What is the best rock concept album of all time?

A story told across an entire record — rock operas, dystopian narratives, identity crises, and alien rock stars all make the cut. Which concept album is the most complete artistic vision?

1

The Wall

Pink Floyd's 1979 concept album following rock star Pink's psychological collapse into isolation, the greatest concept album in rock.

2

Tommy

The Who's 1969 rock opera about a deaf, dumb, and blind pinball wizard, the album that invented the concept of the rock opera.

3

The Dark Side of the Moon

Pink Floyd's 1973 concept album exploring the pressures of modern life in one seamless sonic narrative across two sides.

4

Quadrophenia

The Who's 1973 rock opera charting a young mod's identity crisis and mental breakdown in mid-1960s Britain.

5

The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway

Genesis's 1974 surrealist concept double album following Rael through a fantastical New York underworld.

6

Ziggy Stardust

David Bowie's 1972 concept album chronicling the rise and fall of Ziggy Stardust, an alien rock messiah.

7

American Idiot

Green Day's 2004 punk rock opera following the Jesus of Suburbia through post-9/11 America.

8

The Black Parade

My Chemical Romance's 2006 rock opera about a dying cancer patient, blending glam, punk, and classic rock theatricality.

9

Operation: Mindcrime

Queensryche's 1988 concept album about a drug addict turned political assassin, the pinnacle of progressive metal storytelling.

10

Arthur

The Kinks' 1969 concept album about an ordinary Englishman's disillusionment with the decline of the British Empire.

11

2112

Rush's 1976 concept album with a 20-minute title track depicting a dystopian theocracy suppressing artistic freedom.

12

S.F. Sorrow

The Pretty Things' 1968 debut concept album, the first rock opera ever recorded, predating Tommy by a year.

13

Thick as a Brick

Jethro Tull's 1972 satirical concept album presented as a single continuous piece written by an eight-year-old prodigy.

14

Diamond Dogs

David Bowie's 1974 post-apocalyptic concept album loosely based on George Orwell's 1984, featuring Rebel Rebel.