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 126 votes). Please log in or register to leave a comment or assign a rating.
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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:
4,879
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41
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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:
911
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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:
2,519
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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:
8,696
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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:
18,145
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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:
695
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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:
40,691
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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:
34,633
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Comments:
9. (=)
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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:
5,257
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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:
5,912
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Total albums: 100. Page 1 of 10
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums composition
| Decade | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
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|
|
| 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
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums ratings
89/100 (from 126 votes)
where:
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 126 ratings for this chart.
| Rating | Date updated | Member | Chart ratings | Avg. chart rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
80/100  | 03/20/2025 15:31 | SomethingSpecial | | 85/100 |
80/100 | 03/06/2025 13:28 | DrewHamster | | 79/100 |
90/100 | 11/17/2020 05:13 | bkogz | | 92/100 |
100/100 | 11/17/2020 02:08 | cooly | | 87/100 |
90/100 | 11/16/2020 21:27 |  CA Dreamin | | 88/100 |
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 88.8/100, a mean average of 88.6/100, and a trimmed mean (excluding outliers) of 89.0/100. The standard deviation for this chart is 9.4.
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums comments
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100/100
From cooly 11/17/2020 02:08
I see a lot of my favorites along with a lot of new ones, so I'm excited to explore this list
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
90/100
From 
Larcx13 11/16/2020 13:58
Larcx13 11/16/2020 13:58
Very interesting picks. A good list overall.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
90/100
From tk421ucopy 01/25/2019 07:05
Great chart. Challenged my perspective on some albums I haven't paid much mind to. Also pretty cool to see Cloud Nothings so high. Love the descriptions
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
85/100
From 
ForegroundNoise 01/24/2019 12:07
ForegroundNoise 01/24/2019 12:07
I think when I originally left a comment/rating on this chart I was being far too harsh (it was back when I had just barely joined BEA). Maybe a little too skewed to indie and grunge (and I stand by my comment about the 70s) but the personality in your notes has really grown on me, so I've upped my rating. I feel you're missing out on stuff from other countries (there are some great albums outside of the US/UK/Aus/Canada bubble you know ...) so here's some of my favourite foreign language albums, I hope you find something you like in them!
Brigitte Fontain - Comme á la Radio (1969)
Milton Nasacimento/Lô Borges - Clube Da Esquina (1972)
Fishmans - Long Season (1996)
Sigur Rós - Ágætis Byrjun (1999)
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
100/100
From 
Strangel 12/18/2017 02:32
Strangel 12/18/2017 02:32
When I rate a chart I focus more on the willingness to explain the selections and for that alone I rate this chart highly. Considering that your taste in music is also impeccable I give you full points.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
85/100
From 
NowhereMan 12/13/2017 20:47
NowhereMan 12/13/2017 20:47
Love how personal it is!!!
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | -1 votes (0 helpful | 1 unhelpful)
90/100
From 
CharlieBarley 12/13/2017 13:47
CharlieBarley 12/13/2017 13:47
Good chart dude. I love the descriptions. It has a good few artists I want to get into. Good number one. Overall very good.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
100/100
From 
DommeDamian 12/13/2017 11:25
DommeDamian 12/13/2017 11:25
Strange choices, that's what I like
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +2 votes (2 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
85/100
From ForegroundNoise 12/13/2017 10:29
ForegroundNoise 12/13/2017 10:29
Really cool chart!! I love the bios for each album, really helps to understand what exactly makes the records tick for you. If I were to put any criticism I'd just say maybe it's worth exploring more stuff that's pre-90s? (I feel so many people on this site suffer from this, me included!) Your top 4 albums from the 70s are all Zeppelin (don't get me wrong, unbelievable band) and if other kinds of rock aren't your thing then that's cool I just feel maybe you're missing out on loads of great stuff! Don't hate pls xx
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100/100
From Ben4 06/16/2017 18:16
I love Chutes Too Narrow. My uncle was actually in the Shins back in those days when they were good. I also would agree that Down on the Upside is underrated, and pretty close to as good as Superunknown.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
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