best rock albums that tell a story

One of the most famous is 'The Wall' by Pink Floyd. It tells a very personal and complex story about isolation, mental breakdown, and the relationship between the artist and his audience. The music and lyrics work together seamlessly to create this epic narrative.

One such band could be Pink Floyd. Their albums often have a thematic and narrative coherence.

Iron Maiden's 'Seventh Son of a Seventh Son' is also great. It weaves a tale of a prophetic seventh son with all the elements of Maiden's classic heavy metal sound. The story is told through their signature galloping riffs and Bruce Dickinson's powerful vocals. It's like a musical adventure that takes you through a world of mystery and magic.

Bruce Springsteen's 'The River' also fits the bill. It's a collection of songs that together paint a picture of working - class life. There are stories of love, family, hope, and the harsh realities of making a living. The title track 'The River' is a poignant story of a young couple facing an unplanned pregnancy and the difficult choices that come with it.

Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' is a great one. It tells a story of a rock star named Pink who builds a metaphorical wall around himself due to the traumas of his life. The music and lyrics work together seamlessly to unfold this complex narrative.

You could also check out 'Rust in Peace' by Megadeth. It has a sort of post - apocalyptic story running through it. The lyrics are vivid and the guitar riffs are amazing. It's a great way to get into the more metal - ish side of rock while still having a story to follow.

The Who is a great example. Their album 'Tommy' tells a complex and engaging story. It's about a deaf, dumb, and blind boy who becomes a pinball wizard and has all sorts of adventures. The music and lyrics work together to unfold this narrative in a really interesting way.

I'd say 'Good Kid, M.A.A.D City' by Kendrick Lamar. It's like a coming - of - age story set in Compton. Kendrick takes you through his experiences as a young man in a violent and drug - ridden neighborhood, his moral dilemmas, and his journey towards self - discovery. 'All Eyez on Me' by 2Pac is also a great storytelling album. 2Pac tells tales of the struggle of black people, his own experiences with the police and the system, and his views on life and death.

Another great one is 'Illmatic' by Nas. It's like a vivid portrayal of life in Queensbridge. Nas uses his lyrical skills to paint pictures of the streets, his experiences, and the hopes and dreams of the people around him. Each track is a chapter in this larger story of growing up in a tough urban environment.

The album 'Good Kid, M.A.A.D City' by Kendrick Lamar is also excellent for those new to story - telling albums. It tells the story of Kendrick's youth growing up in Compton. It has a very cinematic feel, with skits and songs that flow together to give a vivid picture of the challenges, the danger, and the hopes in that environment.