With the music industry evolving so much during the ’70s and ’80s, not everything could be a top hit, butthere are many underrated classic rock albums that deserve to be listened to. During this time, bands such as thehit-making KISSwere on the rise, with everything they did getting the premier spotlight, but not everyone was as lucky. This includes some well-known bands, as even those who had status didn’t always get the shine they deserved.
It’s hard to say if one of these would have become thebest-selling album in classic rockif they had gotten more praise back when they were released. However, they surely could’ve done more on the charts. Nonetheless, the ones that didn’t get as much attention still house songs worthy of being heard. Although some of these bands didn’t make10 albums like some classic rock bands, they still made major contributions that won’t be forgotten.
10Express (1986)
Love and Rockets
Before alternative rock became one of the biggest genres,Love and Rockets was an ’80s band that helped shape it. Their second album,Express, was a perfect example of this as it showcased their blending of underground rock with pop. The song “Kundalini Express” represented this well, as the tune received warranted attention.
Not only did “Kundalini Express” feature in the Italian horror movieDemons 2, but it also appeared in the television showMiami Vice. While the original version had only eight tracks, the next version for the US and UK added a few more. By the time it was remastered in 2001,there were 15 songs, including a cover of Pink Floyd’s “Lucifer Sam.”
9Landed (1975)
Can
From their early beginnings,Can had a lot of adversity to overcome as a band. They were early pioneers of Krautrock, which was created from experimental rock. They blended psychedelic rock, avant-garde, and electronic music. Additionally, they went through a couple of lead singers, leaving them in a tough spot.
By their sixth studio album,Landed, in 1975, they had more than proven their resilience. With this release,they focused on creating tracks with a layered sound. They recorded the album with a new type of tape recording and fully embraced their experimental nature. While it has only six tracks, one of the songs is over eight minutes long, with another exceeding 13 minutes, making up for it.
8Have A Good Time But Get Out Alive! (1980)
Iron City Houserockers
The Iron City Houserockers put everything they had into their sophomore album. Songs such as “Don’t Let Them Push You Around” and “We’re Not Dead Yet” were standouts among the original thirteen tracks. Additionally, side two featured a two-part melody, which further displayed their abilities.They even enlisted a handful of musicians to assist with the recording.
It still resonated enough with their fans thata 40th anniversary edition was released in 2020, featuring even more songs.
Among them was Steven Van Zandt, the guitarist from Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. Having musicians like this around helped them step up their game. This led toa favorable critical response, but commercially, it did not perform as they hoped. Nonetheless, it still resonated enough with their fans thata 40th anniversary edition was released in 2020, featuring even more songs,including a cover of the 1963 song “Do Wah Diddy Diddy.”
7Captain Beyond (1972)
Captain Beyond
Some supergroups have come together to create phenomenal work, and Captain Beyond was one of them. The band consisted of Rod Evans from Deep Purple on vocals, former Johnny Winter drummer Bobby Caldwell, and two members formerly of Iron Butterfly, Larry Reinhardt and bassist Lee Dorman. Together,they focused on hard rock, progressive rock, and jazz fusion.
Although they would release only three studio albums, all in the ’70s, their debut in 1972 was a perfect example of what they were capable of. Across the two sides, there were 13 tracks, with some shorter than two minutes. Even so,they were enough to showcase the elements they were blending, making this an interesting project of the decade.
6The Rock (1975)
The Frankie Miller Band
Right before Frankie Miller released his highly successful 1977 album,Full House, he put out 1975’sThe Rock. Although it may not have received as much credit as its successor, there was much to boast about this recording.One of the key points is that Miller brought in many talented musicians, including The Memphis Horns and The Edwin Hawkins Singers.
With all the great talent around him, this would be his only album credited as “The Frankie Miller Band,” but it was a memorable choice nonetheless. Additionally, he recorded in the sight of Alcatraz Prison to remind himself of where he could be if not for music, adding even more significance. Finally,his song “Ain’t Got No Mercy” became a popular coverfor artists like Bob Dylan, Cher, and more.
5Squeeze (1973)
The Velvet Underground
After debuting in 1964, The Velvet Underground went on to create four crucial albums that helped shape genres such as punk and new wave. Unfortunately,their time together didn’t last very long. The only remaining member for the 1973 album,Squeeze, was Doug Yule. However, he persevered to ensure this got recorded.
These 11 tracks would be the last for the band, which is why this album is monumental. This marked the end of a namethat truly helped push the music industry forward. Over the years, this record caught a lot of flack for using the band’s name, but some have come to appreciate the music on it. Whether it was the right move or not can be debated, but it still remains the last recorded connection to the legendary band.
4SAHB Stories (1976)
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
Although The Sensational Alex Harvey Band was only active from 1972 to 1978, they managed to create eight albums, becoming influential to many.One of their last wasSAHB Stories, which was released in 1976. Although it received praise in the UK, it did not achieve worldwide recognition in terms of chart placement.
It featured many important songs, including one of their big hits, “Boston Tea Party.”
Nonetheless, it featured many important songs, including one of their big hits, “Boston Tea Party.” Additionally, they covered the Jerry Reed song “Amos Moses,” which appeared second among the eight tracks. Throughout the album,the band demonstrates great versatility, along with an innovative production that received acclaim.
3Bangin’ (1987)
The Outfield
After their tremendous debut album,Play Deep, which included their massive hit song “Your Love,” it was expected that The Outfield would follow up in an even bigger way. Perhaps expectations were set too high, as their sophomore album didn’t receive as much praise, even thoughit did contain some great songs across the ten tracks.
Among them was “Since You’ve Been Gone,” which served as the closing track. It was well-received andeven ranked in the 31st spot on theBillboardHot 100. To further enhance its reach, a music video was made to accompany it. The band used an interesting technique, which saw the picture switch from black and white to color throughout.
2Standing In The Dark (1984)
Platinum Blondes
In 1984, Platinum Blonde released their debut album,Standing in the Dark. This expanded on their original six-track EP by adding four new songs. Two of the biggest songs werethe title track and “Doesn’t Really Matter.“Both music videos for these tunes were nominated for Juno Awards, helping spread the word of the new band.
In their native Canada, this record became a hit, but it struggled to expand internationally. However, it didn’t change the fact that the album was full of catchy melodies. Additionally, the band excelled in combining new wave and mod sounds. They also stayed away from mainstream pop,which allowed their rock and roll prowess to shine through.
1R.E.O./T.W.O. (1972)
REO Speedwagon
After their debut album, REO Speedwagon would bring in a new singer for their sophomore record. This is where Kevin Cronin would first join the band. This gave listeners a taste of the singer that would be the voice behind the band’s biggest hits. Although this sophomore record didn’t crack theBillboard200,it still received visibility throughout the years.
For everything that REO Speedwagon would become,this record was the perfect example of how they strengthened their songwriting and evolved their sound. Two of the most popular tracks out of the eight are “Golden Country” and “Like You Do.” These have remained fan favorites over the years. Now that this serves as a crucial memory of the band, it is more valuable than ever.
