If you’re a diehard classic rock fan, you probably haven’t forgotten about the following fantastic albums. However, the mainstream world has seemingly left these stellar pieces of work in the dust, and I don’t think that’s fair. Quite a few of these records have aged well, and they’re the kind of albums that will instantly transport you back to simpler, groovier times. Let’s take a look! It might be time to add a few of these into your rotation.
‘Beck-Ola’ by The Jeff Beck Group
Jeff Beck fans definitely haven’t forgotten about this soulful record, but the mainstream world of classic rock doesn’t seem to remember it as well as other classic rock records. This album was the second one to bring together the talents of Beck, Ronnie Wood, and Rod Stewart. Truth is an amazing album, don’t get me wrong. But Beck-Ola is also incredible, and this 1969 record is still a hard, energetic, bluesy gift that keeps on giving.
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‘Hold Out’ by Jackson Browne
This 1980 record was Jackson Browne’s only No. 1 album in the US, and it’s a pretty stellar piece of work that deserves all the love it got decades ago. Today, though, I feel like it rarely makes it to classic rock radio. That’s a shame, because this rock album is loaded with pretty amazing hits, from “That Girl Could Sing” to “Boulevard” to “Hold On Hold Out”.
‘I Can Stand A Little Rain’ by Joe Cocker
Joe Cocker isn’t considered underrated to most. How many artists out there have outdone The Beatles with their own song? Everyone knows him for “With A Little Help From My Friends”, but Cocker’s fourth studio album from 1974 is the finest one in his discography, in my opinion. Working with Jim Price was a smart move, and the result was a gorgeous rock album full of memorable hits. “You Are So Beautiful” and “I Can Stand A Little Rain” are essential listening.
‘Us’ by Peter Gabriel
The album So was what made Peter Gabriel an international superstar. And like most talented musicians who make it big, one hard-hitting album tends to overshadow the rest of their work. In my opinion, Us is one of the best forgotten classic rock albums from the early 1990s. And it’s a darker, more intimate glimpse into the mind of a musical wonder.
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