Best Ever Albums

Re: Best Year For Music- The Final Round!! RANK THE YEARS

AAL2014 — Thu, 1 Mar 2018 17:45:01 GMT

Author: AAL2014

Posted: 03/01/2018 22:45

Aaaaaannndd that's it.

Ranking is closed. I cannot accept any votes past this time.

Results will be up this weekend.

Re: Best Year For Music- The Final Round!! RANK THE YEARS

broot815 — Thu, 1 Mar 2018 15:00:16 GMT

Author: broot815

Posted: 03/01/2018 20:00

Best to worst

1967
1991
1969
1971
1994
1977
1997

Re: Best Year For Music- The Final Round!! RANK THE YEARS

AAL2014 — Thu, 1 Mar 2018 12:27:31 GMT

Author: AAL2014

Posted: 03/01/2018 17:27

This is it! One final BUMP!

Lists must be in by 5PM EST!

Thanks again guys, this has been phenomenal.

Re: Best Year For Music- The Final Round!! RANK THE YEARS

Space-Dementia — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 23:37:09 GMT

Author: Space-Dementia

Posted: 02/28/2018 04:37

67
69
71
97
94
77
91

Re: Best Year For Music- The Final Round!! RANK THE YEARS

Fischman — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 16:05:56 GMT

Author: Fischman

Posted: 02/27/2018 21:05

AAL2014 wrote:

Hey janetjakcson thanks for the selections. Although 1964 is a great year (Out To Lunch is one of my absolute favorite jazz albums and The Times They Are-A Changing is one of Dylan's most underrated) it isn't an option in this thread so I can't count any points towards it. If you want, resend a list with the years listed in the OP. Thanks again!

Yeah, '64 was awesome, especially on the jazz side.

In addition to the aforementioned Out to Lunch, there's Art Blakey's Free For All, Lee Morgan's Search for the New Land, Grant Green's Matador, Blue Mitchell's The Thing to Do, Kenny Burrell's Soul Call, Herbie Hancock's Empyrian Isles, Wayne Shorter's Speak No Evil, Horace Silver's Song for My Father, Tony Williams' Life Time, and Andrew Hill's Point of Departure. So many classics and game changers from that year.

Re: Best Year For Music- The Final Round!! RANK THE YEARS

AAL2014 — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 02:07:48 GMT

Author: AAL2014

Posted: 02/27/2018 07:07

janetjakcson wrote:

1997, 1971, 1967, 1964

Re: Best Year For Music- The Final Round!! RANK THE YEARS

souplipton — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 00:04:27 GMT

Author: souplipton

Posted: 02/27/2018 05:04

1) 1977
2) 1969
3) 1967
4) 1971
5) 1994
6) 1997
7) 1991

Re: Best Year For Music- The Final Round!! RANK THE YEARS

janetjakcson — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 00:02:12 GMT

Author: janetjakcson

Posted: 02/27/2018 05:02

1997, 1971, 1967, 1964

Re: Best Year For Music- The Final Round!! RANK THE YEARS

Tha1ChiefRocka — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 22:41:02 GMT

Author: Tha1ChiefRocka

Posted: 02/27/2018 03:41

My list hasn't changed, but I'll give a deep album from each year.

1969

It's My Thing by Marva Whitney

An album produced and mostly written by James Brown, and backed by The JB's, but with a fiery female lead vocalist. Funky as usual

1967

Soul Beat by The Gaylads

Fantastic ska music that can make anyone happy.

1971

Demian by Demian

The members of Bubble Puppy under a new moniker deliver what should be considered one of the best guitar-centric albums of the early 70's.

1997

Con Art by Smart Went Crazy

Part of the DC Dischord scene, Smart Went Crazy differentiates themselves from other labelmates with the addition of a cello player, female vocals on some songs, and focus on precision instead of fury.

1994

Virtual State by Richard H. Kirk

The day will come when Richard H. Kirk's solo stuff is as highly regarded as Cabaret Voltaire. I'll make sure of that.

1977

Trip In The Center Head by Space Art

Amazingly cheesy and fun French album full of farty synths, and determination to send the listener to the cosmos.

1991

Gaudi by Robert Rich

Ethno-Ambient master Robert Rich delivers a soothing percussion driven set.

Re: Best Year For Music- The Final Round!! RANK THE YEARS

AAL2014 — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 16:40:44 GMT

Author: AAL2014

Posted: 02/26/2018 21:40

BUMP

As well as a reminder!

You can still submit a list until Thursday March 1st, 5pm EST. Once again, edited lists are welcome until the deadline as well just be sure to clearly mark it as Edited.

Thanks again for all the fun this has been guys! Keep on sharing.

Re: Best Year For Music- The Final Round!! RANK THE YEARS

RoundTheBend — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 14:52:49 GMT

Author: RoundTheBend

Posted: 02/24/2018 19:52

Ok I finally did sum number crunching and came up with this (which I think I agree with). These numbers are mostly based on ratings I gave to albums in 2016 when I re-assessed music from 1950-2016 on this site. Note: My ratings are song for song based on my reaction to them at the time, and then averaged to get an album score. This doesn't factor in everything that happened in music in these respective years as I've yet to dive deep into each year in regards to listening to like 200 albums each year, or what the significant historical, cultural, sound production, etc. events occurred in these years. But here's a pretty good stab:

1) 1969
I picked this year because it has 37 good albums (rating 75 and above) and of those 18 are great albums (85 and above). It also has a supposed single perfect album (I don't really know if such a thing exists, but my song for song ratings say they do). The average score for this year is only 89.1, but considering the great amount of output I listened to from the year (surveying lists on the site, etc. on what peaked my interest to listen to), I put it as my number 1 year for music.

First random thoughts as I review/wrap up the year. I think a musical explosion happened around 1965/66 and this really is the climax of that explosion. It likely best represents the climax of that explosion and therefore is a fitting number 1.

The great albums:
Album Artist Year Year Rank Score
Abbey Road The Beatles 1969 1 100
Led Zeppelin II Led Zeppelin 1969 2 95
Stand! Sly and the Family Stone 1969 3 95
6- And 12-String Guitar Leo Kottke 1969 4 95
Donovan's Greatest Hits Donovan 1969 5 95
Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin 1969 6 90
The Velvet Underground The Velvet Underground 1969 7 90
Santana Santana 1969 8 90
The Allman Brothers Band The Allman Brothers Band 1969 9 90
Let It Bleed The Rolling Stones 1969 10 85
Willy And The Poor Boys Creedence Clearwater Revival 1969 11 85
Five Leaves Left Nick Drake 1969 12 85
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere Neil Young And Crazy Horse 1969 13 85
At San Quentin Johnny Cash 1969 14 85
Green River Creedence Clearwater Revival 1969 15 85
Brave New World Steve Miller Band 1969 16 85
Bayou Country Creedence Clearwater Revival 1969 17 85
First Take Roberta Flack 1969 18 85

2) 1991
This year has 16 Good albums, with 9 of them being great. Average score is 91.8. It also has a perfect album. This year has the second highest average. I'm not using average as my final metric because I lack the breadth of discovery per year. This year is fitting to be 2nd to me because it is often marked as the start of the next musical explosion (imo), even if the 80s laid the foundation for it. This year was in a way was simultaneously a starting of a new era and a climax.

Great Albums from 1991: (yes it is missing what others think are the greatest, but they likely are just good for me)
Album Artist Year Year Rank Score
Achtung Baby U2 1991 1 100
Blood Sugar Sex Magik Red Hot Chili Peppers 1991 3 97.6
Nevermind Nirvana 1991 2 96.9
Out Of Time R.E.M. 1991 5 90
The Globe Big Audio Dynamite II 1991 4 90
Metallica Metallica 1991 6 89.5
Ten Pearl Jam 1991 7 89
Gish The Smashing Pumpkins 1991 8 88.5
Dangerous Michael Jackson 1991 9 85

3) 1967
This year has 14 good albums, with 8 of them being great. Average score of 91.2. It also has a perfect album.
This marks the real take off for that musical explosion post 1965. So many amazing artists doing so many amazing things. For me 1991 is a bit like 1967. It's not the climax (perhaps I should say denouement), but some serious explosions were let off, musically speaking.

The Great Albums of 1967: (song for song, mind you... yes there's some great ones missing)
Album Artist Year Year Rank Score
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band The Beatles 1967 1 100
Magical Mystery Tour The Beatles 1967 4 95
The Doors The Doors 1967 2 95
Are You Experienced The Jimi Hendrix Experience 1967 3 95
I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You Aretha Franklin 1967 5 90
Strange Days The Doors 1967 8 85
The Velvet Underground And Nico The Velvet Underground 1967 6 85
Smiley Smile The Beach Boys 1967 7 85

4) 1994
This year gifted us with 27 good albums, 8 of which were great. Average score of 90.1. No "perfect" album, but a few near perfects.
For me, this was the end of a great era and barely the beginning of when the 90s gifted us with some terrible music. Disco is not dead. Disco is life! It also is the first year to have a great rap album (according to my rating system and the limitations of the poll.

Album Artist Year Year Rank Score
MTV Unplugged In New York Nirvana 1994 1 95.7
Weezer (The Blue Album) Weezer 1994 2 95.5
Pisces Iscariot The Smashing Pumpkins 1994 3 91.7
/Monster R.E.M. 1994 4 91.6
Grace Jeff Buckley 1994 5 87
Dummy Portishead 1994 6 86.8
Illmatic Nas 1994 7 86.5
The Downward Spiral Nine Inch Nails 1994 8 86.4

5) 1997
This year gave me 25 good albums, but only 6 of them were great. Average score of 90.1. No perfect albums (sorry Radiohead...maybe I need to re-evaluate OK Computer... dunno). The Carnival is adjusted due to track length (top 13 songs) shows as 2nd rap album and topping the year for me (again as adjusted score). I do feel like the "alternative" explosion by this time started aging like fine wine. More mature and more dark/deep.

Great Albums of 1997:
Album Artist Year Year Rank Score
The Carnival Wyclef Jean 1997 4 98
OK Computer Radiohead 1997 1 96.6
The Colour And The Shape Foo Fighters 1997 2 94.2
Pop U2 1997 3 91.6
Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space Spiritualized 1997 5 85.2
Either/Or Elliott Smith 1997 6 85

6) 1971
This year has 19 good albums and of those 8 I consider great. Average score of 88.9. Hmmm. I'm a bit confused by this to be honest. I started this journey having a bias against the 70s. I then feel like my 70s chart is full of fantastic music. Maybe it's just the years chosen for this exercise, but I'm now seeing the 70s fall into last place.
For me 1970 was the better year of the 70s, so perhaps that would have changed things.

Anyway, there's still some amazing music in 1971. It marks the beginning of a new "classic rock" era - prog rock beginnings - hard rock beginnings (even if it existed before, historically and culturally this is the time recognized as such). Also happy to finally see some Motown represented, even if it is later in the development.

Great Albums from 1971:
Album Artist Year Year Rank Score
Hot Rocks 1964-1971 The Rolling Stones 1971 1 97.3
Imagine John Lennon 1971 2 90.5
Led Zeppelin IV Led Zeppelin 1971 3 89.3
At Fillmore East The Allman Brothers Band 1971 4 89.2
Meddle Pink Floyd 1971 5 88.3
What's Going On Marvin Gaye 1971 6 86.6
Sticky Fingers The Rolling Stones 1971 9 85.5
American Pie Don McLean 1971 8 85

7) 1977
This year, for me only has 13 good albums, none of which I consider great (although a couple are close). Average score for those good albums is coming in at a low 79.8, making this decision easy as the last great year (probably would replace the last two entries with other years, but not sure what yet... maybe something from the 50s, 00s, or 80s... or maybe 1970 like I said before). I feel like this is an interesting time - the diversity of good music is probably the strong point. But I feel it is an era with divergent movements, which somehow weakens it for me instead of builds it up - likely because none of those movements are at their height at this point (in my understanding and opinion which could be wrong). Maybe prog rock?

Anyway here's the albums I thought were good in 1977 (song for song)... perhaps culturally/historically they would score much higher:
Album Artist Year Year Rank Score
Exodus Bob Marley And The Wailers 1977 1 84.5
Decade Neil Young 1977 2 84.2
News Of The World Queen 1977 3 82.2
Rumours Fleetwood Mac 1977 4 81.8
Slowhand Eric Clapton 1977 5 81.6
Rocket To Russia Ramones 1977 6 80.3
Out Of The Blue Electric Light Orchestra 1977 7 78.8
Talking Heads: 77 Talking Heads 1977 8 78.63
The Stranger Billy Joel 1977 9 78.3
Never Mind The Bollocks, Here's The Sex Pistols Sex Pistols 1977 10 77.9
Motorhead Motorhead 1977 11 77
Marquee Moon Television 1977 12 76.2
The Clash The Clash 1977 13 76

Re: Best Year For Music- The Final Round!! RANK THE YEARS

Norman Bates — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 13:31:52 GMT

Author: Norman Bates

Posted: 02/23/2018 18:31

1. 1969
2. 1971
3. 1967
4. 1994
5. 1977
6. 1991
7. 1997

Re: Best Year For Music- The Final Round!! RANK THE YEARS

LittleM1971 — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 19:47:01 GMT

Author: LittleM1971

Posted: 02/23/2018 00:47

After lots of thought and analysing my year charts I’m going with the following...

1. 1967
2. 1991
3. 1977
4. 1971
5. 1969
6. 1994
7. 1997

Re: Best Year For Music- The Final Round!! RANK THE YEARS

AAL2014 — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 14:54:54 GMT

Author: AAL2014

Posted: 02/22/2018 19:54

1 Week left to send in your lists! There have been a couple edits so far and those are more than welcome up until the deadline. Just be sure to repost and clearly mark your list as edited.

Re: Best Year For Music- The Final Round!! RANK THE YEARS

CA Dreamin — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 14:10:03 GMT

Author: CA Dreamin

Posted: 02/22/2018 19:10

1. 1994
2. 1967
3. 1997
4. 1971
5. 1969
6. 1991
7. 1977

There's lots of good stuff in every year. But 1994 is my favorite year for music because it was a convergence of several movements I like...britpop, grunge, post-grunge, power pop, industrial rock, etc.

Grace
Downward Spiral
The Blue Album
Throwing Copper
Sixteen Stone
Jar of Flies
Welcome to Sky Valley
Dookie
Purple
Smash
Superunknown
No Need to Argue
Parklife
His 'n' Hers

Re: Best Year For Music- The Final Round!! RANK THE YEARS

Mercury — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 14:59:56 GMT

Author: Mercury

Posted: 02/21/2018 19:59

EDIT: I am editing this slightly and so I can make this shit show up again on the timeline. I am a small feeble man who needs his works seen at all times. On all sides my foibles and insecurities hem me in. And that is a fact.

Also as of now a RIDICULOUS 9 albums from 1969 are on my overall chart (Then Play On, Looks Like Rain, John, Songs From A Room, In A Silent Way, Townes Van Zandt, Rock Salt And Nails, The Band, The Gilded Palace of Sin ) including 2 in the top 10 and 5 in the top 40. 1969 rules. Its the greatest year ever,

Recently fell in love with Then Play On. Its so great and maybe the greatest rock albyum, blues rock and blues album ever made. Peter Green is a god.

OOOOOOOH this is fun.

Fair warning: This post a waaaaay WAAAAAAAAY too long.

also, the lack of '88 really annoys me. It just had way more competition being in the 60-89 category than the 90-17 category. I think if in the poll with the 90s, 00s, 10s, 88 woulda been 1 or 2 and would be number 2 behind onl;y 1969 here.

I will post now about this and I may (but likely won't) make a change before the deadline.

I will lay out my rank and make note of the albums I truly, honestly adore. These being albums I love enough to put on my chart or have put on my chart or I could see putting on my overall chart, etc.

I'll also make note of important albums from each year that made me consider the years important. Also Deaths and Births, for some sobering and disrelated data.

#1 - 1 9 6 9

Fave album of the Year

Tie between

Then Play On by Fleetwood Mac

Looks Like Rain by Mickey Newbury

Fave Album Which I Think Deserves Lots More Attention From The Year:

John by John Phillips (ZA)

Best Debut Album of the Year:

The Gilded Palace Of Sin by The Flying Burrito Brothers

... other all time great, overall chart now or past or (maybe) future:

John by John Phillips
Songs From A Room by Leonard Cohen
In A Silent Way by Miles Davis
Townes Van Zandt by Townes Van Zandt
Rock Salt and Nails by Steve Young
The Band by The Band
The Gilded Palace of Sin by The Flying Burrito Brothers
In The Court of the Crimson King by King Crimson
Nashville Skyline by Bob Dylan (any year which has a great Dylan and Miles will automatically have a huge huge advantage if I'm being honest)
Clouds by Joni Mitchell
Let It Bleed by The Rolling Stones
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere by Neil Young and Crazy Horse
Moondog by Moondog
Dusty In Memphis by Dusty Springfield
The Velvet Underground by The Velvet Underground
Hot Rats by Frank Zappa
Green River by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Very Influential Albums or just albums I truly appreciate and which (I think) Help Paint a Picture of the Musical Landscape of the time: (along with many above in faves...)

Abbey Road by The Beatles
Led Zeppelin by Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin II by Led Zeppelin
Arthur by The Kinks
Happy Sad by Tim Buckley
Stand! by Sly and the Family Stone
Hot Buttered Soul by Isaac Hayes
The Stooges by The Stooges
Kick Out The Jams by The MC5
Karma by Pharaoh Sanders
Eternal Rhythm by Don Cherry
Emergency! The Tony Williams Lifetime
Fathers and Sons by Muddy Waters
The Turning Point by John Mayall
The Biggest Thing Since Colossus by Otis Spann
Tommy by The Who
Santana by Santana
Basket of Light by The Pentangle
Unhalfbricking by Fairport Convention
Liege and Lief by Fairport Convention
6- and 12- String Guitar by Leo Kottke
Scott 4 by Scott Walker
Scott 3 by Scott Walker
Monster Movie by Can
Trout Mask Replica by Captain Beefheart
Crosby, Stills, and Nash by Crosby, Stills, and Nash
New York Tendaberry by Laura Nyro
Five Leaves Left by Nick Drake
Oar by Alexander "Skip" Spence
At San Quentin by Johnny Cash
Stand Up by Jethro Tull
Live/Dead by The Grateful Dead

.... Long list, I know. But there are shit tons of other great and influential albums from all over from 1969.

Significant Musical Deaths of 1969:

Judy Garland
Skip James
Brian Jones
Magic Sam

(there are more, but I just want to put a few here and the ones that stick out to me.)

Significant Musical Births of 1969:

Jay Z
Marilyn Manson
Dave Grohl
Gwen Stefani
Graham Coxon
Jennifer Lopez

(ditto on the inclusions here...)

--------------------------------------------------------------------

#2 - 1 9 7 7

Fave Album of the Year:

Luxury Liner by Emmylou Harris

Fave Album Which I Think Deserves Lots More Attention From The Year:

I Remember Yesterday by Donna Summer

Best Debut Album of the Year:

Pink Flag by Wire

... other all time great, overall chart now or past or (maybe) future:

I Remember Yesterday by Donna Summer
Never Mind The Bollocks, Here's The Sex Pistols by The Sex Pistols
Pink Flag by Wire
My Aim Is True by Elvis Costello
Sorrow tears and Blood by Fela Kuti
Zombie by Fela Kuti
Leave Home by The Ramones
Rocket To Russia by The Ramones
Live At The Old Quarter by Townes Van Zandt
The Clash by The Clash
Damned Damned Damned by The Damned
Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
In Color by Cheap Trick
Low by David Bowie
L.A.M.F. by Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers

Very Influential Albums or just albums I truly appreciate and which (I think) Help Paint a Picture of the Musical Landscape of the time: (along with many above in faves...)

Animals by Pink Floyd
Aja by Steely Dan
Cheap Trick by Cheap Trick
A Farewell To Kings by Rush
Sin After Sin by Judas Priest
Rose Royce II: In Full Bloom by Rose Royce
Marquee Moon by Television
Talking Heads: 77 by Talking Heads
"Heroes" by David Bowie
Lust For Life by Iggy Pop
The Idiot by Iggy Pop
Before and After Science by Brian Eno
(I'm) Stranded by The Saints
In The City by The Jam
Suicide by Suicide
New Boots and Panties! by Ian Drury
Blank Generation by Richard Hell and the Voidoids
Young Loud and Snotty by The Dead Boys (clearly this is the greatest year for punk rock ever.)
Alien Soundtracks by Chrome
Foreign Affairs by Tom Waits
Two Sevens Clash by Culture
Exodus by Bob Marley
Heart of the Congos by The Congos
Mirage by Klaus Schultz
Trans-Europe Express by Kraftwerk
Hard Again by Muddy Waters
Slave by Slave
Dark Magus by Miles Davis
Water Babies by Miles Davis
Elegant Gypsy by Al DiMeola
From Here To Eternity by Giorgio Moroder

.... Long list, I know. But there are shit tons of other great and influential albums from all over from 1977.

Significant Musical Deaths of 1977:

Elvis Presley
Bukka White
"Sleepy" John Estes

(there are more, but I just want to put a few here and the ones that stick out to me.)

Significant Musical Births of 1977:

Kanye West
Fiona Apple
John Mayer

(ditto on the inclusions here...)

-----------------------------------------------------------

#3 - 1 9 7 1

Fave Album of the Year:

Blue by Joni Mitchell

Fave Album Which I Think Deserves Lots More Attention From The Year:

Getting Ready by Freddie King

Best Debut Album of the Year:

John Prine by John Prine

... other all time great, overall chart now or past or (maybe) future:

Fragile by Yes
The Best of Mississippi John Hurt by Mississippi John Hurt
'Frisco Mabel Joy by Mickey Newbury
Journey In Satchidananda by Alice Coltrane
There's A Riot Goin' On by Sly And The Family Stone
Who's Next by The Who
John Prine by John Prine
Sticky Fingers by The Rolling Stones
Songs of Love And Hate by Leonard Cohen
Live-Evil by Miles Davis
Getting Ready by Freddie King

Very Influential Albums or just albums I truly appreciate and which (I think) Help Paint a Picture of the Musical Landscape of the time: (along with several above in faves...)

A Tribute To Jack Johnson by Miles Davis
Universal Consciousness by Alice Coltrane
The Inner Mounting Flame by The Mahavishnu Orchestra
Zawinul by Joe Zawinul
Thembi by Pharaoh Sanders
Black Unity by Pharaoh Sanders
Curtis/Live! by Curtis Mayfield
Pieces of A Man by Gil Scott-Heron
First Utterance by Comus
Hunky Dory by David Bowie
Led Zeppelin IV by Led Zeppelin
The Yes Album by Yes
Meddle by Pink Floyd
Electric Warrior by T. Rex
One Year by Colin Blunstone
In Search of a Song by Tom T. Hall
If I Could Only Remember My Name by David Crosby
Tapestry by Carole King
Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton
Patchwork by Bobbie Gentry
Stromcock by Roy Harper
Judee Sill by Judee Sill
Ram by Paul and Linda McCartney
Delta Momma Blues by Townes Van Zandt
Just As I Am by Bill Withers
Nilsson Schmilsson by Harry Nilsson
White Light by Gene Clark
Time of The Last Persecution by Bill fay (Probably the greatest year ever for Singer/Songwriter albums...)
Maggot Brain by Funkadelic
What's Going On by Marvin Gaye
Tago Mago by Can
Faust by Faust
In The Land of Grey and Pink by Caravan
Nursery Cryme by Genesis
Islands by King Crimson
Aqualung by Jethro Tull
Santana III by Santana
Master of Reality by Black Sabbath

.... Long list, I know. But there are shit tons of other great and influential albums from all over from 1971.

Significant Musical Deaths of 1971:

Louis Armstrong
Jim Morrison
Duane Allman
Gene Vincent

(there are more, but I just want to put a few here and the ones that stick out to me.)

Significant Musical Births of 1971:

Richard D. James
Erykah Badu
2Pac
Snoop Dog
Jonny Greenwood
Missy Elliott
Mary J. Blige
Tech N9ne
Big Pun

(ditto on the inclusions here...)

-----------------------------------------------------------

#4 - 1 9 9 4

Fave Album of the Year:

Weezer (The Blue Album) by Weezer

Fave Album Which I Think Deserves Lots More Attention From The Year:

And She Closed Her Eyes by Stina Nordenstam

Best Debut Album of the Year:

Illmatic by Nas

... other all time great, overall chart now or past or (maybe) future:

Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain by Pavement
Bee Thousand by Guided By Voices
Illmatic by Nas
Ready To Die by Biggie Smalls
There's Nothing Wrong With Love by Built To Spill
And She Closed Her Eyes by Stina Nordenstam
Dummy by Portishead

Very Influential Albums or just albums I truly appreciate and which (I think) Help Paint a Picture of the Musical Landscape of the time: (along with several above in faves...)

Geek The Girl by Lisa Germano
Happiness (4AD) by Lisa Germano
Roman Candle by Elliott Smith
I Could Live In Hope by Low
Bakesale by Sebadoh
The White Birch by Codeine
Stress: The Extinction Agenda by Organized Konfusion
The Main Ingredient by Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth
Super Tight by UGK
The Diary by Scarface
Hard To Earn by Gang Starr
The Sun Rises In The East by Jeru The Damaja
Resurrection by Common Sense
6 Feet Deep by The Gravediggaz
Blowout Comb by The Digable Planets
Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik by Outkast
Ill Communication by The Beastie Boys
Tical by Method Man (surely the greatest year for all kinds of Hip Hop ever...?)
Parklife by Blur
Dog Man Star by Suede
Let's Go by Rancid
Diary by Sunny Day Real Estate
24 Hour Revenge Therapy by Jawbreaker
For Your Own Special Sweetheart by Jawbox
Yank Crime by Drive Like Jehu
Dookie by Green Day
MTV Unplugged In New York by Nirvana
Mellow Gold by Beck
Glum by Giant Sand
Hvis Lyset Tar Oss by Burzum
In The Nightside Eclipse by Emperor
Superunknown by Soundgarden
Welcome To Sky Valley by Kyuss
The Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails
Tiger Bay by Saint Etienne
Selected Ambient Works II by Aphex Twin
CrazySexyCool by TLC
Crappin' You Negative by Grifters
Grace by Jeff Buckley
(all in all while there way fewer all time favorites from 1994, there was also a lot more albums of note for me in that year than even 1969 or 77 or any of these other years. weird...)

.... very very Long list, I know. But there are shit tons of other great and influential albums from all over from 1994.

Significant Musical Deaths of 1994:

Kurt Cobain
Harry Nilsson
Henry Mancini
Joe Pass
Cab Calloway

(there are more, but I just want to put a few here and the ones that stick out to me.)

Significant Musical Births of 1994:

Justin Bieber
Harry Styles

(ditto on the inclusions here...)

----------------------------------------------------------

#5 - 1 9 6 7

Fave Album of the Year:

Tim Hardin 2 by Tim Hardin

Fave Album Which I Think Deserves Lots More Attention From The Year:

West Side Soul by Magic Sam

Best Debut Album of the Year:

The Velvet Underground And Nico by The Velvet Underground And Nico

Much like 1977 this year is defined to me by great and iconic debut albums. A vibrant explosion in rock music especially (again, much like punk's explosion in '77)

... other all time great, overall chart now or past or (maybe) future:

The Velvet Underground and Nico by The Velvet Underground
Sgt Peppers by The Beatles
Are You Experienced by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Pleasures of the Harbor by Phil Ochs
Miles Smiles by Miles Davis
John Wesley Harding by Bob Dylan
Forever Changes by Love
Songs of Leonard Cohen by Leonard Cohen
Safe As Milk by Captain Beefheart And His Magic Band

Very Influential Albums or just albums I truly appreciate and which (I think) Help Paint a Picture of the Musical Landscape of the time: (along with several above in faves...)

The Real McCoy by McCoy Tyner
Sorcerer by Miles Davis
Ewa Demarczyk śpiewa piosenki Zygmunta Koniecznego by Ewa Ewa Demarczyk
Goodbye and Hello by Tim Buckley
Magical Mystery Tour by The Beatles
Born Under A Bad Sign by Albert King
A Hard Road by John Mayall And The Bluesbreakers
West Side Soul by Magic Sam
Nina Simone Sings the Blues by Nina Simone
Something Else by The Kinks
The Who Sell Out by The Who
A Gift From A Flower To A Garden by Donovan
Friday On My Mind by The Easybeats
Axis Bold As Love by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Younger Than Yesterday by The Byrds
Days of Future Passed by The Moody Blues
Piper At The Gates of Dawn by Pink Floyd
Life Is A Constant Journey Home by Jerry Moore
I Never Loved A Man The Way That I Love You by Aretha Franklin
Chelsea Girl by Nico
Fred Neil by Fred Neil
The Doors by The Doors

(A somewhat long list, sure, but there are many more great and influential and intrigueing albums left off for 1967)

Significant Musical Deaths of 1967:

John Coltrane
Woody Guthrie
Otis Redding

(there are more, but I just want to put a few here and the ones that stick out to me.)

Significant Musical Births of 1967:

Kurt Cobain
Jeff Tweedy
Liz Phair
Billy Corgan
Mike Portnoy
Noel Gallagher
Dave Navarro
John Petrucci
Scott Weiland
Dave Matthews

(basically the rock music you heard on the radio throughout the 90s was born in '67)

(ditto on the inclusions here...)

------------------------------------------------------------------
Theres a big drop off for these 2 in my opinion and experience...
------------------------------------------------------------------

#6 1 9 9 1

Fave Album of the Year:

Laughing Stock by Talk Talk

Fave Album Which I Think Deserves Lots More Attention From The Year:

Step In The Arena by Gang Starr

Best Debut Album of the Year:

Organized Konfusion by Organized Konfusion

... other all time great, overall chart now or past or (maybe) future:

Nevermind by Nirvana
Spiderland by Slint
Loveless by My Bloody Valentine
Girlfriend by Matthew Sweet

Very Influential Albums or just albums I truly appreciate and which (I think) Help Paint a Picture of the Musical Landscape of the time: (along with several above in faves...)

The Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest
Organized Konfusion by Organized Konfusion
Step In The Arena by Gang Starr
Necroticism - Descanting the Insalubrious by Carcass
Shotgun Wedding by Lydia Lunch & Rowland S. Howard
Just For A day by Slowdive
Green Mind by Dinosaur Jr
III by Sebadoh
Ten by Pearl Jam
Goat by The Jesus Lizard
Still Feel Gone by Uncle Tupelo
Decade Of Aggression: Live by Slayer
Arise by Sepultera
Metallica by Metallica
Blood Sugar Sex Magic by The Red Hot Chili Peppers
Gish by The Smashing Pumpkins
Death Certificate by Ice Cube
Breaking Atoms by Main Source
The Pod by Ween
Mental Vortex by Coroner
Mr Bungle by Mr Bungle

(A somewhat long list, sure, but there are many more great and influential and intrigueing albums left off for 1991)

Significant Musical Deaths of 1991:

Miles Davis 😢 🙏
Johnny Thunders
Serge Gainsbourg
Stan Getz
David Ruffin
Freddie Mercury

(there are more, but I just want to put a few here and the ones that stick out to me.)

Significant Musical Births of 1991:

Tyler The Creator
Azealia Banks
Ed Sheeran

(ditto on the inclusions here...)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

#7 - 1 9 9 7

Fave Album of the Year:

Either/Or by Elliott Smith

Fave Album Which I Think Deserves Lots More Attention From The Year:

Hard Normal Daddy by Squarepusher

Best Debut Album of the Year:

Baduizm by Erykah Badu

... other all time great, overall chart now or past or (maybe) future:

Buena Vista Social Club by Buena Vista Social Club
Ok Computer by Radiohead
Homogenic by Bjork
Dave Godin's Deep Soul Treasures Part 1 (compilation, thus cheating)

Very Influential Albums or just albums I truly appreciate and which (I think) Help Paint a Picture of the Musical Landscape of the time: (along with several above in faves...)

Time Out of Mind by Bob Dylan
Baduizm by Erykah Badu
I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One by Yo La Tengo
Hard Normal Daddy by Squarepusher
Perfect From Now On by Built To Spill
Brighten The Corners by Pavement
The Power of Failing by Mineral
The Lonesome Crowded West by Modest Mouse
F♯A♯∞ by Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk by Emperor
The 18th Letter by Rakim
Substrata by Biosphere
Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space by Spiritualized
Life After Death by Biggie Smalls
Strangers Almanac by Whiskeytown
Dots and Loops by Stereolab
Funcrusher Plus by Company Flow
Four Minute Mile by The Get Up Kids
The Mollusk by Ween
宇宙日本世田谷 (Uchū Nippon Setagaya) by Fishmans
Bricolage by Amon Tobin

Significant Musical Deaths of 1997:

Townes Van Zandt
Fela Kuti
Tony Williams
Biggie Smalls
Laura Nyro
Jeff Buckley
Michael Hedges

(there are more, but I just want to put a few here and the ones that stick out to me.)

Significant Musical Births of 1997:

Cupcakke
Rebecca Black 🙁

****************************************************************

Okay, that was a huge post. and those are my thoughts on these years.

in summation the order goes as follows (with bigger gaps indicating how I would tier these years and where they are relative to each other.)

1969

1977
1971

1994
1967

1991
1997

Re: Best Year For Music- The Final Round!! RANK THE YEARS

AAL2014 — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 12:05:12 GMT

Author: AAL2014

Posted: 02/21/2018 17:05

PurpleHazel wrote:

The key albums that led to my rankings. Doing this list made me realize I actually prefer 1997 to 1994 -- never would've noticed otherwise, because coming up with a yearly chart for 1994 was a lot easier than '97. Relearned a lesson: quantity isn't everything. That, and check shit.

1.) 1971
What’s Going On
Maggot Brain
Every Picture Tells a Story
Who’s Next
There’s a Riot Going On
Jack Johnson
Sticky Fingers

2.) 1967
Miles Smiles
Are You Experienced
VU & Nico
Sgt. Pepper
The Doors

3.) 1969
Trout Mask Replica
In a Silent Way
Abbey Road
Uncle Meat
Everybody Knows This is Nowhere

4.) 1977
Aja
Heavy Weather - Weather Report
My Aim is True
Dancing in Your Head - Ornette Coleman
Tromboneliness - Albert Mangelsdorff

5.) 1991
Spiderland
Nevermind
Ask the Ages - Sonny Sharrock
Blu Blu Blu - Muhal Richard Abrams

6.) 1997
Ladies and Gentleman We Are Floating in Space
Portishead
Songbook - Kenny Garrett
Martian Heartache - Tom Varner

7.) 1994
Dummy
Big Band Record - Ray Anderson
Superunknown
Rush Hour - Joe Lovano

AAL2014, if you didn't notice, I'd like to change my ranking for 1997 to #6 and 1994 to #7.

Works for me, thanks for pointing that out. I like your layout of important albums too.

Re: Best Year For Music- The Final Round!! RANK THE YEARS

PurpleHazel — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 05:18:53 GMT

Author: PurpleHazel

Posted: 02/21/2018 10:18

The key albums that led to my rankings. Doing this list made me realize I actually prefer 1997 to 1994 -- never would've noticed otherwise, because coming up with a yearly chart for 1994 was a lot easier than '97. Relearned a lesson: quantity isn't everything. That, and check shit.

1.) 1971
What’s Going On
Maggot Brain
Every Picture Tells a Story
Who’s Next
There’s a Riot Going On
Jack Johnson
Sticky Fingers

2.) 1967
Miles Smiles
Are You Experienced
VU & Nico
Sgt. Pepper
The Doors

3.) 1969
Trout Mask Replica
In a Silent Way
Abbey Road
Uncle Meat
Everybody Knows This is Nowhere

4.) 1977
Aja
Heavy Weather - Weather Report
My Aim is True
Dancing in Your Head - Ornette Coleman
Tromboneliness - Albert Mangelsdorff

5.) 1991
Spiderland
Nevermind
Ask the Ages - Sonny Sharrock
Blu Blu Blu - Muhal Richard Abrams

6.) 1997
Ladies and Gentleman We Are Floating in Space
Portishead
Songbook - Kenny Garrett
Martian Heartache - Tom Varner

7.) 1994
Dummy
Big Band Record - Ray Anderson
Superunknown
Rush Hour - Joe Lovano

AAL2014, if you didn't notice, I'd like to change my ranking for 1997 to #6 and 1994 to #7.

Re: Best Year For Music- The Final Round!! RANK THE YEARS

TheHutts — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 14:52:32 GMT

Author: TheHutts

Posted: 02/20/2018 19:52

I found it a pretty broad exercise, so I made a list of five favourites from each year, and used that as a basis for comparing the years. From favourite to least favourite:

1969
Liege & Lief, In a Silent Way, The Band, Scott 4, Hot Buttered Soul

1971
Sticky Fingers, What's Going On, Who's Next, Tago Mago, Blue

1977
Marquee Moon, Low, Rumours, The Clash, Before and After Science

1967
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Magical Mystery Tour, Something Else by The Kinks, John Wesley Harding, Disraeli Gears

1997
The Mollusk, OK Computer, I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One, Portishead, Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space

1994
Illmatic, Dummy, Crooked Rain Crooked Rain, Bee Thousand, Selected Ambient Works Volume II

1991
Loveless, Laughing Stock, Blue Lines, Spiderland, Screamadelica

Re: Best Year For Music- The Final Round!! RANK THE YEARS

AAL2014 — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 02:53:00 GMT

Author: AAL2014

Posted: 02/20/2018 07:53

sethmadsen wrote:

Just out of curiosity, what factors are people considering for the "Best Year for Music"?

Do outside factors play as much a role as the music itself? Historical/cultural significance? Significance of advances in sound production, etc?

Excellent question to raise and most definitely one that should be mulled over at least before a final list is made.

The reason I decided to do this series in the first place was to see what people thought about the overall output in certain years. Honestly some of the years that inspired me the most didn't make it past their respective first polls (73/75/2015..etc). So yes overall output is the main factor. As Fischman mentioned, viewing a year in more detail and for the depth of its different genres is important as well.

For me, cultural influence/impact is of somewhat importance as well, not critical, but after all let's not deny it's a reason 1967 is as noted as it is. Music is often times the purest reflection of the culture around it, and albums and songs are snapshots of their respective times so yeah, cultural impact is a factor, although not huge in my personal voting decisions thus far.

Advancements in sound, style, and production are worth thinking about as well but the quality of the music itself always outweighs it for me.