Top 100 Greatest Music Albums
by 
RoundTheBend 
Here's my old 2013 chart: http://www.besteveralbums.com/thechart.php?c=31041
In 2016 I listened to something like 1,600 albums (selected first from the top 100 of each decade on this site, but then some gems and recommendations) and reassessed what music I truly thought was good in that moment, rating them song for song and averaging out the album. I feel like I only scratched the surface in some areas while in others it was liberating discoveries. Obviously there were some reassessments of known favorites.
Along the way I discovered some prejudices with my own initial gut checks... like I thought I had to put Nevermind in my top 10 (not because of popularity, but because I thought it was a top 10 album) and maybe that is true and maybe it isn't. I realize this process is ever changing, and in 6 months it might change again, but no, I don't need to have my top 10 the gut check what "should" be in my top 10. The mathematical approach I did was both blind and at times shocking. It also wasn't perfect.
Some give me a hard time for liking my "big artists", but ever since I was 14 I kind of made this decision that I like big bands... they have great discographies, and felt other artists failed at creating something with true staying power, even if it was pretty cool for the time. Somehow my favorite aesthetic is that pop (very loose use of this term) group like Nirvana or U2 who can both appeal to the blue collar and the white collar - that sweet sour pop yet not pop, the artist who happens to play in the medium of pop, if you will... or maybe it's the pop artisan who aspires to make great art. To me great art best puts a mirror against humanity and conveys emotions and discusses ideas in powerful/meaningful ways. Great musicians are those who can do it in a beautifully tonal landscape.
I've also decided to go one artist per album on my overall. There's times when I say, why would I not put a 100 album on my list just because I want another artist on my list, who maybe really has an 80 album, then I realized at the end of this project, I wouldn't be able to fit all of my 80 or higher albums on this list... or 5 lists, so here it is 1 album per artist with the lowest score of 86.6.
Well it's 2018 now... I'm ready to revamp again (sometimes I look at it and I'm disappointed and sometimes I look at it and say, yeah, that feels about right), but this time incorporating my review of western music before 1950... WIP that probably will take a year or so... idk.
Starting to add descriptors and genre's from RYM to be a little more conscious of why I love these albums. It's a bit of unconscious competency for me sometimes. I will never use the genre's pop rock, indie rock, singer/songwriter to describe anything but garbage that doesn't have enough style to be unique. Also have decided I need to stop my stream of conscious ramblings and quote more thought out writings about albums. I usually am writing on this site after a 10 hour work day and mostly sound like incoherent ramblings than anything really constructive, even if I know better. I saw someone else do this as well and thought it a nice touch to their chart. If it's in quotes and references a user, it's not my words.
- Chart updated: 02/22/2021 03:15
- (Created: 06/02/2011 05:12).
- Chart size: 100 albums.
There are 82 comments for this chart from BestEverAlbums.com members and Top 100 Greatest Music Albums has an average rating of 88 out of 100 (from 136 votes). Please log in or create an account to leave a comment or assign a rating.
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This is nearly me giving the finger to the Status Quo... almost any of my top 10 could be #1.
Alternative, Americana, Ambient Pop
passionate, uplifting, atmospheric, melodic/soundscape palette, political
"Is there a more life-affirming album than The Joshua Tree? Bono’s soaring voice and with The Edge’s revolutionary guitar style take the listener through a spiritual, socially conscious atmosphere of the most intense of human feeling. The Joshua Tree is a breath of clean air. It was meant to be listened to while driving across America, and has an intensely personal meaning...
But in all the desolation of some of the topics of the album: death, loss, heroin addiction, discontent, there is one unbreakable theme of this album: hope. U2’s unbreakable mission of hope is on full display on this album. The songs are dripping with a sense of seeking spiritual renewal. If you close your eyes and listen to Bono’s beautiful tenor, and some of the best guitar work in rock that doesn’t distract with lengthy solos, you might just find some spiritual renewal on the Joshua Tree." - corenfro, BEA
The Joshua Tree (1987): 100
Achtung Baby (1991): 100
Zooropa (1993): 96.5
War (1983): 94
Under A Blood Red Sky (1983): 93.75
Boy (1980): 93.6
Original Soundtracks 1 (U2&Eno/Passengers in 1995): 93.5
Rattle And Hum (1988): 92.9
All That You Can't Leave Behind (2000): 92.7
Pop (1997): 91.6
The Unforgettable Fire (1984): 91.5
No Line On The Horizon (2009): 90
October (1981): 88.6
Songs of Innocence (2014): 87
How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb (2004): 85.4
Songs Of Experience (2017): 81.1 [First added to this chart: 06/01/2011]
Alternative, Americana, Ambient Pop
passionate, uplifting, atmospheric, melodic/soundscape palette, political
"Is there a more life-affirming album than The Joshua Tree? Bono’s soaring voice and with The Edge’s revolutionary guitar style take the listener through a spiritual, socially conscious atmosphere of the most intense of human feeling. The Joshua Tree is a breath of clean air. It was meant to be listened to while driving across America, and has an intensely personal meaning...
But in all the desolation of some of the topics of the album: death, loss, heroin addiction, discontent, there is one unbreakable theme of this album: hope. U2’s unbreakable mission of hope is on full display on this album. The songs are dripping with a sense of seeking spiritual renewal. If you close your eyes and listen to Bono’s beautiful tenor, and some of the best guitar work in rock that doesn’t distract with lengthy solos, you might just find some spiritual renewal on the Joshua Tree." - corenfro, BEA
The Joshua Tree (1987): 100
Achtung Baby (1991): 100
Zooropa (1993): 96.5
War (1983): 94
Under A Blood Red Sky (1983): 93.75
Boy (1980): 93.6
Original Soundtracks 1 (U2&Eno/Passengers in 1995): 93.5
Rattle And Hum (1988): 92.9
All That You Can't Leave Behind (2000): 92.7
Pop (1997): 91.6
The Unforgettable Fire (1984): 91.5
No Line On The Horizon (2009): 90
October (1981): 88.6
Songs of Innocence (2014): 87
How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb (2004): 85.4
Songs Of Experience (2017): 81.1 [First added to this chart: 06/01/2011]
Year of Release:
1987
Appears in:
Rank Score:
17,847
Rank in 1987:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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Psychedelic Pop, Art Rock, Baroque Pop
surreal, melodic/soundscape palette, warm, lush
"Arguably one of the greatest achievements of the 20th century. A masterpiece of psychedelic pop rock. A legendary album that was the rare mix of revolutionary, popular, and influential all in one. Masterfully produced by the legendary George Martin... Truly a pleasure to listen to while still challenging and goose bump inducing." - glynspsa, BEA
"Hailed on its release as proof that popular music could be as rich an artistic pursuit as more high-minded media such as jazz and classical, the record's reputation and sense of ambition ushered in the album era." - Scott Plagenhoef, Pitchfork
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967): 100
Abbey Road (1969): 100
Magical Mystery Tour (1967): 95
Revolver(1966): 95
Let It Be (1970): 90
The Beatles (The White Album) (1968): 90
Rubber Soul (1965): 90
With The Beatles (1963): 90
Beatles For Sale (1964): 85
Help! (1965): 85
Please Please Me (1963): 80
A Hard Day's Night (1964): 80
Yellow Submarine (1969): 65 [First added to this chart: 12/15/2011]
surreal, melodic/soundscape palette, warm, lush
"Arguably one of the greatest achievements of the 20th century. A masterpiece of psychedelic pop rock. A legendary album that was the rare mix of revolutionary, popular, and influential all in one. Masterfully produced by the legendary George Martin... Truly a pleasure to listen to while still challenging and goose bump inducing." - glynspsa, BEA
"Hailed on its release as proof that popular music could be as rich an artistic pursuit as more high-minded media such as jazz and classical, the record's reputation and sense of ambition ushered in the album era." - Scott Plagenhoef, Pitchfork
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967): 100
Abbey Road (1969): 100
Magical Mystery Tour (1967): 95
Revolver(1966): 95
Let It Be (1970): 90
The Beatles (The White Album) (1968): 90
Rubber Soul (1965): 90
With The Beatles (1963): 90
Beatles For Sale (1964): 85
Help! (1965): 85
Please Please Me (1963): 80
A Hard Day's Night (1964): 80
Yellow Submarine (1969): 65 [First added to this chart: 12/15/2011]
Year of Release:
1967
Appears in:
Rank Score:
40,340
Rank in 1967:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Available from
Chamber Folk, Folk Baroque, Folk Rock
poetic (beat poet), melancholic, melodic/soundscape palette, psychedelic
"Simon & Garfunkel's first masterpiece, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme was also the first album on which the duo, in tandem with engineer Roy Halee, exerted total control from beginning to end, right down to the mixing, and it is an achievement akin to the Beatles' Revolver or the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds album, and just as personal and pointed as either of those records at their respective bests." - Bruce Eder, AllMusic
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme (1966): 100
Bookends (1968): 95
Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970): 93.1
Sounds Of Silence (1966): 80
The Concert In Central Park (1982): 77.1
The Graduate (1968): 75
Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. (1964): 65 [First added to this chart: 06/01/2011]
poetic (beat poet), melancholic, melodic/soundscape palette, psychedelic
"Simon & Garfunkel's first masterpiece, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme was also the first album on which the duo, in tandem with engineer Roy Halee, exerted total control from beginning to end, right down to the mixing, and it is an achievement akin to the Beatles' Revolver or the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds album, and just as personal and pointed as either of those records at their respective bests." - Bruce Eder, AllMusic
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme (1966): 100
Bookends (1968): 95
Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970): 93.1
Sounds Of Silence (1966): 80
The Concert In Central Park (1982): 77.1
The Graduate (1968): 75
Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. (1964): 65 [First added to this chart: 06/01/2011]
Year of Release:
1966
Appears in:
Rank Score:
3,409
Rank in 1966:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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Art Rock, Alternative, Math Rock
lush, melancholic, introspective, bittersweet
"At a time when studio production and overdubbing has the ability to make sound bigger than it actually is, the magic of creating a full and immersive sound that seems greater than the sum of it's parts seems to be something that is taken for granted.
But, to watch Radiohead play this album live (For example, on their live from the basement video) is pretty amazing. The full and encompassing amount of sound produced by just these 5 guys and their instruments is pretty incredible." - Lastings, BEA
I too felt giddy at this release like nothing I've been giddy about since the late 90s/early 2000s and nothing else since: (full disclosure I wasn't there at the release, but when 15 Step first dropped... I was as giddy as I was at other album release parties... I was just late to it):
"Like many music lovers of a certain age, I have a lot of warm memories tied up with release days. I miss the simple ritual of making time to buy a record. I also miss listening to something special for the first time and imagining, against reason, the rest of the world holed up in their respective bedrooms, having the same experience. Before last Wednesday, I can't remember the last time I had that feeling. I also can't remember the last time I woke up voluntarily at 6 a.m. either, but like hundreds of thousands of other people around the world, there I was, sat at my computer, headphones on, groggy, but awake, and hitting play." - Marke Pytlik, Pitchfork
In Rainbows (2007): 100
Kid A (2000): 97.5
OK Computer (1997): 96.6
The Bends (1995): 94.5
The King Of Limbs (2011): 91.8
Amnesiac (2001): 90.9
Hail To The Thief (2003): 90.7
A Moon Shaped Pool (2016): 90
Pablo Honey (1993): 71.6 [First added to this chart: 06/01/2011]
lush, melancholic, introspective, bittersweet
"At a time when studio production and overdubbing has the ability to make sound bigger than it actually is, the magic of creating a full and immersive sound that seems greater than the sum of it's parts seems to be something that is taken for granted.
But, to watch Radiohead play this album live (For example, on their live from the basement video) is pretty amazing. The full and encompassing amount of sound produced by just these 5 guys and their instruments is pretty incredible." - Lastings, BEA
I too felt giddy at this release like nothing I've been giddy about since the late 90s/early 2000s and nothing else since: (full disclosure I wasn't there at the release, but when 15 Step first dropped... I was as giddy as I was at other album release parties... I was just late to it):
"Like many music lovers of a certain age, I have a lot of warm memories tied up with release days. I miss the simple ritual of making time to buy a record. I also miss listening to something special for the first time and imagining, against reason, the rest of the world holed up in their respective bedrooms, having the same experience. Before last Wednesday, I can't remember the last time I had that feeling. I also can't remember the last time I woke up voluntarily at 6 a.m. either, but like hundreds of thousands of other people around the world, there I was, sat at my computer, headphones on, groggy, but awake, and hitting play." - Marke Pytlik, Pitchfork
In Rainbows (2007): 100
Kid A (2000): 97.5
OK Computer (1997): 96.6
The Bends (1995): 94.5
The King Of Limbs (2011): 91.8
Amnesiac (2001): 90.9
Hail To The Thief (2003): 90.7
A Moon Shaped Pool (2016): 90
Pablo Honey (1993): 71.6 [First added to this chart: 06/01/2011]
Year of Release:
2007
Appears in:
Rank Score:
40,263
Rank in 2007:
Rank in 2000s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Available from
Art Pop, Contemporary Folk, Folk Rock
melancholic, sad, warm, lonely
"...This is tearing nails into the saddest Drake and Cohen songs, and there's nothing wrong with that. This isn't the Beck you expect, the weirdness is seeped in soft ribbons of noise and deadened in a way. But I think after spending so long with Beck's music. I no longer enjoy the "quirk" appeal and Sea Change stands out as one of his best arrangements.
The string sections take it to a whole other level in general. The climax in "Lonesome Tears" is probably every heartbreak song ever made with the cheese milked out and the emotional crescendo turned up to 10..." -Schizima, RYM
Sea Change (2002): 100
Guero (2005): 97.6
Odelay (1996): 94.2
Colors (2017): 91
Mutations (1998): 90.4
The Information (2006): 89.6
Midnite Vultures (1999): 86.3
Morning Phase (2014): 85
Modern Guilt (2008): 84
Mellow Gold (1994): 82
One Foot In The Grave (1994): 70 [First added to this chart: 06/01/2011]
melancholic, sad, warm, lonely
"...This is tearing nails into the saddest Drake and Cohen songs, and there's nothing wrong with that. This isn't the Beck you expect, the weirdness is seeped in soft ribbons of noise and deadened in a way. But I think after spending so long with Beck's music. I no longer enjoy the "quirk" appeal and Sea Change stands out as one of his best arrangements.
The string sections take it to a whole other level in general. The climax in "Lonesome Tears" is probably every heartbreak song ever made with the cheese milked out and the emotional crescendo turned up to 10..." -Schizima, RYM
Sea Change (2002): 100
Guero (2005): 97.6
Odelay (1996): 94.2
Colors (2017): 91
Mutations (1998): 90.4
The Information (2006): 89.6
Midnite Vultures (1999): 86.3
Morning Phase (2014): 85
Modern Guilt (2008): 84
Mellow Gold (1994): 82
One Foot In The Grave (1994): 70 [First added to this chart: 06/01/2011]
Year of Release:
2002
Appears in:
Rank Score:
4,891
Rank in 2002:
Rank in 2000s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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Ballet, Modernism, Russian Folk
Violent, Avant-Garde, Nature, Mythic
"Certainly, the impact of this legendary event (as well as similarly "colorful" receptions to the work elsewhere) expedited its recognition as an all-around seminal occurrence and achievement in the social history and art of the twentieth century. In understanding early reactions to Rite, it is worth considering that while Stravinsky was at a relatively early stage in his career, a cadre of older, well-known, more traditionally aligned composers -- Strauss, Saint-Saëns, Sibelius, Elgar, and yes, Rachmaninov -- remained active and retained a good deal of currency with audiences. At the same time, the scenario adopted by the Rite collaborators -- Stravinsky, folklorist and artist Roerich, choreographer Nijinsky, impresario Diaghilev -- was far from the usual genteel, sentimental, and romantic themes that had theretofore dominated ballet. This collection of "Scenes from Pagan Russia" (the work's subtitle) concerns itself with an exploration of nature, both human and that of the earth itself, through the rituals of renewal -- ultimately, human sacrifice -- of an earlier, "primitive" society." - Michael Rodman, AllMusic
Violent, Avant-Garde, Nature, Mythic
"Certainly, the impact of this legendary event (as well as similarly "colorful" receptions to the work elsewhere) expedited its recognition as an all-around seminal occurrence and achievement in the social history and art of the twentieth century. In understanding early reactions to Rite, it is worth considering that while Stravinsky was at a relatively early stage in his career, a cadre of older, well-known, more traditionally aligned composers -- Strauss, Saint-Saëns, Sibelius, Elgar, and yes, Rachmaninov -- remained active and retained a good deal of currency with audiences. At the same time, the scenario adopted by the Rite collaborators -- Stravinsky, folklorist and artist Roerich, choreographer Nijinsky, impresario Diaghilev -- was far from the usual genteel, sentimental, and romantic themes that had theretofore dominated ballet. This collection of "Scenes from Pagan Russia" (the work's subtitle) concerns itself with an exploration of nature, both human and that of the earth itself, through the rituals of renewal -- ultimately, human sacrifice -- of an earlier, "primitive" society." - Michael Rodman, AllMusic
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Alternative, Jangle Pop, [mixed bag]
bittersweet, melodic/soundscape palette, political, passionate
The R.E.M. album Kurt Cobain put in his top 50. I couldn't find a great quote that really gets this album. I feel the irony/mockery, yet at the same time sincere pop songs of Stand or Pop Song 89 aren't really understood. The politics in World Leader Pretend and Orange Crush. The emotional powerhouse of Hairshirt, The Wrong Child, or You Are The Everything. It is the perfect mixture of all things R.E.M. or perhaps a culmination of the best of rock music: "Musically, Green quotes a lot of sources. Listen closely and you can hear references to the Doors, Led Zeppelin, Sly Stone and others." - Michael Azerrad, Rolling Stone
Green (1988): 100
Automatic For The People (1992): 96.2
Accelerate (2008): 95.4
Eponymous (1988): 92.5
Monster (1994): 91.6
Murmur (1983): 90.8
Out Of Time (1991): 90
Collapse Into Now (2011): 89.5
New Adventures In Hi-Fi (1996): 87.5
Up (1998):87.5
Around The Sun (2004): 87.3
Fables Of The Reconstruction (1985): 86.8
Document (1987): 86.8
Chronic Town (1982): 85
Reckoning (1984): 84
Lifes Rich Pageant (1986): 83.3
Reveal (2001):79
Dead Letter Office (1987): 70 [First added to this chart: 06/01/2011]
bittersweet, melodic/soundscape palette, political, passionate
The R.E.M. album Kurt Cobain put in his top 50. I couldn't find a great quote that really gets this album. I feel the irony/mockery, yet at the same time sincere pop songs of Stand or Pop Song 89 aren't really understood. The politics in World Leader Pretend and Orange Crush. The emotional powerhouse of Hairshirt, The Wrong Child, or You Are The Everything. It is the perfect mixture of all things R.E.M. or perhaps a culmination of the best of rock music: "Musically, Green quotes a lot of sources. Listen closely and you can hear references to the Doors, Led Zeppelin, Sly Stone and others." - Michael Azerrad, Rolling Stone
Green (1988): 100
Automatic For The People (1992): 96.2
Accelerate (2008): 95.4
Eponymous (1988): 92.5
Monster (1994): 91.6
Murmur (1983): 90.8
Out Of Time (1991): 90
Collapse Into Now (2011): 89.5
New Adventures In Hi-Fi (1996): 87.5
Up (1998):87.5
Around The Sun (2004): 87.3
Fables Of The Reconstruction (1985): 86.8
Document (1987): 86.8
Chronic Town (1982): 85
Reckoning (1984): 84
Lifes Rich Pageant (1986): 83.3
Reveal (2001):79
Dead Letter Office (1987): 70 [First added to this chart: 06/01/2011]
Year of Release:
1988
Appears in:
Rank Score:
3,535
Rank in 1988:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Available from
[genre here is a mess imo - it's not definitively anything...???]
warm, eclectic, rhythmic, poetic
"1986 saw the release of an album that took world music to its ultimate peak of exposure, where Simon created an album about isolation and redemption that transcended world music to become the whole world's eclectic album.
With a mixture of musical styles, including pop, a cappella, and African roots genres, Simon created these magnificent compositions inspired by his journey to South Africa, collaborating with both African and American artists.
What I pay particular attention to on this great album is the bass of each song. The bass works as an unusual template here that I haven't heard this distinctive before - it sort of works as the essence of everything that happens on the album.
The production is also stellar - Simon, working with the best musicians from the black townships, brought a fluid energy and expertise to the soundscape with the help of guitarist Ray Phiri and not to leave out, "Ladysmith Black Mambazo" (who had their career basically based on the popularity of this album).
Here, Simon created an album about isolation and Apartheid and redemption that transcends world music. The bright grooves accompany the sharp, intelligent, strange and funny lyrics which altogether makes this one of my favorite albums of all time." - calsper, BEA
Graceland (1986): 100
You're The One (2000): 92.7
Stranger To Stranger (2016): 90
Negotiations And Love Songs 1971-1986 (1988): 88.1
There Goes Rhymin' Simon (1973):87
Surprise (2006): 86.3
Hearts And Bones (1983): 85
So Beautiful Or So What (2011): 85
Still Crazy After All These Years (1975): 84.5
Paul Simon (1972): 77.2
One-Trick Pony (1980): 76
The Rhythm Of The Saints (1990): 70 [First added to this chart: 07/08/2016]
warm, eclectic, rhythmic, poetic
"1986 saw the release of an album that took world music to its ultimate peak of exposure, where Simon created an album about isolation and redemption that transcended world music to become the whole world's eclectic album.
With a mixture of musical styles, including pop, a cappella, and African roots genres, Simon created these magnificent compositions inspired by his journey to South Africa, collaborating with both African and American artists.
What I pay particular attention to on this great album is the bass of each song. The bass works as an unusual template here that I haven't heard this distinctive before - it sort of works as the essence of everything that happens on the album.
The production is also stellar - Simon, working with the best musicians from the black townships, brought a fluid energy and expertise to the soundscape with the help of guitarist Ray Phiri and not to leave out, "Ladysmith Black Mambazo" (who had their career basically based on the popularity of this album).
Here, Simon created an album about isolation and Apartheid and redemption that transcends world music. The bright grooves accompany the sharp, intelligent, strange and funny lyrics which altogether makes this one of my favorite albums of all time." - calsper, BEA
Graceland (1986): 100
You're The One (2000): 92.7
Stranger To Stranger (2016): 90
Negotiations And Love Songs 1971-1986 (1988): 88.1
There Goes Rhymin' Simon (1973):87
Surprise (2006): 86.3
Hearts And Bones (1983): 85
So Beautiful Or So What (2011): 85
Still Crazy After All These Years (1975): 84.5
Paul Simon (1972): 77.2
One-Trick Pony (1980): 76
The Rhythm Of The Saints (1990): 70 [First added to this chart: 07/08/2016]
Year of Release:
1986
Appears in:
Rank Score:
10,349
Rank in 1986:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Available from
Psychedelic Soul, Funk, Pop Soul
hopeful, funky, melodic/soundscape palette, human connection
I would put Stand! here, but honestly feel like this is their best collection of songs and I don't think they were album oriented anyway.
"Sly & The Family Stone’s most enduring accomplishment was to enhance their relentless and progressive funkiness, then to distill it down into a format that was more commercially friendly, getting back to the music within the funk construct … and for that aspect alone, Sly will be remembered for all time, as no one has been able to accomplish this aspect with the grace and harmonic texture that he brought to life.
Now, I’m not saying that James Brown wasn’t good, indeed he was, yet James was never able to apply the essence of what Sly was hearing in his head, even though the two were traveling down the same path when it came to social integrity, justice, freedom and empowerment for black Americans at the time, along with an abiding love of the sounds." - streetmouse, RYM
Greatest Hits (1970): 98.7
Stand! (1969):95
Life (1968): 85
There's A Riot Goin' On (1971): 80
Dance To The Music (1968): 80
A Whole New Thing (1967): 80
Fresh (1973): 80 [First added to this chart: 06/01/2011]
hopeful, funky, melodic/soundscape palette, human connection
I would put Stand! here, but honestly feel like this is their best collection of songs and I don't think they were album oriented anyway.
"Sly & The Family Stone’s most enduring accomplishment was to enhance their relentless and progressive funkiness, then to distill it down into a format that was more commercially friendly, getting back to the music within the funk construct … and for that aspect alone, Sly will be remembered for all time, as no one has been able to accomplish this aspect with the grace and harmonic texture that he brought to life.
Now, I’m not saying that James Brown wasn’t good, indeed he was, yet James was never able to apply the essence of what Sly was hearing in his head, even though the two were traveling down the same path when it came to social integrity, justice, freedom and empowerment for black Americans at the time, along with an abiding love of the sounds." - streetmouse, RYM
Greatest Hits (1970): 98.7
Stand! (1969):95
Life (1968): 85
There's A Riot Goin' On (1971): 80
Dance To The Music (1968): 80
A Whole New Thing (1967): 80
Fresh (1973): 80 [First added to this chart: 06/01/2011]
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Art Rock, Alternative Metal, Chamber Pop
bittersweet, angry, passionate, eclectic
"Finally, I thought, here was our White Album, Physical Graffiti, or The Wall, but we could watch its legend being constructed in real time without all the received wisdom...Mellon Collie's remarkable breadth is the best indication of Corgan's ability to let loose. You could pick five songs at random and still end up with a diverse batch of singles that would make a case for Smashing Pumpkins being the most stylistically malleable multi-platinum act of the 90s. Maybe it wouldn't sell as many copies, but picture an alternate universe where heavy rotation met the joyous, mechanized grind of "Love", "In the Arms of Sleep"'s unabashed antiquated romanticism, the Prince-like electro-ballad "Beautiful", "Muzzle"'s stadium-status affirmations, or the throttling metal of "Bodies"." - Ian Cohen, Pitchfork
Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness (1995): 99.2 (adjusted for top 13)
Siamese Dream (1993): 95
Pisces Iscariot (1994): 91.7
Adore (1998): 90
Gish (1991): 88.5
Teargarden By Kaleidyscope (2010): 88
Machina/The Machines Of God (2000): 86
Oceania 2012 (83.4)
Zeitgeist (2007): 79 [First added to this chart: 02/03/2012]
bittersweet, angry, passionate, eclectic
"Finally, I thought, here was our White Album, Physical Graffiti, or The Wall, but we could watch its legend being constructed in real time without all the received wisdom...Mellon Collie's remarkable breadth is the best indication of Corgan's ability to let loose. You could pick five songs at random and still end up with a diverse batch of singles that would make a case for Smashing Pumpkins being the most stylistically malleable multi-platinum act of the 90s. Maybe it wouldn't sell as many copies, but picture an alternate universe where heavy rotation met the joyous, mechanized grind of "Love", "In the Arms of Sleep"'s unabashed antiquated romanticism, the Prince-like electro-ballad "Beautiful", "Muzzle"'s stadium-status affirmations, or the throttling metal of "Bodies"." - Ian Cohen, Pitchfork
Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness (1995): 99.2 (adjusted for top 13)
Siamese Dream (1993): 95
Pisces Iscariot (1994): 91.7
Adore (1998): 90
Gish (1991): 88.5
Teargarden By Kaleidyscope (2010): 88
Machina/The Machines Of God (2000): 86
Oceania 2012 (83.4)
Zeitgeist (2007): 79 [First added to this chart: 02/03/2012]
Year of Release:
1995
Appears in:
Rank Score:
14,349
Rank in 1995:
Rank in 1990s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Total albums: 100. Page 1 of 10
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums composition
| Decade | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1930s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1940s | 1 | 1% | |
| 1950s | 6 | 6% | |
| 1960s | 17 | 17% | |
| 1970s | 10 | 10% | |
| 1980s | 16 | 16% | |
| 1990s | 19 | 19% | |
| 2000s | 26 | 26% | |
| 2010s | 5 | 5% | |
| 2020s | 0 | 0% |
| Artist | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
| The Smashing Pumpkins | 1 | 1% | |
| Passengers | 1 | 1% | |
| Elvis Presley | 1 | 1% | |
| Elbow | 1 | 1% | |
| The Clash | 1 | 1% | |
| Lana Del Rey | 1 | 1% | |
| Little Richard | 1 | 1% | |
| Show all | |||
| Country | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
| |
67 | 67% | |
 |
20 | 20% | |
 |
4 | 4% | |
 |
2 | 2% | |
 |
2 | 2% | |
 |
1 | 1% | |
 |
1 | 1% | |
| Show all | |||
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums chart changes
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums similar charts
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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 3 ratings for this chart. | Show all 136 ratings for this chart.
| Rating | Date updated | Member | Chart ratings | Avg. chart rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ! | 03/27/2025 15:52 | DrewHamster | 314 | 79/100 |
| ! | 11/15/2024 19:22 | StreakyNuno | 130 | 82/100 |
| ! | 04/05/2024 10:52 |  spigelwii | 3 | 100/100 |
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 12% of all charts on BestEverAlbums.com. This chart has a Bayesian average rating of 87.7/100, a mean average of 87.2/100, and a trimmed mean (excluding outliers) of 87.9/100. The standard deviation for this chart is 11.5.
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums favourites
Showing latest 10 members who have added this chart as a favourite | Show all 12 members
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums forum mentions
This chart has been referenced 19 times on the forums, Explore the wider forum discussion to see what members have said about it.
From 
BestEverAlbums 09/27/2021 08:00 in Chart of the day (#3625): By RoundTheBend
BestEverAlbums 09/27/2021 08:00 in Chart of the day (#3625): By RoundTheBend“Today's chart of the day Top 100 Greatest Music Albums by RoundTheBend () 1. The Joshua Tree by U2 (1987) 2. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) 3. Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme by Simon & Garfunkel (1966) 4. In Rainbows by Radiohead (2007) 5. Sea Change by Beck (2002)…”
(7 mentions across Chart of the Day topics)View latest topic →
From RoundTheBend 10/07/2018 20:19 in Chart talk
RoundTheBend 10/07/2018 20:19 in Chart talk“My overall chart is currently at a one per artist limit. it s not really fair to the be a over all chart as it is not really my top 100. i am thinking of modifying my list. it would only eliminate the bottom 20-25 albums. Any input from what you guys think? I think another rule someone made was a…”
View topic (2 mentions) →From RoundTheBend 06/02/2018 03:48 in Its not humanly possible to make a good enough chart
RoundTheBend 06/02/2018 03:48 in Its not humanly possible to make a good enough chart“When I first joined this site, I basically put my 18 year old self's music collection as my top list. What came to mind - the gut feeling. Then as I started learning about "better" music from more veteran users on the site as well as the decade charts, I started to doubt my limited experience of…”
View post →View all forum mentions
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums comments
Showing latest 5 comments | Show all 82 comments |
Top Comments First | Newest First | Positive Sentiment First | Longest Comments First
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Top Comments First | Newest First | Positive Sentiment First | Longest Comments First
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From
Space-Dementia 02/01/2016 20:11 | #158430
Space-Dementia 02/01/2016 20:11 | #158430
We have a lot in common, but there's a lot too much U2 and REM for my taste.
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From
CharlieBarley 07/26/2019 00:25 | #240379
CharlieBarley 07/26/2019 00:25 | #240379
I didn't know you over-hauled your chart Mr Round-The-Bend, but well done. A mighty task. I read quite a lot of the notes and enjoyed both your observations and the quotes.
I have increased my score to 100 cos I like this chart better than your old one and it was a blast reading through it.
I might move Jeff Buckley's Grace back into my top 100. I just bought it on vinyl. I like Sublime too and many others.
I like the fact that you're not afraid to be uncool and put some poppier albums or albums some may look down on, like U2. It's good to be honest about your tastes. I feel the same about my chart.
Good job Seth!
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From
pctrooper 10/13/2019 05:35 | #243688
Just looking at each spot individually, I would say that a lot of the picks don't seem too surprising. However, seeing the way the chart flows along, I somehow just know it's legit. Thinking about each spot and the sound of each album, I can tell that this was well thought out, and created out of pure love for the music. Some charts just look like people took a glance at the overall ratings for a template and sprinkled in some favorites. So I really like this chart quite a bit, even if not all the albums are my thing (though there are quite a lot of cool choices).
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From
RoundTheBend TOP 100 COMMENTER 02/09/2019 23:01 | #231693
RoundTheBend TOP 100 COMMENTER 02/09/2019 23:01 | #231693
You probably mean other people's write-ups in my picks? Fair enough. I like what they had to say better than what I would have... meaning I took a bit of time to find quotes that aptly fit my sentiments as well as stated in what I did write in the beginning. I guess that wasn't read... you can go to my v12 of my chart for my lame write ups if that's what you want. I personally like sourcing another person's comment on the record, especially if they were professionals, but of equal note, all of these quotes are just better versions of something I feel.
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From
JulianR TOP 100 COMMENTER 04/03/2019 01:30 | #234438
JulianR TOP 100 COMMENTER 04/03/2019 01:30 | #234438
Jesus Christ, how did I have this chart rated a 55? Sometimes I come across charts that I rated sometime soon after I first joined the site, and remember how close-minded I was. Or not close-minded really, but my criteria for whether a chart is good differed. If it wasn't full of albums I liked myself, it was bad. Now I realize that is a pretty silly way of looking at things. I just go by effort now, and you have put lots of work, effort, and care in to this chart. Keep it up!
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