We all have albums we stupidly bought because of 1 song (coughcough Jesus Jones coughcough). We have the albums we maybe only listen to maybe 3-4 songs from.
The rarest album though are those albums where you can listen to every song. Never press skip. Every song on the album slaps as the kids these days say. To me, only a few albums live in this rarified space.
The good thing today is that we can just buy "Right Here, Right Now" and not be stuck with the rest of that shitty Jesus Jones album.
The bad part is that if we'd just download "Narc" by Interpol, we might not ever hear "C'mere"...
Maybe the concept of album is outdated let alone a perfect album, but anyway, here's my 3 perfect albums.
U2 - The Joshua Tree 1987
I know it's fashionable to bash U2. Don't care. I think they've consistently put out great stuff almost every time. But Joshua Tree is perfect. Every song is killer. From the well known ones like With or Without You to the ones that get no love like Exit. Holds up today. Just perfect. And, if I'm being honest, Achtung Baby might have higher highs, but I think the low points are ever so slightly lower than Joshua Tree
Jane's Addiction - Nothing's Shocking 1988
Album was released on a Tuesday, I drove to freshman year of college that Saturday, heard Mountain Song on the drive down. First thing after getting unloaded was to find the local record store and buy this. Jane Says got the airplay, but every song on this was a powerhouse, including one of the greatest songs recorded - Ted, Just Admit it.
Faith No More - Angel Dust 1992
If CDs and digital audio could be worn out, I would wear out this album. Everything on it is has its own unique sound and it's all perfect. Yes, even Midnight Cowboy. I listen to this all the way through at least once a month.
What are your perfect albums?