It depends on the definition of "great". I know of only 1 Rock artist that produced more than 1 all time masterpiece (by strict standards, relative to the all time masterpieces of Classical music). And that would be The Velvet Underground (VU and Nico, WL/WH). However, "great" can be stretched far more than that. I would probably call anything I rate 7/10 and above "great". Maybe 7.5/10 (or, more specifically, "7.3") is a better point to start as that makes it pretty exclusive (my criteria: https://www.besteveralbums.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=15503 ). With "7.3/10+" in mind (which is an extraordinary, substantial achievement in my criteria), probably Tim Buckley or Frank Zappa or Lisa Germano. Neil Young and Bob Dylan deserve strong consideration too. But overall, I'd probably rank Velvet Underground and Captain Beefheart above those artists, even if slightly.
EDIT: We're considering Jazz too, correct?
Then, Charles Mingus. Followed -- in any order -- by John Coltrane, Anthony Davis, Miles Davis, Sam Rivers, Roscoe Mitchell/Art Ensemble of Chicago... _________________ Best Classical Best Films Best Paintings
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I don't know. I'd probably vote R.E.M. for a new contender in those already listed, not only based on quality of their work, but longevity of their career yet still producing valuable albums. Although Nirvana only had a short stint, I feel their discography is likely the strongest (strange for me to say that, yet I'm holding my ground).
Here is a list of artists that have the highest ratings across albums I've rated on this site. Ratings for me are subjective of course and likely anyone claiming otherwise is probably a scaruffi fan.
For me these artists had qualities I approved of as having high values in these areas: accessibility, likability, quality of recording, quality of songwriting (both lyrically and musically), emotionally captivating, intellectually intriguing, etc.)
Dude! Slash has hundreds of albums! Willie Nelson too! How have you forgotten?! Just kidding.
Anyway.... Bowie. Easily #1 in this particular department. Great albums:
Space Oddity
The Man Who Sold The World
Hunky Dory
Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars
Aladdin Sane
Diamond Dogs
Young Americans
Station To Station
Heroes
Low
Lodger
Scary Monsters
Let's Dance
Outside
Heathen
The Next Day
Blackstar
NINE of these are in our top 500 actually. Another 3 are 500-1000. Another 2 just missed top 1000.
No one has more than that, not even The Beatles, Dylan, Zeppelin, or Radiohead. Bowie wins hands down. Where is The Beatles' top 500 album from 2016?! Didn't think so.
Oh and I wasn't dissing Willie Nelson, he has a couple really good albums.
RoundTheBendI miss the comfort in being sadProfile Ground Control
It depends on the definition of "great". I know of only 1 Rock artist that produced more than 1 all time masterpiece (by strict standards, relative to the all time masterpieces of Classical music). And that would be The Velvet Underground (VU and Nico, WL/WH). However, "great" can be stretched far more than that. I would probably call anything I rate 7/10 and above "great". Maybe 7.5/10 (or, more specifically, "7.3") is a better point to start as that makes it pretty exclusive (my criteria: https://www.besteveralbums.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=15503 ). With "7.3/10+" in mind (which is an extraordinary, substantial achievement in my criteria), probably Tim Buckley or Frank Zappa or Lisa Germano. Neil Young and Bob Dylan deserve strong consideration too. But overall, I'd probably rank Velvet Underground and Captain Beefheart above those artists, even if slightly.
EDIT: We're considering Jazz too, correct?
Then, Charles Mingus. Followed -- in any order -- by John Coltrane, Anthony Davis, Miles Davis, Sam Rivers, Roscoe Mitchell/Art Ensemble of Chicago...
I guess it does depend on your definition of great. Its just SO subjective. Fact is, if you dont like something, you'll never agree with anyone that its great. For instance, I dont find Tim Buckley or Zappa great, i find them horrifying.
It depends on the definition of "great". I know of only 1 Rock artist that produced more than 1 all time masterpiece (by strict standards, relative to the all time masterpieces of Classical music). And that would be The Velvet Underground (VU and Nico, WL/WH). However, "great" can be stretched far more than that. I would probably call anything I rate 7/10 and above "great". Maybe 7.5/10 (or, more specifically, "7.3") is a better point to start as that makes it pretty exclusive (my criteria: https://www.besteveralbums.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=15503 ). With "7.3/10+" in mind (which is an extraordinary, substantial achievement in my criteria), probably Tim Buckley or Frank Zappa or Lisa Germano. Neil Young and Bob Dylan deserve strong consideration too. But overall, I'd probably rank Velvet Underground and Captain Beefheart above those artists, even if slightly.
EDIT: We're considering Jazz too, correct?
Then, Charles Mingus. Followed -- in any order -- by John Coltrane, Anthony Davis, Miles Davis, Sam Rivers, Roscoe Mitchell/Art Ensemble of Chicago...
I guess it does depend on your definition of great. Its just SO subjective. Fact is, if you dont like something, you'll never agree with anyone that its great. For instance, I dont find Tim Buckley or Zappa great, i find them horrifying.
Hot Rats is no good? Zappa is extremely talented with lots of instruments.....
RoundTheBendI miss the comfort in being sadProfile Ground Control
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