Ten masterpieces that critics panned on release, according to Far Out

Not every rock masterpiece was understood by critics at the time of its release. Indeed, the music press has been guilty of some spectacular blunders over the years, panning albums that would eventually go on to receive the recognition they always deserved. Far Out magazine has decided to look back at "ten for all" in a new feature.

“There's a good chance that every artist's worst enemy is the critics,” the magazine notes in its introduction. “Even when a musician pours their soul into the grooves of a record, there's always someone ready to pick it apart piece by piece in search of every possible flaw. Yet many albums now regarded as absolute classics by legendary bands – from Led Zeppelin to Oasis – were met with terrible reviews upon release. Over time, though, opinions tend to shift. Records initially dismissed as failures often end up becoming essential works, capable of influencing generations of artists and redefining the language of rock. What were once considered missteps have, years later, turned into milestones.”

Here are 10 masterpieces panned by critics at the time, selected by Far Out Magazine, with a brief explanation for each (full feature here).

10. Eagles – “Desperado” (1973)

The band's second album, “Desperado” attempted to broaden the Eagles' country-rock sound through a concept centered on outlaws of the old West. At the time, many critics deemed it overly earnest and too heavily weighted toward country. Over time, the record has become one of the band's most representative works, helping to define the country-rock aesthetic of the 1970s.

9. Green Day – “Warning” (2000)

After the punk-pop success of “Dookie”, Green Day shifted direction with a more acoustic album influenced by classic rock. Critics accused Billie Joe Armstrong of having lost the energy and irony of the band's early days. Years later, “Warning” has been reassessed as one of the band's most mature and courageous records, foreshadowing the evolution that would lead to “American Idiot”.

8. Black Sabbath – “Black Sabbath” (1970)

When it came out, the debut by Black Sabbath was dismissed as a crude, botched take on British blues-rock. Many reviewers failed to grasp the band's dark, menacing tone. In reality, the record was practically inventing heavy metal, forever changing the very concept of hard rock.

7. Kate Bush – “The Kick Inside” (1978)

Critics gave a cold reception to the debut of Kate Bush, deeming tracks like “Wuthering Heights” eccentric and inaccessible. Some reviewers dismissed her as merely an odd copy of David Bowie. Over the years, the record has been recognized as one of the most innovative works in British pop, paving the way for a new idea of the art-pop singer-songwriter.

6. Rush – 2112 (1976)

For much of the music press, Rush embodied everything wrong with progressive and hard rock: overly convoluted lyrics, excessive virtuosity, and Geddy Lee's high-pitched voice. Despite the relentless pans, the Canadian trio built a massive fanbase and is now regarded as one of the most influential bands in the history of progressive rock.

5. Paul McCartney – “RAM” (1971)

After the breakup of the Beatles, McCartney made a homespun, eccentric record with Linda that strayed far from the rock conventions of the time. Critics read it as the sign of an artist in decline. Over time, “RAM” has been reassessed as a foundational work for the birth of indie-pop and modern lo-fi pop.

4. Oasis – “What’s The Story Morning Glory” (1995)

In the UK it was an immediate triumph, but in the United States many critics considered Oasis's second album overrated and derivative. History tells a different story: tracks like “Wonderwall” and “Don't Look Back In Anger” have become generational anthems and absolute symbols of britpop.

3. Led Zeppelin – “Led Zeppelin” (1969)

The debut album by Jimmy Page's group was met with vicious reviews, accusing the band of making muddled noise and derivative blues. Robert Plant's voice was often ridiculed too. Just a few years later, however, Led Zeppelin would be recognized as one of the most important bands in the history of rock.

2. Bob Dylan – “Highway 61 Revisited” (1965)

When Bob Dylan switched to electric guitar, part of the folk scene accused him of selling out to commercial rock. The album was met with suspicion by many purists. Today it's regarded as one of the great masterpieces of modern music, thanks to songs like "Like A Rolling Stone" that redefined rock songwriting.

1. The Velvet Underground – “The Velvet Underground & Nico” (1967)

On release it was judged chaotic, noisy and even "unlistenable". Lou Reed's lyrics and the band's experimental approach proved too extreme for the critics of the time. In the years that followed, the album became one of the most influential works ever made, a reference point for punk, indie and alternative rock.

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