I’m Obsessed With These 4 Albums That Got Horrible Reviews but Are Now Cult Classics

It’s hard to imagine these four classic rock and punk albums ever getting anything other than praise. However, these cult classics initially got a few horrible, cheeky, and comically negative reviews from music critics (and the BBC) when they were first released. Who’s laughing now?! Let’s take a look, shall we?

1. ‘Wish You Were Here’ by Pink Floyd

This 1975 album by Pink Floyd is often overshadowed by the success of The Wall and The Dark Side Of The Moon. Still, it’s a beautiful piece of work. But that didn’t stop a few 1970s-era critics from kicking the record around in the mud. 

One now-dead article from Melody Maker eloquently said that the record “displays a critical lack of imagination in all departments.” Rolling Stone noted that it was “devoid of passion”. Despite a few horrible reviews, this piece of work is still considered one of the best cult classics in prog-rock history.

2. ‘Abbey Road’ by The Beatles

The Beatles are widely considered to be the best band of the 20th century. However, being the best also means that you’ll be subject to a lot of criticism. Abbey Road is deeply loved today, but it didn’t get great reviews from a few critics when it was first released. 

One New York Times critic famously said that the album’s tracks were “nothing special” and a Rolling Stone writer said the use of synths on the album was in poor taste. Though, it is worth noting that outside of a hearty chunk of negative reviews, plenty of critics praised the album for being one of a kind.

3. ‘Exile On Main St.’ by The Rolling Stones

This 1972 rock album is probably The Rolling Stones’ most well-known work today. Unfortunately, quite a few music critics at the time deemed the now-legendary album to be a major snooze-fest. Rolling Stone said that the album “once again missed the mark”.

4. ‘Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols’ by Sex Pistols

Out of all the cult classics that initially got horrible reviews on this list, this sole album by punk rock icons Sex Pistols wasn’t ripped to shreds for its quality. Rather, the vulgarity of the album is what got the band into a bit of trouble. 

The BBC banned the song “God Save The Queen” under the premise that it was in “gross bad taste.” Despite being banned and shaded by the BBC, the album was an enormous hit in the UK.

Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

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