“Strangeways, Here We Come” by The Smiths (No. 10)
The final album by The Smiths, Strangeways Here We Come is a fitting close to a brief but brilliant career. The Smiths’ star shone brightly and burned out quickly, but they were prolific as Hell for the brief time they were together. Strangeways is their fourth and final album,...
“Document” by R.E.M. (No. 19)
For Document R.E.M. picked up a much harder edge than previous albums. Sure, Life’s Rich Pageant dabbled a bit with more aggressive guitar, but Document has a much harsher sound throughout. And it sounds so, so good. Document practically kicks you in the face with the opening track, “Finest...
“Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me” by The Cure (No. 20)
Most of The Cure‘s albums are outstanding, but Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me is simply magical. Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me shows The Cure delivering perfect, joyful pop right alongside languid and extended jams that don’t give a damn about radio play. I have to be honest,...
“The Joshua Tree” by U2 (No. 23)
It’s a little daunting to try to find something original to say about an album like The Joshua Tree. Released in 1987, The Joshua Tree sold something like 25 million copies, While it’s no Rumors or Thriller, The Joshua Tree has been rather thoroughly reviewed many times over. I...
“Cloud Nine” by George Harrison (No. 34)
Cloud Nine may not be the strongest George Harrison work outside of The Beatles, but for many reasons it’s my favorite Harrison solo album. My reasons for loving this album? Let me tell you them… At 17, when Cloud Nine was released, I was still strongly convinced that no...