Lists

Here’s a new way of calculating the 100 best-ever rock albums

Lists are fun, but when it comes to compiling something like the 100 best-ever rock albums, once it’s been done, things become canon and it’s rare to see much change in the rankings over subsequent years. Maybe we what we need is a brand new methodology. This is where Stacker comes in. I quote:

Stacker compiled a list of the 100 best rock albums with the help of data (as of Aug. 28, 2020) from Best Ever Albums, which ranks albums according to their appearance and performance on 40,000 editorial and data-based charts like Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and Billboard.”

The results look something like this. The list begins with the debut from Rage Against the Machine at #100.

#100. ‘Rage Against the Machine’ by Rage Against the Machine

– Best Ever Albums score: 14,823
– Best Ever Albums user rating: 82
– Rank all-time: #116
– Rank in decade: #23
– Rank in year: #2
– Year: 1992

The debut album by Rage Against the Machine was considered groundbreaking in its mix of rap with rock. The band blended guitar solos with angry lyrics, and it’s widely considered to be the band’s best work.

This continues for another 99 selections. What’s number one? Nothing from The Beatles. Or Pink Floyd. Or Bowie.

See for yourself.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39502 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

One thought on “Here’s a new way of calculating the 100 best-ever rock albums

  • I grew up listening to CFNY. Alan was excellent. CFNY was a way of life. My fondest memories as a young manrevolve around music and the music spun by greats such as Alan.

    Reply

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