Many music artists tend to remain anchored within their established sound and genre, gradually expanding their fanbase while occasionally experimenting along the edges. Yet, some artists take the plunge into entirely new genres, presenting a significant artistic shift that surprises both them and their audiences. The distinction between an experimental album—often a one-off venture—and a transitional album, where an artist fully commits to a new style, is crucial to understanding their musical journey.
While numerous artists have released experimental albums throughout their careers, only a select few have created works that signify a genuine exploration of a different genre without subsequent follow-ups. Success with such projects can be fleeting; many artists return to their familiar sound after a single departure, regardless of accolades, including Grammy wins. Below, we explore nine standout albums where artists successfully ventured into completely different musical landscapes.
9 Dolly Parton
Rockstar (2023)
Dolly Parton initially declined her nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, citing her commitment to country music. However, when her induction remained, she took it upon herself to create a rock album that would justify the honor. Hence, Rockstar was born, featuring 30 tracks, 28 of which include collaborations with other artists. Notable covers include classics like “Magic Man”with Ann Wilson, “Every Step You Take”featuring Sting, and “Heartbreaker”with Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo.
8 Beyoncé
COWBOY CARTER (2024)
Beyoncé has primarily thrived in the realms of R&B and pop, earning her status as the most awarded female artist in history. However, her unexpected journey into country music with COWBOY CARTER earned her a Grammy for Best Country Album in 2024. The album features 27 tracks, including a heartfelt cover of the Beatles’ “Blackbird”alongside Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”It also showcases original hits like “Texas Hold ‘Em,”which topped charts across multiple countries.
7 Childish Gambino
“Awaken, My Love!”(2016)
Donald Glover, known as Childish Gambino, has solidified his place as a prominent rapper with works like Camp and Because the Internet. However, his 2016 release, “Awaken, My Love!”, marked a departure into R&B and funk. Featuring singles like “Me and Your Mama”and “Redbone,”the album surprised fans with its different musical direction, ultimately achieving platinum status, highlighting Gambino’s artistic versatility.
6 King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
The Silver Cord (2023)
Renowned for their diverse catalog, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard have explored genres from psychedelic rock to heavy metal. Their 25th album, The Silver Cord, released in 2023, represents a unique electronic and synth-driven direction. Produced after a spur-of-the-moment purchase of vintage electronic drums, the album is a captivating seven-track experience, completely foregoing traditional instrumentation.
5 Bring Me the Horizon
AMO (2019)
Known for their intense metal sound, Bring Me the Horizon made a significant shift with their 2019 release, AMO, moving away from their signature emo metal style. This album incorporates elements of pop rock, showcasing a bold new aesthetic that resulted in the band’s first number one album on the UK Official Albums Chart. Lead vocalist Oli Sykes noted that they aimed for a more experimental and varied sound throughout the project.
4 Beck
Sea Change (2002)
Beck is well-known for his boundary-crossing musical style, integrating alternative rock, folk, and hip-hop. His eighth studio album, Sea Change, marked a significant tonal shift, focusing on acoustic sounds following a personal breakup. The album received accolades for its emotional depth and lyrical sincerity, eventually becoming his highest-charting album on the Billboard 200 at the time.
3 The Smashing Pumpkins
Adore (1998)
The Smashing Pumpkins, often difficult to categorize, took a dramatic turn with their fourth album, Adore. This gothic rock project emerged amidst personal turmoil for frontman Billy Corgan, straying from their usual guitar-driven sound. However, Adore resonated with audiences, achieving great commercial success and peaking at number two on the Billboard 200.
2 The Rolling Stones
Their Satanic Majesties Request (1967)
As icons of classic rock, The Rolling Stones made a notable departure into psychedelic sounds with Their Satanic Majesties Request, released shortly after The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s. Despite receiving mixed reviews due to its release proximity, the album remains a testament to the band’s versatility. It features some of their now-classic hits while marking their only album with a simultaneous release in both the US and UK.
1 Radiohead
Kid A (2000)
Radiohead has consistently challenged the norms in music, and their fourth album, Kid A, represents a monumental shift into experimental, electronic sounds. Released at the dawn of the new millennium, the album’s avant-garde approach left fans astounded. Lead vocalist Thom Yorke proclaimed rock music might have ‘run its course,’ and Kid A certainly encapsulated that evolution through its innovative soundscapes and groundbreaking production techniques.