idler

Tough decision, but I'll go with 1966 as well with 1971 close behind. I love the freshness and optimism that was in the air before music got a bit more serious, but I'm glad we opened up and explored where rock could go. It's incredible how much music changed in those 5 years, especially if you compare it to the stagnation of today.

Paul McCartney, Janis Joplin, Steven Tyler, Robert Plant, Ian Gillan, Joe Cocker, Roger Daltry, Axl Rose

Their first album for me, it was truly groundbreaking in showing the darker side to rock and there isn't a bad song on the whole album.

Yup, a great album that made a real progression on previous psychedelic sounds. I'd include King Crimson's "In The Court Of The Crimson King", The Moody Blues "Days Of Future Past" and Procol Harum's self titled debut as other groundbreaking early progressive rock albums. Does anyone know which order these five came out?

I'd say their first album "Piper At The Gates Of Dawn" is not only their best, but one of my top 10 favourites by anyone. It really holds up well, Syd Barrett's quirkiness made them ahead of their time.