Top 50 Greatest Concept Albumes Of All Time

[DelusionalGaga 29,549]

4 minutes ago, NicoB said:

i think it both has a theme, of course, and a story that connects the songs

But is it a story that's actually told through the songs or just because the artist says so? For instance, I know the concept behind Melodrama is a house party but that's because it's what Lorde told us. I don't think most people would actually realize that's the concept by just listening to the album. 

[NichuuB 43,788]

1 minute ago, DelusionalGaga said:

But is it a story that's actually told through the songs or just because the artist says so? For instance, I know the concept behind Melodrama is a house party but that's because it's what Lorde told us. I don't think most people would actually realize that's the concept by just listening to the album. 

thinking about, it truly is confusing. cuz if thats so, in the same way chromatica would be considered a concept album

[MajorMinus 170]

I believe Melodrama is defined as a “loose” concept album, which is maybe why didn’t make the list? Honestly unsure, but it’s the only reason I could think of. Should’ve been listed tbh.

If anyone enjoys Bastille, they have a concept album called Doom Days that represents the emotions during a night at a party before the end of the world. Each song is associated with a different time of the night, which I thought was super cool. 

Wish people did made concept albums more often! They are such an experience. 

[NichuuB 43,788]

here's wikipedia's definition:

"A concept album is an album whose tracks hold a larger purpose or meaning collectively than they do individually. This is typically achieved through a single central narrative or theme, which can be instrumental, compositional, or lyrical. Sometimes the term is applied to albums considered to be of "uniform excellence" rather than an LP with an explicit musical or lyrical motif. There is no consensus among music critics as to the specific criteria for what a "concept album" is."

[ProfessionalClown 10,646]

12 minutes ago, Anderson123 said:

Born This Way is not a concept album. I think Melodrama is but I could be wrong.

Melodrama is (it’s supposed to take place over one night of a party)

[Dojo 19,365]

2 minutes ago, MajorMinus said:

I believe Melodrama is defined as a “loose” concept album, which is maybe why didn’t make the list? Honestly unsure, but it’s the only reason I could think of. Should’ve been listed tbh.

If anyone enjoys Bastille, they have a concept album called Doom Days that represents the emotions during a night at a party before the end of the world. Each song is associated with a different time of the night, which I thought was super cool. 

Wish people did made concept albums more often! They are such an experience. 

 

not surprised they didn't even considered Melodrama it might be in the top 1000 but not in the top 50.

[nATAH 46,192]

so are The Fame + Monster concept albums since they're all about fame and then the monsters of fame? or is that just a theme?

i think ARTPOP is a concept album though, right?

[alsemanche 92,666]

1 minute ago, Dojo said:

 

not surprised they didn't even considered Melodrama it might be in the top 1000 but not in the top 50.

it's one of the best pop albums ever but werk 

[alsemanche 92,666]

1 minute ago, NATAH said:

so are The Fame + Monster concept albums since they're all about fame and then the monsters of fame? or is that just a theme?

i think ARTPOP is a concept album though, right?

gagita doesn't have a concept album naur

[Rahrahbitchson 18,033]

People here debating if Melodrama is a concept album and why it's not on the list, when the real concern is that Melodrama is top 5 best albums of ALL TIME and y'all (including Rolling Stones and the grammys) should be streaming it for mental clarification. 

[Dojo 19,365]

btw FUTURE NOSTALGIA robbed i think

[Night Vision 3,068]

16 minutes ago, DelusionalGaga said:

Idk what qualifies as a concept album. It's such a nebulous term. Most artists would probably call their albums concept albums because there's always some sort of theme that's running throughout the process. 

The term has been diluted in recent years as it used to be mainly reserved for albums that told a narrative story or were set in a fictional setting or sang from the perspective of a fictional character/alter-ego (for example Bowie's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane). More modern albums like Marina's Electra Heart, Melanie Martinez's Cry Baby, and Kendrick's first two albums are those type of concept albums, but the term is used way more loosely these days to describe any album that has an overarching theme.

I can see arguments for Gaga's albums being seen as concept albums, but the closest she's probably come to a true concept album in the traditional sense is The Fame or The Fame Monster.

[nATAH 46,192]

11 minutes ago, alsemanche said:

gagita doesn't have a concept album naur

im unstanning!

[SS77 1,940]

The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monae should be top 10

EDIT: just saw its at 12. I'll allow.

[Dojo 19,365]

2 minutes ago, SS77 said:

The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monae should be top 10

EDIT: just saw its at 12. I'll allow.

 

someone please bring the full list, i hate that RS website