The best Art Rock albums
of the 1960s.
Where to start with 1960–1969 art rock — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top of the 1960s — art rock
Top picks from 1960–1969, ranked by where we would start.
David Bowie
Do Anything You Say
A vibrant blend of early rock and pop influences infused with Bowie's distinctive theatrical flair.
Start here
John Lennon
Wedding Album
An avant-garde exploration of love and intimacy, blending spoken word and experimental soundscapes with a deeply personal touch.
Start here
John Lennon
Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins
An intimate, experimental soundscape where primal rhythms and freeform vocalizations intertwine in a daring exploration of love and consciousness.
Start here
The Who
The Who Sell Out
A playful collage of psychedelic rock and satirical advertising, blending catchy melodies with a whimsical approach to social commentary.
Start here
The Who
Tommy
A groundbreaking rock opera blending theatrical storytelling with dynamic instrumentation and poignant social commentary.
Start here
Pink Floyd
A Saucerful of Secrets
A surreal blend of experimental textures and cosmic themes that pushes the boundaries of rock music into uncharted territories.
Start here
Pink Floyd
Ummagumma
A sprawling, experimental journey through sonic landscapes, blending avant-garde elements with psychedelic rock's ethereal explorations.
Start here
The Moody Blues
To Our Children's Children's Children
A lush tapestry of orchestral sounds and ethereal harmonies, exploring themes of existence and the passage of time.
Start here
The Moody Blues
Days of Future Passed
A symphonic fusion of rock and orchestral arrangements that encapsulates the essence of a day from dawn to night.
Start here
David Bowie
David Bowie
A kaleidoscopic blend of whimsical melodies and introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of late 1960s British counterculture.
Start here
Joni Mitchell
Song to a Seagull
Folk-infused melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a dreamy soundscape that feels both personal and universal.
Start here
Joni Mitchell
Clouds
A tapestry of intricate melodies woven with introspective lyrics that evoke both nostalgia and contemplation.
Start here
Jethro Tull
Stand Up
A blend of progressive rock and folk, merging intricate instrumentation with poetic storytelling.
Start here
Jethro Tull
This Was
A vibrant blend of blues, folk, and early progressive rock layered with intricate flute melodies and dynamic rhythms.
Start here
King Crimson
In the Court of the Crimson King
'In the Court of the Crimson King' encapsulates the essence of King Crimson's artistry through its diverse arrangements and evocative themes. It's a foundational album that sets up their unique sonic landscape effectively.
Start here
Yes
Yes
A kaleidoscopic blend of intricate melodies and harmonies layered over dynamic rhythms that define early progressive rock.
Start here
Genesis
From Genesis to Revelation
Dreamy melodies intertwine with poetic lyrics, creating a soft rock landscape that foreshadows the band's future progressive ambitions.
Start here
The Velvet Underground
White Light/White Heat
Raw, chaotic energy bursts from every track, blending avant-garde noise with pop sensibilities in a thrillingly disorienting experience.
Start here
Procol Harum
A Salty Dog
A lush tapestry of orchestral arrangements and melancholic melodies that intertwine rock with classical influences.
Start here
Procol Harum
Shine On Brightly
A kaleidoscopic blend of orchestral arrangements and poignant lyrics, weaving through the realms of art rock and psychedelia.
Start here
Can
Monster Movie
A groundbreaking blend of hypnotic rhythms and improvisational soundscapes that set the stage for experimental rock.
Start here
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
A blend of haunting melodies and experimental textures that redefine rock with introspective lyricism and avant-garde spirit.
Start here
Captain Beefheart
Strictly Personal
A surreal blend of blues rock and avant-garde chaos, challenging conventional song structures with wild instrumentation and cryptic lyrics.
Start here
Captain Beefheart
Trout Mask Replica
A chaotic collage of avant-garde sounds blending blues, jazz, and rock with surreal lyrical imagery and unconventional song structures.
Start here