VH1: 100 Greatest Albums [Paperback]

Jacob Hoye (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2003

VH1's 100 Greatest Albums television series sparked much debate about the accuracy of its list, but it was a great guide for any serious or casual music fan as to which albums should be staples in any record collection. As a book, the 100 Greatest Albums will be the perfect reference for building a substantive and thorough collection, as well as just being an entertaining read about some of the most important works ever created in music history. The book follows the order of the list, starting at 100 and working towards number one. Each album is discussed thoroughly across a two-page spread and each spread will include; an image of the album cover, the year of release, the record label, production and engineering credits, band members and instruments played, appropriate quote or quotes about the album from other artists, an essay that gives context to the album by examining its historical significance and detailing what makes the album unique by diving into the songs.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A companion to the VH1 show of the same name, Hoye's compilation of the 100 greatest albums of all time is a solid effort in the "best of" listmania (a phenomenon for which VH1, which has covered greatest songs, artists, teen idols and pop icons, must claim some responsibility). After sending ballots to over 700 songwriters, disc jockeys, radio gurus and musicians ranging from Art Garfunkel to Britney Spears, the station's powers that be tabulated and compiled a ranked list of the best of the best in rock and roll history. From the Beatles (who reign with both the number one album, Revolver, and the most albums on the list) to Elvis, from NWA (who could forget Straight Outta Compton?) to Lauren Hill and Curtis Mayfield-all the big shots of the last 50 years are here. Colloquial thumbnail essays by VH1 producers, pop aficionados and even Harlan Coben accompany each selection: the one on Bridge Over Troubled Water argues that hints of Simon & Garfunkel's break-up can be heard in certain tracks, while the one on Led Zeppelin's eponymous first album hails it as gasoline doused "on the formerly flickering flame of English blues." Spiked with celebrity quotes, but written by the everyman, each essay offers a personal flash of recognition for the individual sounds, collaborative efforts and occasionally even the social implications of each album. Enjoyable for a straight read-through but even better for browsing, this little book should prompt readers to add some missing essentials to their collection and pop in a few old favorites to listen to anew.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

The authors for this anthology include; Harlan Coben - NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of TELL NO ONE, Joe Harrington who writes about music for the NEW YORK TIMES and MAGNET, Eric Wybenga - author of DEAD TO THE CORE: An Almanack of the Grateful Dead and John Reed - acclaimed author of A STILL SMALL VOICE.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: MTV; Illustrated. edition (September 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743448766
• ISBN-13: 978-0743448765
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 6.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,497,654 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not really that great, December 25, 2008

By 

A. Pierre (Somewheres) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: VH1: 100 Greatest Albums (Paperback)

While I cannot argue that these albums are great, who says what order they go in? Not one Frank Sinatra album? He started the concept albums that thousands of bands have used ever since he did it in the 50's. I cannot say this book defines logic because it varies from mostly 60's rock, lots of bands have three or more on this list, it has a few rap albums, and jazz cds in the mix. It does not make any sense whatsoever.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars {VH1} HAS DONE IT AGAIN !, April 21, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: VH1: 100 Greatest Albums (Paperback)

THIS IS A NEAT SMALL BOOK FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE MUSIC AND WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ALBUMS OF THE PAST 40 YEARS.

THIS BOOK TELLS YOU ABOUT THE 100 GREATEST ALBUMS OF ALL TIME IN THE {OPINION OF VH1}.IT IS NOT ABOUT THE GREATEST SELLING OR THE ALBUM'S WITH THE MOST NUMBER #1'S.IT IS PRETTY MUCH ABOUT THE LIVING AND NON~LIVING ARTIST'S WHO'S ALBUM/MUSIC HAS LIVED ON THROUGH THE DECADES AND "SO CALLED" CHANGED THE FACE OF MUSIC.

IT SHOW'S THE ALBUM COVER AND A STORY BEHIND IT.FROM EVERYONE FROM PRINCE TO BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN/"THE BOSS" AND EVERYONE INBETWEEN.THIS BOOK GOES GOOD WITH THE BILLBOARD BOOK OF #1 HIT'S.{AS LONG AS THE MUSIC PLAYS THE MEMORIES WILL NEVER FADE}

[ROME,NEW YORK:/HOME OF WOODSTOCK 1999/