There is a reason why they call it classic rock. It is the music that defines what rock and roll is all about. From charismatic lead singers to intricate guitar riffs to very public personal lives and larger-than-life stage performances, the "classic rock" genre is one of the most diverse, but most critically and commercially acclaimed genres in music.

With a musical era lasting two decades, it can often be difficult to get your feet wet in the genre. If you are looking to explore the classic rock genre, try these five starter albums on for size. This list by no means covers all grounds of classic rock, but it will at least get you familiar with some of the big hits that the genre is famous for.

Rolling Stones: Flowers- Featuring tracks like "Mother's Little Helper," "Let's Spend the Night Together," and "Ruby Tuesday," Flowers is a great place to start. The album was first released in 1967.

The Beatles: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band- While it is their eighth album, it was a breakthrough for their career. Its cover gives a taste of the psychedelic that the band is famous for. First released in 1967, the album was ranked the greatest album of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.

Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin- Released in 1969, the band delivers their signature heavy yet melodic sound. With the distinctive vocal stylings of Robert Plant and the riffs of lead guitarist Jimmy Page, this album is perfect for diving into the world of classic rock.

The Who: Who's Next- Famous for hits like "Baba O' Riley," "Won't Get Fooled Again," and "Behind Blue Eyes," the album is layered with some of the biggest hits of the classic rock genre. The album proves The Who are not only useful for the opening credits of episodes of CSI.

The Doors: The Doors- The album features some of the band's biggest hits like "Light My Fire," "The End" and "Alabama Song." Best known for the strange and mysterious Jim Morrison, The Doors have left a soft spot in the hearts of more classic rock fans.