5 classic albums that redefined rock 'n' roll, pt. 10

Fresh for the new year, here are 5 more albums that, in their own way, redefined rock 'n' roll. These albums highlight key moments where rock evolved, diversified, or reclaimed its roots, offering a rich perspective on its ever-changing landscape.

1. Little Richard – Here’s Little Richard (1957)

This album was a cornerstone of rock 'n' roll's explosive birth. Featuring hits like "Tutti Frutti" and "Long Tall Sally," Little Richard's raw energy, wild piano style, and flamboyant persona brought a level of excitement and rebellion that shaped rock's identity. He brought some of the "wild man" energy that rock became known for. This album showcased the marriage of gospel fervor with R&B grooves, influencing everyone from The Beatles to Prince. Little Richard also jammed with Jimi Hendrix early on in Hendrix's career, collaborating with his oft-overlooked backing band, The Upsetters!

2. Creedence Clearwater Revival – Green River (1969)

Though overshadowed by Cosmo's Factory, Green River is a significant album that further elaborated CCR’s swamp-rock sound. Tracks like "Bad Moon Rising" and "Lodi" captured the grit of Americana, merging country, blues, and rock in a way that set the stage for Southern rock and roots revival. John Fogerty’s storytelling and stripped-down production were pivotal in grounding CCR's rock in authenticity. "Bad Moon Rising" recently reached over a billion plays on Spotify!

One of rock's female pioneers redefined rock 'n' roll posthumously

3. Janis Joplin – Pearl (1971)

Janis Joplin's posthumous masterpiece combined her raw vocal power with deeply emotional blues-rock. Featuring "Me and Bobby McGee" and "Cry Baby," this album further demonstrated her ability to connect raw emotion with a rock aesthetic. It redefined female presence in rock, proving that women could be just as commanding and influential as their male counterparts.

4. The Strokes – Is This It (2001)

Heralding the post-punk revival, Is This It breathed new life into rock at the dawn of the 21st century. Its lo-fi aesthetic, jangly guitars, and Julian Casablancas' deadpan delivery created a stripped-down yet stylish approach that reconnected rock to its garage roots. It influenced a generation of bands, from Arctic Monkeys to Kings of Leon, and signaled a fresh era of indie rock potential (even though some dismiss some of those emerging bands with the term "landfill indie").

5. Eagles – Desperado (1973)

While overshadowed by Hotel California, Desperado was a concept album that blended country and rock in a way that defined the sound of 1970s California. Tracks like "Tequila Sunrise and "Desperado" showcased the band's ability to craft emotionally resonant narratives while expanding rock's stylistic boundaries. Its success laid the groundwork for the popularity of country-rock.

Even though the emerging era of "California country pop" has its share of critics, the point here isn't just one of personal preference but noting facts: This album did influence the trajectory of rock and pop.