The titles of some of the biggest records in rock music history have become staple pop culture inspirations. It’s hard to imagine some of those records being named anything else. However, quite a few of the biggest albums in rock music came very close to being called something entirely different; and a few of them might just surprise you. Let’s take a look at the original titles of legendary rock albums that almost came to be!
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1. Sex Pistols: ‘Never Mind The Bollocks’ was Originally ‘God Save The Sex Pistols’
It’s wild to think that this iconic Sex Pistols release from 1977 was almost named something totally different. The title they went with was quite controversial at the time. A record shop owner even got charged over showcasing the album in his window, after all.
The goal of this album was to make a serious statement that would cause quite a few English old ladies to clutch their pearls. The band came close to using the original name, but Steve Jones heard a fan use the term “never mind the bollocks” and told the rest of the Sex Pistols about it. The title of the album was promptly changed.
2. The Beatles: ‘Revolver’ was Originally ‘Abracadabra’
Honestly, we think the “new” name for this famed 1966 record by the Fab Four was a good choice. Allegedly, The Beatles had quite a few potential names lined up for this record.
Abracadabra was at the top of the list for a while, but Revolver took its spot at the very last minute. Apparently, another band already had a record titled Abracadabra, so the band opted for something different.
3. Talking Heads: ‘Remain In Light’ was Originally ‘Melody Attack’
The original titles of many of the rock albums on this list are a bit strange, but Talking Heads’ original title Melody Attack was actually pretty good and apt for that album. It would have fit well, considering how much of a bop Remain In Light is.
According to the band, the original title was inspired by a Japanese television show. However, one can’t deny that the original title was a bit on the cheesy side. Remain In Light is definitely more refined.
4. Nirvana: ‘Nevermind’ was Originally ‘Sheep’
Sheep would have made so much sense for this famous grunge album. When Nirvana was catapulted into fame, Kurt Cobain noticed that many of the people he criticized in his music and bullied him into isolation were suddenly showing up to the band’s shows.
Allegedly, Cobain used the title tentatively as a sort of “inside joke” about the people he thought would buy the record. Cobain liked the new title Nevermind because it reflected his attitude in life, and thus, Nevermind was born.
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