The 20 Best British Albums Ever, According to Motorhead singer Lemmy

The Top 20 British Albums, Handpicked by Lemmy

Now, let’s dive into the selections of one of rock’s most iconic figures, Lemmy, the legendary frontman of Motörhead. His choices reveal his profound appreciation for the British rock scene and offer a glimpse into his musical preferences. From pioneering classics to lesser-known gems, Lemmy’s list is a testament to the enduring influence of British rock.

Table of Contents

1. Dave Edmunds – Subtle As A Flying Mallet (1975)

Lemmy commends Dave Edmunds for his 1975 album “Subtle As A Flying Mallet.” As a remarkable twist of fate, Lemmy was recording the first Motörhead album, “On Parole,” while Edmunds was crafting this masterpiece. Lemmy’s admiration for Edmunds’ creativity shines through as he recalls how the artist ingeniously used a broomstick with bottle tops to achieve a distinctive drum sound.

2. Pink Floyd – Piper At The Gates Of Dawn (1967)

Pink Floyd’s “Piper At The Gates Of Dawn” earns a well-deserved spot on Lemmy’s list. He reflects on the band’s transformative journey and notes that they were never the same after the departure of Syd Barrett. This album represents a pivotal moment in British rock history, capturing the essence of a band in transition.

3. Hawkwind – Hall Of The Mountain Grill (1974)

Lemmy’s connection to Hawkwind runs deep, as he proudly states, “Oh, and I was in the band at the time.” “Hall Of The Mountain Grill” represents Hawkwind’s pinnacle, according to Lemmy, underscoring the band’s musical prowess during his tenure.

4. Jimi Hendrix – Are You Experienced? (1967)

While Jimi Hendrix was an American icon, Lemmy contends that “Are You Experienced?” qualifies as a British album due to the presence of two British members in Hendrix’s band. To Lemmy, every track on this album is a classic, emphasizing the lasting impact of Hendrix’s musical genius.

5. The Damned – Damned, Damned, Damned (1977)

Lemmy affectionately refers to The Damned as “his boys” and singles out their debut album, “Damned, Damned, Damned,” for praise. This record, according to Lemmy, exemplifies the brilliance of the band that he holds dear.

6. Sex Pistols – Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols (1977)

With admiration, Lemmy lauds the Sex Pistols for their audacious attitude and exceptional musicianship showcased in “Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols.” He recognizes this album as an embodiment of excellent rock ‘n’ roll.

7. The Pretenders – The Pretenders (1980)

Lemmy recalls jamming with Chrissie Hynde and candidly admits that he never anticipated her meteoric rise in the music industry. He candidly mentions the stereotypical challenges that women in rock often faced, making “The Pretenders” album a testament to Chrissie’s undeniable talent and resilience.

8. Skunk Anansie – Post Orgasmic Chill (1999)

Lemmy’s appreciation extends to contemporary rock, as he acknowledges Skin’s incredible vocal prowess and the well-crafted songs and arrangements in Skunk Anansie’s “Post Orgasmic Chill.”

9. Jeff Beck – Truth (1968)

Jeff Beck may have been overshadowed by Led Zeppelin, but Lemmy recognizes him as a supreme guitarist. In “Truth,” Lemmy finds a treasure trove of exceptional guitar work, highlighting Beck’s virtuosity.

10. Downliners Sect – The Sect (1964)

“From 1964. And I love this,” Lemmy exclaims. He lauds the great songs of “The Sect” by Downliners Sect, emphasizing their brilliance before they ventured into different musical directions.

11. The Beatles – With The Beatles (1963)

Lemmy faced a tough choice between “With The Beatles” and “Revolver” but ultimately decided on the former. He pays homage to The Beatles for their groundbreaking contributions to music, acknowledging their profound influence on the rock landscape.

12. The Rolling Stones – The Rolling Stones (1964)

In a spirited defense of The Rolling Stones, Lemmy asserts that choosing between The Stones and The Beatles is unnecessary. He views the 1964 debut album by The Rolling Stones as equally groundbreaking and essential to the evolution of rock music.

13. The Who – Who’s Next (1971)

Lemmy contends that The Who reached their peak with “Who’s Next.” He invites listeners to appreciate the sheer brilliance of the album, recognizing the band’s remarkable achievements in their prime.

14. King Crimson – In The Court Of The Crimson King (1969)

Lemmy commends King Crimson for their musical cleverness and their ability to captivate listeners without delving into excessive musical complexity. “In The Court Of The Crimson King” stands out as a mesmerizing musical journey.

15. Deep Purple – In Rock (1970)

Lemmy insists on including “In Rock” by Deep Purple on his list, asserting that it marked the genesis of heavy rock as a genre. This album laid the foundation for the thunderous sound that would define a generation of rock.

16. AC/DC – Highway To Hell (1979)

Lemmy’s admiration for AC/DC shines through as he highlights the album “Highway To Hell.” He praises the band during their Bon Scott era, describing them as “an incredible band” with a collection of stunning songs.

17. The Yardbirds – Roger The Engineer (1966)

“The Yardbirds may be overlooked,” Lemmy admits, “but they were doing some very innovative things.” He urges listeners to explore “Roger The Engineer,” an album from the twilight of the band’s career.

18. Thin Lizzy – Bad Reputation (1977)

While Lemmy expresses a preference for live albums, he acknowledges the excitement and energy that Thin Lizzy brought to the stage. “Bad Reputation” represents the essence of a band that consistently delivered thrilling performances.

19. Gary Moore – Still Got The Blues (1990)

Lemmy commends Gary Moore for being an exception among white blues musicians, noting that Moore’s blues sound remains authentic and powerful. “Still Got The Blues” stands as a testament to Moore’s genuine connection to the genre.

20. Humble Pie – As Safe As Yesterday Is (1969)

Lemmy concludes his list with an ode to Steve Marriott and the first Humble Pie album, “As Safe As Yesterday Is.” He fondly remembers Marriott’s brilliance and expresses a heartfelt sentiment that echoes the sentiments of many fans – “He was brilliant – and is much missed.”

In essence, Lemmy’s selection of the 20 Best British Albums Ever encapsulates the richness and diversity of British rock music. From the pioneering days of Pink Floyd and The Beatles to the rebellious spirit of The Sex Pistols and The Damned, Lemmy’s list is a treasure trove of musical excellence. These albums, carefully chosen by one of rock’s most iconic figures, continue to resonate with music lovers, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of British rock.

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