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
160 CAPTAIN FANTASTIC & THE BROWN DIRT COWBOY Elton John
159 IN RAINBOWS Radoihead
158 ODELAY Beck
157 THE SMITHS The Smiths
156 LIKE A PRAYER Madonna
155 CLOSE TO YOU Carpenters
154 STANKONIA Outkast
153 SIGN O’ THE TIMES Prince
152 REMAIN IN LIGHT Talking Heads
151 SWEET BABY JAMES James Taylor
150 SIMPLE MINDS Linda Ronstadt
149 WILLY & THE POOR BOYS Creedence Clearwater Revival
148 MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER Elton John
147 BAND ON THE RUN Paul McCartney & Wings
146 PLAY Moby
145 TALKING BOOK Stevie Wonder
144 WISH YOU WERE HERE Pink Floyd
143 BLOOD SUGAR SEX MAGIK Red Hot Chili Peppers
142 LET’S GET IT ON Marvin Gaye
141 ASTRAL WEEKS Van Morrison
140 TOTO Toto
139 PARALLEL LINES Blondie
138 THE RIVER
137 DON’T SHOOT ME I’M ONLY THE PIANO PLAYER Elton John
136 RAY OF LIGHT Madonna
135 TEA FOR THE TILLERMAN Cat Stevens
134 CONTROL Janet Jackson
133 WAR U2
132 STATION TO STATION David Bowie
131 FRAMPTON COMES ALIVE! Peter Frampton
130 STRANGE DAYS The Doors
129 DEBUT Bjork
128 HUNKY DORY David Bowie
127 RUST NEVER SLEEPS Neil Young & Crazy Horse
126 (WHAT’S THE STORY) MORNING GLORY? Oasis
125 OTIS BLUE Otis Redding
124 1999 Prince
123 HOUSES OF THE HOLY Led Zeppelin
122 THE MISEDUCATION OF LAURYN HILL Lauryn Hill
121 LICENSED TO ILL Beastie Boys
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120
GREASE
MOVIE
SOUNDTRACK
1978
The 'Grease' motion picture soundtrack may be viewed as 2 separate albums: the songs from the original Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey stage musical and the new tracks written for the screen adaptation. Without doubt, it is the latter that has assured this LP's enduring appeal.
The film featured Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta in the lead roles and they perform most of the album's best known and widely adored cuts, including: "Summer Nights", "You're The One That I Want", "Greased Lightnin'", "Hopelessly Devoted To You" and "Sandy". The fabulous title song "Grease" was penned by Barry Gibb and performed by Frankie Valli. Another standout is the moving "There Are Worse Things I Could Do" as sung by Stockard Channing.
Oldies from the 1950s are sprinkled among the perky new material. The film was a box office titan. Sales for its soundtrack LP were universally impressive. The fun packed within its grooves attracted further strong sales whenever the album was re-issued.
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119
DOOKIE
GREEN DAY
1994
Green Day's 3rd studio album 'Dookie' brought their synthesis of alternative rock and punk to the fore. Lead singer Billy Joe Armstrong injected sharp lyrics and a grunge-y attitude to the songs.
This album contained the radio hits "Longview", "Basket Case" and "When I Come Around". The other tracks on the disc maintain the band's playful energy. 'Dookie' turned Green Day into serious contenders in the punk revivalist genre, proving the band's growth. In its wake, Green Day influenced many groups that followed.
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118
BLUE
JONI MITCHELL
1971
While her female contemporaries Carole King and Carly Simon may have attracted the most attention, Joni Mitchell's impact on the singer/ songwriter era cannot be ignored. The critics were drawn to her music. 'Blue', in particular, captured beauty in a no-frills package.
The tonal treasures served by the Canadian musician were all self-penned. She produced the LP herself. On 'Blue' Mitchell put her palette of folk, pop and rock flavours to great effect.
Among the highlights are the title track, "My Old Man", "A Case Of You", "California", "River", "Little Green" and "Carey". The album concentrates on themes of love and loss.
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117
MY AIM IS TRUE
ELVIS COSTELLO
1977
When Elvis Costello arrived with 'My Aim Is True', he was filed under 'punk rocker'. While it is accurate for that genre to claim this as one of its own, the album suggests that the singer is much more than a punk artist. There are also shades of pub rock, new wave, indie and rock 'n roll. This is best illustrated by the sublime "Alison". The ballad is a galaxy away from the LP's hit single "Watching The Detectives".
With Nick Lowe on board as producer, this was Costello's debut album. Over subsequent decades, he has explored many musical directions, including country and a collaboration with tunesmith Burt Bacharach.
'My Aim Is True' opens with the punchy "Welcome To The Working Week". Costello's vocal has a snarl that is applied to the next tracks: "Miracle Man", "No Dancing" and "Blame It On Cain". The latter borders on the blues.
As the album progresses, Costello proves that the punk tag would soon be too restrictive for his considerable talent. At the time, punk and new wave wasn't mainstream, but this album's tracks were undeniably accessible. Songs such as "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes", "Mystery Dance" and "Pay It Back" are more rock 'n roll than punk.
The LP celebrates the arrival of a career musician, rather than another flash in the pan. While numerous punk acts self-combusted, Costello has continued evolving.
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116
CROSBY, STILLS & NASH
CROSBY, STILLS & NASH
1969
At its time, the eponymous CSN album was a major influence on the music of The Eagles, James Taylor, America and Boston. The trio brought together musicians of considerable pedigree: David Crosby had been in The Byrds; Stephen Stills a member of Buffalo Springfield; and Graham Nash had achieved success in The Hollies.
'Crosby, Stills & Nash' was the debut album for this new merger, which would later also include Neil Young. From the onset, the focus was on musicianship and flawless harmonies.
Among the best tracks are "Marrakesh Express", "You Don't Have To Cry", "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes", "49 Bye-Byes", "Long Time Gone" and "Helplessly Hoping". Each song was co-written by a member of the trio. All 3 also served as producers. While in some cases, the songs now sound dated, this album had an impact on the soft rock sound that dominated radio in the first half of the 1970s.
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115
THE SCORE
FUGEES
1996
During the 1990s, gangsta rap dominated hip hop. 'The Score' offered an alternative to the thug life themes for the mainstream to embrace. Consisting of Pras Michel, Wyclef Jean and the stunning Lauryn Hill, the Fugees offered a fresh approach to hip hop.
The outfit's strategic first step was its re-interpretation of the soul classic "Killing Me Softly". As it shot to the top around the world, a crossover audience explored 'The Score'.
Cleverly incorporating samples, The Fugees tackled social issues in a fresh way. Among the album's other noteworthy moments are: a remake of Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry", "Fu-Gee-La", "The Mask" and "Ready Or Not".
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114
THERE'S A RIOT GOIN' ON
SLY & THE FAMILY STONE
1971
Sly Stone was a major architect of funk. With The Family Stone, he created a bridge between James Brown and disco. His influence is evident on the music of Prince, Lenny Kravitz and Rick James among countless others.
Stone's drug addiction resulted in the darker mood on the group's 'There's A Riot Goin' On'. As the band's first 70s studio album, it reflected the shift in society towards civil rights. Social upheaval is a presence felt on many tracks.
The album's songs were all written and produced by Sly. "Family Affair" is its finest moment. It reached #1 in America. Other strong tracks include "Luv and Haight" (a nod to Haight Street in the band's birthplace, San Francisco) and "Thank You For Talkin' To Me Africa".
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113
HIGHWAY TO HELL
AC/ DC
1979
'Highway To Hell' marked a watershed moment for Australian rock group AC/DC. Robert John "Mutt" Lange was recruited as producer, injecting the band's sound with even more energy and sharpness. Brothers Angus and Malcolm Young play their guitars with aplomb. Lead singer Bon Scott adds raw menace and deviance to the tracks. The writing is more focused.
As the group's best album yet, AC/DC's appeal was expanding globally. What Australians had recognized for years as great rock music was now finding popularity internationally.
Just as AC/DC was gaining momentum, Scott died. The remaining members were left without a lead singer to continue promoting its 6 month-old latest album. The first phase of the legendary rock band's story was over.
Many groups would have folded after such a tragic loss. The members considered breaking up, but then decided to build on the significant inroads achieved by 'Highway To Hell'. AC/DC persevered with new vocalist Brian Johnson.
There's much for rock fans to immerse themselves in on 'Highway To Hell'. The title track is a mighty standout. Other worthwhile songs include "Get It Hot", "Walk All Over You" and "If You Want Blood (You've Got It)".
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112
HELP!
THE BEATLES
1965
While most of the attention is directed towards The Beatles' subsequent releases, 'Help!' does contain some of the band's best songs. Considering the group had only started its chart onslaught the previous year, the fact that Paul McCartney offers The Beatles' best known song "Yesterday" on 'Help!' is impressive. Not to be outdone, John Lennon contributes "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" and the title track. Also worth a mention are "Ticket To Ride" and "You're Going To Lose That Girl". George Harrison's songwriting skills are starting to improve, but his 2 inclusions here- "I Need You" and "You Like Me Too Much"- would soon be surpassed on future Beatles albums. Finally, Ringo Starr gets to shine with his lead vocal on a remake of "Act Naturally".
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111
WHEELS OF FIRE
CREAM
1968
The 3rd studio album issued by supergroup Cream was 'Wheels Of Fire'. One disc was a studio recording consisting of new songs. The other disc from this double album was recorded live.
"White Room" opens the LP. Its thunderous performance arouses the senses as its power sweeps you in. The group never matches the brilliance of this track on the double album. Cream comes close with "Those Were The Days" and "Deserted Cities Of The Heart".
The live sides consist of just 4 songs. Firstly, a cover of the Robert Johnson blues standard "Crossroads". It is followed by Willie Dixon's "Spoonful" which lasts almost 17 minutes. Jack Bruce's "Train" chugs along for 7 minutes before the album closes with "Toad". Ginger Baker penned the latter which runs for just under 16 minutes.
Blessed with the inclusion of guitar deity Eric Clapton, the band's music is always worth exploring. By the release of 'Wheels Of Fire', cracks were starting. Cream would split the following year.
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