10 Most Ambitious Rock Albums Ever Made

When the Who first broke on the scene in the mid '60s, rock and roll was still going through its innocent stage. Though bands like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones were taking rock to places it had never been before, every song still seemed to be about the power of love, be it pure or carnal. The three minute pop single may have reigned supreme, but Pete Townshend wanted to expand rock into more serious territory.

Coming up with some dramatic musical pieces, Townshend hit upon the idea of telling a story through the album format, with the songs serving as different scenes in the character's lives. It was a strange idea for sure, but when Townshend came up with the concept of a deaf, dumb, and blind boy trying to express himself through the music he's hearing, everything seemed to fall into place.

Upon release, Tommy was one of the most adventurous rock albums of all time, with songs that connected the concept without ever feeling throwaway. This not only showed the power of storytelling in rock, but also launched the idea of the rock opera as we know it. As these song continue to be adapted in movies and on Broadway, it seems that Tommy has outlasted its initial shock factor. Yes Pete, rock can be about more than just three chords.