5 classic albums that redefined rock 'n' roll, pt. 7

This doesn't need a lengthy introduction, right? Here are five classic albums that helped redefine rock 'n' roll, bringing unique sounds, innovative styles, and lasting influence:

1. Cream – Disraeli Gears (1967)

Cream's Disraeli Gears brought a blend of psychedelic rock, blues, and hard rock to the mainstream. The album showcased Eric Clapton’s explosive guitar work, Ginger Baker’s powerful drumming, and Jack Bruce’s distinct vocals and bass lines. Tracks like "Sunshine of Your Love" became iconic, pushing the boundaries of guitar-driven rock and paving the way for hard rock and heavy metal, before AC/DC or Metallica.

2. The Byrds – Mr. Tambourine Man (1965)

By fusing folk music with rock, Mr. Tambourine Man basically created the folk-rock genre — and anyone who creates a genre is sort of a big deal. The Byrds’ jangly guitars, courtesy of Roger McGuinn’s 12-string Rickenbacker, paired with Bob Dylan’s songwriting, revolutionized the rock landscape by making it sound potentially deeper than typical "teenybopper music." The album inspired numerous bands, including the Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel, to explore folk-rock sounds and socially aware lyrics.

Queen unleashes an operatic masterwork

3. Queen – A Night at the Opera (1975)

This staggering album combined rock, opera, and theatrical elements, pushing rock into new realms of complexity. With the groundbreaking "Bohemian Rhapsody," Queen displayed an unprecedented level of ambition that, in some ways, set them apart from the horde. Despite the band's initial doubts about the frontman, Freddie Mercury's operatic vocals, layered harmonies, and Brian May's intricate guitar work, and the killer rhythm section of Roger Taylor and John Deacon, defined a new standard of musical experimentation in rock and influenced genres from progressive rock to heavy metal.

4. ZZ Top – Tres Hombres (1973)

Tres Hombres established ZZ Top as masters of Southern rock, combining blues, rock, and a gritty Texas vibe. The album’s single "La Grange" became a staple of rock radio and demonstrated the band’s knack for catchy riffs and down-to-earth storytelling (granted, that song is about a brothel, but that's still down-to-earth, right?). The raw, driving energy of Tres Hombres influenced rock, blues, and country musicians alike. Unlike many bands on these lists, ZZ Top is still around and planning to hit the road in 2025.

Talking Heads make us look up the word "polyrhythm"

5. Talking Heads – Remain in Light (1980)

Remain in Light transformed post-punk by incorporating African polyrhythms, funk, and electronic influences. Produced by Brian Eno, this album expanded the possibilities of what rock music could be, with tracks like "Once in a Lifetime" introducing experimental production techniques and layered soundscapes. The album had a profound influence on alternative rock, dance music, and the development of worldbeat. Plus, David Byrne proves that frontmen can be quirky and iconic. Most people don't exactly understand David Byrne, yet they kind of do at the same time. That's cool!

Well, there you have it! 5 more albums that helped redefine rock. Each of these albums reshaped rock in a different way, showing the genre’s versatility and capacity for evolution. Their unique sounds and forward-thinking production continue to inspire musicians across genres.