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.
- Chart updated: 04/04/2021 06:15
- (Created: 02/15/2015 03:11).
- Chart size: 100 albums.
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 register to leave a comment or assign a rating.
View the complete list of 58,000 charts on BestEverAlbums.com from The Charts page.
This chart is currently filtered to only show albums from the 1980s. (Remove this filter)
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]
Favourite Tracks: 'Isolation', 'Twenty Four Hours' [First added to this chart: 02/21/2015]
Year of Release:
1980
Appears in:
Rank Score:
14,690
Rank in 1980:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
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]
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:
6,048
Rank in 1984:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
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]
Favourite Tracks: 'Crystal Days', 'Silver' [First added to this chart: 02/21/2015]
Year of Release:
1984
Appears in:
Rank Score:
3,809
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]
Favourite Tracks: 'Slow', 'Cigarette In Your Bed' [First added to this chart: 02/14/2015]
Year of Release:
1988
Appears in:
Rank Score:
904
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]
Favourite Tracks: 'Waterfall', 'I am the Resurrection' [First added to this chart: 02/21/2015]
Year of Release:
1989
Appears in:
Rank Score:
22,384
Rank in 1989:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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]
Favourite Tracks: 'Goo Goo Muck', 'Human Fly' [First added to this chart: 02/21/2015]
1982 from Santa: This has always been my favourite Japan album as it is the only one that has my favourite song of theirs on it (even though it is a comp). It reminds me so much of Sean, floppy fringes and too much hairspray:
Favourite Songs: 'European Son', 'Suburban Berlin' [First added to this chart: 02/21/2015]
Favourite Songs: 'European Son', 'Suburban Berlin' [First added to this chart: 02/21/2015]
Another one from the bargain bin at the jumble sale in Leeds in 1991 - Russell was so jealous that I nabbed this before he got to it. An album that cleverly mixes a number of genres. The sound and the folky/country feel work so well and each song tells a story. A real gem and awesome value at just 5p.
Favourite Tracks: 'Borderline', 'When I win the Lottery' [First added to this chart: 02/21/2015]
Favourite Tracks: 'Borderline', 'When I win the Lottery' [First added to this chart: 02/21/2015]
Everyone needs an album in their collection that they can stomp and chant to. Well here is my stomper..
Favourite Tracks: 'Geno', 'Burn it Down' [First added to this chart: 09/21/2020]
Favourite Tracks: 'Geno', 'Burn it Down' [First added to this chart: 09/21/2020]
Year of Release:
1980
Appears in:
Rank Score:
1,506
Rank in 1980:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
This album gave me some much needed peace and quiet on a very very VERY long trip across Europe. It has been fulfilling that need pretty much ever since!
Favourite Tracks: 'Pale Shelter',' Watch Me Bleed' [First added to this chart: 02/21/2015]
Favourite Tracks: 'Pale Shelter',' Watch Me Bleed' [First added to this chart: 02/21/2015]
Year of Release:
1983
Appears in:
Rank Score:
1,826
Rank in 1983:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Total albums: 38. Page 1 of 4
Don't agree with this chart? Create your own from the My Charts page!
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums composition
| Decade | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1930s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1940s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1950s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1960s | 15 | 15% | |
| 1970s | 13 | 13% | |
| 1980s | 38 | 38% | |
| 1990s | 16 | 16% | |
| 2000s | 13 | 13% | |
| 2010s | 5 | 5% | |
| 2020s | 0 | 0% |
| Artist | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
| Tears For Fears | 1 | 1% | |
| Mudhoney | 1 | 1% | |
| Psychic TV | 1 | 1% | |
| The Velvet Underground & Nico | 1 | 1% | |
| The Stranglers | 1 | 1% | |
| Dinosaur Jr. | 1 | 1% | |
| The Raveonettes | 1 | 1% | |
| Show all | |||
| Country | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
 |
50 | 50% | |
 |
31 | 31% | |
 |
4 | 4% | |
 |
4 | 4% | |
 |
3 | 3% | |
 |
2 | 2% | |
 |
2 | 2% | |
| Show all | |||
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums chart changes
| Biggest climbers |
|---|
| Up 5 from 15th to 10thCrosby, Stills & Nash by Crosby, Stills & Nash |
| Biggest fallers |
|---|
| Down 3 from 12th to 15thPisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. by The Monkees |
| Down 1 from 10th to 11thThe Stooges by The Stooges |
| Down 1 from 11th to 12thBryter Layter by Nick Drake |
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums similar charts
| Title | Source | Type | Published | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Happy Fun Fun! | LadyGodiva | Custom chart | 2020 | |
| Top 100 Music Albums of the 1980s | LadyGodiva | 1980s decade chart | 2025 | |
| Repeat Rewind 2021 edition | LadyGodiva | Custom chart | 2025 | |
| Melody Maker 100 Greatest Albums of All Time (2000) | WayneMC | Custom chart | 2019 | |
| Thank you for the music! | LadyGodiva | Custom chart | 2015 | |
| Top 100 Greatest Music Albums | Melody Maker | Overall chart | 2000 | |
| Top 100 Greatest Music Albums |  Secondsoul | Overall chart | 2015 |  |
| Top 100 Greatest Music Albums | steve_o_619 | Overall chart | 2014 | |
| The Guardian: 100 Best Albums Ever (1997) | WayneMC | Custom chart | 2019 | |
| Kissing Just For Practice : Indie Pop (Twee & Jangle) |  SingingPeasant96 | Custom chart | 2019 |  |
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums similarity to your chart(s)
Not a member? Registering is quick, easy and FREE!
Why register?
- Join a passionate community of over 50,000 music fans.
- Create & share your own charts.
- Have your say in the overall rankings.
- Post comments in the forums and vote on polls.
- Comment on or rate any album, artist, track or chart.
- Discover new music & improve your music collection.
- Customise the overall chart using a variety of different filters & metrics.
- Create a wishlist of albums.
- Gain access to a Dark Mode theme.
- Help maintain the BEA database.
- Earn member points and gain access to increasing levels of functionality!
- ... And lots more!
Register now - it only takes a moment!
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 76 ratings for this chart.
| Rating | Date updated | Member | Chart ratings | Avg. chart rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/04/2026 16:55 | jnmayles | 23 | 89/100 | |
| 07/22/2025 17:22 | Johnnyo | 2,584 | 80/100 | |
| 03/20/2025 15:39 |  SomethingSpecial | 1,089 | 85/100 | |
| 12/23/2024 23:15 | Exist-en-ciel | 156 | 97/100 | |
| 11/03/2024 13:10 | BraddlesHendo | 496 | 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 1% of all charts on BestEverAlbums.com. This chart has a Bayesian average rating of 93.2/100, a mean average of 93.9/100, and a trimmed mean (excluding outliers) of 94.1/100. The standard deviation for this chart is 7.5.
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums favourites
Showing latest 20 members who have added this chart as a favourite | Show all 21 members
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums comments
Showing latest 10 comments | Show all 55 comments |
Most Helpful First | Newest First | Positive Sentiment First |
Longest Comments First
(Only showing comments with -2 votes or higher. You can alter this threshold from your profile page. Manage Profile)
From BraddlesHendo 08/27/2025 12:39 | #310718
Really love your list also thanks for liking mine. Top 10 some of my all time faves
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From Johnnyo 07/22/2025 17:21 | #310245
Nice chart
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From 
seb7 12/11/2021 17:16 | #277376
seb7 12/11/2021 17:16 | #277376
lovely
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From 
CellarDoor 09/23/2020 19:01 | #258589
CellarDoor 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 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From 
Goliath 07/05/2020 16:33 | #255051
Goliath 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 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From 
NowhereMan 12/24/2017 15:07 | #203817
NowhereMan 12/24/2017 15:07 | #203817
I read this twice it was that good. Any chart that has Hatful of Hollow that high deserves a high rating. You recall the late eighties and early nineties and the music at the time like my dad does; he was all over Manchester at the time too!
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From 
greatson 07/28/2017 10:41 | #195039
greatson 07/28/2017 10:41 | #195039
Great chart!
...and thanks for the personal annotations!
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From 
LedZep 05/02/2017 14:51 | #190175
LedZep 05/02/2017 14:51 | #190175
Don't like the top 10 that much but descriptions are imaginative and some picks are so good...
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From LadyGodiva 04/10/2017 06:29 | #188978
LadyGodiva 04/10/2017 06:29 | #188978
Wow - that's a really lovely comment Steve! It is great fun finding new music and I am honoured if I have been part of that journey for you!
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From 
CharlieBarley 04/10/2017 02:56 | #188973
CharlieBarley 04/10/2017 02:56 | #188973
What a great discovery! Awesome chart. Plenty of new albums for me to check out and a new genre for me I never knew existed - Scandi-pop. My musical journey is only just beginning and charts like this are inspiring, m'Lady! I, too, love Hatful of Hollow. It's an amazing album. And as for Julee Cruise, I only remembered I used to have that album in the 90s when I re-watched the film Twin Peaks - Fire Walk with Me t'other night. I spent many a happy hour rocking back and forth to that one. I must re-buy it. I think it was one of those albums I lent to a friend and never got back. Anyway enough about me. Your chart is brilliant. Story of a life in music. I love your notes. Glad I found it on here. From Steven
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +2 votes (2 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
Your feedback for Top 100 Greatest Music Albums
Let us know what you think of this chart by adding a comment or assigning a rating below!
If you enjoy our site, please consider supporting us by sparing a few seconds to disable your ad blocker.
A lot of hard work happens in the background to keep BEA running, and it's especially difficult to do this when we can't pay our hosting fees :(
We work very hard to ensure our site is as fast (and FREE!) as possible, and we respect your privacy.
A lot of hard work happens in the background to keep BEA running, and it's especially difficult to do this when we can't pay our hosting fees :(
We work very hard to ensure our site is as fast (and FREE!) as possible, and we respect your privacy.
| Email Address | |
|---|---|
| Forgotten passwords and other site notifications are sent to the email address saved on your profile. If you've changed your email address recently, please remember to update it on your profile page. (If you can't remember your password, and your email address is out of date, please contact us for assistance getting back into your account). |
