Most influential debut albums in music

This truly seismic event kickstarted heavy metal with its groundbreaking fusion of occult imagery, brutal blues riffs, and working-class attitude. Its title track is pure Hammer horror, and much of the album is churning, super-heavy proto-punk.

This album unleashed raw energy with heavy riffs, blues-infused tracks, and Robert Plant's soaring vocals. It introduced a new era of hard rock, setting the stage for their monumental career and dominating 1970s rock music.

This album was highly influential, spearheading the garage rock revival of the early 2000s and influencing countless indie bands. Its raw, garage rock sound with catchy melodies and a distinctive lo-fi aesthetic captured the zeitgeist of a new generation.

This debut reshaped rock music by blending psychedelic and blues elements with Jimi Hendrix's virtuosic guitar playing. It showcased unparalleled talent and pushed musical boundaries, establishing the idea of the guitarist as a groundbreaking individual artist.

This album raised the game for an entire genre, drawing an audience outside of hip-hop and becoming one of the most uplifting and inspiring records around. Its melding of soul, reggae, and R&B, with Hill's sharp and sensual vocals, made it a critical and commercial success.

Little Richard's debut was a groundbreaking work that showcased his explosive energy and flamboyant style. It broke boundaries in rock and roll, influencing countless artists in rock and soul with its unforgettable sound.

Patti Smith's debut was a poetic fire that became a seminal work in punk and new wave. It influenced countless artists with its uncompromising artistic vision, blending punk rock with poetic lyricism and raw, passionate vocals.

This critically acclaimed concept album solidified Lamar's status as a major force in hip-hop and influenced a new generation of rappers. Its intricate storytelling and diverse production painted vivid scenes of a coming-of-age story in Compton.

This album marked the beginning of The Beatles' legendary career and ignited the 'British Invasion.' Its infectious energy and tight harmonies forever changed the world of music, setting a new standard for pop and rock bands.

Widely considered one of the most influential debut albums, it birthed punk, indie, and alternative rock. It proved that music could be ugly, dangerous, and profoundly poetic, pushing the boundaries of rock with its experimental elements and dark themes.

This album was pivotal in launching Elvis Presley's career and bringing rock 'n' roll to a mainstream audience. It redefined popular music and inspired countless musicians across generations.

This album changed the landscape of rock music in the 70s, helping to create a new language for angry, alienated kids. Its fast, short songs, recorded in just seven days, remain a crucial foundation of punk rock.