5 classic albums that redefined rock 'n' roll pt. 8

Love 'em or hate 'em, these albums pushed boundaries, shaped genres, and inspired generations of musicians, continuing to reverberate in the evolution of rock 'n' roll.

1. The Band – Music from Big Pink (1968)

Why it’s groundbreaking:

Music from Big Pink introduced a rootsy, Americana sound that stood in stark contrast to the psychedelic experimentation dominating the late 1960s. The Band's layered harmonies, rustic instrumentation, and collaborative songwriting (especially with Bob Dylan on "I Shall Be Released" and "This Wheel's on Fire") influenced countless artists, including Eric Clapton and George Harrison.

Key tracks: "The Weight," "Tears of Rage," "Chest Fever."

2. Lou Reed – Transformer (1972)

Why it’s groundbreaking:

Produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, Transformer married glam rock with Reed's stark, poetic lyricism, exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and countercultural life. Tracks like "Walk on the Wild Side" pushed boundaries in rock storytelling, while the record's polished production brought Lou Reed mainstream recognition while still having a bit of "art rock" edge. Fun fact: "Walk on the Wild Side" is based on people Reed knew from Warhol's Factory (AKA Andy Warhol's studio in Manhattan, New York City).

Key tracks: "Walk on the Wild Side," "Perfect Day," "Satellite of Love."

Metallica expands thrash metal

3. Metallica – Master of Puppets (1986)

Why it’s groundbreaking:

This album elevated thrash metal into an art form, blending raw aggression with complex compositions and lyrical depth. Metallica’s uncompromising approach to musicianship on Master of Puppets brought metal to a broader audience, influencing hard rock and metal for decades. Its title track, exploring themes of addiction, remains a genre-defining anthem. For many (if not most) metalheads, the album ranks right up there with Black Sabbath's Paranoid (1970).

Key tracks: "Master of Puppets," "Battery," "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)."

Just for fun, check out this marching band playing the song, too!

4. Jefferson Airplane – Surrealistic Pillow (1967)

Why it’s groundbreaking:

A cornerstone of the 1960s counterculture and San Francisco sound, this album melded psychedelic rock with folk influences. The haunting vocals of Grace Slick on "White Rabbit" and "Somebody to Love" became anthems of the Summer of Love, while the album’s lush, experimental arrangements shaped the psychedelic genre.

Key tracks: "White Rabbit," "Somebody to Love," "Embryonic Journey" (a folksy acoustic instrumental).

5. U2 – The Joshua Tree (1987)

Why it’s groundbreaking:

With The Joshua Tree, U2 crafted an album that combined deeply spiritual and political themes with lush, expansive soundscapes. Drawing on American roots music, the band explored universal emotions and social issues, creating songs that feel timeless. It became one of the best-selling albums of all time and defined 1980s arena rock.

As we have noted before: Just because Henry Rollins hates U2 with a burning passion, it doesn't mean you have to. After all, cal Rollins croon like Bono? No. In fact, he can't even croon like Sonny Bono!

Key tracks: "With or Without You," "Where the Streets Have No Name," "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For."