Mother of Invention Albums Ranked

The Mothers of Invention were an American rock band from California. Formed in 1964, their work is marked by the use of sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Originally an R&B band called the Soul Giants, the band’s first lineup included Ray Collins, David Coronado, Ray Hunt, Roy Estrada, and Jimmy Carl Black. Frank Zappa was asked to take over as the guitarist following a fight between Collins and Coronado, the band’s original saxophonist/leader. Zappa insisted that they perform his original material, and on Mother’s Day in 1965, changed their name to the Mothers. Record executives demanded that the name be changed, and so “out of necessity,” Zappa later said, “we became the Mothers of Invention.” Here are all of Mother of Invention albums ranked.

Don’t miss out on the TIMELESS Mother of Invention music below! Click to experience one the greatest guitarists of ALL TIME!

7. Cruising With Ruben And The Jets (1968)

“Zappa at his playful best. The songs are love songs, but in a twisted, ‘you’re an idiot for falling in love and being heartbroken’ kind of way. No, that’s EXACTLY the spirit these tunes are done it. You got a friend moping around cause his good girl done gone? Play this for him, you’ll have him laughing at himself in no time. Try it, you’ll like it.”

6. Burnt Weeny Sandwich (1970)

“”Burnt Weeny Sandwich” is the best album Frank Zappa ever recorded. Yes, that is simply this avid fan’s strong opinion, but it is an opinion that the music will gladly support. The album starts with a cover of the Four Deuces doo-wop classic “WPLJ”, with some greasy ranting thrown in for good measure. Frank then abandons the vocals for the next 35 minutes as he and the band take us on a musical tour of the twisted world of the Mothers. “Igor’s Boogie” (both phases) are short bursts of twisted symphony music that sound like nothing else in rock.”

See more: Stevie Ray Vaughan Albums Ranked

5. Weasels Ripped My Flesh (1970)

“One of the best Mothers of Invention albums. The group’s chemistry is tight and vital. It’s got its bizarre moments (as does every Zappa release), but these moments do not take away from or outweigh the more musically sound points.“

4. Absolutely Free (1967)

“Interesting and captivating album. Great sounding and fantastic guitar work from Zappa. An improvement in their sound in comparison to their debut, in my opinion. A little silly in the middle but consistently high-quality stuff otherwise.“

3. Uncle Meat (1969)

“”Uncle Meat” marks an important part in Zappa’s history as it is the last record to feature the original Mothers in full swing (“Weasels Ripped My Flesh” and “Burnt Weeny Sandwich” were considered posthumous releases, as they were mostly comprised of outtakes, not new material). Also, it is the debut of Ruth Underwood on vibes (then Ruth Komanoff), who later became a featured member of Frank’s ensembles into the mid-70’s.”

See more: Queen Albums Ranked

2. We’re Only In It For The Money (1968)

“We’re Only In It For The Money isn’t an album with traditional music and song structures per se rather its a concept art piece that satirizes the hippy subculture, politics, and Sgt.Peppers Album. Its sum is greater than its parts & you either love it or hate it, there’s no middle ground he

1. Freak Out! (1966)

“Considering that this was recorded in 66, it is quite a groundbreaking album encompassing many musical styles which would crop up over and over again on future output. The opening track with its very psychedelic guitar is a personal favorite, as is ‘How Could I Be Such a Fool’ with its ‘normal’ song structure. The doo-wop style of music appealed to Zappa and it crops up here on a couple of tracks and kinda works. For the best progressive track, I would have to pitch for ‘You Didn’t Try To Call Me’. Most radio-friendly ‘Any Way The Wind Blows’. Most psychedelic ‘Trouble Every Day’. Weirdest track ‘Son of Monster Magnet’ which in parts is utterly bonkers but saved by some great free form jazz noodling!“