Curating a successful studio album is a pivotal task across all musical genres. A lead single often serves as the initial hook to draw listeners in, followed by a collection of engaging songs that encourage them to stay engaged. However, it’s the closing track that truly cements an album’s legacy and can propel it to greatness.
While a powerful opening track can set the mood for the journey ahead, it is the final note that resonates most with audiences after they finish listening. This principle holds true across all genres, with rock music being a fitting illustration. Historically, rock ‘n’ roll thrived due to the unforgettable closers that left an indelible mark on the listener’s mind, often showcasing the band’s pinnacle of creativity and emotion.
10 Toto – Toto IV (1982)
“Africa”
“Africa”is essential when discussing iconic album conclusions, emerging as a signature track from TOTO’s fourth studio effort. Surprisingly, this global hit was not the lead single; that title went to “Rosanna, ”the album’s opening track. Interestingly, “Africa”was released as a single two months post the album’s debut, highlighting its overwhelming popularity.
In reality, “Africa”stole the spotlight on Toto IV. Although “Rosanna”enjoyed its own success, it was “Africa”that ascended to number one on the charts, marking TOTO’s zenith as a band.
9 Tame Impala – Currents (2015)
“New Person, Same Mistakes”
The journey of Tame Impala has been compelling as the band has continuously adapted and evolved its sound. While their earlier albums, Innervisions and Lonerism, showcased influences reminiscent of The Beatles, Currents marked a shift towards a more psychedelic rock sound, most notably featured in “New Person, Same Mistakes.”
Alongside other fan-favorites like “The Less I Know The Better, ”this track achieved substantial cultural recognition, particularly after being covered by Rihanna in her acclaimed album Anti in 2016, thus further boosting Tame Impala’s profile.
8 Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin IV (1971)
“When the Levee Breaks”
Having the final track on an album stand out as the best in an artist’s entire discography is a rare achievement. This distinction belongs to “When the Levee Breaks, ”featured on Led Zeppelin IV. This album is frequently hailed as a quintessential piece of early metal music history.
With classic tracks like “Stairway to Heaven”and “Black Dog, ””When the Levee Breaks”manages to outshine even these masterpieces, underlining its monumental status in music.
7 Jimi Hendrix – Electric Ladyland (1968)
“Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”
Regarded as one of the greatest musicians in history, Jimi Hendrix consistently showcased growth throughout his albums. His final project, Electric Ladyland, is arguably the apex of his artistry. The closing anthem “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”not only solidified Hendrix’s legacy but also transcended musical boundaries, earning a prominent place in cinema.
This track serves as a poignant farewell to the music world from Hendrix, leaving fans speculating about his unrealized artistic potential had he continued to create.
6 Skunk Anansi – Post-Orgasmic Chill (1999)
“I’m Not Afraid”
The third album from British rock outfit Skunk Anansi fully embraces a punk-inspired ethos, marked by aggressive electric lyricism. While tracks like “On My Hotel TV”shine brightly, the final track, “I’m Not Afraid, ”takes a different approach.
This conclusion slows the pace, offering a somber yet refined respite reminiscent of closing credits in a film, effectively recapping the album’s themes with grace.
5 The Doors – The Doors (1967)
“The End”
The Doors revolutionized the music scene with their 1967 debut, which featured iconic songs like “Light My Fire.”Yet, it’s “The End”that distinguishes them from their peers by delivering a bold, 15-minute odyssey that captivates listeners.
Such a daring length showcases a remarkable storytelling prowess, allowing audiences ample time to connect deeply with the track.
4 Evanescence – Fallen (2003)
“My Immortal – Band Version”
With two renditions of “My Immortal”present on the Fallen album, the band showcases their range. The “Band Version”contrasts sharply with its more orchestrated counterpart, offering a more dynamic and uplifting finish.
This final track encapsulates the essential duality of Evanescence’s sound, blending modern rock with a gothic ambiance, thus standing out even amidst other hits like “Bring Me to Life.”
3 Linkin Park – Meteora (2003)
“Numb”
For many artists, a closing track can propel them into legendary status, and this was the case for Linkin Park. Following the success of their debut, Meteora served as a platform that skyrocketed them into the mainstream.
While several tracks stand out, “Numb”emerged as an anthem that encapsulated the band’s essence, elevating their reputation and resonating across generations.
2 Sleater-Kinney – Sleater-Kinney (1995)
“The Last Song”
Sleater-Kinney’s “The Last Song”resonates with the ethos of The Doors’ “The End, ”framing a thoughtful narrative about the exhaustion of recounting recurring heartbreaks. This debut marks a powerful statement of female empowerment conveyed through raw energy and emotive lyricism.
The song encapsulates the band’s dynamic sound, marking an intense entry into their discography that hints at their future innovative endeavors.
1 Prince – Purple Rain (1984)
“Purple Rain”
Prince’s Purple Rain stands out not just in his discography but also in the annals of music history, continuing to resonate as one of the finest albums ever created. Its omission from the Grammy awards remains a topic of debate and disbelief among music aficionados.
The title track, “Purple Rain, ”exemplifies Prince’s unparalleled artistry, blending poignant lyrics with breathtaking instrumentation in a nearly nine-minute journey that culminates in a powerful climax, establishing it as his magnum opus.
Leave a Reply