This American Songwriter feature highlights three rock albums from the 1960s that, despite modest commercial performance at the time of release, went on to exert an outsized influence on generations of musicians. The piece argues that cult appeal and creative reach can matter more than chart placings, framing each record as a foundational work that shaped the direction of rock music.

The three albums are The Velvet Underground's self-titled debut with Nico, described as among the most influential rock records ever, featuring tracks such as "Venus In Furs", "Sunday Morning" and "All Tomorrow's Parties"; Nick Drake's Five Leaves Left, a cult 1960s folk-rock album with songs including "River Man" and "Way To Blue" that paved a softer path for the genre; and The Stooges' self-titled record, a raw, gritty release now regarded as a foundational proto-punk album that later inspired grunge musicians, including Kurt Cobain.