Berlin

Critics initially recoiled at the sheer bleakness of this rock opera, which chronicles the tragic, drug-fueled disintegration of a couple living in Germany. It remains a harrowing, cinematic descent into domestic abuse and despair that feels more like a play than a standard collection of songs.

Bob Ezrin’s lush, orchestral production provides a jarring contrast to the grim subject matter, creating a theatrical atmosphere that elevates the storytelling. Released in 1973, the record stands as a bold departure from the glam rock sound that defined the era, cementing its place as a challenging masterpiece of the art rock genre.