10 Classic Rock Albums That Even Hardcore Fans Skip

The classic rock era produced many legendary albums, but not every release hit the mark. Here are ten albums from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s that even dedicated fans often overlook.

1. “Their Satanic Majesties Request” – The Rolling Stones (1967)

In 1967, The Rolling Stones ventured into psychedelic rock with “Their Satanic Majesties Request.” Attempting to mirror the success of The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” the album featured experimental sounds and elaborate arrangements. However, critics and fans felt it lacked coherence and authenticity, making it one of the band’s less celebrated works.

Despite its ambitious approach, the album’s departure from the Stones’ blues roots left many listeners disconnected. Songs like “Sing This All Together” and “Gomper” failed to resonate, leading to its status as a curiosity rather than a classic. Even hardcore fans often skip this record in favor of the band’s more iconic albums.

2. “Self Portrait” – Bob Dylan (1970)

Bob Dylan’s “Self Portrait” was a double album released in 1970 that left many fans puzzled. Comprised of covers, traditional songs, and a few original tracks, it marked a significant departure from his earlier, more acclaimed work. Critics were harsh, with one famously beginning their review with, “What is this shit?”

The album’s eclectic mix and perceived lack of focus led to widespread disappointment. Tracks like “The Boxer” and “Blue Moon” felt out of place, causing even dedicated Dylan enthusiasts to overlook this release. Over time, some have reassessed “Self Portrait,” but it remains a polarizing entry in Dylan’s discography.

3. “Cut the Crap” – The Clash (1985)

“Cut the Crap” was The Clash’s sixth and final studio album, released in 1985. By this time, key members Mick Jones and Topper Headon had departed, leaving Joe Strummer and manager Bernie Rhodes to steer the project. The album incorporated synthesizers and drum machines, straying far from the band’s punk roots.

Critics and fans alike criticized the production quality and lackluster songwriting. Tracks like “We Are the Clash” failed to capture the energy and spirit that had defined the band’s earlier work. As a result, “Cut the Crap” is often disregarded by fans, marking a disappointing end to The Clash’s influential career.

4. “Dirty Work” – The Rolling Stones (1986)

Released in 1986, “Dirty Work” came at a turbulent time for The Rolling Stones. Tensions between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were high, leading to a disjointed recording process. The album features a slick, 80s production style that didn’t sit well with many fans.

Songs like “Winning Ugly” and “Back to Zero” were met with lukewarm responses, lacking the raw energy characteristic of the band’s earlier work. Even die-hard fans often overlook this album, considering it a low point in the Stones’ extensive catalog.

5. “Never Say Die!” – Black Sabbath (1978)

“Never Say Die!” is Black Sabbath’s eighth studio album, released in 1978. It was the last to feature Ozzy Osbourne before his initial departure. The band was dealing with internal conflicts and substance abuse issues during recording, which affected the album’s cohesion.

Tracks like “Swinging the Chain” and the title track received mixed reviews, with critics noting a lack of direction. The album’s departure from their signature heavy sound left many fans disappointed. As a result, “Never Say Die!” is often skipped by even the most loyal Black Sabbath followers.

6. “Technical Ecstasy” – Black Sabbath (1976)

Released in 1976, “Technical Ecstasy” marked a significant shift for Black Sabbath. The band experimented with a more mainstream rock sound, moving away from their heavy metal roots. This change didn’t sit well with many fans.

Songs like “Rock ‘n’ Roll Doctor” and “It’s Alright” showcased this new direction but failed to make a lasting impact. Critics and fans alike viewed the album as a misstep, leading to its status as one of the less celebrated entries in Black Sabbath’s discography.

7. “Under Wraps” – Jethro Tull (1984)

“Under Wraps,” released in 1984, saw Jethro Tull embracing electronic elements and drum machines, a departure from their traditional folk-rock sound. This experimentation didn’t resonate with their audience.

Tracks like “Lap of Luxury” and “Under Wraps #1” lacked the organic feel fans had come to expect. The album’s synthetic production alienated many listeners, resulting in its frequent omission from playlists, even among devoted fans.

8. “Music from ‘The Elder'” – Kiss (1981)

Kiss’s 1981 album “Music from ‘The Elder'” was a concept album intended to showcase the band’s artistic ambitions. However, its departure from their hard rock style confused fans and critics alike.

Songs like “The Oath” and “A World Without Heroes” didn’t align with the expectations of their audience. The album’s commercial failure led Kiss to return to their original sound in subsequent releases. Today, “The Elder” remains a curiosity, often skipped by even the most ardent Kiss fans.

9. “A Momentary Lapse of Reason” – Pink Floyd (1987)

“A Momentary Lapse of Reason” marked Pink Floyd’s return after Roger Waters’ departure. Released in 1987, the album leaned heavily on David Gilmour’s vision, incorporating a more polished, mainstream sound. Tracks like “Learning to Fly” and “On the Turning Away” showcased this new direction. However, critics and fans noted that the album lacked the conceptual depth and cohesion of earlier works, making it feel more like a Gilmour solo project than a true Pink Floyd album.

The production also reflected the era’s trends, with prominent synthesizers and a glossy finish that some listeners found off-putting. While the album achieved commercial success, reaching number three on both the US and UK charts, it left many long-time fans yearning for the band’s classic sound. As a result, “A Momentary Lapse of Reason” is often overlooked in favor of Pink Floyd’s more critically acclaimed albums.

10. “Undercover” – The Rolling Stones (1983)

Released in 1983, “Undercover” saw The Rolling Stones experimenting with contemporary styles, including elements of new wave and reggae. Tracks like “Undercover of the Night” and “Too Much Blood” incorporated these influences, but the album’s eclecticism led to a lack of cohesion. Critics and fans were divided, with some appreciating the band’s willingness to innovate, while others felt the album strayed too far from their signature sound.

The recording process was marred by internal conflicts, particularly between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, which affected the album’s consistency. Despite some chart success, “Undercover” failed to produce enduring hits and is often overlooked by fans in favor of the band’s more iconic albums.