Uncut have published the 300 greatest albums of their existence to celebrate the 300th issue. Blue Boy polled The Afterword in 2020 for best albums of the 21st Century. There is considerable overlap. Here’s the top 21 because there was a tie for twentieth place in The Afterword. Albums released prior to the year 2000 in Uncut have been skipped over:
1 Blackstar David Bowie v Blackstar David Bowie
2 Queen of Denmark John Grant v Time (The Revelator) Gillian Welch
3 Aerial Kate Bush v In Rainbows Radiohead
4 Yankee Hotel Foxtrot Wilco v Sound Of Silver LCD Soundsystem
5 Hand Cannot Erase Stephen Wilson v Is This It The Strokes
6 Southeastern Jason Isbell v Back To Black Amy Winehouse
7 Raising Sand Robert Plant and Alison Krauss v Aerial Kate Bush
Wasp Star XTC v 8 To Pimp A Butterfly Kendrick Lamar
9 Seventh Tree Goldfrapp v Rough And Rowdy Ways Bob Dylan
10 The Liberty of Norton Folgate Madness v Let England Shake PJ Harvey
11 Back to Black Amy Winehouse v Ys Joanna Newsom
12 The Race for Space Public Service Broadcasting v Yankee Hotel Foxtrot Wilco
13 Welcome Interstate Managers Fountains of Wayne v Push The Sky Away Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Indian Ocean Frazey Ford v 14 Vespertine Björk
15 In Rainbows Radiohead v Kid A Radiohead
16 Norman Fucking Rockwell Lana Del Ray v Raising Sand Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
17 Lost in the Dream The War on Drugs v Discovery Daft Punk
18 Since I Left You The Avalanches v Illinois Sufjan Stevens
19 No Deal Melanie de Basio v McCartney III Paul McCartney
20 Just a Little Lovin’ Shelby Lynne v The Rising Bruce Springsteen
Illinois Sufjan Stevens v 21 Third Portishead
It made me realise that I don’t listen to Bob Dylan, Joanna Newsom nor PJ Harvey any more.
dai says
McCartney III ? Blimey. Chaos and Creation wipes the floor with that one.
Diddley Farquar says
Quite a lot of these seem less special now. Who listens to Back To Black or Seventh Tree? Steven Wilson sounds better and better. Lana’s class is still apparent. War On Drugs great. A while since I played Radiohead but I am convinced by In Rainbows. A lot of rather unadventurous, tasteful selections. Backward looking, safe, albeit decent.
paulwright says
Me actually. I listen to Back to Black and Seventh Tree. But not In Rainbows.
Sound of Silver, Raising Sand and Illinois all been played this year by me too.
But then again I think of them all as “new” still.
Martin Hairnet says
I played Dylan’s ‘Desolation Row’ to my daughter (big Mitski fan) to little fanfare. But a few weeks ago, for her sixteenth birthday, I bought her a copy of Alan Moore’s graphic novel ‘Watchmen’ – she is a good graphic artist, manga mostly, and I’m trying to get her to branch out a bit – and in his introduction, Moore explains how the song Desolation Row, and specifically a couplet within, was the inspiration for the whole book. I was delighted that we were able to get back to Dylan, even if it was via a circuitous route. This is a roundabout way of saying that Dylan is still relevant chez Hairnet.
paulwright says
and “outside in the cold distance a wild cat did growl. Two riders were approaching and the wind begins to howl”…
” Now at midnight all the agents
And the superhuman crew
Come out and round up everyone
That knows more than they do” I presume?
Martin Hairnet says
Yes, that’s right, although on checking this morning I realise that I got my facts slightly wrong. It’s Dave Gibbons, the illustrator of Watchmen, who writes about Desolation Row as ‘the spark’ in the intro. Is this a well known thing? I’m not really familiar with ‘Watchmen’ or Alan Moore’s work.
paulwright says
Watchmen is one of those works that influence a generation. It is well worth a read. Personally I never got on with written bits but the comic is incredibly well thought through and designed.
Alan Moore has generally had an outsized influence on comics.
Arch Stanton says
Watchmen… Desolation row… https://youtu.be/FOuSxal8pf4
Vulpes Vulpes says
Southeastern is the best album there, by a country mile.
dai says
MC Escher says
Dai speaks for me, at least, here. I have heard it and it’s not even in my record collection. Just goes to show, er, something, doesn’t it?
Vulpes Vulpes says
Yep. You have cloth ears.
Twang says
Agreed!
Rigid Digit says
The Strokes – major hyping, but I listened again t’other month and it aint half bad.
Not sure it’s in the Top 20 of the 21st Century, but maybe a bit of the hype was worthy.
PJ Harvey – I thought Hope Six Demolition Project was way better than Let England Shake
(many people disagree with me on that one)
On a side note: I’m considering swapping my Mojo sub for Uncut (should I?) – good to see lists are still a thing
SteveT says
I have to ask the question – Is Blackstar there because it is the best album of this period or is it because it signals the end of David Bowie’s life? I don’t think it is anywhere near the best album in the life of Uncut nor do I think it is Bowie’s album. I think it is nonsense
Moose the Mooche says
People are disagreeing with this list. I didn’t expect that on this thread.
H.P. Saucecraft says
I’d of placed The Monkees’ “Changes” album higher, myself, but it’s all just opinion, isn’t it? I mean, you can’t say that, say, “Live At The Padget Rooms, Penarth” is “better” in an absolute sense than, oh, I don’t know, “Toys In The Attic”, it’s down to you either liking something or not, isn’t it? Just my ten cents worth LOL FWIW!!! 🐹🐹🐹🐹🐹🐹
fitterstoke says
An unfortunate choice of example – since Padgett Rooms is clearly “better in an absolute sense” than Toys in the Attic…🤔
Moose the Mooche says
Toys in the Attic is a bloody good album. The snootiness that Aerosmith inspire is part of their appeal.
Snooty middle-aged man: Well it’s not going to be their music is it? Whew, go me!
fitterstoke says
I said “I’m not snooty…I’m just…..
STOOOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEDDDDDD”
(Kevin Ayers joke…)
Twang says
Just mentioning that my parents’ wedding reception was at the Padgett Rooms…
fitterstoke says
Don’t suppose Man were the function band?
Rigid Digit says
I like it but agree it ain’t his ultimate best. I like The Next Day more, but if I’m honest that sits below Heathen in my Dave’s Best list
Tiggerlion says
I think the consensus is that Blackstar is an astonishing record (as evidence by it topping both polls). Most of these acts made their name, and arguably their best work, in the 20th Century. There is a case to be made that Bowie is no exception but Blackstar compares very favourably with everything else in Uncut’s list.
H.P. Saucecraft says
It’s a fucking depressing piece of shit, Tig. That’s the consensus in my house.
Tiggerlion says
An astonishing, fucking depressing piece of shit, n’est ce pas?
dai says
I don’t think it is depressing at all, it is often about death, but in a fairly beautiful, somewhat liberating way. I rate it in his top 5 albums, I would go for Kid A or Yankee Hotel Foxtrot for the main prize though
MC Escher says
Well, yes and no. I’m the Derek Smalls in this argument, clearly.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Has it lasted the passage of time from when we were all (or at least the majority of us) deeply saddened by his death to today? Time has not been kind. As far from astonishing as can be imagined
H.P. Saucecraft says
“Astonishing”? Not the word I’d use in any context other than the opinions of Bowie fans. I find it impossible to share – or even understand – the state of mind that could be improved in any way by listening to Blackstar.
Tiggerlion says
Hmm. This is what you said in February 2016:
“’… Blackstar is the best thing he’s done since the Berlin tri-ology.
– Consistent. Seemingly damning with faint praise but not at all – there’s a mood that runs right through this. Dark, unsettling, but beautiful. The album hangs together. Sounds like a real band, too.
– Adventurous. Amazing that he could still be making music “your Mum and Dad wouldn’t like”. Some of this would have definitely got the “what’s this rubbish?” reaction. And that’s good.
– Melodic. I know Tigger can hear “tunes” in The Next Day, but he can see smiles on the cover of With The Beatles. He’s bonkers. There are swoops of melody all over Blackstar, some surprisingly lovely.
– Accessible. This is art, a consciously artistic statement, but it’s also enjoyable, not hard work. It’s hardly a party album (although your parties may differ), but it all slips by nicely, with enough variety and development to reward your attention all the way through – and this is a natural to listen to all the way through. I’m still astonished that the title track lasts ten minutes – listening to it, it seems half that.
– Mysterious. There’s enough WTF? weirdness here to satisfy the most obsessive Bowie-ologist. I’ll never get over the chilling synchronicity of what the fuck happened to Monday?. The overall mood, the detail, the lyrics … there’s an entire world here, furnished with Bowie’s memories.
Nice one, Dave. ”
Time passes, memories fade, opinions change but the word ‘astonish’ keeps cropping up in one guise or another.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
A very low blow, Tigger. I can’t remember what I said yesterday never mind thought X years ago.
I’m pretty sure you’ll find my words of praise for Blackstar somewhere. Like a lot of people I got swept up in the hype and, yes, the grief. As of today IMHO Blackstar verges on pretentious, always present in most of Bowie’s work, and in no way deserves the description “astonishing”. I’m probably Wrong and reserve the right to change my mind.
Tiggerlion says
I know. I feel ashamed…
Sorry Saucey
Moose the Mooche says
I used to think that what happened at mingles – remember them? – was that you got sat down in a chair and , Clockwork Orange style, publicly made to look at and account for all the stupid things you’ve said on the blog. Real St Peter-at-the-gates, Frost-Nixon shit. ^ This is similar..
It’s a mighty long way down 2016 to 2022 but speaking personally there’s nothing quite so offputting as a consensus. Plus, I have no critical faculties when it comes to D**** B**** but there’s no point pretending that the circumstances of Blackstar’s release don’t have a hell of a lot to do with its reputation. I like it a great deal – a lot of people don’t really but say they do because they think they should. Plus ca change (that is your actual French)
MC Escher says
From a few years’ distance I think it has 3 classic songs. The rest I don’t really listen to any more.
Arthur Cowslip says
And he was excellent in Twin Peaks.
Baron Harkonnen says
Opinions opinions opinions
The only ones that matter are your own
fentonsteve says
Well, that’s what you think – but you’d be wrong. And here’s why {continues for 47 pages}
retropath2 says
Talking of Mojo, which we weren’t, is there a problem? First they missed out the cover disc and charged the same, saying it was a temporary problem. Sure enough, it was back the next month, following which I haven’t cast sight on either the last month or this months copy, having checked out a number of usually reliable outlets. Not even in a pair of WH Smith’s that always used to stock it.
Moose the Mooche says
When they launch an app, then you know it’s finished.
hubert rawlinson says
Well as this ‘month’s ‘ copy is dated as May, in a few years the magazine’s date and year will be so far out of sync we won’t know where we are in a space time continuum thingy.
SteveT says
Standard practice in the magazine world Hubert – it’s done that way to ensure the editions get to their overseas markets – Uncut and Mojo both have significant markets in North America. These days the supply chain is pretty much fucked up and is taking longer. @retropath2 Mojo alive and well and I got my subscription issue on time and with an excellent Jack White compiled cd. The issue with the cd for Mojo is it cones from Europe – why they can’t produce it in the UK I have no idea.
Mike_H says
I don’t bother with either Mojo or Uncut anymore. My limited financial resources are better used elsewhere.
I don’t really care about lists anymore either. What’s ranked higher than what else, what’s been shamefully omitted and what’s been undeservedly drooled over. None of it matters.
TrypF says
I was unsurprised but interested to see all the Ryan Adams albums Uncut raved over at the time, especially Heartbreaker/Gold/Love is Hell, are now missing, due in no small part to Ryan’s current residence on the cultural naughty step. I’d certainly put some in the top 300. And Macca 3? Do me a favour. (I’m with you Dai, Chaos… tops the McCartney post millennial list by a mile.)
Moose the Mooche says
Gary Glitter has completely disappeared too.
H.P. Saucecraft says
Où sont les nonces d’antan?
TrypF says
Hmm, I think a allegedly toxic and abusive boyfriend/husband (unprosecuted, M’lud) is not on the same level of censure as convicted paedo, but that’s my opinion.
Also, Gary Glitter hasn’t had a feature or cover in a music periodical since about 1976, let alone the last 25 years.
dai says
He would be unlikely to appear on any list of greatest albums especially one from this century (did he make any?), was surprised to hear Joan Jett’s version of Do You Wanna Touch Me on the radio recently, but North America doesn’t seem to care about this
fitterstoke says
Arguably, North America would have to bin all their Zeppelin albums, to be consistent – can’t see that happening any time soon…
dai says
No prosecutions there
fitterstoke says
Quite…
Moose the Mooche says
Wow, now you mention it….
….it’s almost as if I was fkin joking
fitterstoke says
(Bit snooty…)
SteveT says
I don’t think he is on the cultural naughty step anymore. He has been in rehab, is now running daily and judging by his instagram pics seems to be in rude health. He has an upcoming sold out gig at Carnegie Hall – hopefully he will get over here soon and can get his career back on track.
An astonishing talent – the charges against him were a bit subjective and never proven. Still if it has helped him clean up thats all good.
Bingo Little says
The best 20 albums of the 21st century, in no particular order.
Blonde – Frank Ocean
Jeffrey – Young Thug
New Bermuda – Deafheaven
Untrue – Burial
Channel: Orange – Frank Ocean
Daytona – Pusha-T
Have One On Me – Joanna Newsom
Atrocity Exhibition – Danny Brown
Carrie & Lowell – Sufjan Stevens
E-MO-TION – Carly Rae Jepsen
We Got It From Here… – Tribe called Quest
The College Dropout – Kanye
Voodoo – D’Angelo
Relationship of Command – At The Drive In
Alive 2007 – Daft Punk
Punisher – Phoebe Bridgers
Is This It – The Strokes
Donuts – J Dilla
Norman Fucking Rockwell – Lana Del Rey
Lift Yr Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven – Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Gary says
On ‘Blonde’ we are totes agree. I’d have to Public Service Broadcasting ‘Race For Space’ in there though. Instead of the others.
Bingo Little says
Yes, of course you would.
Gary says
Indeedy. And also where’s Michael Kiwanuka? And the Black Pumas? This could cause me cerebral perplexity.
Bingo Little says
Probably on Jools Holland.
dai says
Incorrect
MC Escher says
I refer you to your own pictorial comment above 😉
Bingo Little says
I have a Paul McCartney solo album at number 21, naturally.
Tiggerlion says
I agree. Electric Arguments, released 2008, is easily his best ‘solo’ album but it’s actually a collaboration with Youth, the producer/bass player not the amorphous mass of people aged 13-23.
dai says
Incorrect, it is good though
MC Escher says
I refer you to your… never mind, you get the picture 🙂
Martin Hairnet says
I think if you replace ‘easily’ with ‘arguably’ you’re spot on.
Tiggerlion says
Nit picker
Tiggerlion says
You’ll be pleased to know, Bingo, that Uncut have a surprising number of those in their list. Plus, some alternative alternative albums, such as Discovery rather than Alive 2007.
Bingo Little says
This is precisely the validation I was hoping for!
To be completely honest, albums lists for the 21st century don’t make a great deal of sense. I don’t think albums have anywhere near the cache they used to have; their tyranny has been thoroughly undermined by first piracy and latterly Spotify. There are probably tons of people now who listen to music constantly, but rarely sit and listen to an entire album in sequence.
Arthur Cowslip says
I honestly think I’d be hard pressed to even name 20 albums from the 21st century.
Well, maybe I’m exaggerating, but definitely I agree the “album” is a 20th century thing.
dai says
There have been 93000 albums released this century*
* Ok I made that up but I am guessing it is in that ball park
fentonsteve says
I’m sure it is many more than that – Spotify add something like 60,000 tracks a day.
As a teenager, I used to dream of living above the Virgin Megastore. Now I can’t think of anything worse.
Tiggerlion says
I’d rather enjoy the quiet.
Podicle says
Clever!
SteveT says
Joanna Newsom? Can I have some of the drugs you are taking? They must be good if they are making her sound good.
Bingo Little says
They’re fucking epic, and no – you may not.
bang em in bingham says
Fed up of bloody lists……yawn, going out for a walk…
dai says
Name your top 5 Toronto walks please
Moose the Mooche says
Best walks:
1. Jimmy McCracklin
2. A Walk Across the Rooftops
3. The Cure
4. Sidewalkin’
5. Walkin’ the Dog
….blimey, now I’m yawning
Rigid Digit says
oh, it’s an L
(must get my eyes tested)
Sewer Robot says
Release McCracklin!
Moose the Mooche says
Across the rooftops?
Ambitious…
Boneshaker says
Not as ambitious as the dog.
Moose the Mooche says
Arf!
(that’s what he said)
Podicle says
There are a lot of fantastic albums in those lists, and they straddle an interesting time period where I went from buying literally hundreds of albums per year early in the century, to a period of near a decade where I literally bought nothing (started when we had our first child. Coincidence?), and through to my COVID-induced renaissance where I have rediscovered my music collection and tried to hunt down some gems I may have missed.
There is stuff on those lists which I adore (In Rainbows, Time the Revelator, Is This It, Race for Space, Interstate Managers, Lost in Dream, Discovery, Since I left You, Illinois) and plenty I like (7th Tree, Yankee Hotel, Raising Sand.
There is also a bunch of stuff I’ve dutifully purchased but it hasn’t clicked (Wasp Star, SouthEastern, Queen of Denmark, Sound of Silver, Third, Blackstar, Aerial). There is stuff I can’t believe isn’t on there (Random Access Memories, Wildflower, We will Always Love You, and probably a dozen things I’m forgetting from earlier in the century)
More importantly, there are some albums on there I should check out (Hand Cannot Erase, Pimp a Butterfly, Norman Fucking Rockwell) and that is ultimately the benefit of lists like this.
fitterstoke says
Last paragraph is the correct answer.
I’ve picked up loads of interesting music from the Afterword end of year lists that I would never have heard, had the list not existed.
Blue Boy says
Yes, unsurprisingly, quite a lot of overlap, though our list was always more likely to include a few left field choices (Frazey Ford, Melanie di Basio, Madness) because of the relatively small number of people voting, and because generally here someone’s enthusiasm for a particular record draws others of us to it.
In retrospect perhaps surprising that Dylan, Bjork, Welch, Springsteen and Lamar didnt feature on our top choices, and Lana, Goldfrapp and John Grant didn’t on theirs.
As for Blackstar, it sounds as fantastic to me as it did when it was released. I much prefer it to The Next Day, and really don’t think it’s just down to the hype and the grief at the time. I think it’s a keeper, and worthy of its placing. It, Frazy Ford’s record, and Rough and Rowdy Ways are the three on both lists that I still listen to most often
fitterstoke says
Interesting. I had another look at the 42 titles above, specifically to answer: which do I still listen to most often – or at all?
And it’s only one, really – Just a Little Lovin’ by Shelby Lynne