3 underrated rock albums you need in your collection

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Everyone knows the classic rock albums – think Pink Floyd’s *Dark Side of the Moon*, Black Sabbath’s *Paranoid*, or Fleetwood Mac’s *Rumours*. But beyond those, there are other incredibly influential albums – some well-known, others overlooked – that deserve just as much recognition.

I’ve been a part of the music scene for around seven years, and I’m still constantly learning new things. I’m especially captivated by music from the late 60s through the 80s – it feels incredibly vibrant and makes me wish I could have experienced that era firsthand whenever I listen to it.

What I love most about exploring music is finding new artists and rediscovering hidden gems. Whether it’s an overlooked album or a band I’ve never encountered before, it’s incredibly rewarding to expand my knowledge of a genre I’m passionate about.

Rock music has a rich history, and these three albums truly stand out as masterpieces. Hopefully, by 2025, they’ll finally receive the widespread recognition they deserve!

People, Hell and Angels (2013), Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix was a brilliant musician whose career, though only lasting four years, produced incredible albums. Even after his death, new music continued to be released, but it hasn’t received the same widespread recognition as when he first became popular in the late 1960s.

Originally planned as a follow-up to *Electric Ladyland* in 1968, *People, Hell and Angels* was finally released in March 2013 and is a stunning showcase of Jimi Hendrix’s guitar work. The album includes the often-overlooked track “Hear My Train a Comin’,” which always reminds me of his incredible talent and makes me feel his loss a little more deeply.

Man, listening to this album just hits different. It really drives home how unbelievably talented Hendrix was – honestly, I don’t think anyone will ever be able to play guitar like him. It’s a shame he was taken from us so early. He left behind some truly iconic songs that still sound amazing today, and I don’t think anyone could ever improve on them.

Beyond Jimi Hendrix’s most celebrated albums are several wonderful collections that often get overlooked when discussing his legacy. *People, Hell and Angels* is one of these posthumous releases from Experience Hendrix, and it’s just as captivating as his classic albums like *Are You Experienced* or *Axis: Bold as Love*.

Even the most celebrated guitarists have hidden gems, and this particular album is one of them – it’s seriously underappreciated and deserves way more attention! If this album resonated with me, it could easily have the same impact on someone else.

Moving Waves (1971), Focus

Focus is a Dutch progressive rock band that was remarkably innovative for its time. While famous for their hit single “Hocus Pocus,” the band remains surprisingly underappreciated, especially considering their album *Moving Waves* contains a truly iconic song.

Featuring incredible guitar playing, complex drumming, and powerfully resonant yodeling, this album truly encompasses it all.

This album is playfully fun, like something you’d play when you want to make someone smile – or maybe even share a silly yodel! It’s perfect for introducing someone to the band’s music for the first time, because it’s guaranteed to get a laugh while also showcasing their impressive talent.

The album recording doesn’t quite capture how amazing this band is live – their performances are truly incredible. If you’re skeptical, go see them for yourself!

ELF (1971), Elf

Before becoming famous with Rainbow, Dio, or Black Sabbath, Ronnie James Dio was a member of a band called Elf. Their music was a bluesy rock style, quite different from the heavy metal he later became known for, and unfortunately, they didn’t receive the recognition they deserved.

This band is seriously underrated, especially considering they only released two albums. I only discovered them when a friend suggested they might appeal to me, knowing I was a fan of Rainbow – the band briefly fronted by singer Dio.

I was surprised that Elf’s first album from 1971 didn’t get more attention – especially considering they only released two studio albums, and how accessible their music was. I quickly became a fan, largely due to the incredible vocals of Ronnie James Dio. Listening to a song like “I’m Coming Back For You” makes you wish Elf had received the recognition they deserved; they were a truly talented band.

The band Elf is consistently celebrated, largely because it launched the career of Ronnie James Dio. Although Elf never became a mainstream success, it remains a key part of blues rock history and demonstrates the musical development of Dio. Several members of Elf later joined Ritchie Blackmore’s band, Rainbow, which went on to achieve significant popularity!

Elf’s story beautifully shows the importance of following your passions and staying focused on your dreams – you never know what opportunities might arise. Beyond that, it’s a reminder to appreciate Elf’s amazing musical talent and everything they brought to the world of music!

I could list countless other great albums that didn’t get the recognition they deserved, but these three really stood out. They weren’t afraid to experiment, improvise, and, surprisingly, even combine rock and yodeling in a unique way!

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2025-10-17 15:01