They’re not just bands, they’re “brands.” Classic rock bands whose logos are nearly as famous as the music and the musicians who made it. But there are also many worthy classic rockers far less ubiquitous and today often obscure. Below, in my opinion, are classic rock’s 10 most underrated bands.

Parameters for this list: Bands not solo acts; debut album released before 1980 (about when the classic rock radio format began); three or more studio albums; songs not on high rotation at classic rock radio (eliminates bands like Boston and Styx); and no Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame nominations/inductees (eliminates the likes of Thin Lizzy, New York Dolls and the Faces).

Being underrated is often overrated. So let’s give these 10 bands their props.

10. Rainbow

Prismatic paring of ex-Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and future Black Sabbath singer Ronnie James Dio. Rainbow songs like “Stargazer” and “Man On The Silver Mountain” shimmer with Dio’s swords-and-sorcery vocals and Blackmore’s flash licks. After Dio split and joined Sabbath, Rainbow added singer Graham Bonnet and a more streamlined sound, as heard on 1979 single “Since You Been Gone.” Later, Joe Lynn Turner was on the mic for ‘80s hits like “Stone Cold.”

9. Fanny

Before The Go-Go’s, before The Bangles, before The Runaways, there was Fanny. Anchored by sisters Jean and June Millington on bass and lead guitar, California-founded Fanny was the first all-female rock band to record a major-label album. Their shag-carpet covers of Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t That Peculiar” and The Beatles’ “Hey Bulldog” won them fans like David Bowie. The title track to 1971 album “Charity Ball” is a glam-pop gem. Fanny got the documentary treatment in 2021, giving the band an overdue victory lap.

8. Trapeze

Singer/bassist Glenn Hughes, guitarist Mel Galley and drummer Dave Holland were destined for bigger things: Hughes with Deep Purple, Galley with Whitesnake and Holland with Judas Priest. But they made some hot music together early on with Trapeze. In particular, the English band’s 1970 sophomore album “Medusa” and ‘72’s “You Are the Music… We’re Just the Band.”

7. Budgie

If you don’t know Welsh power-trio Budgie’s name you may know their songs. In the late ‘80s, Metallica prominently covered two Budgie standouts: “Crash Course In Brain Surgery” and “Breadfan.” Soundgarden got in on the action with a 1992 version of “Homicidal Suicidal.” Budgie’s classic sound evokes a hybrid of Black Sabbath and Rush. Budgie’s first three albums were produced by Rodger Bain, who also produced Sabbath’s first three.

6. Mountain

Fans of New York band Mountain have included Eddie Van Halen and Ozzy Osbourne. Known for 1970 banger “Mississippi Queen,” Mountain were Woodstock-era phenoms. Fronted by powerhouse singer/guitarist Leslie West and featuring drummer Corky Laing, bassist (and Cream’s producer) Felix Pappalardi and keyboardist Steven Knight. The Mountain track “Long Red” has been sampled on tons of rap tracks, including Jay-Z’s “99 Problems.” The band’s other crucial cuts include “Never In My Life,” “The Great Train Robbery” and “Flowers of Evil.”

5. Nazareth

Way more than talk-box boogie “Hair of the Dog” and that “Love Hurts” cover. Fronted by razor-voiced singer Dan McCafferty, one of Axl Rose’s biggest influences, Scottish rockers Nazareth made a slew of strong ‘70s albums. “Razamanaz,” “Loud ‘n’ Proud,” “Hair of the Dog,” “Expect No Mercy,” “Close Enough for Rock ‘n’ Roll,” etc. Nazareth’s Joni Mitchell cover “This Flight Tonight” is a stunner. As is the band’s soulful ballad “Shot Me Down.”

4. UFO

Relentless hard-rock has rarely been melodic as English band UFO. Their 1979 live album “Strangers In The Night,” boasting blazing lead guitar from Michael Schenker, is a fave among in-the-know fans. Studio tracks like “Rock Bottom” and “Lights Out” are vital. UFO’s song “Doctor Doctor” is badass enough it’s been Iron Maiden’s intro music for eons.

3. Little Feat

Southern rock, but from Southern California instead of sub-Mason-Dixon. Little Feat, led by singer, songwriter, guitarist Lowell George, formerly of Frank Zappa’s band, gave us swampy sultry classics like “Dixie Chicken,” “Fat Man in the Bathtub,” and “Willin’.” During the band’s prime, they were Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page’s favorite American band.

2. Free

Thanks to electrifying 1970 single “All Right Now,” Free’s music will always be around, whether it’s the song itself or the countless placements in movies, TV shows and commercials. This bluesy English band formed in ‘68. All four members of Free – singer Paul Rodgers, drummer Simon Kirke, guitarist Paul Kossoff and bassist Andy Fraser — were still teenagers. Free’s third album, “Fire and Water” is their masterwork. But the self-titled sophomore LP is up there too. And don’t sleep on “Free at Last” and “Heartbreaker.” Rodgers and Kirke found much bigger success with their next band, Bad Company. But they never made music better than they did with Free.

1. Humble Pie

He only stood about 5-foot-4. But Steve Marriott was one of the best and most soulful rock singers to ever live. He first tasted fame fronting ‘60s stars Small Faces. After they parted ways, the band brought in some guys named Rod Stewart and Ron Wood, shortened their name to Faces and became pub-rock princes. Marriott formed Humble Pie, which featured another talented young singer/guitarist, Peter Frampton. With a greasy infectious sound, Humble Pie really started to click on fourth studio album “Rock On.” That same year, 1971, the band finally made it big, with concert double-LP “Performance: Rockin’ the Fillmore.” Frampton went on to solo superstardom. Surprisingly, Humble Pie got even better after he left. Their next album, “Smokin’,” is fittingly titled. It features seedy throw-down “30 Days in the Hole” and sanctified Ike and Tina Turner cover “Black Coffee.” Marriott’s vocals are spellbinding throughout. No one sings like that anymore.