The 17 Best Albums Released on Island Records

Reggae landmarks, stadium-sized rock anthems, hushed folk confessionals and glam art-pop reinventions all trace back to one legendary imprint. Cast your vote for the crown jewel!

1. 1
   Exodus

   Bob Marley & The Wailers' 1977 reggae landmark, named album of the century by Time magazine.
   1000pts
2. 2
   Achtung Baby

   U2's 1991 reinvention into darker, electronic-tinged rock recorded in Berlin.
   785pts
3. 3
   Roxy Music

   Roxy Music's 1972 debut, a glam-art-rock manifesto that redefined British pop.
   700pts
4. 4
   The Joshua Tree

   U2's 1987 masterpiece blending American roots music with soaring anthems.
   577pts
5. 5
   Rain Dogs

   Tom Waits' 1985 experimental blues-and-junkyard-cabaret song cycle about urban outcasts.
   576pts
6. 6
   Mr. Fantasy

   Traffic's 1967 psychedelic debut that launched Island into the UK rock scene.
   500pts
7. 7
   Pink Moon

   Nick Drake's stark, haunting 1972 final album, rediscovered decades later as a cult masterpiece.
   500pts
8. 8
   No Need to Argue

   The Cranberries' 1994 album featuring the global hit 'Zombie'.
   500pts
9. 9
   Catch a Fire

   Bob Marley & The Wailers' 1973 international breakthrough that brought reggae to the world.
   500pts
10. 10
    Tea for the Tillerman

    Cat Stevens' 1970 folk-rock album of introspective, enduring singer-songwriter classics.
    409pts
11. 11
    Let England Shake

    PJ Harvey's Mercury Prize-winning 2011 album meditating on war and English history.
    409pts
12. 12
    In the Court of the Crimson King

    King Crimson's 1969 debut, a foundational progressive-rock statement.
    409pts
13. 13
    Nightclubbing

    Grace Jones' 1981 new-wave and reggae-infused art-pop landmark.
    300pts
14. 14
    Back to Black

    Amy Winehouse's 2006 soul-revival classic that made her a global star.
    167pts
15. 15
    Fire and Water

    Free's 1970 blues-rock album featuring the anthem 'All Right Now'.
    167pts
16. 16
    Aqualung

    Jethro Tull's 1971 progressive-rock album exploring faith and social themes.
    167pts
17. 17
    Liege & Lief

    Fairport Convention's 1969 album that pioneered British electric folk.
    167pts