Progressive rock bands that have modified their sound to appeal to mainstream radio audiences, alongside those who have remained committed to their expansive and experimental style, continue to hold a special place in the hearts of music collectors. This enduring appeal is evident as fans seek out the most iconic albums from these legendary bands. To uncover the most sought-after releases, we utilized Discogs, a comprehensive music cataloging platform and marketplace, which allowed us to identify the most collected albums from 11 significant prog rock and metal artists.

READ MORE: Discover the Most Collected Albums By 11 Major Prog Rock Bands (On Discogs)

From intricate key changes to breathtaking solos and a plethora of creative experimentation, we present a curated list of the prog albums that are the pride of music aficionados’ collections.

Dream Theater: A Benchmark in Progressive Metal

Among Dream Theater’s extensive catalog, their most commercially successful album remains a perennial favorite among collectors and fans of the genre. This success is mirrored in the popularity of their other albums, which also enjoy a dedicated following.

1. Images and Words (1992), 29,099 copies collected

2. Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory (1999), 22,172 copies

3. Awake (1994), 21,664 copies

4. Octavarium (2005), 15,330 copies

5. Falling Into Infinity (1997), 15,278 copies

Genesis: The Unlikely Success of an Iconic 12th Album

It is quite rare for a band’s twelfth album to emerge as their most acclaimed release. However, Genesis achieved this remarkable feat with Invisible Touch, which was launched over 15 years after their debut, marking a significant expansion of their appeal beyond the prog rock genre.

1. Invisible Touch (1986), 100,942 copies collected

2. Genesis (1983), 96,965 copies

3. Selling England By The Pound (1973), 91,240 copies

4. Abacab (1981), 79,265 copies

5. A Trick of the Tail (1976), 76,077 copies

Emerson, Lake & Palmer: A Keyboard-Driven Sound

The legendary progressive rock supergroup, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, made a bold entrance into the music scene with their self-titled debut album, which showcased an impressive array of keyboard-driven compositions, alongside elements of folk guitar and even references to Greek mythology.

1. Emerson, Lake & Palmer (1970), 64,425 copies collected

2. Brain Salad Surgery (1973), 62,006 copies

3. Trilogy (1972), 55,817 copies

4. Tarkus (1971), 55,593 copies

5. Pictures at an Exhibition (1971), 53,976 copies

Jethro Tull: Epic Rock Adventures

Jethro Tull’s masterpiece, Aqualung, intricately weaves themes of religion and the concept of God into epic rock narratives, accentuated by powerful guitar riffs and complex arrangements that invite listeners on a profound musical journey.

1. Aqualung (1971), 150,442 copies collected

2. Thick as a Brick (1972), 88,504 copies

3. Stand Up (1969), 58,708 copies

4. Benefit (1970), 46,753 copies

5. Songs From The Wood (1977), 45,360 copies

King Crimson: The Iconic Album Cover

Join any dedicated rock vinyl collector Facebook group, and you’ll likely encounter the iconic cover of King Crimson’s 1969 release, In the Court of the Crimson King, featured prominently in discussions. This album is a cherished favorite among collectors of ’60s and ’70s vinyl, often considered a gateway into the world of prog rock for many enthusiasts.

With its unforgettable artwork and groundbreaking sound, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of King Crimson in the annals of music history.

1. In the Court of the Crimson King (1969), 163,841 copies collected

2. Red (1974), 45,476 copies

3. In The Wake of Poseidon (1970), 43,934 copies

4. Larks’ Tongues in Aspic (1973), 42,758 copies

5. Discipline (1981), 36,587 copies

The Mars Volta: A Transformation from Post-Hardcore to Prog

When the post-hardcore band At the Drive-In disbanded in 2001, some fans were surprised to see its former members emerge as influential figures in the realm of modern prog rock with The Mars Volta. However, the seeds of this transformation were already sown in their earlier works.

Listening to early At the Drive-In tracks today reveals the groundwork laid by Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, pointing towards their eventual evolution into the innovative soundscapes of The Mars Volta.

1. De-Loused in the Comatorium (2003), 37,280 copies collected

2. Frances The Mute (2005), 26,372 copies

3. Amputechture (2006), 14,968 copies

4. The Bedlam in Goliath (2008), 13,379 copies

5. Octahedron (2009), 11,669 copies

Pink Floyd: A Legacy of Iconic Albums

The legacy of Pink Floyd is nothing short of extraordinary when examining their most collected titles. Even the fifth album on their list surpasses the top entries of many other bands featured here, showcasing their lasting impact on the music world.

1. Dark Side of the Moon (1973), 691,978 copies collected

2. Wish You Were Here (1975), 418,545 copies

3. The Wall (1979), 407,822 copies

4. Animals (1977), 265,235 copies

5. Meddle (1971), 207,580 copies

Radiohead: Evolution Through Experimentation

The more Radiohead has pushed the boundaries of their sound, the higher the demand for their releases among dedicated music collectors. Surprisingly, their debut album, Pablo Honey, which features their most popular single, does not even rank within the top five most collected albums.

1. OK Computer (1997), 231,535 copies collected

2. In Rainbows (2007), 144,015 copies

3. The Bends (1995), 118,234 copies

4. Kid A (2000), 111,185 copies

5. A Moon Shaped Pool (2016), 78,790 copies

Rush: The Evolution of Radio-Friendly Prog

On the groundbreaking album Moving Pictures, Rush masterfully discovered the formula for crafting a sound that is both radio-friendly and true to the elements that define a great progressive rock band. With hit singles like “Limelight” and “Tom Sawyer,” they showcased that prog rock could indeed be distilled into accessible, bite-sized portions without losing its essence.

1. Moving Pictures (1981), 115,222 copies collected

2. 2112 (1976), 93,642 copies

3. Permanent Waves (1980), 64,801 copies

4. A Farewell to Kings (1977), 62,397 copies

5. Hemispheres (1978), 60,022 copies

Tool: A Modern Progressive Metal Phenomenon

Tool’s album Lateralus achieved remarkable commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies within just the first week of its release. This highly acclaimed band also earned their second of three Best Metal Performance Grammy Awards for the hit single “Schism,” solidifying their status as a powerhouse in the progressive metal genre.

1. Lateralus (2001), 88,395 copies collected

2. Undertow (1993), 67,173 copies

3. Fear Inoculum (2019), 53,434 copies

4. Aenima (1996), 44,937 copies

5. 10,000 Days (2006), 39,854 copies

Yes: A Landmark in Progressive Rock

Yes’s Fragile, the band’s first album featuring the iconic keyboardist Rick Wakeman, is a landmark release that features a blend of collaborative tracks among the members, as well as multiple solo pieces showcasing the unique talents of individual musicians. This groundbreaking album exemplifies the band’s innovative spirit and their impact on the progressive rock genre.

1. Fragile (1971), 112,624 copies collected

2. Close to the Edge (1972), 96,527 copies

3. 90125 (1983), 86,861 copies

4. The Yes Album (1971), 73,707 copies

5. Yessongs (1973), 51,920 copies