Top 10 Most Confusing Concept Albums

#10: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (2002)The Flaming Lips

Rumors of the concept albums demise were greatly exaggerated around the time The Flaming Lips dropped Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. The alternative, post-grunge roots of old were now replaced by lush orchestrations, grand ideas, and a sci-fi concept about well, a lot of things. It was to the point where frontman Wayne Coyne has actually pushed back against the idea of Yoshimi being a concept album in the traditional sense. This hasnt stopped many fans from embracing Yoshimi as such, however, gravitating towards the albums exquisite melodies and warm blending of analogue nostalgia and forward-thinking electronica.

#9: The Eye (1990)King Diamond

There are few metal musicians as closely linked to the narrative concept album as King Diamond. This former frontman for Denmarks Mercyful Fate helped cement his legend after parting ways with that band. The King Diamond solo career has been one chock full of compelling concept efforts, including the landmark double shot of Them [xref] and [xref] Conspiracy. The Eye followed up those two efforts, and differed for Diamond taking influence from real-life witch trials during the French Revolution. The end results were, perhaps predictably and unfairly, compared to King Diamonds prior successes, although wed argue that The Eye remains something of a slept-on release from the mans discography.

#8: Berlin (1973)Lou Reed

It remains to be seen if Lou Reeds musical collaboration with Metallica, Lulu, will receive some sort of cult reappraisal. It certainly wouldnt be the first time one of Reeds conceptual efforts was met with a divisive critical response. Berlin from 1973 is an unapologetically dark album, which follows a couple struggling with substance use disorder. Reed never refrains from utilizing sound to get his narrative point across, from unsettling sound collages to melodic balladry. Berlin was created in collaboration with Bob Ezrin, a producer and songwriter notable for his conceptual work with Alice Cooper. Ezrins influence is all over the record, in a good way, although Reeds own unique compositional style remains quite evident.

#7: Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One (1970)The Kinks

It doesnt take a genius to figure out that this 1970 effort by The Kinks was gonna be a conceptual one just look at that title! Yet, Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One fit in just fine with other high-minded efforts by the band. Were talking about LPs like The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society, efforts where the message may be muddled But the tunes are great. Lola proved to be a definitive smash for The Kinks from this record, although the album sold poorly in the UK upon its initial release. Nowadays, Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One still isnt remembered too much for its concept, but it is regarded as one of The Kinks best albums.

#6: S.F. Sorrow (1968)

The Pretty Things

The post-Sgt. Peppers landscape of Beatles domination essentially meant free reign for just about every British band to try their hand at a concept album. S.F. Sorrow by The Pretty Things is one of those cult records that was probably destined to find an audience; just not right away. This is bluesy and psychedelic rock with occasional bursts of fuzzed-out aggression, a musical feast that far outshines the somewhat hazy rock opera format. Delays in the release of S.F. Sorrow probably didnt help matters much for The Pretty Things, but the legacy of this album today is that of a cult British psych classic.

#5: Angels Egg (1973)

Gong

The progressive rockers Gong werent content to release just a single concept album with 1973s Flying Teapot. Instead, Gong followed it up with Angels Egg, and continued the story with You in 1974. The groups Radio Gnome Invisible trilogy was so involved that first pressings of Angels Egg contained information detailing glossary terms and backstories for its cast. Meanwhile, the music of Gong embraced everything from jazz fusion and prog rock to psychedelia and folk, simmering a stew of musical madness for all to enjoy. Sold Out to the Highest Buddha, Flute Salada If track titles like these dont make sense to you, dont worry. Just listen to Gong and all will be well.

#4: Trans (1983)Neil Young

Geffen Records clearly knew what they were doing when they programmed Little Thing Called Love as the first track on Neil Youngs Trans. Its one of the few songs not to feature Young going full synthesizer with this incredibly divisive album. Trans is one of those records that makes more sense once you understand the backstory of its composition. Youngs influence from German krautrock artists like Kraftwerk was tempered with his personal work assisting his son Ben with cerebral palsy-related communication therapy. This unfortunately mattered little upon the release of Trans, since both Geffen and Youngs fans were largely left scratching their heads at what the album was supposed to mean. Today, though? We think its pretty awesome.

#3: 666: The Apocalypse of John, 13/18 (1972)Aphrodites Child

The 1970s was probably the most receptive time for concept albums amongst the record buying public. This can be seen within efforts such as 666 by Aphrodites Child, released on the experimental label Vertigo Records. This Greek band was notable for having future film composer Vangellis within its ranks, with 666 feeling similarly sprawling and cinematic in scope. The album, subtitled The Apocalypse of John, 13/18, incorporates a lot of musical styles within its loose Biblical concept. Folk, hard rock, jazz, pop and more all rear their heads, like the serpentine Beast of Revelations. And it's the music, not the words, that does most of the talking.

#2: Joes Garage (1979)Frank Zappa

The unfettered genius and quirkiness of Frank Zappa was frequently let loose in concept albums. Works like Freak Out! and The Mothers of Inventions Were Only in It for the Money were great early examples of this. Meanwhile, the late 70s proved that Zappa still had some kooky ideas to get down on paper. And thus, Joe's Garage was born. The storyline arrived complete with a robot narrator, The Central Scrutinizer, which is frequently profane. Proof to this end can be heard in songs like Catholic Girls, Crew Slut, and Why Does It Hurt When I Pee?. Still, theres a wicked sense of satirical humor to the whole thing, even if the actual plot is off the rails by album's end.

#1: The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974)Genesis

Heres a question: does it actually matter if a concept albums overarching storyline becomes muddled? Fans of Genesis The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway would likely argue against that line of thinking. The album is now largely considered to be a cornerstone of progressive rocks 1970s success, thanks to a stage show that incorporated everything from costume changes to epic-length musical jams. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway helped cement Peter Gabriel as a maverick presence on stage, while the chops of Phil Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford lay the groundwork for the albums dense but rewarding sound.

What do you think when an artist announces a concept album? Are they pretentious? Awesome? Both? Let us know in the comments.