In the beginning of 2000, the New York Times published a list of “the most significant albums of the last century” made by its popular-music critics Jon Pareles, Neil Strauss, Ben Ratliff, and Ann Powers. They chose 25 albums “representing turning points and pinnacles in 20th-century popular music.”
“As we argued, we found ourselves reflecting our own place and time, concentrating on American music and with a slightly foreshortened focus on the years since 1950,” they said. “We accepted one anachronism: choosing albums, not singles, for performers throughout the century, although the LP was introduced only in 1948. Faced with an abundance of deserving music, we also slipped in a few hits collections and compilations. By necessity much is left out, but the chosen albums are a foundation for understanding the popular music of the 20th century.”
Below are the two lists the critics compiled, in chronological order. The first is comprised of the actual 25 most important albums; the second has other 25 “worthy contenders”, as they called them.
The most important
Al Jolson
Pearl Flapper, 1926-36
The contenders
George Gershwin
Paul Whiteman conducting, George Gershwin piano
RCA, 1924
Various artists
Smithsonian Folkways, recorded 1926-34, collected 1952
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Source: The New York Times
Last checked on: 10 February 2016
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