Collection: 500 Greatest Albums of All Time

Picking the 500 greatest albums ever made is a lovely way to bring music lovers together. Briefly. Before someone spots an omission and questions everyone’s qualifications.

Our selection is influenced by music forums, conversations among collectors and, of course, our staff at Awesome Since 84. People who’ve spent years listening to records and considerably less time agreeing about them.

Inside you’ll find classics, cult favourites and albums that deserve more attention. Rock, soul, hip-hop, jazz, pop, country there’s plenty to explore, and probably something you’ll object to. We’d be disappointed if there wasn’t.

Think of this list as a conversation with a friend who knows their music and occasionally needs reminding that other opinions exist. You might rediscover an old favourite, finally investigate an album everyone keeps mentioning or find something completely unexpected. That last one is how “just browsing” becomes another shelf.

So have a scroll. The next record you fall in love with might be waiting below. At the very least, you’ll find ammunition for your next pub argument.

A quick practical note: these titles are ordered in after purchase, rather than held in local stock, so they won’t ship straight away. Each listing identifies the pressing you’re buying. New copies are factory sealed unless stated otherwise; pre-loved copies include separate condition details for the record and sleeve.

Browse by genre, decade, artist or format. Make yourself comfortable. Your record collection has room for one more. Your partner may have a different figure.

Written by Tim Haidt