Top 40 Greatest Music Albums by juro00134 
These are my 40 favourite albums at the moment, so their positions are hardly fixed. Note that although these are my favourites, some of them wouldn't even touch a best of all time list. Subjective versus objective and all that...
All these albums have influenced me in major ways, and I have tried to include albums of all genres and from all sides of the musical spectrum (I have even included soundtracks and classical works). I hope this list is an accurate reflection of my current musical mindset.
Full list: https://rateyourmusic.com/list/JustinRoy1997/100_favourite_albums/
- Chart updated: 03/16/2016 21:45
- (Created: 03/11/2016 02:56).
- Chart size: 40 albums.
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"All Tomorrow's Parties", "Heroin"
Honestly, what else could top this list? From the opening notes of "Sunday Morning" to the final chaotic outburst of "European Son", it's quite obvious this is one of the most influential albums ever made. Though influential doesn't always mean great, this album is truly one of the finest achievements in not only music, but in all the artistic canon. "Heroin" is possibly the greatest and most cathartic song ever written, and its position as the centrepiece of the album cements the album's place as the greatest ever. There's a reason the album format blossomed in the late sixties through the seventies, and this is probably it. [First added to this chart: 03/16/2016]
Honestly, what else could top this list? From the opening notes of "Sunday Morning" to the final chaotic outburst of "European Son", it's quite obvious this is one of the most influential albums ever made. Though influential doesn't always mean great, this album is truly one of the finest achievements in not only music, but in all the artistic canon. "Heroin" is possibly the greatest and most cathartic song ever written, and its position as the centrepiece of the album cements the album's place as the greatest ever. There's a reason the album format blossomed in the late sixties through the seventies, and this is probably it. [First added to this chart: 03/16/2016]
Year of Release:
1967
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Rank Score:
42,404
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353
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All of it
The only album I know every note of that gets better each and every time I listen to it. To be honest, that's the sole reason this isn't number one, as I feel it'll never get as good as it can possibly be. Not much to say about this that hasn't already been said. Moments that give me full-body goose bumps: the solo in "Time", all of "The Great Gig in the Sky", all of "Eclipse". Just great moment after great moment. [First added to this chart: 03/16/2016]
The only album I know every note of that gets better each and every time I listen to it. To be honest, that's the sole reason this isn't number one, as I feel it'll never get as good as it can possibly be. Not much to say about this that hasn't already been said. Moments that give me full-body goose bumps: the solo in "Time", all of "The Great Gig in the Sky", all of "Eclipse". Just great moment after great moment. [First added to this chart: 03/16/2016]
Year of Release:
1973
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Rank Score:
64,589
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"Jóga", "All Is Full of Love"
Björk, one of the greatest vocalists alive today ("All Is Full of Love" can attest to this), reached her peak with one of the most beautiful and emotive albums ever made. Driven by great icy electronic production and beautiful strings, this album is made for quality headphones. The track sequencing is also great. When listening to a track on its own, it feels diminished because it is taken without the context of the surrounding tracks. While this can be seen as a flaw, it's a testament to the album's strength as an ALBUM, not a collection of tracks. Pure, raw beauty and emotion in musical form. And if the second verse of "Hunter" and the song's main string line aren't some of the most intense things you've ever heard, you haven't heard it, so listen to it. [First added to this chart: 03/16/2016]
Björk, one of the greatest vocalists alive today ("All Is Full of Love" can attest to this), reached her peak with one of the most beautiful and emotive albums ever made. Driven by great icy electronic production and beautiful strings, this album is made for quality headphones. The track sequencing is also great. When listening to a track on its own, it feels diminished because it is taken without the context of the surrounding tracks. While this can be seen as a flaw, it's a testament to the album's strength as an ALBUM, not a collection of tracks. Pure, raw beauty and emotion in musical form. And if the second verse of "Hunter" and the song's main string line aren't some of the most intense things you've ever heard, you haven't heard it, so listen to it. [First added to this chart: 03/16/2016]
Year of Release:
1997
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Rank Score:
13,642
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"Starálfur", "Viðrar vel til loftárása"
Sigur Rós sounds like Iceland. Just watch Heima and you'll see. Or listen to Ágætis byrjun and you'll hear. Beautiful and expansive, it defines the sound of a nation. Along with Björk, Sigur Rós proves talent can come from the unlikeliest of places. What they do best is mix the overblown sound of post-rock with humbleness and hospitality. Just listen to the beautiful piano, the introduction of the vocals, and the ensuing buildup of "Viðrar vel til loftárása" or the acoustic singer/songwriter feel of the title track to realise this. Oh yeah, and "Starálfur" is on this. There is nothing else to say. [First added to this chart: 03/16/2016]
Sigur Rós sounds like Iceland. Just watch Heima and you'll see. Or listen to Ágætis byrjun and you'll hear. Beautiful and expansive, it defines the sound of a nation. Along with Björk, Sigur Rós proves talent can come from the unlikeliest of places. What they do best is mix the overblown sound of post-rock with humbleness and hospitality. Just listen to the beautiful piano, the introduction of the vocals, and the ensuing buildup of "Viðrar vel til loftárása" or the acoustic singer/songwriter feel of the title track to realise this. Oh yeah, and "Starálfur" is on this. There is nothing else to say. [First added to this chart: 03/16/2016]
Year of Release:
1999
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Rank Score:
15,897
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"21st Century Schizoid Man", "The Court of the Crimson King"
The most striking aspect of this album is the stark contrast between chaos and beauty contained within. From the freak-out ending and complexity of "21st Century Schizoid Man" to the mellotron-driven "Epitaph", the album is based around both intricate songwriting and instrumental experimentation. Maybe "Moonchild" takes the experimental nature of the album a bit too far, but it adds to the tapestry of one of the most unique and interesting recordings ever made. [First added to this chart: 03/16/2016]
The most striking aspect of this album is the stark contrast between chaos and beauty contained within. From the freak-out ending and complexity of "21st Century Schizoid Man" to the mellotron-driven "Epitaph", the album is based around both intricate songwriting and instrumental experimentation. Maybe "Moonchild" takes the experimental nature of the album a bit too far, but it adds to the tapestry of one of the most unique and interesting recordings ever made. [First added to this chart: 03/16/2016]
Year of Release:
1969
Appears in:
Rank Score:
29,738
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"The National Anthem", "Idioteque"
Radiohead might be the greatest band ever. While I hate to use superlatives (I was against making this list in the first place, being pushed to it by friends), they might be the band that best displays the intention with which they make music. Each album is a logical progression of the last, making Kid A a much better album when contextualised with their others. One of the biggest shocks in musical history, Kid A alienated many on original release with its extremely cold electronic sound. It took many listens to realise this album's greatness (actually, this was the first Radiohead album I heard), but once it clicked, I couldn't look back. Taking a genre many people considered to be pedestrian, they fused the IDM style of Aphex Twin and Autechre (best epitomised in the title track) with their art rock sound, introducing electronic music to the mainstream. "The National Anthem" and "Idioteque" best define this album's sound for me. [First added to this chart: 03/16/2016]
Radiohead might be the greatest band ever. While I hate to use superlatives (I was against making this list in the first place, being pushed to it by friends), they might be the band that best displays the intention with which they make music. Each album is a logical progression of the last, making Kid A a much better album when contextualised with their others. One of the biggest shocks in musical history, Kid A alienated many on original release with its extremely cold electronic sound. It took many listens to realise this album's greatness (actually, this was the first Radiohead album I heard), but once it clicked, I couldn't look back. Taking a genre many people considered to be pedestrian, they fused the IDM style of Aphex Twin and Autechre (best epitomised in the title track) with their art rock sound, introducing electronic music to the mainstream. "The National Anthem" and "Idioteque" best define this album's sound for me. [First added to this chart: 03/16/2016]
Year of Release:
2000
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Rank Score:
45,765
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"Storm"
Most of the people I know seem to prefer F# to this, but I've never quite understood why. This doesn't have the unnecessary intermissions, flows better and is generally a much stronger album than their debut, and while it may not be as consistent, the highs are higher and the lows aren't as low. The opener, "Storm", introduces the album's apocalyptic sound with one of the most powerful buildups in rock music. Although it sometimes teeters on the brink of excess, the album is one of my most-listened and retains a high standard lost on their many imitators. [First added to this chart: 03/16/2016]
Most of the people I know seem to prefer F# to this, but I've never quite understood why. This doesn't have the unnecessary intermissions, flows better and is generally a much stronger album than their debut, and while it may not be as consistent, the highs are higher and the lows aren't as low. The opener, "Storm", introduces the album's apocalyptic sound with one of the most powerful buildups in rock music. Although it sometimes teeters on the brink of excess, the album is one of my most-listened and retains a high standard lost on their many imitators. [First added to this chart: 03/16/2016]
Year of Release:
2000
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Rank Score:
13,470
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8. (7) 
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"Tabula rasa"
It's probably controversial to place this, a modern classical minimalist release, so highly on the list. "Fratres" and "Tabula rasa" are the MVP's here, and the latter is simply the most beautiful classical piece ever composed. The title piece is an emotionally raw outpouring of catharsis and stuns with its deceptively simple composition style. A must-hear for anyone interested in classical music, its quality and place in the musical canon are indisputable. [First added to this chart: 03/16/2016]
It's probably controversial to place this, a modern classical minimalist release, so highly on the list. "Fratres" and "Tabula rasa" are the MVP's here, and the latter is simply the most beautiful classical piece ever composed. The title piece is an emotionally raw outpouring of catharsis and stuns with its deceptively simple composition style. A must-hear for anyone interested in classical music, its quality and place in the musical canon are indisputable. [First added to this chart: 03/16/2016]
Year of Release:
1984
Appears in:
Rank Score:
1,217
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"Oh Yeah", "Halleluwah"
Led by Jaki Liebezeit's amazing primitive drumming style and Damo Suzuki's eccentric vocal glossolalia, Tago Mago is an often-overlooked masterpiece. The opening triumvirate sets the scene for the album's centrepiece, "Halleluwah", possibly the greatest jam ever (yes, better than "Sister Ray", and that's saying a lot). Is there a funner album than this? I don't think so. In fact, one of my favourite musical experiences was drunk-dancing to this with a few friends. And it was fun. The second half is underrated. Dancing to "Aumgn" almost gave me a panic attack. [First added to this chart: 03/16/2016]
Led by Jaki Liebezeit's amazing primitive drumming style and Damo Suzuki's eccentric vocal glossolalia, Tago Mago is an often-overlooked masterpiece. The opening triumvirate sets the scene for the album's centrepiece, "Halleluwah", possibly the greatest jam ever (yes, better than "Sister Ray", and that's saying a lot). Is there a funner album than this? I don't think so. In fact, one of my favourite musical experiences was drunk-dancing to this with a few friends. And it was fun. The second half is underrated. Dancing to "Aumgn" almost gave me a panic attack. [First added to this chart: 03/16/2016]
Year of Release:
1971
Appears in:
Rank Score:
9,799
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"Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels)", "Rebellion (Lies)"
THE nostalgia album. When I was younger and being driven to school every morning, I would usually hear "Rebellion" on the radio, not knowing it was by Arcade Fire and not paying it much mind because I was young and young people never pay things much mind. Years later, as I was getting into music, I'd always see this album on best albums lists and decided to give it a listen, really liking it. Then "Rebellion" came on. I remembered it note for note and just sat in awe. I still sit in awe whenever I hear it. [First added to this chart: 03/16/2016]
THE nostalgia album. When I was younger and being driven to school every morning, I would usually hear "Rebellion" on the radio, not knowing it was by Arcade Fire and not paying it much mind because I was young and young people never pay things much mind. Years later, as I was getting into music, I'd always see this album on best albums lists and decided to give it a listen, really liking it. Then "Rebellion" came on. I remembered it note for note and just sat in awe. I still sit in awe whenever I hear it. [First added to this chart: 03/16/2016]
Year of Release:
2004
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Rank Score:
36,964
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Total albums: 40. Page 1 of 4
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Top 40 Greatest Music Albums composition
| Decade | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| 1930s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1940s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1950s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1960s | 4 | 10% | |
| 1970s | 10 | 25% | |
| 1980s | 4 | 10% | |
| 1990s | 13 | 33% | |
| 2000s | 9 | 23% | |
| 2010s | 0 | 0% | |
| 2020s | 0 | 0% |
| Artist | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
| Pink Floyd | 3 | 8% | |
| Radiohead | 3 | 8% | |
| Can | 3 | 8% | |
| Sigur Rós | 2 | 5% | |
| King Crimson | 2 | 5% | |
| Godspeed You! Black Emperor | 2 | 5% | |
| Swans | 2 | 5% | |
| Show all | |||
Top 40 Greatest Music Albums chart changes
| Biggest climbers |
|---|
| Up 38 from 40th to 2nd The Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd |
| Biggest fallers |
|---|
| Down 1 from 2nd to 3rd Homogenic by Björk |
| Down 1 from 3rd to 4th Ágætis Byrjun by Sigur Rós |
| Down 1 from 4th to 5th In The Court Of The Crimson King (An Observation By King Crimson) by King Crimson |
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Top 40 Greatest Music Albums ratings
88/100 (from 6 votes)
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| Rating | Date updated | Member | Chart ratings | Avg. chart rating |
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95/100  | 03/22/2020 19:39 | 07quinnja | | 93/100 |
95/100 | 01/16/2017 17:31 | Seab | | 93/100 |
90/100 | 11/02/2016 14:25 |  marklg | | 87/100 |
90/100 | 08/11/2016 08:12 | magpie369 | | 90/100 |
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From 07quinnja 03/22/2020 19:40
Commitment to writing those descriptions, good to justify your choices ;)
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90/100
From magpie369 08/11/2016 08:14
Great chart, can agree to most of what's listed. Don't know (yet)Slint and Arvo Pärt, but will check them out for surek, so thanks for the recommendation :)
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From juro00134 03/29/2016 06:57
Sure, Abbey Road is a great album (tied with Sgt. Pepper's as my second favourite Beatles abum); however, it feels less like a cohesive album and more like a collection of tracks. Most of those tracks are great (I Want You; Abbey Road suite), but a few are bad (Maxwell's Silver Hammer; Octopus's Garden). The Beatles s/t is included here because the band manage to make a jumbled, filler-filled album into a cohesive statement, i.e. its filler is its strength, and its great tracks are many. Note that although I don't have Abbey Road and others on my list, I do not dislike them. They are all great albums in their own right. :)
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