Top 100 Greatest Music Albums
by 
pearljammer13 
Most of these notes were written 6+ years ago. Although they aren’t exactly elegantly written overall, they at least convey my original feelings about these albums and why they’re my favorites. I’m certainly too lazy to try and rewrite them all, and now I look at the original entries as a sort of time capsule to my musical tastes and thoughts in 2011 when I wrote most of them. I still try to update it a couple times a year as my tastes change and I discover more greats, new and old. Thanks for looking.
- Chart updated: 10/22/2020 14:15
- (Created: 07/29/2011 03:22).
- Chart size: 100 albums.
There are 80 comments for this chart from BestEverAlbums.com members and Top 100 Greatest Music Albums has an average rating of 89 out of 100 (from 125 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.
Available from
In the simplest terms, this album just makes me happy and glad to be alive. I've never been able to pinpoint what exactly it is about these songs that make me feel this way, but I've given up trying and just accepted that there is no album I enjoy more than this one. No matter how I feel, every time I pop this in it makes my day better. James Mercer has a knack for writing melodies you can't forget, and don't want to. It's such a downright fun album that it's overall depth and brilliance is unassuming. Transcendent melodies and stunning lyrics. Favorite songs: So Says I, Fighting In A Sack, Kissing The Lipless, Young Pilgrims.
[First added to this chart: 07/28/2011]
Year of Release:
2003
Appears in:
Rank Score:
4,566
Rank in 2003:
Rank in 2000s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Available from
Over the past year plus I've become more and more enchanted by this masterpiece, now an album I can't see myself living without. A subdued acoustic southern tinged classic. Upon first listen it doesn't sound like something that should appear in a greatest album chart, but it has a certain magic in it's simplicity and lo fi gentle sound. Sam Beam seems to channel Nick Drake at points with his soft vocal delivery over nothing but an acoustic guitar. Also love when he adds banjo or slide guitar to give it another layer. It sounds like it should be playing on some southern farmhouse's back porch. Favorite songs: Weary Memory, Promise What You Will, The Rooster Moans, Upward Over The Mountain.
[First added to this chart: 01/06/2012]
Year of Release:
2002
Appears in:
Rank Score:
877
Rank in 2002:
Rank in 2000s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Available from
The circumstances surrounding E's life at the time make these already beautiful and haunting songs all the more powerful. If you're like me, sometimes you might push the lyrics into the background when listening to music, but this is not an album that allows you to do that. The subject matter is much too heavy to ignore, and the way he brings it all to life is magnificent and very intense, especially when he takes the point of view of his sister. It's dark, depressing, sometimes humorous, sometimes hopeful (thankfully it ends on a hopeful note), and overall simply an essential listen. Writing these songs must have played a huge part in his healing process, and it makes listening to them a truly profound experience. Almost unbearably emotional at times. Favorite songs: Going To Your Funeral (Pt. I and II), Ant Farm, Last Stop: This Town, Climbing To The Moon.
[First added to this chart: 02/04/2013]
Year of Release:
1998
Appears in:
Rank Score:
2,383
Rank in 1998:
Rank in 1990s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Available from
There are many choices for the greatest "grunge" album, but for me this takes the prize. A few years ago I might have had a different answer, but as time goes by this is proving to age like fine wine. It's a sprawling epic featuring odd time signatures, dark and pensive lyrics, heavy, forceful, and sometimes sludgy (but always catchy) riffs and hooks, and Cornell's spectacular voice to cap it off. Matt Cameron, who is one of rocks greatest drummers, adds another layer to these richly fleshed out and perfectly crafted songs. The sound of a band in perfect harmony in their absolute prime. A historically good snapshot of everything that was right with music in this era. Favorite songs: Like Suicide, The Day I Tried To Live, Fresh Tendrils, Superunknown.
[First added to this chart: 07/28/2011]
Year of Release:
1994
Appears in:
Rank Score:
8,505
Rank in 1994:
Rank in 1990s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Available from
One of the biggest and most ambitious album I've heard, the amount of guitars is staggering. It has a ton of different sounds and yet has that unmistakable Pumpkins character. One of those bands that has their own entirely original sound yet never seems to have two songs that sound alike. That to me is the ultimate sign of a great band. The dynamics are bold and almost unparalleled. One moment it's sparse and subtle guitar work, then suddenly it sounds like your surrounded by 10 or more buzzing and driving guitars. It took the soft/loud dynamic from the Pixies, Nirvana etc., and brought it to a different level, never following a formula within a song. The best example is Soma, one of the greatest songs I've ever heard. And you have to appreciate Chamberlain's otherworldly drumming. Favorite songs: Rocket, Soma, Luna, Geek USA, Cherub Rock, Mayonaise, Hummer
[First added to this chart: 07/28/2011]
Year of Release:
1993
Appears in:
Rank Score:
17,011
Rank in 1993:
Rank in 1990s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Available from
I use the term a lot, but this is maybe the best example of a "grower" in my own experiences listening to music. I listened to it maybe 5 times and was on the verge of shelving it for good, but for whatever reason I was drawn back. Over the next couple months it grew into an obsession. The hooks and melodies take some time to make sense in the listeners head, as at first they all kind of blend together (they did for me anyway). But once it clicks, it truly is a special album. It's raw, loud, emotional, and relentless. For anyone that reads this all I can say is please don't give up on this album after only a couple listens. I can't believe I almost did. Favorite songs: Giving Into Seeing, I'm Not Part Of Me, Now Hear In.
[First added to this chart: 08/13/2014]
Year of Release:
2014
Appears in:
Rank Score:
737
Rank in 2014:
Rank in 2010s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Available from
The ultimate sign of Zeppelin's greatness is that they have continually gotten more popular as time has gone on. Where the Beatles' music and many others from the 60's and 70's has aged considerably, Zeppelin's music somehow still sounds fresh to this day. IV was their greatest album, although depending on the day sometimes not quite my favorite. Stairway may be overplayed but it is still one of the greatest songs ever recorded, and possibly the greatest guitar solo. Every song is inspiring and original. Favorite songs: Stairway, Misty Mountain Hop, Black Dog, Going To California.
[First added to this chart: 07/28/2011]
Year of Release:
1971
Appears in:
Rank Score:
35,984
Rank in 1971:
Rank in 1970s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Available from
One of the most unique albums I’ve heard. The first thing I noticed was his voice, which is very raw and very imperfect. But these qualities make it extremely endearing as the album progresses. It’s wonderful to think how a voice like his can end up fitting so ideally into such beautiful music. The songs themselves are charming and mesmerizing, creating a sort of wayward atmosphere that only exists in this music. The dynamics are simply crazy, as a singular acoustic guitar strumming a rather simple chord progression can be only seconds from massive horns, bagpipes, huge fuzzy electric guitars, or who knows what else. It’s odd and maniacal yet somehow also accessible. I know it’s a polarizing album for people who have heard it, but if you’re willing to let it take you where it’s going, it’s a dazzling journey. Favorite songs: Two Headed Boy Part II, Communist Daughter, Holland, 1945, King Of Carrot Flowers Part I
[First added to this chart: 11/24/2011]
Year of Release:
1998
Appears in:
Rank Score:
29,562
Rank in 1998:
Rank in 1990s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
9. (=)
Available from
This is the album that finally turned me on to her, and while I enjoy all four of her LP's, this remains my favorite. Her melodies are extremely creative and unpredictable here, and the same can be said of the lyrics. She's as good as any musician at expressing her (usually angry) emotions. Just listen to the way she strains to belt out the chorus of "Regret", a patented Fiona moment calling her former lover's words "hot piss". Her creativity is on a higher level than it's ever been here. She's in total command of her instrument while her voice and lyrics often make it sound like she's on the edge and ready to burst apart, and the juxtaposition is dazzling. And the percussion gives it all an even more unique sound. You'd be hard pressed to find another piano-centric album that sounds like this one. Favorite songs: Werewolf, Every Single Night, Periphery, Anything We Want.
[First added to this chart: 03/16/2013]
Year of Release:
2012
Appears in:
Rank Score:
5,094
Rank in 2012:
Rank in 2010s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Available from
The word “genius” is clearly overused in music, but I don’t think there's any doubt that it’s a perfect description for Jack White. He took a band made up of himself and an amateur drummer, and turned it into one of the greatest and most original bands of a generation. The White Stripes influence will continue to grow over the years. Love the way the distorted guitar kicks off this album. Favorite Songs: Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground, Now Mary, Offend In Every Way.
[First added to this chart: 07/28/2011]
Year of Release:
2001
Appears in:
Rank Score:
5,695
Rank in 2001:
Rank in 2000s:
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
| Decade | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1930s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1940s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1950s | 3 | 3% | |
| 1960s | 7 | 7% | |
| 1970s | 9 | 9% | |
| 1980s | 4 | 4% | |
| 1990s | 31 | 31% | |
| 2000s | 32 | 32% | |
| 2010s | 14 | 14% | |
| 2020s | 0 | 0% |
| Artist | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
| Led Zeppelin | 5 | 5% | |
| Pearl Jam | 4 | 4% | |
| The White Stripes | 3 | 3% | |
| Radiohead | 3 | 3% | |
| The Shins | 3 | 3% | |
| Iron & Wine | 3 | 3% | |
| Eels | 3 | 3% | |
| Show all | |||
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums chart changes
There have been no changes to this chart.
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums similar charts
| Title | Source | Type | Published | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top 100 Music Albums of the 2000s | pearljammer13 | 2000s decade chart | 2019 | |
| Top 100 Greatest Music Albums | maverick470 | Overall chart | 2015 |  |
| Top 100 Greatest Music Albums | brainofj242 | Overall chart | 2020 | |
| ranking the overall top 100 |  OKC1 | Custom chart | 2016 |  |
| Top 100 Greatest Music Albums | PauloPaz | Overall chart | 2017 |  |
| An Objective Ranking of the BEA Top 100 | PaperVinnie | Custom chart | 2018 | |
| An Objective Ranking Of BEA'S Top 100... |  covecove | Custom chart | 2017 |  |
| Top 99 Greatest Music Albums | LimpLimbs | Overall chart | 2017 |  |
| BEA forum regulars top 100 |  HigherThanTheSun | Custom chart | 2014 |  |
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums similarity to your chart(s)
Not a member? Creating an account is quick, easy and FREE!
Join 50,000+ music fans
- Join a community of over 50,000 music fans.
- Create & share your own charts.
- Influence the overall album 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.
- Unlock Dark Mode and other member features.
- Help maintain the BEA database.
- Earn member points and gain access to increasing levels of functionality!
- And much more.
Join 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 3 ratings for this chart. | Show all 125 ratings for this chart.
| Rating | Date updated | Member | Chart ratings | Avg. chart rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ! | 03/20/2025 15:31 |  SomethingSpecial | 1,090 | 86/100 |
| ! | 03/06/2025 13:28 | DrewHamster | 314 | 79/100 |
| ! | 11/17/2020 05:13 | bkogz | 45 | 92/100 |
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 88.5/100, and a trimmed mean (excluding outliers) of 88.9/100. The standard deviation for this chart is 9.4.
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 25 members
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums forum mentions
This chart has been referenced 11 times on the forums, Explore the wider forum discussion to see what members have said about it.
From 
BestEverAlbums 11/16/2020 09:00 in Chart of the day (#3311): By pearljammer13
BestEverAlbums 11/16/2020 09:00 in Chart of the day (#3311): By pearljammer13“Today's chart of the day Top 100 Greatest Music Albums by pearljammer13 () 1. Chutes Too Narrow by The Shins (2003) 2. The Creek Drank The Cradle by Iron & Wine (2002) 3. Electro-Shock Blues by Eels (1998) 4. Superunknown by Soundgarden (1994) 5. Siamese Dream by The Smashing Pumpkins (1993) 6.…”
View forum post →From BestEverAlbums 11/04/2019 09:00 in Chart of the day (#2934): By pearljammer13
BestEverAlbums 11/04/2019 09:00 in Chart of the day (#2934): By pearljammer13“Today's chart of the day Top 100 Greatest Music Albums by pearljammer13 () 1. Chutes Too Narrow by The Shins (2003) 2. The Creek Drank The Cradle by Iron & Wine (2002) 3. Electro-Shock Blues by Eels (1998) 4. Superunknown by Soundgarden (1994) 5. Siamese Dream by The Smashing Pumpkins (1993) 6.…”
View forum post →From BestEverAlbums 01/24/2019 09:00 in Chart of the day (#2650): By pearljammer13
BestEverAlbums 01/24/2019 09:00 in Chart of the day (#2650): By pearljammer13“Today's chart of the day Top 100 Greatest Music Albums by pearljammer13 () 1. Chutes Too Narrow by The Shins (2003) 2. The Creek Drank The Cradle by Iron And Wine (2002) 3. Electro-Shock Blues by Eels (1998) 4. Superunknown by Soundgarden (1994) 5. Here And Nowhere Else by Cloud Nothings (2014) 6.…”
View forum post →Top 100 Greatest Music Albums comments
Showing latest 5 comments | Show all 80 comments |
Top Comments First | Newest First | Positive Sentiment First | Longest Comments First
(Showing comments with any number of votes. Manage Profile)
Top Comments First | Newest First | Positive Sentiment First | Longest Comments First
(Showing comments with any number of votes. Manage Profile)
From
gtroda 03/08/2013 21:32 | #67459
One of my favorite charts on the site. I share a lot of the same favorites in 70s and 90s music so I come here to get ideas on new stuff. I appreciate the comments/info on each.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) · 7
From
LadyGodiva 08/09/2015 03:37 | #147381
LadyGodiva 08/09/2015 03:37 | #147381
Wow - the previous commenter is so far up himself, I am surprised he can still breathe! What an elitist, pretentious comment to make.
If it is any consolation, This is one of my favourite charts on the site. I rate charts on how much passion comes through (not on how 'original' and 'special' the user thinks they are). A genuine love for music oozes out of every album choice on this chart. These are albums that have clearly touched you and this chart gives some idea of who you are as a person and what music has shaped you. Ignore the previous poster and carry on.. This is a fabulous and very individual chart!
Helpful? (Log in to vote) · 3
From
soundguardian 05/24/2013 22:28 | #77066
soundguardian 05/24/2013 22:28 | #77066
I really like your list. I went through periods of listening to Grunge, Alternative, Indie / Lo-fi, etc etc. I was addicted to grunge (Pearl Jam's records, for instance) at one point. and I think you chose some really cool albums, especially like... Make Yourself, Chutes Too Narrow, Foo Fighters, Consolers of the Lonely, Garbage. While I don't agree with some of your list, you have some really interesting choices. Have you noticed though, that your list incorporates the works of musicians from only four different nations? Not really a criticism, just an observation, and my chart doesn't really have much national diversity either. anyways...
Happy listening!
~ soundguardian
Helpful? (Log in to vote) · 2
From
HoldenM TOP 100 COMMENTER 03/02/2013 20:54 | #66776
HoldenM TOP 100 COMMENTER 03/02/2013 20:54 | #66776
Hell of a chart. Very nice.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) · 6
From
OBatRFan 12/07/2011 23:21 | #32239
OBatRFan 12/07/2011 23:21 | #32239
Thanks for looking at my chart. Seems like we have some albums in common. Examining your chart makes me think of all the classic '90s music I grew up on that I forgot to include or just barely didn't make the cut. Especially cool to see Diorama by Silverchair. That album or band doesn't get enough credit!
Helpful? (Log in to vote) · 2
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.
