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I've been thinking about doing this for a long time. I've basically put together a list of MY 75 favorite albums. This list has a little to do with how the album is perceived worldwide and a lot to do with how the album makes me feel or the mood it puts me in. It also has to do with how many words I personally know from every track on the album. Either way, it's gonna be different than any list anyone else will make. Therefore, I couldn't care less if you don't like it, because I'm still gonna love it.
So without further ado, here it goes... #75 - The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band Released in 1967, totally drugged out when written. First album after they stopped touring. First heard when I bought this album when I was around 12 years old. Favorite Songs - Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds, When I'm Sixty-Four, A Day In the Life #74 - Bob Marley - Natty Dread Released in 1973, first album as &Bob Marley& and the Wailers. Reminds me of hanging out with all of my friends in Lake Placid, FL, where I first heard it. Always puts me in a good mood. Favorite Songs - Lively Up Yourself, No Woman No Cry, Rebel Music #73 - Dr. Dre - 2001 Released in 1999, first album since &The Chronic&. First heard it in high school. Favorite Songs - Still D.R.E., Forgot About Dre, The Next Episode #72 - Lynyrd Skynyrd - Second Helping Released in 1974, this is their second album, following their massive debut album. My dad owned it, so I have been listening to it for a long while. Favorite Songs - Sweet Home Alabama, The Ballad of Curtis Loew, Call Me the Breeze #71 - Soundgarden - Superunknown Released in1994, their best selling album. One of the best albums from the &grunge era&. Favorite Songs - Fell On Black Days, Black Hole Sun, Spoonman, The Day I Tried To Live #70 - Garth Brooks - Ropin' the Wind Released in 1991, this is his third album. My dad owned this album and I know most of hte words to it. By far my favorite country album, considering I really don't like country music. Favorite Songs - Against the Grain, Rodeo, Papa Loved Mama #69 - Jimmy Eat World - Bleed American Released in 2001, this is their fourth and biggest album to date. Reminds me of senior year of high school Favorite Songs - A Praise Chorus, The Middle, Sweetness, Hear You Me #68 - The Killers - Hot Fuss Released in 2004, hated the album at first, but somehow it grew on me to the point where I can't turn it off Favorite Songs - Jenny Was a Friend of Mine, Mr. Brightside, Somebody Told Me #67 - 311 - 311 Released in 1995, this album fucking rocks. This album put them on the map and they've stayed since. Favorite Songs - Down, Random, All Mixed Up #66 - Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head Released in 2002, this is their second album, and no I'm not gay. Just a really good album from start to finish Favorite Songs - In My Place, The Scientist, Green Eyes #65 - Stone Temple Pilots - Purple Released in 1994, their second hit album. Another must-have grunge album. Stole it from my friend, oops Favorite Songs - Meatplow, Vasoline, Interstate Love Song, Big Empty #64 - Hoobastank - The Reason Released in 2003, their second hit album. Unfortunately, people think of them as a soft rock band because of the song &The Reason&. The rest of the album is just pure hard rock. Favorite Songs - Same Direction, Out of Control, Just One, Never There #63 - Metallica - Metallica Released in 1991, this was a major transition from Thrash Metal to a more mainstream sound, without &selling out& Favorite Songs - Enter Sandman, The Unforgiven, Wherever I May Roam, Nothing Else Matters #62 - Red Hot Chili Peppers - Stadium Arcadium Released in 2006, just furthered their reign as one of the best bands ever. Reminds me of my RV road trip every time. Favorite Songs - Dani California, Snow (Hey Oh), Tell Me Baby, Hard to Concentrate #61 - Panic At the Disco - A Fever You Can't Sweat Out Released in 2005, first big album. Also reminds me of the RV trip, because it seemed like it was the only CD in the car that we towed. Favorite Songs - The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide Is Press Coverage, Lying Is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off, I Write Sins Not Tragedies #60 - Incubus - S.C.I.E.N.C.E. Released in 1997, this is their second album. This is easily their hardest album and is a great album to listen to to release some steam. Favorite Songs - Vitamin, New Skin, Favorite Things, Summer Romance (Anit-Gravity Love Song) #59 - Blink-182 - Enema of the State Released in 1999, highly successful follow-up to Dude Ranch. Lots of potty humor, which I live for. Favorite Songs - Dumpweed, What's My Age Again?, The Party Song, Mutt #58 - Creedence Clearwater Revival - Chronicle, Vol. 1 Released in 1976, compliation album that my dad had. It wasgreat and really got me into them Favorite Songs - Green River, Fortunate Son, Up Around the Bend, Run Though the Jungle #57 - Jack Johnson - In Between Dreams Released in 2005, this album always puts me in a good mood, great songs, easy to learn on guitar. Favorite Songs - Better Together, Banana Pancakes, Good People, Do You Remember #56 - Tenacious D - Tenacious D Released in 2001, this is a hysterical album. First heard in senior year of high school, I try to used quotes in every day conversations as much as I can Favorite Songs - Kielbasa, Tribute, Wonderboy, Fuck Her Gently #55 - Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin II Released in 1970, this was a highly sucessful second album, Jimmy Page shreds shit up, Robert Plant screams his lungs out, John Bonham goes crazy on the drums, and John Paul Jones even plays a mean base, nuff said. Favorite Songs - Whole Lotta Love, Heartbreaker, Ramble On, Moby Dick #54 - Slightly Stoopid - Acoustic Roots: Live and Direct Released in 2004, it's a live acoustic show. It is so mellow and chill that it can't help but get you in a good mood. First heard from my roommate junior year. Favorite Songs: Cool Down, Devil's Door, Collie Man, Wiseman, Prophet #53 - The Beatles - Rubber Soul Released in 1965, this is their sixth album. Stole this from my dad, so it was my first Beatles album. Had it since I was about 9. Favorite Songs: Norwegian Wood, Nowhere Man, I'm Looking Through You, In My Life #52 - Pearl Jam - Vitalogy Released in 1994, at the pinnicle of grunge, this is their third hit album. Even though there are some short instrumental tracks that could be omitted, the actual songs on this album make it too good to me left off of the list. Favorite Songs: Last Exit, Whipping, Corduroy, Better Man #51 - Nirvana - MTV Unplugged in New York Released in 1994, this was a live album and the first to be released after Cobain's death. It really showed the versitility of the band, both with their instruments and their choices of songs to cover. Favorite Songs: About a Girl, The Man Who Sold the World, Plateau, Lake of Fire
#50 - Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here Released in 1975, it was a follow up to the highly successful Dark Side of the Moon. This album has only 5 tracks but each is incredible. Listen to Shine On You Crazy Diamond at full blast in a dark room and see what happens. Favorite Songs: Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Welcome to the Machine, Have a Cigar, Wish You Were Here #49 - The Black Crowes - Shake Your Money Maker Released in 1990, this debut album epitomizes southern rock & roll and blues at it's core. They have so much energy. Favorite Songs: Twice as Hard, Jealous Again, Hard to Handle, She Talks to Angels
#48 - Jimmy Buffett - Songs You Know By Heart Released in 1985, this compilation album has Buffett's best songs from 1973-1979. Obviously, as most people know, this is a perfect album to listen to at the beach or on a boat. Favorite Songs: Cheeseburger in Paradise, A Pirate Looks at Forty, Margaritaville, Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes #47 - New Found Glory - New Found Glory Released in 2000, this punk/pop album reminds me of all of the good times in high school. Being from Broward county, you have to appreciate this album, primarily because they hadn't sold out yet. Favorite Songs: Better Off Dead, Hit or Miss, Sucker, All About Her
#46 - The Beatles - Revolver Released in 1966, this is their 7th studio album. This is my favorite Beatles album because every song flows so well into the next one. Definitely a transition from their younger days. Favorite Songs: Taxman, Eleanor Rigby, I'm Only Sleeping, She Said She Said, For No One #45 - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Greatest Hits Released in 1993, this encapsulates every great Tom Petty song into one album. My dad owned this, so I've been a fan for a long while. And when I got to Gainesville and figured out that he was from the area, it made me love it even more. Favorite Songs: American Girl, I Won't Back Down, Runnin' Down a Dream, Free Fallin', Learning to Fly
#44 - Pepper - Kona Town Released in 2002, this is Pepper's debut album, a real sign of things to come. They remind me alot of Sublime with their Reggae/Rock/Ska style. Favorite Songs: Stone Love, Tradewinds, Give it Up, Sitting on a Curb, Tongues #43 - Ludacris - Word of Mouf Released in 2001, this is one of my favorite rap albums. All I think about when I listen to this album is sitting in the back of my buddy Beer's white Cavalier, with two 12's, rattling the trunk on the way to the Palladium. Favorite Songs: Rollout, Area Codes, Growing Pains, Greatest Hits (skit), Welcome to Atlanta
#42 - Donavon Frankenreiter - Donavon Frankenreiter Released in 2004, this is his debut album. Such a chill album, gives you the surfer mentality, like other albums in the Jack Johnson family. Favorite Songs: It Don't Matter, Free, What 'Cha Know About, Bend in the Road #41 - Van Halen - Van Halen Released in 1977, this debut album changed the way guitarist played metal guitar. Eddie Van Halen shreds big-time on Eruption. Favorite Songs: Runnin' With the Devil, Eruption, Aint' Talkin' 'Bout Love, Ice Cream Man #40 - Guns N' Roses - Greatest Hits Released in 2004, this compilation album brings together all of their hits. Axl Rose belts out some screams and Slash tears up the guitar. Favorite Songs: Welcome to the Jungle, Sweet Child O' Mine, Paradise City, Civil War, November Rain #39 - David Gray - White Ladder Released in 1999, this album offers incredible songwriting, as well as some pretty good music. First heard in freshman year of college. Favorite Songs: Please Forgive Me, Babylon, This Year's Love, Say Hello Wave Goodbye #38 - The Fugees - The Score Released in 1996, this hip-hop album reminds me of middle school, learning all of the words with my friends Bryan and Eric. Still one of the only rap albums that I know 75%+ words to. Favorite Songs: Ready or Not, Zealots, Fu-Gee-La, The Score, No Woman No Cry #37 - Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon Released in 1973, this was their major breakthrough and one of the most popular albums of all time. It holds the record for most consecutive weeks on the Billboard albums chart at over 14 year. Try it with the Wizard of Oz. Favorite Songs: Breathe, Time, Money, Us and Them #36 - Metallica - Master of Puppets Released in 1986, this album along with Ride the Lightning is the pinnacle of Heavy Metal. So much energy it's stupid.
Favorite Songs: Battery, Master of Puppets, Sanitarium, Orion
#35 - Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin IV Released in 1971, this is their most recognized and best selling album. From start to finish, this album rocks the house. You've probably heard every single song at some point in your life. Favorite Songs: Black Dog, Rock & Roll, Stairway to Heaven, When the Levee Breaks
#34 - O.A.R. - The Wanderer Released in 1997, this album is pure college jam band. Very hook-y and easy to sing along to. Favorite Songs: Missing Pieces, That Was a Brazy Game of Poker, Conquering Fools, Ladanday
#33 - Jack Johnson - On and On Released in 2003, this album is my favorite Jack Johnson album. Every song puts me in a good mood. Reminds me of freshman year of college. Favorite Songs: Times Like These, Taylor, Gone, Tomorrow Morning
#32 - 311 - Transistor Released in 1997, this is my favorite 311 album, which is saying alot. It was not well received at first, but people eventually came around and is a fan fave at shows. Favorite Songs: Transistor, Beautiful Disaster, Use of Time, Running #31 - Bush - Sixteen Stone Released in 1994, this debut album was one of the first three CDs that I ever bought (on the same day). Hard rock album that is great to listen to if you want to let off a little steam. Favorite Songs: Everything Zen, Little Things, Comedown, Machinehead, Glycerine
#30 - Dave Matthews Band - Crash Released in 1996, I first heard this album in 7th grade, from a friend. Every song is good on this album and it's very fun to try to learn these songs on guitar. Favorite Songs: So Much to Say, Crash Into Me, #41, Lie in our Graves, Tripping Billies #29 - Guster - Parachute Released in 1995, this is their debut album. I heard one of the songs on a mixtape that my friend had and did everything i could to figure out who sang it. I bought the album right after and have loved it since. Favorite Songs: Fall in Two, Mona Lisa, Scars & Stitches, Happy Frappy
#28 - Oasis - (What's the Story) Morning Glory? Released in 1995, this is their follow up to Definitely Maybe. This is the second of my first three CDs bought. It is so good and diverse, with both rock & roll and slower, more melodic songs. Great album! Favorite Songs: Wonderwall, Don't Look Back in Anger, Cast No Shadow, Morning Glory, Champagne Supernova #27 - James Taylor - Greatest Hits Released in 1976, this compiliation album is his best selling album to date. This is my mom and dad's favorite artist, so naturally, I've been listening to James Taylor for a long time. Best singer/songwriter ever and one HELL of a great guitarist. Favorite Songs: Something in the Way She Moves, Fire and Rain, Sweet Baby James, You've Got a Friend, Mexico #26 - Third Eye Blind - Third Eye Blind Released in 1997, this is their debut album. This was given to me as a gift on my birthday and at first I really didn't know what kind of album it would be. But as it turned out, it's one of my favs and I'm happy I received it! Favorite Songs: Losing a Whole Year, Semi-Charmed Life, Jumper, How's it Gonna Be, Motorcycle Drive By #25 - Slightly Stoopid - Closer to the Sun Released in 2005, this is their breakthrough album. So freakin chill it's ridiculous. Thanks to my buddy Weissberg for the introduction. Favorite Songs: Somebody, Bandelero, Ain't Got a Lot of Money, Closer to the Sun, Open Road #24 - Hoobastank - Hoobastank Released in 2001, this is their first hit album. My friend Abbey burned this for me out of the blue and I loved it. Great album to listen to when driving long distances. Favorite Songs: Crawling in the Dark, Remember Me, Running Away, Pieces, Hello Again #23 - Audioslave - Audioslave
Released in 2002, this is their debut album. When I first heard that the band from Rage Against the Machine and the lead singer from Soundgarden were coming together, I was pretty excited. They far surpassed my expectations with this album. Every time I go fishing in the everglades with my buddy Austin, we would seem to have this album on.
Favorite Songs: Show Me How to Live, Gasoline, What You Are, Like a Stone, Exploder #22 - Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP
Released in 2000, this is his follow up to the Slim Shady LP. This is one of my favorite rap albums. I always think about going to the beach on half-days in high school and blasting this the entire way.
Favorite Songs: Kill You, Stan, The Way I Am, Drug Ballad, Criminal #21 - Weezer - Pinkerton
Released in 1996, this is their second album, directly following their hit debut album. At first, this album was panned by critics as a shitty album. Over time many hardcore fans grow to love it and it is a favorite for many. Very VERY underrated.
Favorite Songs: Tired of Sex, The Good Life, El Scorcho, Pink Triangle, Falling For You
#20 - Less Than Jake - Losing Streak
Released in 1996, this is their third album. This reminds me of learning to play guitar with my buddy Eddie in 7th grade. Made me love ska/punk music.
Favorite Songs: Automatic, 9th at Pine, Jen Doesn't Like Me Anymore, Dopeman, Lockdown #19 - U2 - The Best of 1980-1990
Released in 1998, this is a compilation album from their first 10 years as a band. I personally believe this is their best music, better than the stuff that they have released since then (which has still been pretty good!). The Gator basketball team still comes out to Where the Streets Have No Name.
Favorite Songs: Pride (In the Name of Love), With or Without You, I still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Where the Streets Have No Name #18 - Sublime - Sublime
Released in 1996, this is their breakthrough album. It was released only weeks after the death of lead singer Brad Nowell. It is extremely recognizable and you'll hear a ton of these songs at parties. Very laid back and chill music.
Favorite Songs: What I Got, Wrong Way, April 29 1992, Santeria, Jailhouse #17 - The Smashing Pumpkins - Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
Released in 1995, this is their follow-up album to their breakthrough album Siamese Dream. This is a double-album and contains a ton of really great songs. My buddy Eddie left the blue CD at my house in about 6th grade and I traveled on vacation with it. Lucky for me, my buddy Yehuda left the pink CD in my car in about 12th grade, and I listened to it alot in college. I still have the pink album...
Favorite Songs: Tonight Tonight, Zero, Bullet with Butterfly Wings, Muzzle, 1979 #16 - Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californication
Released in 1999, this album is their return to glory. Guitarist John Frusciante returns from rehab to rejoin the band. His influence led to a softer lighter change in their music, which led to some great hits. Scar Tissue is one of my all time favorite songs.
Favorite Songs: Around the World, Scar Tissue, Otherside, Californication, The Velvet Glove #15 - Outkast - Aquemini
Released in 1998, this is their third album. This is easily my favorite rap album. The background music is so easy to listen to and the lyrics are awesome. Just put this album in and you'll be relaxed in no time.
Favorite Songs: Rosa Parks, Skew It on the Bar-B, Aquemini, Da Art of Storytelling (Part 1), SpottieOttieDopaliscious #14 - Bob Marley - Legend
Released in 1984, this is a compilation album after his death in 1981. Out of all of his &greatest hits& albums, this one does the best job of bringing out the essence of Bob Marley. It reminds me of just chilling out on the dock at my buddy Austin's lake house in Lake Placid.
Favorite Songs: Is This Love, Three Little Birds, Get Up Stand Up, Stir It Up, Jamming #13 - No Doubt - Tragic Kingdom
Released in 1995, this is their major breakthrough album. It definitely revived the ska/punk scene. This is the last of my first cd's that I bought on the same day, and my favorite of the three.
Favorite Songs: Spiderwebs, Excuse Me Mr., Just a Girl, Sunday Morning, Don't Speak #12 - Nirvana - Nevermind
Released in 1991, this is their major breakthrough album. This album is credited with changing the face of rock, from hair metal to alternative grunge. They led the charge with a wave of grunge bands like Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains.
Favorite Songs: Smells Like Teen Spirit, In Bloom, Come As You Are, Lithium, Something in the Way #11 - Pearl Jam - Vs.
Released in 1993, this is their follow-up to their immensely popular album Ten. At the time of its release, it was the highest selling album of all-time in first week sales. This is easily Pearl Jam's hardest rocking album. I listen to Go if I need to release some steam.
Favorite Songs: Go, Daughter, Dissident, Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town, Leash #10 - Live - Throwing Copper
Released in 1994, this is their breakthrough album. There are so many hits on this album. Seriously, you can put this album in and think you are listening to a greatest hits of the 90s album. Very very good! Lightning Crashes is one of my all time favorite songs.
Favorite Songs: Selling the Drama, I Alone, Lightning Crashes, Top, All Over You, T.B.D. #9 - The Postal Service - Give Up
Released in 2003, this is their debut album. It's pretty amazing how this album was made. One guy sent a CD with electronic music through the mail, and the other guy sent it back to him with lyrics and drums. Kinda ridiculous if you really think about it.
Favorite Songs: The District Sleep Alone Tonight, Such Great Heights, Nothing Better, Clark Gable, Brand New Colony, Natural Anthem
#8 - Linkin Park - Hybrid Theory
Released in 2000, this is their debut album. This album reminds me of being in high school and visiting Gainesville for the first time. For some reason, I have like three copies of it. It seemed like every song was released as a single over 3 years.
Favorite Songs: Papercut, One Step Closer, Crawling, In the End, A Place for My Head, Pushing Me Away
#7 - Incubus - Morning View
Released in 2001, this is their fourth album. It seems as though Brandon Boyd was just relaxing on a beach when he wrote the lyrics to this album. It just puts a smile onto my face every time I hear it, and I can't help but get into a great mood.
Favorite Songs: Nice to Know You, Circles, Wish You Were Here, 11am, Warning, Echo #6 - Blink-182 - Dude Ranch
Released in 1997, this is their second studio album. I got this album in middle school when I was just learning to play guitar, and it really got me into punk music. I'll always think about going to the Air & Sea Show when this comes on, for it seemed like it was on a constant loop when we were there.
Favorite Songs: Pathetic, Dammit, Dick Lips, Apple Shampoo, Emo, Josie
#5 - Pearl Jam - Ten
Released in 1991, this is their hit debut album. This is the epitome of the grunge era. When you think of Pearl Jam, you think of the songs off of this album. With a non-stop collection of hits like Black, Jeremy, Even Flow, and Alive, this album made it all the way up to #2 on the Billboard charts.
Favorite Songs: Once, Even Flow, Alive, Black, Jeremy, Porch, Release #4 - Green Day - Dookie
Released in 1994, this is their first hit album. This is the very first album I personally owned, which was a tape. Yes, you read that correctly, a tape. I bought it in 5th grade and had to get my mom's approval because it had a &Parental Advisory& on the label. It was the only tape I listened to for like a year, until my Walkman ate the film. Yes, you read that correctly, Walkman. This is album was the first step towards me becoming an alternative/punk music fan.
Favorite Songs: Burnout, Long View, Welcome to Paradise, Basket Case, She, When I Come Around, Enimius Sleepus
#3 - Boston - Boston
Released in 1976, this is their hit debut album. My dad owned this album and it was one of his favorites, constantly playing in his truck. This is the album that got me into classic rock, and to this date is easily my favorite classic rock album. The music is so ahead of its time, it's not even funny. There was nothing like it during that era. Each of the 8 tracks on the album gained significant airplay on major radio, which most albums can't boast.
Favorite Songs: More Than a Feeling, Peace of Mind, Foreplay/Long Time, Rock and Roll Band, Smokin, Hitch a Ride, Something About You #2 - Incubus - Make Yourself
Released in 1999, this is their third album. This was my first Incubus album, and the reason why they are my favorite band. I bought this album in high school, after hearing the first single Pardon Me, just because I loved the song. Come to find out, I loved every song, including other major hits like Stellar and Drive. The album mixes so many types of music, whether it be the hard rock of Out From Under and Privilege, to slower ballads like Drive and I Miss You, to the jazz/funk instrumental Battlestar Scralatchtica, to even rap-style lyrics in Pardon Me. It has everything you want in an album.
Favorite Songs: Privilege, Nowhere Fast, The Warmth, Stellar, Make Yourself, Drive, Clean, I Miss You, Pardon Me #1 - Weezer - Weezer (Blue)
Released in 1994, this is their hit debut album. This album should be considered as a template for how to build a perfect album: 1 - Start off with an amazing hard rocker (like My Name Is Jonas). 2 - Put a string of ridiculously good hit songs together (like Buddy Holly, The Sweater Song, and Say It Ain't So). 3 - Make sure to keep the theme lively (like Surf Wax America), and keep the rocking everlasting with great hooks and solos (like In the Garage and Holiday). 4 - Close with an ever-crescendoing epic that culminates with one of the greatest climaxing solos of all time (like Only In Dreams, which gives me chills every time I hear it). And voila, you have the perfect album, and my favorite.
Favorite Songs: My Name Is Jones, No One Else, The World Has Turned and Left Me Here, Buddy Holly, Undone - The Sweater Song, Surf Wax America, Say It Ain't So, In the Garage, Holiday, Only in Dreams Now, lets remember, that this is my favorite album and I don't expect anyone to have a list that is anywhere near identical as mine. With that said, I would like to hear which albums everyone loves and why they like them. That's what this whole list thing is about: an appreciation of great music! |
