UCR

They helped push rock into fun and interesting places – and they're still out there doing it.

These projects tend to arrive at significant moments.

When twice the amount of music really matters.

Their influence on the music of the following eras is undeniable.

Some were struck by member defections, some by death. Others just had a run of very bad luck.

The most essential recordings from the bands that took it to the limit.

From their lightning-bolt debut to their reunion LP more than three decades later, they've rarely strayed from form.

Some are bad poetry, while others spark head-scratching confusion. Still others are just plain wrong.

If you grew up in the ’80s, these snapshots will feel like your own family album.

Despite all achieving a significant level of success, these talented groups tend to be overlooked by rock fans today.

It's still the '80s on classic rock radio, with the decade's biggest hits dominating more than half of this list.

Decades after bursting onto the music scene, this genre is still bucking trends.