Many of the greatest rock albums first transformed music in the 1960s and 70s, when music was recorded and mastered for the analog warmth of vinyl records. If you’re a music fan looking to fill your shelves with the best, there are several essential albums your record collection needs. These records helped make rock music what it is today and still embody the spirit and magic of their time. Experience these touchstones on vinyl, the way they were meant to be heard.

6 Must-Have Rock Albums

1. “Dark Side of the Moon” – Pink Floyd

English rock band Pink Floyd released Dark Side of the Moon, their eighth studio album, in 1973, and the LP built upon their psychedelic sound while reaching new heights. It’s loaded with classics, including “Time” and “Money,” and established a legacy that’s inspired musicians for generations. Its diverse sounds exhibit Pink Floyd’s versatility, which is why it remains one of the best-selling albums in the U.S. to this day. 

2. “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” – The Beatles

The Beatles changed music when they arrived in America in 1964, bringing an electric pop-rock style that would have repercussions around the world. Following immense success over the years, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band was released in 1967 and marked their greatest stylistic departure. It’s credited as the beginning of “art rock” and shows the extent of The Beatles’ artistic exploration.

John Lennon’s “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and Paul McCartney’s “A Day in the Life” showcase the brilliance of this songwriting duo, while “Within You Without You” reminds us that George Harrison was a genius in his own right. 

3. “Pet Sounds” – The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys’ 11th album, Pet Sounds, is also considered one of the first “art rock” albums. While not as successful as previous albums, its avant-garde style showcased the artists’ growth and incorporated unique instruments, such as the Electro-Theremin, that rock music had yet to see.

Member Brian Wilson’s production brought the concept of using the recording studio as an essential element of a band’s sound to revolutionary life, and the album remains an exciting exploration perfect for any record collection. Pet Sounds has endured as the Beach Boys’ highest achievement, and “I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times” and “Sloop John B” are considered two of the greatest pop songs of all time.

4. “Rumours” – Fleetwood Mac

Released in 1977, Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours has influenced a wide scope of genres, including soft and pop rock, avant-garde, and country. The emotional nature of its songs speak personally and to the 70s counterculture, and the blend of acoustic and electric instruments creates a sound that can be touching, uplifting, and heartbreaking. “Dreams” and “Go Your Own Way” have never left classic playlists on radio dials across the world.

5. “Houses of the Holy” – Led Zeppelin

By the 1973 release of Houses of the Holy, Led Zeppelin had established themselves as one of the greatest rock bands. It’s gone platinum 11 times over and is marked by its unconventional grooves and genre-bending styles, best heard in “Over the Hills and Far Away” and “D’yer Mak’er.” It’s one of the band’s most ambitious works and an essential addition to your record collection.

6. “Greetings From Asbury Park” – Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen’s debut album revived Bob Dylan-esque lyricisms, jazz influences, and mid-60s rock for a 1970s world in an unforgettable, deeply American combination. Greetings From Asbury Park carries a unique energy of youthful ambition and angst, and the complex arrangements remain a blueprint for artists of the folk and rock genres. “Blinded by the Light” and “Spirit in the Night” launched a career that is still celebrated by huge crowds today.

If you’re ready to add to your record collection, stop by Alison’s Record Shop in Nashville, TN. They carry a wide selection of new and used vinyl records and are glad to help if you’re looking for new music. Call (615) 356-0180 to speak with their staff and connect on Facebook for updates. You can also visit them online to learn more about their record shop.