Albums you love that are not considered the artist's best.

I can't tell you how many times I listened to this when I first found Genesis. It wouldn't surprise me if it's my most played album by them. Dead serious. I still really like it.

 

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I think Pretty Hate Machine is considered right up there, but it seems TDS, Broken and TF get all the attention.
I really like Year Zero and Hesitation Marks, especially Year Zero

 

I think the topic starter's question is a hard one to answer as I don't really care about the critics' or public's opinion when I like an album. And I won't be looking for that opinion at all. As an example, I didn't know that Davis' Sketches of Spain isn't considered a first-rate album, but I love it anyway. And I know there is some animosity about ELO's Time, but that albums still blows me away after all these years.

That said, nowadays when I read about an artist unknown to me, I will look up the ratings at Allmusic.com, and use that as a starting point for listening to his/hers albums.

 

It's 'Be Here Now'.

I'm not saying it's their best overall album, but it does have 5 or 6 excellent tracks. Some of which are stronger than songs on their first two albums.

 

Maybe in comparison to his other 70s stuff it isn't as lauded, but their generally considered at least minor classics.

 

Looked down upon a bit after his run in the 70s.

Smashing album, though. Side one is especially good. Probably his last great album, IMO. The SACD is amazing.

 

My favorite RUSH album by far is "Power Windows". It's the only RUSH album i still listen to in its entirety. IMO, the songs are punchy, crisp, melodically commercial while still upholding their high musical standards, the use of keyboards is effective, and Peart's lyrics are his best. The songs spoke relevantly to the excesses of the mid-80s Wall Street culture and still resonate today.

Not sure anyone else has ever agreed with that, LOL:

 

It certainly IS considered one of Miles' (and Gil's) hightlights by many fans and critics. Quiet Nights would be a better example; the black sheep of Davis/Evans album ouvre (I love it).

 

The Soft Parade by The Doors,i have the new and seriously crankeable rhino vinyl.

 

Genesis: From Genesis To Revelation & Trespass (tho some love the latter, it's usually one of the next few 'early' fans go for.)
Black Sabbath: Never Say Die (Different, which is good and I'd have liked them to have carried on in this way.)
Wings: Speed Of Sound (Soof me the non-Macca tunes are my favourites and I don't even mind Cook Of The House these days!)
Deep Purple: Who Do We Think We Are (Always thought this album ROCKS.)
The Rolling Stones: Tattoo You (Again, it has its fans but is not usually rated as one of the best; and I have all their albums.)
Bryan Ferry: The Bride Stripped Bare (Maybe the covers are seen as a tiny step back from earlier efforts by some? But not me.)
Electric Light Orchestra: Discovery (A bit too poppy for some, but I'd have this over the overlong OOTB, easily.)
Elton John: Blue Moves (Not a very favourite but I enjoy it a lot and get immersed in it. Some seem to hate this album)
Elvis Costello: Spike (A classic and addictive work, IMO. Another that some like but seemingly few love, next to others by EC.)
Human League: Crash (Now I know that a lot of people try to ignore this album but it's good memories for me. Cool as a one-off.)

Could be a bit of a giveaway that I started going alphabetical there... started looking at my iTunes CD rips for 'inspiration.' Believe me, I could find 100 more. If I had the time.

 

There's a good few in here that I agree with - most notably Obscured By Clouds, Presence, Between The Buttons, The Soft Parade and Tusk.

 

George Harrison - Somewhere in England
Aztec Camera - Dreamland

 

That's a much better choice for this thread than Hotter Than July. A worse album, but a better choice here.

Sticking with Stevie, I'll add:

 

Joni Mitchell - Dog Eat Dog
Rollling Stones - Black & blue
Ry Cooder - Slide Area
Bob Dylan - Saved - Shot Of Love
Eric Clapton - Another Ticket
Paul McCartney - Red Rose Speedway

 

Generally considered the weakest of P.M. Dawn's four albums, but a much stronger effort than Jesus Wept, IMO:

 

The redheaded stepchild of Petty albums. It and the first and third are the only three of his I like.

 

I agree with Discovery by ELO. It's probably my second favorite album of theirs...

 

Do you rate these ahead of any of the classic 86-93 era DM albums?

 

jethro tull: A