20 Most Important Hard Rock Albums Of All Time

For as great a start as hard rock had in the early 70's, the back half of the decade was starting to look a little too lazy. With each band pulling from the same blues influences and incorporating prog elements into their sound, rock was quickly becoming too safe for its own good. Breaking through the monotony like a shot of life, this four-man quartet from New York showed every other band how to rock again.

Across the Ramones first album, each track flies by you with machine gun like precision, from the poppy stylings of "Blitzkrieg Bop" to the tales of turning tricks on "53rd and 3rd." While the foundation of each song may have been reminiscent of 60's rock, what made it stand out was the attitude brought across. As opposed to the pretentious nature of other acts, the Ramones never wasted a second of time when it came to delivering their unique brand of sonic bombast.

Though the band would have greater success down the line with albums like End of the Century and Rocket to Russia, their debut release will always be known as the punk rock cornerstone. It might be a bit on the short side, but with songs that pack this much punch, who could ask for more?