Some of the greatest albums of all time weren’t recorded in calm, creative recording studios; many of them were recorded in absolute chaos. Let’s look at a few such albums that were allegedly or proven to be recorded in total chaos but ended up being quite good regardless!
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‘Chinese Democracy’ by Guns N’ Roses (2008)
Chinese Democracy wasn’t quite on the level of Appetite For Destruction. However, it’s still a solid album; one that sounds much better than fans were expecting. The album took about 14 years or so to make and was essentially Axl Rose’s brain child. However, rumors circulated about the album’s production for years, from tantrums, pink slips, virtually never-ending remixes of songs, and a revolving door of session musicians. The record is rumored to have cost about $13 million to make. In the end, some insane ambition and a lot of time and money (and chaos) can really make for a good rock album.
‘Exile On Main St.’ by The Rolling Stones (1972)
I wouldn’t necessarily call this album “polished” in any way, but that’s part of what makes Exile On Main St. so perfect. It’s one of The Rolling Stones’ most legendary albums. And it’s still surprising that it got made in the end. The band recorded the album in the basement of a French mansion, complete with wicked heat, broken equipment, bad acoustics, and particularly chaotic recording sessions. Many of the members were on drugs. And in the end, somehow, Exile On Main St. was completed without any of the members dying.
‘Let It Be’ by The Beatles (1970)
Well, there’s no way I could avoid this one. The Beatles’ Let It Be was their final album released, but not their final album recorded. The recording of the album was a mess, best captured in Peter Jackson’s docuseries The Beatles: Get Back. In the collection of footage, each of the members appears tired, over it, and ready to be anywhere but that studio. George Harrison quit in the middle of it. Paul McCartney can be heard bossing the other members around, whether for good reason or otherwise. The end result is a fine bookend to an incredible career, but the recording process was a bit of an emotional mess.
‘Never Mind The Bollocks’ by Sex Pistols (1977)
It’s one of the most legendary punk rock albums of all time. And the recording process for Never Mind The Bollocks was total chaos. The band had lost their recording contract. Glen Matlock had split. Sid Vicious couldn’t really play his instrument. The band’s new label, Virgin Records, was being attacked from all angles by rival record labels. The album eventually made it out, only to be met with ire by more conservative listeners, politicians, radio stations, you name it. And yet, it remains an iconic record today.
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