The Top 10 Classic Rock Debut Albums Of The ’60s

To witness the birth of rock music in the sixties meant being in the presence of those that brought it forth. Band and artists that pioneered the genre came in an assortment of styles and backgrounds, heralding the new age of popular music that would forever change the craft in its wake. Here are some of the most significant classic rock debut albums that hailed from the swingin’ ’60s.

“The Velvet Underground & Nico” – The Velvet Underground

When they say how punk emerged from the underground scene to the mainstream, it’s not hard to imagine The Velvet Underground & Nico’s involvement in it. From avant-garde to pop, it was the best source material for aspiring rockers in the period.

“Tons of Sobs” – Free

While Free would take off much later into the flip of the next decade, Tons of Sobs provided insight on the capabilities of the blues rockers that would soon become one of the industry’s major players.

“The Stooges” – The Stooges

Dubbed as a proto-punk act, The Stooges’ self-titled debut perfectly enveloped the band’s potential for chaos and channeled it through music, thanks to pioneer Iggy Pop.

“Music From Big Pink” – The Band

After gaining recognition as the backing group of Bob Dylan, The Band didn’t waste time and launched their career with the seminal Music From Big Pink, establishing Americana before the term was even coined.

“The Piper At The Gates of Dawn” – Pink Floyd

Psychedelia was Pink Floyd’s starting point in the industry, thanks to the heavy influence that founder Syd Barrett poured into the making of The Piper At The Gates of Dawn.

“The Rolling Stones” – The Rolling Stones

Carrying the original bad boy rocker image was the Rolling Stones, coming in hot with their self-titled debut album that showcased their Chicago blues sound.

“Fresh Cream” – Cream

The UK super trio Cream was comprised of Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker, debuting with Fresh Cream and delivering an exciting mix of blues and rock in its wake.

“Please Please Me” – The Beatles

The world didn’t expect a rock band who wrote their own songs and made their own music to arrive until The Beatles did with their debut, Please Please Me. 

“The Doors” – The Doors

Trippy, dark, scheming. The Doors’ self-titled debut album was all the band had to show to let the world know that poetry was the next big thing in music.

“Are You Experienced” – Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix’s rise to superstardom was a fast one, from being ejected from the Army to being one of the most celebrated rock icons in history. Are You Experienced was the start of it all, the guitar deity showing his aptitude for innovative playing with his mix of hard rock and psychedelia.