Top 100 Greatest Music Albums by 
NowhereMan 
31 years of age.
RECOMMENDATIONS ALWAYS WELCOME.
I will be tidying this up at some point - many of these chart notes were published over a decade ago; I need to refine and amend accordingly. I am also in the process of amending and reviewing ratings of various albums - many ratings have held steadfast from when I first joined this wonderful website in 2009.
ORDER CHANGES REGULARLY.
My top artists: (Bracketed numbers are for own personal reference)
1. The Beatles - an audio best friend; they make the world a lot brighter and optimistic. The absolute pinnacle. The best thing the world has produced. Colossal. (13/13)
---------------------------
2. Electric Light Orchestra (9/11)
---------------------------
(Interchangeable order)
The Rolling Stones (6/9)
Pink Floyd (5/8)
Led Zeppelin (4/6)
The Smiths (8/8)
Neil Young (17/21)
The Velvet Underground (4/5)
Bob Dylan (16/23)
The Who (5/7)
David Bowie (8/14)
Oasis (10/10)
The Beach Boys (5/11)
Radiohead (7/8)
Simon & Garfunkel (6/6)
The Kinks (5/6)
Bruce Springsteen (8/12)
Arcade Fire (5/8)
The Stone Roses (1/2)
R.E.M (2/9)
Brian Eno (2/5)
The Tallest Man On Earth (2/2)
Tame Impala (4/4)
Fleetwood Mac (4/5)
Paul Simon (14/16)
John Lennon (6/6)
Paul McCartney (17/17)
George Harrison (5/9)
Wings (6/6)
Nick Drake (3/3)
The Flaming Lips (2/5)
Weezer (4/5)
Wilco (2/5)
The National (3/5)
Cream (4/4)
Coldplay (3/4)
Van Morrison (1/3)
Arctic Monkeys (3/5)
The Cure (2/7)
Genesis (1/7)
The War on Drugs (1/3)
The Strokes (1/5)
Belle & Sebastian (2/5)
My ratings on an album can be based on the emotion it evokes within me, the quality of the musicianship, the amount of nostalgia it summons, it's importance in within the wider and more broad pantheon of music. Even something as simple as how many times it gives me goosebumps across the length of an entire listen.
ONE ALBUM PER ARTIST - it is also most certain I have heard a an abundance of other material by each artist only the one I will have chosen is the one that I am digging the most currently and resonates the most to me at this point in my life.
More chart notes to come.
Thanks for viewing.
- Chart updated: 04/23/2025 12:15
- (Created: 10/18/2011 23:28).
- Chart size: 100 albums.
There are 92 comments for this chart from BestEverAlbums.com members and Top 100 Greatest Music Albums has an average rating of 86 out of 100 (from 120 votes). Please log in or register to leave a comment or assign a rating.
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These lot are an audio best friend; they make the world a lot brighter and optimistic. The absolute pinnacle. The best thing the world has produced. A Colossus.
Obviously for people who know me on this site I am four obsessed. They are the soundtrack to my life and are one the greatest pleasures in life for me. They are like an audio best friend - they are always there when in need.
I can be digging any given Beatle album more than the others on any given day, so this position is very much prone to change and agonising deliberation!
I am most definitely what people may still call a 'Beatlemaniac'. I read, breathe, listen to and love them. [First added to this chart: 10/18/2011]
Obviously for people who know me on this site I am four obsessed. They are the soundtrack to my life and are one the greatest pleasures in life for me. They are like an audio best friend - they are always there when in need.
I can be digging any given Beatle album more than the others on any given day, so this position is very much prone to change and agonising deliberation!
I am most definitely what people may still call a 'Beatlemaniac'. I read, breathe, listen to and love them. [First added to this chart: 10/18/2011]
Year of Release:
1966
Appears in:
Rank Score:
52,735
Rank in 1966:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
484
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The second half of this record is amongst some of my favourite quarter of an hour's worth of music I have come across. To me, this is the duo's peak. ...Troubled Water was a superficial project - despite its merits - I have always taken the view it sounds more of a Paul Simon solo project.
[First added to this chart: 10/25/2017]
Year of Release:
1968
Appears in:
Rank Score:
5,834
Rank in 1968:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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Dylan's magnum opus. Whilst not only working best as a cohesive album, it also possesses his greatest individual numbers. Stuck Inside The Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again and Sad Eye Lady Of The Lowlands may well both be my top two Dylan songs - and that's a prestigious accolade indeed. The run from Visions of Johanna through to Most likely you go your way (and I'll go mine) largely remains unparalleled. There are snippets of lyrics on here that are just sublime - note 4th Time Around. Perennially uplifting. Will always be one of my all time favourites. It's been with me years now.
[First added to this chart: 10/18/2011]
Year of Release:
1966
Appears in:
Rank Score:
26,184
Rank in 1966:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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Possesses one of the most perennially captivating soundscapes I have ever subjected my ears to.
[First added to this chart: 06/08/2023]
Year of Release:
1999
Appears in:
Rank Score:
11,418
Rank in 1999:
Rank in 1990s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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Prolific as hell. What an artist. Any style he can do it to a monumental standard. For the time this is the current pick. Some of his best melodies and guitar work can be discovered here. I know it seems that every other album is deemed “underrated” on this site, but these collection of songs truly are.
[First added to this chart: 10/18/2011]
Year of Release:
1969
Appears in:
Rank Score:
8,430
Rank in 1969:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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For a two-year period at university (during which time I barely came on this site) any opportunity I had to listen to music it would be Morrissey, Marr and co. Their discography contains some of the most bittersweet, romantic and melancholy lyrics/melodies. For me this album takes the cake - for now.
[First added to this chart: 10/17/2017]
Year of Release:
1985
Appears in:
Rank Score:
6,551
Rank in 1985:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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[First added to this chart: 10/18/2011]
Year of Release:
1981
Appears in:
Rank Score:
2,557
Rank in 1981:
Rank in 1980s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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The overlooked seventies effort from Floyd. Ironically, the best. Gilmour's guitar playing is at it's most consistent and mesmerising, whilst the lyrics are open for interpretation. A compelling listen.
This album really did help those countless hours of study and revision I had to endure once upon a time at school. [First added to this chart: 10/18/2011]
This album really did help those countless hours of study and revision I had to endure once upon a time at school. [First added to this chart: 10/18/2011]
Year of Release:
1977
Appears in:
Rank Score:
23,546
Rank in 1977:
Rank in 1970s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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(Review of The Beach Boys - Today!, which previously held the #9 position)
A lovely record. I like to think of it as a primitive Pet Sounds. Brian Wilson and his melodies really do start to branch out here and the songs from the boys here seem to adopt a more classic and baroque melody structure as opposed to the short snappy sun and surf songs of previous years. Because of this development, songs such as Please Let Me Wonder and I'm So Young are just as beautiful as anything off the preferred Pet Sounds. The other tracks aren't too far off either. [First added to this chart: 01/15/2021]
A lovely record. I like to think of it as a primitive Pet Sounds. Brian Wilson and his melodies really do start to branch out here and the songs from the boys here seem to adopt a more classic and baroque melody structure as opposed to the short snappy sun and surf songs of previous years. Because of this development, songs such as Please Let Me Wonder and I'm So Young are just as beautiful as anything off the preferred Pet Sounds. The other tracks aren't too far off either. [First added to this chart: 01/15/2021]
Year of Release:
2011
Appears in:
Rank Score:
6,023
Rank in 2011:
Rank in 2010s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Buy album
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After looking at the front cover of this one for a substantial amount of time I anticipated it to be a heavy, hard-going listen. I was so surprised when my experience was the complete opposite. What I did find were some of the most charming and beautiful psychedelic-pop songs. I was bouncing and smiling to this one immediately. It's contagious. I knew half the lyrics by the third of fourth listen. I adore it. I thank you, Zombies, for sticking together through your final days to produce this absolute gem.
[First added to this chart: 10/18/2011]
Year of Release:
1968
Appears in:
Rank Score:
14,523
Rank in 1968:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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 | 0 | 0% | |
| 1960s | 16 | 16% | |
| 1970s | 23 | 23% | |
| 1980s | 11 | 11% | |
| 1990s | 18 | 18% | |
| 2000s | 16 | 16% | |
| 2010s | 14 | 14% | |
| 2020s | 2 | 2% |
| Artist | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
 |
|
|
| Nick Drake | 1 | 1% | |
| Television | 1 | 1% | |
| Lana Del Rey | 1 | 1% | |
| The Electric Prunes | 1 | 1% | |
| America | 1 | 1% | |
| Ocean Colour Scene | 1 | 1% | |
| The Zombies | 1 | 1% | |
| Show all | |||
| Country | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
48 | 48% | |
| |
38 | 38% | |
 |
3 | 3% | |
 |
2 | 2% | |
 |
2 | 2% | |
 |
2 | 2% | |
 |
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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| Most listened to Albums by BEA members 2014 - 2024 |  Liedzeit | Custom chart | 2024 |  |
| Those That Deserve More Recognition : | NowhereMan | Custom chart | 2023 | |
| Top 100 Music Albums of the 1970s | NowhereMan | 1970s decade chart | 2025 | |
| BEA's Top 100 re-ranked |  EyeKanFly | Custom chart | 2020 | |
| Top 100 Greatest Music Albums | LosWochos | Overall chart | 2021 | |
| Top 100 Greatest Music Albums | tim0505 | Overall chart | 2025 | |
| Rearrange Top 100 |  Larcx13 | Custom chart | 2020 |  |
| My Ranking of the BEA top 100 |  sszwalbenest | Custom chart | 2021 | |
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums ratings
86/100 (from 120 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 120 ratings for this chart.
| Rating | Date updated | Member | Chart ratings | Avg. chart rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 85/100  | 01/25/2025 14:13 | SomethingSpecial | | 85/100 |
| 90/100 | 01/16/2025 18:06 |  seb7 | | 91/100 |
| 100/100 | 12/24/2024 20:36 | Exist-en-ciel | | 99/100 |
| 85/100 | 11/07/2024 11:35 |  pedro1976 | | 85/100 |
| 75/100 | 09/19/2024 12:52 |  LedZep | | 84/100 |
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 has a Bayesian average rating of 86.1/100, a mean average of 84.7/100, and a trimmed mean (excluding outliers) of 86.1/100. The standard deviation for this chart is 14.6.
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums favourites
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums comments
Showing latest 10 comments | Show all 92 comments |
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90/100
From seb7 01/16/2025 18:06
seb7 01/16/2025 18:06
very cool, a lot for me to listen to...
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
85/100
From pedro1976 11/07/2024 11:35
pedro1976 11/07/2024 11:35
cool chart
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
95/100
From Moondance 12/07/2022 23:56
I really love this chart - it speaks honesty & passion. I like the one album/artist concept. I like the acknowledgement that each decade brings a worthy share of worthy albums. I enjoyed the comments very much. I really like it that we only have 8 albums in common, but 24 artists in common - including songwriters that rarely make it to a top 100 chart - eg Cat Stevens, Don McLean. Donovan, Dave Gray & Tallest Man On Earth. And I especially love your love of Dylan - your album rankings pretty much match mine, except I would have BOTT at no.1.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
90/100
From 
Jbalbinolr 05/02/2021 23:06
Jbalbinolr 05/02/2021 23:06
Pretty balanced list, very good!
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
100/100
From 
Mercury 11/26/2020 21:33
Mercury 11/26/2020 21:33
Coming back to this and it made me smile. Thanks for the shoutout on the Shallow Grave Write up. I notice no grade for The Wild Hunt - but 2 for Shallow Grave. *thinking emoji*
Anyway, I love the love for the Beatles. You are to the Beatles what I am to Bob Dylan. Lol
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
90/100
From vancevisuals 07/06/2020 21:11
Surprisingly only 6 in common but I did not limit myself to one per
Love the chart nonetheless
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
90/100
From 
StefanR10 07/06/2020 13:52
StefanR10 07/06/2020 13:52
A good one. Respect your chart and you have some mostly unkown bands here. Interesting is your number 1 with the beatles. One German band is ok but I like the German bands very much maybe you could include one more. But Nevertheless good chart.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
90/100
From 
BozoTyrannus 05/15/2020 13:42
BozoTyrannus 05/15/2020 13:42
Tremendous selection. I respect any chart that introduces me to something new in the top ten.
And the more love for Eno the better.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +2 votes (2 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
100/100
From Timooosterink 03/09/2020 20:52
Nice chart!
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | -1 votes (0 helpful | 1 unhelpful)
100/100
From 
salahshoori 01/26/2020 14:08
salahshoori 01/26/2020 14:08
Amazing list. I agree with what others said about compliations though.
BTW I agree that S.F. Sorrow sounds way ahead of its time.
I would recommend you to listen to Depeche Mode's Violator, I think you will find it fascinating.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
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| Best Ever Artists | |
|---|---|
| 1. The Beatles | |
| 2. Radiohead | |
| 3. Pink Floyd | |
| 4. David Bowie | |
| 5. Bob Dylan | |
| 6. Led Zeppelin | |
| 7. The Rolling Stones | |
| 8. Arcade Fire | |
| 9. The Velvet Underground | |
| 10. Nirvana | |
| 11. Kendrick Lamar | |
| 12. Neil Young | |
| 13. Miles Davis | |
| 14. The Smiths | |
| 15. The Beach Boys | |
| 16. Kanye West | |
| 17. R.E.M. | |
| 18. Pixies | |
| 19. Jimi Hendrix | |
| 20. Bruce Springsteen |