10 Classic Rock Albums That Were Full of Filler Tracks

Classic rock bands sometimes released albums later in their careers that did not hold the strength of their earlier work. Many of these records contain extra songs that feel unimportant and do not add much to the overall album. Below is a list of ten albums that, by many accounts, are filled with filler tracks. Each description is split into two short paragraphs.

1. Guns N’ Roses – Chinese Democracy

Chinese Democracy came out in 2008 after a long delay. Many critics and fans say that the album has too many extra tracks that do not add to the overall feel. The record does not match the energy seen in earlier releases, and its lengthy production time left listeners unsatisfied.

The album is noted for weak songwriting and a sound that seems overproduced. Sales did not meet expectations, and the record is now often mentioned as one of the band’s low points. Listeners feel that it is full of filler tracks that drag the album down.

2. Van Halen – Van Halen III

Van Halen III was released in 1998 and is widely seen as a misstep. The record marked a change in the band’s style that many fans did not enjoy. Critics have pointed out that several songs seem unnecessary and do not match the strength of earlier hits.

Listeners and reviews show that the album lacks memorable tunes and has many filler moments. Sales were disappointing, and the change in style did not connect with long-time fans. This record is often used as an example of an album filled with extra tracks that do little for the band’s legacy.

3. Genesis – Calling All Stations

Calling All Stations came out in 1997 with a new lead singer. Many fans did not accept the change, and critics noted that the album had many songs that felt like filler. The record did not live up to the promise of earlier Genesis work, leaving listeners with extra tracks that lacked focus.

Reviews pointed out that several tracks seem to have been added just to fill the album. Sales were poor and many long-time fans remain disappointed. Calling All Stations is often remembered as a record where extra material diluted the strength of the band’s best work.

4. Queen – Made in Heaven

Made in Heaven was released in 1995 after Freddie Mercury’s death. The album collects songs that were finished by the band later. Critics say that many of the tracks feel like filler and do not add the quality found in earlier Queen albums.

Listeners find that the record has too many extra songs that do not contribute to a strong overall sound. Although it has moments of beauty, many tracks seem added just to complete the record. This album is often mentioned when discussing filler in Queen’s later work.

5. Fleetwood Mac – Tusk

Tusk, released in 1979, shows the band trying new sounds. Many fans point out that the record has several songs that feel like filler. The experimental nature of the album sometimes comes at the cost of strong, memorable tracks, leaving some listeners less impressed.

Critics have noted that extra tracks on Tusk do not add much to the album’s impact. While some songs shine, others feel like they were included only to fill space. This record is often cited as an example of a classic rock album with too much extra material.

6. The Who – Who Are You

Who Are You was released in 1978 and is known for having extra tracks that many consider filler. Some critics say that the album lacks the focus and power of the band’s earlier work. Several songs feel as if they were added just to reach a set length.

Reviews and fan opinions show that the album has uneven material. Some songs do not match the high energy of earlier records. This release is often remembered as one where extra tracks lower the overall quality of The Who’s music.

7. The Rolling Stones – Undercover

Undercover came out in 1984 and is often seen as a mixed effort. Many fans feel that the album is filled with tracks that do not stand out. The record shows uneven material, with several songs feeling like filler rather than strong contributions.

Critics have pointed out that extra tracks on Undercover lessen the overall impact. Listeners note that the album does not have the consistent energy of earlier Stones records. This release is used as an example of a classic rock album with too many extra, unneeded songs.

8. Aerosmith – Music from Another Dimension!

Music from Another Dimension! was released in 2012 and has been widely panned. Fans and critics agree that the album has many tracks that feel like filler. The record does not have the punch of Aerosmith’s earlier work, and several songs seem added without purpose.

Reviews show that many extra tracks lower the album’s overall strength. Sales and opinions did not match expectations for a band of Aerosmith’s caliber. This album is often cited as one with too much filler, making it a low point in their later career.

9. Pink Floyd – The Final Cut

The Final Cut was released in 1983 and is often seen as a weak record by Pink Floyd. Many listeners feel that the album is heavy with extra tracks that add little to the overall work. The record focuses on long themes that do not always hold the listener’s interest.

Critics have mentioned that several songs seem to serve only as filler. Sales and fan reactions were mixed, and the album did not have the same power as earlier works. This release is remembered as one where too many extra tracks lower the album’s quality.

10. AC/DC – Rock or Bust

Rock or Bust was released in 2014 and is seen by many fans as a weak effort from AC/DC. The album has extra tracks that do not bring the same strong guitar work and energy found in earlier records. Critics point out that several songs feel like filler material.

Listeners note that the record lacks the raw energy that made AC/DC famous. Sales were modest compared to past hits, and many fans remain disappointed. Rock or Bust is often mentioned as an example of a classic rock album filled with extra tracks that do little to enhance the record.