Top 100 Greatest Music Albums
by PeterSmith 
I've been listening to lots of albums new to me over the last few years having grown up to late 70's and 80's soundtrack. I had foolishly chucked learning new music as we entered the 90's thinking I had my bands and albums that I would need. I missed so much excellent stuff.
I recall liking a lot of stuff I was hearing on the radio as we moved into the 2000's but didn't follow up with who they were - I have since found many of these songs on albums that I have since listened to.
Takes a wee bit to shift the albums and artists you've grown up with and loved for years, but slowly working through many classic albums and some more obscure stuff getting highlighted on this web site - loving the journey and some of it is shifting my old favourites for sure.
Grew up with Pink Floyd, Bowie, Queen, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, U2, Bob Marley.
Loving the Rap and Hip Hop of NWA, Kanye West, Public Enemy & Jay Z.
Loving the Alt Rock, Indie Rock , Space and Electronic Rock of the likes of Grandaddy, Interpol, The Killers, White Stripes, REM, MGMT, Muse, Franz Ferdinand amongst others.
Loving the more ambient and folky sound of Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, Grandaddy, Sigur Ros, Air.
Loving the more punky sound of Greenday, Pixies, Jane's Addiction and Modest Mouse
And finding some old classics with The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Carole King.
Also finding that familiarity does play a big part - don't often love albums straight away and need to give them half dozen listens before I start to get it.
I have revamped the results and removed the 2 artist max and just went for my favourites. Meant it has pushed out artists like Paul Weller, Garbage, Bob Marley, Elliot Smith, The Cure, The National, Beck, Foo Fighters, Beatles, Bob Dylan, Adele, The Band, Leftfield and Akon to name but a few - sorry folks.
- Chart updated: 12/28/2021 22:15
- (Created: 11/13/2017 23:37).
- Chart size: 100 albums.
There are 24 comments for this chart from BestEverAlbums.com members and Top 100 Greatest Music Albums has an average rating of 88 out of 100 (from 38 votes). Please log in or create an account to leave a comment or assign a rating.
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Available from 
Progressive Rock - Art Rock - Experimental Rock
Floyd are immense - every track on here is excellent with Shine On You Crazy Diamond and the title track outstanding. I love Pink Floyd and Gilmour's solo's and Waters lyrics and delivery. [First added to this chart: 11/13/2017]
Floyd are immense - every track on here is excellent with Shine On You Crazy Diamond and the title track outstanding. I love Pink Floyd and Gilmour's solo's and Waters lyrics and delivery. [First added to this chart: 11/13/2017]
Year of Release:
1975
Appears in:
Rank Score:
41,593
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Available from
Progressive Rock
Touch and go between this and Wish You Were Here.
Us And Them, Brian Damage and Eclipse are highlights amongst a set of other excellent songs. The space in the songs and the solo's just immerse you. The whole album just hangs together and it is hard to just listen to a single song without going all-in. [First added to this chart: 11/13/2017]
Touch and go between this and Wish You Were Here.
Us And Them, Brian Damage and Eclipse are highlights amongst a set of other excellent songs. The space in the songs and the solo's just immerse you. The whole album just hangs together and it is hard to just listen to a single song without going all-in. [First added to this chart: 11/13/2017]
Year of Release:
1973
Appears in:
Rank Score:
55,928
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Rap
Only listened to this album in Sept 18 off the back of 808s & Heartbreaks and College Dropout - but this album is much better for me and bursts right into my top 10 ahead of many albums I have known and loved for decades - such is the quality of this album. From the start of the album he delivers great track after great track - smart beats and lyrics and great sampling including Daft Punk (who I love).
I love every single track on this album, but give an extra nod to Homecoming and Big Brother - the later all about his relationship with mentor Jay Z.
Can't agree with where his head is at the moment, but can't deny the quality of music he has delivered. [First added to this chart: 01/01/2019]
Only listened to this album in Sept 18 off the back of 808s & Heartbreaks and College Dropout - but this album is much better for me and bursts right into my top 10 ahead of many albums I have known and loved for decades - such is the quality of this album. From the start of the album he delivers great track after great track - smart beats and lyrics and great sampling including Daft Punk (who I love).
I love every single track on this album, but give an extra nod to Homecoming and Big Brother - the later all about his relationship with mentor Jay Z.
Can't agree with where his head is at the moment, but can't deny the quality of music he has delivered. [First added to this chart: 01/01/2019]
Year of Release:
2007
Appears in:
Rank Score:
3,853
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Rock - Post Punk
I've loved U2 since they started but stopped getting their new stuff from mid 90's which was an error on my part. Still I love this early album - not just the nostalgia, the songs are all superb [First added to this chart: 11/13/2017]
I've loved U2 since they started but stopped getting their new stuff from mid 90's which was an error on my part. Still I love this early album - not just the nostalgia, the songs are all superb [First added to this chart: 11/13/2017]
Year of Release:
1981
Appears in:
Rank Score:
746
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Progressive Rock
I remember hearing this album when I was about 16 from my mates big older sister and I've only recently got a copy (2017) and listened to it again. It takes your mind on a journey. There are wind instruments in here - but they rock. [First added to this chart: 02/17/2018]
I remember hearing this album when I was about 16 from my mates big older sister and I've only recently got a copy (2017) and listened to it again. It takes your mind on a journey. There are wind instruments in here - but they rock. [First added to this chart: 02/17/2018]
Available from
Folk Rock - Country Rock
I've only found Neil Young in 2016 and this album is superb.
Out For The Weekend, Heart of Gold and Words - outstanding. Love his song writing - the songs are intelligent and from the heart and delivered in quite a dead pan style that suits the song [First added to this chart: 11/13/2017]
I've only found Neil Young in 2016 and this album is superb.
Out For The Weekend, Heart of Gold and Words - outstanding. Love his song writing - the songs are intelligent and from the heart and delivered in quite a dead pan style that suits the song [First added to this chart: 11/13/2017]
Year of Release:
1972
Appears in:
Rank Score:
11,638
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7. (=)
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Available from
Progressive Rock - Blues Rock
I love Roger's solo stuff - its like a Floyd album with only Roger's eccentric influence rather than Dave Gilmour's input - because that is what it is! The missing Gilmour's excellent solos are ably covered by the brilliant Eric Clapton. Good move Roger.
Saw the man live a few times - superb. [First added to this chart: 11/13/2017]
I love Roger's solo stuff - its like a Floyd album with only Roger's eccentric influence rather than Dave Gilmour's input - because that is what it is! The missing Gilmour's excellent solos are ably covered by the brilliant Eric Clapton. Good move Roger.
Saw the man live a few times - superb. [First added to this chart: 11/13/2017]
Year of Release:
1984
Appears in:
Rank Score:
754
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Alternative Rock - Post-Britpop
I liked their singles but only recently started listening to their albums (2016) - now one of my favourite bands. They could maybe be criticised as being formulaic - but you know what, I love this formula - get's me every time. [First added to this chart: 11/13/2017]
I liked their singles but only recently started listening to their albums (2016) - now one of my favourite bands. They could maybe be criticised as being formulaic - but you know what, I love this formula - get's me every time. [First added to this chart: 11/13/2017]
Year of Release:
2002
Appears in:
Rank Score:
11,641
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Glam Rock - Art rock - Proto-punk
Bowie has been my main man and this album is just such a stand out. Fav tracks are Five Years (great drum intro, story and big finish); Moonage Daydream (Ronson's solo and the echo affect on the voice at the end); Lady Stardust (Bowie's vocal); Rock n Roll Suicide (great ending with the anguished delivery) [First added to this chart: 11/13/2017]
Bowie has been my main man and this album is just such a stand out. Fav tracks are Five Years (great drum intro, story and big finish); Moonage Daydream (Ronson's solo and the echo affect on the voice at the end); Lady Stardust (Bowie's vocal); Rock n Roll Suicide (great ending with the anguished delivery) [First added to this chart: 11/13/2017]
Year of Release:
1972
Appears in:
Rank Score:
40,450
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Art Rock - Funk Rock - Soul - R&B - Space Rock
Only 6 tracks but each a gem - his vocals particularly on Wild Is The Wind and Word on a Wing are about the best he has delivered.
Saw the great man live on a number of occasions. [First added to this chart: 11/13/2017]
Only 6 tracks but each a gem - his vocals particularly on Wild Is The Wind and Word on a Wing are about the best he has delivered.
Saw the great man live on a number of occasions. [First added to this chart: 11/13/2017]
Year of Release:
1976
Appears in:
Rank Score:
11,386
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Total albums: 100. Page 1 of 10
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums composition
| Decade | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1930s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1940s | 0 | 0% | |
| 1950s | 1 | 1% | |
| 1960s | 5 | 5% | |
| 1970s | 25 | 25% | |
| 1980s | 16 | 16% | |
| 1990s | 17 | 17% | |
| 2000s | 25 | 25% | |
| 2010s | 11 | 11% | |
| 2020s | 0 | 0% |
| Artist | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
| Arcade Fire | 3 | 3% | |
| U2 | 3 | 3% | |
| The Beatles | 2 | 2% | |
| Pink Floyd | 2 | 2% | |
| Kanye West | 2 | 2% | |
| Neil Young | 2 | 2% | |
| Queen | 2 | 2% | |
| Show all | |||
| Country | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
| |
51 | 51% | |
| |
34 | 34% | |
 |
5 | 5% | |
 |
3 | 3% | |
 |
3 | 3% | |
 |
2 | 2% | |
 |
1 | 1% | |
| Show all | |||
Top 100 Greatest Music Albums chart changes
| Biggest climbers |
|---|
Up 1 from 100th to 99th |
Up 1 from 99th to 98th |
Up 1 from 98th to 97th |
| Leavers |
|---|
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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 38 ratings for this chart.
| Rating | Date updated | Member | Chart ratings | Avg. chart rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ! | 04/12/2023 17:47 | chavaloricardin | 16 | 83/100 |
| ! | 09/04/2022 11:28 | Thearei30ee | 17 | 88/100 |
| ! | 07/03/2022 18:38 |  ffudnebbuh | 653 | 91/100 |
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 12% of all charts on BestEverAlbums.com. This chart has a Bayesian average rating of 87.8/100, a mean average of 88.3/100, and a trimmed mean (excluding outliers) of 88.3/100. The standard deviation for this chart is 6.8.
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums favourites
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums forum mentions
This chart has been referenced 3 times on the forums, Explore the wider forum discussion to see what members have said about it.
From 
BestEverAlbums 06/25/2022 08:00 in Chart of the day (#3896): By PeterSmith
BestEverAlbums 06/25/2022 08:00 in Chart of the day (#3896): By PeterSmith“Today's chart of the day Top 100 Greatest Music Albums by PeterSmith () 1. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) 2. The Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd (1973) 3. Graduation by Kanye West (2007) 4. October by U2 (1981) 5. Brian Davison's Every Which Way by Brian Davison (1970) 6. Harvest by…”
View forum post →From BestEverAlbums 12/19/2021 09:00 in Chart of the day (#3708): By PeterSmith
BestEverAlbums 12/19/2021 09:00 in Chart of the day (#3708): By PeterSmith“Today's chart of the day Top 100 Greatest Music Albums by PeterSmith () 1. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) 2. The Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd (1973) 3. Graduation by Kanye West (2007) 4. October by U2 (1981) 5. Brian Davison's Every Which Way by Brian Davison (1970) 6. Harvest by…”
View forum post →From BestEverAlbums 10/27/2020 08:00 in Chart of the day (#3291): By PeterSmith
BestEverAlbums 10/27/2020 08:00 in Chart of the day (#3291): By PeterSmith“Today's chart of the day Top 100 Greatest Music Albums by PeterSmith () 1. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) 2. The Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd (1973) 3. Graduation by Kanye West (2007) 4. October by U2 (1981) 5. Brian Davison's Every Which Way by Brian Davison (1970) 6. Harvest by…”
View forum post →Top 100 Greatest Music Albums comments
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From
JulianR TOP 100 COMMENTER 02/21/2018 02:43 | #209026
JulianR TOP 100 COMMENTER 02/21/2018 02:43 | #209026
Great stuff, and thank you for the amazing comment on my chart! I love lots of the albums that you've got here. It's cool to see a Waters solo album up there, I have always thought that his essentially solo project The Final Cut is one of the best of all time, and one that I think you could really like. I have listened to Hitch-Hiking once or twice, but its been challenging so far. I have a feeling that his solo work is just one of those things that one has to listen to a lot in order to get, because of how unique it is. And I'll have to check out that Gilmour solo album too.
If you want to find something in the vein of Pink Floyd, I would recommend the albums below. I know, nearly for a fact, that there is nothing quite like PF at all, as I have searched long and hard. But these guys can get close.
Steven Wilson - Hand Cannot Erase. This is a more modern prog-rock record, and but it also has prog-metal influences. They can make it a little hard to get into at first, but aside from those parts there are many parts of that album that approach the grandiose awesomeness of The Wall and other PF works.
Tame Impala - Lonerism. This album is more of a condensation of the psychedelic side of Pink Floyd, as opposed to the prog side. I'd say with this one, it's closer to earlier PF albums like Obscured by Clouds or Echoes.
Another album that I think you could really like is "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" by the Flaming Lips. Idk exactly why, your chart just made me think of it. Its a fun album.
PS, about the Ziggy cover, I think I don't really like it much because I grew up accustomed to the movie soundtrack one, which is (arguably) much cooler.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) · 2
From
pctrooper 05/04/2020 00:06 | #250879
Have to say, many picks are a bit too hip for myself (if maybe that is the right word). Arcade Fire, Modest Mouse, Coldplay for example I usually can't be bothered with. Nevertheless, there is a good batch of mutually respected albums between you and I, and I appreciate all your words of describing music and sharing your perspective. I really like your #1 choice a lot. (Edited)
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From
dexmc 08/03/2019 02:32 | #240713
First off thanks for comment on my chart. I like about half of the albums/artist you have on this list, but just because I don't consider liking I still have respect for them. Its nice to see Making Movies and Violator/Depeche Mode on your list. Those albums don't get enough love.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) · 2
From
eldaddio 10/05/2019 18:53 | #243433
This is an excellent chart. I especially enjoyed reading the comments on each pick. I have not heard several of the picks and disagree with a few but that’s what makes it interesting.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) · 2
From
Larcx13 10/27/2020 08:23 | #259820
Larcx13 10/27/2020 08:23 | #259820
Some really good picks. im not a big fan of kanye and coldplay. I really dont understand the appeal. To each their own..
Helpful? (Log in to vote) · 2
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