Top 100 Greatest Music Albums by Greendonut227 
The biggest problem with this chart is that I want to fit more than 100 albums in here. After intense chopping of some albums I really liked, this came out.
I am the worst articulator in the world. Bear with me.
Two albums per artist
- Chart updated: 06/13/2018 12:45
- (Created: 12/27/2016 12:06).
- Chart size: 100 albums.
There are 9 comments for this chart from BestEverAlbums.com members and Top 100 Greatest Music Albums has an average rating of 88 out of 100 (from 22 votes). Please log in or register to leave a comment or assign a rating.
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Kate Bush might be the best artist ever. She's very creative and unique while still being a great pop artist. Hounds of Love is almost two different albums: The first half is a very strong pop album, and the second half is incredible in a different way, once you get used to it. Kate Bush can be a little hard to get at first, but once you do you really how originally good she is, and how there's nobody else like her (except all her "knockoffs" hahaha).
After listening to a lot of albums, I discovered (somewhat surprisingly) that my favorite music is not rock but really well written pop songs. Kate Bush is very good and writing great pop songs that are both fun and very well written. The first half might be the best five song run out there, and the second half only continues to get better the more I listen to it. It's really a shame she isn't like the most famous artist ever, but oh well, the world isn't fair right?
This and Pet Sounds are currently tied for #1. Today I will give Kate Bush the benefit of the doubt.
Best Tracks: Hounds of Love, Cloudbursting, Running Up That Hill [First added to this chart: 05/09/2017]
After listening to a lot of albums, I discovered (somewhat surprisingly) that my favorite music is not rock but really well written pop songs. Kate Bush is very good and writing great pop songs that are both fun and very well written. The first half might be the best five song run out there, and the second half only continues to get better the more I listen to it. It's really a shame she isn't like the most famous artist ever, but oh well, the world isn't fair right?
This and Pet Sounds are currently tied for #1. Today I will give Kate Bush the benefit of the doubt.
Best Tracks: Hounds of Love, Cloudbursting, Running Up That Hill [First added to this chart: 05/09/2017]
Year of Release:
1985
Appears in:
Rank Score:
19,195
Rank in 1985:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
98
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Brian Wilson is a musical genius. This is just perfection. I can't even explain! Usually, I can play most songs by ear because I can discern the chord progression and then find the melody. On this album, musically it is waaaay beyond "play by ear" (besides Sloop John B). He is just such a great songwriter! On the first couple of listens, basically only three tracks really stand out (Wouldn't, God Only Knows, and Sloop), and the other tracks all feel forgettable and just blend together. However, after many listens I learned that every, and I mean EVERY song on here Brian wrote is mindblowingly exceptional. The Wall of Sound production takes a little while to get used to, but when you do you wish everything sounded like that. The instrumentation, the theory, the melodies, it is all outstanding, and songs like That's Not Me, I Know There's an Answer, Let's Go Away for a While, Here Today, etc, they have all grown on me so much, I just couldn't not have Pet Sounds at #1! This is the only album I know where every song is beyond killer. It just gets better and better and better! There's just so much little goodies everywhere: polytonal baselines, backing vocal in Spanish, theremin solos, the clever way the drums are used as an instrument, playing pianos from the inside, immaculate harmonies, the accordion on Wouldn't it be Nice, the wall of sound, the melodies, the very unsusual chord progressions, the unbelievably natural-sounding key changes, the lack of cheese found on their other albums, I even love that specific shad of green on the cover. And God Only Knows is just the greatest song ever. I just really love this album. Plus Brian Wilson seems like such a child-like (not childish), innocent, lovely guy. The only things that are not perfect about this album are the cover, which is a little lame, and the lyrics, which I can't say are 100/100 by themselves, though they are still very good. If I could give this a 6 out of five I would!
Favorite Tracks: God Only Knows, Wouldn't It Be Nice, Here Today! [First added to this chart: 12/27/2016]
Favorite Tracks: God Only Knows, Wouldn't It Be Nice, Here Today! [First added to this chart: 12/27/2016]
Year of Release:
1966
Appears in:
Rank Score:
45,028
Rank in 1966:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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Right now Since I Left You is one of my favorite albums of all time. I love how happy, unique, and creative it is. Like me, it has a very short attention span, and is constantly changing directions. I really like sampling, and I find it to be an amazing form of art. It cheers me up, I enjoy all the layers, and at the end of the day I enjoy listening to this album a lot!
Favorite Tracks: Frontier Psychiatrist, Since I Left You, actually, basically the whole front to back. [First added to this chart: 06/15/2017]
Favorite Tracks: Frontier Psychiatrist, Since I Left You, actually, basically the whole front to back. [First added to this chart: 06/15/2017]
Year of Release:
2000
Appears in:
Rank Score:
8,819
Rank in 2000:
Rank in 2000s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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A quiet album. Beautiful too. I love the story of Talk Talk, of how they went from some synth pop band that then abandoned their popularity and risked their label by trying to make some good, groundbreaking music. In doing so they lost their popularity, and for sure didn't make as much money, but in the end they invented a completely genre (Post-Rock), and are slowly becoming recognized as being on of the great bands ever.
The only reason why Spirt of Eden isn't on this chart is becuase it is quite similar to LS and I wanted to add room for other different albums instead. [First added to this chart: 06/15/2017]
The only reason why Spirt of Eden isn't on this chart is becuase it is quite similar to LS and I wanted to add room for other different albums instead. [First added to this chart: 06/15/2017]
Year of Release:
1991
Appears in:
Rank Score:
9,321
Rank in 1991:
Rank in 1990s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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This is maybe the most consistent album I know. And this is a TRIPLE album. That shouldn't even be possible! Joanna Newsom is on a whole different level than anyone else around today, I'd say. I mean, how do you make a TRIPLE album with NO FILLER??????? HOW??????? Most people can't even make a single album without filler!
[First added to this chart: 07/29/2017]
Year of Release:
2010
Appears in:
Rank Score:
4,967
Rank in 2010:
Rank in 2010s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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This is slowly becoming popular online, and that is good because this absolutely deserves all the attention it can get. This is the last live performance by Japanese band Fishmans (though I don't think they knew it). While the first disc has some really good songs, it's the 40 minute version of Long Season on the second disc that really stands out. And by really stands out, I mean, Long Season might just be the greatest music thing ever (along with Pet Sounds). I highly recommend you listen to this album, or at least listen to Long Season (live or studio - both great!)
Favorite Tracks: In The Flight, Smilin' Days Summer Holiday, and of course Long Season [First added to this chart: 08/31/2017]
Favorite Tracks: In The Flight, Smilin' Days Summer Holiday, and of course Long Season [First added to this chart: 08/31/2017]
Year of Release:
1999
Appears in:
Rank Score:
5,663
Rank in 1999:
Rank in 1990s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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On the Talking Heads' fourth album, they reached their great great potential. From being BORN under punches to growing up, experiencing the lusts of life, reaching a mid-life crisis, and slowly going downhill until collapsing in the end from OVERLOAD, this album is one of the most cohesive albums I've heard. It's fun, it's unique, it's quirky, and it's incredibly produced thanks to Brian Eno. People like to say this is front-loaded, but I think ever single note and word on this album is completely intentional, including the "decline" in the second half.
Favorite Tracks: Once In A Lifetime, The Great Curve, Houses In Motion [First added to this chart: 02/25/2017]
Favorite Tracks: Once In A Lifetime, The Great Curve, Houses In Motion [First added to this chart: 02/25/2017]
Year of Release:
1980
Appears in:
Rank Score:
30,712
Rank in 1980:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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First Listen: wow this is giving me a bad headache~!
Fifth Listen: This is really beautiful!
After (kinda) forcing myself to listen to this album a couple of times, I started to fall in love with this. It has such beautiful guitars! I love the guitar tones! I love the wall of sound! It's so good! I sound so cheesy. This albums is what I would imagine it would be like if I were swallowed up by a cotton candy machine. Pink sugar swirlin around your like it was heaven or something. I would have never guessed I would fall in love with the idea of being swallowed up by a cotton candy machine.
Favorite Tracks: Sometimes, To Here Knows When, I Only Said [First added to this chart: 02/21/2017]
Fifth Listen: This is really beautiful!
After (kinda) forcing myself to listen to this album a couple of times, I started to fall in love with this. It has such beautiful guitars! I love the guitar tones! I love the wall of sound! It's so good! I sound so cheesy. This albums is what I would imagine it would be like if I were swallowed up by a cotton candy machine. Pink sugar swirlin around your like it was heaven or something. I would have never guessed I would fall in love with the idea of being swallowed up by a cotton candy machine.
Favorite Tracks: Sometimes, To Here Knows When, I Only Said [First added to this chart: 02/21/2017]
Year of Release:
1991
Appears in:
Rank Score:
33,702
Rank in 1991:
Rank in 1990s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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Carrie & Lowell is currently number 9 on my chart, but on some days it is number 1. If you've listened to these albums you will know that Since I Left You and Carrie & Lowell are very different from each other! While Since I Left You is upbeat, joyful, and sometimes even chaotic, this is very quiet and plain. And sometimes that's exactly what I want to listen to.
This is album is very sad, and Sufjan is able to put to words feelings I can't explain. Unlike his other albums, this doesn't have weird time signatures or crazy song titles or him playing 10000 instruments. It is very simple, but in its simplicity lies amazing beauty and sorrow.
BTW, Carrie & Lowell Live is Amazing. He adds life and hope to these songs, and it is incredible. I would've included it if it wasn't for my two album rule.
Favorites Tracks: Fourth of July, Death With Dignity, The Only Thing, Eugene. [First added to this chart: 01/21/2017]
This is album is very sad, and Sufjan is able to put to words feelings I can't explain. Unlike his other albums, this doesn't have weird time signatures or crazy song titles or him playing 10000 instruments. It is very simple, but in its simplicity lies amazing beauty and sorrow.
BTW, Carrie & Lowell Live is Amazing. He adds life and hope to these songs, and it is incredible. I would've included it if it wasn't for my two album rule.
Favorites Tracks: Fourth of July, Death With Dignity, The Only Thing, Eugene. [First added to this chart: 01/21/2017]
Year of Release:
2015
Appears in:
Rank Score:
18,340
Rank in 2015:
Rank in 2010s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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Bach is my favorite classical composer and The Goldberg Variations are my favorite classical composition. Glen Gould is an excellent pianist.
Note that I chose the 1955 recordings over the 1981 recording. They are both essential 10/10 recordings. The '55 sounds young and live. The '81 recording is slower; he plays as a pianist reflecting on his life. They compliment each other very well. [First added to this chart: 12/27/2016]
Note that I chose the 1955 recordings over the 1981 recording. They are both essential 10/10 recordings. The '55 sounds young and live. The '81 recording is slower; he plays as a pianist reflecting on his life. They compliment each other very well. [First added to this chart: 12/27/2016]
Total albums: 100. Page 1 of 10
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums composition
| Decade | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
|
|
| 1930s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1940s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1950s | 3 | 3% | |
| 1960s | 11 | 11% | |
| 1970s | 20 | 20% | |
| 1980s | 8 | 8% | |
| 1990s | 25 | 25% | |
| 2000s | 15 | 15% | |
| 2010s | 18 | 18% | |
| 2020s | 0 | 0% |
| Artist | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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|
|
| Joanna Newsom | 3 | 3% | |
| Car Seat Headrest | 2 | 2% | |
| Sufjan Stevens | 2 | 2% | |
| Neil Young | 2 | 2% | |
| Nick Drake | 2 | 2% | |
| Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | 2 | 2% | |
| Kate Bush | 2 | 2% | |
| Show all | |||
| Country | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
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|
|
|
|
| |
45 | 45% | |
 |
20 | 20% | |
 |
8 | 8% | |
 |
6 | 6% | |
| |
6 | 6% | |
 |
4 | 4% | |
 |
2 | 2% | |
| Show all | |||
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums chart changes
| Biggest climbers |
|---|
| Up 69 from 84th to 15th Twin Fantasy (Mirror To Mirror) by Car Seat Headrest |
| Up 42 from 98th to 56th Antisocialites by Alvvays |
| Up 39 from 72nd to 33rd Revolutionary Pekinese Opera, Version 1.28 by Ground Zero |
| Biggest fallers |
|---|
| Down 35 from 30th to 65th Arvo Pärt: Tabula Rasa by Keith Jarrett / Gidon Kremer; Dennis Russell Davies / Staatsorchester Stuttgart; The 12 Cellists Of The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra; Saulius Sondeckis / Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra / Alfred Schnittke |
| Down 27 from 59th to 86th Another Green World by Brian Eno |
| Down 26 from 53rd to 79th 新しい日の誕生 [Birth Of A New Day] by 2814 |
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums ratings
88/100 (from 22 votes)
where:
av = trimmed mean average rating an item has currently received.
n = number of ratings an item has currently received.
m = minimum number of ratings required for an item to appear in a 'top-rated' chart (currently 10).
AV = the site mean average rating.
Showing latest 5 ratings for this chart. | Show all 22 ratings for this chart.
| Rating | Date updated | Member | Chart ratings | Avg. chart rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
100/100  | 11/25/2018 12:43 | carpents | | 93/100 |
 95/100 | 05/13/2018 13:58 |  AvalancheGrips | | 89/100 |
| 90/100 | 05/08/2018 19:17 | Giant2015 | | 91/100 |
| 80/100 | 04/15/2018 05:51 |  ddeeddles64 | | 90/100 |
| 80/100 | 01/13/2018 10:01 |  LedZep | | 84/100 |
Rating metrics:
Outliers can be removed when calculating a mean average to dampen the effects of ratings outside the normal distribution. This figure is provided as the trimmed mean. A high standard deviation can be legitimate, but can sometimes indicate 'gaming' is occurring. Consider a simplified example* of an item receiving ratings of 100, 50, & 0. The mean average rating would be 50. However, ratings of 55, 50 & 45 could also result in the same average. The second average might be more trusted because there is more consensus around a particular rating (a lower deviation).
(*In practice, some charts can have several thousand ratings)
This chart is rated in the top 6% of all charts on BestEverAlbums.com. This chart has a Bayesian average rating of 88.4/100, a mean average of 89.5/100, and a trimmed mean (excluding outliers) of 89.5/100. The standard deviation for this chart is 6.4.
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums comments
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From 
JulianR 06/14/2018 14:00
JulianR 06/14/2018 14:00
One of the better charts on this site I’ve seen, all because of the amazing and eclectic albums you have included. Every album here I either love or respect a lot as something I am yet to fully appreciate. Mr Bungle’d California is a prime example - an album that I am still working towards enjoying, but I can still tell that it is worthy of the capital-G “Great” designation. Awesome stuff!
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
95/100
From Lgk21 09/30/2017 11:47
Great chart, I actualy really enjoyed your comments,.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
90/100
From 
CharlieBarley 09/30/2017 10:32
CharlieBarley 09/30/2017 10:32
Great chart dude. And thanks for the rating on mine. Love the notes ur obviously enthusiastic about music. Must check out Fishmans, they sound intriguing.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
100/100
From 
DommeDamian 08/28/2017 16:05
DommeDamian 08/28/2017 16:05
Brilliant chart, homeboy. Got freaking 8 albums and 10 artists in common. Plus your opinion reminds a bit of mine. Keep up the work, bro!
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
90/100
From 
greatson 07/21/2017 15:21
greatson 07/21/2017 15:21
Great chart!
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | -1 votes (0 helpful | 1 unhelpful)
85/100
From tim0505 07/15/2017 08:05
Great start..look forward to further comments
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +2 votes (2 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
85/100
From 
sssvnnn 05/05/2017 01:19
sssvnnn 05/05/2017 01:19
like it.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | -1 votes (0 helpful | 1 unhelpful)
80/100
From LedZep 04/17/2017 12:29
LedZep 04/17/2017 12:29
Wow more Radiohead. Just kidding, they're good and the chart's diverse and interesting. Black Saint's my favourite jazz albums too, and there's a bit of everything here, from prog to grunge and of course, a lot of indie
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +2 votes (2 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
100/100
From 
RoundTheBend 04/08/2017 03:23
RoundTheBend 04/08/2017 03:23
Wow - great start. I'd only take out like 3, and that's saying something. Really like your search for what is best.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
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| Best Ever Artists | |
|---|---|
| 1. The Beatles | |
| 2. Radiohead | |
| 3. Pink Floyd | |
| 4. David Bowie | |
| 5. Bob Dylan | |
| 6. Led Zeppelin | |
| 7. The Rolling Stones | |
| 8. Arcade Fire | |
| 9. The Velvet Underground | |
| 10. Kendrick Lamar | |
| 11. Nirvana | |
| 12. Neil Young | |
| 13. The Smiths | |
| 14. Miles Davis | |
| 15. The Beach Boys | |
| 16. Kanye West | |
| 17. Pixies | |
| 18. R.E.M. | |
| 19. Jimi Hendrix | |
| 20. Bruce Springsteen |