Top 100 Greatest Music Albums by 
AAL2014 
Thanks for checking out my chart! BEA is a godsend of a website for me and has been for close to a decade now. I’ve spent countless hours of my free time here organizing my thoughts and checking out music that’s new to me. Very much in the same way listening to albums is respite for me, ranking them and arranging my thoughts is just the same.
Here you'll find some of that taking shape. My Top 100 will always be a work in progress, as I imagine anyone's would. But here's a couple things you'll find with my chart in particular:
---- My favorite (or thereabouts) lyric from each non-instrumental album.
----Being a drummer for going on 15 years, here you'll find the drummer(s) who played on each of my top 100 records to give a some due credit or to shoutout a hero.
—— As of 7/9/22, I am no longer enforcing 1 entry per artist in the top 25. I want the albums I love the most to be represented the way that accurately depicts what they’ve meant in my life.
Hope you enjoy. Let me know of any thoughts or if you have any recommendations for me in the comments. I’d love to hear them!
CHART OF THE DAY- 8/9/18, 5/10/21, 3/1/22, 10/13/22, 5/1/23
- Chart updated: 03/18/2024 05:15
- (Created: 03/18/2014 17:15).
- Chart size: 100 albums.
There are 49 comments for this chart from BestEverAlbums.com members and Top 100 Greatest Music Albums has an average rating of 90 out of 100 (from 83 votes). Please log in or register to leave a comment or assign a rating.
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"But tonight, I feel like more. I feel like more."
This album holds up. And if you’re familiar with White Pony, you should know exactly what I mean. Turn of the century heavy rock has, let’s face it, largely not held up. Some of it wasn’t passable to begin with. But that does not apply to this classic.
Balanced with legendary radio staples and lethal deep cuts alike, White Pony cuts like a knife at a.. knife party? All the while, it maintains an edge on nearly every one of its contemporaries with more feel and authenticity in their performances.
Oh and Maynard on Passenger…
Drummer: Abe Cunningham [First added to this chart: 09/05/2020]
This album holds up. And if you’re familiar with White Pony, you should know exactly what I mean. Turn of the century heavy rock has, let’s face it, largely not held up. Some of it wasn’t passable to begin with. But that does not apply to this classic.
Balanced with legendary radio staples and lethal deep cuts alike, White Pony cuts like a knife at a.. knife party? All the while, it maintains an edge on nearly every one of its contemporaries with more feel and authenticity in their performances.
Oh and Maynard on Passenger…
Drummer: Abe Cunningham [First added to this chart: 09/05/2020]
Year of Release:
2000
Appears in:
Rank Score:
3,597
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Average Rating:
Comments:
31
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[First added to this chart: 01/20/2023]
Year of Release:
1972
Appears in:
Rank Score:
416
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Crack the Skye is another modern day classic by one of my favorite progressive metal bands of all time, Mastodon. I suggest that anyone unfamiliar with this band or this album check it out right away if you are into the genre. The mixture of clean and growling vocals is a very welcome mix, as well as the different singers in the band. The drum, bass, and guitar performances on this record are all outstanding, and oh, not to mention, it's another concept album! The story is beyond my comprehension to this point, I'll be honest, but the songs are just too good for me to worry about that.
Favorite tracks: Oblivion, The Czar, Divinations
Drummer: Brann Dailor [First added to this chart: 12/03/2014]
Favorite tracks: Oblivion, The Czar, Divinations
Drummer: Brann Dailor [First added to this chart: 12/03/2014]
Year of Release:
2009
Appears in:
Rank Score:
1,697
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**Largely Instrumental**
Tony Williams, for those unfamiliar, is no longer with us. However, generation after generation of rock, jazz, fusion, and snare drum players continue to gain inspiration from hearing and watching Tony play. Believe It is my favorite album of his so far, and quickly becoming one of my all time favorite instrumental records. There is such great life to it, thanks in part to guys like Allan Holdsworth on guitar (a fucking monster and legend in his own right). The songs have direction and clarity more-so than a few other Tony Williams records I've heard. The 8 songs on Believe It play like a dream in technicolor. A classic for anyone interested in fusion music or drumming in general.
Favorite Tracks: Snake Oil, Fred, Proto Cosmos
Drummer: Tony Williams [First added to this chart: 08/23/2016]
Tony Williams, for those unfamiliar, is no longer with us. However, generation after generation of rock, jazz, fusion, and snare drum players continue to gain inspiration from hearing and watching Tony play. Believe It is my favorite album of his so far, and quickly becoming one of my all time favorite instrumental records. There is such great life to it, thanks in part to guys like Allan Holdsworth on guitar (a fucking monster and legend in his own right). The songs have direction and clarity more-so than a few other Tony Williams records I've heard. The 8 songs on Believe It play like a dream in technicolor. A classic for anyone interested in fusion music or drumming in general.
Favorite Tracks: Snake Oil, Fred, Proto Cosmos
Drummer: Tony Williams [First added to this chart: 08/23/2016]
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**Largely Instrumental**
Mahavishnu John McLaughlin put together arguably the greatest musical lineup ever assembled in a rock band setting. Himself on guitar, Jan Hammer on keys, Jerry Goodman on violin, Rick Laird on the bass, and the powerhouse Billy Cobham on drums. At one point, the only all instrumental album to make my list, every song has so much tenacity. The odd time signatures are pulled off with ease as simply as Cobham's poly-rhythms around the drum set. This record is beautiful as it is powerful and I suggest everyone who hasn't heard it to check it out!
Favorite tracks: Birds of Fire, Miles Beyond, One Word
Drummer: Billy Cobham [First added to this chart: 12/08/2014]
Mahavishnu John McLaughlin put together arguably the greatest musical lineup ever assembled in a rock band setting. Himself on guitar, Jan Hammer on keys, Jerry Goodman on violin, Rick Laird on the bass, and the powerhouse Billy Cobham on drums. At one point, the only all instrumental album to make my list, every song has so much tenacity. The odd time signatures are pulled off with ease as simply as Cobham's poly-rhythms around the drum set. This record is beautiful as it is powerful and I suggest everyone who hasn't heard it to check it out!
Favorite tracks: Birds of Fire, Miles Beyond, One Word
Drummer: Billy Cobham [First added to this chart: 12/08/2014]
Year of Release:
1973
Appears in:
Rank Score:
547
Rank in 1973:
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Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
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"Overwhelmed as one would be placed in my position. Such a heavy burden now to be the one. Born to bare and ritual the details of our ending and write it down for all the world to see.. But I forgot my pen."
I should have been a Tool fan long before I gave into the fandom. All 3 of the other members of my first band were Tool freaks and I just wasn't. I didn't get the appeal, I just didn't feel it.. but maybe that's where the seed was planted. Either way, now I just am enthralled with the band and 10,000 Days was my favorite of theirs to start. The mood of the record is so ominous and brooding but in such a pleasantly unique way. The lyrics are for the better part brilliant, the riffs are challenging and chuggy, the drums are out of this world, and the production lays the groundwork to make it easy to get through the album’s 75 minutes.
There are many highlights here for me, including Vicarious, The Pot, Right In Two, and one of the best songs ever penned, 10,000 Days (Wings Part 2). A full fledged experience of an album.
Favorite tracks: Right In Two, Vicarious, 10,000 Days (Wings Part 2)
Drummer: Danny Carey [First added to this chart: 05/06/2016]
I should have been a Tool fan long before I gave into the fandom. All 3 of the other members of my first band were Tool freaks and I just wasn't. I didn't get the appeal, I just didn't feel it.. but maybe that's where the seed was planted. Either way, now I just am enthralled with the band and 10,000 Days was my favorite of theirs to start. The mood of the record is so ominous and brooding but in such a pleasantly unique way. The lyrics are for the better part brilliant, the riffs are challenging and chuggy, the drums are out of this world, and the production lays the groundwork to make it easy to get through the album’s 75 minutes.
There are many highlights here for me, including Vicarious, The Pot, Right In Two, and one of the best songs ever penned, 10,000 Days (Wings Part 2). A full fledged experience of an album.
Favorite tracks: Right In Two, Vicarious, 10,000 Days (Wings Part 2)
Drummer: Danny Carey [First added to this chart: 05/06/2016]
Year of Release:
2006
Appears in:
Rank Score:
2,974
Rank in 2006:
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Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
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Yeah…. This is my favorite Neil Young record. I think it so perfectly encapsulates and expresses all of what Neil was masterful at. All the while maintaining an impressive balance of tones and genre leanings through the entirety of the project.
[First added to this chart: 04/09/2023]
Year of Release:
1974
Appears in:
Rank Score:
7,913
Rank in 1974:
Rank in 1970s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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**Largely Instrumental**
[First added to this chart: 12/20/2020]
Year of Release:
1975
Appears in:
Rank Score:
2,063
Rank in 1975:
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Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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"But wouldn't you like to know the truth of what's out there to have the proof? And find out just which side you're on. Where would you end? In Heaven or in Hell?"
Maiden told an amazing tale about good and evil with this, their most progressive effort, in 1988. Bruce Dickinson's voice soars just like the records before it, but to go along with his famous operatic vocal style he introduces, on some songs, a rougher, raspier voice which give the songs a more mythic feel. At one point Maiden said they would never use keyboards in their music, but I'm glad they did because the keys mixed with their famous guitars, bass, and drums make this albums one of my all time favorites.
Favorite Tracks: Moonchild, Infinite Dreams, The Evil That Men Do
Drummer: Nicko McBrain [First added to this chart: 04/24/2014]
Maiden told an amazing tale about good and evil with this, their most progressive effort, in 1988. Bruce Dickinson's voice soars just like the records before it, but to go along with his famous operatic vocal style he introduces, on some songs, a rougher, raspier voice which give the songs a more mythic feel. At one point Maiden said they would never use keyboards in their music, but I'm glad they did because the keys mixed with their famous guitars, bass, and drums make this albums one of my all time favorites.
Favorite Tracks: Moonchild, Infinite Dreams, The Evil That Men Do
Drummer: Nicko McBrain [First added to this chart: 04/24/2014]
Year of Release:
1988
Appears in:
Rank Score:
2,597
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Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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I love this record. Is it their best? No, that crown will probably never leave the head of Blood Sugar, but this is just beautiful. I have so many great memories surrounding it.
"If you don't like this album, you don't like the Red Hot Chili Peppers," -Flea. I have to agree. Are there some campy moments on here? Yes, but often times it's done so pleasantly RHCP better than ever. Likewise, the second disc is a little lacking and condensing it to a one disc masterpiece probably would have been a smarter choice, but I just don't give a good shit. I love it and I've listened to it so many times. A feel good record for me.
Favorite tracks: Snow (Hey Oh), Stadium Arcadium, Especially in Michigan.
Drummer: Chad Smith [First added to this chart: 03/21/2014]
"If you don't like this album, you don't like the Red Hot Chili Peppers," -Flea. I have to agree. Are there some campy moments on here? Yes, but often times it's done so pleasantly RHCP better than ever. Likewise, the second disc is a little lacking and condensing it to a one disc masterpiece probably would have been a smarter choice, but I just don't give a good shit. I love it and I've listened to it so many times. A feel good record for me.
Favorite tracks: Snow (Hey Oh), Stadium Arcadium, Especially in Michigan.
Drummer: Chad Smith [First added to this chart: 03/21/2014]
Year of Release:
2006
Appears in:
Rank Score:
3,092
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Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Total albums: 100. Page 10 of 10
Don't agree with this chart? Create your own from the My Charts page!
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums composition
| Decade | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
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|
| 1930s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1940s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1950s | 1 | 1% | |
| 1960s | 10 | 10% | |
| 1970s | 34 | 34% | |
| 1980s | 13 | 13% | |
| 1990s | 21 | 21% | |
| 2000s | 13 | 13% | |
| 2010s | 6 | 6% | |
| 2020s | 2 | 2% |
| Artist | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
 |
|
|
| Rush | 4 | 4% | |
| Tool | 3 | 3% | |
| Genesis | 3 | 3% | |
| Stevie Wonder | 3 | 3% | |
| David Bowie | 3 | 3% | |
| The Beatles | 3 | 3% | |
| Metallica | 3 | 3% | |
| Show all | |||
| Country | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
58 | 58% | |
 |
28 | 28% | |
 |
6 | 6% | |
 |
3 | 3% | |
 |
2 | 2% | |
 |
1 | 1% | |
 |
1 | 1% | |
| Show all | |||
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums chart changes
| Biggest climbers |
|---|
| Up 7 from 97th to 90th Nevermind by Nirvana |
| Up 7 from 88th to 81st Electric Ladyland by The Jimi Hendrix Experience |
| Up 3 from 83rd to 80th Hounds Of Love by Kate Bush |
| Biggest fallers |
|---|
| Down 5 from 86th to 91st White Pony by Deftones |
| Down 3 from 80th to 83rd Mingus Ah Um by Charles Mingus |
| Down 3 from 81st to 84th The Marshall Mathers LP by Eminem |
| New entries |
|---|
 To Be Kindby Swans |
| Leavers |
|---|
 Temple Of The Dogby Temple Of The Dog |
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums ratings
90/100 (from 83 votes)
where:
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 83 ratings for this chart.
| Rating | Date updated | Member | Chart ratings | Avg. chart rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 90/100  | 03/06/2024 20:43 | Moondance | | 84/100 |
| 90/100 | 05/02/2023 03:05 |  ffudnebbuh | | 91/100 |
| 100/100 | 03/04/2023 19:28 | bobnickmad | | 88/100 |
| 90/100 | 01/30/2023 16:43 |  Goliath | | 86/100 |
| 100/100 | 10/13/2022 20:00 | BLO | | 91/100 |
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 2% of all charts on BestEverAlbums.com. This chart has a Bayesian average rating of 90.3/100, a mean average of 90.8/100, and a trimmed mean (excluding outliers) of 90.8/100. The standard deviation for this chart is 7.4.
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums comments
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90/100
From ffudnebbuh 05/02/2023 03:05
ffudnebbuh 05/02/2023 03:05
nice variety
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
95/100
From BraddlesHendo 05/01/2023 12:32
5 stars just for time and effort given to your chart. Some absolute beautiful albums in your Top 100.?
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
100/100
From bobnickmad 03/04/2023 19:28
Great chart both on diversity and quality.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
90/100
From Johnnyo 10/13/2022 16:55
Great chart and really diggin the notes accompanying the albums. Trying to do more of this myself but failing miserably
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
90/100
From Moondance 10/13/2022 09:12
Fascinating chart. Enjoyed the intro & album commentary ~ and appreciate the effort required to put the chart together. The chart is far too US-centric for my tastes - but I respect your choices, however they fall. Interestingly, you have Born To Run at #2 & I have it at #3; and the line you quote from the album is also my favourite line ~ so we have that and another 9 albums in common.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
100/100
From leniad 07/10/2022 01:29
i have to give your chart a 100, excellent albums you choose, steview wonder along with prince and bowie are for me top 3 solo artists ever, if you count jazz then is bowie, miles davis, stevie and prince
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
100/100
From KineticEchoes02 07/06/2022 07:43
Hey man, I've come back to your chart - somehow on a first glance I gave it a 95, but it easily deserves a 100. This is the best chart I have read. Love your work - many similar tastes to mine, and the descriptions and stories within are awesome. From a bass player to a drummer - rock on dude!
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
100/100
From leniad 03/01/2022 12:05
Love it!
Great taste and like your writing , keep going
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
100/100
From 
Larcx13 11/22/2020 01:30
Larcx13 11/22/2020 01:30
You put a lot of effort on this chart and you have a lot of really good picks. Really good chart!
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From AAL2014 11/02/2020 13:10
AAL2014 11/02/2020 13:10
11/2/2020
The chart is yet again in transition mode (as always, but now moreso than in a while). Been taking in a lot of music new to me, a lot of music that I'm loving and resonating with. The chart will slowly but surely show that and the specific examples of what I'm talking about.
Just wanted to reach out to everybody who has given me high scores recently, it's always cool to see that every once in a while. However, there's more additions to include, more rearranging to be done, and much better descriptions. I've been feeling very motivated recently.
And look at that.. only 435 chart versions in....
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
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