Unexpected musical partnerships that rocked the charts
There isn't really a consensus as to what a concept album actually is, but generally speaking, it's safe to say that it's an album with an overall theme. This collective meaning can be achieved in a number of different ways. The narrative can be made through lyrics, the instrumental, the sequence of songs, or simply by having a central theme around which the album revolves.
Today, concept albums are not as popular as they were back in the '60s or '70s, but there are still a few examples from the late 21st century. In this gallery, we look at some of the best ones ever released. Click on and get to know them.
One of the most famous concept albums of all time, the story of this alien rock star is legendary. David Bowie's persona is one of the most remarkable in music and this concept album is a reflection of his genius.
'The Wall' tells the story of jaded rock star Pink, a character looking to find his place in society who eventually isolates himself from the world.
The Beatles released one of the most popular concept albums of all time. Sgt. Pepper and his bandmates are indeed great songwriters!
The Who's iconic rock opera follows the story of Tommy Walker, a traumatized kid who becomes a spiritual leader. Released in 1969, 'Tommy' remains one of the greatest concept albums of all time.
The concept of Pink Floyd's 1973 album remains ambiguous. It has been suggested that it's a journey from life to death. Each side of the record is essentially a continuous piece of music as well.
Marvin Gaye's masterpiece is essentially a protest album. It touches on themes such as the urban African-American experience, drug addiction, and ecology.
Alice Cooper's debut studio album takes us on a journey through the nightmares of a child named Steven. "I loved horror movies. Still do. And I also love theatre and musicals. And I always had the grand idea that we could take the basic album and create a stage show from it, which is what we ultimately did," he said.
Green Day's critically acclaimed album addresses the state of post-9/11 America and criticizes the Bush administration.
The band's last album with Peter Gabriel tells the story of Rael, a former gang member who goes looking for a missed sibling in New York City.
One of the earliest examples of a concept album, this 1966 classic is a progressive journey written by Brian Wilson.
If you can envision the Eagles as a band of Old West outlaws, then this is the perfect record for you.
Kendrick Lamar's 2012 album is essentially about the experience of growing up in Compton. The cover of the coming-of-age album even features the phrase "A short film by Kendrick Lamar."
My Chemical Romance's album follows a terminal cancer patient on his journey towards death. 'The Black Parade' is an emo rock classic definitely worth a listen.
Jay-Z's 2007 album is inspired by the film 'American Gangster,' which tells the story of mobster Frank Lucas.
Rosalía's 2018 album is inspired by a 13th-century, European novel called 'Flamenca,' originally written in Occitan.
QOTSA's 2002 album takes us on a drive through the California desert, tuning into radio stations along the way.
Queen Bey took her husband's infidelity and turned it into a record. She reflects on themes such as blackness and feminism in this deeply personal album. The 2022 follow-up, 'Renaissance,' is also a concept album. The tracks are lined up as if they were part of a DJ set.
The album follows a man on the run after killing his wife and her lover. 'Red Headed Stranger' is an outlaw country classic.
Maiden always had a knack for storytelling, and 'Seventh Son of a Seventh Son' is no exception. The band's seventh album is inspired by Orson Scott Card's novel 'Seventh Son' and takes us on a journey, touching on themes such as clairvoyance.
Arguably the most iconic Nine Inch Nails album of all time, 'The Downward Spiral' takes us on a man's journey of self-destruction.
Frank Zappa's three-part concept album tells the story of Los Angeles teen Joe and delves deep into a number of themes, including censorship, individualism, religion, and sexuality, among others.
The album's theme revolves around the upbringing of bandmates Win and Will Butler in Houston. Front man Will Butler describes it as “neither a love letter to, nor an indictment of, the suburbs – it’s a letter from the suburbs.”
'Watertown' is not your average Sinatra album. It tells the story of a man who is abandoned by his wife.
Lou Reed's 1973 rock opera tells the story of drug-addicted couple Jim and Caroline.
'The ArchAndroid' is heavily inspired by the dystopian vibes of Fritz Lang’s 1927 classic, 'Metropolis.' 'Dirty Computer,' released in 2018, can also be interpreted as a concept album.
'Operation: Mindcrime' tells the story of a drug addict named Nikki and his journey as a member of a revolutionary group.
Concept album masters The Who released the double album 'Quadrophenia' in 1973. The album is a rock opera about the struggles of Jimmy, a working-class mod who becomes a fan of the band after seeing them live.
Regarded as one of the first concept albums, this 1968 record takes us on a nostalgic trip into Englishness.
This one deserves a mention for how wild the concept was. Country star Garth Brooks released a record as his alter ego, Chris Gaines.
Sources: (Rolling Stone) (NME) (Yardbarker) (Far Out) (Ranker)
See also: The greatest live albums of all time
Great concept albums that are worth a listen
Have you listened to any of them?
MUSIC Albums
There isn't really a consensus as to what a concept album actually is, but generally speaking, it's safe to say that it's an album with an overall theme. This collective meaning can be achieved in a number of different ways. The narrative can be made through lyrics, the instrumental, the sequence of songs, or simply by having a central theme around which the album revolves.
Today, concept albums are not as popular as they were back in the '60s or '70s, but there are still a few examples from the late 21st century. In this gallery, we look at some of the best ones ever released. Click on and get to know them.