100 Best Albums of All Time: 20-1

Wow. Have we finally made it? All the way to the top twenty? The top ten? I suppose so. This whole thing has been a fascinating experience for me. I've listened to far too many albums over the past year in order to prep for this. And was it worth it? Oh, most certainly. I've learned more about music and myself than ever before. I embarked on this journey just for the hell of it, and wound up with more than I dreamed of. This has been an exhausting, yet rewarding, experience.

If you look through this last entry in the series and completely disagree with me, that's terrific. Like what you like; feel what you feel; think what you think. Nonetheless, I hope you've gained a little perspective on music, on me, and perhaps even on yourself.

Read, listen, and enjoy. Thanks for playing along. 

20.) Led Zeppelin II - Led Zeppelin (1969): Folksy, frantic, furious, fantastic - Led's sophomore album is all of that and more. After their terrific debut, the boys decide to spread their wings a bit, soaring to heights never imagined. The individual performances are still amazing, but they mesh better here than anywhere else. Tunes like "Ramble On" displays their intimate chemistry, and their ability to switch genres on a dime. "Whole Lotta Love" is an eternal rock & roll staple. "Moby Dick" showcases the late great John Bonham, in all his thunderous glory. But my favorite track, and maybe the one that epitomizes Led Zeppelin's enduring legacy best of all, is "Heartbreaker." It's a bluesy hurricane, with a blistering vocal performance and one of the coolest guitar solos ever recorded. If you've never listened to these guys before, there's no better introduction than this. Give it a whirl.

19.) A Love Supreme - John Coltrane (1965): And then there's Coltrane. I shouldn't...I shouldn't have to write too much about this. Just put it on, and you'll understand why it's one of the best. This is jazz at its most gorgeous. Layered soundscapes echo for an eternity, with Coltrane's saxophone exploring the terrain, leading the way. The drumming is divine, the keys are lovely, and Jimmy Garrison's stand-up bass is to die for. More accessible than Miles Davis, boppier than Dave Brubeck, this is 60's jazz with some commercial appeal, yet holds its own as a unique, avant-garde experience. A Love Supreme is supreme, indeed.

18.) Bill Evans Trio With Symphony Orchestra - Bill Evans Trio (1966): Am I cheating, again? I said I wasn't going to include any orchestral albums on this list, but here...I just couldn't resist. Besides, it's mostly a jazz trio album. And a beautiful one, at that. Bill Evans is the king of the keys, soulfully plucking out melodies that are curious and carefree. It just so happens that here, he's accompanied by a gorgeous symphony orchestra. This is an unexpected album, imbued with a warmth and musicality that many jazz records were already starting to stray from by the late 60's. Even better? This is a unique album. Truly. Nothing else sounded like this at the time, and the imitators that followed have yet to capture the same starry-eyed wonderment as here (although 2003's Classical Brubeck gets pretty close). This might be the prettiest jazz record of the past 50 years. Check it out.

17.) Innervisions - Stevie Wonder (1973): Man oh man, do I love Stevie. He's a funky genius, a manically catchy songwriter, and a mesmerizing musical visionary. Innervisions is exactly what its name suggests - an intimate glimpse into this man's fascinating, multifaceted world. From the drugged-out swirls of "Too High" to the contemplative musings of "Visions," Stevie covers a lot of ground just in the first two tracks. And after that? It gets even better. "Higher Ground" is a snappy pop hit, "Golden Lady" is pleasant and chill, and "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing" is a fun (and funny) modern samba. But the best? "Livin' for the City." It's a challenging funk masterpiece that rolls on for seven minutes without breaking the spell. A terrific song on an even better album.

16.) Magical Mystery Tour - The Beatles (1967): For some reason, this album is often missing from "Best Of" lists like this. I can't for the life of me figure out why that is. Here, The Beatles poke around in previously uncharted territory, wandering hesitantly into jazz and all-instrumental tracks. There are classics practically etched in stone, like "Penny Lane" and "Hello Goodbye," as well as deep cuts that are equally impressive, like "The Fool On the Hill." But the LSD-fueled romps are most notable of all - songs like "Strawberry Fields Forever" and "I Am the Walrus" are conversation-pieces to this day. The Beatles are rarely underrated, but this is a largely-overlooked entry in their canon. Give it a listen. It kicks off strong with the title track, and ends with one of the greatest anthems of the 60's - "All You Need is Love."

15.) Stadium Arcadium - Red Hot Chili Peppers (2006): The individual records in this double album are named "Jupiter" and "Mars," and they truly communicate worlds. Stadium Arcadium is a musical powerhouse that delivers everything from momentous rock to sing-song folk, from bottomless funk to trickling lullabies. Each member of the band performs at his musical zenith, and the chemistry they share is kindred. Chad Smith's heavy-handed percussion lays a concrete framework, while Flea's virtuoso bass adds a surprising level of musical innovation. Guitarist John Frusciante does an excellent job smoothing over the arrangements, providing texture and depth with stunning vocal harmonies and counter-melodies. Singer Anthony Kiedis gives each track its heart and enthusiasm. The result? Stadium Arcadium is the best rock album of the decade, and perhaps one of the best ever recorded. (Check out my even fuller review here.)

14.) Sinatra at the Sands - Frank Sinatra and Count Basie (1966): From its whiz-bang opening to its delirious finale, Sinatra at the Sands is a fun, fascinating concert. Honestly, I can't get enough of this record. It's a tasty tableau, showcasing Sinatra's vocal talents and nonchalant charisma in equal measure. It's basically a run-through of his greatest hits, with a packed Vegas nightclub to clap and laugh along. And there's plenty of laughs, for sure. Frank is up there doing his thing, cracking jokes and tossing off-the-cuff zingers left and right. Behind him, the full intensity of Count Basie and his orchestra. What could be better than that? So dim the lights, pour yourself a little scotch, and settle in. This is your ticket to the quintessential Sinatra experience. Enjoy.

13.) Thriller - Michael Jackson (1982): Has 80's pop ever been better than this? I don't think so. MJ was king for a reason, and that reason is Thriller. Every song is a classic, and heck, those music videos are, too. The title track is funky and fun, "P.Y.T." will wiggle into your brain and refuse to let go, and "Beat It" is as catchy as it is musically impressive, especially with Van Halen's hypnotic guitar blazing through the whole thing. But my favorite? "Billie Jean." The groove is bottomless, and the hook is as smooth as a moonwalk. This is an all-time best-seller, and for good reason. Although it's lined with synthesizers and drum machines, it somehow avoids feeling dated. Instead, its 80's-ness gives it character, imprinting a peculiar zeitgeist to the timelessness of the tunes. Twenty-five years later, Thriller continues to thrill.

12.) Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - The Beatles (1967): What a weird, wild album this is. From the title, to the cover, to the leading conceit (that you're listening to a concert from a fake band), Sgt. Pepper is anything but ordinary. Most fans and reviewers say it's The Beatles' best, and maybe the best of all time. And while I don't agree, I understand why. Here, the Fab Four have embraced the surreal, and it's noticeable on almost every song. And where surreal ends, sincerity begins. The boys put their all into this one, so impressive musicianship and composition dominate the record. Gotta love it.

11.) Time Out - Dave Brubeck (1959): Brubeck was my first jazz hero, and Time Out was the first jazz album I ever loved. My dad used to put this one on a lot, and whenever I go back home, I can't help but hear echoes of "Take Five" or "Blue Rondo a la Turk" in the walls, lingering like the smell of cigarette smoke on some old leather jacket. But sentimentality aside, this is a phenomenal collection of songs. The melodies are enchanting, threaded through bizarre time signatures and sprinkled intermittently with impressive solos. If a friend wanted to get into jazz, but didn't know where to start, I'd burn them a copy of this. It has a way of filling a room, and certainly leaves an impression.

10.) Ella Swings Lightly - Ella Fitzgerald (1958): "The moon was all aglow, and heaven was in your eyes..." So begins Ella Swings Lightly, one of the sweetest, warmest jazz albums ever recorded. Few voices are as pure and perfect as Ella's, and here she sings with a commanding degree of musicality. Runs, motifs, and improvised solos are pulled off with such casual skill, you'll hardly notice how impressive it actually is. Although the instrumentation supporting her is wonderful, it's impossible to distract from Fitzgerald's clear-as-a-bell voice. Musical clarity is what she offers, and by the end of this 47-minute swing odyssey, you'll be hooked for life. No more noise, no pale imitation. Ella was, arguably, the greatest singer of the 20th century. Listen, and become enraptured.

9.) Rubber Soul - The Beatles (1965): The allure of Rubber Soul is how deceptively simple it seems. The songs are ripe with playful hooks and easy musicianship, and you'll hum along from beginning to end. Such is the siren song of this album; it's so smooth, you fail to notice how striking it actually is. McCartney's vocal grandstanding, Harrison's plucky guitar, Lennon's pained lyricism, Starr's effervescent cushion of percussion...they fuse together with a harmonious, sacred unity. It's also amazing how musically diverse these songs are. Pop, rock, folk, country, Indian influences, crunchy psychedelic guitar licks, baroque tambourines and sky-high harmonies somehow slot together as effectively as their musicianship. This record is essential.

8.) Kind of Blue - Miles Davis (1959): It's haunting. It's invigorating. It's a musical experience like no other, built on a rock-solid foundation of jazz instrumentation, and brought to life by Miles Davis's stunning trumpet. I wish I could describe the quality of the sound this album has, but words don't quite do it justice. There's a grainy fullness to it, like eddies of dust that swirl in sunlight. Each solo, every unison hook, every nimble tap against that ringing ride cymbal, is wonderful. This is a contemplative wanderer, that dares to venture as close to the bleeding edge as it can. If you're uncomfortable chewing on the ideas Davis is throwing out there, then give this one a wide berth. But if you can drink this stuff in, let it roll around your skull like a marble, then you absolutely should.

7.) The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars - David Bowie (1972): I wasn't raised as a Bowie fan. I was transformed into one, piece by piece, song by song, thanks to Ziggy Stardust. I care less about the unhinged space-opera story, but more about the melodies, arrangements, and raw emotion of Bowie's voice. This is a put-on-headphones-and-take-a-long-walk album, the perfect soundtrack to watch the world come alive around you. The music is imaginative, and while it's decadent to the point of absurdity, Bowie is so damned heartfelt about the whole thing, it actually works. Highlights include the punky twang of "Moonage Daydream," the effortlessly groovy "Starman," and the powerful "Rock & Roll Suicide." With Bowie's passing earlier this year, his music has been getting a lot of replay. With this one, it makes sense why. This is an early experiment from one of our greatest songwriters, just beginning to comprehend all he could do. There's a somber optimism to every track, and it'll give you chills or bring you to tears. Either way, you'll be satisfied.

6.) OK Computer - Radiohead (1997): I don't care what anyone says - this is the best rock album of the 90's. Why? Well, there are a lot answers to that question. I'm not the world's biggest fan of Thom Yorke's whiny, warbling voice (sometimes I just wanna slap him in the face and tell him to sing with his diaphragm, for God's sake), but here it works. Maybe it's the quality of the music, how bizarre and fluid it all is, like a half-remembered dream. Maybe it's the ingenuity of the instrumentation, how it blends with whirring digital sound effects and random squelches of distortion. Who knows? But the track list is impressive, with melody and intensity rolling in and out like the tide. "Paranoid Android" might be the best rock tune of the past thirty years, and does a nice job containing the essence of this album in a 3-movement microcosm. Radiohead is, for the most part, an overrated band. Every record is praised to death, and every song seems to have some cult or critical obsession, especially when it doesn't make any sense. But here? They earn their keep. OK Computer is so much more than "ok." It is incredible.

5.) Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music - Ray Charles (1962): What a cool, ballsy idea for an album. To take country & western staples, and re-imagine them as swing or soul tunes? Brilliant. Of course Ray Charles is incredible - his lively fingers, his emotive voice. But this record's real success is how clever the arrangements are. From the first note to the last, these songs are fully, unarguably Ray's. Sparkling harmonies, vivacious orchestral arrangements, and sparrow-light drumming keep the background buoyant, while Ray Charles embodies center stage with unparalleled magnetism and charisma. This is a magnificent accomplishment, and should be heard and appreciated by everyone. Go and check it out as soon as you can.

4.)  90125 - Yes (1983): Prog-rock is back! Did you miss it? I know I did. On 90125, Yes manages to balance musical creativity with a pop sensibility, and what we get is a rounded, engaging, fun album. "Owner of a Lonely Heart" pretty much nails this right from the start, and the rest of the songs follow suit. I'm particularly enamored with "Changes," which is an anthemic puzzler, with unexpected shifts in meter, time signature, and melody. It'll make you giggle, scratch your head, then sit back and just take it in. Because what else can you do? This is a record that doesn't kowtow to conventions, but has sense to sprinkle them in just sparingly enough to keep you hooked. It is a smart, sophisticated rock & roll experience. These are few and far between, so cherish them when you can. Cherish this one, folks. I mean it.

3.) Dave Grusin Presents: GRP All-Star Big Band Live! - GRP All-Star Big Band (1993): As far as pure musicianship is concerned, Live! might just be the best album of all time. Seriously. Listen to the first track, which is a breathless rendition of "Oleo," and tell me I'm wrong. I dare you. Each solo is better than the last, and the overall consistency of this band is impressive beyond words. The trumpets soar, the saxes wail, the clarinet and flute are without compare, the piano is a towering presence, the vibes bustle and bubble, and Dave Weckl on the kit? Has there ever been better? In the first track alone, you hear all this and more. And you know the really crazy thing? This is a live album. They actually did all this in one take, in front of an audience. To me, that is...that is just insanity. Live! is alive in every sense of the word - musically, rhythmically, and emotionally. It is, in my opinion, the best jazz album ever made.

2.) Songs in the Key of Life - Stevie Wonder (1976): Well, ladies and gentlemen - here we are. The runner-up. And it's a big one. This double album clocks in at a hefty hour and forty-five minutes. I know that length doesn't automatically equal greatness, and usually, I find long run-times to be tedious and redundant. But not here. Like many of Stevie's ventures, here he boogies for minutes on end without skipping a beat, finding fresh territory in improvisation or minute melodic shifts. This is a record with a title that boasts a lot, suggesting that this music has somehow tapped into the very essence of existence, that music is life and life is music. This music, specifically. And you know what? It is. The emotion, the power, the melodies, the performances...they exist in a sphere all their own, somehow emulating and encapsulating all that life is. The hits, "Sir Duke" and "Isn't She Lovely," are wonderful, but don't stop there. Worlds of music are teeming like schools of tropical fish, flashy and bright and bustling. Dive in and discover for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

1.) Abbey Road - The Beatles (1969): I'm aware there are a lot of Beatles on this list, but I don't care. I've built much of my life around music - playing it, listening to it, studying it. And at the end of the day, The Beatles stand out on top. You can check out more of my thoughts on the band here. Feel free.

...but how do I even write about this album? Honestly, I have no idea where to start. I'm listening to it right now, as I struggle to get any of my thoughts down on the page. Maybe it's because I've already written 99 other music reviews, and I'm getting burned out. But I don't think that's entirely the problem. How does one write about a masterpiece? I've managed it a few times before as best I could, but now, my words are evaporating. I'll give it a shot, though.

The brilliance of Abbey Road hinges on a lot of things. First, there's excellent songwriting. The cool-as-a-cucumber hook of "Come Together," the frothy optimism of "Here Comes the Sun," the grimy groove of "I Want You (She's So Heavy)," etc. They're sublime. Second, there are impeccable arrangements and instrumentation. The mandolin pops of "Something," the trippy harpsichord of "Because," the bubbly percussion of "Octopus's Garden," etc. They all work so very well, not only for the songs themselves, but because they suit the artists. Which leads to number three: musical performances. McCartney's throwback roar on "Oh! Darling," Harrison's golden guitar on "Sun King," Lennon's massive strumming on "Polythene Pam," Starr's drum solo in "The End," etc. This is the best The Beatles ever were. But my favorite thing about this album? The aptly-titled "Abbey Road Medley," which strings several songs together and makes up the entire b-side of the record. "You Never Give Me Your Money," "She Came in Through the Bathroom Window," and "Golden Slumbers" are magnificent. Truly. And all these elements deliver a focused, yet diverse, experience. This album plays out like a perfect meal, with varying flavors and textures playing off of each other.

To me, Abbey Road is the best album of all time. It is iconic, innovative, insightful, and musically impressive. "And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make..."