Several outlets have published lists ranking the greatest album openers in music history, with some focusing specifically on metal and others covering a broader range of genres. The lists vary in length, with some featuring 15, 20, 25, or 33 tracks, and some outlets also publishing lists of greatest debut albums, closing tracks, or most pivotal years in rock. The rankings and focus of the lists differ across outlets, with some emphasizing metal and others covering classic rock or music more generally.