How to Make a Great Rock Album

It's easy to make rock music--you play rock guitar and sing. It's not so easy to make good rock music, or to record a great rock album. You need a lot of talent, knowledge of the industry and some amazing songs. How you put it all together into a concise rock and roll package is what determines whether your album is mediocre or phenomenal.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Look at Rolling Stone magazine's list of "500 Greatest Albums of All Time." Listen to the albums of some of the bands, including the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley and Joni Mitchell. Become familiar with the greats if you intend to be one someday.
2. Write great lyrics about life, pain, love and anything else that goes through your mind. Make it personal and make it relatable. Fleetwood Mac, the Doors and the Eagles have albums with incredibly prolific lyrics.
3. Create catchy melodies. You want people to sing along and bob their head or tap their foot to your music. Buddy Holly, Michael Jackson and the Beach Boys all have albums with catchy tunes that people easily remember.
4. Throw your own personality into your music. Don't be afraid to really make it your own and give it your own style. Prince, Elton John and the Clash each have distinct personalities they show through their albums. Be yourself and make the music you love.
5. Include a mix of hard and soft songs in your album lineup. Record a few love songs and throw them in with songs with political lyrics or great guitar riffs. Variety is the key, as long as it all blends together with your distinct sound.
6. Make a clever album cover that shows who you are and what you're about before someone even hears your songs. Nirvana, Bruce Springsteen and Pink Floyd have all made creative and memorable album covers.