In our Vinyl Carolina group on Facebook we’re doing a “Top 20” theme for the end of 2022, where members can pick any kind of top 20 to post and share…be it all-time favorites or of a specific genre, artist, era etc.
I figured I’d also post my own top 20 here on the website…the top 20 all-time in my collection. Basically the 20 albums I would grab in case of fire, not based on value but on how much I like, listen, and connect with them as of right now, at the end of 2022.
My tastes have changed a lot in the past year so it was fun to figure out where the list is now and how different compared to a year ago.
I’ll update this post as I post the countdown from 20 to 1…
#20
Faith No More – Angel Dust (1992/2013 RE MOV)
I loved “The Real Thing”, but this one really took them to a new level. The songwriting, the production, the intensity and urgency felt across the entire release. Mike Patton is a monster on here.
It’s a career-defining album for them and defies proper genre classification.
#19
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991/1999 EU RE)
Their previous albums, and especially “Mother’s Milk” had them primed for a major breakout moment and this was it. The hits from this album was everywhere in 1991/1992. MTV, radio soaked it all in with abandon. Well deserved as this opus is funky, and rockin’ and was unlike anything else on the dial or TV when it landed.
The grooves are infectious for days…so many deep cuts that still hit hard. They’ve had a lot of success since but this might still be their best.
#18
Eric Clapton – “Journeyman”
Released Nov. 7th, 1989.
The album was considered a “Comeback” album for Clapton, who had recently gotten sober. It was a chart success and earned him a Grammy for Best Male Rock Performance for the single “Bad Love”.
I love the mix of late 80s production on the rock tracks and the groove of the blues-leaning cuts.
The singles + “Running On Faith” and “Lead Me On” are personal faves.
#17
Savatage – Handful Of Rain (1994/2022 RE)
I’m on “Team Zak” when it comes to Savatage, and while this isn’t the best release from them with Zak Stevens on vocals, it’s the release that I re-discovered the band with.
This was the first album after the tragic death of founding member Criss Oliva, and features Alex Skolnick on lead guitar, with Jon Oliva handling the majority of the rest of the instruments in the studio.
“Chance” is an epic song on here that alludes to what was to come down the line with TSO. “Taunting Cobras” and the beautiful tribute “Alone You Breathe” are also highlights.
#16
King’s X – Gretchen Goes To Nebraska (1989/2015 RE)
The second release by King’s X is considered a classic and a landmark release in the progressive/hard rock genres. Reviews at the time and since have been overwhelmingly positive and with good reason.
This concept album, based on a short story by the band’s drummer, includes some amazing musicianship and songwriting and all 3 members are in top form throughout.
“Over My Head” is an amazing track, but in all seriousness there isn’t a skippable track on this one.
#15
Whitesnake – 1987 (1987/2017 RE)
Gamechanger. David Coverdale and John Sykes created a hard rock & blues masterpiece in 1987. Sykes and the rest of the band were rewarded by getting fired upon the album release. Yeah as a huge Sykes fan, that still irks me.
This 30th anniversary remix isn’t as good IMO as the original, unfortunately I gave my son my OG pressing so this is what I have. The bonus tracks are nice, the live tracks are trash.
But anyways, “Still of the Night” is a song I’ve probably heard 5,000 times and still love. The 2 ballads I have heard more than enough thanks to oversaturation on classic rock radio over the years…but every other track on here is stellar.
#14
Warrant – Dog Eat Dog (1992/2022 RE)
“Cherry Pie” was the monster album, but the follow-up, “Dog Eat Dog” was the statement. Heavy, melodic, hard-hitting as Jani Lane and co. tried desperately to overcome the labels that the innuendo-driven title track from the previous album had left them stuck with.
Instead of syrupy ballads, “Dog Eat Dog” presented songs about dystopian futures, earnest contemplation and despair. Even the opening track’s sexual theme is drowning in a level of bitterness. Just a deep album. Songwriting that other “Hair metal” bands weren’t capable of.
Unfortunately, it was 1992 and just about everyone had moved on so most folks missed this one completely. Luckily it has aged well and has become known as the best in their discography.
Every track on here is a winner, but especially side 1.
#13
Ghost – Impera
(Released 3/11/2022)
The latest from Tobias Forge and his legion of nameless ghouls is a tour de force that wears it’s obvious influences loudly and proudly.
Ghost fans are quite divided between which era of the band’s discography they prefer. I fall in the camp that believes they are getting better with each release. This album is melodic, with hooks for days. The campy satanism schtick is toned down enough to allow this release to be more mainstream and the chart and critical success this year along with a monster headlining tour are showing that it’s working.
Side 1, IMO, is among the best rock spins in the last 25 years. A mountain of earworms. Side 2 loses a little steam and has a true clunker in “Twenties” but that doesn’t do much damage here.
#12
Foo Fighters – Medicine At Midnight
(Released Feb. 5th, 2021)
My wife refers to Dave Grohl as her “2nd husband” and I can’t really blame her. He’s a rock god, and by all accounts a pretty fucking cool dude.
When it comes to the Foo Fighters, I was a casual fan at best until my good friend Carl made me an offer on almost all of their discography on vinyl in one fell swoop a couple years back, that I snagged for said wife.
And TBH, their music really grew on me then, just in time for this release in 2021. And I really connected with all the tracks on here. I really enjoy the nuance and exploration of different styles they decided to explore on here.
It’s groovy, rockin’ when it wants to be, a little funky in spots. Songwriting is top notch, and production wise it sounds to my ears better than anything else they’ve released.
“Making A Fire”, “Shame Shame”, “Waiting on a War” and closing track “Love Dies Young” are all winners, but there are no duds here. I just hope we haven’t seen the end of FF after Taylor Hawkins’ death earlier this year.
#11
Demi Lovato – Holy Fvck
(Released Aug. 19th, 2022)
The newest album to make my top 20. Had you asked me 6 months ago to name a Demi Lovato track, I would have drawn a blank. But then I saw the video for “Eat Me”, with Nita Strauss on guitar and the world suddenly changed.
I have since become obsessed with Demi. I’ve learned all about her struggles with substance abuse, and her near-death experience 4-5 years ago. All of that leads to this album, which is a brutally honest release from her that addresses so many aspects of her life.
Which is all fine and good but how is it musically? It is an in-your-face, abrasive, sexual, brilliant heavy modern rock album that will kick your ass, then stand over you and taunt you for not keeping up.
She doesn’t shy away from anything. From her addictions, to her unease at being a role model. I especially love it when she brings in the hypocrisy of her religious upbringing.
This album is the most brutally honest-feeling album I have heard in decades. It’s sonically astounding and her voice is angelic (and TBH, demonic).
Favorite tracks? Holy Fvck I can’t pick, eat them all up.
#10
Paramore – After Laughter
(Released May 12th, 2017)
Similarly to Demi Lovato, had you asked me 6 months ago to name a Paramore song, I would be at a loss. I had the “Riot” cd, but hadn’t paid any attention to it.
But then Fueled By Ramen, via Atlantic Records, sent me an email to let me know that Paramore had a new video/song for “This Is Why” and I clicked that link, and the world changed.
I was instantly drawn in and had to learn more, so off to YouTube I went, and everything I saw and heard made me tingle in a special way that only good music makes happen.
And so off I went to acquire their entire discography, which at least as far as regular studio albums, I now have. This is the best for me so far. I understand their evolution from pop punk in the mid 2000’s to what we have here and I know the fandom is divided, but this is the album that as of now is my favorite.
“After Laughter” evokes a lot of 80s vibes, but there is so, so much more happening here. Hayley Williams is so amazing on these tracks that weave a fabric across many different pop and rock genres. So many damned earworms. Half the week I wake up with one of these songs already on repeat in my head.
“Hard Times”, “Rose-Colored Boy”, “Fake Happy” are perfect places to start, but aside from a stumble near the end, this entire album is stream/spin worthy.
#9
The Artist (Formerly Known As Prince) – The Gold Experience (1995/2022 RE)
My top 10, moreso than anything else, happens based on the emotional reaction I have to the tracks on them. That at least in part explains why The Gold Experience is here instead of honestly better Prince albums such as Sign o The Times.
Frankly speaking, in 1995 when this was released, it spoke to me on a deep level. My life was in a major state of flux, and Prince was also in the middle of a whirlwind of turmoil, so I related to this album as much as almost anything else at the time.
Prince was in the middle of a war over the rights to his music with Warner Brothers, and had forsaken his name for a symbol, and after a lot of delays, released the Gold Experience. Despite critical acclaim and after the strength of the lead single “The Most Beautiful Girl In The World”, this album for the most part was ignored by the general public.
It’s a shame. There’s plenty to love here, from the opening “P* Control” to the rocking “Endorphinmachine” and eclectic cuts like “Dolphin” to the epic ballad “I Hate U”, there is so much here for everyone.
And the final track, “Gold” soars like nothing since Purple Rain…providing a satisfying end to this set.
#8
Amy Winehouse – Back To Black
(2006/2018 Deluxe RE)
A couple of years ago I bought a very small collection from someone local on the Facebook marketplace, and among them was the original version of this album. I had heard of Amy Winehouse before and had probably heard “Rehab” at some point, at least in part, but that was it.
And then I listened to the album and fell in love. The uniqueness of her vocals, the style, the sensuality that oozed from each lyric. It was hypnotic.
And so I quickly started catching up, learning more about her and her tragic story. I bought her first album, the remix RSD compilation, the Live at The BBC box set, everything I could snatch up.
But this is the one. The original album is plenty on it’s own, with “Rehab”, “You Know I’m No Good”, the title song, and the others. Her incredible songwriting, the lyrics serving as a story of her life with all it’s warts. A breathtaking journey.
This release, half-speed mastered at Abbey Road, includes the amazing “Valerie”, the fun “Monkey Man” and others that work well as a companion disc.
For fans of pop, soul, jazz, and anyone breathing.
#7
Olivia Newton-John / Electric Light Orchestra – Xanadu (From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
(Released June 27th, 1980)
I don’t remember if “Xanadu” was my introduction to ONJ or not. I was 8 when this came out and I do know that ONJ as “Kira” in the movie was my introduction to the tingly feelings of puberty at some point when the movie made it to TV.
ELO, I had no idea who they were back then, or if they were even a real band or something made up for the movie. Again, I was a kid.
All that being said, I fell in love with the movie, with the soundtrack, with the female lead.
Side 1 is the “ONJ” side and includes the hit “Magic”, as well as a song with The Tubes, and a duet with co-star Gene Kelly. It also includes a song, “Suddenly” that has long been one of “Our songs” for my wife and me.
Side 2 is the “ELO” side, and Jeff Lynne and co. don’t disappoint. “I’m Alive” and the other 3 ELO-specific tracks are electric and serve great in the movie and the soundtrack, providing a perfect balance.
And then, the title-track finale, Xanadu. I always wonder what an ELO album would sound like with her on co-vocals cause this tune is superb. Perfect closer for the soundtrack and for the film.
We lost Olivia this year to cancer (#FuckCancer). But just like her character, “Kira”, I’m sure she’ll continue to be a Muse for years to come.
#6
The Cure – Disintegration (1989/2010 RE)
I discovered The Cure in 1986 when a kid moved from Dorchester, Mass. down to NC and we became friends. He handed me an entire case of cassettes from “College alt.” bands I’d never heard of. That 2 of those are in my all-time top 10 tells ya how meaningful that musical exchange was to me…
I was already loving the 2 releases from them prior to Disintegration’s release in May, 1989, but I had no idea what was coming with this one. It’s profoundly atmospheric. The layers of instrumentals create this sort of euphoric goth musical happy place (Yeah, I know how weird that sounds as a descriptor, but trust me, it fits).
The album has a runtime of over 70 minutes. It’s a winding journey that somehow feels interminable and ephemeral at the same time.
Every track holds it’s own in this set, but “Lovesong”, “Fascination Street” are stellar singles. “Lullaby” is haunting and absurd. The title track is brooding and pulses with a build-up of raw emotion.
Rolling Stone lists “Disintegration” at 116 on their 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list, and I would suggest that’s way too low.
#5
Spiritbox – Eternal Blue
(Released Sept. 17th, 2021)
There was a time when nothing about this album would be intriguing to me. A female lead singer, a “metalcore” band, electronic elements, “Cookie monster” vocals? Once upon a time none of that would appeal to me.
In the last couple of years I’ve actually come to love female rock vocalists more than ever, and listen to them in heavy music, rock and pop moreso than their male counterparts. As for the other elements, well that makes Spiritbox unique.
I’m not a fan of growling metalcore, and first time I heard this band, I wasn’t impressed. “Holy Roller” is a monster (literally if you’ve seen the scary-as-fuck video) and I dismissed them as not my cup of tea.
But then more videos from them popped up in my suggestions. “Hurt You”, “Secret Garden” “Circle With Me”, and finally “Constance”. One thing quite evident in my most favorite albums is the level of emotion they elicit when listening. Those tracks and a few others on this release never fail to have a major, sometimes surreal emotional impact on me, even after hundreds of spins.
The emotional heft of this album, the sheer power of the music, the somehow understated clean vocals of Courtney LaPlante alongside her husband Mike Stringer’s incredible guitar prowess are simply stunning.
And when she let’s loose, with just the right balance, her harsh vocals are otherworldly.
This album is a roller coaster. I can’t wait to find out what comes next.
#4
Queensrÿche – Operation: Mindcrime (1988/2021 RE)
It’s a concept album, based on a story involving drugs, sex, organized crime and religion, released in the late 80s by a progressive metal band out of Washington State. You have to wonder what the record company thought when this is what Queensÿche brought them.
But it works. Damn does it. Arguably one of the best concept albums of all time; certainly within the metal genre. Geoff Tate was the mastermind behind the story, and he and guitarist Chris DeGarmo handled the majority of the songwriting. The result is an amazing concept that is enhanced by a sonic powerhouse of somewhat progressive but moreso just straight ahead, melodic metal.
The dynamics between tracks with instrumental passages, character segues and other elements work quite well, carrying you through each act of the album.
And you need those moments to catch your breath because the intensity is otherwise through the roof. The rhythm section track to track are relentlessly pounding the soundscape while guitarists Michael Wilton and DeGarmo are providing incredible riffs and leads throughout. All of this supporting frontman Tate whose vocal range and ability to emote the lyrical content is perfect here. True lightning in a bottle.
Highlights include “Spreading The Disease”, “I Don’t Believe in Love” and the amazing closer “Eyes of a Stranger”. The epic “Suite Sister Mary” is a heated thrill ride.
The album has always suffered a little by the original digital production and mixing. The subsequent remastering has helped somewhat and spreading it to 2 LPs has helped as well. But as fantastic as the songs are, this will never be an album you use to test a setup. However, it remains a perfect album to play loud enough for the neighbors to enjoy with you.
#3
The Smiths – The Queen Is Dead (1986/2012 RE)
Much like with The Cure, my friend from Massachusetts is responsible for introducing me to The Smiths back in 1986. This was brand new back then and I had no idea who they were or what I was in for.
I was hooked by the time the first track reached its first chorus. Guitarist Johnny Marr and vocalist Morrissey are the songwriting duo responsible for every track on here, and arguably IMO one of the best to come from the UK in the last 50 years not named Lennon and McCartney when it comes to song crafting and lyrics.
Marr’s tasteful guitar work here matches Morrissey’s ironic, melancholic crooning better than you’d imagine. Neither have been better in their careers than they were together the short time the band existed before imploding a few years after this release.
The songs so unique, unlike anything else at the time. Brilliant indie rock. Catchy, memorable melodies and layered instrumental flourishes that understand how space and dynamics allow the songs to breathe. A very less-is-more approach that serves them tremendously well.
I’m not going to list favorite tracks, as they are all amazing. It’s a shame Marr and Morrissey couldn’t find a way to work together longer. And for those who will point to issues with Morrissey’s politics etc., I get it, but I am able to just focus on the art vs. the artist in times like this and happily enjoy this for what it is: mid-80s UK pop perfection.
#2
HIM – Dark Light
(Released Sept. 26th, 2005)
Finnish gothic rock band HIM was a band I found out about around 2000 thanks to some friends in an mp3 trading server on the old mIRC Dalnet network. At that point you couldn’t get anything from them in the US, so he ended up sending me a ton of their music digitally and I instantly fell in love with the songs and themes.
Band frontman Ville Valo is an enigma, a fascinating character. He’s a hard rock crooner with a vocal range that I think is very underrated. The music style became known as “LoveMetal”, either before, or because of, the title of their album previous to this one. It’s gothic, melancholic, dark themes but set to a melodic, hard-driving rock sound that really can be an amazing juxtaposition.
At this point in my list, these are albums I know every single note of, so again hard to pick favorites, but be sure to check out “Rip Out The Wings Of A Butterfly”, “Killing Loneliness”, and “Behind The Crimson Door”. Another favorite from this set is the Ramones cover “Poison Heart”.
And #1 ...
Prince And The Revolution – Purple Rain
(Released June 25th, 1984)
It’s been my #1 favorite album since the week it was released when I bought it on cassette from a record store in downtown Gastonia, NC. I had discovered Prince via local radio after 1999 had come out 2 years prior. “Delirious” was actually the first track from him I’d ever heard.
So I was already excited for this one, the music and the movie. This is the life-changer. I was 12 when this was released. It shaped my musical likes. Before this it was Elvis, Captain & Tennille and Olivia Newton-John and then top 40 radio for a couple years leading up…
So this album was like losing my musical virginity. It was otherworldly. I lost my mind over what I was hearing and quickly went about buying all of his previous albums (wow, nobody warned me about Dirty Mind?).
I convinced my Dad to take me and my friend Jennifer to see the movie in the theater (I forgot to tell him the rating lol). I had my grandmother buying it for me on vinyl for Christmas that year while my Aunts bought me the accompanying Sheila E. and The Time albums. (None of them were willing to buy me the Apollonia Six one though…).
There’s no use in going over the tracks on this one. It’s one of the biggest selling albums of all time. It’s a masterpiece and somehow might not even be the best he ever released. If my list was a top 21 instead of 20, SOTT would have been the 3rd Prince album on this page.
A musical genius, the first artist to ever have the #1 song, album and movie at the same time. Maybe the best rock ballad of all time as an 8+ minute closer. It’ll just never get any better than this IMHO.