Top 10 Concept Albums

1. Pink Floyd-Dark Side of the Moon
This album should be considered high art. It captures the insanity of modern living so well and set the standard by which all concept albums are measured. There is not a moment of weakness in the entire album. Us and Them is about as moving and dead on as any song. Most recognizable album cover in history.
2. Tool-Lateralus
Hand's down Tool's most accomplished album. The theme of the album deals with spirituality and transcending our earthly shackles. The title track is amazing as are most of the other songs. Probably the coolest album art work ever.
3. Pink Floyd-The Wall
Roger Waters' lyrical masterpiece. The double album is Waters at his darkest and most self-indulgent. Hey You and Comfortably Numb are the highlights of this brilliantly executed album. Another great album cover.
4. David Bowie-The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust
The album that launched Bowie and glam. The album was Bowie at his best. The live cuts of this album give them a bit more of a rock/metal feel. The title track is the best song on the album.
5. Rush-2112
My favorite song on the album is A Passage to Bangkok.
6. NIN-Year Zero
Reznor captures the paranoia and the angst of the post 9/11 landscape. Year Zero could be considered the Ziggy Stardust of the 21st century. Reznor certainly borrows aspects of Bowie's album and updates them for the new millennium. Me I'm Not and The Great Destroyer are anthems for the new age revolution. The Warning is another standout track that is reminiscent of Ziggy Stardust.
7. King Crimson-Court of the Crimson King
Epitaph and Court of the Crimson King are epic and incredible. Eat your heart out Jethro Tull.
8. Queensryche-Operation: Mindcrime
Always present in any discussion of the best concept albums of all time.
9. A Perfect Circle-Thirteenth Step
A pun on 12 step programs this is a complete album. The Package has a sexy baseline and tribal rhythms that make it the standout track.
10. Metallica-...And Justice For All
The last real Metallica album hinted at where the band could have gone if they hadn't wanted to broaden their appeal. What a shame because ...And Justice for All and One sound like classical music at times. Harvester of Sorrow is one hell of a scorching metal track. If only they had stayed on this evolutionary path they could have been the greatest.