7 amazing classic rock albums each with one song that should have been left out

Many music enthusiasts strive to discover the ultimate, cohesive collection of tracks – an album that strikes a balance between perfection and unity in its composition, without any songs that one might feel compelled to skip or which seem discordant with the overall mood and concept. There are indeed numerous examples of such flawlessly crafted albums out there.

I frequently wonder if the artist intentionally included an unconventional track when creating the album, to give it a unique twist. Or perhaps they considered incorporating something out of the ordinary as a song to make the album stand out. This could be a strange song, a quirky tune, or one that didn’t quite align with the usual flow and style of the rest of the tracks.

It might not always be straightforward to comprehend why achieving a flawless album and tracklist isn’t the ultimate objective for every artist. Some artists may prefer to push boundaries and experiment, while others might need to balance contributions from multiple members. Additionally, some artists could have less focus on this aspect or be subject to other limitations.

Seven close to, but not quite, perfect classic rock albums

Regardless of the various factors at play, numerous albums have nearly achieved the ideal perfection, and I’ve provided seven instances of iconic classic rock albums from renowned artists below, where one song stands out – albeit not favorably compared to the others.

A standalone song doesn’t necessarily ruin an album, but it could have been even better if a different track had been included instead. Take a look at these records and tracks – they represent my personal perspective on each album, and I’m sure some may find fault with my selections.

Fleetwood Mac: Rumours – “Oh Daddy”

The track has a more relaxed tempo compared to other songs on the album, bordering on being sluggish in its rhythm. Critics have differing opinions about its lyrics and melody; some find them overly simple, while others appreciate their profound beauty.

There are definitely those who will appreciate the song and consider it a great addition to the album. However, for me, it feels a bit out of place and I find myself wanting to jump ahead. One of the perks of playlists or streaming services compared to CDs or vinyl is the ability to customize your listening experience. While I think Rumours is an outstanding album, I can’t help but wish they had selected a different song for this particular spot on it.

Peter Frampton: Frampton Comes Alive – “Jumping Jack Flash”

This classic album is not only widely recognized but likely frequently played, making it one of the most popular live albums out there. The song associated with it is equally iconic and well-known. Over time, this song has been a regular part of Frampton’s performance lineup, joining other timeless rock tunes he’s performed. Interestingly, this very song made its debut on his first solo album, “Wind of Change,” released in 1972. Given that the album was recorded live at one of Frampton’s concerts, it only seems fitting to include it.

This rendition of the song is quite good, featuring some excellent guitar work, which is typical of Frampton. However, to me, it seems out of place on the album. It’s as though you have a collection of fantastic live Frampton songs, and this one was added as an additional bonus track. While it doesn’t ruin the album, I wouldn’t feel like something crucial was missing if it were replaced by another song.

David Bowie: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars – “‘It Ain’t Easy”

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve gotta say that the “Ziggy Stardust” album was an absolute game-changer, catapulting David Bowie into the realm of rock legends. The overall theme and cohesion of the album, all under the Ziggy persona, were spot on – except for one track. “It Ain’t Easy,” somehow didn’t quite mesh with the rest, feeling a bit like an extra level in a game that didn’t quite fit the narrative.

This track has a distinctly different vibe and sound compared to the glam rock tracks on the album. Other songs from that period would have been more suitable matches, like “Amsterdam” or “Velvet Goldmine”. Additionally, it’s worth noting that this song was the only one not written by Bowie on the album.

Pink Floyd: Meddle – “Seamus”

This Pink Floyd album, titled “Meddle,” serves as an evident step forward for the band, marking their shift from psychedelic roots towards the iconic “The Dark Side of the Moon” and subsequent works. Tracks like it possess merit, but mention “Seamus” and you’ll instantly recognize what I mean. The song features a catchy blues riff, yet in truth, it functions as a filler track with little justification for its inclusion or playtime.

It’s said that David Gilmour was looking after Marriott’s Border Collie Seamus during that period instead. However, it’s unlikely they had a ‘bring your pet to work’ policy back then. A tale suggests that someone spotted the dog tapping along with the music and decided to capture this on a track. Given other remarkable songs like “Echoes” and “One Of These Days,” it was quite barking mad to include “Seamus” in the album as well.

The Police: Synchronicity – “Mother”

Is “Mother” by Andy Summers more a work of eccentric brilliance or simply an off-beat tune? It’s certainly unusual and seems to deviate from the typical Police hits. The unique vocals and strange beat create quite a dissonant and uneasy listening experience as the song unfolds into an odd and frenetic conclusion.

In my opinion, that song doesn’t meet the mark: it feels more like a nuisance rather than a good piece on the band’s last studio album. By this point, they had significantly reduced the number of reggae-influenced songs. “Mother” seems to be too bold an attempt at something new and, while it may provide a novelty factor due to its unusual nature from such a renowned group, I find it hard to listen to, considering their usual standards.

Guns N Roses: Use Your Illusion II – “My World”

Indeed, the song “My World” truly exists in this Guns N’ Roses album, not a figment of anyone’s imagination. The circumstances behind its inclusion are somewhat puzzling. One tale goes that a rather intoxicated Axl Rose may have secretly added it without informing the rest of the band, which certainly seems feasible.

As a gamer, I’d put it this way: This tune is like a sonic ambush for my ears. Rose doesn’t need to rap, it’s not my cup of tea, sounding more like a mix-up between grunge and industrial music. Overall, it’s quite an odd piece. However, there are a couple of redeeming factors. For one, it barely lasts over a minute, which is a plus. Secondly, its placement as the closing track on the album makes it easy to skip right past it.

The Beatles: Abbey Road – “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer”

As the Beatles evolved and diversified their musical styles, they occasionally included some tracks that were a bit unconventional on their albums. Given their pioneering spirit and vast repertoire of fantastic songs, it’s understandable to give them creative freedom. However, “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” might have stretched that creativity just a little too much.

Without a shadow of a doubt, die-hard Beatles fans might argue in favor of it until the very end, but considering there were numerous superior songs that could’ve taken its place on the album, it remains puzzling as to why they chose to stick with it instead.

They kept at it; the process wasn’t swift in the studio, but they continued to work on the song, eventually taking months to reach the version on the album. This could be another example of Paul McCartney’s peculiar and somewhat playful approach to certain songs, as he was particularly determined to include them.

2025-03-25 13:00