Top 100 Greatest Music Albums
by 
Strangel 
These albums are my favourites. This is not meant to be a 'Greatest Album's' chart, although I would strongly argue for each of my chosen albums in being considered for a greatest albums list. My interest is more toward the alternative/indie and electronic genres with a tendency toward experimentation in the music. I also need to be able to comfortably immerse myself in the music. So while I appreciate, and want to explore the work of Autechre (for example), I get far more pleasure from listening to Burial which has more reverie to the sound rather than almost pure math and tech. Aphex Twin, in fact, manages to bridge these aspects perfectly.
It might be noted that Radiohead dominates the list which simply expresses my belief that they have the uncanny ability to release album after album of near perfect alternative music, shifting the landscape of what's possible whilst always remaining relevant. I don't apologise for this. They are that good.
- Chart updated: 10/31/2025 02:15
- (Created: 07/04/2016 14:26).
- Chart size: 100 albums.
There are 35 comments for this chart from BestEverAlbums.com members and Top 100 Greatest Music Albums has an average rating of 89 out of 100 (from 54 votes). Please log in or register to leave a comment or assign a rating.
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Alternative rock music is not for everyone, but this album is. There is something about it that didn't just speak for a generation of youths - it speaks for everyone who sees through all the deception and the bullshit thwarting our evolution as a species. And that is some sort of an extraordinary achievement.
Rating:100/100
ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: The building crescendo in Exit Music. It was the first eargasm I think I ever had. [First added to this chart: 07/05/2016]
Rating:100/100
ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: The building crescendo in Exit Music. It was the first eargasm I think I ever had. [First added to this chart: 07/05/2016]
Year of Release:
1997
Appears in:
Rank Score:
63,750
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The thing that makes this album a masterpiece is that it stepped into the 21st century with a statement of pure progressive intent, leaving behind the 20th century formula that was tried and true. Most bands would either not be brave enough or wouldn't have the talent to pull it off. The thing I love about the music on Kid A is the sense of disembodiment that occurs with the studio production. Nigel Godrich should always be considered when discussing the genius of a Radiohead album. The disembodiment is unquestionably reflective of Thom's headspace during this phase of his life but to make it truly palpable it required some very astute studio production.
Rating: 99/100
ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: The metaphorical depiction of Yorke floating down the Liffey; he's not here, this isn't happening... [First added to this chart: 07/05/2016]
Rating: 99/100
ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: The metaphorical depiction of Yorke floating down the Liffey; he's not here, this isn't happening... [First added to this chart: 07/05/2016]
Year of Release:
2000
Appears in:
Rank Score:
42,415
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A celebration of the alchemy that exists amongst 5 (6) very talented artists. This alchemy is best expressed when on stage but to observe it in close detail in their 'From the Basement' sessions you can truly appreciate the cohesive mastery of a band at their peak.
Rating: 99/100
ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS: Yorke hitting that elongated, emotive high note in Nude; 'You'll go to hell for what your dirty mind is thiiiiiiiiinking".
Also, the building crescendo in All I Need deserves mention. It becomes this extraordinary cacophony of sound that ends abruptly before it can outstay its welcome. To be honest, I personally would have liked it to stretch on for a lot longer than it does. [First added to this chart: 07/05/2016]
Rating: 99/100
ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS: Yorke hitting that elongated, emotive high note in Nude; 'You'll go to hell for what your dirty mind is thiiiiiiiiinking".
Also, the building crescendo in All I Need deserves mention. It becomes this extraordinary cacophony of sound that ends abruptly before it can outstay its welcome. To be honest, I personally would have liked it to stretch on for a lot longer than it does. [First added to this chart: 07/05/2016]
Year of Release:
2007
Appears in:
Rank Score:
43,925
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For any electronic enthusiast, this album is like the template of how to captivate the listener without the explicit requirement to dance to the underlying beat. But it doesn't lose the capacity to make you dance or move to it either. And it isn't just tuneless, experimental bleeps and bloops. It is, instead, an incredibly pleasant sonic listening experience made through basic uncluttered layerings of atmospheric synth/sampling. And it hasn't lost any of its lustre in 24 years. Incredible!
Rating: 98/100
ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: The opening track, Xtal, has an nostalgic, comforting resonance as soon as it's subtle iconic beats begin to emerge. [First added to this chart: 07/05/2016]
Rating: 98/100
ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: The opening track, Xtal, has an nostalgic, comforting resonance as soon as it's subtle iconic beats begin to emerge. [First added to this chart: 07/05/2016]
Year of Release:
1992
Appears in:
Rank Score:
6,640
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There is no way I could ever have thought that Radiohead would end up producing 3 albums better than this one. The pure emotional outpouring, frenzied guitar crescendos, and contemplative lyrics all combined to create an album that would move a whole generation of emotionally intelligent music lovers. Thom Yorke broke down and cried after recording Fake Plastic Trees. A 50+ yr old neighbour of mine, who had no interest in alternative music, was also brought to tears when I played the same song to him for the first time. It is a song that is all too confronting for the universal truth it conveys about the futility and senselessness of living in a fabricated relationship with the world around us. Street Spirit is the closer that leaves you wondering about the premonition of a world that has been completely consumed by that same fabrication. And it is all so eerily beautiful. The album only suffers in that it still has the feel of a band finding its way out of the early 'Radiohead' sound that could have defined them. They are beginning to tap into their creative genius with songs like Street Spirit and Planet Telex, but mostly it is merely a supremely good guitar based rock album boosted massively by a few songs of deep visceral emotion. I say 'merely' because the creative flowering of the band thereafter makes 'mere' guitar rock seem a little passé.
Rating: 97/100
ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: A favourite moment of mine has always been Johnny's building guitar crescendo in Just that seems to take you to ever-increasing levels of eargasm. [First added to this chart: 07/05/2016]
Rating: 97/100
ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: A favourite moment of mine has always been Johnny's building guitar crescendo in Just that seems to take you to ever-increasing levels of eargasm. [First added to this chart: 07/05/2016]
Year of Release:
1995
Appears in:
Rank Score:
29,038
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In this astonishing album Beth Gibbons has managed to tap into the melancholic heartbreak of a neglected divine feminine. To have that sensibility alone is a grand feat but to also manage to define a whole genre (trip hop), to go with it, makes this album an absolute classic. This is not background music - instead this album implores you to listen attentively because She has been ignored for far too long.
Rating: 96/100
ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: The emotional fragility in Beth Gibbon's voice is almost unbearably palpable in the song Roads. [First added to this chart: 07/05/2016]
Rating: 96/100
ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: The emotional fragility in Beth Gibbon's voice is almost unbearably palpable in the song Roads. [First added to this chart: 07/05/2016]
Year of Release:
1994
Appears in:
Rank Score:
16,624
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If you've grown up with Radiohead, following their progress as a band, you are incredibly fortunate. Their evolution, and willingness to continuously expand their creative output, has meant that the anticipation of what their next LP has to offer is a truly incredible journey for a fan to be on. AMSP's bones are structurally provided by many years of Thom Yorke's musical doodling but the sound is magnificently filled out by Johnny Greenwood's orchestral compositions while the other band member's contribute in their usually understated way to provide another classic album.
Rating: 95/100
ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: The prominent orchestral arrangements. [First added to this chart: 07/05/2016]
Rating: 95/100
ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: The prominent orchestral arrangements. [First added to this chart: 07/05/2016]
Year of Release:
2016
Appears in:
Rank Score:
15,164
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This album was quintessential cool. Right from the opening 'shoot me' lyric, drowned out by a fuzzy bass riff and Lennon handclaps on Come Together, you are immediately drawn into a chilled out sense of detachment from a troubled world. The first half is as strong a half an album as you'll find; classic song after classic song. The second half works really well for what the tracks were. They work better as a medley as opposed to individual songs and having them flow into one another seamlessly makes a different type of listening experience. But it has lowered it a little on the list for me in that I can easily skip that part of the album. It's hard to put my finger on why that is because I still really enjoy listening to the second side yet I also often avoid it. Go figure.
Rating: 96/100
ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: George Harrison stealing the show with the best track on the album, Something, a true classic. [First added to this chart: 07/05/2016]
Rating: 96/100
ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: George Harrison stealing the show with the best track on the album, Something, a true classic. [First added to this chart: 07/05/2016]
Year of Release:
1969
Appears in:
Rank Score:
57,283
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This is Led Zepps undoubted magnus opus. Classic songs are dripping from every groove of the vinyl. As much as Stairway to Heaven is lampooned these days it remains a masterpiece of grandiose composition. Plants mystical/mythical story-telling and rock swagger abound whilst Jimmy Page is at the peak of his transformative guitar playing.
Rating: 96/100
ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: Can't argue with historical concensus... Stairway to Heaven... [First added to this chart: 07/05/2016]
Rating: 96/100
ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: Can't argue with historical concensus... Stairway to Heaven... [First added to this chart: 07/05/2016]
Year of Release:
1971
Appears in:
Rank Score:
38,732
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I think this album is the seed of alternative music. This was Music taking charge of its own destiny through the conduit of 4 Liverpudlians.
Rating: 98/100
ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: Tomorrow Never Knows [First added to this chart: 07/05/2016]
Rating: 98/100
ALBUM HIGHLIGHT: Tomorrow Never Knows [First added to this chart: 07/05/2016]
Year of Release:
1966
Appears in:
Rank Score:
49,694
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Total albums: 43. Page 1 of 5
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums composition
| Decade | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1930s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1940s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1950s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1960s | 6 | 6% | |
| 1970s | 7 | 7% | |
| 1980s | 4 | 4% | |
| 1990s | 26 | 26% | |
| 2000s | 36 | 36% | |
| 2010s | 16 | 16% | |
| 2020s | 5 | 5% |
| Artist | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
| Radiohead | 8 | 8% | |
| Metallica | 4 | 4% | |
| Tool | 4 | 4% | |
| Aphex Twin | 4 | 4% | |
| Nirvana | 3 | 3% | |
| The Beatles | 3 | 3% | |
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | 3 | 3% | |
| Show all | |||
| Country | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
 |
43 | 43% | |
| |
40 | 40% | |
 |
6 | 6% | |
| |
5 | 5% | |
 |
3 | 3% | |
 |
1 | 1% | |
 |
1 | 1% | |
| Show all | |||
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums chart changes
There have been no changes to this chart.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 5 ratings for this chart. | Show all 54 ratings for this chart.
| Rating | Date updated | Member | Chart ratings | Avg. chart rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ! | 08/27/2025 08:18 | Johnnyo | 2,556 | 80/100 |
| ! | 02/15/2025 09:18 |  DommeDamian | 1,004 | 89/100 |
| ! | 06/12/2024 20:18 | C0NB9NN | 20 | 85/100 |
| ! | 06/10/2024 10:58 |  Tamthebam | 645 | 85/100 |
| ! | 11/19/2023 10:55 |  Bach | 956 | 78/100 |
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 5% of all charts on BestEverAlbums.com. This chart has a Bayesian average rating of 88.7/100, a mean average of 86.4/100, and a trimmed mean (excluding outliers) of 89.2/100. The standard deviation for this chart is 16.6.
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums comments
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From Johnnyo 08/27/2025 08:20 | #310716
I love Radiohead. Four albums in the top 10 does seem a little excessive but it's your chart and your picks so that's obviously your purgative. The whole chart is great. Excellent stuff
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From DommeDamian 02/15/2025 09:18 | #307614
DommeDamian 02/15/2025 09:18 | #307614
Yeah, just like a few others, I'd wish the Radioheads could spread out a bit more. But it's forgivable because of some of the descriptions, always a win in my book.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From Strangel 06/11/2024 00:13 | #303925
Strangel 06/11/2024 00:13 | #303925
Yeah, as I mentioned in the comments, a lot of bourbon and pot was had while listening to The Doors. It doesn’t detract from the fact that I love the album. Roadhouse Blues got played a lot in the mix around then and I completely forgot it was on Morrison Hotel which, as an album I didn’t take to as much. We probably played the song in addition to LA Woman on a regular basis. Funny what memories do.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From C0NB9NN 06/10/2024 15:03 | #303923
Very well thought out chart. I can start to picture where you go when you listen to these albums. Personally I don’t like Radiohead, but I don’t see that as a problem on your chart, as when you think an artist is good, they’re good.
I’d hate to be that one person, but Roadhouse Blues is on Morrison Hotel, not L.A. Woman.
17 albums in common.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From Timooosterink 08/30/2019 10:38 | #241940
Love your chart! I agree on amok it is a very underated album.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From Granny-Smith 06/26/2019 12:36 | #238311
I like your chart. Have a lot Artists and Albums in common.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From 
Paule 03/06/2019 11:36 | #233128
Paule 03/06/2019 11:36 | #233128
Good list! We share the Radiohead "problem". I suggest you to dive into some older Krautrock and Ambient music. You will find a lot of Radioheads work is influenced by that stuff and there are some gems to be found.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +2 votes (2 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From Kurtco 01/29/2019 18:22 | #230975
We have 31 albums and 21 artists in common... It's very funny!
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From Kurtco 01/29/2019 18:18 | #230974
I find your chart very interesting and complete. You have musical tastes very similar to mine. Radiohead is one of my favorite bands!
I'm glad you like Icelandic music: Sigur Rós and Björk. I agree with you that "Vespertine" is Björk's best album: It's a real masterpiece. You put a lot of recent music in your chart and it's nice to see AMOK of Atoms For Peace in your rankings. This is surely one of Thom Yorke's underrated albums. I'm really happy to see artists not very well known as Burial, Nick Cave or Amon Tobin who are part of my favorite artist. The 90s are really well represented in your chart with great artists like Nirvana, Aphex Twin, Tool or Massive Attack. Really very good job and very good choice!
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From 
guzguzgarbit 01/21/2019 20:08 | #230211
guzguzgarbit 01/21/2019 20:08 | #230211
Good choices, great descriptions, great diversity (even with 8 Radiohead albums!). I particularly appreciate the presence of some electronic (Four Tet, Jon Hopkins, Burial...) among all the rock picks.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
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| Best Artists of 1996 | |
|---|---|
| 1. Belle And Sebastian | |
| 2. Weezer | |
| 3. DJ Shadow | |
| 4. Tool | |
| 5. Beck | |
| 6. フィッシュマンズ [Fishmans] | |
| 7. Swans | |
| 8. OutKast | |
| 9. Manic Street Preachers | |
| 10. 2Pac | |
| 11. Fugees | |
| 12. Jay-Z | |
| 13. Aphex Twin | |
| 14. Richard David James | |
| 15. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | |
| 16. Nick Cave | |
| 17. R.E.M. | |
| 18. Eels | |
| 19. Sublime | |
| 20. Wilco |
