By Lewis Wilson

In a market dominated by digital playlists and portable streaming devices, vinyl records have made an unlikely comeback. In 2023, Vinyl sales overtook CD sales for the first time this century, suggesting a new era in music.

In the midst of the changing dynamic around how we listen to music, I wanted to explore the only thing that will always be a constant – the albums that will always, always have the ‘Legendary’ status within the industry.

Therefore I teamed up with Ben’s Collectors Records – a local music shop in Tunsgate – so we could decipher the 10 greatest albums of all time and what makes them so special.

10: Kind of love

Artist: Miles Davis

Most Notable Song: So What

Copies Sold: 5 Million

Release Year: 1959

Often credited by critics as being the greatest Jazz album of all time, the combination of Davis on piano and John Coltrane on saxophone gives any listener an incredible experience whilst listening to this inspirational album. Songs Davis wrote were one of a kind – paving the way for many more artists with his ground-breaking improvisation techniques.

9: What’s going on

Artist: Marvin Gaye

Most Notable Song: Inner City Blues

Copies Sold: 2 Million

Release Year: 1971

Marvin Gaye’s prestigious album is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a snapshot of a troubled era. Marvin’s smooth voice and heartfelt lyrics tackle huge social problems in society, such as war, racism and the environment leading to the Rolling Stone magazine rating it the greatest album of all time.

8: Electric Ladyland

Artist: Jimi Hendrix

Most Notable song: All along the Watchtower

Copies Sold: 27 Million

Release Year: 1968

Released in 1968 by Jimi Hendrix, Electric Ladyland is a groundbreaking rock album known for its revolutionary guitar work and innovative studio techniques. The cover of Bob Dylan’s ‘All along the Watchtower’ Is a must listen for a fan of any music genre where Hendrix shows his status as the greatest guitarist of all time.

7: Definitely Maybe

Artist: Oasis

Most Notable Song: Live Forever

Copies Sold: 8 Million

Release Year: 1994

In 1993 an unemployed Noel Gallagher wrote what would come to be a definitive song in the Britpop era – Live Forever. This hit along with many others made up one of the greatest albums of all time. Definitely maybe, where the Gallagher brothers showcase their amazing talent, is viewed as the greatest album of the Britpop era and a turning point in British Culture.

6: Night at the Opera

Artist: Queen

Most Notable Song: Bohemian Rhapsody

Copies Sold: 6 Million

Release Year: 1975

Freddie Mercury’s vocals are showcased in the timeless classic ‘Night at the Opera’. A perfect blend of opera and flair, different songwriting styles combine to create a perfect symbol of British music.

5: Wish you were here

Artist: Pink Floyd

Most Notable Song: Wish You Were Here

Copies Sold: 13 Million

Release Year: 1975

“Wish You Were Here,” Pink Floyd’s 1975 album, is a classic in rock music. It’s famous for its deep, emotional songs like the title track. With its exceptional guitar work and meaningful lyrics, the album is a timeless favourite that has left an impactful mark on the world of rock.

4: Dark side of the moon

Artist: Pink Floyd

Most Notable Song: Time

Copies Sold: 45 Million

Release Year: 1973

“Pink Floyd’s ‘The Dark Side of the Moon,’ released in 1973, is an iconic album that delves into life’s big questions. With memorable songs like ‘Money,’ it’s famous for its progressive rock sound and has sold millions of copies, making it one of the most beloved albums of all time.

3: Nevermind

Artist: Nirvana

Most Notable Song: Smells Like Teen Spirit

Copies Sold: 30 Million

Release Year: 1991

One of the most influential bands of the 90s, Kurt Cobain’s Nirvana changed the face of rock history forever with their new age grunge, shaping the culture of youth rebellion and kickstarting the vibrant array of music produced in the 90s.

2: Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

Artist: The Beatles

Most Notable Song: Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

Copies Sold: 32 Million

Release Year: 1967

The Beatles used the ‘Paul is Dead’ Conspiracy theory repeatedly to create intrigue around their new album, displaying clues for listeners in their album cover, provoking theorists throughout the country. But don’t let the mystery of the album distract you from the songs within it – a combination of Lennon, McCartney and Starr vocals cement this album as up there with the greatest.

1: Rumours

Artist: Fleetwood Mac

Most Notable Song: Dreams

Copies Sold: 40 Million

Release Year: 1977

For a band suffering from such strenuous relationships outside of the music, rumours is undoubtedly the best album of all time considering the challenges the band had to face while recording, 2 couples within the band splitting up and writing songs about each other. But who knows? Maybe the hate and envy the band members had for each other fuelled them to write such amazing songs.

This article was written with the help of Ben’s Collectors Records, an amazing independent record shop in the centre of Guildford with high quality records and low prices. Visit Ben’s Collector Records