Dean's Thoughts on Entertainment

Top Fifty Albums of all time

Note: I am not a fully rounded musical scholar, I have limited experience in Blues, Classical, Country, Folk, and Indy Rock. Each artist can only appear once. I don't care for street cred, so The Smiths and Velvet Underground and other such bands will be absent. I tried to choose albums that were good on their own merit and for my enjoyment value, for example - Yes Elvis spawned much of today's rock and pop, but I can't rock Elvis on a weekly basis, so guess who doesn't appear. I often copped out and placed in the Greatest Hits for a band since they can't appear more than once, however some albums are actually better than the assembly of their radio hits, so if they have a greatest hits and I didn't pick it this is why. That's all from me I hope you enjoy.

1. R.E.M. ,Life's Rich Pageant, and Out of Time

It was quite an ordeal to choose a single R.E.M. album, and the new greatest hits cd is great but it is often the non-singles that delight me. Life's Rich Pageant and Out of Time were albums that I never got tired of, but are seldom seen as defining works for R.E.M. because they lacked the huge singles that were produced on some of their other albums and Murmur is credited for defining the College music scene. Out of Time was one of my first ever cd's and as such it got heavy play since my options were few, and Life's Rich Pageant has always been a solid cd to revisit, the quality that they share is that both of these albums take me to another place mentally and I can't quite chart the experience. While the other R.E.M. cd's do much of the same thing I can chart and understand where they take me because the seam and thread of the album is clearer. These albums are the best albums to play to induce a near dreamlike state where I think I do some of my finest relaxing and contemplating.

2. Stevie Wonder - At the Turn of the Century

Nothing is better for the soul than a heavy dosage of Stevie Wonder, in fact it was the one tidbit of wisdom that I laid down upon the Freshman class when I was to speak to them about coping with college stress. This cd was a present to me from Dave Weigel, probably because I was constantly asking him which greatest hits collection he would recommend for Stevie. Since then it has seldom left my side. You should all know the hits, and this collection has them all, from his Motown days as Little Stevie Wonder right up to the end of the century. The Second and Third discs are the best since they contain the finest works from his most prolific years in the seventies and eighties. No cd collection can even be recognized without some kind of Stevie Wonder cd and this is the cream of the crop.

3. The Beatles - Abbey Road

I disagreed with the top Beatles cd's listed in the Rolling Stone top 500, and I went with Abbey Road which contains some of my favorite trippy songs from their catalog and some straight quality hits. You can't deny "She's So Heavy" which I investigated after the frequent quoting from my cousin Ken, and the goofy "Maxwell's Silver Hammer". Ringo drops his usual insane underwater song with "Octopus' Garden", and some crazy fun songs like "Lovely Rita", and "You Never Give Me Your Money". And for solid hits there's "Oh, Darling", and "Here Comes the Sun". It's a happy album, and another one that should be owned by all.

4. Led Zeppelin - XOSO (4th Album)

This and Houses of the Holy were a close call, but I went with XOSO for its solid and unified sound over Houses which was a bit more experimental and diverse. The songs on this album go beyond rock and roll and have an epic feeling to all of them, just as the Lord of the Rings movies do. "Black Dog", "Stairway to Heaven", "The Battle of Evermore", and "When the Levee Breaks" are some of the finest rock songs of all time and to have them spawned on one album is uncanny. I don't know how Led Zeppelin's first album charted higher than this one, I found their first work of the "decent" to "good" variety.

5. Bob Dylan - The Essential Collection

I had a limited love of Dylan for the longest time, but after buying the Essential collection I shed my disillusionment and embraced the songwriting genius. I'm still not a diehard fan, but you can't deny the power and majesty of Bob Dylan's lyrics and musical prowess. "Gotta Serve Somebody", "Like a Rolling Stone", "Tangled Up in Blue", "Blowin in the Wind" are all timeless and they are only four of the featured songs on the cd set. This cd is truly essential and the definitive collection for anyone wanting to own his best work.

6. Black Sabbath - We Sold our Soul for Rock and Roll

Black Sabbath (During the Ozzy Years) is the epitome of Hard Rock and have yet to be equaled in my eye by anyone since. This greatest hits set contains all the best "Snowblind", "War Pigs", "Iron Man", "The Wizard", "Fairies Wear Boots", and "Changes" and is the best cd for back-to-back rock. And the Guitar work on this album is mind-blowing, all you guitar students out there should learn some Sabbath before you learn Creed.

7. Pink Floyd - Echoes

I wanted to place Dark Side of the Moon in as their album but I also had great love for several of their other albums so I chose their well-crafted Greatest Hits. All the hits you would expect appear: "Hey You", "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)", "Money", "Comfortably Numb", "Learning to Fly", and "Wish You Were Here". This collection surprisingly does flow better than most Greatest Hits albums which makes this a valuable piece to own.

8. Rolling Stones - Forty Licks

You have to choose a greatest hits collection for a band that has been around for as long as the Rolling Stones, although if I had to choose an album I would opt for Some Girls. Hits include: "Satisfaction", "When the Whip Comes Down", "Gimme Shelter", "You Can't Always Get What You Want", and "Sympathy for the Devil".

9. James Brown - Fiftieth Anniversary

The Godfather of Soul finally makes the definitive collection of his work, and although I don't own it myself yet I have given it as a gift. The hits include: "Super Bad", "Get on the Good Foot", "Sex Machine", "Living in America", "Too Funky In Here", and "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag". I myself need to get on the good foot at least once a month, and this is the cd to do it with.

10. Chuck Berry - The Great Twenty-Eight

Some of the best lyrics of all time are contained within Chuck Berry songs, and all his best appear on this collection (Except his extended version of Ding-a-Ling, which I had to get from an old live record). All of his songs are catchy and beautiful and funny, and I can't help but see his grinning face hopping across the stage when I'm listening to his music. Songs included are: "Too Much Monkey Business", "Johnny B. Goode", "Roll Over Beethoven", "Maybelline", and "Sweet Little Sixteen".

11. The Ramones - We're Outta Here

This cd is part of a box set that coincides with their last concert together, and for me it is the finest thing that Punk music has produced. It is basically a greatest hits live album, but that doesn't quite cut it with the Ramones. The blitz of hard fast and fun songs never lets up, and only a quick "1,2,3,4" separates the songs featured on the cd. All their hits are provided and even some of their sub-par songs are enhanced in the live atmosphere.

12. Michael Jackson - Number Ones

Say what you will about the man, his hits were phenomenal and for a long time "The King of Pop" was a title he deserved. HIStory had too much of his later work which was lousy and hokey, so Number Ones has surpassed it as the definitive Michael Jackson collection.

13. David Bowie - Changesbowie

Bowie's best from his wonder years before he got really experimental in the late 80's and 90's. Bowie is still one of the greatest rock singers of all time and this cd showcases everything you would want from Bowie (except "Magic Dance" from Labyrinth). Hits include: "Space Oddity", "Suffragette City", "Modern Love", "Rebel Rebel", "Ziggy Stardust", "Changes", "China Girl", and "Young Americans".

14. AC/DC - Back in Black

The title song alone would help this album make the list but with "Hells Bells", "Shoot to Thrill" and "You Shook Me All Night Long" this album becomes legendary. Another essential hard rock album and the formula they used here set up a load of future hits which we still enjoy.

15. Jimi Hendrix - Smash Hits

Not the only greatest hits album that exists for Hendrix but for some reason I enjoy this one the most. The legendary guitarist lays out his best including "Hey Joe", "Highway Chile", "All Along the Watchtower", "Purple Haze", "Crosstown Traffic", "Manic Depression", and "The Wind Cries Mary".

16. Nirvana - Unplugged

I wasn't hardcore into Nirvana and I didn't have a vigil when Kurt Cobain died, but only a fool would deny the greatness of their music. Nevermind is usually the album cited as their finest work but I loved the mood and vibe that was captured on the Unplugged album. Many of their hits are included as well as a medley of wonderful cover songs including "The Man Who Sold the World" from David Bowie. Make sure to check out "Plateau", and "Where Did You Sleep Last Night".

17. Dire Straits - Money For Nothing (Best of...)

Every album has at least one song that is mesmerizing so I once again had to select the greatest hits. Mark Knopfler distinguishes himself as one of the finest guitarists in existence and lights up the world with the hits "Money for Nothing", "Romeo and Juliet", "Heavy Fuel", "Sultans of Swing", and "Walk of Life".

18. Tom Petty - Full Moon Fever

His greatest hits are great but Full Moon Fever is wall-to-wall wonderful. Hits include
"Won't Back Down", "Free Fallin", and "Running Down a Dream".

19. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Blood Sugar Sex Magic

The songs between the hits makes this one better than their greatest hits. The singles were "Under the Bridge", "Give it Away", and "About a Girl" but the title song as well as others makes this the "must own" Chili Peppers album.

20. Busta Rhymes - The Best Of...

I feel that Busta Rhymes has always been the best interpretation of what was popular in rap at the time. While other groups and artists struggle to make their mark or stay hip, Busta has been renovating consistently and always staying the sharpest knife in the rap world. Songs included are: "Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check", "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See", "Turn it Up/Fire it Up", "Rhymes Galore", "Gimme Some More" and "Tear Da Roof Off".

21. Talking Heads - Sand in the Vaseline

The Talking Heads are one of my favorite 80's bands and David Byrne is among my favorite rock personalities. This double disc set includes their hits as well as the live version of "Life During Wartime" which is amazing. Other hits include: "And She Was", "Wild Wild Night", "Psycho Killer", "Once in a Lifetime", "Stay Up Late", "Take Me to the River", and "Stop Making Sense".

22. No Doubt - Singles

I have been in love with No Doubt since they dropped Tragic Kingdom and I have loved the growth between albums. No longer the pop ska band they once were, now they illustrate the best emulation of the 80's new wave music mixed with their ska and punk roots.

23. Soul Coughing - Irresistible Bliss

My favorite Alternative band on their second album, which spawned their first radio hit "Super Bon Bon". The sound of this album changes frequently but the brilliance remains.

24. The B-52's - Time Capsule

The greatest hits from one of the weirdest bands ever, they had a few hits but their sound is undeniably addictive and I find this in my cd player at least once a month. Hits include: "Rock Lobster", "Private Idaho", "Love Shack", and "Roam".

25. Prodigy - Fat of the Land

The band was never able to put together such great songs as they did on this album which is the best hard-rock/rap/electronica mix available. "Breathe", "Narayan", and "Firestarter" are choice cuts but the other songs make it happen as well.

26. Guns N' Roses - Appetite for Destruction

Another album that can be enjoyed straight through, Appetite is teeming with hits. "Mr. Brownstone", "Welcome to the Jungle", "Sweet Child of Mine", and "Paradise City" make this cd play like a greatest hits.

27. Aerosmith - Pandora's Box

A collection of their finest classic songs which are honestly much better than their modern hits, although Big Ones could have easily been their album of choice as well.

28. Parliament - Greatest Hits

The funkiest band ever which contains the genius of both George Clinton and Bootsy Collins. Hits: "Flashlight", "Tear the Roof Off", "Mothership Connection", "Aqua Boogie", and "Atomic Dog".

29. Metallica - Master of Puppets

They have gone through many different sounds but they were at their best with Master of Puppets, which is about drugs and not God as many believe. Hits include: the title track, "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)", and "Battery".

30. Peter Gabriel - Shaking the Tree

One of my favorite pop vocalists and all his hits appear on this album including: "Steam", "Shock the Monkey", "In Your Eyes", "Sledgehammer", and "Big Time".

31. Neil Young - Decade

Mr. Young is an addictive music maker, and I find I enjoy this cd more with each listening. Hits include: "Cinnamon Girl", "Needle and the Damage Done", "Southern Man", "Rockin in a Free World", "Old Man", "Ohio", and "Heart of Gold".

32. Madonna - Ray of Light

The Immaculate Collection was my first instictive pick, but I honestly don't enjoy it as much as this cd. Her implementation of modern dance hooks and such made for a delightful album, and maybe her best effort yet. Features: "Ray of Light", "Nothing Really Matters", "Frozen", and "Power of Goodbye".

33. Lynyrd Skynyrd - Skynyrd's Innyrds

Southern Rock's finest warriors rock out their hits. And "Freebird" never gets old, note my email address. Features "Gimme Three Steps", "Sweet Home Alabama", "Workin for MCA", "Saturday Night Special", "What's You Name", "Tuesday's Gone", and "That Smell".

34. The Doors - The Best Of...

Certain moods are deeply effected by The Doors' slow and moody music "People are Strange" especially. But their Popular hits can also be enjoyed again and again. Features: "Break on Through", "Light My Fire", "Hello, I love You", "L.A. Woman", "Roadhouse Blues", "Love me Two Times", "Love Her Madly", and "Riders on the Storm".

35. U2 - Achtung Baby

Once again I break from the popular vein by choosing Achtung Baby over Joshua Tree (and I would probably place at least one more of their albums over Joshua Tree) but I find the pop heavy rock on this album more satisfying. Hits include: "Even Better than the Real Thing", "Mysterious Ways", "One", "Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses", and "Until the End of the World".

36. Bruce Springsteen - The Essential Collection

"The Boss" has finally released a rock solid hits collection that has all of the songs that I wanted (except "Pink Cadillac", believe me I am not going to buy some expensive B-Sides collection because this jerk won't include it with his hits). Hits: "Thunder Road", "Glory Days", "Born to Run", "Dancing in the Dark", "Hungry Heart", "Born in the U.S.A.", "Tunnel of Love", "Streets of Philadephia", and "Human Touch".

37. Justin Timberlake - Justified

I feel I may have to defend this one, the reason I choose this album because it is the best of what the last 7 years of pop and R&B music has to offer. Two of the best producers in the business (The Neptunes, Timbaland) take Justin under their wings and produce a fine album which can be enjoyed straight through. I haven't taken this cd out of my car since it was released. Only a blind hatred of pop music or his affiliation with N'Sync would cause someone to discredit this album.

38. Cee-Lo - Cee-Lo Green and his Perfect Imperfections

Funk is properly reborn on this album and not a minute too late. Cee-Lo mixes great rhythm, humor, intelligence, and soul into an album that should have made a bigger impact on the music scene then it did. Hits include: "El Dorado Sunshine (Super Chicken)", "Getting Grown", "Big Ole Words", "Closet Freak", and "Under Tha Influence (Follow Me).

39. Sheryl Crow - The Very Best Of...

I originally went with her self-titled album, but after checking her hits list I noted that they included some of the non-single songs I liked from that cd so the Best Of album gets the nod instead. Plus the extra song "The First Cut is the Deepest" is a sweet addition. Also includes: "Strong Enough", "All I Wanna Do", "If it Makes You Happy", "Leaving Las Vegas", "My Favorite Mistake", "Soak up the Sun", "Home", "A Change Could Do You Good", and "My Favorite Mistake".

40. Stone Temple Pilots - Purple

Probably my favorite rock band from the nineties, and their second album captures them at their peak. Hits include: "Vaseline", "Interstate Love Song", "Pretty Penny", "Silvergun Superman", "Big Empty", and "Unglued".

41. Outkast - Stankonia

Another of the best additions to the R&B world in the last decade, and this album is probably their best yet. "Miss Jackson", "Bombs over Baghdad", and "So Fresh, So Clean" are the songs to hear from this one.

42. Cross Movement - Human Emergency

These Christian rappers shame their popular counterparts by putting together a better collection of songs than most rappers could aspire to in their lifetime. If they were to sell out, they would wreck the charts because they have the skills to pay the bills. Including "Know Me (huh What?)", "What Do You See?", "On Right Now", "Live Agua", and "Light (The Blazin' One)".

43. Steve Miller Band - Greatest Hits 1974-78

A feel-good album from one of the greatest bands of the seventies. This cd is packed full of solid hits to enjoy repeatedly, including "The Joker", "Rock N' Me", "Jet Airliner", "Take the Money and Run", "Swingtown", "Jungle Love", and "Fly Like an Eagle".

44. Eminem - Marshall Mathers LP

His rhyme schemes are more complex and brilliant than anyone in the game, and I enjoyed this album the most of the three he released, but either of the others could have qualified. Despite his language and his violent lyrics I find his openness the most appealling part of his music, and his raps have more substance than any other popular rapper. Tracks include: "Stan", "I'm Back", "The Way I Am", "The Real Slim Shady", "Criminal", and "Amityville".

45. The Who - My Generation (Greatest Hits)

The best music to air-guitar windmill to. The Who rock out hard, and their hits had to make the cut. And part of me is actually starting to enjoy "Happy Jack". Features: "My Generation", "Teenage Wasteland", "Magic Bus", "Pinball Wizard", "The Seeker", "Won't Get Fooled Again", and "Who are You?".

46. Paul Simon - Graceland

I can't delete the music video Paul does with Chevy Chase out of my mind when listening to "You Can Call Me Al", and I never get tired of "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes". Paul Simon's time in Africa inspired him to mix in some great rhythm into his already brilliant musical mind and out came Graceland, this cd almost entirely deletes Garfunkel from the memory of the world.

47. Eric Clapton - The Cream of Clapton

I recently switched from Slowhand to the hits collection because Slowhand is just too short, plus The Cream of Clapton has his hits with Derek and the Dominoes, The Yardbirds, and Cream. Includes: "Layla", "Cocaine", "Lay Down Sally", "Wonderful Tonight", "I Shot the Sheriff", "After Midnight", "White Room", "I Feel Free", and "Knocking on Heaven's Door".

48. The Toasters - Hard Band for Dead

The best Ska band ever, although The Supertones almost had this spot on the list. Solid album, with everything you love about ska taken to its limits. Including: "Two-Tone Army", "Talk is Cheap", "Secret Agent Man", "Chuck Berry", "Don't Come Running", and "Maxwell Smart".

49. Fiona Apple - Tidal

My favorite "angry woman" singer. And although I loved her second album I had to choose her freshman effort to make the list. Hits: "Sleep to Dream", "Shadowboxer", and "Criminal". Anyone else wondering when she will release a third album?

50. Lenny Kravitz - Mama Said

Kravitz hooks up with Slash from Guns N' Roses and puts together some great rock and roll music, and his recent breakup with Lisa Bonet led to some heartfelt ballads. His finest cd yet, which is among good company. Featuring: "Mama Said", "Fields of Joy", "Always on the Run", "It Ain't Over Till its Over", and "Stop Draggin' Around".