The 10 Best Classic Rock Debut Albums Of All Time

The 10 Best Classic Rock Debut Albums Of All Time | Society Of Rock Videos

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They Hit The Ground Running

A lot of bands take years to find their sound and style. They do plenty of experimentations to find that which works best for them. But the following groups are far from that. From the get-go, we knew they were going to make history. And over time, more and more critics sing their praises. Because admittedly, stunning debut albums are few and far between.

They managed to snag a spot as rock legends the moment they arrived in the rock ‘n roll scene.

10. Guns N’ Roses – “Appetite For Destruction” (1987)

It spawned several classic hits like “Welcome to the Jungle”, “Paradise City”, and “Sweet Child o’ Mine”. Initially, it achieved little success and critics weren’t too kind to the band with their negative reviews. The following year, it blew up. It dominated the US Billboard 200 and was certified 18x platinum by the RIAA. Critics claimed the attention it earned was ONLY due to their songs focusing on the hedonistic lifestyle of the ’80s. But decades later, Guns N’ Roses proved them all wrong.

9. The Who – “My Generation” (1965)

It’s a vital piece in rock ‘n roll history. “My Generation” highlighted their raw and aggressive sound. Rock critic Robert Christgau called it “the hardest rock in history” and we cannot agree more.

8. Van Halen – “Van Halen” (1978)

“Runnin’ with the Devil”, “Eruption”, and “You Really Got Me” took the band to the proverbial top. It was certified diamond by the RIAA. It’s a revolutionary album that, no matter what the haters say, paved the way for several other metal acts who followed.

7. Lynyrd Skynyrd – “(Pronounced ‘lÄ•h-‘nérd ‘skin-‘nérd)” (1973)

They didn’t invent the Southern rock sound but with this album, they perfected it. “Free Bird”, “Simple Man”, “Tuesday’s Gone”, and “Gimme Three Steps” – if other bands came up with just any of these songs they would’ve been legends. And to have so many musical masterpieces in one single album – that was monumental not just for the band but for rock ‘n roll in general.

6. The Cars – “The Cars ” (1978)

It’s exceptional from beginning to end – no fillers just one brilliant track after another. The tunes are catchy an overall, it’s simply flawless.

5. The Beatles – “Please Please Me” (1963)

“I Saw Her Standing There”, “Please Please Me”, “Love Me Do”, and “Twist and Shout” – The Beatles were excellent musicians and it showed from the get-go. The songs were flat-out amazing and from there, they only got better and more innovative.

4. Black Sabbath – “Black Sabbath” (1970)

Would you believe this got mostly negative reviews from the critics? They called them “the worst of the counterculture” or “just like Cream! But worse.” They eventually backtracked with their retrospective reviews as they gave the band the credit they deserved. Black Sabbath’s debut album was hard-hitting, heavy, aggressive, and innovative.

3. The Doors – “The Doors” (1967)

What better way to announce their arrival than to drop their magnum opus “Light My Fire”? It was a pivotal moment in psychedelic rock and it highlighted their brilliance especially when it came to Jim Morrison’s spoken poetry. They weren’t everyone’s cup of tea when it was first released but it wasn’t long before critics took notice of the band’s musical genius coming through.

2. The Jimi Hendrix Experience – “Are You Experienced” (1967)

Jimi Hendrix became a household name after its release. In less than a year, it sold over one million copies but critics gave mixed reviews. Nevertheless, it’s hard to deny that he had one of the most stunning and groundbreaking debuts of all time.

1. Led Zeppelin – “Led Zeppelin” (1969)

Four of the most exceptionally talented musicians to ever walk the planet. From Robert Plant’s immaculate vocals to Jimmy Page’s excellent guitar work and memorable riffs to John Paul Jones’ iconic basslines and finally, John Bonham’s wild and mind-blowing drumming – they knew they’re about to conquer rock ‘n roll and when they dropped their debut album, rock was never the same.

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