Top 10 Greatest Final Albums
#10: “In Through the Out Door” (1979)
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Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin had one of the best runs in rock history. And who knows how much longer they could have kept the streak going had it not been for the untimely death of John Bonham? When the drummer passed away in 1980, the surviving members decided not to continue without him. That means that the band’s eighth album, “In Through the Out Door,” ended up being their last. While the album received a mixed reception upon release and might not be as loved as "Led Zeppelin IV" or "Physical Graffiti," it's still a worthy listen—especially for the band's implementation of synthesizers.
#9: “Strangeways, Here We Come” (1987)
The Smiths
For such an influential band, The Smiths had a relatively short-lived career. But they definitely made all of their releases count. The band’s fourth album was a bittersweet goodbye to fans who fell in love with Morrissey’s clever lyrics and Johnny Marr’s gorgeous guitar melodies. The album saw the band shaking up their influences and instrumentation, taking cues from The Beatles' "White Album", as well as The Walker Brothers. “Strangeways, Here We Come” also saw the band experiment with synthesized sounds and drum machines. Sadly, Marr left two months before the album's release, leading to the band’s end. They ended on a high note, however, with Marr, Morrissey, and Smiths drummer Mike Joyce all going on to call it their best album.
#8: "American IV: The Man Comes Around" (2002)
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Johnny Cash
Even as the end of his life neared, Johnny Cash kept making incredible music. “American IV: The Man Comes Around” was produced by Rick Rubin, and is one of the country legend’s best albums. It’s a perfect goodbye to an icon with an unmistakable voice and presence. What's even more amazing is that most of the songs here are covers—including Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt" and Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water"—but Cash makes them his own. While there have been several posthumous Cash albums released, “American IV” stands apart as an enduring monument to this music legend.
#7: “Icky Thump” (2007)
The White Stripes
The White Stripes were a throwback to another musical era, when a band could make it big with nothing but a guitar, drums, and a whole lot of passion (okay, and a few other instruments here or there). “Icky Thump,” the band’s sixth and final album features all of the band’s hallmarks, from the scorching riffs to the catchy choruses. It went on to earn them two Grammys the following year in 2008. While “Icky Thump” wasn’t planned as the duo’s last release, the group confirmed their breakup in 2011. According to Jack White, drummer Meg White’s lack of interest in the band is what ultimately led to its dissolution. Though fans were devastated, there’s no denying that The White Stripes held our interest from beginning to end.
#6: “You Want It Darker” (2016)
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Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen always had something to say, covering everything from the big stuff like life and love, to more personal and introspective subjects. On his 14th album, released just seventeen days before he passed away, Cohen delivers his signature wry and wounded poetry in his gorgeous gravely tone. The minimal compositions give the 82-year-old Cohen and his words the spotlight, and he displays remarkable candidness about his mortality. Despite the serious subject matter, “You Want It Darker” is a moving and (at times) hopeful listen. It really embodies the wisdom of looking back and seeing the impact you’ve made on the world and the people you met along the way.
#5: “Back to Black” (2006)
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Amy Winehouse
“Back to Black'' wasn't Amy Winehouse’s first album, but it was the release that saw her become a worldwide musical sensation. Written in the wake of a separation from her eventual husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, "Back to Black" finds the late singer letting out her emotions in full force. To this day, hearing songs like "Rehab," feels like you're hearing Winehouse bare her soul for everyone to hear. After winning five Grammys, including, all eyes were on Winehouse. Sadly, she passed away in 2011 at the age of 27. Listening to “Back to Black”, you can’t help but mourn the talent that was lost and think about the songs she never got the chance to sing.
#4: “In Utero” (1993)
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Nirvana
Nirvana shook up the music industry in ways we’ve seldom seen replicated. And few deaths have rocked the music world to its core like the passing of Kurt Cobain in 1994. “In Utero,” the rock band’s third and last album, is by no means a retread of their blockbuster “Nevermind” album. Produced by Pixies collaborator Steve Albini, "In Utero '' finds Nirvana going grittier and challenging their fans in ways they might have not been anticipating. But the more you listen to "In Utero," the more you can appreciate how well the band continued to push their sound. And they did it while still creating great songs like "Heart-Shaped Box" and "All Apologies." There will never be another band quite like Nirvana.
#3: ‘Blackstar” (2016)
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David Bowie
When rock legend David Bowie’s death from liver cancer was announced in January 2016, it shocked the world. Most people had no idea that Bowie was sick, and he had just dropped what would turn out to be his final release. “Blackstar,” his 25th studio album, is one of the artist’s most-daring releases—which is saying a lot coming from such an adventurous creator. “Blackstar” is a jazz-infused commentary on existence and the mysteries of the great beyond, perfectly delivered by a man who always kept us guessing. Through all of the personas and costumes, “Blackstar” reminds us that Bowie was first and foremost, a truly inspired artist.
#2: “Electric Ladyland” (1968)
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The Jimi Hendrix Experience
When you think of the electric guitar, you think of Jimi Hendrix. No artist has done more for the instrument than the late legend, and his final album contains some of his mightiest compositions and performances. Included on the Jimi Hendrix Experience's final album is his hit cover of Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower" as well as the stunning closer, “Voodoo Child (Slight Return).” For more than 70 minutes, this album takes listeners on an audio journey they'll never forget. Hendrix sadly passed away two years later, but “Electric Ladyland” cemented his place in music history as a timeless legend.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Synchronicity” (1983), The Police
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“Life After Death” (1997), The Notorious B.I.G.
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“Innuendo” (1991), Queen
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“Invincible” (2001), Michael Jackson
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“Pearl” (1971), Janis Joplin
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#1: “Let It Be” (1970)
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The Beatles
Some say that “Abbey Road” is The Beatles’ final album, but if we’re going by release dates, the answer is “Let It Be.” Recorded during a time of strife for the Fab Four, the tension can even be felt on the cover art, with each member in his own space. But this is The Beatles, and they can make amazing music even under difficult circumstances. Among the iconic tracks on this album are "Dig a Pony" "Across the Universe," and "Get Back." Three of the recordings were taken from an impromptu concert on the roof of Apple Corps, the band’s final live concert. For closing out the career of such an important band in such a powerful way, we have to “let it be” our number one.
