One of the most enjoyable parts of making lists is arguing with yourself.
In my last post, I ranked what I believe are the five greatest rock bands of all time. The standard was intentionally brutal: five great albums in a row. Very few bands in history have been able to clear that bar.
But what about the bands that came painfully close?
This time, I’m relaxing the criteria just a bit. Instead of requiring five consecutive great albums, I’m simply looking for bands that produced at least five great albums during their career. That opens the door for some legendary artists who stumbled once or twice—or simply couldn’t sustain perfection over a long enough stretch.
As before, there is one important disclaimer: this is my list. If I don’t enjoy listening to a band, they won’t make the cut, no matter how many records they sold. Every list like this has some personal bias, and that’s part of the fun.
Honorable Mention: Switchfoot
Before we get to the list, I have to mention Switchfoot.
They’re one of the most underrated rock bands of the past 30 years. They consistently release thoughtful, well-crafted albums, and they are phenomenal live.
If you’ve never listened to them, start with The Beautiful Letdown. If that album doesn’t connect with you, they probably aren’t your band. But if it does, you’ll discover a catalog that’s much deeper than most people realize.
U2 – My favorite band of all time.
When they’re at their best, few bands can match them. War, The Unforgettable Fire, The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby, and All That You Can’t Leave Behind are all exceptional albums.
The 1990s weren’t as consistent as many fans hoped, but they reminded everyone what they were capable of with All That You Can’t Leave Behind. Even their newer material has been stronger than many people give them credit for.
I’m still hoping for another tour.
The Rolling Stones – a great rock band
Many people expected the Stones to make my Top Five. They came incredibly close.
Their classic run is one of the greatest in rock history, and Some Girls deserves to be mentioned alongside their best work. They simply couldn’t quite meet my original “five in a row” standard.
Their recent catalog has been uneven, but they’ve shown they still have something left in the tank.
The Clash – “The only band that matters.”
Their first few albums are outstanding, culminating in the masterpiece that is London Calling.
Then came Sandinista!. Ugh.
I’ve never understood the argument that it works as a triple album. There are great songs scattered throughout it, but there’s simply too much filler. Had they trimmed it down to a single album, I honestly believe we’d be talking about one of the greatest runs in rock history.
Rush
Rush has one of the most loyal fan bases in music for a reason.
They produced an incredible catalog over several decades, but never quite managed five straight masterpieces.
For me, Moving Pictures stands above the rest. It’s one of the defining albums of progressive rock.
If the current touring rumors become reality, I may have to start saving now. Those ticket prices won’t be low.
Green Day – excellent post punk band
Green Day has released some fantastic albums, but consistency has always been a challenge.
When they’re on, they’re one of the best rock bands of their generation. When they’re off, the drop-off is noticeable.
They’re also one of the best live acts I’ve ever seen. If you have the opportunity, don’t pass it up.
Foo Fighters
Dave Grohl has built one of the most reliable rock bands of the modern era.
My favorite Foo Fighters album remains Wasting Light. It’s powerful from beginning to end.
I’ve also enjoyed some of their later work, particularly Medicine at Midnight, although their newest release didn’t resonate with me as much.
R.E.M. – one of the best college radio bands
This band came painfully close to making my Top Five.
The funny thing is, they actually have six, seven, maybe even eight excellent albums. The problem isn’t quality—it’s sequencing.
Reckoning is one of my favorite albums ever recorded. Every song belongs there, and I never skip a track.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Tom Petty created an extraordinary body of work.
One challenge in evaluating him is determining how to distinguish the Heartbreakers albums from his solo records. Either way, the number of great albums is remarkable.
Few artists maintained such a high level of songwriting for so long.
INXS – Another band that came very close.
Albums like The Swing, Listen Like Thieves, Kick, X, and Welcome to Wherever You Are showcase just how consistently good they were during their peak.
While Kick became the commercial breakthrough, I’ve always had a soft spot for Listen Like Thieves.
It’s impossible not to wonder what might have been had the band’s story ended differently.
Crowded House – another great Australian band
If there’s one band on this list I wish more people appreciated, it’s Crowded House.
I’ve often described them as “the Australian Beatles.”
That’s a lofty comparison, but Neil Finn’s songwriting is that good. They produced an incredible collection of songs that deserve to be remembered alongside many better-known acts.
The Two That Didn’t Quite Make It
Two other bands stayed in the conversation until the very end. AC/DC and The Ramones.
Both produced iconic music. Both influenced generations of bands.
But for me, too many of their albums sound remarkably similar. Some fans see that as consistency. I see it as a lack of evolution.
That’s ultimately why they stayed off the list.
Your Turn
These lists are meant to start conversations, not end them.
Who did I miss? Which band would you move into the conversation? Which one would you take out?
Let me know your picks in the comments.
I am Doug Keating, and this is my letter to my sons.