The first rock opera can be considered the Moody Blues’ Days of Future Passed. It tells the story of one day from morning to night. (It happens to also be an excellent album in its own right). Most people know this as where Nights in White Satin came from, but every track is great. My favorite is “Evening”, both “Tuesday Afternoon” and “Evening Time To Get Away”.

No track is wasted on pointless “story”, which is something that afflicts the otherwise excellent Tommy and The Wall. My favorite story concept album at any rate.