Caffé Latté presents the all-time
200
MOST ESSENTIAL
ALBUMS
Frank Sinatra is generally credited as the
first artist to release a concept album. Until then, the pop market was focused
almost exclusively on the single. Albums merely consisted of a compilation of
recently issued product with filler to capitalize on a successful hit song.
During the 1960s, albums gradually built up credibility and by the 1970s, had
become as integral as the single. The era of ‘classic albums’ had emerged, led
by acts such as The Beatles, Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin and David Bowie.
This Top 200 list includes albums that broke
new ground; expanded the sonic landscape and influenced the music that
followed. They have been ranked according to impact on the sound of rock and
pop music, popularity, sales and timeless quality.
200 LEMONADE Beyoncé
199 TUSK Fleetwood Mac
198 BLUE LINES Massive attack
197 A NEW WORLD RECORD Electric Light Orchestra
196 THAT’S THE WAY OF THE WORLD Earth, Wind & Fire
195 SHE’S SO UNUSUAL Cyndi Lauper
194 A NIGHT ON THE TOWN Rod Stewart
193 BROTHERS IN ARMS Dire Straits
192 DIANA Diana Ross
191 ABRAXAS Santana
190 TATTOO YOU Rolling Stones
189 TRACY CHAPMAN Tracy Chapman
188 FULFILLINGNESS’ FIRST FINALE Stevie Wonder
187 CAN’T SLOW DOWN Lionel Richie
186 BOOKENDS Simon & Garfunkel
185 BORN IN THE U.S.A. Bruce Springsteen
184 HOT AUGUST NIGHT Neil Diamond
183 FAITH George Michael
182 CRAZYSEXYCOOL TLC
181 TOO LOW FOR ZERO Elton John
180 PAUL SIMON Paul Simon
179 WAR OF THE WORLDS Jeff Wayne
178 PARKLIFE Blur
177 MUSIC OF MY MIND Stevie Wonder
176 BACK TO BLACK Amy Winehouse
175 ALL THINGS MUST PASS George Harrison
174 SYNCHRONICITY the Police
173 52nd STREET Billy Joel
172 THE HEIST Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
171 BAD Michael Jackson
170 TUBULAR BELLS Mike Oldfield
169 GOING TO A GO-GO Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
168 …AND THEN THERE WERE THREE… Genesis
167 DOUBLE FANTASY John Lennon & Yoko Ono
166 A RUSH OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD Coldplay
165 SOME GIRLS Rolling Stones
164 IF YOU DON’T BELIEVE YOUR EYES & EARS Mamas & Papas
163 MY BEAUTIFUL DARK TWISTED FANTASY Kanye West
162 CAN’T BUY A THRILL Steely Dan
161 ONCE UPON A TIME Donna Summer
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160
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC & THE BROWN DIRT
COWBOY
ELTON
JOHN
1975
'Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy' made history by becoming the first to debut onto the album chart at #1 in America. Structured as a concept album, its content finds lyricist Bernie Taupin (The Brown Dirt Cowboy) and performer Elton John (Captain Fantastic) reflecting on their rise to success and fame. Both are captured at the peak of their composing ability.
The musical styles are varied, ranging from country to rock. Its best moments are the epics "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" and "We All Fall In Love Sometimes". Also worth exploring are "Curtains", "Bitter Fingers", "Tower Of Babel" and "Writing".
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159
IN RAINBOWS
RADIOHEAD
2007
Radiohead first released 'In Rainbows' as a pay what you want download. It marked a turning point for album purchases and drew immense controversy. A physical version hit the market 2 months later.
On this, the British group's 7th studio album, Radiohead experiments with sounds on what is one of its most accessible recordings. There's growth and focus throughout. To single out any one song would be unfair as this album flows seamlessly without ever repeating itself.
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158
ODELAY
BECK
1996
By 1996, Beck was a star of the indie rock scene. On 'Odelay' the American artist was paired with The Dust Brothers. Their input as producers helped push Beck's creativity to the fore. The songs on this album take the listener on a multi-genre journey. Among the highlights are: "Where It's At", "The New Pollution", "Devil's Haircut", "Sissyneck" and "Jack-Ass". Each track is an aural surprise.
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157
THE SMITHS
THE SMITHS
1984
Johnny Marr's guitar work and Morrisey's vocals provided an integral soundtrack for the post-punk British music scene. 'The Smiths' was a stunning debut album that announced the arrival of a new spokesman for the times. Morrisey's lyrics are as distinctive as his vocal. "Hand In Glove" remains an underrated gay anthem, finding the lead singer defiant. Other notable tracks include: ""Pretty Girls Make Graves", "What Difference Does It Make?", "I Don't Owe You Anything", "The Hand That Rocks The Cradle" and "This Charming Man".
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156
LIKE A PRAYER
MADONNA
1989
On 'Like A Prayer' Madonna proved herself as a serious musician. The songs reveal a strident attitude and maturer themes. Vocally too, Madonna sounds more assured. This is most evident on "Oh Father" and "Promise To Try". She gets sexy on "Love Song". "Express Yourself" is an empowering anthem. The title track is another standout. There are some pop gems too, including "Cherish", "Till Death Do Us Part" and "Dear Jessie".
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155
CLOSE TO YOU
THE CARPENTERS
1970
The Carpenters were often dismissed as saccharine pop, but in hindsight, the American duo has gained recognition for its lush harmonies and influence on the MOR trend they dominated in the early 1970s.
This sophomore album includes 2 of the siblings' biggest hits: "(They Long To Be) Close To You" and "We've Only Just Begun". The former's success led to the rushed release of the LP, but there's no filler here.
Richard Carpenter demonstrates his considerable skill as an arranger. Jack Daugherty produced the album. Karen Carpenter's voice was in a class of its own. Its purity could convey heartache as easily as sweetness.
The LP contains new songs co-written by Richard, of which "Crescent Moon" is the best. Karen covers songs from Burt Bacharach & Hal David, John Lennon and Paul Williams.
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154
STANKONIA
OUTKAST
2000
American hip hop duo OutKast's influential album 'Stankonia' consolidated its place among the new century's significant acts. The disc featured the hits "Ms. Jackson" and "So Fresh, So Clean".
On this album, OutKast collided its brand of southern rap with hip hop. The result was a pioneering recording that went beyond the parameters of alternative rap.
As well as the hits, its notable tracks are "Spaghetti Junction", "Snappin' & Trappin'" "B.O.B." and "Humble Mumble". The latter featured a guest vocal from Erykah Badu.
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153
SIGN O' THE TIMES
PRINCE
1987
By 1987, Prince had proven he had enduring talent. With many signature tunes already under his belt, he began to posit himself for the approaching new decade.
On 'Sign O' The Times', the prolific artist exposed several facets of his skill. The double album contains an impressive smorgasbord of styles. The title track remains a career highpoint. Other key songs include: "I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man", "The Cross", "The Ballad Of Dorothy Parker", "If I Was Your Girlfriend", "Starfish And Coffee", "Slow Love" and "U Got The Look". Sheena Easton shares vocal duties with Prince on the latter. During the 1980s and '90s, a new album from Prince was always a treat and 'Sign O' The Times' was no exception.
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152
REMAIN IN LIGHT
TALKING HEADS
1980
Talking Heads had worked with producer Brian Eno before, but the group's music evolved further on the album 'Remain In Light'. It was a natural transition, as the band had experimented with its sound on prior releases.
Tracks by Talking Heads fused new wave with alternative rock ingredients. This new album added a new layer to the band's music: African rhythms. This was best sampled on the single "Once In A Lifetime".
Also worth exploring are the tracks "Crosseyed and Painless", "The Great Curve" and "Listening Wind". Each song on the album was written by members of the group.
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151
SWEET BABY JAMES
JAMES TAYLOR
1970
On James Taylor's second album 'Sweet Baby James', all the parts were finally in place. This LP established him as a singer/ songwriter. Its appeal has sustained his career. The album ushered in the era of writer / performers that included the likes of Cat Stevens, Carly Simon, Carole King, Roberta Flack, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Billy Joel and Elton John.
On the LP, Taylor penned all but 1 song. The best offerings are: "Fire And Rain", Steamroller", "Anywhere Like Heaven", "Suite For 20 G", "Blossom", "Sunny Skies" and the title track.
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