Perfect Albums

It’s rare to find a perfect album. Usually, there are a few good songs and a few mediocre ones. Perfect albums are those in which every track is great—and all the songs combine to form a coherent whole.

Here is a list of some perfect albums I have discovered. My criteria were strict—every track on the album must contribute. If everthing is great except for one annoying song, it doesn’t make the cut.

Many of my favorite artists didn’t make the list. Many of my favorite albums didn’t make the list, either. In order to qualify, the record must be flawless.

I also didn’t include “Greatest Hits” collections, “Various Artists” compilations or DJ mixes. Nor did I include the many perfect albums I’ve never had the pleasure of hearing. Remember, this list is limited by my personal listening experience.

Send me your list of perfect albums, or tell me why my list is totally wrong. Let the debate begin!

2Pac - Me Against the World2Pac - Me Against the World
This is an amazingly complex and compelling album. It might be the most intimate hip-hop album ever recorded, as Tupac struggles with mortality, purpose, hope, despair, spirituality and guilt. At the same time, his characteristic bravado never softens. The album’s title perfectly summarizes the general tone of the entire record—which finds Tupac defiantly searching for hope in a cold, uncaring world.

The Beach Boys - Pet SoundsThe Beach Boys - Pet Sounds
What The Beach Boys lack in depth, they make up for in emotional power, tenderness and amazing musical arrangements. Pet Sounds marked a departure from their surf-rock image; only their signature harmonies remained as they moved into darker, slower musical territory. With stark beauty and inspired instrumentals (bells, tambourines and barking dogs), songs like “God Only Knows” and “Caroline No” explore the links between romantic and spiritual longing, but the album never gets too arty or pretentious.

The Clash - London CallingThe Clash - London Calling
In 1979, The Clash were “the only band that matters”. Their catchy, danceable fusion of punk rock, reggae and rockabilly has influenced every pop/punk/ska band that followed, but none have ever matched the substance of The Clash’s anti-establishment rants. Think politics and pop are incompatible? London Calling’s nineteen perfect tracks will blow you away.

Dexy's Midnight Runners - Too-Rye-AyDexy’s Midnight Runners - Too-Rye-Ay
It’s a shame that Dexy’s Midnight Runners are remembered in America only for their kegger classic “Come on Eileen”. I love this band for their enchanting mix of soul, new wave and traditional Celtic music. Too-Rye-Ay blends Kevin Rowland’s impassioned lyrics with a barrage of bombastic brass, soulful back-up singers and folksy fiddles.

David Garza - This EuphoriaDavíd Garza - This Euphoria
It is quite rare to encounter an album that veers so wildly in style from track to track, and uses so many disparate musical elements, yet still coheres as well as this one does. Garza’s uptempo pop hooks are full of beauty and tension, while his gentle ballads seem to float down from heaven. From one lyric to the next, Garza can summon the confident swagger of a rock star, or the puppy-love of a school-boy. In that sense, this record reflects the complex realities of life, filtered through a set of wonderful pop tunes.

Vince Guaraldi Trio - A Charlie Brown ChristmasVince Guaraldi Trio - A Charlie Brown Christmas
Inspired by the cartoon art of Peanuts, jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi writes music that captures the wistfulness of Charles Schulz’s original work. Lovingly played by a three-piece combo, A Charlie Brown Christmas mixes traditional Christmas songs (“O Tannenbaum”) with original works, like the classic “Linus and Lucy” and the gorgeous “Christmas Time is Here”. As the soundtrack for the animated television special, Guaraldi’s music complements, yet never overpowers the onscreen action. As it’s own listening experience, it is stunningly beautiful and delicate.

A Tribe Called Quest - Midnight MaraudersA Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Marauders
Midnight Marauders is a hip-hop album that withstands the test of time as a completely coherent work. Jazzy tracks like “Award Tour” and “Electric Relaxation” showcase Phife Dawg and Q-Tip trading playful rhymes to create a conversation about everyday life. And the cover art contains a “who’s who” of late-80s hip-hop, which is fun to study while listening to the record.

Click on any of the record covers to purchase the album from Amazon.com.