Consensus Top 350 Albums of All-Time: 1. The Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd (187 Viewers)

[Dr. Octopus]

234 (tie). Songs From The Big Chair – Tears For Fears (113 points)

@Ghost Rider #29
@Yo Mama #36
@Dreaded Marco #47
@Idiot Boxer #60
@higgins #70

Songs from the Big Chair is the second studio album by the English pop rock band Tears for Fears, released on 25 February 1985 by Phonogram Records and Mercury Records. The follow-up to the band's successful debut album, The Hurting (1983), Songs from the Big Chair was a significant departure from that album's dark, introspective synth-pop, featuring a more mainstream, guitar-based pop rock sound, sophisticated production values and diverse stylistic influences, while Roland Orzabal and Ian Stanley's lyrics displayed socially and politically conscious themes.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

234 (tie). Before These Crowded Streets – Dave Matthews Band (113 points)


@Scoresman #13
@Ghost Rider #16

Before These Crowded Streets is the third studio album by the American rock band Dave Matthews Band. It was released on April 28, 1998, through RCA Records. The album was produced by Steve Lillywhite, his last collaboration with the group until 2012's Away from the World. Recording took place at The Plant Recording Studios in Sausalito, California and Electric Lady Studios in New York.

Before These Crowded Streets was a critical and commercial success. The album debuted at the top of the Billboard 200, selling 421,000 units in its first week of release and knocking the Titanic soundtrack from the top of the chart after a run of 16 consecutive weeks at number one.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

231 (tie). Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? (soundtrack) – Various Artists (115 points)

@BrutalPenguin #18
@Dennis Castro #31
@Dwayne_Castro #49

O Brother, Where Art Thou? is the soundtrack album of music from the 2000 American film of the same name, written, directed and produced by the Coen Brothers and starring George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson, and John Goodman.

The film is set in Mississippi during the Great Depression. The soundtrack, produced by T-Bone Burnett, uses bluegrass, country, gospel, blues, and Southern folk music appropriate to the time period. With the exception of a few vintage tracks (such as Harry McClintock's 1928 single "Big Rock Candy Mountain"), most tracks are modern recordings.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

234 (tie). Songs From The Big Chair – Tears For Fears (113 points)

@Ghost Rider #29
@Yo Mama #36
@Dreaded Marco #47
@higgins #70

Songs from the Big Chair is the second studio album by the English pop rock band Tears for Fears, released on 25 February 1985 by Phonogram Records and Mercury Records. The follow-up to the band's successful debut album, The Hurting (1983), Songs from the Big Chair was a significant departure from that album's dark, introspective synth-pop, featuring a more mainstream, guitar-based pop rock sound, sophisticated production values and diverse stylistic influences, while Roland Orzabal and Ian Stanley's lyrics displayed socially and politically conscious themes.

Pretty sure I ranked this one

 

[Nick Vermeil]

I remember when I used to have albums on this list. A lot of near misses in the last couple dozen.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I remember when I used to have albums on this list. A lot of near misses in the last couple dozen.

I've had 1 on the main countdown so far, I believe. It feels like that happened months ago.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

231 (tie). Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? (soundtrack) – Various Artists (115 points)

@BrutalPenguin #18
@Dennis Castro #31
@Dwayne_Castro #49

O Brother, Where Art Thou? is the soundtrack album of music from the 2000 American film of the same name, written, directed and produced by the Coen Brothers and starring George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson, and John Goodman.

The film is set in Mississippi during the Great Depression. The soundtrack, produced by T-Bone Burnett, uses bluegrass, country, gospel, blues, and Southern folk music appropriate to the time period. With the exception of a few vintage tracks (such as Harry McClintock's 1928 single "Big Rock Candy Mountain"), most tracks are modern recordings.

This makes me think of our dear departed friend Man of Constant Sorrow.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Damn, I lost two more big dogs today.

Songs from the Big Chair, my number 29 album, epitomizes everything I love about 80s music, from the new wave stylings to the pop hooks to the art rock leanings. Plus, the album sounds incredible, and the songs are all top notch, every single one of them. This is now 40 years old, and it still sounds amazing.

Before These Crowded Streets, my number 16 album, is the album that got me into Dave Matthews Band and remains one of my all-time favorites. I love expansive the arrangements were with them on record in the 90s, and the darker vibes of this one land just right for me. This is a true full album experience.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

234 (tie). Songs From The Big Chair – Tears For Fears (113 points)

@Ghost Rider #29
@Yo Mama #36
@Dreaded Marco #47
@higgins #70

Songs from the Big Chair is the second studio album by the English pop rock band Tears for Fears, released on 25 February 1985 by Phonogram Records and Mercury Records. The follow-up to the band's successful debut album, The Hurting (1983), Songs from the Big Chair was a significant departure from that album's dark, introspective synth-pop, featuring a more mainstream, guitar-based pop rock sound, sophisticated production values and diverse stylistic influences, while Roland Orzabal and Ian Stanley's lyrics displayed socially and politically conscious themes.

Pretty sure I ranked this one

You did - I just left you off in the write up but your points were included. I fixed the post above.

 

[Dennis Castro]

234 (tie). The Blues Brothers: Music From The Soundtrack – Various Artists (113 points)

@Dwayne_Castro #5
@Val Rannous #24

The Blues Brothers: Original Soundtrack Recording (later rereleased as The Blues Brothers: Music from the Soundtrack) is the Blues Brothers Band's second album. Released on June 20, 1980, it was a followup to their debut live album, Briefcase Full of Blues. The band toured the same year to promote the film, later releasing a second live album, Made in America, which featured the Top 40 track "Who's Making Love".

I had this one on my list, undoubtedly worded the wrong way. Sorry about that.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

This makes me think of our dear departed friend Man of Constant Sorrow.

During my Stones countdown, Wikkid started calling me, him, Man of Constant Sorrow and otb-lifer "The Four Musketeers", because sometimes it seemed like just the four of us contributing.

We're down to two now.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

234 (tie). The Blues Brothers: Music From The Soundtrack – Various Artists (113 points)

@Dwayne_Castro #5
@Val Rannous #24

The Blues Brothers: Original Soundtrack Recording (later rereleased as The Blues Brothers: Music from the Soundtrack) is the Blues Brothers Band's second album. Released on June 20, 1980, it was a followup to their debut live album, Briefcase Full of Blues. The band toured the same year to promote the film, later releasing a second live album, Made in America, which featured the Top 40 track "Who's Making Love".

I had this one on my list, undoubtedly worded the wrong way. Sorry about that.

Yes, sorry. This one would have moved up a bit.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

237 (tie). Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath (112 points)

@Scoresman #22
@landrys hat #35
@Mookie Gizzy #48
Jeb #67

Black Sabbath is the debut studio album by English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, released on 13 February 1970 by Vertigo Records in the United Kingdom and on 1 June 1970 by Warner Bros. Records in the United States. The album is widely regarded as the first true metal album, and the opening title track, "Black Sabbath", was named the greatest heavy metal song of all time by Rolling Stone, and has been referred to as the first doom metal song

This was pretty much my introduction to Metal. Just an incredible album start to finish. Young Scoresman was actually a little scared of the title track when first hearing it. Never heard anything like it at the time and I was hooked immediately.

The title track was pretty ominous, I remember adding it to my Halloween playlists and mix tapes.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

231 (tie). Operation: Mindcrime – Queensrÿche (115 points)

@Yo Mama #21
@Mt. Man #32
@Val Rannous #52
@higgins #64

Operation: Mindcrime is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Queensrÿche. Originally released on May 3, 1988, the album was reissued on May 6, 2003, with two bonus tracks, and again in 2006 as a deluxe box set.

Operation: Mindcrime is a concept album and a rock opera. Its story follows Nikki, a drug addict who becomes disillusioned with the corrupt society of his time and reluctantly becomes involved with a revolutionary group as an assassin of political leaders. In January 1989, it ranked at No. 34 on Kerrang! magazine's "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time"

 

[zamboni]

234 (tie). Songs From The Big Chair – Tears For Fears (113 points)

@Ghost Rider #29
@Yo Mama #36
@Dreaded Marco #47
@Idiot Boxer #60
@higgins #70

Songs from the Big Chair is the second studio album by the English pop rock band Tears for Fears, released on 25 February 1985 by Phonogram Records and Mercury Records. The follow-up to the band's successful debut album, The Hurting (1983), Songs from the Big Chair was a significant departure from that album's dark, introspective synth-pop, featuring a more mainstream, guitar-based pop rock sound, sophisticated production values and diverse stylistic influences, while Roland Orzabal and Ian Stanley's lyrics displayed socially and politically conscious themes.

Great album. Also makes me want to watch this video again.

 

[Psychopav]

234 (tie). Songs From The Big Chair – Tears For Fears (113 points)

@Ghost Rider #29
@Yo Mama #36
@Dreaded Marco #47
@Idiot Boxer #60
@higgins #70

Songs from the Big Chair is the second studio album by the English pop rock band Tears for Fears, released on 25 February 1985 by Phonogram Records and Mercury Records. The follow-up to the band's successful debut album, The Hurting (1983), Songs from the Big Chair was a significant departure from that album's dark, introspective synth-pop, featuring a more mainstream, guitar-based pop rock sound, sophisticated production values and diverse stylistic influences, while Roland Orzabal and Ian Stanley's lyrics displayed socially and politically conscious themes.

Great album. Also makes me want to watch this video again.

I just watched this last night...The "Professor of Rock" on YouTube had this as

Spoiler

his number 1 album from 1985, and this was his favorite song off of it.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

231 (tie). Operation: Mindcrime – Queensrÿche (115 points)

@Yo Mama #21
@Mt. Man #32
@Val Rannous #52
@higgins #64

Operation: Mindcrime is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Queensrÿche. Originally released on May 3, 1988, the album was reissued on May 6, 2003, with two bonus tracks, and again in 2006 as a deluxe box set.

Operation: Mindcrime is a concept album and a rock opera. Its story follows Nikki, a drug addict who becomes disillusioned with the corrupt society of his time and reluctantly becomes involved with a revolutionary group as an assassin of political leaders. In January 1989, it ranked at No. 34 on Kerrang! magazine's "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time"

I’ve always had a hard time considering them Metal, but to be fair I really only know Silent Lucidity so if that’s just their ballad and the rest is more metal maybe that’s one I need to check out

 

[Dr. Octopus]

231 (tie). Operation: Mindcrime – Queensrÿche (115 points)

@Yo Mama #21
@Mt. Man #32
@Val Rannous #52
@higgins #64

Operation: Mindcrime is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Queensrÿche. Originally released on May 3, 1988, the album was reissued on May 6, 2003, with two bonus tracks, and again in 2006 as a deluxe box set.

Operation: Mindcrime is a concept album and a rock opera. Its story follows Nikki, a drug addict who becomes disillusioned with the corrupt society of his time and reluctantly becomes involved with a revolutionary group as an assassin of political leaders. In January 1989, it ranked at No. 34 on Kerrang! magazine's "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time"

I’ve always had a hard time considering them Metal, but to be fair I really only know Silent Lucidity so if that’s just their ballad and the rest is more metal maybe that’s one I need to check out

It's been a long time since I've listened but I think it's a pretty heavy album. Silent Lucidity is not on this album.

I'll give it a listen while I walk my dog in a bit.

 

[simey]

The River alternates with another album as my second favorite Springsteen album. I went with the other album here (and I was the only vote).

I love the title track on that album.

 

[SayChowda]

Everyone’s Lowest Ranked Album Not to Make the Countdown



1,640. The Shape of Punk to Come – Refused – Ranked #70 by @MAC_32

@rockaction leaving me high and dry

This was a band I should have been into back in late 90s but didn't know them for whatever reason. I like what I hear from them every now and then on Faction on SiriusXM.

The Shape of Punk to Come is one of the more experimental '90s punk rock records and one of its best.

I don't understand how I missed it back then. I was listening to/going to both punk and hardcore shows all the time. I can't believe that they would have been playing in MA. Just a blind spot for me.

I don't think they were at all (playing Boston with any even punk fanfare or billing). They're Swedish, and before that particular album they played pretty much traditional hardcore. Like NYHC stuff. The tour for the album we're talking about? Nobody went to it. They cancelled the U.S. leg half of the way through. I only knew of them because a very, very hip sort of debutante from Asheville who was into all sorts of outré stuff had told me about them. I don't exactly know when I got the record—maybe '99 or 2000 or so. By then, they were done as a band.

If you dig this album, you might like the The New Noise Theology EP. "Poetry Written In Gasoline" is one of the best grooves you'll ever hear. It's danceable but hardcore, which makes little sense. And not like hardcore dancing, either. Like real dancing. Well, strip club dancing, I guess, if you're into that sort of thing (I was at one point). The opening riff sounds an awful lot like Jane's Addiction's "Stop!" but it continues into a really, really thick groove.

NSFW, of course. It's not an obviously great song to begin with, but the consistent groove is just impressive and the drumming is metronomic and wildly talented, IMO. I would love to hear this song with two kits going. They could be a punk rock jam band! *ducks missiles flying at me*

Poetry Written In Gasoline

Refused · The New Noise Theology EP · Song · 1998

open.spotify.com

I saw them at (I kid you not) House of Blues in Boston with OFF! in 2012. It was a really, really good show.

Awesome info, thank you. Will give this a listen.

Also, too funny about the Boston show. I have a friend that was/in a big OFF! fan. I was probably invited to that show but passed.

 

[SayChowda]

Everyone’s Lowest Ranked Album Not to Make the Countdown



1,640. The Shape of Punk to Come – Refused – Ranked #70 by @MAC_32

@rockaction leaving me high and dry

This was a band I should have been into back in late 90s but didn't know them for whatever reason. I like what I hear from them every now and then on Faction on SiriusXM.

This pick would have been more controversial when and shortly after its release, as record companies became disenchanted with Springsteen’s releases during this time, as they didn’t seem to show the success nor creativity of his earlier releases.

I think the record has overcome the initial reactions and has become better received with age. There is a mix of darker subjects, such as the title track and “Point Blank” to go along with early rock and roll roots style like “Hungry Heart”, Cadillac Ranch” and “Ramrod”. Overall, the set is complex but ties into Springsteen’s mindset of the time.

If you’ll allow me the chance for a recommendation, I’ll go with “Independence Day”, a melodic tune about a father and son who are so similar in personalities that they are having a tough time coexisting. To me, this song is very good example of the work on this album, and Clarence Clemons absolutely brings it on saxophone.

My apologies. I thought I was replying to the post about The River. I messed that up something good!

I did read your post like 3 times just to see if it went over my head, or it was a mistake! Ha!

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Can somebody please add Hercules to playlist for me, por favor. Only took a couple of minutes to reach rage levels with Spotify interface. Holy conniption seizures, it's awful.

done

 

[Ghost Rider]

231 (tie). Operation: Mindcrime – Queensrÿche (115 points)

@Yo Mama #21
@Mt. Man #32
@Val Rannous #52
@higgins #64

Operation: Mindcrime is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Queensrÿche. Originally released on May 3, 1988, the album was reissued on May 6, 2003, with two bonus tracks, and again in 2006 as a deluxe box set.

Operation: Mindcrime is a concept album and a rock opera. Its story follows Nikki, a drug addict who becomes disillusioned with the corrupt society of his time and reluctantly becomes involved with a revolutionary group as an assassin of political leaders. In January 1989, it ranked at No. 34 on Kerrang! magazine's "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time"

I’ve always had a hard time considering them Metal, but to be fair I really only know Silent Lucidity so if that’s just their ballad and the rest is more metal maybe that’s one I need to check out

It's metal in the way Maiden was metal in the 80s. In other words, if it came out today, it would be called hard rock.

I think Mindcrime is great, but it just missed the cut for my top 70. Two Queensryche albums finished pretty high for me, with neither Mindcrime nor Empire (the one with Silent Lucidity) making it, If Mindcrime is finishing in this spot, I don't expect to see either of my two in this.

 

[Yo Mama]

231 (tie). Operation: Mindcrime – Queensrÿche (115 points)

@Yo Mama #21
@Mt. Man #32
@Val Rannous #52
@higgins #64

Operation: Mindcrime is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Queensrÿche. Originally released on May 3, 1988, the album was reissued on May 6, 2003, with two bonus tracks, and again in 2006 as a deluxe box set.

Operation: Mindcrime is a concept album and a rock opera. Its story follows Nikki, a drug addict who becomes disillusioned with the corrupt society of his time and reluctantly becomes involved with a revolutionary group as an assassin of political leaders. In January 1989, it ranked at No. 34 on Kerrang! magazine's "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time"

Now this is what I consider a great album. More than just a collection of songs, Mindcrime has music that flows seamlessly from track to track. It has a great concept with a storyline that carries throughout the album. It works almost like a movie soundtrack - and there was actually a cool video/movie that was released with the album. I had that VHS tape for a while since one of my college roommates rented it and forgot to return it (he used his fake id for the rental account). I can still see a young, stoned Yo Mama sitting on the dirty dorm couch rocking out to this classic.

It’s really hard to recommend one song to represent the album because you really need to listen to the whole thing.

If you want something more radio friendly, you can’t go wrong with I Don’t Believe in Love or Eyes of a Stranger.

If you want to fully lean into the concept / rock opera proggishness, I suggest Suite Sister Mary.

If you want more deeper cut, straightforward Metal(ish), go with The Needle Lies or with what I am proposing to add to the playlist unless there are any objections from the other rankers:

Speak - Remastered 2003

Queensrÿche · Operation: Mindcrime (Remastered / Expanded Edition) · Song · 1988

open.spotify.com

 

[kupcho1]

Operation: Mindcrime

I like to call this one "fun with colons" (or omission of said colon); you know who you are.

 

[Yo Mama]

Operation: Mindcrime

I like to call this one "fun with colons" (or omission of said colon); you know who you are.

Don’t forget the umlauts on the band name.

ETA - oops, just looked at my list - I was definitely a/the culprit. Sorry about that.

 

[Val Rannous]

231 (tie). Operation: Mindcrime – Queensrÿche (115 points)

@Yo Mama #21
@Mt. Man #32
@Val Rannous #52
@higgins #64

Operation: Mindcrime is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Queensrÿche. Originally released on May 3, 1988, the album was reissued on May 6, 2003, with two bonus tracks, and again in 2006 as a deluxe box set.

Operation: Mindcrime is a concept album and a rock opera. Its story follows Nikki, a drug addict who becomes disillusioned with the corrupt society of his time and reluctantly becomes involved with a revolutionary group as an assassin of political leaders. In January 1989, it ranked at No. 34 on Kerrang! magazine's "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time"

I’ve always had a hard time considering them Metal, but to be fair I really only know Silent Lucidity so if that’s just their ballad and the rest is more metal maybe that’s one I need to check out

Kick back and listen to this album - trust me, this one's metal.

 

[rockaction]

Operation: Mindcrime

I like to call this one "fun with colons" (or omission of said colon); you know who you are.

I didn't get the omission part, but I'm game for a chuckle.

And freaking Yo Mama beat me to the umlauts by, like, ten seconds man.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

Operation: Mindcrime

I like to call this one "fun with colons" (or omission of said colon); you know who you are.

I'm pretty sure Fun with Colons was the name of @El Floppo's college band name.

 

[rockaction]

231 (tie). Operation: Mindcrime – Queensrÿche (115 points)

@Yo Mama #21
@Mt. Man #32
@Val Rannous #52
@higgins #64

Operation: Mindcrime is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Queensrÿche. Originally released on May 3, 1988, the album was reissued on May 6, 2003, with two bonus tracks, and again in 2006 as a deluxe box set.

Operation: Mindcrime is a concept album and a rock opera. Its story follows Nikki, a drug addict who becomes disillusioned with the corrupt society of his time and reluctantly becomes involved with a revolutionary group as an assassin of political leaders. In January 1989, it ranked at No. 34 on Kerrang! magazine's "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time"

I’ve always had a hard time considering them Metal, but to be fair I really only know Silent Lucidity so if that’s just their ballad and the rest is more metal maybe that’s one I need to check out

I was listening to heavy metal and thrash when this album came out and it was immediately in the rotation. "Silent Lucidity" and Empire were such letdowns that I think I recoiled from getting into any more prog-esque stuff. It was so. damn. serious. and all that acoustic noodling. Bah humbug.

So I say that not to bash any music, but to give you an idea that this album was not "Silent Lucidity," but that the prog elements might be a bit too much if you like straightforward metal. But you like Tool and others, so . . . shouldn't be a problem.

It came out in '88 was when I still listened to Anthrax, Metallica, Megadeth, and other thrash bands. I listened to Queensrÿche right along with those bands. I've long outgrown anything really akin to it, although I still think the album has a ton of merit.

 

[Val Rannous]

231 (tie). Operation: Mindcrime – Queensrÿche (115 points)

@Yo Mama #21
@Mt. Man #32
@Val Rannous #52
@higgins #64

Operation: Mindcrime is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Queensrÿche. Originally released on May 3, 1988, the album was reissued on May 6, 2003, with two bonus tracks, and again in 2006 as a deluxe box set.

Operation: Mindcrime is a concept album and a rock opera. Its story follows Nikki, a drug addict who becomes disillusioned with the corrupt society of his time and reluctantly becomes involved with a revolutionary group as an assassin of political leaders. In January 1989, it ranked at No. 34 on Kerrang! magazine's "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time"

Now this is what I consider a great album. More than just a collection of songs, Mindcrime has music that flows seamlessly from track to track. It has a great concept with a storyline that carries throughout the album. It works almost like a movie soundtrack - and there was actually a cool video/movie that was released with the album. I had that VHS tape for a while since one of my college roommates rented it and forgot to return it (he used his fake id for the rental account). I can still see a young, stoned Yo Mama sitting on the dirty dorm couch rocking out to this classic.

It’s really hard to recommend one song to represent the album because you really need to listen to the whole thing.

If you want something more radio friendly, you can’t go wrong with I Don’t Believe in Love or Eyes of a Stranger.

If you want to fully lean into the concept / rock opera proggishness, I suggest Suite Sister Mary.

If you want more deeper cut, straightforward Metal(ish), go with The Needle Lies or with what I am proposing to add to the playlist unless there are any objections from the other rankers:

Speak - Remastered 2003

Queensrÿche · Operation: Mindcrime (Remastered / Expanded Edition) · Song · 1988

open.spotify.com

Speak works for me (although with my love of rock opera Suite Sister Mary is my favorite track). But you're correct - this is absolutely better as a whole album.

 

[Ghost Rider]

231 (tie). Operation: Mindcrime – Queensrÿche (115 points)

@Yo Mama #21
@Mt. Man #32
@Val Rannous #52
@higgins #64

Operation: Mindcrime is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Queensrÿche. Originally released on May 3, 1988, the album was reissued on May 6, 2003, with two bonus tracks, and again in 2006 as a deluxe box set.

Operation: Mindcrime is a concept album and a rock opera. Its story follows Nikki, a drug addict who becomes disillusioned with the corrupt society of his time and reluctantly becomes involved with a revolutionary group as an assassin of political leaders. In January 1989, it ranked at No. 34 on Kerrang! magazine's "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time"

Now this is what I consider a great album. More than just a collection of songs, Mindcrime has music that flows seamlessly from track to track. It has a great concept with a storyline that carries throughout the album. It works almost like a movie soundtrack - and there was actually a cool video/movie that was released with the album. I had that VHS tape for a while since one of my college roommates rented it and forgot to return it (he used his fake id for the rental account). I can still see a young, stoned Yo Mama sitting on the dirty dorm couch rocking out to this classic.

It’s really hard to recommend one song to represent the album because you really need to listen to the whole thing.

If you want something more radio friendly, you can’t go wrong with I Don’t Believe in Love or Eyes of a Stranger.

If you want to fully lean into the concept / rock opera proggishness, I suggest Suite Sister Mary.

If you want more deeper cut, straightforward Metal(ish), go with The Needle Lies or with what I am proposing to add to the playlist unless there are any objections from the other rankers:

Speak - Remastered 2003

Queensrÿche · Operation: Mindcrime (Remastered / Expanded Edition) · Song · 1988

open.spotify.com

Speak works for me (although with my love of rock opera Suite Sister Mary is my favorite track). But you're correct - this is absolutely better as a whole album.

I do think it's also worth mentioning that Mindcrime has a very cinematic feel to it.

 

[El Floppo]

Operation: Mindcrime

I like to call this one "fun with colons" (or omission of said colon); you know who you are.

I'm pretty sure Fun with Colons was the name of @El Floppo's college band name.

Captain Reemo.

So basically..yeah.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

234 (tie). Songs From The Big Chair – Tears For Fears (113 points)

@Ghost Rider #29
@Yo Mama #36
@Dreaded Marco #47
@Idiot Boxer #60
@higgins #70

Songs from the Big Chair is the second studio album by the English pop rock band Tears for Fears, released on 25 February 1985 by Phonogram Records and Mercury Records. The follow-up to the band's successful debut album, The Hurting (1983), Songs from the Big Chair was a significant departure from that album's dark, introspective synth-pop, featuring a more mainstream, guitar-based pop rock sound, sophisticated production values and diverse stylistic influences, while Roland Orzabal and Ian Stanley's lyrics displayed socially and politically conscious themes.

Due to my one album per artist rule, for the most part, this missed the cut. It is the second best Tears for Fears album as far as quality goes, but it is a less cohesive album than say “The Tipping Point”.
Having covered their entire catalog for the MAD countdown, the Hurting is clearly their most emotional and for me their best album.
As a collection of tracks, Songs from the Big Chair comes off like a greatest hits album rather than a themed album.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

I expected Mindcrime to be higher (Binky: lower) because pretty much everyone I know who likes it is, like, obsessed with it.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

I've never heard of them. But Doc Oct is probably right that I'm not a "music guy"

 

[rockaction]

I have a friend that was/in a big OFF! fan.

The Circle Jerks are one of my all-time favorite punk bands simply for the album Group Sex, which I still, even after nearly thirty-five years and what should be a lot of maturity on my end, think is brilliant. Keith Morris, the lead singer and lyricist, skewers everything American like Rotten did to the U.K. when he was in the Pistols (although Morris and Rotten had a weird patriotism while skewering their respective societies). It's different from the Pistols but it has that vibe about it. I totally bricked when I did not include it in the countdown, or it would have aced a couple records towards the back end of mine. Easy.

I also like Keith Morris's turn as lead singer of OFF! They're pretty damn good considering Morris's age. Pretty vibrant and punk rock hostile style.

I've seen the Jerks perform in Philly around 2008. Unreal stuff. Them and Dillinger Four. They're touring on forty-five years of Group Sex this year. I might have to go see that in Southern California. I feel it might be like a civic duty or something.

I've never heard of them. But Doc Oct is probably right that I'm not a "music guy"

Eh, it's not your time period whatsoever. All of us talking about it are around the same age. They didn't have much staying power (Queensryche, that is).

 

[Dr. Octopus]

231 (tie). (What's the Story) Morning Glory? – Oasis (115 points)

@titusbramble #6
@Tau837 #41
@Don Quixote #61
@Ilov80s #61


(What's the Story) Morning Glory? is the second studio album by the English rock band Oasis. Released on 2 October 1995 by Creation Records, it was produced by Owen Morris and the group's lead guitarist and chief songwriter Noel Gallagher. The structure and arrangement style of the album was a significant departure from the band's previous album, Definitely Maybe (1994). Gallagher's compositions were more focused in balladry and placed more emphasis on "huge" choruses, with the string arrangements and more varied instrumentation contrasting with the rawness of the group's debut album, Definitely Maybe (1994). Morning Glory was the group's first album with drummer Alan White, who replaced Tony McCarroll (though McCarroll still appeared on the album, drumming on the track "Some Might Say").

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

I do love me some Wonderwall though.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

231 (tie). (What's the Story) Morning Glory? – Oasis (115 points)

@titusbramble #6
@Tau837 #41
@Don Quixote #61
@Ilov80s #61


(What's the Story) Morning Glory? is the second studio album by the English rock band Oasis. Released on 2 October 1995 by Creation Records, it was produced by Owen Morris and the group's lead guitarist and chief songwriter Noel Gallagher. The structure and arrangement style of the album was a significant departure from the band's previous album, Definitely Maybe (1994). Gallagher's compositions were more focused in balladry and placed more emphasis on "huge" choruses, with the string arrangements and more varied instrumentation contrasting with the rawness of the group's debut album, Definitely Maybe (1994). Morning Glory was the group's first album with drummer Alan White, who replaced Tony McCarroll (though McCarroll still appeared on the album, drumming on the track "Some Might Say").

These guys were a slightly more talented Jake and Logan Paul.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I've never heard of them. But Doc Oct is probably right that I'm not a "music guy"

Queensrÿche? They were a late 80s prog metal/hard rock band. I think you would probably like them.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

231 (tie). Operation: Mindcrime – Queensrÿche (115 points)

@Yo Mama #21
@Mt. Man #32
@Val Rannous #52
@higgins #64

Operation: Mindcrime is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Queensrÿche. Originally released on May 3, 1988, the album was reissued on May 6, 2003, with two bonus tracks, and again in 2006 as a deluxe box set.

Operation: Mindcrime is a concept album and a rock opera. Its story follows Nikki, a drug addict who becomes disillusioned with the corrupt society of his time and reluctantly becomes involved with a revolutionary group as an assassin of political leaders. In January 1989, it ranked at No. 34 on Kerrang! magazine's "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time"

Now this is what I consider a great album. More than just a collection of songs, Mindcrime has music that flows seamlessly from track to track. It has a great concept with a storyline that carries throughout the album. It works almost like a movie soundtrack - and there was actually a cool video/movie that was released with the album. I had that VHS tape for a while since one of my college roommates rented it and forgot to return it (he used his fake id for the rental account). I can still see a young, stoned Yo Mama sitting on the dirty dorm couch rocking out to this classic.

It’s really hard to recommend one song to represent the album because you really need to listen to the whole thing.

If you want something more radio friendly, you can’t go wrong with I Don’t Believe in Love or Eyes of a Stranger.

If you want to fully lean into the concept / rock opera proggishness, I suggest Suite Sister Mary.

If you want more deeper cut, straightforward Metal(ish), go with The Needle Lies or with what I am proposing to add to the playlist unless there are any objections from the other rankers:

Speak - Remastered 2003

Queensrÿche · Operation: Mindcrime (Remastered / Expanded Edition) · Song · 1988

open.spotify.com

Speak works for me (although with my love of rock opera Suite Sister Mary is my favorite track). But you're correct - this is absolutely better as a whole album.

I do think it's also worth mentioning that Mindcrime has a very cinematic feel to it.

I just listened while I got ready to and while I walked my dog - it's more than cinematic, it's theatrical and even operatic.

I actually liked it a lot and hadn't listened since the 80s.

 

[titusbramble]

Morning Glory for the playlist please

 

[Dr. Octopus]

231 (tie). (What's the Story) Morning Glory? – Oasis (115 points)

@titusbramble #6
@Tau837 #41
@Don Quixote #61
@Ilov80s #61


(What's the Story) Morning Glory? is the second studio album by the English rock band Oasis. Released on 2 October 1995 by Creation Records, it was produced by Owen Morris and the group's lead guitarist and chief songwriter Noel Gallagher. The structure and arrangement style of the album was a significant departure from the band's previous album, Definitely Maybe (1994). Gallagher's compositions were more focused in balladry and placed more emphasis on "huge" choruses, with the string arrangements and more varied instrumentation contrasting with the rawness of the group's debut album, Definitely Maybe (1994). Morning Glory was the group's first album with drummer Alan White, who replaced Tony McCarroll (though McCarroll still appeared on the album, drumming on the track "Some Might Say").

These guys were a slightly more talented Jake and Logan Paul.

Put a coupe of pints in them and they may be able to take them on in a fight as well.

Although I did once see Noel Gallagher walking the other way down the sidewalk in NYC and he's a little fellow as well.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

I've never heard of them. But Doc Oct is probably right that I'm not a "music guy"

Queensrÿche? They were a late 80s prog metal/hard rock band. I think you would probably like them.

eh, that Silent Lucidity sounds ok. Maybe there are better songs.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I've never heard of them. But Doc Oct is probably right that I'm not a "music guy"

Queensrÿche? They were a late 80s prog metal/hard rock band. I think you would probably like them.

eh, that Silent Lucidity sounds ok. Maybe there are better songs.

That's not on Operation : Mindcrime. I don't think it's representative of their sound.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I expected Mindcrime to be higher (Binky: lower) because pretty much everyone I know who likes it is, like, obsessed with it.

It was essential for me when it came out, but i don't listen to it much now so i crossed it off the list.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

And all the roads we have to walk are winding
And all the lights that lead us there are blinding
There are many things that I would like to say to you
But I don't know how

 

[Dr. Octopus]

229 (tie). I've Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You – Aretha Franklin (116 points)

@Ilov80s #8
@Uruk-Hai #40
@Don Quixote #49

I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You is the tenth studio album by American singer Aretha Franklin, released on March 10, 1967, by Atlantic Records. It was Franklin's first release under her contract with the label, following her departure from Columbia Records after nine unsuccessful jazz standard albums, and marked a commercial breakthrough for her, becoming her first top 10 album in the United States, reaching number 2 on the Billboard 200. Two singles were released to promote the album: "Respect" (an Otis Redding cover) and "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)". The former topped the Billboard Hot 100, while latter reached the top 10.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

234 (tie). Songs From The Big Chair – Tears For Fears (113 points)

@Ghost Rider #29
@Yo Mama #36
@Dreaded Marco #47
@Idiot Boxer #60
@higgins #70

Songs from the Big Chair is the second studio album by the English pop rock band Tears for Fears, released on 25 February 1985 by Phonogram Records and Mercury Records. The follow-up to the band's successful debut album, The Hurting (1983), Songs from the Big Chair was a significant departure from that album's dark, introspective synth-pop, featuring a more mainstream, guitar-based pop rock sound, sophisticated production values and diverse stylistic influences, while Roland Orzabal and Ian Stanley's lyrics displayed socially and politically conscious themes.

Due to my one album per artist rule, for the most part, this missed the cut. It is the second best Tears for Fears album as far as quality goes, but it is a less cohesive album than say “The Tipping Point”.
Having covered their entire catalog for the MAD countdown, the Hurting is clearly their most emotional and for me their best album.
As a collection of tracks, Songs from the Big Chair comes off like a greatest hits album rather than a themed album.

I feel the opposite.

I love the Hurting too, and almost added it to my 70, but I think this is the superior overall album. Both great, though.