Most things I posted here have been heavy recently, so I will try to lighten the load. In this post, I count down my top twenty-five favourite albums of all time. This list has changed several times, and would probably be different in places if I did it next week.
Most people know I am a die-hard Status Quo fan, a band I discovered when I was 7 or 8. I make some of my living out of discussing the band and their career, but it isn’t my only music passion. They could probably fill up half of this list, but I decided to limit their inclusion to just three albums. The rest is a mixture of genres that may surprise you.
My main focus in compiling this list is studio albums, rather than compilations or live albums. My sincere apologies to The Best of John Denver, which wasn’t eligible for this list.
25. Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed – Show of Hands (2009)
I first discovered the duo of Steve Knightley and Phil Beer in the summer of 2010. I was very new to the genre of Folk, something I continued to explore for a few years. After watching them at the Abbotsbury Festival the same year, I bought their latest album Arrogance Ignorance and Greed.
It was my first exposure to music with a contemporary political edge, as evidenced in the title track and sprinkled throughout the album. I also loved “Evolution”, “The Napoli” (with Jim Causley) and the sombre yet uplifting “The Man I Was”. They balanced scaled-back traditional folk with Rockier elements in a pleasing way.
Although this album earns a place on this list, it isn’t one I have revisited in recent years. It is proof that while the music still means something, it is more of a reminder of a moment in time that is gone but still appreciated. Buy Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed on Amazon.
24. I Cry When I Laugh – Jess Glynne (2015)
This is the most recent album on the list! I knew of Jess Glynne from her singles with Clean Bandit, but I didn’t pay much attention. Then when I saw her on the Christmas and New Year edition of Top of the Pops, my opinion changed. There was something decidedly retro about her voice, and the production of the music. “Real Love” was a throwback to the mid-1990s tunes I grew up with but with a modern twist.
When I first heard “Hold My Hand”, I knew that I would enjoy the album it was promoting. I Cry When I Laugh is a modern-day masterpiece that blends Old School Pop and Dance, and then throws in some RnB for good measure. “Gave Me Something” and “Ain’t Got Far To Go” have a feel that wouldn’t have been out of place in the musical landscape in the early 2000s, and are feel-good.
I also appreciated the good messages within the lyrics, songs such as “Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself” and “You Can Find Me” are examples. It was just the right balance of things that kept me going in a time of great personal transition. Buy I Cry When I Laugh on Amazon
23. Let It Be – The Beatles (1969)
The year was 2021, and my wife and I sat down to watch Peter Jackson’s Get Back. This was the Beatles documentary utilising restored footage from their 1969 Get Back sessions, originally shot by Michael Lindsey Hogg and his team for the 1970 film Let It Be. We watched the monstrous 8-hour series over three days and loved every minute!
Along with an insight into how John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr functioned as a unit behind closed doors, it exposed us to the songs that became the Let It Be album. I had heard “Get Back” dozens of times, but witnessing its inception and development gave me a new appreciation for the track. The same can be said for the many other compositions on this album.
I still can’t go a week without singing “I’ve got a feeling, a feeling deep inside oh yeah!”. Those who have seen it usually reply to my musical outburst with a falsetto “OH YEAH!”, a reference to a moment from the documentary. It may not be perfect, but this album now never fails to put a smile on my face. Buy Let It Be on Amazon
22. Born – Bond (2000)
When I first saw Bond perform “Victory” on a TV show sometime after this album was released, I hadn’t heard anything like it. The group are a Classical music quartet, but with Pop and Dance music influences infused into the mix; Something that was so prominent in these recordings that this number one on the Classical music charts was later removed for not meeting the criteria!
I knew nothing about Classical Music, but this string quartet spoke to me. The gentle sound of strings and a 90s drum machine was an excellent match. In particular, their version of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture was simply magnificent, and still is!
Bond was one of those acts where I attempted to listen to their later material, but it never quite lived up to my impressions of their debut album. Buy Born on Amazon.
21. Kite – Kirsty McColl (1989)
I fell in love with Kirsty McColl’s voice after hearing her unique tones on a version of Billy Bragg’s “A New England”. My CD player must have got bored, but I never did! Years later, I sought out her 1989 album Kite.
I was familiar with her version of the Kinks’ song Days, alongside the preceding song “Victims”, a track which caught my attention after my Dad inadvertently left the tape running while recording a mixtape. I loved both songs, and the rest of the album proved to be a winner too.
I loved the mix of clean Rock and Country tones, paired with the honesty of Kirsty’s songwriting in tracks such as “Tread Lightly” and “Mother’s Ruin”. “Innocence” still stands as one of my favourite openings to an album, lyrically cutting yet undeniably catchy and toe-tapping. Buy Kite on Amazon.
20. Invincible – Five (1999)
I received this album for Christmas in 1999, and I can’t remember why. It may have been because I liked their number-one single “Keep on Movin’” and the Brian May / Roger Taylor collaboration of “We Will Rock You”. Whatever it was, I’m very thankful because this turned into one of my favourites.
The opening track, “If You’re Getting Down”, impacted me as a 10-year-old. I loved the attitude and the rhythm of the rapping. Some of the lyrics haven’t aged well, in sensibility or credibility, but I view it as a fun throwback from the time.
What later struck me about this album was its biographical tendencies in the songwriting. It includes commentary on the media’s treatment of celebrities and perspectives that may be privately held by those in the spotlight. Additionally, it features “Mr Z,” a song about a six-foot-four man who once drove a Mini.
The sound of this album felt incredibly contemporary at the time, but perhaps it has lost some of its shine in the intervening years; It now serves as a personal time portal back to the year 2000. Buy Invincible on Amazon.
19. Echo Park – Feeder (2001)
I was converted to Feeder after hearing “Buck Rogers” on a Now album. I was mesmerized by their sheer power, married nicely with catchy melodies. My Dad bought the album for my 12th birthday. I really liked the singles on this album but tracks like “We Can’t Rewind” and “Tell All Your Friends” struck a chord.
This album is a real-time capsule for me, reminding me of the turbulent emotional waters of being 12, confused and full of social anxiety. Liking this band was a bit of a gateway for me, it allowed me to make friends who liked similar music. This didn’t last long, as tastes changed… And I was moved 200 miles to an area with different approaches and sensibilities!
listening to it now, it still stands up. Recently, I purged many of my CDs for extra space but kept my copy of this album that my dad bought for me many years ago. It still rocks. Buy Echo Park on Amazon
18. Ten Good Reasons – Jason Donovan (1989)
There was a moment when I became fascinated by the music produced by Stock Aitken and Waterman. I bought a number of the albums they made with artists in the late 80s and early 90s, one of them was Ten Good Reasons by Jason Donovan.
My adoration for their music stems from the winning formula of plucky guitars, pleasing musical turnarounds and a thumping Linn drum machine. These elements are best displayed in the Album’s hit singles “Nothing Can Divide Us”, “Every Day (I Love You More)” and “Too Many Broken Hearts”.
What I enjoyed most, though, were the unexpectedly banging album tracks; From the upbeat yet sorrowful “Too Late to Say Goodbye” to the catchy chorus of “You Can Depend on Me” to the unexpectedly Rock-infused Matt Aitken guitar solo in “Time Heals”!
It is easy to discredit this choice because neither the producers nor the artist are seen to have credibility. What I learned from consuming this album, and the follow-up, was that you shouldn’t underestimate the amount of artistic genius that lay in the grooves. It changed my outlook on commercial music. Buy Ten Good Reasons on Amazon
17. The Lucky 13 Shades of Val Doonican – Val Doonican (1964)
Perhaps something of an unexpected choice, I hold a continuous fondness for the world of Easy Listening music; This list could have been populated with the likes of Bert Weedon, Slim Whitman, Jim Reeves and Chet Atkins. It is the work of an Irish singer, popular in the 1960s and 1970s, who “Walks Tall” here!
I was browsing in a charity shop one day when I stumbled upon this Val Doonican album. I had seen reruns of his music television show, and heard the odd greatest hit, but was intrigued to hear a whole album.
This album has the perfect balance of gentle crooner ballads, quirky Folk songs and surprisingly upbeat works of Jazz and Pop, all sewn together by his distinctive vocal style. This was his debut album, a chance to make an impression. From putting this album on my turntable, it certainly made an impression on me.
I heard much about “Delaney’s Donkey” and “Paddy McGinty’s Goat”, but that only scratches the surface. I must have worn the grooves out from dancing to his interpretations of “Kicking My Dog Around” and the funky “False Hearted Girl”.
I also appreciate the lo-fi of this album. It’s clear that Val did not have a huge budget, but it makes it better for it. The simplicity of Val playing chords on a guitar while singing live, is a pleasure that still resonates today. Unfortunately, this album is unavailable on CD!
16. Rollin’ – The Bay City Rollers (1974)
there was a period when I was quite a big fan of the Bay City Rollers. Choosing just one album was challenging, they are among the numerous bands that evolved their sound over time. I have fondness for the period when they changed singer and went rocky in the late 70s, but it felt unjust to favour that over the OG Rollers. Les McKeown was one of the most distinctive voices of the 1970s.
The singles, “Summerlove Sensation”, “Remember”, “Shang-a-Lang” and “Saturday Night”, are great pieces of bouncy Pop from their time. The selection is further enhanced by the album tracks that may be lesser known.
My favourites include “Angel Angel”, the addictive “Jenny Gotta Dance”, “Just a Little Love” and the seemingly inappropriate yet awesome “Give It To Me Now”. It may not be their most inventive collection, but you can’t fault the quality. Buy Rollin’ on Amazon
15. The Chirping Crickets – The Crickets (1957)
This list wouldn’t be complete without the appearance of the legendary Buddy Holly. I can’t remember when I first heard his music, it’s just always been a presence. My true intrigue for his work started around 2010 when I began listening with intent. If I’m honest, any of his albums could have been in the spot.
This album inspired countless bands, and for good reason. The songwriting is flawless, complemented by performances that fit the compositions perfectly, all anchored by the genius of Jerry Allison’s drumming.
A number of the essential tracks are here: “That’ll Be the Day”, “Maybe Baby”, “Oh Boy” and “Not Fade Away”. I also enjoy “You’ve Got Love” and “It’s Too Late”. It was recorded in 1957, but still feels timeless. Buy The Chirping Crickets on Amazon.
14. I Started Out With Nothing, and I Still Got Most of It Left – Seasick Steve (2008)
I had no idea that when watching Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny in the mid-2000s, my life would be changed forever. Amid all the boogie-woogie and soul music, Something unexpectedly different appeared.
A bearded American man appeared, playing a three-stringed guitar while tapping his foot on a box for subtle rhythm. Seasick Steve was a revelation to a 17-year-old me. I later bought three of his albums; Cheap, Dog House Music and the one titled above.
I loved the inventiveness of the first album, but his third was when he truly found his commercial peak. I was captivated by his guitar picking and the skilful way he conveyed the story, as demonstrated in “Walkin’ Man” and “Saint Louis Slim”.
Thunderbird will forever be one of my favourite recordings of all time. The electric energy of Steve’s vocals married with a distorted guitar and high-energy drums is palpable. My first time hearing climax at the end remains one of the most exhilarating moments as a music fan. Buy I Started Out With Nothing, and I Still Got Most of It Left on Amazon
13. Bare – Bobby Bare (1978)
I discovered the album while working. I had been tasked with writing a review of a collection of albums by Bobby Bare. They were mixed in quality but overall very enjoyable. 1978’s Bare, however, was a revelation.
Bobby’s career has spanned a diverse range of music, from mainstream country ballads to comedic novelty tracks. This album has captured that diversity flawlessly. It aligned with my expectations of country music, yet it also managed to defy them.
“Finger on the Button” is a beautifully tongue-in-cheek political commentary, while “Sing for the Song” confidently comments on musical credibility. On the flip side, the monotonously brilliant “Yard Full of Rusty Cars” and an unexpected supergroup reading of “Greasy Grit Gravy and Gizzard Greens”; The latter featuring Bare alongside Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Dr Hook & Shel Silverstein respectively! Buy Bare on Amazon
12. Thirsty Work – Status Quo (1994)
While this will be a controversial entry to this list, bear in mind it was the first Status Quo studio album I ever owned; Now I have all of them in my collection.
Thirsty Work was an album by a band seemingly trying to sound more commercial. The guitars are still prominent, but the keyboard takes equal billing in places. My love for this album comes from the melodies and harmonies on show throughout.
“Point of No Return,” “Like It Or Not,” “Going Nowhere,” “Soft in the Head,” and “Confidence” exhibit elements that are musically pleasing in every aspect. Fun fact; I once emailed their manager to ask about turning this album into a stage musical!
It may not be the most Quo-like of albums, but I’ve often found it to be very uplifting. I can’t tell you how many times this album has pulled me out of a rut, and been the start of motivation It meant a great deal to me to meet drummer Jeff Rich in 2022 and have him sign my first copy of this album. Buy Thirsty Work on Amazon.
11. Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn and Jones Ltd – The Monkees (1967)
This entry is such that any album from the mentioned band could be featured. My affection for the Monkees’ music blossomed in the mid-2010s, following a deeper exploration of their story.
While I appreciate all their work, the way they merged the independence of their later years with the production quality of their early material on this album makes for a great album from start to finish. Dolenz, Jones and Nesmith are three vocalists I admire greatly.
“Pleasant Valley Sunday” and “The Door into Summer” are my quintessential picks from this album, feeling tied to the Summer of 1967 yet remaining poignant and uplifting over 50 years on. Nesmith also has a decent turn on the Country-soaked “What Am I Doing Hanging Round”.
The album’s Psychedelic tendencies towards the end initially turned me off. Through further listening and education, I began to understand how revolutionary the song “Star Collector” is; it contained a synthesiser in 1967! Groovy! Buy Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn and Jones Ltd on Amazon
10. Come on Over – Shania Twain (1997)
I bought this album when I was 10 while on holiday, probably because my sister had talked about it. As the years passed, I learned to appreciate the sheer brilliance of Shania’s work on this album. It stayed true to her Country roots but tried to commercialise the sound with an infusion of Rock and Pop influences.
Matt Lange’s production on tracks such as “Don’t Be Stupid”, “Black Eyes Blue Tears”, “Honey I’m Home” and “When” are sublime, balanced yet bouncy! The only song I tend to skip is “You’re Still The One” due to overexposure. My Dad often infused about the closing track, “Rock This Country; A track which spelt out what they were doing.
it’s another one of my choices that encapsulates the time I discovered it. Commercial records sounded like this, but not all had the quality of songwriting available to Shania; there’s a reason this album spawned so many hit singles. Buy Come On Over on Amazon
09. Said and Done – Boyzone (1995)
I had a sibling who was a huge Boyzone fan. Being of a young age, I didn’t understand it. As I grew older, a sense of nostalgia began to attach itself to it. Once I moved beyond that, I developed a newfound appreciation.
In 2004, I delved into my inherited collection of cassettes and spent time listening to them on my 1980s hi-fi system. One of them was a recording of Boyzone‘s Said and Done album, which I assume my sibling must have made around 1996. Hearing that music for the first time in years evoked a mix of sadness and profound joy.
Said and Done is one of those albums which sounds like 1995. Heavily produced and filled with little touches that quickly became outdated. I still love the upbeat sounds of “Together” and “So Good”; the former was a memorable concert opener on a VHS we used to own.
What shines for me is the nostalgic melancholy that runs throughout the album. “Coming Home Now” whisks me right back to sitting in my grandparent’s front room listening to the song on headphones. The same could be said for “Can’t Stop Me”, one of Stephen Gately’s best vocal performances. Buy Said and Done on Amazon.
08. Life Thru A Lens – Robbie Williams (1997)
I have a long history with Robbie Williams’ music. He seemed to be everywhere at the end of the last century, there was no escaping his undeniably brilliant compositions. I had a particular fondness for “Let Me Entertain You”.
“Life Thru a Lens” epitomizes the era of its creation, soaked in the post-Britpop anxiety yet encased in an appealing pop exterior. It’s possibly his finest album, especially for featuring the undeniably iconic track “Angels.”
What struck a chord with me was Williams’ inherent ability to inject humour, anger and biting social commentary into his co-writing with Guy Chambers; The title track and “Ego Agogo” are perfect examples of this. I also have a respect for the underrated “Old Before I Die”, a track that reduced me to tears after a personal tragedy; I thank it for making me laugh but also relieving the pain.
Williams has made it this high on my list because it is one of those albums I can listen to from start to finish without skipping a single track. Buy Life Thru A Lens on Amazon
07. Blue for You – Status Quo (1976)
Another appearance of Status Quo in this countdown. This was the first Quo album I owned on vinyl, which I bought from a market in Long Sutton for five pounds. Bargain!
From the crashing guitars of the intro to “Is There a Better Way” onwards, I was hooked. I love the earthy feel of this album, and the various musical directions the band go in; Blues, Heavy rock, Pop Rock. Marvellous!
This album taught me the beauty of a Status Quo album track; “Ring of a Change” and “That’s A Fact” appear run-of-the-mill but are loaded with inventiveness and played at an incredible pace. Props to the album version of “Mystery Song” too, places unexpected sections at the start and end of the track. Buy Blue for You on Amazon.
06. Yesterday Went Too Soon – Feeder (1999)
I’ve spoken about my connection to this album in a previous post, so I won’t go on about it too much here. Like Echo Park, it takes me back to a time and place.
What elevates this album towards the top spot is, I believe, its slightly more consistent quality. Scratch that, it’s due to the POWER of “Evergreen’.
don’t get me wrong, I love every track on this album. Evergreen, however, is an underrated banger of epic proportions. Those crunching guitars in seamless motion really cemented my love for the band. Buy Yesterday Went Too Soon on Amazon
05. Beautiful World – Take That (2006)
During the huge period in which Take That made an unexpectedly big comeback, I began to reassess their work. The first era ended when I was six years old, so I have little to no memory of it.
The period that started following the reunion was a real highlight for me. I had liked their previous sound, but the one presented on Beautiful World was both timeless and contemporary. My college days were filled with the sounds of “Shine”, “Beautiful World” and “Patience”, mostly played on the TV in the canteen.
This is one of those albums that is very nearly perfect, so it is difficult to pick a favourite track. If I were forced to I would say it was the Jason Orange-led “Wooden Boat”. I loved the way it shattered expectations and presented a stripped-back narrative-driven song that was uncharacteristic yet perfect.
Nearly twenty years later, I still have a lot of love for Beautiful World. I enjoyed the follow-up, The Circus, but nothing compares to the moment Take That proved the Impossible could be done. Buy Beautiful World on Amazon.
04. How Do You Like It? – Gerry & The Pacemakers (1963)
I first discovered this album in 2009, when I bought it in a double pack with their film soundtrack, Ferry Cross The Mersey, on Amazon Music. The most I knew musically about the band up until that point were the singles; “How Do You Do It”, “I Like It” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. If I am being honest, the treble-heavy sound quality of their singles did nothing to draw me in, instead, they sounded like a group from a bygone era I couldn’t relate to. From the first play of How Do You Like It, my opinion changed forever.
I loved the energy which Gerry Marsden and his band brought to the tracks on this album, one which has a lot more go than their commercial output would suggest. I never tire of hearing them propel their way through joyful cover versions, which unexpectedly emphasise Marsden’s work as a guitarist. My favourite on this album is a cover of Larry Williams’ Slow Down; A rocking piano-led number with a soaring vocal and a killer bass line. Buy How Do You Like It on Amazon.
03. Life With You – The Proclaimers (2007)
I received this album for my 18th birthday in 2007 when it was brand new. The title track was a single, which gained a lot of attention. The album contains several self-penned tracks alongside a cover of Wreckless Eric’s Whole Wide World.
Life With You solidified my admiration for The Proclaimers because it demonstrated their genius beyond the greatest hits. I loved discovering their diverse songwriting styles, marked by distinctive harmonies, memorable melodies, and biting social commentary. The lyrics also have a pleasing flow about them, as evidenced in the songs “Blood Lying on Snow” and “In Recognition”.
This album got me through a hard time in 2008. When I saw the band live in 2016, I unexpectedly heard the opening bars of “The Long Haul” and it reduced me to tears; A physical manifestation of how much their music still means to me. Buy Life with You on Amazon.
02. In Between Dreams – Jack Johnson (2005)
Compared to everything else on this list, it could be seen as a bit left-field. My appreciation of this album surprised me, but I was struck by the constant airplay of the song “Better Together” in 2005. I became intrigued by Jack Johnson and his easygoing sound, not something I would have sought out usually.
I recall getting the album and being completely blown away by what I heard. I loved the cool atmosphere created throughout the album, complemented by the sound of acoustic guitars and Jack Johnson’s calm yet assured vocals. From commercial hits like “Better Together,” “Banana Pancakes,” “Good People,” and “Sitting, Waiting, Wishing,” to the soothing yet melancholic tones of “If I Could.” “Never Know” is another favourite of mine, with its overall acoustic sound that pleasantly fills the speakers.
I’ve never fully connected with Jack Johnson’s other music, but this album resonated. It possesses a nostalgic essence that I still can’t put down. Buy In Between Dreams on Amazon.
01. On the Level – Status Quo (1975)
For anyone who knows me, there was bound to be a Status Quo album at number one on this list. I’ve been a fan since 1997, and have been quite obsessive ever since. So many of their albums could have been here, but this is the one I’ve chosen for today.
1975’s On The Level is perhaps the absolute peak. It features the UK number one single Down Down, one of the best boogie tracks ever. Also included are a number of songs, which would later become live standards for the band, including “Little Lady”, “Most of the Time” and “Bye Bye Johnny”.
I’ve always adored the clean yet loaded sound of this album. The band are firing on all cylinders, especially Rick Parfitt’s thunderous rhythm guitar. “Over and Done” and “What to Do” are two album tracks often overlooked, but I love them. Buy On the Level on Amazon.
Honourable Mentions:
These are albums that could have made the list on a different day.
Eliminator – ZZ Top (1983)
Keep On Rockin’ On – Ian Hill (2011)
Lord Mr Ford – Jerry Reed (1973)
Rock Til You Drop – Status Quo (1991)
King of the Dog House – Francis Rossi (1996)
A Different Beat – Boyzone (1996)
Where We Belong – Boyzone (1998)
George Thorogood – Move it on Over (1978)
The Monkees – The Monkees (1966)
B Witched – Awake and Breathe (1999)
Powerage – AC/DC (1978)
The Man Who – Travis (1999)
Let There Be Rock – AC/DC (1977)
High Voltage – AC/DC (1976)
Shangri La – Jake Bugg (2013)
Chuck Berry Is on Top – Chuck Berry (1959)
Nilsson Schmilsson – Nilsson (1971)
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