5 Classic Rock Albums That Flopped But Gained Respect Decades Later

Albums flop all the time; it’s an unfortunate hazard of the music industry. A few objectively great classic rock albums that were released decades ago surprisingly flopped, only to become legendary records several years later. Let’s look into five classic rock albums that flopped at first before becoming some of the most iconic records in music history.

1. ‘Pet Sounds’ by The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys’ 1966 album, “Pet Sounds,” is legendary today, known for its deep influence on many rock bands that followed. At the time of its release, though, it didn’t achieve great commercial success. Fans of The Beach Boys’ earlier beach-themed songs found the new experimental and deeper approach challenging to appreciate.

The album was ahead of its time, and its complexity was not what fans expected from the band. Over the years, however, “Pet Sounds” gained recognition for its innovative sound and is now considered one of the greatest rock albums ever made.

2. ‘The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society’ by The Kinks

This 1968 album by The Kinks has been praised by fans and many musicians, including The Who’s Pete Townshend, who called it a “masterwork.” Despite its current status as a nostalgic and beloved classic rock album, it initially flopped. On its release, it sold only around 100,000 copies and failed to make any significant impact on the charts.

The commercial failure might be attributed to its release date, which coincided with The Beatles’ famous “White Album.” Years later, the album’s brilliance was finally recognized, and it became The Kinks’ best-selling album, achieving the recognition it deserved.

3. ‘Sweetheart Of The Rodeo’ by The Byrds

“Sweetheart Of The Rodeo,” released in 1968 by The Byrds, didn’t make a significant impact on the charts initially. Unlike their previous albums, this country-focused work was a commercial underperformer, despite its quality. It didn’t resonate with the band’s fans right away.

As time passed, the album’s influence became more apparent, and it grew in popularity. It is now seen as The Byrds’ most significant and influential work, reshaping how fans and critics view the band’s contribution to rock and country music.

4. ‘The Stooges’ by The Stooges

The Stooges’ self-titled 1969 debut album is often cited as the first punk rock record. When it was released, it didn’t sell well and was considered a commercial failure. The raw energy and aggressive sound were perhaps too forward-thinking for its time.

Eventually, the album became a pivotal part of music history. With time, its influence and raw power were recognized, and The Stooges amassed a dedicated fan base, forever stamping their name on the history of rock music.

5. ‘Head’ by The Monkees

“Head,” released in 1968 by The Monkees, is an unusual album. It’s essentially a soundtrack to their movie of the same name, featuring a mix of songs and dialogue snippets. The eclectic mix of Broadway-style dialogue and psychedelic rock tunes was unique but didn’t translate into commercial success.

Both the film and the album flopped upon release. However, over the years, “Head” garnered a cult following. Its distinctive style and unconventional approach have been re-evaluated, earning it respect and appreciation from new generations of listeners.