The early 2000s brought a shift not just in music genres, but also in how music was produced and consumed. While some call it the "loudness war," referring to the trend of compressing music to sound louder on smaller devices, many artists and engineers bucked this trend, focusing on dynamic range and sonic fidelity. This guide highlights some of the greatest albums 21st century has given us, focusing on those with exceptional audio quality.
At a glance:
- This list focuses on albums released from 2001 onward.
- Dynamic Range (DR) measurements are used as a guide to audio quality, where available.
- The list includes albums across various genres, from rock and jazz to hip-hop and electronic.
- The guide offers recommendations on the best formats to listen to each album for optimal sound.
Why Dynamic Range Matters
Dynamic Range (DR) refers to the difference between the quietest and loudest sounds in a recording. Albums with a higher DR tend to sound more natural and detailed, avoiding the fatiguing effect of overly compressed audio. While DR isn't the only measure of quality, it’s a useful guide when seeking out audiophile-quality listening experiences.
Essential Albums for the Audiophile
Here's a curated selection of albums released since 2001 that stand out for their audio quality, along with standout tracks and recommended listening formats.
Bluegrass & Country
Alison Krauss & Union Station - New Favorite (2001): This album showcases the pristine clarity of bluegrass instrumentation. The 2013 release boasts a DR of 13, while the original CD has a DR of 11. Standout tracks include "The Lucky One" and "Choctaw Hayride."
Electronic
Daft Punk - Discovery (2001): A cornerstone of electronic music. The original vinyl release is the way to go, boasting a DR of 15. "Digital Love" and "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" are absolute must-listens.
Daft Punk - Random Access Memories (2013): Daft Punk makes the list again, this time with Random Access Memories. The vinyl version offers a DR of 14. Tracks to listen to include "Get Lucky" and "Giorgio by Moroder."
Electronic music production continues to push boundaries, and with it Explore the Centurys Defining Album, defining musical styles continues to evolve.
Yello - Point (2020): This album provides a masterclass in production. Spring for the Dolby Atmos Blu-Ray or streaming version, or high-bitrate digital/CD for an incredible listening experience. Check out "Waba Duba."
Jazz-Pop
Norah Jones - Come Away With Me (2002): This breakout album was mastered by Ted Jensen, and the SACD version offers a DR of 14, compared to the original CD's DR of 11. Essential tracks include "Don't Know Why" and "Cold, Cold Heart."
Diana Krall - Live in Paris (2002): The live setting adds a special dimension to Krall's performance. The vinyl release has a DR of 14. Listen to "I Love Being Here With You" and "Deed I Do."
Folk-Rock
Beck - Sea Change (2002): A somber masterpiece with excellent production. The 2012 Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MoFi) release has a DR of 12. "Lost Cause" and "Lonesome Tears" are standout tracks.
Beck - Morning Phase (2014): Another great album by Beck making the list, Morning Phase delivers pristine melodies and production. Go for the 24-bit digital or vinyl versions. Check out "Morning" and "Heart Is A Drum."
Prog-Rock
Porcupine Tree - In Absentia (2002): Mastered by Andy VanDette, this album benefits from its immersive soundscapes. The best formats are the 5.1 DVD-A and high-resolution stereo versions. Don't miss "Blackest Eyes" and "Heartattack in a Layby."
Steven Wilson - The Raven That Refused to Sing (2013): Another Steven Wilson production makes the list. Opt for the Blu-ray/DVD-A 5.1 mix for an immersive experience, or vinyl for stereo listening pleasure.
Opeth - Pale Communion (2014): With a DR of 13, this album sounds great in any lossless format. Listen to "Eternal Rains Will Come" and "Cusp of Eternity."
Tool - Fear Inoculum (2019): After a long wait, Tool delivered a complex and sonically rich album. The 2022 vinyl edition has a DR between 13 and 15. Check out "Fear Inoculum" and "7empest."
Tears for Fears - The Tipping Point (2022): For an amazing listening experience, try the Blu-ray Audio 5.1 mixed by Steven Wilson. The best tracks on this album are "The Tipping Point" and "No Small Thing."
Rock
Steely Dan - Everything Must Go (2003): The vinyl release boasts a DR of 16. "Everything Must Go" and "Blues Beach" are essential tracks.
Donald Fagen - Morph the Cat (2006): For this album, grab the 2006 vinyl release, which has a DR of 15. Listen to "Morph the Cat" and "H Gang."
Radiohead - In Rainbows (2007): Known for its innovative release strategy, In Rainbows also sounds fantastic. The 45rpm vinyl and high-res digital versions are recommended. Don't miss "Jigsaw Falling Into Place" and "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi."
The War on Drugs - Lost in the Dream (2014): This indie-rock masterpiece sounds best on vinyl. Check out "Under the Pressure" and "Red Eyes."
Soul
Amy Winehouse - Back to Black (2006): Winehouse's iconic album has a raw and powerful sound. The vinyl LP is generally considered better than the CD. Listen to "Back to Black" and "Rehab."
Shelby Lynne - Just a Little Lovin’ (2008): This tribute to Dusty Springfield shines on vinyl (180g/200g), though the CD is also excellent. Sample "Just a Little Lovin’" and "The Look of Love."
World Music
Youssou N’Dour - Egypt (2004): This World Music Grammy winner sounds gorgeous on CD. "Birima" is a standout track.
Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté - In the Heart of the Moon (2005): A beautiful collaboration, best experienced as a 24-bit download. Listen to "Ali Farka" and "Kala Djula."
Hip-Hop
Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012): This modern classic sounds great in any lossless digital format. Listen to "Poetic Justice" and "Backseat Freestyle."
A Tribe Called Quest - We Got It from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service (2016): The double LP vinyl version does justice to this album's rich soundscapes. Check out "We The People..." and "Dis Generation."
Jazz
Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band - Act Your Age (2008): This big band album really shines in surround sound. Seek out the DVD-A 5.1 or Dolby TrueHD versions.
Pat Metheny - From This Place (2020): A fantastic jazz fusion album that sounds incredible on CD or high-res digital.
Maria Schneider Orchestra - Data Lords (2020): This album is complex, ambitious, and beautifully recorded. Opt for the 24-bit/96kHz digital download. Key tracks are "Sputnik" and "Sanzenin."
Acoustic
Punch Brothers - The Phosphorescent Blues (2015): The intricate acoustic textures of this album are best appreciated in 24-bit FLAC format. Listen to "Julep."
Orchestral
Hans Zimmer - Live in Prague (2017): Zimmer's scores are brought to life in this live recording. The Blu-ray Atmos/DTS-HD MA 5.1 and vinyl versions are both excellent. "Time" (from Inception) is a highlight.
Score
Hildur Guðnadóttir - Joker (Original Score) (2019): The haunting and unsettling score benefits from the clarity of 24-bit high-resolution streaming. Don't miss "Bathroom Dance."
Ambient/Jazz
Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & LSO - Promises (2021): This collaboration is a sonic journey. The vinyl and digital versions are both excellent choices.
The Loudness War: What It Is and Why It Matters
The "Loudness War" refers to a trend in music production where audio levels are increasingly compressed to maximize loudness, often at the expense of dynamic range and overall sound quality. While louder tracks might initially grab the listener's attention, they can also lead to ear fatigue and a loss of detail.
Finding the Best Formats
How do you ensure you're listening to the best possible version of an album? Here are a few tips:
- Check Dynamic Range (DR) databases: Websites and communities often compile DR measurements for different releases of the same album.
- Read reviews: Audiophile publications and forums often discuss the sound quality of different formats.
- Consider vinyl: Vinyl releases often have a wider dynamic range than their CD counterparts, though mastering quality still varies.
- Explore High-Resolution Audio: Services like Qobuz and Tidal offer high-resolution audio downloads and streams.
- Look for Remasters: Some remasters aim to restore dynamic range lost in previous releases.
Beyond Audio Quality: Critical Acclaim
While this guide focuses on audio fidelity, many "Greatest Albums" lists consider broader factors like artistic merit, cultural impact, and innovation. Stacker.com curates albums according to their performance in over 40,000 other publications. This means that some albums that are critically acclaimed might not necessarily be the best from an audio standpoint.
Similarly, The Guardian published a "100 Best Albums of the 21st Century" list which includes Fiona Apple's "The Idler Wheel..." and Rihanna's "ANTI".
Choosing Your Own "Greatest Albums"
Ultimately, the "greatest albums 21st century" has to offer are subjective. Your personal taste, listening equipment, and individual preferences all play a role. The albums listed here represent a starting point for exploring high-quality audio experiences, but don't be afraid to venture outside this list and discover your own gems. Consider, too, that evolving technology impacts how music is not only produced but heard. Explore the Centurys Defining Album and the evolution in music listening is easy to observe by simply comparing modern streaming music providers to old methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Dynamic Range compression? Dynamic range compression reduces the difference between the loudest and quietest parts of a recording. While it can make music sound louder, it often sacrifices detail and nuance.
- Is vinyl always better than CD? Not always. While vinyl often has the potential for wider dynamic range, the mastering quality, pressing quality, and your playback equipment all affect the final sound.
- What are the best headphones for critical listening? Open-back headphones are generally preferred for critical listening due to their wider soundstage and more natural sound. Brands like Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, and Beyerdynamic are popular choices.
Your Next Steps to Audio Bliss
Start exploring the albums listed here, paying close attention to the recommended formats. Compare different releases of the same album to hear the impact of mastering on sound quality. Most importantly, trust your ears and enjoy the journey of sonic discovery.