I don't necessarily consider these the 14 best albums of all time, however I think they all have something different about them that are worth listening to. Some of these albums contain some of my favorite songs of all time, some have special meaning to me and some take me back to some of the happiest times of my life. I hope you have just as much fun listening to each song as I did making this list!
1. Journey: Greatest Hits
This album was produced in 1988 and will never be the same without Steve Perry. My favorite song off this album is "Faithfully".
2. Continuum
This album was produced in 2006. This album is my favorite because it's the first time we see soul and blues influences in John Mayer's music. My favorite song is "I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You).
3. Graduation
This album was produced in 2007 by artist Kanye West. My favorite song is "Can't Tell Me Nothing".
4. Man on the Moon: The End of Day
Artist Kid Cudi released this album in 2009. He completely opens up about his struggles with mental health, especially in my favorite song, "Soundtrack To My Life."
5. Nevermind
Lead singer Kurt Cobain of the rock band Nirvana is one of my favorite vocalists of all time. "Nevermind" is their second album and was released in 1991. My favorite song is "Lithium" because it's the first hints Cobain leaves of thoughts of suicide.
6. Stadium Arcadium
The Red Hot Chili Peppers released "Stadium Arcadium" in 2006; it was their first #1 selling album in the United States. This is also the last album produced before guitarist John Frusciante left the band; my favorite guitar solo of his is in my favorite song "Dani California".
7. Hell Freezes Over
"Hell Freezes Over" is the second live album released by the Eagles in 1994. This was also the first album released following their 14-year long band break up. My favorite song is "Life in the Fast Lane."
8. Abbey Road
The Beatles are recognized as one of the most iconic bands of all time. "Abbey Road" was released in 1969 and was the last album produced with all four members in the studio together. "Come Together" topped the Billboard charts upon release.
9. Take Care
Young Money Entertainment produced Drake's album "Take Care" and was named the most anticipated album of its release date in 2011. In contrast to his previous albums, "Take Care" evokes a mood of sadness and conflict and Drake brings in more R&B elements through singing over rapping. My favorite song is "Practice."
10. Back in Black.
Iconic Australian rock band ACDC released their album "Back in Black" in 1980. This album is considered to be their first international breakout with songs such as "Highway to Hell" and "Back in Black" topping the charts in multiple countries. My favorite song, "You Shook Me All Night Long" is the first to feature Brian Johnson as lead vocals.
11. American Idiot
"American Idiot" is the seventh album produced by Punk Rock band Green Day and was popular in both the U.K. and the U.S. upon release in 2004. My favorite song "Holiday/Boulevard of Broken Dreams" was written by lead singer Billy Joel.
12. Good Kid, M.A.A.D City
Kendrick Lamar released his album "Good Kid, M.A.A.D City" in 2012; this album is considered to be his first major label debut. It was #2 of the Billboard charts with 242,000 copies in its first week. This album also earned Kendrick Lamar four Grammy nominations including "Album of the Year." He is arguably one of the best lyricists of all time. My favorite song off the album is "Backseat Freestyle."
13. Forest Drive
"Forest Drive" is J. Cole's third album produced; it was released in 2014. This album is my favorite because it was primarily produced by J. Cole himself. My favorite song "No Role Modelz" was among the four singles that supported the album.
14. American Beauty
The Grateful Dead is one of my favorite bands of all time. This album was released in 1970 and continued the folk rock sound of previous album "Workingman's Dead," however it contained more harmonies and major key melodies. My favorite song is "Box of Rain".
