Overall Chart

Explore the overall rankings of the best albums in history, based on over 2 million album rankings across 60,000 charts. Last updated: 37 minutes ago

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OK Computer

Radiohead

"Close your eyes, throw on some headphones, and float away..." Reply

- FleaRHCP97 | Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +23 votes (30 helpful | 7 unhelpful)

Year of Release:

1997

Appears in:

4,476 charts

Rank Score:

59,442

Rank in 1997:

Rank in 1990s:

Overall Rank:

Average Rating:

92 (5,687 votes)

Comments:

865

The Dark Side Of The Moon

Pink Floyd

"Novices to the world of acclaimed rock music looking to cut their teeth wouldn't have to dig very deep to find evidence of The Dark Side of the Moon's legacy and societal imprint. After all, this is a record that is arguably the most universally celebrated and globally popular in modern history. ...""Novices to the world of acclaimed rock music looking to cut their teeth wouldn't have to dig very deep to find evidence of The Dark Side of the Moon's legacy and societal imprint. After all, this is a record that is arguably the most universally celebrated and globally popular in modern history. Unfortunately, nowadays it's characterized, more often than not, by hyperbole. This is a shame really because it's pinpoint nuance that makes The Dark Side of the Moon one of the finest albums to grace humanity's collective eardrums. The record radiates a sound of a group that knows exactly what it wants to achieve sonically and signals the completion of a maturation that has occurred over the course of a handful of prior outings. Take 1971's Meddle for example. It's one of Floyd's finest without reservation, boasting immense successes such as Fearless and San Tropez, but there is a rather hefty outlier laden within the tracklist. To be clear, I'm using the term outlier in its most complimentary form. The 23 minute behemoth, Echoes, ended the record and served as a roadmap for where the band would venture next. The destination was a cosmic, ethereal, metaphysical realm that they dubbed The Dark Side of the Moon. The album commences with Speak to Me, a transport that can loosely be described as a track, however, its importance is critical to the LP's DNA. The track is fronted by a literal heartbeat and incorporates various samples (faintly heard) that coordinate with future expositions, elapsing to lay out the coming journey that remains ahead. They say that your life flashes before you on your deathbed, but here the band have presented those nanoseconds at birth. It's an intriguing concept put lightly. After a short (breath) of cognizance, third track, On the Run, epitomizes the frantic rigors that life will bestow upon its participants. Synths and a Hammond organ spark throughout the frenetic, instrumental piece that help craft one of Floyd's most satisfying short-burst affirmations. A cacophony of alarm bells greet you when fourth track Time, one of Floyd's most cherished works, emerges. The song, unsurprisingly, deals with the passage of its namesake and how it is futile to protest against the all-devouring pull of its black hole. The horology driven track is arguably the album's spaciest statement, as it glides wonderfully across an unblemished, unsullied terrain. David Gilmour's lead vocals are hoisted by the serene backing of a myriad of singers before he himself uncorks a guitar solo of unflinching allure. Gilmour warns, "Tired of lying in the sunshine staying home to watch the rain; you are young and life is long and there is time to kill today, and then one day you find ten years have got behind you; no one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun." The Dark Side of the Moon has just revealed its first treasure. The final track of the A side is a bit of a deviation, but not in quality. The stunning, non-lexical vocal stylings of Clare Torry caress The Great Gig in the Sky, which stands in as a figurative grim reaper. If only dying could be this inviting. Her yowls seep into every crevice and cranny of the instrumentation, fusing into an intense moment of catharsis as side one fades out. The tranquility subsides with an exchange of currency but this particular quid is of the funky variety. Money benefits substantially from drummer Nick Mason and session saxophonist Dick Parry. Mason excels against a tricky 7/4 time signature which is later converted to 4/4 for Gilmour's punctual guitar solo. Parry's sax shepherds the track through that very transition with all the eccentricities of a free jazz maestro. Thematically, the track mocks the pursuit of monetary wealth in the grand scheme of life's expansive possibility. "Money, it's a gas; grab that cash with both hands and make a stash; New car, caviar, four-star daydream, think I'll buy me a football team," elicits Gilmour. Money is, without opposition, the wittiest voyage on the album. Seventh track, Us and Them, shreds any remaining inklings of snarky banter. The nearly eight-minute cut is an expedition through the nucleus of human interaction and conflict. It's also the highpoint for melodic elegance on the record. For instance, the vocal harmony shared between Gilmour and Richard Wright, supported by the returning vocal quintet from Time, dishes out multiple crescendos which never fail to produce goosebumps. Dick Parry also returns, once again armed with his tenor saxophone. He contributes healthy doses of chaos alongside the angelic climaxes. Gilmour and Wright cry, "Haven't you heard it's a battle of words, the poster bearer cried, listen, son, said the man with the gun, There's room for you inside." Incredible is too tame a word for Us and Them. Any Colour You Like bridges the gap between Us and Them and the final two tracks of the record. Brain Damage, previously known as "Lunatic", is an uncompromising examination of the deterioration of one's mental health. It's a notably subdued moment on the LP, treading lightly in the manner in which one would approach a loved one battling cognitive disarray. Roger Waters tries his hand here, chanting, "And if the dam breaks open many years too soon, and if there is no room upon the hill, and if your head explodes with dark forebodings too; I'll see you on the dark side of the moon." These lyrics seem to metaphorically chronicle the spiraling psychological state of former Floyd compatriot, Syd Barrett. More details on that in 1975. The album comes to a stirring, reflective ending on Eclipse. It unfurls almost as a warning to its audience to take life seriously and thoroughly taste every precious drop of elixir it grants. Waters bestows, "And all that is now and all that is gone, and all that's to come and everything under the sun is in tune, but the sun is eclipsed by the moon." The track departs with the heartbeat that introduced the record's arrival. It's the symbolic ending of a journey, or is it a rebirth? The Dark Side of the Moon continues to induce innumerable headlines, but it's the subtext which serves as a finer asseveration of its invincibility. Its chart topping run isn't the catalyst for the album's cultural staying power, nor is it typified by its pieces. It was constructed with the intention to be consumed wholly in the same fashion in which humans cannot pick and choose select instances within a lifetime. Yes, the performances are marvelous, but it's the uncolored edges of ruminative headspace between the sonic apexes that truly hold the jewels. It's not Pink Floyd's most personal outing (Wish You Were Here) or even their most technically proficient (Animals), but it remains their most essential due to its kinship with the human condition. The truth is, yes, it really is that good. Look within life's tiniest moments for validation. "Every year is getting shorter, never seem to find the time, Plans that either come to naught or half a page of scribbled lines, Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way, The time is gone, the song is over, thought I'd something more to say." -Time Standout Tracks: 1. Us and Them 2. Time 3. Brain Damage 93.6" Reply

DriftingOrpheus | Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +14 votes (14 helpful | 0 unhelpful)

Year of Release:

1973

Appears in:

4,173 charts

Rank Score:

56,170

Rank in 1973:

Rank in 1970s:

Overall Rank:

Average Rating:

Comments:

"The world should be grateful the Beatles were ever in its presence. After years of misery, the Beatles said farewell they only way they knew how... releasing an explosion of a creativity onto the world." Reply

tbakeman | Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +8 votes (9 helpful | 1 unhelpful)

Year of Release:

1969

Appears in:

3,777 charts

Rank Score:

53,850

Rank in 1969:

Rank in 1960s:

Overall Rank:

Average Rating:

Comments:

"As great as this album is, it would have been even greater if they had included "Paperback Writer" and "Rain" (and taken off "Dr. Robert" and "Got to get you into my life")...which were released as "single" only in May, 1966...terrible decision. I hated when they released "single only" records." Reply

ffudnebbuh | Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +8 votes (11 helpful | 3 unhelpful)

Year of Release:

1966

Appears in:

3,630 charts

Rank Score:

46,386

Rank in 1966:

Rank in 1960s:

Overall Rank:

Average Rating:

Comments:

"Every album has it's weakest points/song, but the weakest points in this album are the greatest weakest in any album I've ever experienced." Reply

- Ryanb23 | Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +8 votes (8 helpful | 0 unhelpful)

Year of Release:

1975

Appears in:

3,038 charts

Rank Score:

41,763

Rank in 1975:

Rank in 1970s:

Overall Rank:

Average Rating:

91 (4,099 votes)

Comments:

316

The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars

David Bowie

"Sadly, I discovered how important Bowie's music is, especially this album, only after he died. I've always been a fan, but I feel slightly guilty for listening mostly to his "hits" prior to his death, leaving me unaware of many great tracks until more recently." Reply

- beatlekid123 | Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +10 votes (10 helpful | 0 unhelpful)

Year of Release:

1972

Appears in:

3,044 charts

Rank Score:

40,602

Rank in 1972:

Rank in 1970s:

Overall Rank:

Average Rating:

90 (3,594 votes)

Comments:

305

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

The Beatles

"The influence of this album on the trajectory of popular music cannot be overstated. The Beatles experimentation with the recording process was something that hit a definite high point on this album. This process was something no bands had the rescourses to do at the time(with the exception of th..." Reply

- audiooasis2012 | Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +18 votes (18 helpful | 0 unhelpful)

Year of Release:

1967

Appears in:

3,524 charts

Rank Score:

40,401

Rank in 1967:

Rank in 1960s:

Overall Rank:

Average Rating:

Comments:

"It's as creative and bright as a 5 year old's experiments with poster paints, sugar paper and glitter glue. And very nearly as fun too. Its only real hiccup is its short-lived middle section. The sound established within the first few moments of '15 Step' is so distinguishable, and the superbly s...""It's as creative and bright as a 5 year old's experiments with poster paints, sugar paper and glitter glue. And very nearly as fun too. Its only real hiccup is its short-lived middle section. The sound established within the first few moments of '15 Step' is so distinguishable, and the superbly strong 3 songs that follow it only build it further and further. 'Nude' is one of the best songs ever, end of discussion. 'Weird Fishes' adds tumultuous and bounding flavour and a fresh boost of energy with its fast-paced-ness. 'All I Need' and 'Faust Arp' sadly don't quite make the cut for me - not sure why exactly, they just lack the essence of this album. But then along comes 'Reckoner' to kick start it all over again and begin the final act, climaxing in 'Jigsaw Falling Into Place' (where Yorke manages to use the word "beat" on a non-dance song to surprising effect), and the whole thing is so tastefully completed by the melancholy piano chords of 'Videotape'. This is an album to love and cherish. It's so genuine and wonderful. It's Radiohead being Radiohead. Nothing else sounds like this because it's in its own genre of style. Sure, maybe you could attribute a few influences, but you'd be hard pressed to find anything that isn't original. And perhaps its strongest point is that unlike previous Radiohead, In Rainbows is steered away from being political, from being a concept album or from being like Radiohead's older work. It still sounds new even as it nears its 10th anniversary. This is a rare jewel, no doubt. An album that is just music (however pretentious that sounds). I get the impression that this was made not for the sake of spreading a message or trying to top the charts. No, it was just made out of brainstorming ideas for different songs, made from bog-standard, no frills, on-the-spot creativity. And that theme spreads on to how you listen to it. It's undemanding, easy on the ear and rewarding. I'd always recommend you listen to the whole thing in one go, but aside from that there are no obligations on how to respond to it or what to feel. You the listener just get to appreciate its fantastic and unending quality. This here is a masterclass in how to make music. Take notes, and make the most of it; things like this don't come around often. " Reply

DeusExMackia | Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +13 votes (13 helpful | 0 unhelpful)

Year of Release:

2007

Appears in:

2,991 charts

Rank Score:

40,317

Rank in 2007:

Rank in 2000s:

Overall Rank:

Average Rating:

89 (3,988 votes)

Comments:

399

Kid A

Radiohead

"Listening to Kid A sucks you into a world of black skies, pixelated snow-capped mountains, fires, mutated bears, dinosaurs and all sorts of amazing shit" Reply

- DN02RZU | Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +27 votes (28 helpful | 1 unhelpful)

Year of Release:

2000

Appears in:

3,240 charts

Rank Score:

38,745

Rank in 2000:

Rank in 2000s:

Overall Rank:

Average Rating:

89 (4,503 votes)

Comments:

564

10.

The Velvet Underground & Nico

The Velvet Underground & Nico

"Who cares if the music is "influential"? I love this album because it sounds fucking awesome!" Reply

SingingPeasant96 | Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +23 votes (25 helpful | 2 unhelpful)

Year of Release:

1967

Appears in:

3,070 charts

Rank Score:

37,348

Rank in 1967:

Rank in 1960s:

Overall Rank:

Average Rating:

89 (3,589 votes)

Comments:

357

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Total albums: 10,000. Page 1 of 1,000

Overall Chart composition

Decade	Albums	%

1930s	2	0%
1940s	34	0%
1950s	302	3%
1960s	710	7%
1970s	1,415	14%
1980s	1,397	14%
1990s	1,589	16%
2000s	1,728	17%
2010s	1,990	20%
2020s	833	8%

Artist	Albums	%

Neil Young	42	0%
Bob Dylan	37	0%
The Rolling Stones	36	0%
Miles Davis	33	0%
David Bowie	32	0%
The Beatles	29	0%
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard	25	0%
Show all

Country	Albums	%

	5,027	50%
	2,656	27%
	427	4%
	336	3%
	221	2%
	156	2%
	138	1%
Show all

Compilation?	Albums	%
No	9,737	97%
Yes	263	3%

Live?	Albums	%
No	9,738	97%
Yes	262	3%

Soundtrack?	Albums	%
No	9,885	99%
Yes	115	1%

Overall Chart chart changes

Biggest climbers Biggest climbers in top 100 since last month
Up 3 from 101st to 98th Surfer Rosa by Pixies
Up 3 from 81st to 78th A Moon Shaped Pool by Radiohead
Up 3 from 72nd to 69th Carrie & Lowell by Sufjan Stevens
Up 2 from 96th to 94th Blond by Frank Ocean
Up 2 from 95th to 93rd Violator by Depeche Mode

Biggest fallers Biggest fallers in top 100 since last month
Down 3 from 92nd to 95th Master Of Puppets by Metallica
Down 2 from 69th to 71st Blue by Joni Mitchell
Down 2 from 94th to 96th The Velvet Underground by The Velvet Underground
Down 1 from 27th to 28th The Doors by The Doors
Down 1 from 44th to 45th Automatic For The People by R.E.M.

New entries New entries in top 100 since last month
Up 3 from 101st to 98th Surfer Rosa by Pixies

Leavers Leavers from top 100 since last month
Down 1 from 100th to 101st All Things Must Pass by George Harrison

Best Albums of 1982

1. Thriller by Michael Jackson

2. The Dreaming by Kate Bush

3. The Number Of The Beast by Iron Maiden

4. Pornography by The Cure

5. Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen

6. 1999 by Prince

7. Avalon by Roxy Music

8. Rio by Duran Duran

9. Love Over Gold by Dire Straits

10. The Nightfly by Donald Fagen