10 Greatest Classic Rock Albums You Need To Hear Before You Die

At the beginning of the 60's, rock and roll still seemed to be more or less a disposable pop genre. While bold innovations were being made left and right, most songs didn't veer too far outside the realms of the catchy pop singles. But Pete Townshend knew there was more to rock than just the 3-minute pop song.

Intrigued by the mysticism coming out of the psychedelic movement, Townshend set out to make an album that would take the listener on a journey with sound. This led to an album draped around the concept of a deaf dumb and blind boy who finds his calling through playing pinball. When the band finished, they had made Tommy, which is regarded today as the first-ever rock opera.

Across the runtime, we hear of our protagonist's struggles with his own humanity after being abused and given drugs to sooth his pain. The story not only hit a nerve with audiences, but also was a way for Townshend to exorcise some of the demons that he had from his past. The album would be so successful that it even became a legitimate stage production after completion. After Tommy, rock music felt like something much more than just banging away on guitar.