# What do you consider to be the Greatest Albums of All Time **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 5, 2013, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392 "2013-02-05T15:52:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![drewtwo99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d07c76/32.png) [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392/61 "2013-02-07T04:47:54Z")
As far as pop/pop rock goes, here are my contenders. I know most of you critics here won’t consider these “truly great” because they are all very mainstream pop, but I think they are masterpieces of their pop-genre. The Stranger - Billy Joel : Easily Joel’s best and easily one of the truly great albums of all times. Practically a “greatest hits” album itself. Songs About Jane - Maroon 5 : Their first and best album, also chock-full of hit after hit. A perfect pop-rock album, if you’re into that sort of thing. Yourself or Someone Like You - Matchbox 20: First of their albums and in my opinion the best. Full of hits, the whole album is just fantastic. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Second\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@The\_Second\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Second_Stone)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392/62 "2013-02-07T05:26:55Z")
Live/Dead Sticky Fingers Forever Changes You guys have hit the rest of what would be my choices. (Abbey Road, Layla, Achtung Baby already mentioned.) ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392/63 "2013-02-07T13:59:55Z")
> [@drewtwo99](#): > > I know most of you critics here won’t consider these “truly great” because they are all very mainstream pop, but I think they are masterpieces of their pop-genre. Not true at all. You can be mainstream pop and critically lauded. See the Beatles and Prince, for instance. Or Kanye or Jay-Z. ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392/64 "2013-02-07T15:10:40Z")
The ones I always come back to: **Sticky Fingers** - The Rolling Stones **Blood on the Tracks** - Bob Dylan \*\*\*\*Murmur \*\*\*\*- R.E.M. \*\*\*\*Born to Run \*\*\*\*- Bruce Springsteen \*\*The Queen Is Dead \*\*- The Smiths \*\*Reckoning \*\*- R.E.M. **Moondance** - Van Morrison **War** - U2 ---
**Author:** ![montag01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/51bf81/32.png) [@montag01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/montag01)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392/65 "2013-02-07T15:10:49Z")
Of what’s already been mentioned, I have to go with Dark Side of the Moon (pure majesty of an album) and The Joshua Tree. I would also submit The Flaming Lips’ The Soft Bulletin (with minor quibbles that its last two songs are remixes of other songs on the album, which seems overindulgent and pointless), Nas’ Illmatic, and Tumbleweed Connection by Elton John. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392/66 "2013-02-07T15:19:24Z")
What I love about threads like this is the fact that every single one of us in it is, down deep, dividing the responders into “People Who Have Zero Taste In Music” and “People Who Suggest Music I Like.” 😃 Before adding your suggestions to the list, keep in mind that “personal favorite” does not equal “Great.” There is no way “Live at Carnegie Hall” by Renaissance is ever going to be considered “great,” but if I could have only one album to listen to for the rest of my life, that would be the one I would pick. ---
**Author:** ![chargerrich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chargerrich/32/5399_2.png) [@chargerrich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chargerrich)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392/67 "2013-02-07T15:24:16Z")
How much crap will I catch for even suggesting that Def Leppard Pyromania be included for at least consideration? It even seems odd to me, but that album had so many really good to great songs! ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392/68 "2013-02-07T15:27:51Z")
_Nights in White Satin_, Moody Blues \*Santana \*(1), Santana ---
**Author:** ![Bambro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/df705f/32.png) [@Bambro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bambro)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392/69 "2013-02-07T15:37:49Z")
I’ve always been very partial to Pink Floyd - Animals. I can listen to that entire album from beginning to end and love it as much as I did the first time. ---
**Author:** ![Jimbabweosu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/85f322/32.png) [@Jimbabweosu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jimbabweosu)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392/70 "2013-02-07T15:56:21Z")
Albums from a genre I don’t otherwise like: Johnny Cash. Live at Folsom Prison. I am NOT a country fan, but this is a GREAT album. Dixie Chicks. Home. Love it, love every track, from laughing at “White Trash Wedding” to the pathos of “Travelin’ Soldier” to the unexpectedly good rendition of Landslide (but only on the album, the single added a percussion track that ruined the whole point of the bluegrassy feel) Silenus, I started this thread knowing full well that I’d get the “Stuff I like is therefor Great” type of entry, and very little of the “This is widely recopgnized as a Great work of Art.” In the end isn’t greatness in art subjective? (I know, I know, I apologize to my Art History teaching best friend… mea culpa, Anna, mea culpa). There have been many albums that have appeared on here that I’m like- wow, I need to go check it out!- and there are others that I am at best completely indifferent about, at worst, wouldn’t pick up or listen to if you paid me to. That said, I am not afraid to identify great albums that I personally do not like, but recognize their influence and importance in music history. Nirvana -Nevermind The ALBUM from which “Smells like Teen Spirit” was on. Personally, although I was in my college years when this came out, and was right in the heart of the demographic that this appealed to, I loathe Nirvana. Whiny, woe-is-me, depressing. Although it is heavy-ish, unlike other bands who made heavy soar (see Black Sabbath’s “Warpigs” or Metallica’s “Sandman”) this used it to increase the darkness and depression. And that is part of the key to its greatness. It came out in stark rejection of the bubble-gum pop nonsense typical of the late 80s and early 90s, deliberately forged a new sound that captured the ear of a great deal of a generation and sparked (I didn’t say originated- don’t attack me for saying Nirvana invented grunge- they did not, or at least did not alone) an entirely new sound on the mass-market: grunge. I don’t like it, I don’t (and won’t) own it, but it was (is) a Great Album. I’ve already mentioned Dark Side of the Moon and Hotel California and why I don’t like them- well, why I don’t like one track on each. Nevertheless- they are Great Albums. So, let’s up the ante a little bit: can you name a Great Album that you don’t personally like? (I’d also like to say how pleased I am with the tone of most posts- we haven’t really attacked each other’s choices. Mad respect to the Dopers!) ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392/71 "2013-02-07T15:58:32Z")
> [@chargerrich](#): > > How much crap will I catch for even suggesting that Def Leppard Pyromania be included for at least consideration? > > It even seems odd to me, but that album had so many really good to great songs! I don’t think that’s _that_ crazy. Personally, I wouldn’t put in my top 10, but it’s definitely a classic album, solid from start to finish, and not insane to suggest. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392/72 "2013-02-07T16:28:21Z")
> [@Jimbabweosu](#): > > So, let’s up the ante a little bit: can you name a Great Album that you don’t personally like? Easily. “Purple Rain” is a work of art. I say that openly, even though I don’t like Prince in the least little bit. Ditto “Nevermind” and “Thriller.” Lots of great work out there that I personally don’t care for. Doesn’t mean I can’t acknowledge the greatness. Just like I openly proclaim Meryll Streep to be a great actress, even though I can’t stand her. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392/73 "2013-02-07T17:12:41Z")
> [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > “Quadrophenia” is so inextricably linked to my youth that I can’t shake it loose. I could have written this sentence. How many hours did I spend with that album book in my lap? It also helped that the girl I was in love with had introduced me to it. > [@pulykamell](#): > > That’s in my top ten list, too. Oh, screw it, I’ll give my top ten: > 5) Marquee Moon - Television You bet. Not a bad note on this album. > [@Ian\_D.Bergkamp](#): > > A few that are relatively more recent than most of those previously mentioned: > > Okkervil River - Black Sheep Boy > The Decemberists - Castaways and Cutouts > Titus Andronicus - The Monitor > Bright Eyes - I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning > The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound > Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea > The New Pornographers - Twin Cinema > British Sea Power - The Decline of British Sea Power > The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You > Spider Bags - A Celebration of Hunger This is a great list without a clinker on it. I’m not sure every one of these is 100% perfect, but Titus Andronicus and Neutral Milk Hotel certainly are. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392/74 "2013-02-07T17:13:41Z")
Damn it, forgot to say: where is the love for “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” - Wilco? In fact, I think I’ll listen to it right now. ---
**Author:** ![Spiff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiff/32/9852_2.png) [@Spiff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiff)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392/75 "2013-02-07T17:58:23Z")
What’s an “album”? ---
**Author:** ![Jimbabweosu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/85f322/32.png) [@Jimbabweosu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jimbabweosu)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392/76 "2013-02-07T19:07:47Z")
Silenus- upon re-reading my last post, it occurs to me that my “So, let’s up the ante a little bit: can you name a Great Album that you don’t personally like?” reads like the throwing down of a gauntlet to you personally. It wasn’t, honestly! I meant for it to be a challenge to all posters (which is why I did it myself)! I apologize if my last post came across as rude or as a mild call-out. Seriously, I just used your name because you seem to be having a conversation with me! Spiff- your comment reminds me of the time my oldest nephew (about 4 or 5 at the time, now a US Marine… tempus fugit) was looking at some old albums I was throwing away (scratched all to heck, and no phonograph at the time anyway). He asked if he could have my Star Wars Return of the Jedi soundtrack. I said, sure, no prpblem, thinking he wanted the cover art and photo insert. Later, when we were in my truck, he asked me to play it on my CD player. He was dumbfounded when I (laughing) told him to open the thing and take the record out. He had no idea what the blazes it was… ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Negative](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/typo_negative/32/484_2.png) [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392/77 "2013-02-07T19:14:30Z")
Something tells me will not be able to come to a consensus. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392/78 "2013-02-07T19:15:33Z")
No worries. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![the\_O](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@the\_O](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_O)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392/79 "2013-02-07T19:31:09Z")
All of my choices have already been listed with the exception of: \*Stardust \*- Willie Nelson _Feels So Good_ - Chuck Mangione ---
**Author:** ![Ponch8](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponch8/32/9883_2.png) [@Ponch8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponch8)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2013, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392/80 "2013-02-07T20:04:05Z")
> [@Jimbabweosu](#): > > So, let’s up the ante a little bit: can you name a Great Album that you don’t personally like? For me, there is no answer. I know which music sucks and which doesn’t. It doesn’t matter what the critics or the general public think; all that matters is that I love a song (automatically making it a great song) or I hate a song (making it terrible). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-consider-to-be-the-greatest-albums-of-all-time/649392.md?page=5)