I just played American Idiot and The Wall from start to finish. For me, both are absolute masterpieces. I wouldn’t be able to say which is better than the other.
What’s the best concept album for you?
Queensryche - Operation: Mindcrime, or
Dream Theater - Metropolis, Part 2: Scenes From a Memory
SFaM was my answer. I bought that on CD when it was still newish and it was on repeat for a long long time. And I’ve listened to it at least twice a year for the last 15 years. (sobs) I’m so old.
If I die tomorrow I’d be alright Because I believe That after we’re gone The spirit carries on
I tried to limit my picks to one per artist and omitted the only loosely conceptual albums.
Top 3:
The Who - Quadrophenia
Genesis - The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
(Not UK) Frank Zappa - Joe’s Garage
Other great ones:
Kinks - Lola vs. Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part 1
Marillion - Clutching at Straws
Moody Blues - Days of Future Past
David Bowie - Diamond Dogs
Pink Floyd - it’s impossible to choose just 1
Edit: how could I have forgotten Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds?
The Wall is good but I like Animals more. The mood hits a bit harder imo.
Yeah but there’s a film of The Wall and all the tracks are different versions, plus Bob Geldof, plus animation by Gerald Scarfe
A genuine work of art
Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid, mAAd city
I may not be his biggest fan anymore but this album was incredibly influential for me personally and in my opinion, for the whole genre.
Not the best, but Joe’s Garage by Frank Zappa is one of the oddest