#14 - Kind Of Blue, Miles Davis

"The best selling jazz album in history, Kind of Blue sounds better with each passing year. Miles explores modal improvisation with pianist Bill Evans and an incredible cast of musicians. This musical voyage proves that "relaxing" music can also possess incredible depth. The group dynamics are amazing; a perfect release." (real music guide)


#13 - Blue, Joni Mitchell

"Thirty-plus years after its release, Blue is still a revelatory record, defining the Singer-Songwriter idiom even as it demolishes the conventions that came both before and after it. Mitchell is a gargantuan talent and her art was never more evident than on this wrenching and triumphant record. Just look at the cover." (real music guide)


#12 - American Beauty, The Grateful Dead

"Sporting a more full-bodied and intricate sound than its predecessor thanks to the addition of subtle electric textures, the record is also more representative of the group as a collective unit, allowing for stunning contributions from Phil Lesh (the poignant opener, "Box of Rain") and Bob Weir ("Sugar Magnolia"); at the top of his game as well is Jerry Garcia, who delivers the superb "Friend of the Devil," "Candyman," and "Ripple." Climaxing with the perennial "Truckin'," American Beauty remains the Dead's studio masterpiece -- never again would they be so musically focused or so emotionally direct." (allmusic guide)

#11 - Who's Next, The Who

"Striking a balance between lush ballads ("Behind Blue Eyes") and unbelievably loud, crazed, synthesizer-adorned raucousness ("Won't Get Fooled Again"), the Who hit their peak on this 1971 album. Following Tommy, Who's Next marks a return from labored art back to high energy rock 'n' roll, which is what the Who does best." (real music guide)

#10 - Rubber Soul, The Beatles

"Obviously inspired by the folk-rock sound blossoming in the States, the songs on the U.S. Rubber Soul show the influence that the sound of the Byrds and the songwriting of Bob Dylan were having on the Beatles. The songs added from Help! (the pleading acoustic "It's Only Love" and the rollicking opener "I've Just Seen a Face") change the entire feel of the album, making it more earthy and textural. By dropping the piano-driven "Drive My Car" and the stark "Nowhere Man," the U.S. edition stands as a much more organic and warm musical whole." (allmusic guide)