5 classic albums that redefined rock 'n' roll, pt. 6

Rock 'n' roll has always been a dynamic and evolving genre, marked by groundbreaking albums that not only define their era but also reshape the musical landscape for generations to come. In this exploration, we spotlight five classic albums that redefined rock 'n' roll through their innovative sounds, cultural uniqueness, and lasting influence.

From the swampy grooves of Creedence Clearwater Revival to the raw power of AC/DC, each of these records showcases the diverse paths of rock music, revealing its ability to resonate deeply with audiences while pushing artistic boundaries. Here are five more classic albums that redefined rock 'n' roll!

1. Creedence Clearwater Revival – Cosmo's Factory (1970)

Cosmo's Factory solidified CCR's status as one of America's quintessential rock bands. Combining rock 'n' roll, blues, country, and swamp rock, the album produced iconic hits like "Who'll Stop the Rain," "Run Through the Jungle," and "Lookin' Out My Back Door."

American Songwriter notes that the band somehow had success with an "11-minute, jammy version of 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine,'” which means they "took a song that audiences had heard to death (it was a No. 1 twice over just a few years before) and made it essential listening all over again."

John Fogerty's gritty vocals and sharp guitar work are at the heart of the record, influencing future generations of roots rock and Americana musicians. This is real "Southern rock" from a California band.

The Kinks release a unique concept album

2. The Kinks – The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society (1968)

This album was a celebration of British life and nostalgia for a vanishing rural England.

With its baroque-pop style and commentary on societal changes, Village Green deviated from the heavier rock sounds of the band's earlier releases. Though not a commercial success upon release, it has since been hailed as one of the most important rock albums, inspiring indie and Britpop acts like Blur and Oasis.

3. The Allman Brothers Band – At Fillmore East (1971)

One of the definitive live albums in rock history, At Fillmore East showcased the Allman Brothers' improvisational brilliance, combining Southern rock, blues, and jazz. With epic renditions of songs like "Whipping Post" and "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed," this album helped pave the way for jam bands and the Southern rock genre, influencing countless artists (and they didn't give us "Sweet Home Alabama," for those who think that Skynyrd song is...a bit much).

4. The Smiths – The Queen Is Dead (1986)

Admittedly, I am not the hugest fan of The Smiths or Morrissey, but this series is not just about me and my personal preferences. It's also simply true that The Queen Is Dead is considered a classic in alternative rock, blending post-punk with jangly guitar-driven pop, with a sound that was definitely influential.

Morrissey’s lyrics explored melancholy, love, and social commentary, while Johnny Marr's innovative guitar work became the blueprint for indie rock bands. "How Soon Is Now?" may be their best known tune (and the one I like the most), but this album has its memorable moments for fans of the band. The album's mixture of wit, emotion, and political overtones helped redefine rock in the 1980s.

5. AC/DC – Back in Black (1980)

A defining moment in hard rock history, Back in Black was both a tribute to late singer Bon Scott and a rebirth for the band with new frontman Brian Johnson. Interestingly, Johnson initially declined to join the band, telling interviewers later: "Someone phoned up and asked me to join this thing, and I just said, ‘Nah, I’ve been bitten before...'"

Well, his decision to stay was a momentous one for this album, and rock history. From the title track to "Hells Bells" and "You Shook Me All Night Long," the album's raw energy, riff-driven sound, and commercial success cemented AC/DC as one of the greatest rock bands ever.

Though many recognize Michael Jackson's Thriller as the highest selling album of the 80’s, AC/DC's Back in Black was still in second place. Back in Black remains one of the highest-selling albums in history, influencing the evolution of rock and heavy metal.

These albums helped shape the landscape of rock music in their own unique ways, leaving a lasting legacy across genres and decades.