12 Iconic Albums That Were Initially Flops
These 12 albums may have flopped at first, but they rewrote the rules of music history with time.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
History has a way of proving the critics wrong, especially when it comes to groundbreaking music. The albums listed above all suffered from poor sales, critical backlash, or general indifference when first released. Yet through time, influence, and cult appreciation, they became pillars of innovation, shaping genres and inspiring generations.
1. The Velvet Underground & Nico – The Velvet Underground (1967)
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When it debuted, The Velvet Underground & Nico barely sold 10,000 copies and was largely ignored by critics. Its raw sound, taboo themes, and avant-garde edge alienated the mainstream audience. Over time, though, its influence grew exponentially, with Brian Eno famously noting that “everyone who bought one of those 10,000 copies started a band.”
2. Pet Sounds – The Beach Boys (1966)
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Initially seen as a commercial disappointment in the U.S., Pet Sounds was too experimental and introspective for fans expecting sunny, surf-pop. Brian Wilson’s deeply personal songwriting and innovative production techniques weren’t fully appreciated at the time. Today, it is hailed as one of the most important albums in pop music history.
3. In the Aeroplane Over the Sea – Neutral Milk Hotel (1998)
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On release, this album was met with mixed reviews and little commercial attention. Its lo-fi sound and cryptic lyrics were polarizing, leading to poor initial sales. Years later, it gained a cult following, becoming an indie rock landmark beloved by generations of listeners.
4. Tapestry – Carole King (1971)
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Despite being one of the best-selling albums of all time today, Tapestry had a quiet start with modest promotion and limited early buzz. Carole King had been a behind-the-scenes songwriter, and many underestimated her as a performer. Word of mouth and strong emotional resonance turned it into a defining work of 1970s singer-songwriter music.
5. Pinkerton – Weezer (1996)
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After the massive success of their debut, Pinkerton was a shock to fans and critics, receiving harsh reviews for its raw sound and vulnerable lyrics. It flopped commercially and caused frontman Rivers Cuomo to retreat from the spotlight. Years later, the album was reevaluated and is now considered a classic of emo and alternative rock.
6. Ram – Paul and Linda McCartney (1971)
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Upon release, critics panned Ram, calling it lightweight and directionless compared to McCartney’s Beatles output. It underperformed in comparison to other solo Beatles projects at the time. Decades later, fans and critics alike embraced its quirky charm and lush arrangements, hailing it as a cult classic.
7. The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars – David Bowie (1972)
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Though it received some praise, Ziggy Stardust had underwhelming sales and didn’t immediately make Bowie a household name. The concept album’s glam aesthetic and theatricality were ahead of their time. Eventually, it became a defining album of the 70s and a turning point in rock history.
8. OK Computer – Radiohead (1997)
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When OK Computer was released, its experimental nature divided fans and confused some critics. Many expected another straightforward alt-rock record, but instead got a dense, abstract, and cerebral album. Over time, it was hailed as a visionary masterpiece that reshaped modern rock.
9. Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen (1975)
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Despite heavy promotion, the album didn’t take off right away and even faced delays and production troubles. Springsteen’s perfectionism and pressure to live up to “the future of rock and roll” hype didn’t immediately translate into success. Eventually, Born to Run caught fire and became the launchpad of Springsteen’s legendary career.
10. Hounds of Love – Kate Bush (1985)
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While Kate Bush was already known in the UK, Hounds of Love didn’t immediately resonate outside of her core fanbase. Its ambitious second half, The Ninth Wave, was considered too experimental for casual listeners. The album has since been recognized as her magnum opus and one of the greatest art-pop records ever made.
11. Transformer – Lou Reed (1972)
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Though it included now-classics like “Walk on the Wild Side,” Transformer didn’t achieve significant commercial success upon release. Critics were divided on its glam style and provocative content. With time, it became essential listening for fans of queer music history and rock rebellion.
12. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot – Wilco (2002)
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Wilco’s label famously rejected Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, deeming it unmarketable and dropping the band. When it was released independently online, it gained a massive following and critical acclaim. It’s now widely seen as one of the most important American albums of the 2000s.