep reading.
#1 – The Beatles – Revolver (1966)
Revolver is a groundbreaking album by The Beatles. They experimented with many different genres, sounds, and lyrical themes. They departed from the typical pop formula to explore new musical territories. As a result, they created one of the first psychedelic rock albums.
They used distorted vocals, fuzzbox distorted guitar sound, reversed guitar parts, and tape collage loops with interesting chord changes and harmonies. They challenged the conventional rules of songwriting. They even used a string octet to create the desirable atmosphere.
Revolver influenced many other artists and genres, such as electronic music, ambient music, and psychedelic rock.
Key track: Tomorrow Never Knows
#2 – Jimi Hendrix – Are You Experienced (1967)
Are You Experienced is the debut album by the Jimi Hendrix Experience. It introduced Jimi Hendrix’s innovative guitar playing, songwriting, and musical style.
He used feedback, distortion, and psychedelic lyrics like no one had ever before. He inspired countless guitarists from Eric Clapton to John Frusciante or Dave Grohl.
Key Track: Purple Haze
#3 – The Doors – The Doors (1967)
The debut album of The Doors is one of the most impressive albums in rock history. It showcases the band’s unique blend of rock, blues, classical, jazz, and poetry. They were brilliant in creating atmosphere, tension, and emotion with music.
The band played without a bass player. It created more space for Ray Manzarek’s electric organ and Robby Krieger’s guitar playing. Jim Morrison had hypnotic lyrics and outstanding vocal skills. John Densmore’s jazzy drums were the final ingredients in their genius music.
Their attitude and philosophy were a great inspiration and influenced many bands.
Key track: The End
#4 – The Velvet Underground & Nico – The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967)
I have always admired the innovative and experimental sound of The Velvet Underground. Their debut album challenged the conventions of music and lyrics in the 1960s.
The album features a diverse range of styles from the dreamy pop of “Sunday Morning” to the harsh noise of “European Son”. “Heroin” is a great example of their raw musical expression. It uses changes in tempo, volume, and distortion to simulate the effects of heroin on the body and mind.
Key track: Heroin
#5 – The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Electric Ladyland (1968)
Jimi Hendrix Experience’s Electric Ladyland (1968) album is a milestone in rock history. Hendrix shows his innovative use of effects, feedback, and studio techniques. He delivers a stunning fuzz sound, signature wah-wah pedal usage, and expressive bends and slides.
It was an inspiration for many guitarists, a diverse and eclectic mix of genres, from psychedelic rock to blues to folk.
Key Track: Voodoo Chile
#6 – Led Zeppelin – II (1969)
The album is a perfect balance of hard-rocking riffs and acoustic melodies. Led Zeppelin explored different genres and styles, from blues to folk to psychedelic. It is a masterpiece that shows the band’s creativity.
Page was coming out with powerful riffs and psychedelic sections delivered by using various effects. It features irregular rhythms and transitions, and a drum solo by John Bonham. We can enjoy some of the best bass playing by John Paul Jones. Robert Plant used various techniques and effects for his expressive vocals.
Key Track: Whole Lotta Love
#7 – Black Sabbath – Paranoid (1970)
The album is a rock album that defined the genre of heavy metal with its dark and powerful riffs, lyrics, and vocals. It stripped away the traditional blues guitar phrasings and focused on themes of war, doom, and drugs.
The album features some of the most iconic songs in metal history, such as “Paranoid”, “War Pigs” and “Iron Man”. Black Sabbath influenced countless other bands.
Key Track: War Pigs
#8 – The Stooges – Fun House (1970)
Fun House was an experimental work that paved the way for many genres and styles of rock music. The album was very raw, loud, and chaotic, capturing the live energy and sound of The Stooges.
Each track had its character and intensity including Iggy Pop’s charismatic and wild vocals. It showed for generations what rock music can be.
Key Track: Fun House
#9 – Led Zeppelin – IV (1971)
Led Zeppelin IV is one of the most influential rock albums of all time. It influenced strongly the development of hard rock and heavy metal.
Page demonstrates his mastery of different techniques, tones, and effects. Whether it’s the riff-driven “Black Dog”, the bluesy “When the Levee Breaks”, the acoustic “Going to California”, or the epic “Stairway to Heaven”.
Key Track: Stairway To Heaven
#10 – The Who – Who’s Next (1971)
Who’s Next showcases The Who’s unique music with their use of synthesizers and sound effects. The album influenced many rock bands, such as the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and the Rolling Stones. The key tracks are “Baba O’Riley”, with a unique looping organ riff and a violin solo. “Won’t Get Fooled Again”, which has a powerful guitar solo and a famous scream by Roger Daltrey. “Behind Blue Eyes”, is a haunting ballad with a hard rock twist.
Key Track: Won’t Get Fooled Again
#11 – Pink Floyd – The Dark Side Of The Moon (1973)
It is a concept album from Pink Floyd, that explores the themes of life, death, madness, and society. It is a work of art that combines progressive rock, psychedelic music, and sonic experimentation.
It was one of the first albums to use advanced studio techniques. They used multitrack recording, tape loops, synthesizers, and quadraphonic sound. Unusual sound effects were also used. For example, clocks, cash registers, heartbeats, and voices enhanced the mood.
Key Track: Time
#12 – Ramones – Ramones (1976)
It was the first album to define the punk rock genre. It had simple, raw, fast songs and rebellious lyrics that challenged the mainstream rock music of the time. It created a new energetic sound that inspired many artists, such as the Sex Pistols, the Clash, Nirvana, Green Day, and Metallica.
Key Track: Blitzkrieg Bop
#13 – Sex Pistols – Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols (1977)
Sex Pistols captured the spirit and energy of the 1977 British punk scene with this album. The songs challenged the authority and hypocrisy of the establishment. They used raw and powerful guitar riffs and provocative lyrics.
The lyrics are full of irony and anger that express the frustration of the youth. The Sex Pistols’ style, attitude, and message influenced many musicians. It still sounds awesome today.
Key Track: God Save the Queen
#14 – AC/DC – Back in Black (1980)
Back in Black showcased the band’s signature style of hard rock, heavy metal, and arena rock. It has some of the most iconic tracks in rock history, such as “Hells Bells”, “You Shook Me All Night Long”, and “Back in Black”.
Brian Johnson as the new lead singer delivered a powerful voice and lyrics. Guitar riffs and solos of Angus Young are a must-have for any rock fan.
Key Track: Back In Black
#15 – Motörhead – Ace of Spades (1980)
Ace of Spades blended heavy metal, speed metal, and hard rock powerfully and energetically. It influenced the emerging thrash metal movement that would include bands like Metallica and Megadeth.
Key Track: Ace Of Spades
#16 – Iron Maiden – The Number of the Beast (1982)
The Number of the Beast introduced a new style of heavy metal that combined powerful vocals, and complex arrangements. The album had a huge impact on the genre’s popularity and culture, as it reached the top of the charts.
It was the first album to feature Bruce Dickinson as the vocalist. He brought a new level of power and range to the band’s sound. Steve Harris and Adrian Smith created some of the band’s most iconic tracks, such as “Run to the Hills”, “The Number of the Beast”, and “Hallowed Be Thy Name”.
Key Track: The Number of the Beast
#17 – R.E.M. – Murmur (1983)
R.E.M. with its debut album introduced a new sound that was different from the mainstream rock of the 1980s. Unusual guitar riffs, melodic bass lines, and cryptic lyrics created a kind of mysterious atmosphere.
Murmur, with its originality, inspired many alternative rock bands such as The Smiths, U2, Nirvana, and Radiohead.
Key Track: Radio Free Europe
#18 – Guns N’ Roses – Appetite For Destruction (1987)
Guns N’ Roses released their debut album in 1987. It featured some of the most iconic riffs, solos, and vocals in rock history. The album, which shows their unique sound and style, has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
Key Track: Sweet Child O’ Mine
#19 – U2 – The Joshua Tree (1987)
The Joshua Tree album had an innovative guitar-driven sound. The album combined rock roots, and ambient elements to create an uncommon emotional landscape. The guitar work of Edge is especially impressive. He used delay, reverb, and harmonics to create the atmospheric textures. U2 inspired many rock musicians with their airy and minimalist sound.
Key Track: With Or Without You
#20 – Pixies – Surfer Rosa (1988)
Surfer Rosa came up with a new alternative style, that changed the rock sound trends in the late 80s. They combined raw and energetic sound with their experimental recording techniques.
Pixies introduced a new guitar sound with creative effects, noisy riffs, and solos. They also used a raw “garage style” drum sound which was uncommon at that time. The themes of their lyrics showed new directions for many bands like Nirvana, Radiohead, and Smashing Pumpkins.
Key Track: Where Is My Mind
#21 – Sonic Youth – Daydream Nation (1988)
Sonic Youth’s Daydream Nation challenged the conventions of the genre. It inspired countless indie and alternative bands. Guitarists all around the world love it because of its innovative and experimental use of noise, feedback, and alternate tunings.
The key tracks are “Teen Age Riot”, which starts with a dreamy intro and then explodes into a cool riff. “Silver Rocket”, which features a chaotic noise solo. This album is a masterpiece.
Key Track: Teen Age Riot
#22 – Nirvana – Nevermind (1991)
Nevermind was the album that brought alternative rock music to mainstream success. Nirvana expressed the angst and frustration of a generation. Curt Cobain combined melodic guitar intros and powerful noisy distorted guitar sound. The drum style and energy of Dave Grohl created a new standard for rock music. Nevermind is not just a great album, but a cultural milestone.
Key Track: Smells Like Teen Spirit
#23 – Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991)
Blood Sugar Sex Magik combines funk, rap, metal, and alternative rock in a cool way. Red Hot Chili Peppers created a unique sound that influenced many other bands in the 90s and beyond.
They recorded it in a haunted mansion in LA, where the band lived and worked for several months. The producer, Rick Rubin, gave them a lot of freedom. He encouraged them to experiment with different styles and instruments.
Key Track: Give It Away
#24 – Metallica – Metallica (1991)
The Black Album has 12 tracks, each with its distinctive character and mood. It achieved worldwide success for the band and defined their new musical style. It influenced many other bands who followed Metallica’s new direction, such as Pantera or Lamb of God. Metallica created a very accessible heavy metal sound with acoustic verses, heavy choruses, impressive riffs, and stunning solos.
Key Track: Enter Sandman
#25 – Rage Against the Machine – Rage Against the Machine (1992)
Rage Against the Machine released its self-titled album in 1992. It changed the game for rock music by combining rap and heavy metal in a revolutionary way. The band’s vocalist, Zack de la Rocha, delivered powerful and political lyrics. He challenged the status quo and inspired a generation. The band’s guitarist, Tom Morello created an amazing sound that no one had ever heard before.
Key Track: Killing In The Name
#26 – Smashing Pumpkins – Siamese Dream (1993)
Siamese Dream (1993) combined different styles of music in a unique way. The frontman of the band, Billy Corgan wrote and produced most of the songs. He also played most of the guitar parts himself. Corgan expressed his feelings of depression, anger, frustration, and hope in his songs. He also touched on topics such as childhood abuse, media manipulation, drug addiction, and love.
Their sound and personal lyrics influenced many genres of music, such as alternative metal, emo, post-rock, and indie rock.
Key Track: Soma
#27 – Green Day – Dookie (1994)
Dookie is one of the most influential rock albums that introduced punk rock to a mainstream audience. Green Day achieved a sound that balanced punk rock aggression with pop sensibility. They inspired many other bands to follow them. The album was a huge success, selling over 20 million copies worldwide. They also won a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album in 1995.
Key Track: Basket Case
#28 – Blur – Parklife (1994)
Blur was one of the bands with the album Parklife, who defined the Britpop sound and culture with its witty and sarcastic lyrics, diverse musical styles, and iconic cover art. It captured the essence of an era, reflecting the everyday life of ordinary people in Britain in the 90s. Parklife is a cultural phenomenon that changed the landscape of British rock.
Key Track: Parklife
#29 – Oasis – What’s the Story Morning Glory? (1995)
When you think of Britpop sound you probably associate first to Oasis. What’s the Story Morning Glory? delivers the unique blend of the Oasis sound. They used acoustic guitar with cello and mellotron in the world-famous song “Wonderwall”. John Lennon’s Imagine inspired the piano riff in the song “Don’t Look Back in Anger”. The last song is “Champagne Supernova”. It brings some psychedelic feel, with swirling guitars, atmospheric effects, and surreal lyrics. Liam and Noel Gallagher delivered a phenomenal vocal performance on this album.
Key Track: Champagne Supernova
#30 – Radiohead – OK Computer (1997)
Radiohead delivered musical innovation, lyrical depth, and sonic experimentation with this album. They incorporated elements of art rock, progressive rock, electronica, and ambient music. The band created a brand-new, complex, and diverse sound.
They captured the mood of 21st-century life with themes like consumerism, technology, politics, and death. They initiated a shift in Britpop sound and influenced many bands like Muse and Coldplay.
Key Track: Paranoid Android
#31 – Foo Fighters – The Colour and the Shape (1997)
The Colour and the Shape is the second album by Foo Fighters led by Dave Grohl, the former drummer of Nirvana. The first album was mostly recorded by Dave himself. On this album, the full band was behind him and the signature sound of Foo Fighters started here. It was a big commercial success as well, it won countless awards. It contains famous and evergreen songs like “Everlong”, “Monkey Wrench” and “My Hero”.
Key Track: Everlong
#32 – Red Hot Chili Peppers – Californication(1999)
Californication marked the return of John Frusciante, the original guitarist. He left the band in 1992 due to drug addiction and personal issues. He brought back his signature sound, helping to create the most successful album of the band. They blended different genres and sounds, from heavy metal riffs to pop ballads or rap-rock. They influenced countless artists with this release.
Key Track: Otherside
#33 – Radiohead – Kid A (2000)
Kid A (2000) is a radical departure from the band’s previous guitar-driven rock sound. It is a brave exploration of electronic, ambient, and experimental music. The album challenged the conventions of rock music, creating a unique and immersive sonic experience.
The lyrics were cryptic and abstract. They dealt with themes such as isolation, anxiety, and identity. They touched on political issues like climate change, war, and consumerism. It is an album that challenges the listener to think and feel differently about music and the world.
Key Track: Idioteque
#34 – System of a Down – Toxicity (2001)
Toxicity is a groundbreaking album. It combines hard rock, metal, and Armenian folk influences uniquely. It is full of energy, aggression, and emotion. The band tackles various political and social issues with their lyrics. It influenced many bands like Slipknot and Linkin Park.
Key Track: Toxicity
#35 – The Strokes – Is This It? (2001)
The Strokes started the 21st century with their debut album “Is This It?” which combined classic punk with some modern-age ideas. They use very dynamic guitar riffs and groovy bass lines that will make you dance for sure. Their simple but raw energetic rock style influenced many bands of the next decades.
Key Track: Last Night
#36 – Queens of the Stone Age – Songs for the Deaf (2002)
Songs for the Deaf is a masterpiece of stoner rock, hard rock, and desert rock with diverse influences. The album is a concept album. It takes the listener on a road trip through the California desert, tuning into different radio stations along the way. It shows that rock music can be innovative and diverse. Dave Grohl of Nirvana and Foo Fighters on drums adds a powerful and energetic drive to the band. It has inspired many bands to experiment with different styles and sounds.
Key Track: No One Knows
#37 – Coldplay – A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002)
A Rush of Blood to the Head is Coldplay’s second album. It is a mix of melancholic ballads, uplifting anthems, and experimental rock songs. Coldplay creates a rich and diverse musical landscape that reflects their own emotions. Chris Martin has an original vocal style and piano playing. Jonny Buckland’s expressive guitar work is very impressive.
Key Track: Clocks
#38 – Franz Ferdinand – Franz Ferdinand (2003)
The debut album by the Scottish band took the world by storm. They created an energetic indie rock, post-punk revival, and dance-punk. They spiced their music with witty lyrics and a stylish image. They were not afraid to experiment with different ideas. It ranged from the disco-inspired “Tell Her Tonight” to the garage rock of “Cheating on You” to the acoustic ballad of “40′”. Franz Ferdinand was one of the biggest influencers of the indie rock scene in the 2000s.
Key Track: Take Me Out
#39 – Muse – Absolution (2003)
Absolution combines elements of alternative, hard rock, and progressive rock. Bellamy uses different effects, techniques, and styles to create a unique sound. It is both powerful and expressive. The album has a strong concept and theme that resonates with the social problems of the 2000s. The album features some of the most memorable songs by Muse, “Apocalypse Please”, “Time Is Running Out”, “Stockholm Syndrome”, and “Hysteria”.
Key Track: Stockholm Syndrome
#40 – Placebo – Sleeping with Ghosts (2003)
Placebo was also one of the bands of the 2000s that determined the sound of rock music of that era. Sleeping with Ghosts is rich in synth elements. It adds a layer of depth and texture to their guitar-driven songs. They pushed the boundaries of rock music by creating new sounds. They explored themes like sexuality, identity, or addiction.
Key Track: The Bitter End
#41 – The White Stripes – Elephant (2003)
Elephant is a classic album that showcases the duo’s approach to rock music. Sonically raw. Minimalistic set. Pure rock spirit. The White Stripes recorded the album in a London studio. They used vintage equipment and no computers, giving it a retro and authentic sound. They created iconic riffs played on bass. They used distorted drums to create that true garage-rock mood. The album explores various genres while maintaining the band’s original personality.
Key Track: Seven Nation Army
#42 – Arctic Monkeys – Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not (2006)
It is a landmark album that revolutionized the British rock scene in the mid-2000s. The debut album’s themes revolve around British nightlife, clubbing, and pub culture, from the perspective of the band. Their talented use of riffs created a raw and energetic guitar-driven sound. Alex Turner’s witty and relatable lyrics made the Arctic Monkeys sound and feel truly unique.
Key Track: I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
#43 – Kings of Leon – Only by the Night (2008)
Only by the Night has a polished and experimental sound. It incorporated elements of electronic music and pop-rock. They combined the raw energy and southern charm of their earlier work with a more expansive sound that appealed to a wider audience.
Matthew Followill’s riffs and solos create atmospheric soundscapes for the guitar-driven sound. he achieved it with the skilled use of delay and reverb effects. Caleb Followill’s raspy voice adds a lot of emotion and character to the songs. Kings of Leon’s fourth album is an inspiring and original work of art.
Key Track: Sex On Fire
#44 – The Black Keys – El Camino (2011)
The seventh album of The Black Keys, El Camino has a raw and powerful blues-rock sound. It combines groovy basslines, and glam-rock riffs that make you want to rock out. Danger Mouse produced the album and added pop flair and sonic diversity to the duo’s signature style.
Key Track: Lonely Boy
#45 – Tame Impala – Lonerism (2012)
Lonerism was the second studio album by the Australian musical project. It received critical acclaim and commercial success. Kevin Parker played every instrument, wrote, produced, and mixed everything in his home studio. He also used a dictaphone to record ambient sounds that add texture and depth to his songs.
He created a unique sound that blended psychedelic rock, vintage sounds, and lo-fi elements. Lonerism is an album that explores themes of isolation, introspection, and alienation. It reflected Parker’s personal experiences and feelings.
Key track: Apocalypse Dreams
#46 – Halestorm – The Strange Case Of … (2012)
The Strange Case Of … is the second studio album by the American hard rock band Halestorm. The band is led by the female guitarist and vocalist Lizzy Hale.
The hard rock album combined vintage and modern influences. They explored themes of duality, isolation, and empowerment. The most iconic song is “Love Bites (So Do I)”. It won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance, making Halestorm the first female-fronted band to win in that category.
Key Track: Love Bites (So Do I)
#47 – Arctic Monkeys – AM (2013)
AM showed how Arctic Monkeys had evolved with different styles, while still maintaining their distinctive identity. The album featured Alex Turner’s witty and clever wordplay. Turner and Jamie Cook performed an amazing guitar work. They used a variety of effects and techniques to create their signature sound. They were one of the bands who shaped the rock music scene in the 2010s with their original approach.
Key Track: Do I Wanna Know?
#48 – St. Vincent – St. Vincent (2013)
This was the fourth album by Annie Clark, a.k.a. St. Vincent, who is one of the best female guitarists. She had a unique guitar style that blends jazz, prog, and electro influences. She used a variety of effects and techniques to create innovative sounds. The album contained witty and dark lyrics that explored themes of isolation, desire, and identity. It won the 2015 Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album.
Key Track: Digital Witness
#49 – David Bowie – Blackstar (2016)
Blackstar shows how a legendary artist can reinvent himself. Bowie pushed the boundaries of music even at the end of his life. He collaborated with a jazz quartet led by saxophonist Donny McCaslin. They created a fusion of rock, jazz, and electronic sounds. The album reflects his courage, creativity, and vision. It inspires listeners to embrace their own uniqueness and mortality.
Key Track: Blackstar
#50 – King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard – Nonagon Infinity (2016)
Nonagon Infinity is notable for its concept. It features nine songs that form a continuous loop of sound. Each song seamlessly transitions into the next and the last song linking back to the first.
The album demonstrated the band’s innovative approach to music. It blended elements of progressive rock, psychedelic rock, garage rock, jazz, and heavy metal. They used various types of guitars, synthesizers, organs, and harmonicas. It’s also outstanding that they had two drummers to create their diverse sonic world.
The album is full of references to sci-fi and fantasy themes, such as robots, monsters, and parallel dimensions.
Key Track: Robot Stop
#51 – Oh Sees – Orc (2017)
Orc is mixing different styles into an original sound. They blend garage rock, psych, prog, metal, and even folk into their sonic adventure.
There are many epic songs on the album. “The Static God” is a furious opener that sets the tone for the album. “Keys to the Castle” is an eight-minute journey. It transitions from a classic Oh Sees rocker to a dreamy ambient outro. “Paranoise” is a trippy instrumental. It shows the band’s double-drummer attack and Dwyer’s psychedelic guitar work.
Key Track: Animated Violence
What to do next?
Let’s dedicate time to listening to all the songs on the rock albums that impress you. Let’s also check out our article on the best female guitarists to find some more inspiration.
