The albums that define
proto-punk.
Our picks for where to start with proto-punk — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top proto-punk artists
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The proto-punk essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Patti Smith
Peace and Noise
A raw, introspective exploration of loss and resilience, blending rock with haunting poeticism and atmospheric instrumentation.
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Patti Smith
Set Free
An intersection of art rock and punk energy, blending poetic lyricism with raw instrumentation in a captivating sonic journey.
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Frank Zappa
Everything Is Healing Nicely
A wild collage of musical styles blending humor, intricate compositions, and experimental soundscapes that challenge traditional rock norms.
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Frank Zappa
Congress Shall Make No Law...
A sprawling, satirical journey through the absurdity of American politics layered with complex musical textures.
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Iggy Pop
Wild One
A raw and energetic blend of rockabilly rhythms and punk attitude, epitomizing youthful rebellion.
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Iggy Pop
Free
An introspective exploration of mortality, wrapped in sparse instrumentation and haunting melodies.
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The Kinks
Kinda Kinks
Catchy melodies and sharp lyrics collide in a vibrant exploration of mid-60s British pop and rock.
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The Kinks
Kwyet Kinks
A collection of jangly melodies paired with sharp social commentary, wrapped in the Kinks' signature British rock charm.
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The Velvet Underground
Chronicles
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The Velvet Underground
VU
A collection of haunting melodies and intimate lyrics that encapsulate the Velvet Underground's experimental spirit and emotional depth.
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Sparks
Halfnelson
Whimsical melodies collide with eccentric lyrics in a playful exploration of pop and rock traditions.
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Sparks
Introducing Sparks
Eclectic melodies fuse with theatricality and playful lyrics, crafting a distinctive sound that defies genre boundaries.
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Lou Reed
The Creation of the Universe
A sprawling exploration of sound that merges avant-garde textures with contemplative narratives across cosmic themes and immersive arrangements.
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Lou Reed
Mistrial
A gritty blend of rock and experimental sounds that captures the complexity of urban life with sharp lyrical observations.
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The Stooges
Raw Power
'Raw Power' showcases The Stooges at their most intense, offering a cohesive experience that highlights their defining sound. It features driving beats and jagged instrumentation that set the stage for what’s to come in their catalog.
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The Stooges
Fun House
Raw, chaotic energy collides with avant-garde experimentation to create a visceral proto-punk soundscape that defies convention.
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Roxy Music
Avalon
Ethereal soundscapes blend lush instrumentation with reflective lyrics, creating a dreamlike atmosphere throughout the album.
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Roxy Music
Manifesto
A lush blend of art rock and glam aesthetics, infused with playful experimentation and emotive melodies.
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Todd Rundgren
Runt
A vibrant blend of blue-eyed soul and rock, infused with playful melodies and intricate arrangements that showcase Rundgren's eclectic artistry.
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Todd Rundgren
Something/Anything?
'Something/Anything?' is celebrated for its cohesive structure and diverse sound. It perfectly encapsulates Rundgren's ability to shift between styles while maintaining a strong sense of identity throughout the album.
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John Cale
Songs for Drella
A haunting blend of minimalist arrangements and poignant narratives reflecting on the life of artist Andy Warhol.
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John Cale
Last Day on Earth
A kaleidoscopic blend of avant-garde textures and lyrical introspection that traverses themes of mortality and existence.
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Adjacent sounds
By decade
Where proto-punk landed in each era.