10 Timeless Thought-Provoking Concept Albums

2. The Beatles €“ Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awBy_K30Pe8 By 1967, The Beatles were no longer just four young gentlemen from Liverpool, they were the most sought-after musical commodity on the planet. Slightly perplexed by their state of affairs, and having already announced their intentions to cease touring with immediate effect, the band decided to begin work on a new album under the cover of various alter-egos. Presumably an effort to somehow stem the expectation which lay on their heads as a result of their huge success in years previous, the idea grew from a single track Paul McCartney wrote declaring membership to a fictitious band, which would ultimately lend its name to the entire album. Though later refuted by John Lennon, there are certainly prevalent themes to be recognised within Sgt Peppers, as well as some of the most innovative and progressive-for-its-time song-writing ever committed to record.