Doing your art justice from the get-go is no easy task. These four rock bands managed to release debut albums that are not only legendary today, but are some of the best-selling first-time records in the genre. Let’s dive in!
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1. ‘Hybrid Theory’ by Linkin Park
This entry isn’t all that surprising. With hits like “Crawling” and “In The End” becoming two of the most definitive rock songs of the turn of the millennium, it’s natural that Linkin Park’s debut album sold 30 million copies when it was first released. Hybrid Theory is a nostalgic, angst-filled walk through a special time in rock music history. And it’s aged pretty well, too.
2. ‘Cracked Rear View’ by Hootie & The Blowfish
Some of the best-selling debut rock albums to come out of the 1990s were alternative rock albums, and one of our favorites is Cracked Rear View by Hootie & The Blowfish.
This beautifully orchestrated album sold 21 million copies when it was first released. Complete with elements of heartland and roots rock, this record was an admirable and unique rock debut at the time. “Hold My Hand” and “Let Her Cry” are essential listening.
3. ‘Ten’ by Pearl Jam
Fans of grunge and alt-rock of a certain age likely remember how big of a deal this debut record was back in 1991. Pearl Jam’s first album Ten is loaded with hits, from “Alive” to “Even Flow” to “Black”.
The whole of the album was a much-welcomed divergence from the hair metal and glam that had dominated rock music for so long. Ten is grimey, grungey, and emotionally powerful, and it’s no surprise that it sold 13 million copies upon its release in the early 1990s.
4. ‘Yourself Or Someone Like You’ by Matchbox 20
Matchbox 20 is a shoo-in entry on our list of best-selling debut rock albums. Yourself Or Someone Like You was released in 1996 and sold over 15 million copies, though it struggled in the first few months it was released. It’s a great little post-grunge record that tackles often difficult or taboo subjects like domestic abuse, depression, and addiction.
(Not so) fun fact: The man on the cover of Yourself Or Someone Like You sued the band for using his likeness without his permission, years after it was released.
Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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