Top 100 Greatest Music Albums by C0NB9NN 
Based on a mix of Historical Importance, Superior Quality, Musical Influence, and Sonic reinvention.
The All Knowing Grocery Wizard presents:
THE 100 GREATEST ALBUMS OF ALL TIME
Recs welcome
- Chart updated: 06/22/2025 16:15
- (Created: 04/20/2024 03:29).
- Chart size: 100 albums.
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If somebody put a gun to my head and asked me what the greatest album of all time was, I think I’d answer London Calling.
You have albums that are perfect, in the sense of everything is right (Dark Side, Abbey Road). You have albums that are perfect because they are human, where the flaws add to the perfection and experience (Exile, VU&Nico). And then there’s London Calling. For how grand it is, it shouldn’t work. It’s not using the most of the double album availability (like Mellon Collie or The White Album) because it doesn’t feel bloated. It just feels like it’s meant to be that long. It political because it’s telling what’s wrong (Title Track, Guns Of Brixton, Clapdown) not being a rant or rage (RATM, Tommy, American Idiot). It works because it’s honest. It’s not a story, it’s not a facade, it’s just them looking at their falling world and giving their commentary. Love, Death, Drugs, even the dissatisfaction of adulthood, before millennials made it meta (Lost In The Supermarket)
I think at the end what makes it the greatest album of all time is the sound, compared to the backdrop it was recorded in. The world is falling around them, drugs are rampant, the government is starting to ruin, London is calling, and yet they still stand to testify, dance and rock out. I think the biggest theme of the album is that the world may be falling around you, but you still have time to have relationships. You may be having a revolution, but it’s the secret heartbreak when those around you leave that hurt the most.
Best Tracks: Lost In The Supermarket, Death Or Glory, Train In Vain (Stand By Me), The Card Cheat, London Calling, Wrong ‘Em Boyo, Jimmy Jazz, Rudie Can’t Fail, Spanish Bombs, Brand New Cadillac, Revolution Rock [First added to this chart: 04/19/2024]
You have albums that are perfect, in the sense of everything is right (Dark Side, Abbey Road). You have albums that are perfect because they are human, where the flaws add to the perfection and experience (Exile, VU&Nico). And then there’s London Calling. For how grand it is, it shouldn’t work. It’s not using the most of the double album availability (like Mellon Collie or The White Album) because it doesn’t feel bloated. It just feels like it’s meant to be that long. It political because it’s telling what’s wrong (Title Track, Guns Of Brixton, Clapdown) not being a rant or rage (RATM, Tommy, American Idiot). It works because it’s honest. It’s not a story, it’s not a facade, it’s just them looking at their falling world and giving their commentary. Love, Death, Drugs, even the dissatisfaction of adulthood, before millennials made it meta (Lost In The Supermarket)
I think at the end what makes it the greatest album of all time is the sound, compared to the backdrop it was recorded in. The world is falling around them, drugs are rampant, the government is starting to ruin, London is calling, and yet they still stand to testify, dance and rock out. I think the biggest theme of the album is that the world may be falling around you, but you still have time to have relationships. You may be having a revolution, but it’s the secret heartbreak when those around you leave that hurt the most.
Best Tracks: Lost In The Supermarket, Death Or Glory, Train In Vain (Stand By Me), The Card Cheat, London Calling, Wrong ‘Em Boyo, Jimmy Jazz, Rudie Can’t Fail, Spanish Bombs, Brand New Cadillac, Revolution Rock [First added to this chart: 04/19/2024]
Year of Release:
1979
Appears in:
Rank Score:
32,545
Rank in 1979:
Rank in 1970s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
258
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It’s art rock, but not in the traditional sense. It’s not listen once and it’s a masterpiece. It takes at least 2, most of the time 3. Why? Because it hurts the first time. It doesn’t sit right. It doesn’t feel good. That’s why those who really understand music get it. Because it takes coming back too. When you are willing to let it hurt, that’s when the beauty is. That’s the Art. And when music surpasses itself, that’s when it can become art.
Best Tracks: Heroin, Sunday Morning, I’m Waiting For The Man, Femme Fatale, I’ll Be Your Mirror [First added to this chart: 05/30/2024]
Best Tracks: Heroin, Sunday Morning, I’m Waiting For The Man, Femme Fatale, I’ll Be Your Mirror [First added to this chart: 05/30/2024]
Year of Release:
1967
Appears in:
Rank Score:
41,732
Rank in 1967:
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This took me a couple listens to get it, and even a few more to realize how beautiful it really is. Classical music redefined in the 20th Century. Brian Wilson IS a GENIUS.
Is it rock? Maybe. It’s definitely chamber music. Chamber music with that thoughtful edge that can only come from the mind of a troubled youth. And it’s that troubled youth that just shows it. Yes, it absolutely changed the production game to add all of that beauty, and it’s few extra months give it the slight edge over Revolver (see 7). The whole world had grown up surrounded by the ruins of a past generation. The world was on fire, and instead of complaining, Brian looked inward and spoke about what the people were missing. I Guess I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times. I’m Waiting For The Day. Let’s Go Away For A While. Wouldn’t It Be Nice. Those aren’t just feelings. They’re whole generational thoughts and angst, pains that everyone was feeling.
And if this is Pet Sounds, what would have Smile actually sounded like?
Best Tracks: Wouldn’t It Be Nice, God Only Knows, I’m Waiting For The Day, Sloop John B., I Know There’s An Answer [First added to this chart: 04/24/2024]
Is it rock? Maybe. It’s definitely chamber music. Chamber music with that thoughtful edge that can only come from the mind of a troubled youth. And it’s that troubled youth that just shows it. Yes, it absolutely changed the production game to add all of that beauty, and it’s few extra months give it the slight edge over Revolver (see 7). The whole world had grown up surrounded by the ruins of a past generation. The world was on fire, and instead of complaining, Brian looked inward and spoke about what the people were missing. I Guess I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times. I’m Waiting For The Day. Let’s Go Away For A While. Wouldn’t It Be Nice. Those aren’t just feelings. They’re whole generational thoughts and angst, pains that everyone was feeling.
And if this is Pet Sounds, what would have Smile actually sounded like?
Best Tracks: Wouldn’t It Be Nice, God Only Knows, I’m Waiting For The Day, Sloop John B., I Know There’s An Answer [First added to this chart: 04/24/2024]
Year of Release:
1966
Appears in:
Rank Score:
40,675
Rank in 1966:
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Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
4. (=)
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Rock music’s Before And After.
It takes a lot to start an genre with a single album. And while Nevermind didn't necessarily start grunge, it something even greater. ENDING, a genre. Hair metal was all American rock was, until Nevermind. Goodbye Guns 'N' Roses, goodbye Iron Maiden, goodbye Montley Crue. It changed so much of the culture, not just for rock, but for music even too. You can hear the change from everything before Smells Like Teen Spirit, and everything after. Nothing will ever be the same again.
Best Tracks: Smells Like Teen Spirit, Come As You Are, Something In The Way, In Bloom, Lithium [First added to this chart: 04/19/2024]
It takes a lot to start an genre with a single album. And while Nevermind didn't necessarily start grunge, it something even greater. ENDING, a genre. Hair metal was all American rock was, until Nevermind. Goodbye Guns 'N' Roses, goodbye Iron Maiden, goodbye Montley Crue. It changed so much of the culture, not just for rock, but for music even too. You can hear the change from everything before Smells Like Teen Spirit, and everything after. Nothing will ever be the same again.
Best Tracks: Smells Like Teen Spirit, Come As You Are, Something In The Way, In Bloom, Lithium [First added to this chart: 04/19/2024]
Year of Release:
1991
Appears in:
Rank Score:
39,535
Rank in 1991:
Rank in 1990s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
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While some may point to The Stooges, Ramones, or Sex Pistols debut as the catalyst for punk, but I think Patti Smith was the one. Punk at its start was blended with poetry. It’s not just rage and angst and politics, but it’s deep, different. Punk isn’t a sound, but a way of music. It’s real, honest. It’s taking a look around and saying “Yes. This is what is going on”
Best Tracks: Gloria: In Excelsis Deo, Land: Horses/Land Of A Thousand Dances/La Mer(de), Free Money, Kimberly, Birdland, Ronaldo Beach [First added to this chart: 01/09/2025]
Best Tracks: Gloria: In Excelsis Deo, Land: Horses/Land Of A Thousand Dances/La Mer(de), Free Money, Kimberly, Birdland, Ronaldo Beach [First added to this chart: 01/09/2025]
Year of Release:
1975
Appears in:
Rank Score:
8,264
Rank in 1975:
Rank in 1970s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
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The moment rock became eclectic. Everything starts here. Introspective lyrics, blending of genres with rock, epic-like tracks. The start of something bigger. Screw Sgt. Pepper's. This is it.
Not a bad song on the album. The backing band is absolutely impeccable. Dylan's at the top of his game with lyrics, and while I still don't like his singing, it somehow works here. I had heard Like A Rolling Stone dozens of time before, but when Tombstone Blues started, just as I turned on the highway, I knew this was something else. And then the title track, "God said to Abraham 'Kill me a son'"? Even more. But it all came together with Desolation Row. 11 minutes of storytelling, backed with great acoustics and possibly the best harmonicas solos ever. His whole vigor throughout the album just spews confidence and idol, like the James Dean of music.
“The first time that I heard Bob Dylan... and on came that snare shot that sounded like somebody kicked open the door to your mind, from “Like a Rolling Stone.” -Bruce Springsteen.
Best Tracks: Desolation Row, Like A Rolling Stone, Highway 61 Revisited, Ballad Of A Thin Man, Tombstone Blues, It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry [First added to this chart: 05/06/2024]
Not a bad song on the album. The backing band is absolutely impeccable. Dylan's at the top of his game with lyrics, and while I still don't like his singing, it somehow works here. I had heard Like A Rolling Stone dozens of time before, but when Tombstone Blues started, just as I turned on the highway, I knew this was something else. And then the title track, "God said to Abraham 'Kill me a son'"? Even more. But it all came together with Desolation Row. 11 minutes of storytelling, backed with great acoustics and possibly the best harmonicas solos ever. His whole vigor throughout the album just spews confidence and idol, like the James Dean of music.
“The first time that I heard Bob Dylan... and on came that snare shot that sounded like somebody kicked open the door to your mind, from “Like a Rolling Stone.” -Bruce Springsteen.
Best Tracks: Desolation Row, Like A Rolling Stone, Highway 61 Revisited, Ballad Of A Thin Man, Tombstone Blues, It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry [First added to this chart: 05/06/2024]
Year of Release:
1965
Appears in:
Rank Score:
28,289
Rank in 1965:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
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The explosion that stated the summer of '67. Everything the Beatles did can be summed up in this album. Explosive, bending, elusive. Magic.
I really think that’s the best way to describe this album. Explosive. Gives a simple count out and then BAM that riff to taxman hits and you know this album is just not going to let up. The band had been compressed by album after album, tour and televised event after the other. The albums before this had been recorded so fast that compared to this masterpiece, they were rushed. But when they finally had a chance to stop and really put something together, the pressure is released and it’s a sonic reinvention. Dylan had already laid the groundwork to show that rock and roll could be something more than the dance floor, and it was ‘66 when it really entered the studio. Brian Wilson was able to show the beauty that rock could become (see Pet Sounds, 3) and then it was up to the Beatles to show how it could change in a different way. Hard, metallic. Cold, but not in a bitter way. More in a machine way.
Revolver: The Explosive Machine
Best Tracks: For No One, Eleanor Rigby, Tomorrow Never Knows, Taxman, And Your Bird Can Sing, Love You Too [First added to this chart: 05/17/2024]
I really think that’s the best way to describe this album. Explosive. Gives a simple count out and then BAM that riff to taxman hits and you know this album is just not going to let up. The band had been compressed by album after album, tour and televised event after the other. The albums before this had been recorded so fast that compared to this masterpiece, they were rushed. But when they finally had a chance to stop and really put something together, the pressure is released and it’s a sonic reinvention. Dylan had already laid the groundwork to show that rock and roll could be something more than the dance floor, and it was ‘66 when it really entered the studio. Brian Wilson was able to show the beauty that rock could become (see Pet Sounds, 3) and then it was up to the Beatles to show how it could change in a different way. Hard, metallic. Cold, but not in a bitter way. More in a machine way.
Revolver: The Explosive Machine
Best Tracks: For No One, Eleanor Rigby, Tomorrow Never Knows, Taxman, And Your Bird Can Sing, Love You Too [First added to this chart: 05/17/2024]
Year of Release:
1966
Appears in:
Rank Score:
51,849
Rank in 1966:
Rank in 1960s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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A powerful album even if you've always been sober. You can listen to it everywhere. Driving home from church? Showering in the morning? Perfect for everything.
Best Tracks: What’s Going On, Right On, Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) [First added to this chart: 01/26/2025]
Best Tracks: What’s Going On, Right On, Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) [First added to this chart: 01/26/2025]
Year of Release:
1971
Appears in:
Rank Score:
19,588
Rank in 1971:
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Comments:
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The return of the Thin White Duke, and it makes you wonder why you missed him in the first place. For 36 minutes, the coke fueled frenzy doesn’t let up. Fascist and problematic, yes, but art is never perfect behind the scenes. It’s not alien rock, nor singer songwriter. But it’s Bowie, at maybe his most Bowie. Love of the art, milk, and bell peppers.
It’s too late to be late again.
Best Tracks: Station To Station, Golden Years, Wild Is The Wind [First added to this chart: 04/19/2024]
It’s too late to be late again.
Best Tracks: Station To Station, Golden Years, Wild Is The Wind [First added to this chart: 04/19/2024]
Year of Release:
1976
Appears in:
Rank Score:
12,453
Rank in 1976:
Rank in 1970s:
Overall Rank:
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Comments:
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One of the most human and heartbreaking albums I have ever heard. Such a behind the curtain look into the heart of America.
Best Tracks: Highway Patrolman, Atlantic City, State Trooper, Johnny 99 [First added to this chart: 05/03/2025]
Best Tracks: Highway Patrolman, Atlantic City, State Trooper, Johnny 99 [First added to this chart: 05/03/2025]
Year of Release:
1982
Appears in:
Rank Score:
5,823
Rank in 1982:
Rank in 1980s:
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Average Rating:
Comments:
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 | 4 | 4% | |
| 1960s | 24 | 24% | |
| 1970s | 28 | 28% | |
| 1980s | 14 | 14% | |
| 1990s | 16 | 16% | |
| 2000s | 6 | 6% | |
| 2010s | 6 | 6% | |
| 2020s | 2 | 2% |
| Artist | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
 |
|
|
| Bob Dylan | 4 | 4% | |
| David Bowie | 4 | 4% | |
| The Rolling Stones | 4 | 4% | |
| Pink Floyd | 3 | 3% | |
| The Beatles | 3 | 3% | |
| Queen | 3 | 3% | |
| Nirvana | 2 | 2% | |
| 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
87/100 (from 4 votes)
where:
av = trimmed mean average rating an item has currently received.
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N.B. The average rating for this chart will not be reliable as it has been rated very few times.
Showing all 4 ratings for this chart.
| Rating | Date updated | Member | Chart ratings | Avg. chart rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 85/100  | 03/02/2025 11:29 | SomethingSpecial | | 85/100 |
| 90/100 | 10/24/2024 20:54 | BurndenAce | | 70/100 |
| 90/100 | 10/05/2024 19:09 | Johnnyo | | 80/100 |
| 100/100 | 09/10/2024 16:43 |  Larcx13 | | 86/100 |
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Top 100 Greatest Music Albums comments
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90/100
From Johnnyo 10/05/2024 19:10
Have to agree with larex13. You’re musical tastes are way more developed than mine were at your age. This is a great chart.
Keep discovering and learning. It’s a great journey
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
100/100
From Larcx13 09/10/2024 16:50
Larcx13 09/10/2024 16:50
For someone relatively new to music, you know more than I ever did at 18. If I can offer any advice, vary the genres you listen to without prejudice, and look into music outside of the US/UK. Also, certain albums may take a few listens at the right time to hit home. Enjoy your discovery.
Cheers.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
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