#129 - War, U2

"With this 1983 release -- the last "raw" album U2 would make -- the band created the concept of an alternative arena rock group. The word "anthemic" doesn't even come close to describing the grandiose post-punk that they play here: this is genuinely brilliant, flag-waving rock music. U2 never sounded so totally rocking, so passionate and, honestly, so good." (real music guide)

#128 - All Things Must Pass, George Harrison

"Without a doubt, Harrison's first solo recording, originally issued as a triple album, is his best. Drawing on his backlog of unused compositions from the late Beatles era, Harrison crafted material that managed the rare feat of conveying spiritual mysticism without sacrificing his gifts for melody and grand, sweeping arrangements." (allmusic guide)

#127 - Thriller, Michael Jackson

"The biggest selling record of all time, Thriller marked a zenith in pop music songwriting. With practically every song on here hitting the Top 5 at some point the album was a sensation in the truest sense of the word. Inspired millions across the country to dress like one-gloved space captains." (real music guide)


#126 - Jagged Little Pill, Alanis Morrissette

"Alanis Morissette proves "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned." Her purging of emotions struck a chord with millions of listeners, all of whom snapped up Jagged Little Pill in droves. Burned and bitter, Morissette's scathing rants are shaped by producer/craftsman Glen Ballard, who forged songs such as "You Oughta Know" and "Ironic" into bonafide anthems." (real music guide)

#125 - Paul's Boutique, The Beastie Boys

"Arguably their best album, the Beasties' sophomore effort was commercially ignored when released in '89, and hailed as a classic years later. The production (much of it by the Dust Brothers) is out of control: an unrelenting barrage of ridiculously funky samples and thick breakbeats. Lyrically they step it up as well, with ill wordplay and sick metaphors galore." (real music guide)

#124 - Kid A, Radiohead

"Kid A is easily the most successful electronica album from a rock band -- it doesn't even sound like a rock band, even if it does sound like Radiohead. So, Kid A is an unqualified success? Well, not quite. Despite its admirable ambition, Kid A is never as visionary or stunning as OK Computer, nor does it really repay the time it demands." (Blogger's note: Actually, Kid A is personally my favorite Radiohead album.)