Top 98 Greatest Music Albums by camsh

No EPs or live albums will be included. This is list will always remain incomplete, as I could listen to a new album any day that could enter my top 10.

I love each and every one of these albums with all my heart. Just some more than others.

Favourite lyric and favourite tracks are included.

Gimme recs please :)

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Buy album United States
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"Is it me, for a moment?
The stars are falling
The heat is rising, the past is calling."

This is without a doubt The Who, and Pete Townshend's magnum opus. The music is sublime, the lyrics perfectly capture what it was like being a mod in the 60s and the concept is a thing of beauty. I'm always finding new subtle things about it that I absolutely love.

Now here's why this album is better for me than any I've ever heard. This album has defined who I am as a person. I have never related to a fictional character more than Jimmy, and his four personalities are all remnant in myself. One day I will go fully in depth into my adoration for this album, but because of the limit on words, I will keep it brief. But it's reclaimed the top spot for a reason. It does what all of the other 99 albums on this chart do, but gives it that extra 10%.

Favourite tracks- I've Had Enough, 5:15, Love Reign O'er Me
[First added to this chart: 05/09/2013]
Year of Release:
1973
Appears in:
Rank Score:
7,261
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Buy album United States
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"And when they've given you their all
Some stagger and fall, after all it's not easy
Banging your heart against some mad bugger's wall."

This is pretty much joint number 1 with Quadrophenia. Here are a few reasons.

1. It was the album that properly got me into music. It was the album that made me want to pick up a guitar, be in a band and write songs. Obviously, not as beautifully morbid as these, but it truly inspired me to do it. I had listened to, and loved, albums by Muse, Michael Jackson and The Beatles before, but this album essentially changed my life.

2. It has a universal story. Anyone can end up in the situation that Pink is in, we all have our own personal walls. The only problem is how high they are. There is a strong message on the importance of communication, this is emphasised with Pink's wife cheating on him since he won't talk to her. Roger Waters himself said he would have ended up like Pink if he hadn't had his wife by his side. War is also a strong theme, highly linked to the death of Waters' father, but the anti war/violence message is incredibly relevant in today's society. This story is relatable and accessible to anyone. The teacher, the mother, the wife, all the characters could be part of our own lives. The bookends of "Isn't this where we came in?" is representative of this, as if when one wall comes down, another one's first bricks are formed....

3. The live show. I know this may seem incredibly biased, but when I saw Roger Waters perform this at Wembley Stadium, it clicked. It all comes together, his message, the music, the art, everything.

The album, the film, the show, it's an experience that needs to be lived. Even if you've heard Another Brick in the Wall Pt 2 or Comfortably Numb on the radio, you will know it's all part of a bigger picture. One that's still strongly relevant today.

Favourite tracks- Mother, Goodbye Blue Sky, Comfortably Numb
[First added to this chart: 05/09/2013]
Year of Release:
1979
Appears in:
Rank Score:
26,088
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Buy album United States
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"I don't feel any shame, I won't apologise.
When there ain't nowhere you can go.
Running away from pain when you've been victimised.
Tales from another broken home."

From the first time I heard this album, I knew it would be an important one. Like Quadrophenia, it shaped the mould of who I am today. So many happy and sad memories are triggered by this album. American Idiot and Holiday are summer anthems of my childhood. Jesus of Suburbia and St Jimmy are songs that remind me of my band and when we have played those songs in a unanimous frenzy. Boulevard of Broken Dreams and Letterbomb remind me of times recently where I have unjustly kicked out at the world. And then there's the music. It is an exciting and epic album (moreso than Green Day ever had done before or have done since), but has quite a lot of heart to it. And that is what I look for in albums. It is easily my favourite modern concept album and it will always be a modern classic. Perhaps the classicest, if that is a word. May I enjoy it forever more.

Favourite tracks- Jesus of Suburbia, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Letterbomb
[First added to this chart: 05/09/2013]
Year of Release:
2004
Appears in:
Rank Score:
9,339
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Buy album United States
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"My favourite parks are car parks.
Grass is something you smoke, birds are something you shag.
Take your year in Provence and shove it up your ass!"

This album is the true sum-up of 90's Britain, and Britpop in general. It was overlooked in the popularity of Oasis and Blur, so it may come a shock to see this album so high. But it's tales of social class, deception and the underdog are so compelling that it easily eclipses any album from that era. Jarvis Cocker is, in my opinion, one of the greatest lyricists of all time and his talents are fully displayed in this album. He doesn't give an optimistic nor a pessimistic outlook on life; this album is merely a snapshot (as indicated by the cover) from this time. Each of these tracks tells a story which can be related to by those who have lived it. 'Sorted for E's & Wizz' tells of the highs and lows of going to a rave, 'Disco 2000' has a relatable tale of teenage crushes and the most famous track 'Common People' is the centre-piece of the album, delivering it's message in just under 6 minutes. A sensational album from start to finish. If you haven't yet heard it, then hear it now.

Favourite tracks- Common People, Something Changed, Bar Italia
[First added to this chart: 05/09/2013]
Year of Release:
1995
Appears in:
Rank Score:
8,599
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Comments:
Buy album United States
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"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."

It's ironic that, in my opinion, The Beatles' crowning achievement was their last album. It's a thing of beauty that never tires. I could listen to it at any time of the day, and any mood and not get bored of it. The range of emotions expessed is particularly effective, from melancholy (Something, You Never Give Me Your Money) to sheer joy (Here Comes the Sun, Octopus's Garden). In particular, side 2 is sheer perfection. The closing medley is the last grand statement from the Fab 4, a fitting finale for the band who changed the face of music.

Favourite tracks- Here Comes the Sun, Because, The End
[First added to this chart: 05/09/2013]
Year of Release:
1969
Appears in:
Rank Score:
58,715
Rank in 1969:
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Comments:
Buy album United States
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"Every year is getting shorter, never seem to find the time
Plans that either come to nought, 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."

The legacy of this album truly speaks for itself. The amount of people who have bought this shows it's staying power; had it been in the wrong hands, it could have faded into obscurity. But in the hands of the Floyd, they created their lasting masterpiece. Like Different Class, this is neither a positive or negative outlook on life, it's just an outlook on life in general. The lyrics and the music combined are sublime, powerful and emotional and they will leave a lasting impact with you after the final heartbeats. This was at a time when the band were working as a complete unit, and it really shows. It's easy to see why this album is regarded as the best of all time, which emphasises its brilliance.

Favourite tracks- Time, Us and Them, Eclipse
[First added to this chart: 05/09/2013]
Year of Release:
1973
Appears in:
Rank Score:
61,896
Rank in 1973:
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Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Buy album United States
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"Problem is diet's not a big enough word
I want to be so skinny that I rot from view"

This was the Manics at their raw, defiant, angry best. The lyrics are among the best I've ever heard and the spiky guitars give them suitable backup. Songs like Archives of Pain, ifwhiteamericatoldthetruthforonedayit'sworldwouldfallapart and (especially) 4st 7lb are all painful experiences. In the best way possible. Not only is this album a terrifyingly real look at humanity through warped eyes, it is a deep analysis of the mind of Richey Edwards before his disappearance in 1995. The self hate and scorn on this album is powerful stuff. Faster is like his eulogy.

Favourite tracks- ifwhiteamericatoldthetruthforonedayit'sworldwouldfallapart, 4st 7lb, Faster
[First added to this chart: 06/15/2013]
Year of Release:
1994
Appears in:
Rank Score:
3,666
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Buy album United States
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"I'll take a quiet life
A handshake of carbon monoxide
With no alarms and no surprises please."

Radiohead's magnum opus. This dark look on Britain in the 90's greatly contrasts with the optimism given by the Britpop that preceded it. The claustrophobic atmosphere gives a sense of danger to the listener which is fully demonstrated in tracks like 'Exit Music (For a Film)' in which Thom Yorke alone with an acoustic guitar and his deeply hushed vocals create a build up of tension which is paid off when the band enter later on. I didn't pay much attention to this album when I first heard of it, but during a rather bleak time in my life I listened to this album and was immersed in the bleak feelings and statements it was delivering. To put it simply, if you feel your life is shit, then listen to this album and simply drift away.

Favourite tracks- Paranoid Android, Exit Music (For a Film), No Surprises
[First added to this chart: 05/09/2013]
Year of Release:
1997
Appears in:
Rank Score:
65,835
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Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Buy album United States
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"Come on you target for faraway laughter,
Come on you stranger, you legend, you martyr, and shine!"

One of the most emotional albums I've ever heard. It's main theme is absence, which resonates with a lot of people- particularly the band at the time. A heartfelt tribute to former frontman Syd Barrett are given in the form of Shine On You Crazy Diamond, critiques on the music industry are included in Welcome to the Machine and Have a Cigar. However, Wish You Were Here is the track that anyone who is missing someone can relate to. It's beautiful lyrics mixed with acoustic melody have stood the test of time. And it's fitting that this album should be titled 'Wish You Were Here', a universal statement for no-one, yet everyone.

Favourite tracks- Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Have a Cigar, Wish You Were Here
[First added to this chart: 05/09/2013]
Year of Release:
1975
Appears in:
Rank Score:
45,714
Rank in 1975:
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Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Buy album United States
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"But it's just like he's in another world
Doesn't see the danger on show
He'll end up like Joseph, bloody in a hole."

This album was like a breath of fresh air when I first heard it. It's exciting, lively and the strength of Pete Doherty and Carl Barat's songwriting elevates this to a status which no other album from that era could encapsulate. In my opinion.

Favourite tracks- Boys in the Band, Up the Bracket, I Get Along
[First added to this chart: 05/11/2013]
Year of Release:
2002
Appears in:
Rank Score:
3,000
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Comments:
Total albums: 98. Page 1 of 10

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Top 98 Greatest Music Albums composition

Decade Albums %


1930s 0 0%
1940s 0 0%
1950s 0 0%
1960s 11 11%
1970s 16 16%
1980s 12 12%
1990s 26 27%
2000s 20 20%
2010s 13 13%
2020s 0 0%
Artist Albums %


The Beatles 5 5%
Pink Floyd 4 4%
The Smiths 3 3%
The Who 3 3%
Blur 3 3%
Genesis 3 3%
Frank Turner 3 3%
Show all
Country Albums %


United Kingdom 55 56%
United States 35 36%
Mixed Nationality 3 3%
Canada 3 3%
Australia 1 1%
Iceland 1 1%
Compilation? Albums %
No 97 99%
Yes 1 1%
Soundtrack? Albums %
No 97 99%
Yes 1 1%

Top 98 Greatest Music Albums chart changes

Biggest fallers
Faller Down 1 from 88th to 89th
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by The Vaccines
Faller Down 1 from 89th to 90th
Love Ire & Song
by Frank Turner
Faller Down 1 from 90th to 91st
Rewind The Film
by Manic Street Preachers
New entries
New entryLoveBlood
by King Charles
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Top 98 Greatest Music Albums ratings

Average Rating: 
88/100 (from 52 votes)
  Ratings distributionRatings distribution Average Rating = (n ÷ (n + m)) × av + (m ÷ (n + m)) × AV
where:
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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).
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09/24/2025 08:08 Johnnyo  Ratings distributionRatings distribution 2,52180/100
 
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03/20/2025 17:28 SomethingSpecial  Ratings distributionRatings distribution 1,10885/100
 
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05/30/2018 21:52 vruslov  Ratings distributionRatings distribution 58289/100
 
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05/15/2016 23:24 buzzdainer  Ratings distributionRatings distribution 66990/100

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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 88.9/100, and a trimmed mean (excluding outliers) of 88.9/100. The standard deviation for this chart is 8.0.

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Top 98 Greatest Music Albums comments

Showing latest 10 comments | Show all 49 comments |
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Rating:  
90/100
From 09/24/2025 08:09
Excellent chart. Particularly like the write ups. Great job
Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
Rating:  
85/100
From 05/15/2016 23:24
Very strong chart. I appreciate the enthusiastic rankings for Funeral and OK Computer, which I agree are wonderful albums.
Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
Rating:  
80/100
From 06/15/2015 22:33
Seems that you like concept albums, nice chart.
Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
Rating:  
90/100
From 01/10/2015 22:27
It may contain too many well known albums (mainly classics or indie rock) for my taste but still I found some nice suprises like Elbow or Pulp (I'll have to listen to This is Hardcore) and we both admire many other british bands, starting with our beloved Pink Floyd. Plus your comments are great so well done for your chart.
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Rating:  
85/100
From 12/22/2014 04:24
Really loved your chart, even so I do not know a bunch of things, witch I will for sure, get to know. But what I liked the most is how you describe with your words these masterpieces and your notably sensitivity. Thanks!!!
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Rating:  
100/100
From 10/07/2014 18:58
Impressive work.
I just got nothing to say about this impressive chart, Just Respect.
Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
Rating:  
70/100
From 09/22/2014 19:08
There are many things that are ok for me, but The Wall second and especially American Idiot Third, are ideas that i dont share at all. Cool descriptions by the way.
Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
Rating:  
90/100
From 09/14/2014 11:26
A cracking chart...most I have listened too but will now go looking for Captain Dangerous. Would have got more albeit for 1 or 2 blips in my personal choice. Don't want to say as I feel I could get lynched for voicing this opinion. But still a above average chart
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Rating:  
85/100
From 06/26/2014 21:49
This comment is beneath your viewing threshold.
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Rating:  
100/100
From 06/21/2014 12:33
Great taste! Love the chart. Great artists, and great albums. I'll take note of some albums I haven't listened yet.

Also, the idea of adding your favourite tracks and lyrics is so interesting. I should do the same in my chart someday.
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