Best Albums of 1993

1993 was the beginning of a stretch in the early to mid 90s where not only were the releases top quality, but also pretty easy to find. This, along with 1994, was one of the easiest lists to put together. I dont really have much else to say, so let's get cracking...

10. Black Sunday - Cypress Hill
Reflections: Rapper B. Real, leader of Cypress Hill, has one of the most unique voices in all of rap/hip-hop. Raspy, high pitched, yet powerful. While I dont really have a lot to say about Black Sunday, it is worth the listen. That, and I still know the words to Insane. Test me. (Don't try it. I'll check your ass like a looter in a riot.)
Best tracks: Insane in The Membrane, When The Shit Goes Down

9. Pablo Honey - Radiohead
Reflections: Back before Radiohead became the super-artsy championed posterboys of innovative rock, they were a lowly English rock band with a wily lead singer. Thom Yorke's whining and wailing, especially on 'Creep', are easy on the ears. If you've never listened to Radiohead but are turned away by the elitist art-rock bastards, then give their earlier albums a try.
Best tracks: Creep

8. Rage Against The Machine - Rage Against The Machine
Reflections: The impact of this album was impossible to describe. Was it the hardest album out there? No. Did it have the best lyrics or riffs? No. Was it phenomenal? Yes. This album blew me away when I first heard it. It was rock music, hard rock, with a message. While I didn't always see eye-to-eye with RATM's views, you had to respect the power which they commanded with their mastery of the craft.
Best tracks: Killing in the Name Of, Bombtrack

7. Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) - Wu-Tang Clan
Reflections: These rappers from Staten Island redifined raw hip-hop. With the diverse group of rappers in the Wu, you heard all different types of MCs - from GZA's smooth poetic rhymes, to ODB's raw and dirty verses, to Method Man's lyrical twists and turns, this album showcases some of the best MCs ever to grab the mic.
Best tracks: C.R.E.A.M., Wu-Tang Clan Aint Nuttin' To Fuck Wit

6. The Ultimate Experience - Jimi Hendrix
Reflections: While it may be considered a cop out to include Greatest Hits packages like this in my lists, I hardly think so. This album, borrowed from a friend, was my first real taste of the guitar master - and after a few listens, I immediately understood why so many people were Hendrix fans across the world. 'All Along The Watchtower' remains one of my all-time favorite songs.
Best tracks: All Along the Watchtower, Voodoo Child, Crosstown
Traffic, Purple Haze, The Wind Cries Mary

5. In Utero - Nirvana
Reflections: The follow-up to one of the best albums ever, Cobain, Grohl, and Novoselic return and once again, put out a quality album. While not the start-to-finish masterpiece that Nevermind was, this album is still one of the best rock albums of the 90s.
Best tracks: Heart-Shaped Box, Serve the Servants, Pennyroyal Tea

4. Recipe For Hate - Bad Religion
Reflections: The most pop-sounding recording Bad Religion ever put out, it still holds its own. While it has some of the best Bad Religion songs ever, it also has by far the worst one - 'Stealth'. Recipe For Hate is a good album for Bad Religion newbies, but more seasoned veterans tend to prefer other LPs. If you haven't heard this album, you really need to rectify that.
Best tracks: American Jesus, Skyscraper, Recipe For Hate, Struck A Nerve

3. Doggystyle - Snoop Doggy Dogg
Reflections: In 1992 we were introduced to a young rapper from Compton who rapped all over Dr. Dre's masterpiece The Chronic - Snoop Doggy Dogg. In 93, we got Dogg's solo debut, and it was without a doubt, an instant classic. Snoop may very well be the most talented rapper in the world, and it sure shows on Doggystyle.
Best tracks: What's My Name?, Gin and Juice, Doggy Dogg World

2. August and Everything After - Counting Crows
Reflections: The first CD I ever bought, I still cherish this addition to my collection. Adam Duritz croons from start to finish, and you can't help but listen. A lot of people bash on the Counting Crows, but regardless of that, I think that this album is good, enjoyable music. Anybody who listens to this album will either find it a great listen, or they'll just get bored and fall asleep. Sleeping music isn't that bad to have though, is it?
Best tracks: The whole album is solid, from start to finish. Honestly.

1. Siamese Dream - Smashing Pumpkins
Reflections: This is the best album by one of my favorite bands ever. I was a huge SP nut. I picked up a copy of Siamese Dream after hearing 'Today' and 'Disarm', and after a few listens, I was addicted. Quite possibly the best rock album (after Nevermind) of the early 90s, I just can't say enough good things about this album. I don't know why anybody could pass up listening to this album - it could easily become one of your favorites.
Best tracks: The entire album, but especially Today, Disarm, and Mayonaise

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