These are the most influential albums of all time. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most iconic and important records ever made.
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00:00 [Music]
00:04 Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most iconic and important records ever made.
00:10 [Music]
00:14 [Music]
00:25 A Night at the Opera captures all of the wonder of Queen's musical greatness.
00:28 Their unique hold on rock music couldn't be more apparent than on this 1975 album.
00:33 Combining massive arena sound and theatrical production, the four-piece comes to life in this track list.
00:38 [Music]
00:44 The most memorable moment comes with the epic and operatic movements on "Bohemian Rhapsody."
00:49 Both heart-wrenching and triumphant, this suite juggles diverse influences in one climactic performance.
00:55 Freddie Mercury's vocal skills really stand out throughout this iconic release.
00:59 His incredible range shines on everything from the catchy "You're My Best Friend" to the romantic highs on "Love of My Life."
01:05 [Music]
01:11 [Music]
01:20 Rap groups were never more fully loaded or talented than this one.
01:24 Wu-Tang Clan came together for this influential debut,
01:27 throwing out the textbook of hip-hop samples for something fresher.
01:30 [Music]
01:34 Producer and performer RZA uses his love of martial arts films in sounds that hadn't been heard on any album before,
01:40 essentially creating a new genre.
01:43 On top of this foundation, MCs like Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and Method Man introduce themselves.
01:48 [Music]
01:50 Just when you think a track has enough rappers, even more emerge for extensive verses and iconic rhymes.
01:56 The singles like "Protect Ya Neck" and "Cream" are just the tip of this iceberg.
02:00 [Music]
02:08 Number 18. Paranoid - Black Sabbath.
02:10 [Music]
02:16 Following an impressive debut, Black Sabbath was more than ready to unleash havoc with their second release.
02:22 "Paranoid" is one of the heaviest records of its time, bringing heavy metal to the mainstream.
02:27 This includes the searing "War Pigs," setting the stage for an inventive and gritty journey.
02:32 [Music]
02:37 Tony Iommi's guitar riffs take over on "Paranoid" and the anthemic track "Iron Man."
02:42 [Music]
02:48 With Ozzy Osbourne on vocals, the group launches offensives on listeners with a deadly combination of music and lyrics.
02:55 The band's work here wouldn't be complete without the rhythm section of Geezer Butler and Bill Ward.
03:00 It's an unforgettable album that hasn't lost any of its intensity.
03:04 [Music]
03:11 Number 17. Dreaming of You - Selena.
03:14 [Music]
03:19 Popularizing the Tejano style of music, the late Selena Quintanilla-Pérez delivered a successful and historic album in 1995.
03:27 "Dreaming of You" delights both pop and Latin music fans with its engaging production.
03:31 [Music]
03:40 The track list is full of crossover hits that range from upbeat tunes to emotional ballads, showcasing her one-of-a-kind voice.
03:48 These songs helped to break down barriers between English and Spanish language music.
03:52 [Music]
03:58 The fact that it was a posthumous release puts into perspective the impact of her brief career.
04:03 In an album that transcends her tragic story, the vocalist proves herself as a solo artist with an enduring legacy.
04:10 [Music]
04:18 Number 16. Songs in the Key of Life - Stevie Wonder.
04:22 [Music]
04:26 As both a songwriter and vocalist, Stevie Wonder was on fire in the 1970s.
04:31 From Grammys to hit albums, the artist capped off an impressive streak of success with this album.
04:36 [Music]
04:44 It includes many of his most notable songs in richly layered productions, bursting with pure joy.
04:49 Wonder's killer melodies are better than ever on the likes of "Isn't She Lovely."
04:53 [Music]
05:02 There are also deeper tracks like "Summer Soft," which could be mega hits on a lesser performer's record.
05:08 This collection of classic music feels like an effective victory lap for a singer at the top of his game.
05:13 [Music]
05:21 Number 15. At Last - Etta James.
05:24 [Music]
05:33 With this debut album, the amazing Etta James kicked off a long and influential career which landed her in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
05:41 Her crowning achievement on this classic album is her brilliant rendition of the title track.
05:46 [Music]
05:52 In just a few seconds, the song reveals the incredible power of her voice and joyous musicality.
05:58 [Music]
06:07 Legendary in the blues and R&B community, her work on this release influenced a host of R&B legends to cover songs like "At Last."
06:14 Anyone looking for a classic soulful album should look no further than this stunning achievement.
06:19 [Music]
06:31 Number 14. Purple Rain - Prince and the Revolution.
06:34 [Music]
06:42 For the soundtrack of his hit film, Prince doesn't waste any time getting people ready to dance.
06:47 "Let's Go Crazy" is a jolt of musical joy that finds the artist in top form.
06:52 [Music]
06:57 Not to be outdone, the ballad mega-hit "Purple Rain" is another fantastic side of this performer's eclectic sound.
07:03 It's a love song that hasn't lost any of its luster, much like the rest of this perfect collection.
07:08 [Music]
07:16 From funk to rock, the artist shines as a vocalist and musician on every single track.
07:21 Whether you love watching the movie or listening to the record, this music ranks as some of the best of the 1980s.
07:27 [Music]
07:33 Number 13. The rise and fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars - David Bowie.
07:38 [Music]
07:47 While his career can't be boiled down to one album, David Bowie became an icon with the artistry on the rise and fall of Ziggy Stardust.
07:54 His legendary character brings science fiction elements and human-like vulnerability to these songs.
07:59 [Music]
08:06 The glam rock numbers such as "Suffragette City" bring both serious energy and sonic excellence.
08:11 [Music]
08:18 Beyond all the incredible myth-making, Bowie's songwriting talents are on full display in "Starman" and the title track.
08:24 He both embraces the rock star lifestyle and pokes fun at it,
08:28 and this album pushed the boundaries of what an artist can do with their persona.
08:32 [Music]
08:37 Number 12. London Calling - The Clash.
08:40 [Music]
08:47 Released in the UK at the tail end of the decade, this all-time amazing album by The Clash kept them at the forefront of punk and post-punk music.
08:55 They brought together all of their influences into an incredibly musically diverse record.
09:00 Politically charged, but in an accessible way, the group blends reggae and rock together seamlessly with strong messages.
09:06 [Music]
09:12 London Calling still works as an anthem for both Londoners and citizens of the world to enjoy.
09:17 The band members do not hold their creativity back, unafraid of breaking from their more aggressive beginnings.
09:23 [Music]
09:28 There's also, of course, the track "Train in Vain," which is a timeless rock classic.
09:34 [Music]
09:41 Number 11. Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys.
09:44 [Music]
09:51 Growing artistically from their wonderful surfer-themed hits, The Beach Boys became much more than just a surf band.
09:57 Their producer and chief songwriter, Brian Wilson, decided to push their careers into uncharted territory in the mid-1960s.
10:04 His studio techniques and melodic sensibilities created Pet Sounds.
10:07 [Music]
10:15 It also revealed the finer elements of Wilson's songwriting, deeply influenced by and influencing bands such as The Beatles.
10:22 This album includes songs such as "God Only Knows," with its incredible chord progressions.
10:27 [Music]
10:35 "The Sunshine" of "Wouldn't It Be Nice" gives way to a mix of pop tunes, ballads, and even instrumentals.
10:41 This became known as one of the most critically regarded albums of all time.
10:45 [Music]
10:52 Number 10. Ready to Die - The Notorious B.I.G.
10:56 [Music]
11:03 In a bold debut, The Notorious B.I.G. stakes his claim for rap supremacy.
11:08 The album charts his life from birth to fame, with more extensive details than some full-length biographies.
11:14 [Music]
11:19 Biggie Smalls shows off his flow on memorable songs like "Juicy,"
11:22 and his verses and rhymes still stand out as some of the best of any decade.
11:26 [Music]
11:31 Full of attitude and embracing the hardcore life, this bad boy release shows the artist's honest look at his complicated life,
11:38 kicking off his short and incredible career.
11:40 Smalls never sounded better than on this fully loaded and free-spirited record.
11:45 [Music]
11:50 Number 9. At Folsom Prison - Johnny Cash
11:53 [Music]
11:58 For this live album, Johnny Cash reinvented himself and reclaimed his earlier success.
12:02 The country star came off some turbulent years with substance use to perform at Folsom Prison.
12:07 [Music]
12:14 In one of the most unconventional venues imaginable,
12:17 the performer became even more of a legendary figure in music history.
12:20 With both original songs and covers, Cash provides all the raw power of an artist with nothing to lose.
12:27 He uses his backing band and June Carter to great effect on tracks like "Jackson."
12:31 [Music]
12:38 With his unmistakably deep voice, the singer conjures up all of his magic for the performance of a lifetime.
12:44 You could cite other country recordings alongside this one,
12:47 but few can match the unique circumstances of this classic.
12:51 [Music]
12:58 Number 8. Blue - Joni Mitchell
13:00 [Music]
13:07 On her fourth album, Joni Mitchell poured her heart and soul into 10 fantastic tracks.
13:12 [Music]
13:18 These include references to high-profile relationships that shaped her life in the early 1970s.
13:24 From the folksy "All I Want" to the heartbreaking "River,"
13:26 Mitchell doesn't hold back in describing her state of mind.
13:29 [Music]
13:38 The artist's brutal honesty sets the stage for a perfect snapshot of her inner thoughts.
13:43 To deliver her vulnerable lyrics,
13:45 Mitchell creates exceptional compositions that feel fresh and dynamic all these years later.
13:50 She more than earns her status as one of the best singer-songwriters
13:53 and guitarists with this incredible release.
13:56 [Music]
14:04 Number 7. What's Going On - Marvin Gaye
14:07 [Music]
14:16 Synonymous with the wonders of Motown,
14:19 Marvin Gaye represents the best of R&B and soul music.
14:22 His career-defining work on "What's Going On" includes many of his greatest tracks.
14:26 [Music]
14:33 It also includes some of his most socially conscious lyrics,
14:36 discussing the pressing issues of the early 1970s.
14:40 Gaye reveals his feelings about civil rights and the Vietnam War in profound statements.
14:44 He also talks about the environment in the memorable "Mercy, Mercy Me" the ecology.
14:48 [Music]
14:53 Blending social commentary and musical excellence,
14:56 this record reveals the breadth and depth of the singer's artistry.
14:59 [Music]
15:05 Number 6. Rumors - Fleetwood Mac
15:07 [Music]
15:14 Much more than a breakup album,
15:16 "Rumors" often receives attention for its troubled origins.
15:19 But the result transcends any one relationship or marriage.
15:23 [Music]
15:30 Fleetwood Mac came together to create a timeless list of classic songs from multiple writers.
15:35 Lindsey Buckingham's underrated guitar parts provide the perfect energy for secondhand news
15:39 and go-your-own-way. Christine McVie delivers moving love songs that include the piano ballad
15:44 "Songbird" and the upbeat "You Make Loving Fun".
15:47 [Music]
15:52 At the center of it all, Stevie Nicks steals the show with iconic compositions that include dreams.
15:58 Few groups can provide that kind of eclectic artistry in one pristine collection of rock.
16:03 [Music]
16:10 Number 5. Nevermind - Nirvana
16:13 [Music]
16:18 Few albums better capture the start of a decade than Nevermind.
16:21 Nirvana's breakthrough didn't create grunge, but it did widely introduce the genre to the world.
16:26 Kurt Cobain's sharp lyrics and snarling vocals spoke to a new generation of kids looking for a savior.
16:32 [Music]
16:39 With a mixture of rock and punk styles, the band created a cocktail that crossed musical boundaries.
16:44 The work of bassist Chris Novoselic and drummer Dave Grohl rounded out the singer's visionary music.
16:49 Laying a template for 1990s rock, anthems such as "Smells Like Teen Spirit" altered the landscape of pop culture.
16:56 [Music]
17:00 Number 4. Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin
17:02 [Music]
17:11 Where do you begin with a band like Led Zeppelin?
17:14 For this hard rock group, it all started with their debut in 1969.
17:18 With instrumental firepower, the quartet announced their arrival as the latest and greatest in music.
17:24 "Good Times, Bad Times" flies out of your speakers with a fierce attitude and a no-holds-barred sound.
17:29 [Music]
17:33 This kind of fury is further evidenced by the likes of "Communication Breakdown,"
17:37 bringing together high-powered riffs from Jimmy Page and an amazing rhythm section.
17:41 [Music]
17:47 Their blues-inspired music saluted the past and charted a course for a heavier sound in the genre,
17:52 helping to reignite the flames of rock.
17:55 Zeppelin spent the next decade building off of this amazing foundation with many other landmark works,
18:00 including their fourth album.
18:02 [Music]
18:08 Number 3. Thriller - Michael Jackson
18:10 [Music]
18:14 The best-selling album ever by most metrics,
18:18 "Thriller" also ranks among the greatest examples of pop music on record.
18:22 The not-yet-controversial Michael Jackson was well into his solo career by 1982
18:27 and headed for even greater heights with this release.
18:29 [Music]
18:33 Co-produced by Quincy Jones, the album's cutting-edge sound forever changed music.
18:38 The title song hits hard all these years later,
18:41 with a production that blends funky grooves and horror movie references.
18:45 [Music]
18:51 The hit singles didn't stop there because the track list is full of them.
18:55 Jackson delivers a famously energetic performance on "Beat It" as well as the iconic "Billie Jean."
19:00 This is a true landmark album.
19:03 [Music]
19:10 Number 2. The Dark Side of the Moon - Pink Floyd
19:14 [Music]
19:20 With their eighth album, the progressive group stretched their talents to imaginative heights.
19:25 "The Dark Side of the Moon" ranks among the most successful and acclaimed releases of all time.
19:29 [Music]
19:38 Pink Floyd manages to make sounds that feel like you're heading to space and back,
19:42 creating a soundtrack for a sci-fi film that doesn't exist.
19:46 Few albums can reach the soaring highs of "The Great Gig in the Sky"
19:50 and the groovy bass lines of "Money" all in one collection.
19:53 [Music]
19:59 Once experimental and now a confirmed classic,
20:02 the atmospheric record never fails to inspire with its brilliant lyrics and music.
20:07 It was far from the band's final masterwork either, who ended the 1970s with "The Wall."
20:12 [Music]
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20:33 Number 1. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - The Beatles
20:39 [Music]
20:44 After the band stopped touring, The Beatles' best work came out in stellar albums,
20:49 including this masterpiece.
20:51 The experimental record features a revolutionary mixture of rock and pop,
20:55 which all comes together like a spectacular show.
20:58 [Music]
21:03 It includes everything from orchestral numbers to traditional Indian music-inspired pieces.
21:08 Each group member contributes mightily themselves,
21:10 with even Ringo getting one of the album's most triumphant moments on
21:14 "With a Little Help from My Friends."
21:15 [Music]
21:19 It all comes down to the final number "A Day in the Life,"
21:22 which stands as one of John and Paul's finest collaborations.
21:25 [Music]
21:30 And while Sgt. Pepper's might be their crowning achievement,
21:33 that doesn't discount their giant achievements on later classics like "Abbey Road."
21:38 What's your favorite album of all time? Let us know in the comments below.
21:42 [Music]
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21:56 [Music]