10 Greatest Rock Solo Albums That Freed Rock Legends

Isn’t it liberating to release a solo album out of the control of your own rock band? You’re on the go, finally letting your diverse and complex creativity rule over your own record because no one will prevent you from thinking outside the box. While rock bands are good and collaborative efforts will always be appreciated, there’s a certain charm about being a solo artist that would allure you on many aspects of your career. Below are the ten greatest solo albums that truly captured the artists’ emancipations.

All Things Must Pass (1970) – George Harrison

For many years did George Harrison fought over his position on writing songs for The Beatles’ albums, he was never given the chance. Not until 1970, when he released All Things Must Pass, which was a collection of Harrison classics that truly deserve to be heard by everyone. The quiet Beatle deserves all the praise for this one.

The Dream of the Blue Turtles (1985) – Sting

Sting wanted to be out on the band so bad that he released his solo debut album extremely different than any of The Police’s typical pop-rock tunes. The album’s sophisticated approach made it so popular that it launched Sting’s career as a soloist.

Eat ‘Em and Smile (1986) – David Lee Roth

When Roth left Van Halen, everybody thought it was the end of both careers. But that wasn’t the case, Van Halen had Sammy Hagar, and David Lee Roth had Eat ‘Em and Smile for a solo album, which shoots the stars for him.

Holy Diver (1983) – Dio

Ronnie James Dio became well-known for founding numerous groups throughout his entire career, but he managed to up his career to the next level went he fronted his band, Dio. Stating the obvious, Dio is the star of his own group, showing the first solo album Holy Diver the right treatment for any extravagant debut metal LPs: full of sonic thunder and rage.

Peter Gabriel (1977) – Peter Gabriel

It was a great moment for this ex-Genesis frontman to spread his wings and explore the world of being a soloist. His debut self-titled solo album was well received by both fans and critics, who adored Gabriel’s bravery and talent that couldn’t shine bright together with his former bandmates. One highlight from the album, “Solsbury Hill” sums up the split.

The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking (1984) – Roger Waters

But while many argued that Pink Floyd’s The Wall and The Final Cut were pretty much Roger Waters’ solo albums, it was The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking that was deemed official. Just like the two, Waters’ approach to his own debut album was conceptual with an autobiographical theme.

I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! (1969) – Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin always wanted to become a soul singer, and she came close when she left her Big Brother and the Holding Company band, created her own and released songs that are way different than what she sang. I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! was a steering wheel of Joplin’s magnificent career.

Talk Is Cheap (1988) – Keith Richards

Following Mick Jagger’s solo path, Keith Richards debuted his own record out of frustration from The Rolling Stones, who haven’t released any good albums in the 80s. Talk Is Cheap was a gem of an album, showing to everybody that Keith’s here to save day with his straight rock n’ roll LP.

Paul Simon (1972) – Paul Simon

Simon’s real debut album came about in 1972, following Simon and Garfunkel’s split. It’s a collection of different shades of music, showcasing the skills of this multitalented musician.

Blizzard of Ozz (1980) – Ozzy Osbourne

After leaving Black Sabbath, no one expected Ozzy Osbourne to rise from the ashes when he released his debut solo album Blizzard of Ozz. But he proved them wrong, and he jumpstarted his career just like that.