B-Side Guys

The Best Albums of 1998

Every album of 1998, ranked by B-Side Breakdown: the reviews from 38 outlets we trust, put on one 0–100 scale. An album needs at least 5 reviews to make the list.

Album cover for Aquemini by OutKastNumber one of 1998OutKastAquemini92 A-8 critics · 100% approval · Broad agreement · A-Side
Average Breakdown78across 1998's albums. That's higher than 80% of the other years here.
Liked68%of 1998's albums scored 75 or higher. Across every year it's 49%.
Most divisiveContentiousBelle and Sebastian, The Boy with the Arab Strap split the critics more than any other album of the year.A-Sides1.7%of 1998's albums earned an A-Side. Across every year it's 6.3%.
  1. 1Album cover for Aquemini by OutKast
    OutKastAqueminiSeptember 28, 1998 · 8 reviews · 100% approval · Broad agreement
    92A-
  2. 2Album cover for Mezzanine by Massive Attack
    Massive AttackMezzanineApril 17, 1998 · 9 reviews · 89% approval · Some debate
    89B+
  3. 3Album cover for Music Has the Right to Children by Boards of Canada
    Boards of CanadaMusic Has the Right to ChildrenApril 20, 1998 · 6 reviews · 100% approval · Broad agreement
    87B+
  4. 4Album cover for The Shape of Punk to Come by Refused
    RefusedThe Shape of Punk to ComeOctober 27, 1998 · 9 reviews · 89% approval · Some debate
    87B+
  5. 5Album cover for The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill
    Lauryn HillThe Miseducation of Lauryn HillAugust 19, 1998 · 6 reviews · 100% approval · Broad agreement
    86B
  6. 6Album cover for Hello Nasty by Beastie Boys
    Beastie BoysHello NastyJune 29, 1998 · 8 reviews · 100% approval · Broad agreement
    86B
  7. 7Album cover for System of a Down by System of a Down
    System of a DownSystem of a DownJune 30, 1998 · 6 reviews · 100% approval · Some debate
    86B
  8. 8Album cover for Mutations by Beck
    BeckMutationsNovember 2, 1998 · 7 reviews · 100% approval · Broad agreement
    85B
  9. 9Album cover for Moon Safari by Air
    AirMoon SafariJanuary 16, 1998 · 8 reviews · 88% approval · Broad agreement
    85B
  10. 10Album cover for Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk by Jeff Buckley
    Jeff BuckleySketches for My Sweetheart the DrunkMay 7, 1998 · 8 reviews · 100% approval · Broad agreement
    84B

How 1998 grades

Share of albums at each letter grade. A is 90 and up, F is below 60.

1998

A2%
B47%
C40%
D8%
F3%

Every year

A6%
B24%
C37%
D22%
F11%
  1. 11Album cover for Ray of Light by Madonna
    MadonnaRay of LightFebruary 23, 1998 · 5 reviews · 100% approval · Unanimous
    84B
  2. 12Album cover for You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby by Fatboy Slim
    Fatboy SlimYou’ve Come a Long Way, BabyOctober 12, 1998 · 8 reviews · 88% approval · Some debate
    84B
  3. 13Album cover for This Is Hardcore by Pulp
    PulpThis Is HardcoreMarch 18, 1998 · 9 reviews · 89% approval · Broad agreement
    83B
  4. 14Album cover for Powertrip by Monster Magnet
    Monster MagnetPowertripJune 16, 1998 · 6 reviews · 83% approval · Some debate
    83B
  5. 15Album cover for Version 2.0 by Garbage
    GarbageVersion 2.0May 1, 1998 · 6 reviews · 83% approval · Some debate
    83B
  6. 16Album cover for Apocalypse Dudes by Turbonegro
    TurbonegroApocalypse DudesFebruary 23, 1998 · 6 reviews · 100% approval · Unanimous
    83B
  7. 17Album cover for Beaucoup Fish by Underworld
    UnderworldBeaucoup Fish1998 · 7 reviews · 71% approval · Some debate
    82B-
  8. 18Album cover for Is This Desire? by PJ Harvey
    PJ HarveyIs This Desire?September 28, 1998 · 8 reviews · 75% approval · Divided
    82B-
  9. 19Album cover for Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star by Black Star
    Black StarMos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black StarAugust 25, 1998 · 7 reviews · 71% approval · Some debate
    82B-
  10. 20Album cover for Doc’s da Name 2000 by Redman
    RedmanDoc’s da Name 2000December 8, 1998 · 5 reviews · 100% approval · Unanimous
    82B-
  11. 21Album cover for Hell Among the Yearlings by Gillian Welch
    Gillian WelchHell Among the YearlingsJuly 28, 1998 · 6 reviews · 100% approval · Unanimous
    82B-
  12. 22Album cover for Capital Punishment by Big Pun
    Big PunCapital PunishmentApril 28, 1998 · 8 reviews · 88% approval · Broad agreement
    81B-
  13. 23Album cover for TNT by Tortoise
    TortoiseTNTMarch 9, 1998 · 8 reviews · 88% approval · Divided
    80B-
  14. 24Album cover for Painted from Memory by Elvis Costello
    Elvis CostelloPainted from MemorySeptember 29, 1998 · 8 reviews · 75% approval · Some debate
    80B-
  15. 25Album cover for This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours by Manic Street Preachers
    Manic Street PreachersThis Is My Truth Tell Me YoursSeptember 9, 1998 · 10 reviews · 80% approval · Broad agreement
    80B-

Where 1998 sits

Average Breakdown, for albums with five or more reviews.

Next to the years around it

199575
199677
199774
1998 (this year)78
199973
200074
200171

By genre

Electronic85
Rock79
Indie & Alternative77
Metal & Punk76
Hip-Hop & Rap75
  1. 26Album cover for Queens of the Stone Age by Queens of the Stone Age
    Queens of the Stone AgeQueens of the Stone AgeOctober 6, 1998 · 5 reviews · 100% approval · Unanimous
    80B-
  2. 27Album cover for Celebrity Skin by Hole
    HoleCelebrity SkinSeptember 2, 1998 · 8 reviews · 75% approval · Some debate
    80B-
  3. 28Album cover for Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie by Alanis Morissette
    Alanis MorissetteSupposed Former Infatuation JunkieNovember 2, 1998 · 7 reviews · 86% approval · Broad agreement
    80B-
  4. 29Album cover for Yield by Pearl Jam
    Pearl JamYieldJanuary 28, 1998 · 8 reviews · 75% approval · Some debate
    80B-
  5. 30Album cover for The Globe Sessions by Sheryl Crow
    Sheryl CrowThe Globe SessionsSeptember 18, 1998 · 6 reviews · 67% approval · Divided
    79C+
  6. 31Album cover for 400 Degreez by Juvenile
    Juvenile400 DegreezNovember 3, 1998 · 5 reviews · 60% approval · Broad agreement
    79C+
  7. 32Album cover for From the Choirgirl Hotel by Tori Amos
    Tori AmosFrom the Choirgirl HotelMay 4, 1998 · 9 reviews · 78% approval · Broad agreement
    79C+
  8. 33Album cover for Moment of Truth by Gang Starr
    Gang StarrMoment of TruthMarch 31, 1998 · 6 reviews · 67% approval · Some debate
    79C+
  9. 34Album cover for E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front by Busta Rhymes
    Busta RhymesE.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World FrontDecember 14, 1998 · 6 reviews · 83% approval · Unanimous
    79C+
  10. 35Album cover for R. by R. Kelly
    R. KellyR.November 10, 1998 · 5 reviews · 80% approval · Unanimous
    78C+
  11. 36Album cover for Don Cartagena by Fat Joe
    Fat JoeDon CartagenaJuly 14, 1998 · 6 reviews · 67% approval · Some debate
    78C+
  12. 37Album cover for Mechanical Animals by Marilyn Manson
    Marilyn MansonMechanical AnimalsSeptember 14, 1998 · 7 reviews · 57% approval · Some debate
    78C+
  13. 38Album cover for The Boy with the Arab Strap by Belle and Sebastian
    Belle and SebastianThe Boy with the Arab StrapSeptember 7, 1998 · 10 reviews · 90% approval · Contentious
    78C+
  14. 39Album cover for A Thousand Leaves by Sonic Youth
    Sonic YouthA Thousand LeavesApril 21, 1998 · 10 reviews · 60% approval · Some debate
    77C+
  15. 40Album cover for Adore by The Smashing Pumpkins
    The Smashing PumpkinsAdoreMay 29, 1998 · 10 reviews · 60% approval · Some debate
    77C+
  16. 41Album cover for Follow the Leader by Korn
    KornFollow the LeaderAugust 12, 1998 · 7 reviews · 71% approval · Broad agreement
    76C
  17. 42Album cover for Songs for Polarbears by Snow Patrol
    Snow PatrolSongs for PolarbearsAugust 30, 1998 · 5 reviews · 40% approval · Unanimous
    74C
  18. 43Album cover for Gran Turismo by The Cardigans
    The CardigansGran TurismoOctober 19, 1998 · 8 reviews · 63% approval · Broad agreement
    74C
  19. 44Album cover for It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot by DMX
    DMXIt’s Dark and Hell Is HotMay 19, 1998 · 8 reviews · 75% approval · Some debate
    74C
  20. 45Album cover for Tical 2000: Judgement Day by Method Man
    Method ManTical 2000: Judgement DayNovember 16, 1998 · 5 reviews · 60% approval · Divided
    74C
  21. 46Album cover for Dizzy Up the Girl by Goo Goo Dolls
    Goo Goo DollsDizzy Up the GirlSeptember 22, 1998 · 5 reviews · 60% approval · Contentious
    72C-
  22. 47Album cover for Without You I’m Nothing by Placebo
    PlaceboWithout You I’m NothingOctober 12, 1998 · 9 reviews · 56% approval · Some debate
    72C-
  23. 48Album cover for Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life by Jay-Z
    Jay-ZVol. 2… Hard Knock LifeSeptember 28, 1998 · 6 reviews · 33% approval · Some debate
    71C-
  24. 49Album cover for Trio II by Dolly Parton
    Dolly PartonTrio IINovember 17, 1998 · 5 reviews · 40% approval · Some debate
    71C-
  25. 50Album cover for Up by R.E.M.
    R.E.M.UpOctober 26, 1998 · 8 reviews · 38% approval · Some debate
    71C-
  1. 1Album cover for Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk by Jeff Buckley
    Jeff BuckleySketches for My Sweetheart the DrunkMay 7, 1998 · 8 reviews · 100% approval · Broad agreement
    84B
  2. 2Album cover for This Is Hardcore by Pulp
    PulpThis Is HardcoreMarch 18, 1998 · 9 reviews · 89% approval · Broad agreement
    83B
  3. 3Album cover for Powertrip by Monster Magnet
    Monster MagnetPowertripJune 16, 1998 · 6 reviews · 83% approval · Some debate
    83B
  4. 4Album cover for Apocalypse Dudes by Turbonegro
    TurbonegroApocalypse DudesFebruary 23, 1998 · 6 reviews · 100% approval · Unanimous
    83B
  5. 5Album cover for Is This Desire? by PJ Harvey
    PJ HarveyIs This Desire?September 28, 1998 · 8 reviews · 75% approval · Divided
    82B-
  6. 6Album cover for This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours by Manic Street Preachers
    Manic Street PreachersThis Is My Truth Tell Me YoursSeptember 9, 1998 · 10 reviews · 80% approval · Broad agreement
    80B-
  7. 7Album cover for Queens of the Stone Age by Queens of the Stone Age
    Queens of the Stone AgeQueens of the Stone AgeOctober 6, 1998 · 5 reviews · 100% approval · Unanimous
    80B-
  8. 8Album cover for Celebrity Skin by Hole
    HoleCelebrity SkinSeptember 2, 1998 · 8 reviews · 75% approval · Some debate
    80B-
  9. 9Album cover for Yield by Pearl Jam
    Pearl JamYieldJanuary 28, 1998 · 8 reviews · 75% approval · Some debate
    80B-
  10. 10Album cover for The Globe Sessions by Sheryl Crow
    Sheryl CrowThe Globe SessionsSeptember 18, 1998 · 6 reviews · 67% approval · Divided
    79C+
  11. 11Album cover for From the Choirgirl Hotel by Tori Amos
    Tori AmosFrom the Choirgirl HotelMay 4, 1998 · 9 reviews · 78% approval · Broad agreement
    79C+
  12. 12Album cover for A Thousand Leaves by Sonic Youth
    Sonic YouthA Thousand LeavesApril 21, 1998 · 10 reviews · 60% approval · Some debate
    77C+
  13. 13Album cover for Adore by The Smashing Pumpkins
    The Smashing PumpkinsAdoreMay 29, 1998 · 10 reviews · 60% approval · Some debate
    77C+
  14. 14Album cover for Gran Turismo by The Cardigans
    The CardigansGran TurismoOctober 19, 1998 · 8 reviews · 63% approval · Broad agreement
    74C
  15. 15Album cover for Van Halen III by Van Halen
    Van HalenVan Halen IIIMarch 10, 1998 · 5 reviews · 40% approval · Divided
    58F
  1. 1Album cover for Mutations by Beck
    BeckMutationsNovember 2, 1998 · 7 reviews · 100% approval · Broad agreement
    85B
  2. 2Album cover for Version 2.0 by Garbage
    GarbageVersion 2.0May 1, 1998 · 6 reviews · 83% approval · Some debate
    83B
  3. 3Album cover for TNT by Tortoise
    TortoiseTNTMarch 9, 1998 · 8 reviews · 88% approval · Divided
    80B-
  4. 4Album cover for Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie by Alanis Morissette
    Alanis MorissetteSupposed Former Infatuation JunkieNovember 2, 1998 · 7 reviews · 86% approval · Broad agreement
    80B-
  5. 5Album cover for Mechanical Animals by Marilyn Manson
    Marilyn MansonMechanical AnimalsSeptember 14, 1998 · 7 reviews · 57% approval · Some debate
    78C+
  6. 6Album cover for The Boy with the Arab Strap by Belle and Sebastian
    Belle and SebastianThe Boy with the Arab StrapSeptember 7, 1998 · 10 reviews · 90% approval · Contentious
    78C+
  7. 7Album cover for Songs for Polarbears by Snow Patrol
    Snow PatrolSongs for PolarbearsAugust 30, 1998 · 5 reviews · 40% approval · Unanimous
    74C
  8. 8Album cover for Without You I’m Nothing by Placebo
    PlaceboWithout You I’m NothingOctober 12, 1998 · 9 reviews · 56% approval · Some debate
    72C-
  9. 9Album cover for Up by R.E.M.
    R.E.M.UpOctober 26, 1998 · 8 reviews · 38% approval · Some debate
    71C-
  10. 10Album cover for In the Aeroplane Over the Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel
    Neutral Milk HotelIn the Aeroplane Over the SeaFebruary 10, 1998 · 5 reviews · 20% approval · Some debate
    65D
  1. 1Album cover for Aquemini by OutKast
    OutKastAqueminiSeptember 28, 1998 · 8 reviews · 100% approval · Broad agreement
    92A-
  2. 2Album cover for Hello Nasty by Beastie Boys
    Beastie BoysHello NastyJune 29, 1998 · 8 reviews · 100% approval · Broad agreement
    86B
  3. 3Album cover for Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star by Black Star
    Black StarMos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black StarAugust 25, 1998 · 7 reviews · 71% approval · Some debate
    82B-
  4. 4Album cover for Doc’s da Name 2000 by Redman
    RedmanDoc’s da Name 2000December 8, 1998 · 5 reviews · 100% approval · Unanimous
    82B-
  5. 5Album cover for Capital Punishment by Big Pun
    Big PunCapital PunishmentApril 28, 1998 · 8 reviews · 88% approval · Broad agreement
    81B-
  6. 6Album cover for 400 Degreez by Juvenile
    Juvenile400 DegreezNovember 3, 1998 · 5 reviews · 60% approval · Broad agreement
    79C+
  7. 7Album cover for Moment of Truth by Gang Starr
    Gang StarrMoment of TruthMarch 31, 1998 · 6 reviews · 67% approval · Some debate
    79C+
  8. 8Album cover for E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front by Busta Rhymes
    Busta RhymesE.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World FrontDecember 14, 1998 · 6 reviews · 83% approval · Unanimous
    79C+
  9. 9Album cover for Don Cartagena by Fat Joe
    Fat JoeDon CartagenaJuly 14, 1998 · 6 reviews · 67% approval · Some debate
    78C+
  10. 10Album cover for It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot by DMX
    DMXIt’s Dark and Hell Is HotMay 19, 1998 · 8 reviews · 75% approval · Some debate
    74C
  11. 11Album cover for Tical 2000: Judgement Day by Method Man
    Method ManTical 2000: Judgement DayNovember 16, 1998 · 5 reviews · 60% approval · Divided
    74C
  12. 12Album cover for Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life by Jay-Z
    Jay-ZVol. 2… Hard Knock LifeSeptember 28, 1998 · 6 reviews · 33% approval · Some debate
    71C-
  13. 13Album cover for The Love Movement by A Tribe Called Quest
    A Tribe Called QuestThe Love MovementSeptember 9, 1998 · 6 reviews · 17% approval · Broad agreement
    70C-
  14. 14Album cover for Cypress Hill IV by Cypress Hill
    Cypress HillCypress Hill IVOctober 6, 1998 · 7 reviews · 43% approval · Contentious
    62D-
  15. 15Album cover for War & Peace Vol. 1 by Ice Cube
    Ice CubeWar & Peace Vol. 1November 17, 1998 · 6 reviews · 17% approval · Some debate
    61D-
  16. 16Album cover for Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told by Snoop Dogg
    Snoop DoggDa Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be ToldAugust 4, 1998 · 6 reviews · 33% approval · Divided
    57F
  1. 1Album cover for Mezzanine by Massive Attack
    Massive AttackMezzanineApril 17, 1998 · 9 reviews · 89% approval · Some debate
    89B+
  2. 2Album cover for Music Has the Right to Children by Boards of Canada
    Boards of CanadaMusic Has the Right to ChildrenApril 20, 1998 · 6 reviews · 100% approval · Broad agreement
    87B+
  3. 3Album cover for Moon Safari by Air
    AirMoon SafariJanuary 16, 1998 · 8 reviews · 88% approval · Broad agreement
    85B
  4. 4Album cover for You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby by Fatboy Slim
    Fatboy SlimYou’ve Come a Long Way, BabyOctober 12, 1998 · 8 reviews · 88% approval · Some debate
    84B
  5. 5Album cover for Beaucoup Fish by Underworld
    UnderworldBeaucoup Fish1998 · 7 reviews · 71% approval · Some debate
    82B-
  1. 1Album cover for The Shape of Punk to Come by Refused
    RefusedThe Shape of Punk to ComeOctober 27, 1998 · 9 reviews · 89% approval · Some debate
    87B+
  2. 2Album cover for System of a Down by System of a Down
    System of a DownSystem of a DownJune 30, 1998 · 6 reviews · 100% approval · Some debate
    86B
  3. 3Album cover for Follow the Leader by Korn
    KornFollow the LeaderAugust 12, 1998 · 7 reviews · 71% approval · Broad agreement
    76C
  4. 4Album cover for Diabolus in Musica by Slayer
    SlayerDiabolus in MusicaJune 9, 1998 · 5 reviews · 60% approval · Divided
    70C-
  5. 5Album cover for Hellbilly Deluxe by Rob Zombie
    Rob ZombieHellbilly DeluxeAugust 25, 1998 · 6 reviews · 50% approval · Contentious
    63D

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