My Top 666 Albums Ever Part 14

432) Soul Asylum - Made To Be Broken (1986)

The second full-length album from Soul Asylum. Their music in the 80's was a lot harder than what they started doing in the 90's.
Best Songs: Tied To The Tracks; Never Really Been

431) Slipknot - Slipknot (1999)

When this album was released in 1999, most people didn't know what to make of it. Nobody had ever heard anything like it before, and a lot of people just considered it pointless noise, and the people who did like it were treated with the same kind of derision that My Chemical Romance are treated with now. There's no doubt, this is probably one of the loudest mainstream records ever to be released, and that's not to everyone's taste. But over time it's grown on me. Without the melodies that Corey Taylor intermittently sings, I probably wouldn't like it half as much as I do now, but the band as a whole are really talented, even if they didn't really begin to show their diversity until much later. Joey Jordison is one of the best drummers in metal.
Best Songs: Wait And Bleed; Spit It Out

430) Pixies - Surfer Rosa (1989)

'Where Is My Mind?' is the Pixies best known song... most people will know some version of it, even if they've never actually heard the name Pixies. But I'll confess bias in including 'Tony's Theme' in the best songs here (that's my real name). As the band's first full-length album, it would later go on to inspire an entire generation of musicians.
Best Songs: Where Is My Mind?; Tony's Theme

429) Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators - Apocalyptic Love (2012)

Slash's follow-up to his brilliant debut solo album eschews the guest singer idea, and instead uses his band from the tour for that album, including drummer Brent Fitz, bassist Todd Kerns and Alter Bridge singer Myles Kennedy. As I've said before, with Alter Bridge, Myles is an excellent singer, but for some reason with Slash he seems to be trying to mimic Axl Rose, and goes for high notes he can't actually hit and instead ends up sounding like Axl Rose circa 2002 (if you don't know, that tour was the worst he's ever sounded). He isn't always bad, but it is enough to make this album feature far lower than it would have done otherwise, as musically Slash is on his best role for a while. The intro to 'Anastasia' in particular is brilliant.
Best Songs: Halo; Anastasia

428) Pearl Jam - No Code (1996)

The moment where Pearl Jam really started to expand its sound past what they had become known for, which was met with a mixed response. Personally, I like all the twists and turns this album takes, and the band didn't really go too far with until 'Binaural' and 'Riot Act' at the beginning of the 21st Century. I always enjoy hearing the evolution of a band from their earliest days just bashing out rock tunes, to when they decide they want to try something new. Pearl Jam have been one of the most successful at this to my ears, whereas some bands I wish had just kept rocking out.
Best Songs: Off He Goes; Mankind

427) Ryan Adams - Gold (2001)

The second, best-selling and best solo album from Ryan Adams. Unfortunately, it was packaged differently to how Adams intended, with five tracks which were supposed to be the end of a double album put on a bonus disc that was only available on the first 150,000 copies. It's a shame, because it could have been even better if it were released in the proper fashion.
Best Songs: New York, New York; Nobody Girl

426) The Cure - Pornography (1982)

The first part of what is considered to be a trilogy of albums (along with 'Disintegration' and 'Bloodflowers') features The Cure really starting to hit their stride. Poorly received at the time, it's now considered to be a classic of the gothic rock genre.
Best Songs: One Hundred Years; A Strange Day

425) Eminem - Recovery (2010)

Technically, the disappointing 'Relapse' was Eminem's comeback album, but it's 'Recovery' that sees him back on top form for the first time since 'The Eminem Show'. Like that album, this is also more introspective than his other work, and mostly acts as a confessional, especially in the song 'Talkin' 2 Myself'. The highlight of the album though is 'Love The Way You Lie', featuring Rihanna. Even if it is a bit disturbing hearing that particular person singing about how she likes to be hurt...
Best Songs: Talkin' 2 Myself; Love The Way You Lie

424) Pixies - Come On Pilgrim (1988)

The debut for the Pixies. The eight tracks are over in just 20 minutes, but it's the 20 best minutes the band ever produced.
Best Songs: Caribou; I've Been Tired

423) Lynyrd Skynyrd - Last Of A Dyin' Breed (2012)

Another album by the Southern rockers that make me embarrassed to admit that I like it when I listen to its lyrics. If you just listen to the music, however, it's a good solid piece of rock music, this time featuring John Lowery (otherwise known as John 5 of Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie fame) on guitar. A lot of people don't realise that he was playing this kind of music before ever joining Manson's band.
Best Songs: Last Of A Dyin' Breed; Mississippi Blood

422) Gilby Clarke - The Hangover (1997)

The second solo album from Clarke, and his first since leaving Guns N' Roses behind just before the release of his previous album. No reinventing the wheel here, just rock 'n' roll, straight up.
Best Songs: Wasn't Yesterday Great; Hang On To Yourself

421) Korn - The Path Of Totality (2011)

Korn once again try to shake up their sound by collaborating with some of the top dub-step producers. They seemed to believe they were creating a new genre with the album, despite the fact that Trent Rezor has been releasing similar sounding tracks since the early 90's, but by and large this is a surprisingly good collection of tracks. Certainly more successful than Muse's similar dip into the dub-step world.
Best Songs: Get Up!; Chaos Lives In Everything

420) Black Label Society - The Blessed Hellride (2003)

More Black Label Society. I didn't realise I liked them this much, either.
Best Songs: Stillborn; The Blessed Hellride

419) Michelle Shocked - Short Sharp Shocked (1988)

Alternative folk musician with a political bent. The cover of this album is a photo of her getting arrested during a protest at the 1984 Democratic Convention.
Best Songs: When I Grow Up; Anchorage

418) Dave Stewart - The Ringmaster General (2012)

The former Euryphmic has been releasing little-heard solo albums and producing other artists for years since his most famous band split. This is his latest, featuring guest appearances from the likes of Joss Stone, and the amazing Orianthi providing the lead guitar for 'Girl In A Catsuit'.
Best Songs: I Got Love; Girl In A Catsuit

417) At The Drive-In - Relationship Of Command (2000)

At The Drive-In hit their peak both musically and commercially with this album, which would end up being their last. 'One-Armed Scissor' is one of the standout rock songs of this century.
Best Songs: One-Armed Scissor; Rolodex Propaganda

416) Brad - Interiors (1997)

The second album from the Seattle group.
Best Songs: Secret Girl; Some Never Come Home

415) Zakk Wylde - Book Of Shadows (1996)

An introspective, mostly acoustic southern rock and folk album from the man best known as a heavy metal shredder. I never thought that Zakk Wylde would be able to pull something like that off before I listened to this, and it is really quite beautiful.
Best Songs: Between Heaven And Hell; Sold My Soul

My Top 666 Albums Ever Part 13

450) Michael Jackson - Got To Be There (1972)

The debut solo album from the only member of the Jackson Five people ever really cared about. It's hard to tell why they bothered, considering it sounds exactly like what he was doing with his brothers at the time, but Motown was always a strange label when it came to treating their artists like products. As with most of his early material, it showcases a voice that had no place being in the body of someone so young, and the potential that was already itching to get out and be fulfilled.
Best Songs: Got To Be There; Rockin' Robin

449) Robbie Williams - Swing When You're Winning (2002)

An album of swing covers that was more successful than anybody could have imagined, both musicially and financially. The duet with Nicole Kidmas is over-rated, but other duets with the likes of Rupert Everett and Jane Horrocks are fantastic. I'm not sure what the fuss was about when it comes to 'It Was A Very Good Year', though... he sings for half the track, and the original Sinatra track plays for the second half. Hardly as revolutionary as a lot of people think.
Best Songs: I Will Talk And Hollywood Will Listen; Beyond The Sea

448) Elton John - Honky Chateau (1972)

John's fifth album saw him begin his transition into a rock 'n' roll musician from the softer sound he had previously had. This may have something to do with being his first album in which his full backing band was used throughout instead of session musicians.
Best Songs: Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long, Long Time); Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters

447) Stone Temple Pilots - Tiny Music... Songs From The Vatican Gift Shop (1996)

The third album from Stone Temple Pilots saw the band take a more 60's pop inspired turn than their previous recordings. It alienated some of the fanbase, and Scott Weiland's issues with drug use forced the band to cancel their tour, resulting in the album selling far fewer than anticipated. There are some real gems on here, though.
Best Songs: Tumble In The Rough; Trippin' On A Hole In A Paper Heart

446) Dinosaur Jr. - Where You Been (1993)

Fifth album from Dinosaur Jr. and the last to feature performances from the full band. Features their biggest hit, 'Start Choppin'
Best Songs: Out There; Get Me

445) Blink-182 - Neighborhoods (2011)

A surprisingly good post-reunion album from Blink-182. And not a dick joke in sight.
Best Songs: Ghost On The Dance Floor; Up All Night

444) Manic Street Preachers - Send Away The Tigers (2007)

After 'Everything Must Go', the Manic Street Preachers albums started becoming increasingly poor, with 2004's 'Lifeblood' representing the band's absolute lowest point. Thankfully, for 'Send Away The Tigers', the band went back to basics, and released their best album in over a decade. 'Your Love Alone Is Not Enough' featuring Nina Persson of The Cardigans is as good as anything from their 90's peak.
Best Songs: Your Love Alone Is Not Enough; The Second Great Depression

443) Crosses - EP2 (2012)

Second EP from Chino Moreno's electronica sideproject.
Best Song: Telepathy

442) Silversun Pickups - Swoon (2009)

SIlversun Pickups continue their brand of multiple-layered 'dream pop'.
Best Songs: Panic Switch; Catch And Release

441) Eminem - The Eminem Show (2002)

The moment where Eminem began to show more range than just spouting controversy-baiting lyrics. On this album he goes introspective, and bares his soul like never before. Sure, there's still some controversial content in there, but this album will always be held up as the moment Marshall Mathers proved he had a heart.
Best Songs: Cleanin' Out My Closet; Sing For The Moment

440) John Frusciante - Inside Of Emptiness (2004)

The former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarists' solo work has generally been a dirge of random noises that he tells himself is good because it's "experimental". 'Inside Of Emptiness' is one of the few exceptions.
Best Songs: Inside A Break; 666

439) David Bowie - Hours... (1999)

Possibly David Bowie's most under-rated album. I'm generally not a fan of a lot of the music he did in the 80's and 90's, but this album is almost a return to the greatness he'd previously exhibited.
Best Songs: Thursday's Child; The Pretty Things Are Going To Hell

438) Michael Jackson - Off The Wall (1979)

The moment where all the potential that Jackson had previously proven he had finally came to the fore thanks to the production genius of Quincy Jones. The best was yet to come, but this proved that Michael was a solo artist to be reckoned with.
Best Songs: Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough; Workin' Day And Night

437) The Jane Austen Argument - The Birthing Pyre (2011)

Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Tom Dickins and Jennifer Kingwell are an indie-cabaret duo. Their music tends to be reflective, piano-led ballads, as with the standout track 'Bad Wine And Lemon Cake' - a version of which appeared on the previously mentioned Amanda Palmer album, 'Goes Down Under'.
Best Song: Bad Wine And Lemon Cake

436) Screaming Trees - Last Words: The Final Recordings (2011)

Recorded in 1998 and 1999, the final Screaming Trees album finally saw the light of day thanks to drummer Barrett Martin's own Sunyata label.
Best Songs: Crawlspace; Last Words

435) Manic Street Preachers - Generation Terrorists (1992)

The debut album from the Welsh rockers. This is far more of a punk record than anything they've released since.
Best Songs: Motorcycle Emptiness; Another Invented Disease

434) Bumblefoot - Hands (1998)

Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal is one of the best guitarists in the world today. This is technically his third album, but is his debut under the name of Bumblefoot. In it he flirts with hard rock, metal, funk and punk, but a showcase of his spectacular guitar skills is always on hand whatever the genre. Unlike the likes of Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai, Ron Thal a good songwriter, though... so the solo's are always at the service of the song instead of an excuse to show off.
Best Songs: What I Knew; Tuesday In Nancy

433) Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures (2009)

Queens Of The Stone Age's Josh Homme, drummer Dave Grohl and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin unite to create this album. It mainly sounds like QOTSA, but there are points where you can hear Jones and Grohl's influence with a funky bassline or Foo Fighters style chorus. The songs are great... unfortunately, when they performed at Download, they were quite boring live, though.
Best Songs: New Fang; Caligulove

My Top 666 Albums Ever Part 12

468) The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Electric Ladyland (1968)

The third and final album by The Jimi Hendrix Experience, 'Electric Ladyland' features some of the most recognisable tracks in the Hendrix catalogue. If anyone hears the opening of 'Voodoo Child (Slight Return)' without knowing instantly what it is, I'd definitely be worried about that person. Meanwhile, the cover of Bob Dylan's 'All Along The Watchtower' is so good that Dylan himself started using the arrangement from this version instead of his own in live performances.
Best Songs: All Along The Watchtower; Voodoo Child (Slight Return)

467) Dinosaur Jr. - Farm (2009)

The second post-reunion album from the alt. rock legends.
Best Songs: Pieces; Over It

466) Scott Weiland - 12 Bar Blues (1998)

Kicked out of Stone Temple Pilots due to his drug issues (for the first time), Scott Weiland recorded this psychedelic little oddity that surely would have confused most fans of his band at the time. It's definitely not an easy album to get into, but once you do you really start to appreciate the songs on display here.
Best Songs: Barbarella; Lady, Your Roof Brings Me Down

465) Jay-Z - The Blueprint (2001)

The original Blueprint, and the best of the three. It doesn't feature collaborations with female R&B singers that became highlights of his later albums, but it does feature the producing talents of a pre-solo artist Kanye West.
Best Songs: Takover; Renegade

464) Jerry Cantrell - Boggy Depot (1998)

By 1996, Alice In Chains had become all but dormant due to various issues, not least of which was singer Layne Staley's crippling heroin addiction that would eventually take his life in 2002. Shows had become sporadic, with only a one-off performance for MTV Unplugged, and a brief stint opening for Kiss to their name in recent memory. So, guitarist/primary songwriter/co-vocalist Jerry Cantrell instead began work on what would become his first solo album. 'Boggy Depot' was quite a departure from Alice In Chains featuring a more Southern rock/country sound no doubt inspired by Cantrell's native Texas.
Best Songs: Dickeye; Hurt A Long Time

463) The Offspring - Conspiracy Of One (2000)

If you were a teenager in the year 2000 that had any interest in rock music, I'm pretty sure there's no way that you could have avoided this album. It became The Offspring's biggest album to date.
Best Songs: Want You Bad; Dammit, I Changed Again

462) Faith No More - Album Of The Year (1997)

Faith No More's final album is the most underrated of their catalogue. Even the band themselves don't rate it as highly as I think they should (hence the ironic title).
Best Songs: Collision; Last Cup Of Sorrow

461) Linkin Park - Meteora (2003)

Linkin Park's second album perfected their blend of angsty metal, rap and catchy choruses. I know they're often used as an example of music that all sounded alike in the early part of the century, but I have still yet to find a band that sounds like Linkin Park. Nowadays, even Linkin Park don't sound like Linkin Park.
Best Songs: Faint; Numb

460) Black Stone Cherry - Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea (2011)

Southern metal from the young Kentuckian band. This is their third album that whilst not as strong as their previous to, manages to hold your attention. 'White Trash Millionaire' is exactly what we've grown to expect from Black Stone Cherry, and two songs feature vocals from Halestorm's Lzzy Hale.
Best Songs: White Trash Millionaire; Such A Shame

459) Sirens Sister - Echoes From The Ocean Floor (2006)

A Seattle band formed from the remnants of Vendetta Red. The bass player on this album is one of the best and most underrated rock bassists in the world (as well as a nice guy), Jeff Rouse of Alien Crime Syndicate and Duff McKagan's Loaded.
Best Songs: Womb Dreams From The Ether; Faultline

458) Florence + The Machine - Ceremonials (2011)

Flame-haired Florence Welch's follow-up to her hugely successful debut album.
Best Songs: What The Water Gave Me; No Light, No Light

457) Stevie Wonder - Signed, Sealed, & Delivered (1970)

At this point there's not much more I can say about Mr. Wonder. Other than this album features another of his best-known tracks.
Best Songs: Never Had A Dream Come True; Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours

456) The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Axis: Bold As Love (1967)

The second album by The Jimi Hendrix Experience is often overlooked as most people talk about 'Electric Ladyland' and 'Are You Experienced?'. Which is a shame, because it's ever so slightly better than 'Ladyland'.
Best Songs: Little Wing; Castles Made Of Sand

455) Queen - A Night At The Opera (1975)

This album has 'Bohemian Rhapsody' on it. If you've ever seen Wayne's World, that should be all you need to know...
Best Songs: You're My Best Friend; Bohemian Rhapsody

454) Bobot Adrenaline - Dumb Bomb (2010)

California punk rockers with their debut full length album. Although if you'd played Tony Hawk skateboarding game, there's a good chance you'd heard 'Penalty Box' years before the release of this album without even realising it.
Best Songs: Bombastic!; Penalty Box

453) Amanda Palmer - Goes Down Under (2011)

Palmer continues to celebrate her freedom with this ode to her favourite country. A combination of live tracks from an Australian tour, and new studio recordings of covers of Australian artists. The tracklist runs the gamut of Australian music from 'The Vegemite Song' from the commercials to 'The Ship Song' by Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds. Oh... and there's also an original track called 'Map Of Tasmania' which is about the joys of pubic hair. This and the Radiohead covers album were really just stop-gap recordings before her next big project which came last year...
Best Songs: In My Mind; The Ship Song

452) Pearl Jam - Vs. (1993)

Pearl Jam's follow-up one of the most influential albums of the last 30 years with 'Vs.'. It shows the least change in the band's sound of any of their albums in the 90's to early 00's. Apparently, after this album fame took over their lives so much that they deliberately started making less commercial music in order to escape from it.
Best Songs: Dissident; Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town

451) Deep Purple - The House Of Blue Light (1987)

The second album since the reformation of "Mark II" Deep Purple - the most famous line-up featuring Ian Gillan, Ritchie Blackmore, Roger Glover, Jon Lord and Ian Paice.
Best Songs: Bad Attitude; Call Of The Wild