Streaming and digital downloads may be the norm now. But it really wasn’t that long ago that vinyl was the thing. Honestly, there’s nothing better than dropping the needle on a great album and listening to it while checking out the album artwork, notes, and lyrics that were often part of the package.
But vinyl is making a comeback, and sales have consistently risen over the last few years. However, some albums are more collectible than others. While compiling our top 15, we looked at rarity, value, and the significance of the music itself. It’s no surprise that many of the albums on this list are filled with chart-topping songs from their time.
If you truly consider yourself a music lover, here are 15 classic rock albums that are collectors’ gold you might want to add to your collection.
AC/DC: Back in Black
Back in Black was released in 1980. It was the first AC/DC album with Brian Johnson on vocals. The Album features several tracks that are still popular today, like Hells Bells, Shoot to Thrill, and You Shook Me All Night Long.
Def Leppard: Hysteria
Hysteria was, eased in 1987 and, is considered album that turned Def Leppard into megastars. This classic album includes popular tracks like Woma”n, Lov,” ” Bites, and” Pour” Some Sugar on Me.
Black Sabbath: Paranoid
Heavy metal is believed to have originated in 1970, the same year Black Sabbath’s second album, Paranoid, was released. It contains the popular tracks War Pigs and Iron Man and, of course, the band’s most popular song, Paranoid.
The Rolling Stones: Sticky Fingers
This album took two years to record, and recording took place in three locations. It was the first album released on Rolling Stones Records and was finally released in 1971. This album included popular tracks like Sway, Wild Horses, and Can You Hear Me Knocking.
Thin Lizzy: Live and Dangerous
Thin Lizzy had already released several albums before Live And Dangerous, which was released in 1978. It was a double album of live music recorded across various concerts. This album includes classic tracks like The Boys Are Back In Town, Jailbreak, and Rosalie.
The Beatles: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
This list wouldn’t be complete without at least one album by The Beatles. Released in 1967, Sgt. Pepper broke sales records, even though there were no singles released from it. Sgt. Pepper was the first rock album to have the lyrics printed on the cover, and original pressings included a card with several cut-outs. Songs on the album included Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, With a Little Help From My Friends, and Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds.
Rush: Moving Pictures
Released in 1981, Moving Pictures is one of Rush’s most successful records. It includes their most recognizable song, Tom Sawyer. Other popular songs on this album include Limelight, YYZ, and Red Barchetta.
Eagles: Hotel California
Released in 1976, Hotel California was the fifth studio album released by the Eagles. It sold over 30 million copies and won a Grammy for Record of the Year and one for Best Arrangement for Voices. Apart from the title track, Hotel California included popular tracks such as New Kid in Town, Life in the Fast Lane, and The Last Resort.
Fleetwood Mac: Rumors
Rumors was Fleetwood Mac’s 11th album. Released in 1977, it has sold over 45 million copies worldwide, making it the seventh highest-selling studio album of all time. Popular tracks include Dreams, Go Your Own Way, and Don’t Stop.
Neil Young: Harvest
Released in 1972, Harvest wasn’t well received by critics. But today, it’s considered an all-time classic. It includes popular songs like The Needle, The Damage Done Alabama, and Heart of Gold.
Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin III
Many of the songs on this album were written in a remote cottage in Wales without electricity or running water. This album includes some hard tracks, like Immigrant Song, and deeper tracks, like Friends.
Guns N’ Roses: Appetite for Destruction
Appetite For Destruction is the best-selling debut album of all time. It was released in 1987 and included many chart-topping singles, such as Sweet Child O’ Mine, Welcome to the Jungle and Paradise City. As far as classic rock hits go, you would be hard-pressed to find a person of nearly any generation who doesn’t know these iconic songs.
Iron Maiden: The Number of the Beast
Released in 1982, The Number Of The Beast was Iron Maiden’s third studio album. It was the first album where Bruce Dickinson sang the vocals. This album has many popular songs, including The Prisoner, Run to the Hills, and Hallowed Be Thy Name.
Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon
This album has influenced many other bands, such as The Flaming Lips and Radiohead. It was originally released in 1973, but there have been many remastered versions, the most recent being in 2003, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the album. Of course, there are so many popular Floyd songs, but some you’ll find on this album include Time, On the Run, and Brain Damage.
Queen: A Night at the Opera
Released in 1975, A Night At The Opera featured the normal variety of genres you’d expect from a Queen album and some experiments with recording techniques and sounds. It’s hard to list just a few songs from this classic album, but it includes the hugely popular song Bohemian Rhapsody, my personal Queen favorite, Love of My Life, and the first Queen single to be written by John Deacon, You’re My Best Friend.
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