Top 100 Greatest Music Albums
by 
Ms Mojo Risin 
- Chart updated: 01/18/2023 13:45
- (Created: 01/16/2014 08:29).
- Chart size: 100 albums.
There are 38 comments for this chart from BestEverAlbums.com members and Top 100 Greatest Music Albums has an average rating of 93 out of 100 (from 66 votes). Please log in or register to leave a comment or assign a rating.
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This chart is currently filtered to only show albums from the 1960s. (Remove this filter)
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Favourite Song: I Want Her She Wants Me
Ornate, baroque, eternally beautiful melodies abound on what is one of the absolute essential albums in pop music. With the booming chorus of Care of Cell 44, the fragile, bittersweet soundscapes of A Rose for Emily and Maybe After He's Gone, the dreamy, pulsing lilt of Beechwood Park, the unbridled gaiety of I Want Her She Wants Me, This Will Be Our Year and Friends of Mine, the frosty bite of Butcher's Tale, and the sizzle and sleaze of Time of the Season, this is truly one of the most colourful, precious gems of an album ever recorded. [First added to this chart: 11/01/2014]
Ornate, baroque, eternally beautiful melodies abound on what is one of the absolute essential albums in pop music. With the booming chorus of Care of Cell 44, the fragile, bittersweet soundscapes of A Rose for Emily and Maybe After He's Gone, the dreamy, pulsing lilt of Beechwood Park, the unbridled gaiety of I Want Her She Wants Me, This Will Be Our Year and Friends of Mine, the frosty bite of Butcher's Tale, and the sizzle and sleaze of Time of the Season, this is truly one of the most colourful, precious gems of an album ever recorded. [First added to this chart: 11/01/2014]
Year of Release:
1968
Appears in:
Rank Score:
13,759
Rank in 1968:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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Favourite Song: Fruit Tree
Opening with the warm, gentle sway of Time Has Told Me, the album goes on to prophetic heights with more mournful, aching tracks like River Man, Day is Done, and Fruit Tree, before closing out on the serene, peaceful Saturday Sun. The other songs are all strong, pretty and soothing, combining to make this one of the most tender, lovely, lonely, albums ever recorded. Nowhere near as intense or stark as Pink Moon, but not lacking its emotional intensity. Nick Drake's masterpiece. [First added to this chart: 09/13/2021]
Opening with the warm, gentle sway of Time Has Told Me, the album goes on to prophetic heights with more mournful, aching tracks like River Man, Day is Done, and Fruit Tree, before closing out on the serene, peaceful Saturday Sun. The other songs are all strong, pretty and soothing, combining to make this one of the most tender, lovely, lonely, albums ever recorded. Nowhere near as intense or stark as Pink Moon, but not lacking its emotional intensity. Nick Drake's masterpiece. [First added to this chart: 09/13/2021]
Year of Release:
1969
Appears in:
Rank Score:
8,843
Rank in 1969:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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Favourite Song: The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
Bolder and more American than Music From Big Pink, with an even more consistent tracklist. Starting strong with the brassy and anthemic Across the Great Divide, the energy continues into the fun Rag Mama Rag, and then the sweeping, passionate Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. Up On Cripple Creek, Jemima Surrender, Jawbone, Look Out Cleveland, and King Harvest, are all bouncy, raucous, and vibrant, whilst When You Awake, Whispering Pines, Rocking Chair, and Unfaithful Servant give the album its bittersweet, pensive soul. Masterful songwriting, resulting in a timeless, folksy, rocking, touching, classic. [First added to this chart: 03/10/2014]
Bolder and more American than Music From Big Pink, with an even more consistent tracklist. Starting strong with the brassy and anthemic Across the Great Divide, the energy continues into the fun Rag Mama Rag, and then the sweeping, passionate Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. Up On Cripple Creek, Jemima Surrender, Jawbone, Look Out Cleveland, and King Harvest, are all bouncy, raucous, and vibrant, whilst When You Awake, Whispering Pines, Rocking Chair, and Unfaithful Servant give the album its bittersweet, pensive soul. Masterful songwriting, resulting in a timeless, folksy, rocking, touching, classic. [First added to this chart: 03/10/2014]
Year of Release:
1969
Appears in:
Rank Score:
6,455
Rank in 1969:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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Favourite Song: Light My Fire
At age 12, I was completely obsessed with Jim Morrison. Whilst I have since lost patience with his crummy poetry books and terrible short film, this album still transfixes me today like it did then. The clarity of his voice on Crystal Ship, the pounding organ on Alabama Song and Light My Fire, the raunch of Back Door Man, the ethereal daydream of End of the Night, and of course the excess and ecstasy of The End, continue to make this a bewitching listen. Even the lesser tracks (eg. I Looked At You, Take It As It Comes) would be standouts on most albums. [First added to this chart: 03/31/2018]
At age 12, I was completely obsessed with Jim Morrison. Whilst I have since lost patience with his crummy poetry books and terrible short film, this album still transfixes me today like it did then. The clarity of his voice on Crystal Ship, the pounding organ on Alabama Song and Light My Fire, the raunch of Back Door Man, the ethereal daydream of End of the Night, and of course the excess and ecstasy of The End, continue to make this a bewitching listen. Even the lesser tracks (eg. I Looked At You, Take It As It Comes) would be standouts on most albums. [First added to this chart: 03/31/2018]
Year of Release:
1967
Appears in:
Rank Score:
26,816
Rank in 1967:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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Favourite Song: A banda
Obviously the best album cover of all time. Música alegre, pura, inteligente, com letras boas e simples. [First added to this chart: 09/13/2021]
Obviously the best album cover of all time. Música alegre, pura, inteligente, com letras boas e simples. [First added to this chart: 09/13/2021]
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Favourite Song: Wild Mountain Thyme
Younger than Yesterday is pop perfection, but this is somehow on a higher level. The mystic folk of Wild Mountain Thyme, the psychedelic trance of Eight Miles High and I Come and Stand at Every Door, the enthusiasm of the title track and Mr Spaceman. Thoroughly magical, I just wish it was longer. [First added to this chart: 09/13/2021]
Younger than Yesterday is pop perfection, but this is somehow on a higher level. The mystic folk of Wild Mountain Thyme, the psychedelic trance of Eight Miles High and I Come and Stand at Every Door, the enthusiasm of the title track and Mr Spaceman. Thoroughly magical, I just wish it was longer. [First added to this chart: 09/13/2021]
Year of Release:
1966
Appears in:
Rank Score:
1,409
Rank in 1966:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Buy album
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Favourite Song: The Village Green Preservation Society
When I was obsessed with the Kinks at age 13, and devouring practically everything they ever released, I don't think I could even fully grasp how great this album is. Permeated by a bittersweet nostalgia and love for the past, for an England long since gone, delivered wholeheartedly and without irony in the sweetest harmonies and most ornate melodies, this is the Kinks' masterpiece. Although I've never been fully taken by Phenomenal Cat or Monica (and I strongly believe Days and Mr Songbird should've been included), the rest of the album speaks for itself. The Village Green Preservation Society, Picture Book, Last of the Steam Powered Trains, Village Green and All of My Friends Were There rank high among Davies' best songs (and given the strength of the Kinks' songbook, that says a lot). [First added to this chart: 06/05/2016]
When I was obsessed with the Kinks at age 13, and devouring practically everything they ever released, I don't think I could even fully grasp how great this album is. Permeated by a bittersweet nostalgia and love for the past, for an England long since gone, delivered wholeheartedly and without irony in the sweetest harmonies and most ornate melodies, this is the Kinks' masterpiece. Although I've never been fully taken by Phenomenal Cat or Monica (and I strongly believe Days and Mr Songbird should've been included), the rest of the album speaks for itself. The Village Green Preservation Society, Picture Book, Last of the Steam Powered Trains, Village Green and All of My Friends Were There rank high among Davies' best songs (and given the strength of the Kinks' songbook, that says a lot). [First added to this chart: 06/05/2016]
Year of Release:
1968
Appears in:
Rank Score:
9,364
Rank in 1968:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Buy album
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Favourite Song: The Weight
Touching and elegant. The sentimental moan of Tears of Rage starts the album off perfectly, and almost every song that follows is equally bittersweet, warm-hearted, and timeless. The Weight, This Wheel's on Fire and I Shall Be Released are immediate standouts, but every other song has been a favourite at some time upon repeat listens. Pretty and perfect. [First added to this chart: 09/20/2018]
Touching and elegant. The sentimental moan of Tears of Rage starts the album off perfectly, and almost every song that follows is equally bittersweet, warm-hearted, and timeless. The Weight, This Wheel's on Fire and I Shall Be Released are immediate standouts, but every other song has been a favourite at some time upon repeat listens. Pretty and perfect. [First added to this chart: 09/20/2018]
Year of Release:
1968
Appears in:
Rank Score:
5,773
Rank in 1968:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Buy album
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Favourite Song: Bat macumba
A colourful explosion of sound, featuring many of Brazil's best musicians at the peak of their powers. Caetano Veloso excels on the creepy, slinky Enquanto seu lobo não vem and the joyful Baby. Gilberto Gil stuns on the forceful opener of Miserere nobis and Bat macumba (my personal favourite off the album, which I find superior to the more famous Os Mutantes version). The rest of the album is dynamic and vibrant, without a boring moment. Sempre me deixa sorrindo. [First added to this chart: 03/31/2018]
A colourful explosion of sound, featuring many of Brazil's best musicians at the peak of their powers. Caetano Veloso excels on the creepy, slinky Enquanto seu lobo não vem and the joyful Baby. Gilberto Gil stuns on the forceful opener of Miserere nobis and Bat macumba (my personal favourite off the album, which I find superior to the more famous Os Mutantes version). The rest of the album is dynamic and vibrant, without a boring moment. Sempre me deixa sorrindo. [First added to this chart: 03/31/2018]
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Favourite Song: God Only Knows
Soaring harmonies. So beautifully emotionally manipulative, it never gets old. [First added to this chart: 06/05/2016]
Soaring harmonies. So beautifully emotionally manipulative, it never gets old. [First added to this chart: 06/05/2016]
Year of Release:
1966
Appears in:
Rank Score:
38,855
Rank in 1966:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Total albums: 18. Page 1 of 2
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums composition
| Decade | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1930s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1940s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1950s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1960s | 18 | 18% | |
| 1970s | 28 | 28% | |
| 1980s | 21 | 21% | |
| 1990s | 23 | 23% | |
| 2000s | 9 | 9% | |
| 2010s | 1 | 1% | |
| 2020s | 0 | 0% |
| Artist | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
| Songs: Ohia | 4 | 4% | |
| Vic Chesnutt | 4 | 4% | |
| Nick Drake | 3 | 3% | |
| Joni Mitchell | 3 | 3% | |
| U2 | 3 | 3% | |
| Julian Cope | 2 | 2% | |
| The Band | 2 | 2% | |
| Show all | |||
| Country | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
| |
44 | 44% | |
 |
23 | 23% | |
 |
8 | 8% | |
 |
7 | 7% | |
| |
7 | 7% | |
 |
4 | 4% | |
 |
3 | 3% | |
| Show all | |||
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums chart changes
| Biggest climbers |
|---|
| Up 28 from 70th to 42ndI Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight by Richard & Linda Thompson |
| Up 21 from 88th to 67thForever Changes by Love |
| Up 19 from 96th to 77thThe Bends by Radiohead |
| Biggest fallers |
|---|
| Down 36 from 12th to 48thTonight's The Night by Neil Young |
| Down 31 from 57th to 88thZweilicht by Kante |
| Down 28 from 63rd to 91stCaetano Veloso (1971) by Caetano Veloso |
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums similar charts
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| Top 100 Greatest Music Albums |  Arthurknight | Overall chart | 2025 | |
| Top 100 Greatest Music Albums | stryker700 | Overall chart | 2021 |  |
| Die besten Platten aus 5 Jahrzehnten: Top 100 | Rolling Stone Deutschland | Overall chart | 1997 |  |
| Most Acclaimed Music Albums | Imaybeparanoid | Custom chart | 2015 | |
| Top 100 Greatest Music Albums | TheSmiths82-87 | Overall chart | 2022 | |
| My Ranking of the BEA top 100 |  sszwalbenest | Custom chart | 2021 | |
| Driving Albums | Arthurknight | Custom chart | 2022 | |
| Overall for yours truly |  RoundTheBend | Custom chart | 2020 | |
| Rearrange Top 100 |  Larcx13 | Custom chart | 2020 |  |
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums ratings
Average Rating = (n ÷ (n + m)) × av + (m ÷ (n + m)) × AVwhere:
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 66 ratings for this chart.
| Rating | Date updated | Member | Chart ratings | Avg. chart rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ! | 11/08/2023 00:27 |  AAL2014 | 163 | 92/100 |
| ! | 11/07/2023 22:22 | Moondance | 476 | 85/100 |
| ! | 11/07/2023 16:17 |  Nagaiwolfwood | 61 | 92/100 |
| ! | 11/07/2023 12:39 |  eclab | 43 | 79/100 |
| ! | 11/07/2023 10:37 |  Tamthebam | 651 | 85/100 |
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 1% of all charts on BestEverAlbums.com. This chart has a Bayesian average rating of 92.6/100, a mean average of 92.8/100, and a trimmed mean (excluding outliers) of 93.6/100. The standard deviation for this chart is 9.0.
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums favourites
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums comments
Showing latest 10 comments | Show all 38 comments |
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From Moondance 11/07/2023 22:24 | #299863
I loved spending time with your chart - & reading your comments on why a particular album resonates with you. I also loved the inclusion of 7 Australian albums. Of the hundreds of 'Top 100 Greatest Music Albums Charts' that I've checked out over the years, this one is probably the most interesting I have come across - and the comments, personal/honest/emotionally grounded are what makes this chart resonate with me - even though we only have 8 albums in common.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From Rm12398 02/17/2023 01:06 | #294123
Absolutely love your number one! Hold On Magnolia might one of my favourite album closers of all time. So heart-breaking. Also love seeing that Zombies record at #11. Great list!
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From Johnnyo 02/16/2023 23:07 | #294118
Stunning chart. Great variety
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From craab 11/23/2021 21:10 | #276616
Great mix of world, Americana, classic rock, British New Wave etc. Wonderful chart that gave me some great recommendations. Pleased as punch to see Tomorrow the Green Grass here.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From 
DommeDamian 09/13/2021 17:46 | #273684
DommeDamian 09/13/2021 17:46 | #273684
Marvellous.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From pctrooper 01/18/2020 16:38 | #246971
Outstanding chart. Found some great recommendations here.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From DommeDamian 12/15/2018 11:51 | #227174
DommeDamian 12/15/2018 11:51 | #227174
Hmmm... interesting taste
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | -1 votes (0 helpful | 1 unhelpful)
From 
ForegroundNoise 12/15/2018 09:34 | #227170
ForegroundNoise 12/15/2018 09:34 | #227170
Really like this chart, so many great picks. Some notes would be great for a perfect score!!
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +2 votes (2 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From tk421ucopy 04/03/2018 04:23 | #212214
I appreciate the originality. There are certainly some albums and artists I don't know. The ones I do know that you have listed here are a little bit "eh" in my opinion, but cool chart anyways
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From 
Boltzmann 04/02/2018 18:41 | #212181
Boltzmann 04/02/2018 18:41 | #212181
Nice to see Kate Bush so high; been listening to almost nothing else today.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
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