10 Rock + Metal Albums Critics Hated That Became Classics

Here are 10 rock and metal albums that critics hated and went on to become classics.

There are certain albums that become legendary due to their timeless quality and influence. In fact, they’re pretty much synonymous with rock and metal as a whole, so it’s almost inconceivable that anyone would ever disparage them.

However, it happens far more often than you might think, especially when they’re first released.

Indeed, some of the most celebrated LPs – from some of the most adored artists of all time – initially received ridicule from critics. Whether they underestimated a record’s staying power or too easily dismissed its artistic merits, these writers couldn’t have been more wrong.

READ MORE: 25 Worst Albums by Legendary Metal + Hard Rock Bands

The 10 LPs on this list are particularly shocking examples, as they received a surprising amount of professional hate that – in hindsight – seems downright absurd.

10 Rock + Metal Albums Critics Hated That Became Classics

What were they thinking?!

25 Most Underrated Albums by Big Rock + Metal Bands

10 Huge Rock + Metal Bands Whose Singer Isn’t the Primary Lyricist

2023 Louder Than Life Festival Lineup Revealed – Foo Fighters, Tool, Avenged Sevenfold + Green Day to Headline

Jenna Ortega Suggests Deftones Song for ‘Scream’ Chase Theme

2023 Aftershock Festival Lineup Revealed – Avenged Sevenfold, Tool, Korn + Guns N’ Roses to Headline

Marty Friedman Makes an Excuse for Bands That Use Backing Tracks – ‘Who Cares?’

Tool Shared a Video Rehearsing ‘Rosetta Stoned’ + Fans Are Freaking Out

Steel Panther’s Satchel – My Favorite Albums When I Was a Teenager

We Asked an AI Chatbot Why 20 Classic Albums Are So Great – Here’s What It Said

The Biggest Rock + Metal Moments of 1983Beatsway