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

Exodus

Bob Marley & The Wailers' 1977 reggae landmark, named album of the century by Time magazine.

1000pts

2

Achtung Baby

U2's 1991 reinvention into darker, electronic-tinged rock recorded in Berlin.

856pts

3

Roxy Music

Roxy Music's 1972 debut, a glam-art-rock manifesto that redefined British pop.

799pts

4

The Joshua Tree

U2's 1987 masterpiece blending American roots music with soaring anthems.

717pts

5

Rain Dogs

Tom Waits' 1985 experimental blues-and-junkyard-cabaret song cycle about urban outcasts.

717pts

6

Mr. Fantasy

Traffic's 1967 psychedelic debut that launched Island into the UK rock scene.

666pts

7

Pink Moon

Nick Drake's stark, haunting 1972 final album, rediscovered decades later as a cult masterpiece.

666pts

8

No Need to Argue

The Cranberries' 1994 album featuring the global hit 'Zombie'.

666pts

9

Catch a Fire

Bob Marley & The Wailers' 1973 international breakthrough that brought reggae to the world.

666pts

10

Tea for the Tillerman

Cat Stevens' 1970 folk-rock album of introspective, enduring singer-songwriter classics.

605pts

11

Let England Shake

PJ Harvey's Mercury Prize-winning 2011 album meditating on war and English history.

605pts

12

In the Court of the Crimson King

King Crimson's 1969 debut, a foundational progressive-rock statement.

605pts

13

Nightclubbing

Grace Jones' 1981 new-wave and reggae-infused art-pop landmark.

532pts

14

Back to Black

Amy Winehouse's 2006 soul-revival classic that made her a global star.

444pts

15

Fire and Water

Free's 1970 blues-rock album featuring the anthem 'All Right Now'.

444pts

16

Aqualung

Jethro Tull's 1971 progressive-rock album exploring faith and social themes.

444pts

17

Liege & Lief

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

444pts