Most Iconic Albums in History

The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars is an iconic album for its groundbreaking rock opera concept and the creation of the Ziggy Stardust alter ego, which redefined artistic identity and theatricality in popular music. Its influence endures, marking a before and after in how artists present themselves and conceive their work.

• Tells the story of Ziggy, a rock star and alien messenger

What's Going On is an iconic album for its bold tackling of social and political themes during a time of great upheaval. Its innovative musical production set a precedent for conceptual soul. Its profound lyrical resonance and avant-garde sound solidify it as an enduring and relevant masterpiece.

• One of the most important albums ever released

• Influential as the first Motown record to address real issues

• Addresses injustice, war, racism and drug abuse

• One of the most prolific albums ever written

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is a cultural landmark that redefined musical production and the concept of an album as a cohesive work of art. Its innovative use of the recording studio and its impact on popular music solidify it as one of the most influential and recognizable albums of all time.

• Considered the best album in popular music

• It marked a before and after in the musical landscape

• One of the most influential albums of all time

• Most iconic album cover of all time

Thriller is one of the most iconic albums in history due to its massive cultural impact and unprecedented commercial success. It broke racial barriers in music and television, and its groundbreaking music videos set a new standard for the industry.

• Broke all records

• Won eight Grammy Awards in 1984

• Remained on the Billboard album chart for almost two and a half years

• Holds a record of 37 weeks at #1

Revolver is a seminal album that marked a turning point in popular music, introducing innovative recording techniques and unprecedented lyrical and musical complexity. Its experimental boldness and lasting influence on subsequent genres solidify it as an iconic masterpiece.

• Forever changed the fates of global popular music

• Reached number one on the UK albums chart

Abbey Road is an iconic album for its innovative musical structure, its iconic cover art that has become a cultural touchstone, and its thematic cohesion. The production by George Martin and the compositional mastery of The Beatles solidified its place as an enduring masterpiece in music history.

• Enduring testament to The Beatles' greatness

• Better written, produced, and structured songs

The Beatles' "White Album" is a cultural and musical milestone for its bold experimentation and eclectic genre blend, establishing itself as an influential masterpiece. Its stylistic diversity and lyrical depth make it a fundamental pillar in the history of popular music.

• Extensive song collection

• Recognized by many of its followers

Pet Sounds is an iconic album for its groundbreaking use of studio recording techniques and complex instrumentation, setting a precedent for future concept albums. Its profound lyrical exploration of adolescence and lost innocence resonated deeply, influencing countless artists and redefining expectations for popular music.

• Contains 13 pop-style tracks

• Considered one of the most influential albums in history

Kind of Blue is a cornerstone of modal jazz, revolutionizing improvisation and musical composition with its innovative approach. Its ethereal atmosphere and the mastery of its musicians have made it a timeless benchmark that continues to influence generations of artists.

• Greatest jazz album ever recorded

• One of the greatest albums of all time

• Influential on jazz, rock, and classical music

Nevermind redefined the 90s music landscape, catapulting alternative rock into the mainstream and leaving an indelible mark on popular culture. Its impact transcended music, influencing fashion, art, and the attitude of a generation.

• Frequently ranked highly on lists of the greatest albums of all time