#1 - Abbey Road, The Beatles

"The last Beatles album to be recorded (although Let It Be was the last to be released), Abbey Road was a fitting swan song for the group, echoing some of the faux-conceptual forms of Sgt. Pepper, but featuring stronger compositions and more rock-oriented ensemble work. The group was still pushing forward in all facets of its art, whether devising some of the greatest harmonies to be heard on any rock record (especially on "Because"), constructing a medley of songs/vignettes that covered much of side two, adding subtle touches of Moog synthesizer, or crafting furious guitar-heavy rock." (allmusic guide)

#2 - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles

"The Beatles consciously synthesized such disparate influences as psychedelia, art-song, classical music, rock & roll, and music hall, often in the course of one song. Not once does the diversity seem forced -- the genius of the record is how the vaudevillian "When I'm 64" seems like a logical extension of "Within You Without You" and how it provides a gateway to the chiming guitars of "Lovely Rita"...It's possible to argue that there are better Beatles albums, yet no album is as historically important as this." (allmusic guide)

#3 - Dark Side Of The Moon, Pink Floyd

"Classic Rock radio may have squeezed this one drier than dry, but Dark Side remains an unparalleled achievement (the anal retentive masterpiece has been on the charts for 24 years). Interestingly, one reason Syd Barrett got kicked out in 1968 was his desire to add saxophones and a female singer to the group." (real music guide)


#4 - Born To Run, Bruce Springsteen

"Born To Run was very much a do-or-die effort for Springsteen, and perhaps that's why it has such a bitter quality to it. This time out, the Boss succeeded in capturing a sound big enough to match the epic, cinematic quality of his lyrics. Springsteen has such a rich and varied career; songs such as "Born to Run" and "Thunder Road" are some of his finest moments." (real music guide)