12 '70s Hard Rock Albums All Fans Should Own

Whether or not New York Dolls co-invented punk is debatable, but this is unquestionably one of the all time great debut albums. The group braved conservative ‘70s NYC in full drag, challenging homophobia and a spiteful press, and emerged with one of the most influential records of the decade.

From opener “Personality Crisis” they’re all attitude, singer David Johansen sneering his way through the song in his thick Staten Island accent. They’re far more than just their aesthetic, though, as they demonstrate across this diverse album.

“Lonely Planet Boy” is a wistful, country-tinged number, while “Frankenstein” sees the band cut loose in a pounding ending, Johansen chuntering and eventually shouting over a skronking saxophone. The Dolls were as influenced by King/Sedaka pop as much as rock ‘n’ roll, as evidenced by the shuffling “Trash”.

The record was produced by Todd Rundgren, an innovative musician himself whose professionalism clashed with the freewheeling Dolls. Thankfully here he was hands off enough to let the band express themselves to the full on a sensational introduction.