Top rock albums by decade

Albums 16-20 for the 1960s:

Preface: Now I know many will consider my picks, among other descriptions, cliché and akin to one another. Well, deal with it; these are simply my picks for the best rock albums of the 60s- a decade considered by many of the musically inclined, especially those with preferences towards classic rock, to be one of the most innovative and influential. Let’s work backwards:

20. Velvet Underground & Nico by The Velvet Underground

It wouldn’t be just to apply a simple definition to The Velvet Underground. They are certainly avant-garde and psychedelic though many of their songs have a joyful, pop quality that can, however, be taken as somewhat satirical or sarcastic given the overall themes in their music- most notably the hardships of drug addiction. This debut album of 1967 follows that theme markedly with songs like “I’m Waiting For My Man” and “Heroin”. This is a defining, original album, one that reasonably represents the drug culture of the 60s and makes great use of musical experimentation.

Notable songs: Sunday Morning, I’m Waiting For the Man, All Tomorrow’s Parties, Heroin

19. Cheap Thrills by Big Brother & The Holding Company

The band that put Janis Joplin on the map peaked before her departure in 1968 with this in your face blues album. Cheap Thrills jumpstarts with the fast paced “Combination of the Two,” appropriately featured as the opening song on the movie version of Hunter Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Other songs are more relaxed yet scream blues as Janis wails her lungs and heart out. So much emotion comes out of her as she moans about heart break and loneliness. Cheap Thrills is a fantastic blues rock album that should be celebrated for both Janis and the great blues guitar work.

Notable songs: Combination of the Two, Summertime, Piece of My Heart

18. Music From Big Pink by The Band

The Band is famous for playing backup for Bob Dylan yet shines remarkably on their own with Music From Big Pink. Anyone who had seen Cingular commercials from a few years ago could easily identify The Band’s defining song- “The Weight.” Yet “The Weight” is just one of many great numbers on this 1968 debut album recorded out of an in the sticks, pink colored house. The Band grooves away with a country rock style featuring soft vocals and heavy guitar. Their pleasant melodies are appealing to any soft rock or classic rock fan.

Notable songs: The Weight, Chest Fever, I Shall Be Released

17. Disraeli Gears by Cream

Cream, like many bands of its era, was unfortunately very short-lived. Eric Clapton, one of the greatest guitar players of all time, fronted the three-member band. Disraeli Gears is the band’s best effort overall featuring perhaps their most popular hit “Sunshine of Your Love.” Cream seems to produce a defining, chilling sound with great riffs and eerie vocals. Had this band lasted longer I’m certain that many more albums like this would have propelled Cream to absolute greatness and celebrity.

Notable songs: Strange Brew, Sunshine of Your Love, Tales of Brave Ulysses

16. Bringing It All Back Home by Bob Dylan

The music culture of the 1960s seemed to be defined by two key elements: The Beatles of England and Bob Dylan of heartland America. In 1965’s Bringing It All Back Home Dylan sets the tone with the opening “Subterranean Homesick Blues”, a fast paced rap-like tune that feels like classic Dylan yet is really quite original. Yet, the true highlight of the album is the last four songs-“Mr. Tambourine Man”, “Gates of Eden”, “It’s Alright Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)”, and “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue.” The brilliant commentary of “It’s Alright Ma” and the deep emotion of “It’s All Over Now” make this album unforgettable.

Notable songs: Subterranean Homesick Blues, Mr. Tambourine Man, It’s Alright Ma (I’m Only Bleeding), It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue.