Best of each artist · One record per artist
Best production
The sound, the room and the ideas behind the faders. The album where each artist’s sound was most carefully made – and who was at the desk.
- 1 The Beach Boys Pet Sounds Brian Wilson built the sound with Los Angeles session players, layer by layer, hearing it all in his head first. Listen to “God Only Knows” Timeless classic
- 2 Kate Bush Hounds of Love Kate Bush produced it herself in her own studio, with the Fairlight synthesiser as her paintbrush. Listen to “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)” Timeless classic
- 3 Michael Jackson Thriller Quincy Jones and engineer Bruce Swedien made every sound crystal clear. Pop production has measured itself against it ever since. Listen to “Beat It” Timeless classic
- 4 Björk Homogenic Björk and Mark Bell set volcanic beats against an Icelandic string octet. Listen to “Jóga” Timeless classic
- 5 Madonna Ray of Light William Orbit gave Madonna electronics, guitars and air. A fresh start for an artist who already had everything. Listen to “Frozen” Timeless classic
- 6 Peter Gabriel So Daniel Lanois and Peter Gabriel blended world music, soul and pop into something of their own. Listen to “Red Rain” Timeless classic
- 7 Paul Simon Graceland Paul Simon recorded with South African musicians in Johannesburg and built the songs around their grooves. Listen to “The Boy in the Bubble” Timeless classic
- 8 The Cardigans Gran Turismo Tore Johansson in Malmö made the Cardigans darker, electronic and coldly gleaming. Listen to “My Favourite Game” Timeless classic
- 9 Robyn Robyn Robyn started her own label and made the pop she wanted to hear, with Klas Åhlund. Listen to “Be Mine!” Modern classic
- 10 Taylor Swift folklore Made remotely during the pandemic with Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff – quiet, warm and full of detail. Listen to “cardigan” Modern classic
- 11 Billie Eilish When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? Finneas produced it in his bedroom in the family home in Los Angeles. Whispers and bass that rattles the speakers. Listen to “bad guy” Modern classic
29 artists in the list.