Lemonade, I'm feeling kind of lazy today about thinking too hard, but that's definitely one I would put down.
I still can't figure out how you haven't found a really great album since Purple Rain. Honestly. Understand completely that's there's a difference between an album you simply like and one that's "great" or a "classic". I have many albums in the former category - I'll listen to them a few times, maybe only on streaming or I might pick them up on the cheap on CD. And a year or two later they are forgotten about. But then there's the ones that you have to purposely stop yourself from playing to death. The ones you know, deep down, you'll be going back to regularly, even after the shine has worn off. The ones that, when you eventually cull the collection will be one you'll say "Nope. That one stays."
Last album released that truly blew my mind was Flying Lotus "Cosmogramma" EDIT: ha, didn't know I'd already posted this ages ago a few pages back. Good to know it still lights the fire!
Three pretty great ones this year (for me) in my signature right now ... Virginia Wing - Ecstatic Arrow and Tim Rutili & Craig Ross - 10 Seconds To Collapse and Rival Consoles - Persona
Just having fun. I realize there are some that will gasp at my chosen album but the same could be said for other albums posted on this thread as well.
Not sure if anyone beats this post yet: What was, in your opinion, the last truly great album released? (Rubber Soul) EDIT: actually someone else posted A Hard Day's Night. Was that one the prize winner here?
There are probably one or two I've forgotten, and I don't hear every lp released. That said, my vote goes to Lucinda Williams, Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone. Or maybe, The Alternative Moondance.
Yes, it is puzzling. As you said, there are plenty of albums I have enjoyed since "Purple Rain" but none that I could put alongside it on that all-time great, Top 100 ever made, sort of pedestal. I wish I could say there was! Then again, in defense of albums post 1980's, not too many albums from any time are as great as "Purple Rain".