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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This chart is currently filtered to only show albums from the 1970s. (Remove this filter)
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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:
40,622
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Average Rating:
Comments:
304
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I would say it’s one of Zeppelin’s most eclectic albums, but then I think about it and just about every one is extremely eclectic. Either way it’s another immensely good set of songs. Page has to be the greatest guitarist of all time as far as riff writing coupled with great solos. Everything he writes is so damn catchy. Favorite songs: Celebration Day, Out On The Tiles, Bron-Y-Aur Stomp, Gallows Pole.
[First added to this chart: 07/28/2011]
Year of Release:
1970
Appears in:
Rank Score:
8,153
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Comments:
36. (=)
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The Song Remains The Same is one of the most brilliant intro songs you’ll ever hear. And then The Rain Song is one of the most beautiful. Another album that mixes genres, tempos, and styles very well. Favorite songs: The Song Remains The Same, Over The Hills And Far Away, The Rain Song, No Quarter.
[First added to this chart: 07/28/2011]
Year of Release:
1973
Appears in:
Rank Score:
12,075
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This one is filled with great moments. I always thought The Rover was one of their most underrated tracks. Every song on both cds has something to offer. A little more experimentation on the second side, and all of it works as usual with Zeppelin. Favorite Songs: The Rover, Ten Years Gone, Kashmir, Black Country Woman.
[First added to this chart: 07/28/2011]
Year of Release:
1975
Appears in:
Rank Score:
12,397
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I had never even heard of Nick Drake before this site. The definition of beauty in music. Sometimes there’s nothing better than just a voice and an acoustic guitar, and it’s never been more apparent than on this album. Favorite Songs: Place To Be, From The Morning, Pink Moon, Things Behind The Sun.
[First added to this chart: 12/03/2011]
Year of Release:
1972
Appears in:
Rank Score:
18,472
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Elton John's old albums were amazing. I don't think anyone writes better piano ballads than him. He was on top of his game for this one. A piano based album that truly rocks. Favorite songs: Susie (Dramas), Mellow, Honky Cat, Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters.
[First added to this chart: 07/31/2011]
Year of Release:
1972
Appears in:
Rank Score:
1,196
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A true original masterpiece of rock. Nothing else sounds like it. And home of one of the greatest songs every recorded, hands down. Favorite songs: Bohemian Rhapsody, You're My Best Friend, Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon.
[First added to this chart: 09/18/2011]
Year of Release:
1975
Appears in:
Rank Score:
11,934
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The masters of southern rock. They don't get too much love on this site. Nothing beats a good southern rock song when you're in the mood, and this is where you come to find the best. Favorite songs: Tuesday's Gone, Gimme Three Steps, Free Bird.
[First added to this chart: 10/02/2011]
Year of Release:
1973
Appears in:
Rank Score:
3,909
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Hard to argue the greatness of The Who. Huge talent all around, this one displays the height of their songwriting I think. Favorite songs: Baba O'riley, Bargain, Won't Get Fooled Again.
[First added to this chart: 11/05/2011]
Year of Release:
1971
Appears in:
Rank Score:
22,177
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Total albums: 9. Page 1 of 1
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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
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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).
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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
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
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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