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Determining the “greatest debut album of all time” for rock bands is subjective and can vary based on criteria such as sales, critical acclaim, influence, and personal preferences. However, some of the most frequently mentioned and celebrated debut albums in rock history include:

  1. The Beatles – “Please Please Me” (1963): The album that introduced The Beatles to the world and began their unmatched legacy in rock history.
  2. Led Zeppelin – “Led Zeppelin” (1969): A groundbreaking album that blended blues, hard rock, and folk, setting the stage for the band’s legendary career.
  3. The Jimi Hendrix Experience – “Are You Experienced” (1967): A psychedelic rock masterpiece that showcased Hendrix’s guitar prowess and innovative techniques.
  4. The Doors – “The Doors” (1967): With hits like “Light My Fire” and “The End,” this album cemented The Doors as one of the pioneering bands of psychedelic rock.
  5. Guns N’ Roses – “Appetite for Destruction” (1987): This debut skyrocketed the band to fame, boasting tracks like “Sweet Child o’ Mine” and “Welcome to the Jungle.”
  6. The Ramones – “Ramones” (1976): Often credited with pioneering punk rock, this album is raw, fast-paced, and influential.
  7. The Clash – “The Clash” (1977): Another iconic punk debut, with a bit of reggae influence, it showcased the band’s political lyricism and powerful sound.
  8. The Velvet Underground – “The Velvet Underground & Nico” (1967): While not a commercial success at the time, its influence on alternative and indie rock cannot be overstated.
  9. Boston – “Boston” (1976): One of the best-selling debut albums ever, it’s filled with classic rock staples like “More Than a Feeling.”
  10. Pearl Jam – “Ten” (1991): A cornerstone of the grunge movement, with anthems like “Alive” and “Even Flow.”

Of course, there are many other notable debut albums from various rock bands throughout history. The best way to determine the “greatest” would be to specify the criteria you’re using to judge, whether it’s sales, influence, or something else.