10 Classic Rock Bands That Released Three Perfect Albums In A Row

When renowned rock band the Who released ambitious new project Tommy, the brainchild of the legendary Pete Townshend, as a studio album in 1968, fans were a little unsure as to what to expect.

Reflecting some of the more traumatic experiences in Townshend's early life, the end result was an absolutely spectacular rock opera experience that gave the band their overdue nudge towards superstardom. The album earned particular praise for the song Pinball Wizard, which became a worldwide radio fixture despite only being written to obtain a positive review from a New York Times journalist with an affinity for pinball.

The band, apparently unsatisfied with their unparalleled levels of success, churned out their most recognizable album to date, Who's Next in 1971. Consistently featured in the debate over the greatest albums of all time, Who's Next includes the Who's most iconic songs, the sublime Baba O'Riley and Won't Get Fooled Again.

Fans who thought that the Who would stick to the same formula following the wild success of Who's Next were sorely mistaken, as they made a sharp about turn to the rock opera format with 1973's Quadrophenia; recounting the tale of a young Who fan as he navigates the complications of adolescent life. The rock opera was so ahead of its time that performing it live proved almost impossible in practice.

However, the brilliantly written narrative paired with Who's trademark sound made it an inconceivably perfect third album in a row for the exalted rock prodigies.