Famous Rock Albums That Unnecessarily Long
Members of the American soft-rock ensemble The Eagles sit on chairs as the perform on the television show 'Don Kirschner's Rock Concert,' 1979. Bandmembers are (left to right) Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Don Felder. (Photo by Fotos International/Getty Images)
When it comes to rock albums, length can be a divisive topic. Some records justify every minute, while others drag on with tracks that feel like filler. Let’s break down a few rock albums that, in hindsight, might have benefited from some serious editing.
Sandinista! by The Clash
The Clash’s London Calling is a legendary double album that uses its runtime effectively. But their follow-up, Sandinista!, stretched things way too far with its 144-minute runtime spread across three discs. While it’s impressive how the band explored a variety of genres, the album feels weighed down by unnecessary filler tracks. A little trimming could have made it a tighter, more impactful release.
Load/Reload by Metallica
Metallica’s The Black Album proved the band could deliver a longer record that resonated with fans. But Load and Reload didn’t quite hit the same mark. These albums leaned heavily into a more mainstream sound, which left some fans scratching their heads. Tracks like “Wasting My Hate” could have been cut, and even some of the better songs felt bogged down by the overall length. A more concise version might have been better received.
Long Road Out of Eden by The Eagles
The Eagles’ Long Road Out of Eden is aptly named—it feels like a long journey to get through. Clocking in at about 90 minutes, it’s their only double album, but not every track earns its place. While the harmonies are classic Eagles, the mix of great songs and forgettable ones makes it clear the album could have been streamlined. Some tighter editing would have let the standout tracks shine.
Appetite for Destruction by Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses’ debut, Appetite for Destruction, is often hailed as one of the greatest rock albums of all time. With iconic tracks like “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” and “Paradise City,” it’s hard to argue otherwise. But at nearly 54 minutes, the album includes a few lesser-known songs that don’t quite live up to the hits. Trimming just a bit of filler could have made this record even more flawless.
In the End
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for how long a rock album should be, these records remind us that sometimes, less is more. A shorter, focused tracklist can elevate a great album to legendary status.
