Top 100 Greatest Music Albums
by LadyGodiva

Music is all about memories and associations for me. The albums on my chart have been listened to heaps of times. They have accompanied me through plenty of good times as well as through more than my fair share of bad times. These albums have travelled the world with me, seen my tears, heard my laughter, helped me fall in love and given me strength and hope when I needed it most. They all hold a very special place in my heart. The order is purely arbitrary based on how I feel right now. The hundredth placed album is just as beloved as the number 1. I can't imagine my life without music... so I hope you enjoy what is effectively the soundtrack to my life! :)

Suggestions and comments always welcome.
There are 55 comments for this chart from BestEverAlbums.com members and Top 100 Greatest Music Albums has an average rating of 93 out of 100 (from 76 votes). Please log in or create an account to leave a comment or assign a rating.

Log in or create an account to rate this chart, leave comments or join the discussion.
Share this chart
Collector's summary Help The maximum rank used by the Collector's Summary is configurable from your profile (top 100 is currently selected). Log in or create an account to discover the great albums that are missing from your music collection!
Sort Sort by
Had Ian Curtis lived??? Oh what could have been. I borrowed 'Closer' from my brother and I listened to it to death throughout the 80s and early 90s. There is something so special about Ian Curtis voice and the depth of the lyrics. RIP Ian Curtis - Walk in Silence!
Favourite Tracks: 'Isolation', 'Twenty Four Hours'
[First added to this chart: 02/21/2015]
Year of Release:
1980
Appears in:
Rank Score:
14,333
Rank in 1980:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Top rated album (85/100 - 1933 votes)  85 (1,933 votes)
Comments:
I first heard 'This Charming Man' on Piccadilly Radio in 1983 and it was like the world stopped... the combination of Morrissey's melancholy voice and angst ridden lyrics along with Johnny Marr's wailing guitar spoke to me like no other band had done before (and arguably since). I love this album because it a compilation of studio recorded radio sessions when they were at their rawest and unmolded best.
Favourite Tracks: 'This night has opened my eyes', 'How soon is now?'
[First added to this chart: 02/21/2015]
Year of Release:
1984
Appears in:
Rank Score:
6,047
Rank in 1984:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Top rated album (85/100 - 1064 votes)  85 (1,064 votes)
Comments:
Aka 'The Banana Album'! My ex Ashley brought this album round in the mid 80s to listen to because he thought 'I might like it'. Boy was that an understatement. The album blew me away - still so fresh and raw sounding 20 years after it was initially released. For me VU are the most innovative band of all time and deserve way more credit than they get for their music.
Favourite Tracks: 'Sunday Morning', 'Femme Fatale'
[First added to this chart: 02/21/2015]
Year of Release:
1967
Appears in:
Rank Score:
37,256
Rank in 1967:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Top rated album (89/100 - 3589 votes)  89 (3,589 votes)
Comments:
I bought this because I had a bit of a crush on Mac Mcculloch :-) This album reminds me of back combed hair, too much black eyeliner and my dad's old donkey jacket... and hanging out around the Underground Market.:-)
Favourite Tracks: 'Crystal Days', 'Silver'
[First added to this chart: 02/21/2015]
Year of Release:
1984
Appears in:
Rank Score:
3,857
Rank in 1984:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
"I have loved MBV since they made my ears bleed when I saw them live with MSB (RIP x). This is my favouritest thing that the wonderful MBV recorded. Sometimes I turn it up really loud to see if I can get my ears to bleed again... but only when I'm on my own ;)
Favourite Tracks: 'Slow', 'Cigarette In Your Bed'
[First added to this chart: 02/14/2015]
Year of Release:
1988
Appears in:
Rank Score:
913
Rank in 1988:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
I got dragged along to see The Stone Roses at the Hacienda in 1989 not long after my 18th birthday. I thought they were amazing. It took a while for me to get my hands on the album, but when I did I listened to it to death. This album is the vinyl version of a face lift - filled with youth, vibrancy and enthusiasm. I always feel 18 again when I hear it!
Favourite Tracks: 'Waterfall', 'I am the Resurrection'
[First added to this chart: 02/21/2015]
Year of Release:
1989
Appears in:
Rank Score:
21,944
Rank in 1989:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Top rated album (86/100 - 2321 votes)  86 (2,321 votes)
Comments:
There She Goes' was played everywhere in early 1990 and The La's looked set to take on the world. I bought the album (thanks Steve) and loved the stripped down guitars and melodies. Lee Mavers disappeared into addiction and the La's went back to Liverpool but the album stuck with me and is one of my most listened to treasures.
Favourite Tracks: 'Son of a Gun', 'Way Out'
[First added to this chart: 02/21/2015]
Year of Release:
1990
Appears in:
Rank Score:
2,473
Rank in 1990:
Rank in 1990s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Smokey Robinson is an unsung genius, creator of some of the greatest pop sings ever recorded. I have had more than my fair share of hairbrush moments singing along to this lovely lovely album. Uplifting melodies with often quite dark bittersweet lyrics... the man is incredible.
Favourite Tracks: 'Going to a Go-Go', 'Tracks of My Tears'
[First added to this chart: 02/21/2015]
Year of Release:
1965
Appears in:
Rank Score:
560
Rank in 1965:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
9. (=)
...Off The Bone 
Compilation
A Psychobilly called Judd gave me this album. The darker side of pure rock 'n' roll, it has some amazing tracks on it. I loved the heavy guitar, the early rock'n'roll beat and the horror movie inspired lyrics. I truly believe that the world would be a better place if more people listened to The Cramps. :-)
Favourite Tracks: 'Goo Goo Muck', 'Human Fly'
[First added to this chart: 02/21/2015]
Year of Release:
1983
Appears in:
Rank Score:
91
Rank in 1983:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
"Me, Caroline and Helen took this album with us to Spike Island. It got played over and over again. So when anyone asks me now about Spike Island I start singing Suite Judy Blue Eyes :)
Favourite Tracks: 'Suite Judy Blue Eyes', Marrakesh Express'"
[First added to this chart: 02/21/2015]
Year of Release:
1969
Appears in:
Rank Score:
4,330
Rank in 1969:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Total albums: 100. Page 1 of 10
Don't agree with this chart? Create your own from the My Charts page!

Top 100 Greatest Music Albums composition

Top 100 Greatest Music Albums chart changes

Biggest climbers
Climber Up 5 from 15th to 10th
Biggest fallers
Faller Down 3 from 12th to 15th
Faller Down 1 from 10th to 11th
Faller Down 1 from 11th to 12th
TitleSourceTypePublishedCountry
Super Happy Fun Fun! LadyGodivaCustom chart2020
Top 100 Music Albums of the 1980s LadyGodiva1980s decade chart2025
Repeat Rewind 2021 edition LadyGodivaCustom chart2025
Melody Maker 100 Greatest Albums of All Time (2000)WayneMCCustom chart2019
Thank you for the music! LadyGodivaCustom chart2015
Top 100 Greatest Music AlbumsMelody MakerOverall chart2000United Kingdom
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums SecondsoulOverall chart2015
Top 100 Greatest Music Albumssteve_o_619Overall chart2014
The Guardian: 100 Best Albums Ever (1997)WayneMCCustom chart2019
Kissing Just For Practice : Indie Pop (Twee & Jangle) SingingPeasant96Custom chart2019

Top 100 Greatest Music Albums similarity to your chart(s)


Join 50,000+ music fans


Join now It only takes a moment.

Top 100 Greatest Music Albums ratings

Average Rating: 
93/100 (from 76 votes)
  Ratings distribution Help Average Rating = (n ÷ (n + m)) × av + (m ÷ (n + m)) × AV
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 3 ratings for this chart.  | Show all 76 ratings for this chart.

Sort Sort by
RatingDate updatedMemberChart ratingsAvg. chart rating
The chart has been updated since this rating was assigned   
85/100
 !
07/03/2026 21:12 CharlieBarley  Ratings distribution  47794/100
 
95/100
 !
01/04/2026 16:55 jnmayles  Ratings distribution  3491/100
 
80/100
 !
07/22/2025 17:22 Johnnyo  Ratings distribution  2,68980/100

Rating metrics: Help 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 93.0/100, a mean average of 93.8/100, and a trimmed mean (excluding outliers) of 93.9/100. The standard deviation for this chart is 7.5.


Please log in or create an account if you want to be able to leave a rating

Top 100 Greatest Music Albums favourites

Showing latest 10 members who have added this chart as a favourite  | Show all 21 members

Top 100 Greatest Music Albums forum mentions

This chart has been referenced 4 times on the forums, Explore the wider forum discussion to see what members have said about it.
“Today's chart of the day Top 100 Greatest Music Albums by LadyGodiva () 1. Closer by Joy Division (1980) 2. Hatful Of Hollow by The Smiths (1984) 3. The Velvet Underground & Nico by The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967) 4. Ocean Rain by Echo & The Bunnymen (1984) 5. You Made Me Realise by My Bloody…”
View forum post →

“Today's chart of the day Top 100 Greatest Music Albums by LadyGodiva () 1. Hatful Of Hollow by The Smiths (1984) 2. The La's by The La's (1990) 3. Going To A Go-Go by Smokey Robinson And The Miracles (1965) 4. You Made Me Realise by My Bloody Valentine (1988) 5. Closer by Joy Division (1980) 6.…”
View forum post →

From Jimmy Dread 03/21/2016 18:10 in Who has the best chart?
“I wish that when everyone was listing their favorite charts, they'd provide links for quick access while I'm perusing this thread.. just sayin'.. Here you go then mate (apologies if I've missed any that have been mentioned - just done overalls). Should keep you busy for a while:”
View forum post →

View all forum mentions

Top 100 Greatest Music Albums comments

Showing latest 5 comments | Show all 55 comments |
Top Comments First | Newest First | Positive Sentiment First | Longest Comments First
(Showing comments with any number of votes. Manage Profile)
From 08/27/2025 12:39 | #310718
Really love your list also thanks for liking mine. Top 10 some of my all time faves (Edited)
Helpful?  (Log in to vote) · 0
From 09/23/2020 19:01 | #258589
Merci !! I’ve been obsessed with vaporwave the last few months. It must be a viral side effect ! Xxx
Helpful?  (Log in to vote) · 0
From 07/05/2020 16:33 | #255051
Only 1 album in my chart! There are a couple of albums in your list I really like, but I've never heard of most of them.
Helpful?  (Log in to vote) · 0
Anonymous
What do you think of this chart? Join the conversation!!

Log in or create an account to rate this chart, leave comments or join the discussion.