Top 50 Greatest Music Albums by micah88800

These are albums I have spent literally years of my life obsessing over, so this chart is obviously subjective. Still, they are albums I believe are of the highest possible quality. I'm going to attempt to write a small review/comment on every album and what it means to me. I've noticed some of these albums having aged a bit for me, so I'm going to start updating this more often to reflect my current tastes.

• Chart updated: 04/30/2021 23:15
• (Created: 12/01/2016 19:20).
• Chart size: 50 albums.

There are 9 comments for this chart from BestEverAlbums.com members and Top 50 Greatest Music Albums has an average rating of 91 out of 100 (from 18 votes). Please log in or register to leave a comment or assign a rating.

• Summary
• Composition
• Ratings
• Favourites
• Comments
• Your feedback

View the complete list of 53,000 charts on BestEverAlbums.com from The Charts page.

This chart is currently filtered to only show albums from United States. (Remove this filter)

Sort by

• Overall Rank
• Num. Charts
• Avg. Rating
• Num. Ratings
• Release Date
• Title
• Artist
• Date Added

1. (=)

Carrie & Lowell 

 Sufjan Stevens

Buy album

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• #Sponsored

Such a beautiful record. Stevens keeps the instrumentation to an absolute minimum to truly flesh out pure expression. Touching as hell from beginning to end. The vulnerability and sentiment felt here is so raw and natural, its impossible not to get dragged in. This album is his Nebraska, only a lot better [First added to this chart: 12/13/2017]

Year of Release:

2015

Appears in:

1,195 charts

Rank Score:

18,266

Rank in 2015:

2

Rank in 2010s:

5

Overall Rank:

67

Average Rating:

 86 (1,433 votes)

Comments:

157

4. (=)

Stadium Arcadium 

 Red Hot Chili Peppers

Buy album

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• #Sponsored

The first album I ever truly fell in love with. It may be nostalgia, but this album rocks like no other album ive heard. It is the perfect alternative rock album. This is Part 1 of albums that shaped my musical taste. [First added to this chart: 12/01/2016]

Year of Release:

2006

Appears in:

455 charts

Rank Score:

3,120

Rank in 2006:

8

Rank in 2000s:

93

Overall Rank:

568

Average Rating:

 73 (922 votes)

Comments:

53

5. (=)

Bon Iver, Bon Iver 

 Bon Iver

Buy album

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• #Sponsored

This album brought me back from a funk where I fell out of love with music. Its one of those albums for me where there is a before Bon Iver and after Bon Iver. For that reason it qualified for a top 10 record.

What a beautiful recording. I was late in the game in discovering Bon Iver(didnt give them a solid chance until 2019) but I made up for it by playing this record on repeat for months. Its the perfect balance between quiet sentimentalism(For emma) and studio-produced experimentation(22, a million). The songs are exceptionally written and produced. Top songs for me are Perth, Holocene, Michicant, Calgary, and Beth/Rest...though it really is an album that should be swallowed whole. 10/10 [First added to this chart: 11/13/2019]

Year of Release:

2011

Appears in:

918 charts

Rank Score:

9,265

Rank in 2011:

2

Rank in 2010s:

17

Overall Rank:

172

Average Rating:

 80 (1,329 votes)

Comments:

104

6. (=)

Lost In The Dream 

 The War On Drugs

Buy album

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• #Sponsored

It wears its influences on its sleave, but at the same time this album sounds incredibly original and new. Id call this some kind of marriage between Heartland Rock/shoegaze/indie rock/synth pop, though it doesnt really delve to deep in any one area. This album is perfect in every way. The production, the song writing, the raw emotion. War on Drugs struck gold on this record. From the opening tapping pattern of "Under the Pressure" to the closing sweeping epic "In Reverse", theres never a dull moment [First added to this chart: 12/01/2016]

Year of Release:

2014

Appears in:

909 charts

Rank Score:

9,935

Rank in 2014:

1

Rank in 2010s:

15

Overall Rank:

159

Average Rating:

 82 (1,129 votes)

Comments:

103

10. (=)

Modern Vampires Of The City 

 Vampire Weekend

Buy album

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• #Sponsored

The sound of a band coming into maturity. This album keeps the lighthearted fun and preppy aura of the first 2 records, but steps into some deeper, more adult themes. Death, struggles with religion, the vanity of capitalistic achievement; these are all issues that are addressed in this record. The songwriting and production are better than ever too. Vampire Weekend perfected their sound on this one. If they never make another record, this is one hell of send off. [First added to this chart: 12/01/2016]

Year of Release:

2013

Appears in:

1,016 charts

Rank Score:

12,092

Rank in 2013:

1

Rank in 2010s:

10

Overall Rank:

120

Average Rating:

 82 (1,350 votes)

Comments:

134

11. (=)

Safe Mode: On Certain images on this site may contain adult content and are flagged as 'unsafe'. BestEverAlbums.com does not display these images by default, but you may choose to show or hide these images from your profile page. If you choose to hide these images, you'll see an image with a warning message instead of the actual image. If you choose to show them, you'll see these images no differently than regular (safe) images.

Is This It 

 The Strokes

Buy album

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• #Sponsored

Overrated. Sure. However thhe influence of this record is monumental, on my personal taste as well as '00s music as a whole. [First added to this chart: 12/01/2016]

Year of Release:

2001

Appears in:

2,400 charts

Rank Score:

33,236

Rank in 2001:

1

Rank in 2000s:

4

Overall Rank:

24

Average Rating:

 86 (2,957 votes)

Comments:

273

12. (=)

Contra 

 Vampire Weekend

Buy album

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• #Sponsored

On Contra, Vampire Weekend switched from organic African-infused rock to electronic African-infused rock. This ambitious risk pays off, these songs are fantastic. Self-titled holds a special place for Vampire Weekend fans, but I'll take these songs personally. This music is perfect for me, the melodies are so angelic and uplifting, with a hint of sadness infused throughout. Quirky, fun, inspiring; this is my kind of music [First added to this chart: 12/01/2016]

Year of Release:

2010

Appears in:

584 charts

Rank Score:

4,124

Rank in 2010:

12

Rank in 2010s:

59

Overall Rank:

436

Average Rating:

 77 (1,079 votes)

Comments:

68

13. (=)

High Violet 

 The National

Buy album

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• #Sponsored

Picking this album over Boxer was a very tough decision for me. I love both of these records(and band) so much, I decided just to put them right on top of another as a sort of tie. But if you stranded me on a deserted island and made me pick one, I'd have to go with High Violet. 0 weak tracks. This album is pure melancholy gold. The songs are all unbelieveable creative and different, but hold together so well as an album. Theres a great dynamic range, ranging from the slow burning "Runaway" to the quintessential National banger song "Blood Buzz Ohio", and of course the most underrated National song in their catalog "Lemonworld". Nothing but pure love for this album, I cant imagine anyone not liking it

*Sidebar: The bonus track "You Were a Kindness" is an obscure gem. If you like High Violet, go check it out [First added to this chart: 12/13/2017]

Year of Release:

2010

Appears in:

1,069 charts

Rank Score:

11,615

Rank in 2010:

3

Rank in 2010s:

11

Overall Rank:

128

Average Rating:

 82 (1,309 votes)

Comments:

97

14. (=)

Boxer 

 The National

Buy album

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• #Sponsored

As stated above, I love these records almost evenly. This one is definitely more ground breaking and unique, so I completely understand why its consistently ranked higher than their other albums and is most people's favorite. I have to say, the drum work here is breath taking. The drums are not just keeping the beat, the add an incredibly valuable dynamic to the songs, almost to the point of being the center-piece of the album. The track listing is near perfect( "Racing Like a Pro" being the only song I'm not completely crazy about). The opening track "Fake Empire" is their most recognizable song and for good reason, its the perfect starting place for this album and the band as a whole. The stretch from "Green Gloves" to "Start a War" is maybe my favorite 4 song stretch in all of music. Every song in that block is damn near perfect. "Slow Show" specifically is one of my personal favorite songs of all time. It sits at the middle of the album and encapsulate the entire vibe of the record. Energetic and depressing, but uplifting in a delicate way only the National can deliver. "Gospel" is a perfect closer and makes you just want to start the album over. I cant say enough good about this absolute classic. Very recommended [First added to this chart: 12/13/2017]

Year of Release:

2007

Appears in:

972 charts

Rank Score:

10,656

Rank in 2007:

4

Rank in 2000s:

22

Overall Rank:

142

Average Rating:

 82 (1,186 votes)

Comments:

91

15. (=)

Safe Mode: On Certain images on this site may contain adult content and are flagged as 'unsafe'. BestEverAlbums.com does not display these images by default, but you may choose to show or hide these images from your profile page. If you choose to hide these images, you'll see an image with a warning message instead of the actual image. If you choose to show them, you'll see these images no differently than regular (safe) images.

By The Way 

 Red Hot Chili Peppers

Buy album

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• #Sponsored

Another banger from my all-time favorite band. Once again, Red Hot Chili Peppers prove why they are the number one alternative rock band of the era. This albums shows a more intimate and very welcome side to the group. Vulnerable isnt usually a term used when describing the Chili Peppers, but here its out in full force, and its a nice adjustment for them. They might rock a little less here, but the melodies pop more beautifully than anywhere else in the discography. A couple fillers, but overall an extremely good listen. [First added to this chart: 12/13/2017]

Year of Release:

2002

Appears in:

579 charts

Rank Score:

4,030

Rank in 2002:

9

Rank in 2000s:

75

Overall Rank:

445

Average Rating:

 76 (1,057 votes)

Comments:

59

• « prev
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• next »

Total albums: 31. Page 1 of 4

Don't agree with this chart? Create your own from the My Charts page!

Top 50 Greatest Music Albums composition

Decade	Albums	%
1930s	0	0%
1940s	0	0%
1950s	0	0%
1960s	2	4%
1970s	6	12%
1980s	4	8%
1990s	11	22%
2000s	12	24%
2010s	15	30%
2020s	0	0%

Artist	Albums	%
The National	4	8%
Led Zeppelin	3	6%
Red Hot Chili Peppers	3	6%
Bruce Springsteen	3	6%
The Beatles	2	4%
Oasis	2	4%
Vampire Weekend	2	4%
Show all

Country	Albums	%
	31	62%
	15	30%
	2	4%
	1	2%
	1	2%

Top 50 Greatest Music Albums chart changes

Biggest climbers
Up 20 from 47th to 27th Graduation by Kanye West
Up 1 from 36th to 35th Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix by Phoenix

Biggest fallers
Down 5 from 35th to 40th Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles
Down 3 from 40th to 43rd The Beatles (The White Album) by The Beatles
Down 2 from 34th to 36th Transatlanticism by Death Cab For Cutie

Top 50 Greatest Music Albums similar charts

• Top 50 Greatest Music Albums by RubenFrusciante (2021)
• Top 40 Greatest Music Albums by funkyrollercoaster (2016)
• Top 40 Greatest Music Albums by Stefan123456 (2015)
• Top 50 Greatest Music Albums by blandt (2015)
• Top 50 Greatest Music Albums by jqmusiclove (2015)
• Top 50 Greatest Music Albums by DangerMouse93 (2011)
• Top 50 Greatest Music Albums by Copeland (2018)
• Top 40 Greatest Music Albums by rafapinto1996 (2017)
• Top 40 Greatest Music Albums by Eduardo41 (2020)
• Top 50 Music Albums of the 2010s by Daydreamer (2020)

Top 50 Greatest Music Albums similarity to your chart(s)

Top 50 Greatest Music Albums ratings

Showing latest 5 ratings for this chart. | Show all 18 ratings for this chart.

Sort ratings

• Rating
• Date updated
• Member

Rating	Date updated	Member	Chart ratings	Avg. chart rating
100/100	05/03/2021 04:43	mjp11	37	95/100
100/100	05/02/2021 20:25	jnfbn	314	96/100
90/100	12/08/2020 08:01	DriftingOrpheus	79	91/100
100/100	05/19/2020 22:50	Rhyner	1,382	99/100
90/100	05/19/2020 18:45	desh79	1,281	93/100

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 2% of all charts on BestEverAlbums.com. This chart has a Bayesian average rating of 90.7/100, a mean average of 92.8/100, and a trimmed mean (excluding outliers) of 93.2/100. The standard deviation for this chart is 7.9.

• Related links:
• Top charts

Please log in or register if you want to be able to leave a rating

Top 50 Greatest Music Albums comments

Showing all 9 comments |
Most Helpful First | Newest First | Maximum Rated First | Longest Comments First
(Only showing comments with -2 votes or higher. You can alter this threshold from your profile page. Manage Profile)

Rating:  

90/100

From DriftingOrpheus 12/08/2020 08:02

We have a lot in common! The National and Vampire Weekend are certainly two of my favorite artists of this generation!

Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)

Rating:  

100/100

From 911Turbo 05/19/2020 13:22

great list-reviewing it was a joy.
love your descriptions.
absolute 100/100.

Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)

Rating:  

100/100

From martinjaa 04/08/2020 04:19

Loved your list. Good job!

Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)

Rating:  

75/100

From Thad 11/13/2019 17:43

I love some of these albums, overall it does seem a bit bland to me though. Very good #1.

Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)

Rating:  

100/100

From Keatownrodriguez 05/06/2019 19:40

Great chart, glad to see someone appreciating Congratulations by MGMT

Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)

Rating:  

100/100

From DommeDamian 12/02/2018 19:53

Magnificent.

Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)

From Brad1770 03/30/2018 10:14

Yes ! If I Should Fall From The Grace Of God is a modern classic and the most interesting album here , other wise it’s a fairly standard list

Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)

Rating:  

85/100

From LedZep 03/22/2018 23:37

Fantastic picks, love the number one!

Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)

Rating:  

80/100

From SamNassiri98 03/04/2018 19:17

Good chart although a bit too one-dimensional... (Maybe check out my charts?)

Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)

Please log in or register if you want to be able to add a comment

Your feedback for Top 50 Greatest Music Albums

Let us know what you think of this chart by adding a comment or assigning a rating below!