The albums that define
rock music.
Our picks for where to start with rock music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top rock music artists
Start with one of these.
The rock music essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Prince
The Black Album
A provocative blend of funk, rock, and provocative lyrics that challenges societal norms and personal boundaries.
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Neil Young
Hawks & Doves
A blend of introspective folk and Southern rock that captures both personal and political themes.
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Dire Straits
Making Movies
A blend of narrative-driven lyrics and rich instrumentation that captures the essence of early '80s rock.
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David Bowie
Young Americans
A lush blend of soul and rock, infused with Bowie's characteristic theatricality and introspection.
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Céline Dion
Let's Talk About Love
A sweeping collection of heartfelt ballads and upbeat anthems that showcase Dion's powerful vocals.
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Miley Cyrus
Can't Be Tamed
A bold blend of dance-pop and rock infused with themes of independence and self-assertion.
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Paul Simon
Graceland
A vibrant fusion of American folk rock and South African musical styles creates an infectious, rhythmic tapestry.
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Lana Del Rey
Ultraviolence
Lana Del Rey's haunting vocals intertwine with rich orchestration, capturing a melancholic yet glamorous exploration of love and loss.
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Lana Del Rey
Born to Die
Melancholic melodies intertwine with cinematic instrumentals, creating a hauntingly beautiful soundscape of nostalgia and longing.
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George Harrison
Dark Horse
A blend of introspective balladry and lively rock, reflecting Harrison's personal and spiritual journeys.
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Paul McCartney
New
A vibrant fusion of pop rock and experimental sounds that captures McCartney's enduring creativity.
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Paul McCartney
Amoeba's Secret
A blend of rock and pop that captures McCartney's introspective songwriting with a playful spirit.
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Led Zeppelin
Coda
A posthumous collection of blues-infused rock that captures the band's creative essence and unfinished ideas.
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Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
A raw fusion of bluesy riffs and psychedelic experimentation that laid the groundwork for hard rock's evolution.
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Queen
The Game
A vibrant blend of rock and pop that showcases Queen's diverse musical palette and playful experimentation.
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Queen
The Works
A dynamic blend of rock anthems and synth-driven pop, showcasing Queen's theatricality and innovation.
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The Temptations
Still Here
A heartfelt blend of soul and R&B that reflects both nostalgia and resilience in its melodies.
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Grateful Dead
Dave's Picks Volume 28
An expansive live collection that captures the Grateful Dead's improvisational spirit and communal energy in a vibrant musical tapestry.
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The Chemical Brothers
Push the Button
Pulsating beats and swirling synths create a kaleidoscopic journey through electronic soundscapes and rhythmic grooves.
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No Doubt
Rock Steady
A vibrant blend of reggae, ska, and pop rock that radiates danceable energy and infectious hooks.
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Scandal
Yellow
Energetic pop-punk anthems intertwine with heartfelt melodies and vibrant arrangements, capturing youthful exuberance.
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Swans
Soundtracks for the Blind
A sprawling, atmospheric soundscape intertwining haunting melodies with relentless, abrasive textures.
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Lupe Fiasco
Drogas Light
A vibrant blend of introspective lyrics and eclectic production that reflects Lupe's artistic evolution.
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XXXTentacion
17
A raw exploration of emotional turmoil, blending introspective lyrics with minimalist production and haunting melodies.
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