The Rolling Stone Album Guide: Album Reviews and Scores

The Rolling Stone Album Guide’s album reviews that count toward B-Side Breakdowns: 537 reviews of 537 albums, going back to 1986, each next to the album’s Breakdown. 537 of them come from Wikipedia ratings boxes, mostly for older albums.

Record guide (book)

Top critics

Mark Coleman 6 reviews
Nathan Brackett 2 reviews
Ben Sisario 2 reviews
Arion Berger 2 reviews
Rob Sheffield 2 reviews

See all 18 critics

510 reviews with no named critic yet.

What it reviews

Rock 49%
Metal & Punk 13%
Pop 10%
Indie & Alternative 9%
Hip-Hop & Rap 8%

By the numbers

72average score it gives, on the 0 to 100 scale (537 reviews)

51%of its reviews score an album 75 or higher

20points: how far a typical review lands from its own average score

How its scores spread

0–4974
50s28
60s95
70s66
80s135
90+139

Its top scores

Miles DavisIn a Silent Way 100
The Rolling Stones12 X 5 100
The BeatlesAbbey Road 100
David BowieAladdin Sane 100
Brian EnoAnother Green World 100
Guns N' RosesAppetite for Destruction 100 Ann Powers
Van MorrisonAstral Weeks 100
The Jimi Hendrix ExperienceAxis: Bold as Love 100

Its newest 200 reviews

	Critic
Bee GeesLife in a Tin Can	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	30 1.5/5	37	2006
Tony BennettTogether Again	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	67	2006
Chuck BerryBerry Is on Top	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	87	2006
Tom Petty and the HeartbreakersYou’re Gonna Get It!	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	50 2.5/5	67	2006
Neil YoungLanding on Water	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	50 2.5/5	43	2006
FreeFire and Water	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	84	2005
Miles DavisIn a Silent Way	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	95	2005
The DamnedMachine Gun Etiquette	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	82	2004
Van HalenBalance	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	20 1/5	44	2004
Talk TalkLaughing Stock	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	74	2004
Talk TalkSpirit of Eden	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	20 1/5	84	2004
The StranglersNo More Heroes	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	68	2004
N.W.A.100 Miles and Runnin’	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	20 1/5	56	2003
Black FlagLoose Nut	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	50	2002
Black FlagFamily Man	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	40	2002
Black FlagSlip It In	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	60	2002
RushPower Windows“Check out our album review of Artist's Power Windows on Rolling Stone.com.”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	50 2.5/5	62	1986
The Dismemberment Plan!	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	63
Rancid…And Out Come the Wolves	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	76
Supertramp…Famous Last Words…	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	53
The Germs(GI)	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	83
Fripp & Eno(No Pussyfooting)	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	80
R. Kelly12 Play	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	75
The Rolling Stones12 X 5	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	90
Dr. Dre2001	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	81
Van Halen5150	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	65
Donna SummerA Love Trilogy	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	62
Pink FloydA Momentary Lapse of Reason	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	43
QueenA Night at the Opera	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	89
Jethro TullA Passion Play“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	53
The BeatlesAbbey Road	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	99
The Mothers of InventionAbsolutely Free	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 4.5/5	80
MotörheadAce of Spades	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 4.5/5	84
AerosmithAerosmith	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	62
Savage GardenAffirmation	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	65
Jefferson AirplaneAfter Bathing at Baxter’s	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	63
David BowieAladdin Sane	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	86
Alice CooperAlice Cooper Goes to Hell	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	20 1/5	47
Queen LatifahAll Hail the Queen	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	76
Sum 41All Killer, No Filler	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	70
The Beach BoysAll Summer Long	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	73
MobyAmbient	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	67
Brian EnoAmbient 1: Music for Airports	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	83
SantanaAmigos	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	82
AnthraxAmong the Living	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	80
Brian EnoAnother Green World	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	100
BuzzcocksAnother Music in a Different Kitchen	Joe Gross Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	81
AFIAnswer That and Stay Fashionable	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	50
Grateful DeadAnthem of the Sun	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	77
Marilyn MansonAntichrist Superstar	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	71
Guns N' RosesAppetite for Destruction	Ann Powers Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	91
Jethro TullAqualung	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	83
Lenny KravitzAre You Gonna Go My Way	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	68
DeftonesAround the Fur	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	71
The KinksArthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	90
Van MorrisonAstral Weeks	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	93
Smash MouthAstro Lounge“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	73
Miles DavisAura	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 4.5/5	80
BlondieAutoamerican	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	45
The Jimi Hendrix ExperienceAxis: Bold as Love	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	91
AC/DCBack in Black	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	91
Bad BrainsBad Brains“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	Sasha Frere-Jones Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	92
SoundgardenBadmotorfinger	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 4.5/5	84
Meat LoafBat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	20 1/5	57
The BeatlesBeatles ’65	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	77
The BeatlesBeatles for Sale	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 4.5/5	84
Ringo StarrBeaucoups of Blues	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	64
GarbageBeautiful Garbage“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	79
The Rolling StonesBeggars Banquet	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	95
WilcoBeing There	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	90
The Rolling StonesBetween the Buttons	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	94
Duran DuranBig Thing	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	47
LL Cool JBigger and Deffer	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	50 2.5/5	67
Peter GabrielBirdy	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	63
AFIBlack Sails in the Sunset	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	70
The Rolling StonesBlack and Blue	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	70
Neko CaseBlacklisted	Michaelangelo Matos Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	81
Richard Hell and the VoidoidsBlank Generation“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 4.5/5	84
Jon Bon JoviBlaze of Glory	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	30 1.5/5	48
Blind FaithBlind Faith	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	78
Bob DylanBlonde on Blonde	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	100
Rod StewartBlondes Have More Fun	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	50 2.5/5	65
Bob DylanBlood on the Tracks	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	99
LeAnn RimesBlue	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	78
Joni MitchellBlue“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	99
Massive AttackBlue Lines	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	96
Tom WaitsBlue Valentine“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	73
Blue Öyster CultBlue Öyster Cult	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	80
KyussBlues for the Red Sun	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	92
Black SabbathBorn Again	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	37
Body CountBorn Dead	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	56
Albert KingBorn Under a Bad Sign	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	100
Too ShortBorn to Mack	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	60
Bruce SpringsteenBorn to Run	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	98
Brandy NorwoodBrandy	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	50 2.5/5	64
L7Bricks Are Heavy“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	83
The Rolling StonesBridges to Babylon	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	66
Dire StraitsBrothers in Arms	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 4.5/5	83
Bryan AdamsBryan Adams	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	57
Dinosaur Jr.Bug“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	80
EPMDBusiness Never Personal	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	76
EPMDBusiness as Usual	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	81
Steely DanCan’t Buy a Thrill	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	92
The CarsCandy-O	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 4.5/5	84
Big PunCapital Punishment	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	81
Bob Marley & The WailersCatch a Fire	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 4.5/5	93
NSYNCCelebrity“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	72
Mariah CareyCharmbracelet	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	51
Big Brother and the Holding CompanyCheap Thrills	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	84
Cheap TrickCheap Trick	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	87
Limp BizkitChocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	69
YesClose to the Edge	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	90
Joy DivisionCloser	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	99
Shania TwainCome On Over	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 4.5/5	79
The Chemical BrothersCome with Us	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	50 2.5/5	74
SuedeComing Up	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	77
Dire StraitsCommuniqué	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	64
KraftwerkComputerwelt	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	88
Lou ReedConey Island Baby	Mark Coleman Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	82
The OffspringConspiracy of One	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	53
Depeche ModeConstruction Time Again“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	55
Janet JacksonControl	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	88
Steely DanCountdown to Ecstasy	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	95
Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungCrosby, Stills & Nash	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	92
The AdvertsCrossing the Red Sea with The Adverts	Ira Robbins Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	85
MegadethCryptic Writings	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	54
The SlitsCut“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	89
Cypress HillCypress Hill“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 4.5/5	86
Black FlagDamaged	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 4.5/5	88
Tom Petty and the HeartbreakersDamn the Torpedoes	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	88
The DamnedDamned Damned Damned	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	85
BeyoncéDangerously in Love	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	68
DanzigDanzig	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	67
DanzigDanzig II: Lucifuge	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	80
The Human LeagueDare	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	90
David BowieDavid Bowie	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	60
Sonic YouthDaydream Nation	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	100
De La SoulDe La Soul Is Dead	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 4.5/5	78
The White StripesDe Stijl	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	84
Jon Bon JoviDestination Anywhere	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	68
The Jackson 5Destiny	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	77
Destiny's ChildDestiny’s Child	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	65
KissDestroyer	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	85
Kid RockDevil Without a Cause“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	66
PrinceDiamonds and Pearls	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	50 2.5/5	69
Midnight OilDiesel and Dust“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 4.5/5	84
The Rolling StonesDirty Work	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	74
King CrimsonDiscipline	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 4.5/5	80
Daft PunkDiscovery	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	77
The CureDisintegration“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	89
Annie LennoxDiva	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	78
Van HalenDiver Down	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	65
SuedeDog Man Star“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	84
Miles DavisDoo-Bop“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	61
Green DayDookie	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	90
Monster MagnetDopes to Infinity	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	77
John LennonDouble Fantasy	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	74
DioDream Evil	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	60
Duran DuranDuran Duran	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	75
Dusty SpringfieldDusty in Memphis	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	89
Sean PaulDutty Rock	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	70
ShakiraDónde están los ladrones?	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	87
Bone Thugs-n-HarmonyE. 1999 Eternal	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	81
a-haEast of the Sun, West of the Moon	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	57
Patti Smith GroupEaster	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 4.5/5	85
The Rolling StonesEmotional Rescue	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	77
QueensrÿcheEmpire	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	71
DJ ShadowEndtroducing…..	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	94
Blink-182Enema of the State“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	74
Gang of FourEntertainment!“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	98
Lucinda WilliamsEssence	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	79
MudhoneyEvery Good Boy Deserves Fudge	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	75
The CranberriesEverybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	79
Hüsker DüEverything Falls Apart“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	68
George HarrisonExtra Texture (Read All About It)	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	52
Phil CollinsFace Value	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	80
The KinksFace to Face	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	92
Alice in ChainsFacelift	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	63
George MichaelFaith“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	84
John CaleFear	Mark Coleman Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	85
E-40Federal	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	60
Norah JonesFeels Like Home	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	84
The ByrdsFifth Dimension	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 4.5/5	93
Richard ThompsonFirst Light	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	69
Nick DrakeFive Leaves Left	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	92
Paul McCartneyFlowers in the Dirt	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	68
Eric B. & RakimFollow the Leader	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 4.5/5	85
Foo FightersFoo Fighters	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	83
Rod StewartFoot Loose & Fancy Free	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	60
ForeignerForeigner	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	75
Spice GirlsForever	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 2/5	51
LoveForever Changes	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 5/5	99
GenesisFoxtrot	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	78
Dead KennedysFrankenchrist	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	60
The Mothers of InventionFreak Out!	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	90
Dead KennedysFresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables	J. D. Considine Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	79
The Beach BoysFriends	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 4/5	80
PrimusFrizzle Fry“Previously published as: Rolling Stone album guide”	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	73
GenesisFrom Genesis to Revelation	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 3/5	50
Brandy NorwoodFull Moon	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 3.5/5	71

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