Top 27 Albums of the Last 30 years

I was preparing my list of favorite albums over the last 30 years when I realized something; I really didn’t love music from the 80s. There’s only one album from the 80s that made my top 10. I realize a lot of this is due to the fact that I grew up during the 90s. If I was ten years older, I would probably have a greater connection to Appetite for Destruction or Back In Black. If I was a huge rap fan maybe I’d also love Raising Hell or It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back. The other reason is I think music production was at its worst in the 80s. As far as mainstream records, a lot of albums featured
glossy production which now make the albums sound more dated than any other time period. Many old time musicians such as Bob Dylan and Neil Young fell on hard times in the 80s trying to update their sound for a younger MTV audience. The biggest musical contribution of the 80s was the evolution of rap music. However, most of the early records feature such skeletal production that once again make these albums sound too dated. I appreciate how Rakim revolutionized rap music lyrically, but I can not listen to Paid in Full the whole way through. The only music scene that offered more than a fair share of great albums was the alternative/college radio genre. Bands like R.E.M., The Minutemen, The Replacements, Husker Du, The Pixies created music that still sounds great today because they stay cleared of the techniques used by the more popular artists of the time. Even albums made by these bands did not crack my top ten of the past 30 years. I decided I’ll list my #27-11 albums tonight, and then I’ll make a separate entry for my top 10 favorite albums over the past 30 years that includes commentary. In the meantime, let me know what your top 10(or 20) list looks like. I know I’m about to hear some arguments. Bring it on!


My #27-11 since I did not feel like cutting off two albums to make it an even 25.

#27- Kala- M.I.A.(2007)
#26- What’s The Story Morning Glory- Oasis(1995)
#25- American Standard-Seven Mary Three (1995)
#24- Psychocandy- Jesus and Mary Chain (1985)
#23- Stone Roses- Stone Roses (1989)
#22- Z- My Morning Jacket (2005)
#21- Doolittle- The Pixies (1989)
#20- Weezer-Weezer (1994)
#19- Let It Be- Replacements (1984)
#18- Sign O’ The Times- Prince (1987)
#17- The Soft Bulletin- Flaming Lips (1999)
#16- Ready To Die- Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
#15- OK Computer- Radiohead (1997)
#14- Elephant- The White Stripes (2003)
#13- Pinkerton- Weezer (1996)
#12- Paul’s Boutique- Beastie Boys (1989)
#11- Stephen Malkmus- Stephen Malkmus (2001)