5 classic albums that redefined rock 'n' roll pt. 9

Rock 'n' roll has long been a force of cultural revolution, continuously evolving through groundbreaking albums that challenged conventions and redefined the genre. While many classics are often discussed, there are countless others that deserve recognition for their transformative impact. These albums not only shaped the sound of rock but also inspired generations of musicians, influencing everything from songwriting and production to stage presence and social commentary. Here are five seminal albums that left a permanent mark on rock 'n' roll history, expanding its boundaries and pushing it to new heights.

1. Buddy Holly and the Crickets – The "Chirping" Crickets (1957)

Why it redefined Rock 'n' Roll: Often when one thinks of crickets, they think of them chirping monotonously. Thankfully, that's not quite the case here! This album showcased Buddy Holly’s innovative songwriting and blending of rockabilly and early rock 'n' roll with an accessible pop sensibility. Holly's use of multi-track recording and his influence on guitar-driven bands set the stage for groups like The Beatles.

Key tracks: "That’ll Be the Day," "Not Fade Away," "Oh Boy!"

Impact: Buddy Holly’s style and approach directly inspired generations of rock musicians, cementing the blueprint for band dynamics in rock 'n' roll.

Jimi Hendrix redefined rock 'n' roll yet again!

2. The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Axis: Bold as Love (1967)

Why it redefined Rock 'n' Roll: Following Are You Experienced?, Hendrix elevated the artistry of electric guitar. The album fused blues, rock, and psychedelic experimentation into a cohesive and emotional work that pushed the boundaries of production and musicianship. The Beatles' Rubber Soul definitely innovated in its basic creation of the psychedelic subgenre, but Hendrix helped broaden the vocabulary even more.

Key tracks: "Little Wing," "If 6 Was 9," "Bold as Love"

Impact: This album solidified Hendrix as a guitar virtuoso and demonstrated that rock music could be as expressive and experimental as jazz or classical compositions. He made the "modern rock guitar player" more of a respected (and in some cases revered) artist. As sound engineer Eddie Kramer stated: "If you isolate the rhythm guitar track on anything by Jimi, you’ll always get the whole essence of the song wrapped up in one performance."

3. Big Brother and the Holding Company – Cheap Thrills (1968)

Why it redefined Rock 'n' Roll: Featuring the powerhouse vocals of Janis Joplin, this album combined raw blues-rock energy with psychedelic influences. Its live feel and emotional intensity made it a landmark in capturing the counterculture spirit of the 1960s. When you listen to this, you can almost feel Woodstock (in a good way).

Key Tracks: "Piece of My Heart," "Summertime," "Ball and Chain"

Impact: Janis Joplin’s performance on this album elevated the role of women in rock and showcased the potential for deeply personal, soul-baring rock music.

Proto-punk at its most openly rebellious

4. MC5 – Kick Out the Jams (1969)

Why it redefined Rock 'n' Roll: A live album that captured the raw, anarchic energy of Detroit’s proto-punk scene, Kick Out the Jams bridged the gap between garage rock and the punk spirit of the 1970s.

Key Tracks: "Kick Out the Jams," "Motor City Is Burning," "Ramblin’ Rose"

Impact: This album’s aggressive sound and rebellious ethos influenced punk and hard rock movements, making it a cornerstone for bands like The Stooges and later punk icons like the Ramones.

5. Van Halen – Van Halen (1978)

Why It Redefined Rock 'n' Roll: With Eddie Van Halen’s revolutionary guitar techniques (e.g., tapping) and David Lee Roth’s dynamic frontman persona, this debut redefined hard rock and ushered in the 1980s glam metal era...with a dash of what could be called "punk" attitude.

Key Tracks: "Eruption," "Runnin’ with the Devil," "Ain’t Talkin’ ’Bout Love"

Impact: This album reinvigorated rock with a mix of technical prowess and showmanship, making Eddie Van Halen one of the most influential guitarists in history.
Like Hendrix or Iommi before him, he indeed changed the way electric guitar was played.

These albums each contributed something distinct to the evolution of rock 'n' roll, influencing countless artists and shaping the genre's trajectory in different directions. And most importantly, for plenty of people, they still rock!