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 MemorySFaM 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
Oh for movie night it’s gold!
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
Sturgill Simpson - Sound and Fury.
Especially if you watch the anime that was created specifically for it on Netflix. Flat out amazing.
Great suggestion, but I’d actually say The Ballad of Dood and Juanita and Sailor’s Guide to Earth are better concept albums from Sturgill Simpson. Although, OP seems to lean toward rock more than bluegrass/country, so Sound and Fury might be a better place to start.
Kendrick Lamar - Good kid M.A.A.D. city
I’ve listened to most of the other concept albums mentioned in this thread, but I believe deep in my heart of hearts, this album has the strongest story and emotional impact.
My favorite is Queensrÿche’s Operation: Mindcrime. It gets pretty regular listenings still.
Hemispheres (the first side is one long concept piece, but the flip side is awesome too) - Rush
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Time by ELO
Unleash the Archer - Abyss
Act II: The Father of Death, by The Protomen.
The story, the music, it all works for me.
Fantastic album, would love to see them live at some point
666 by Aphrodite’s Child is pretty awesome.
It’s a concept album based on the Book of Revelation. This is also the band that Vangelis was in before he started scoring movies.
Chill Out by the motherfuckin’ KLF
