7 Rock Albums That Critics Hated but Fans Loved

There are albums that achieve legendary status despite facing criticism from the very critics who are supposed to evaluate their worth. These albums, initially disparaged by critics, have gone on to become beloved classics among fans. Here are seven such rock albums that critics initially hated but fans couldn’t get enough of.

Starting at number 7 AC/DC’s compilation album “High Voltage”

Introduced the world to the band’s electrifying sound. However, Rolling Stone’s Billy Altman infamously labeled it as “mindless,” claiming that it brought hard rock to its “all-time low.” Despite this scathing critique, tracks like “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” remain staples of rock music, proving that the fans knew better than the critics.

Moving on to number 6, Led Zeppelin’s self-titled debut album

It received harsh criticism upon its release. Rolling Stone dismissed it as containing “weak, unimaginative songs” and deemed it a waste of talent. However, this album played a pivotal role in kickstarting the heavy metal genre and became the foundation for Led Zeppelin’s legendary career. It goes to show that sometimes, critics fail to recognize the potential and influence of groundbreaking music.

At number 5, we have The Rolling Stones’ “Exile on Main St.”

This album initially received lukewarm critical reception, despite later being hailed as one of the band’s greatest works. Mick Jagger himself admitted that the album faced a tepid reaction from critics, only to be later recognized as a masterpiece by fans and publications alike. The shifting tides of opinion demonstrate the enduring appeal and lasting impact of this iconic rock album.

Next up, we have Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” at number 4.

While it is now regarded as a superior follow-up to “The Dark Side of the Moon,” some critics at the time found fault with its “ponderous sincerity” and criticized the band’s musical abilities. However, over time, the album’s warmth and depth have solidified its place in rock history, proving that initial critical reception does not always reflect a work’s true quality or lasting legacy.

Even The Beatles, one of the most revered bands in history, faced critical backlash with their album “Abbey Road” at number 3.

Critics dismissed the album as lacking energy and purpose, failing to recognize its significance as the band’s swan song. However, as the years passed, “Abbey Road” has come to be celebrated as one of The Beatles’ finest achievements, demonstrating that even the harshest critics can be proven wrong in the long run.

Black Sabbath’s debut album, simply titled “Black Sabbath,” takes the number 2 spot on this list.

Despite its monumental influence in inventing the heavy metal genre, critics like Robert Christgau labeled it as “the worst of the counterculture.” Even Lester Bangs of Rolling Stone criticized it for its perceived shortcomings. However, time has shown that the album’s impact on rock music remains undeniable, cementing its place in music history as a groundbreaking and influential debut.

Finally, at number 1, we have Neil Young’s “Harvest.”

This album faced early criticism for its perceived lack of originality and supposed resemblance to Young’s previous work. Rolling Stone’s John Mendelsohn even accused it of being a rip-off of Young’s own compositions. Despite these initial jabs, “Harvest” defied the critics and went on to become the best-selling album of 1972. It earned a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums and proved that sometimes, ignoring the critics can lead to immense success and appreciation from fans.