As someone with a pretty diverse music taste, it was difficult to determine what albums would make the list. Ultimately, I’ve decided that the following ranked albums all meet one criterion: a distinct and cohesive listening experience. These are the albums that I listen to the most often and in full—no skips…ever.
Music is incredibly central to my life which is why I thought it would be fun to share this list with others. Obviously, these rankings are subjective, but I hope they inspire some of you to listen to these albums and judge them for yourselves.
My Top 10 Albums of All Time
(in no particular order)
1. In Rainbows - Radiohead
My adoration for In Rainbows inspired me to make this list in the first place. I consistently return to this album yet I notice something different each time I listen to it. Lyrics such as the opening line of the first song, “15 Step”, “How come I end up where I started?” and the marriage of electronic and rock sounds lead the listener into a contemplative space where a hyperawareness of one’s mortality juxtaposes a feeling of transcendence. Each song sounds distinctly different yet flows seamlessly together regardless of the order they’re played.
Favorite songs: “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi”, “Bodysnatchers”, “Jigsaw Falling Into Place”
2. Born to Die - Lana Del Rey
I will never be able to articulate how much Born to Die truly means to me. Every time I listen to this album I am transported back to the Summer of 2012 when I would sit in my living room with my purple Skull Candy earbuds plugged into my laptop and scroll through the recommended list on YouTube. Although the lyrics of Born to Die songs do not reach the same depth and authenticity as Lana’s later works, the album still holds a place in my top 10 rank because it is pivotal to my teenage years and every time I listen to it I feel a renewed sense of youthfulness. It’s the perfect summer album and best when listened to while at the beach with your besties.
Favorite songs: “Radio”, “Diet Mountain Dew”, “National Anthem”
3. Ctrl - SZA
Ctrl is a legendary album. SZA depicts the shared experiences of many women in their 20s in only 14 songs each of which relay a different attitude and emotion. The conflicting narratives accompanied by a mix of R&B, alternative, and pop influences enhance the album experience to make it a body of work that listeners can relate to or, at the very least, use it as insight into what being a “20 Something” girl is like. Ctrl is a revolutionary album and will remain relevant for generations to come.
Favorite songs: “Normal Girl”, “Go Gina”, “Broken Clocks”
4. The Dark Side of the Moon - Pink Floyd
I think The Dark Side of the Moon is a beloved album for many people and I am one of them. Each song is a rich auditory experience that pulls listeners into a trance filled with synth beats, ringing clocks, and piano riffs. The Dark Side of the Moon has withstood the test of time (no pun intended) and is such an impressive and incredibly well-produced album.
Favorite songs: “Any Color You Like”, “Money”, “On the Run”
5. Heaven or Las Vegas - Cocteau Twins
I admit Heaven or Las Vegas is a more recent addition to my music library but I’ve quickly grown fond of it. The Cocteau Twins use a combination of guitars and synthesizers to create a sound that evokes feelings of both nostalgia and hopefulness. The lyrics on the album are mostly incomprehensible which only makes the emotional experience evoked while listening even more impressive. I don’t usually feel compelled to play to an album in order but this is one that should (at least for someone’s first time) be played in the way they were set.
Favorite songs: “Iceblink Luck”, “Pitch the Baby”, “Fifty-fifty Clown”
6. Frank - Amy Winehouse
Amy conveys her devotion to authentic storytelling through her passionate delivery of brutally honest lyrics. Frank has such a raw sound and feels more stripped down than her later albums. Frank is fun, sassy, and sexy, and it’s the perfect album to play while getting ready for a night out.
Favorite songs: “In My Bed”, “Fuck Me Pumps”, “Mr Magic (Through The Smoke)”
7. Love Deluxe - Sade
Sade’s vocals and sensual melodies on Love Deluxe make for a seamless listening experience. It’s the perfect album to play while winding down in the evening. Sade manages to melt the songs together to create a continuous flow of thought and rhytmn. The entire production of Love Deluxe is poetic which is why I return to it so often.
Favorite songs: “Cherish the Day”, “No Ordinary Love”, “Like a Tattoo”
8. Tourist History - Two Door Cinema Club
Tourist History has been a beloved album of mine for a little over a decade. In only 32 minutes and 35 seconds, Two Door Cinema Club manages to create, what I believe to be, one the most versatile and sustainable albums ever. The electric guitar riffs and upbeat tempo of each song make it impossible not to dance when listening to it. I loved Tourist History when I was 13, still love it at 23, and I’m almost certain I will love this album when I am 33.
Favorite songs: “Eat That Up, Its Good For You”, “You’re Not Stubborn”, “This Is the Life”
9. Channel Orange - Frank Ocean
I don’t think anyone should be surprised Frank Ocean is on this list. Channel Orange is another album that I believe will be loved for generations to come. Frank Ocean creates an immersive reality with Channel Orange. The complex production of each song brings a richness to the listening experience that many albums struggle to accomplish.
Favorite songs: “Pyramids”, “Sweet Life”, “Sierra Leone”
10. Cupid Deluxe - Blood Orange
Cupid Deluxe is one of the most impressive and unique albums I’ve ever heard. I have so much respect for Blood Orange as an artist. He’s able to mix genres across multiple eras to create an entirely different sound. I truly believe that every listener will have a unique experience and that’s what makes this such a genius (and hard to describe) album. What I can say is that Cupid Deluxe is the perfect album to listen to while walking around a city.
Favorite songs: “Uncle ACE”, “You’re Not Good Enough”, “Clipped On”
What are some of your favorite albums?