While in the initial stages of working through the Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (as discussed here), it occurred to me that each and every album on the list is probably someone, somewhere’s favourite.

It can be very difficult to settle on a favourite. As TWLS Member #009 protested, plucking two albums from the vast world of music is “an almost impossible task.” I sympathize. The human condition offers no end of excruciating choices. But sometimes, push comes to shove.

In that spirit, I have canvassed the Membership for their top 2 albums of all time. All members contributed and I have complied the list that follows for our mutual enjoyment and edification.

Should you choose to listen your way through, you can do so secure in the knowledge that when push came to shove, each album was special enough to be chosen (albeit in some cases grudgingly) as a “top album of all time” for at least one fellow member.

The List

Alphabetically by artist:

1. Ani Difranco, Little Plastic Castles (1998)
2. The Beatles, With the Beatles (1963)
3. The Beatles, Revolver (1966)
4. Beethoven, 5th Symphony (London Symphony Orchestra) (1808/2013)
5. Bjork, Homogenic (1997)
6. Bob Dylan, Blond on Blond (1966)
7. Bob Marley & the Wailers, Legend (1984)
8. Buffalo Springfield, For What It’s Worth (Single) (1966)
9. City and Colour, Sometimes (2005)
10. Counting Crows, August and Everything Thereafter (1993)
11. Fleetwood Mac, Rumours (1977)
12. Kendrick Lamar, Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City (2012)
13. LCD Soundsystem, Sound of Silver (2007)
14. Lou Reid, New York (1989)
15. Maggie Rogers, Heard it in a Past Life (2019)
16. Miles Davis, Kind of Blue (1959)
17. Neutral Milk Hotel, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea (1998)
18. Nirvana, Nevermind (1991)
19. Pink Floyd, The Wall (1982)
20. Poison, Look What the Cat Dragged In (1986)
21. The Rolling Stones, Sticky Fingers (1971)
22. Rush, Signals (1982)
23. The Smashing Pumpkins, Siamese Dream (1993)
24. Thelma Houston, I’ve Got the Music in Me (1975)
25. Tracy Chapman, Tracy Chapman (1988)
26. The Tragically Hip, Phantom Power (1998)
27. Type O Negative, October Rust (1996)
28. The Velvet Underground, Underground & Nico (1967)

Notes & Submission Excerpts

“Ok, I will answer. But I can’t promise it wouldn’t be different tomorrow…” (Member #004)

“Before these, pop was just for dancing. These had something to say.” (Member #002)

“This would have been on the list long before that fucking guy on tick toc made it trendy again.” (Member #007 on Rumours)

“I know, I know… I could pick some more esoteric Miles Davis album, but I am trying to be honest and Kind of Blue is objectively perfect start to front.” (Member #008 on Kind of Blue)

Yes, Legend counts even though a compilation “is not really an album” per Member #011.

Only 3 members were able to limit themselves to 2 selections.

Only two members boldly and immediately pronounced their choices without a single caveat.

With 5 picks, Rumours was the top choice by a Landslide.

This post will be updated in the coming months to reflect any musings or other feedback on the albums. Thank you for your contributions and I encourage you to listen. Beauty is all around us, we need only take the time to enjoy it.