Rolling Stone Australia has teamed with sound experience brand, Sonos, to release its new list of the 200 Greatest Aussie Albums of All Time, with AC/DC’s Back In Black taking the top spot.
INXS’ blockbuster 1987 album, Kick, took second place with John Farnham’s multi-multi-platinum 1986 record, Whispering Jack, claiming third.
Other top ten finalists included Midnight Oil’s Diesel and Dust, Silverchair’s Frogstomp, and The Avalanches’ ground-breaking plunderphonics classic, Since I Left You.
The entire list will be released today in a new double-length issue, featuring a special edition cover illustrated by Yuwi, Torres Strait and South Sea Islander artist, Dylan Mooney, which highlights the homegrown nature of the classic records listed.
“It’s been an amazing experience to go in-depth with many of these records, realising and understanding the blood, sweat, and tears that went into making each and every one,” said Rolling Stone Australia editor, Tyler Jenke.
“It’s been an honour to go back and listen to all of these records, rediscovering some old favourites, uncovering some new favourites, and shining a light on some of this country’s finest artists.
“I can only hope that everyone has much fun delving into this list as we had compiling it!”
The list is an extensive catalogue of popular Australian music, dating from 1965 to albums released as recently as last year during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It also showcases the ingenuity and DIY ethos of Aussie artists, with 27 of the records listed being self-produced.
The shortlist was compiled after an enormous process which saw over 800 industry figures, journalists, producers and artists nominating their favourite Aussie records.
Internal staff and music experts then undertook a deliberation process, before the final list was decided upon by Rolling Stone Australia, who evaluated the cultural and critical impact of each record.
To celebrate the issue, Rolling Stone Australia and Sonos presented a livestream countdown on yesterday which was hosted by Jenke, managing editor, Poppy Reid, and triple j presenter and content creator, Michael Chow.
Sonos’ director of marketing APAC, Emma Levy, said reliving the memories wrapped up in your favourite Australian records shouldn’t be impeded by scrappy audio or flimsy connections.
“Sonos’ wireless speakers are designed to not only enhance the listening experience, but to bring people together in moments of cultural connectivity,” she said.
“From effortless setup to moving music from room to room to listening on-the-go, it’s never been easier to enjoy the 200 Greatest Australian Albums of all Time livestream – no matter where you are and who you’re with.
“Sonos is thrilled to be throwing our weight behind this awesome celebration of Australian music – congrats to these incredible artists who together, form the backbone of Australian culture.”
While the list may seem tailor-made for more seasoned listeners – with eight of the albums listed released in 1991, and the average release year being 1997 – younger listeners still had their more contemporary tastes represented.
Tame Impala’s Currents, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s Nonagon Infinity, and The Kid Laroi’s F*ck Love all placed in the top 100.
