181) The Rolling Stones, Now!

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As the stones were taking London by storm with their insouciant refraction of R&B, the Daily Mail noted their "doorstep mouths, pallid cheeks and unkempt hair" -- what would later become the most copied image in rock. A charming exuberance pervades Now!, the Stones' third U.S. release, with its hot-rod takes on Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters, plus -- at the urging of manager-producer Andrew Loog Oldham -- four attempts at re-creating the stateside flava on their own compositions, the best of which, "Heart of Stone," introduces the crucial element of menace into the mix.

Total album sales: 700,000

Peak chart position: 5

Next: Bob Marley and the Wailers

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