If you don’t usually listen to Western rock music, you might be thinking, “I want to give it a try, but I don’t know where to start,” and feel a bit stuck.
For those people, I recommend starting with the can’t-miss albums that have long been regarded as “classic masterpieces” in the rock scene.
In this article, we’ll introduce a host of landmark albums that have left their mark on rock history all at once.
From albums by legendary rock bands to records packed with songs everyone has heard at least once, we’ve gathered a wide range.
Use this as a guide and take your first steps into the world of Western rock.
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A collection of classic Western rock masterpieces: Recommended albums you should listen to at least once (1–10)
(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?Oasis
A pinnacle of Britpop—that’s Oasis’s album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?.
Released in October 1995, this masterpiece took the UK music scene by storm, selling 347,000 copies in its first week and becoming one of the biggest hits of the ’90s.
It features iconic tracks like Wonderwall and Don’t Look Back in Anger.
The album cover shows Berwick Street in London, and a fun detail is that producer Owen Morris appears in the shot.
It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in Britpop or looking to immerse themselves in ’90s music.
Appetite for DestructionGuns N’ Roses
When it comes to albums that embody the essence of rock ’n’ roll, Guns N’ Roses’ debut is the one.
Its ferocious guitar riffs and Axl Rose’s distinctive vocals forge a raw yet captivating world.
Released in July 1987, the album initially struggled, but gradually earned recognition and grew into a massive hit, selling over 18 million copies in the U.
S.
The lyrics, depicting the city’s underbelly, desire, and love, resonated with young listeners and continue to be cherished by many fans today.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to taste the core of rock or feel the sheer power of music.
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from MarsDavid Bowie
It’s an album that stands tall as a pinnacle of glam rock.
Released by David Bowie in 1972, this ambitious work is a grand concept album centered on the fictional rock star “Ziggy Stardust.” It’s packed with classic tracks everyone’s heard at least once, like “Starman.” Musically, it blends elements of pop rock and art rock while showcasing an experimental edge that felt fresh for its time.
The album sparked a rapid rise in his popularity, reaching No.
5 on the UK Albums Chart.
It’s a highly recommended listen for anyone looking to explore the appeal of Western rock music.
Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex PistolsSEX PISTOLS
When it comes to legendary albums that have gone down in punk rock history, you simply can’t leave this one out! With its raw guitar riffs and provocative lyrics, it gets your blood pumping the more you listen.
Released in October 1977, this album brilliantly captures the anger and frustration of British youth at the time.
The lyrics, brimming with criticism of society, still deliver a fresh shock even today.
It’s a must-listen not only for those interested in punk rock, but also for anyone who wants to explore music history.
Abbey RoadThe Beatles
When it comes to legendary albums in the history of rock, The Beatles’ Abbey Road is indispensable.
Released in 1969, this work can be called the culmination of the band’s career.
Its songs, which blend a wide range of genres from pop to rock to blues, captivate listeners.
It is highly regarded as a masterpiece that fully showcases their talent.
The cover image of the members walking across the crosswalk is also one of the most iconic jackets in music history.
It’s a record I highly recommend to anyone interested in Western rock music but unsure where to start.
NevermindNirvana
The legendary album Nevermind revolutionized the grunge rock scene.
Embodying the anger and anxiety that resonated with young people, it’s marked by Kurt Cobain’s soulful vocals and a ferocious sound.
Released in September 1991, the record became a massive hit that transformed the music landscape.
The lead single Smells Like Teen Spirit is especially famous, but the rest of the tracks are equally compelling.
It’s the perfect album for those who feel alienated or lonely, or who are dissatisfied with society.
Highly recommended when you want to unleash the emotions deep inside.
Back in BlackAC/DC
This is a powerful track from the legendary hard rock band AC/DC.
It expresses the triumphant return from adversity through an explosively forceful sound.
It is the title track of the album Back in Black, released in July 1980, and the first album after the addition of new vocalist Brian Johnson.
It became a massive hit worldwide and stands as a landmark masterpiece in rock history.
With Angus Young’s thunderous guitar and Johnson’s commanding shouts, this song is perfect for lifting your spirits or finding the courage to face challenges.