Bands/artists whose last album is their best?

[millahh]

Is the intent of the thread "most recent" or "final"?  Given the other threads, I figured "final", in which case:

Fair to Midland
The Beatles (meaning Abbey Road)

[Luoto]

Is the intent of the thread "most recent" or "final"?  Given the other threads, I figured "final", in which case:

Wrong answer Not that many bands that have appeared in this thread have broken up.

[Anguyen92]

I'd say we can make an argument for Rush's Clockwork Angels.  That was an album that most people have praised and claimed that it was Rush's best album since Power Windows (and, to an extent, Moving Pictures).  Given the way things are going, if Rush decides to call it regarding studio albums(and they will have to decide sooner than later), Clockwork Angels is a great way to go out.

[Adami]

I'd say we can make an argument for Rush's Clockwork Angels.  That was an album that most people have praised and claimed that it was Rush's best album since Power Windows (and, to an extent, Moving Pictures).  Given the way things are going, if Rush decides to call it regarding studio albums(and they will have to decide sooner than later), Clockwork Angels is a great way to go out.

Woah woah woah, it's a great album. But this isn't asking about bands whose last albums are great, but their best. I can't see the argument (which even you conceded) that CA is their best.

[Kotowboy]

I don't think 10,000 Days "sucks" - but I think Lateralus is much better.

[SoundscapeMN]

I don't agree with Fair to Midland at all.

First and foremost per the production/mixing is at times unlistenable on Arrows and Anchors.

Also even considering how good and addictive Fables from a Mayfly was, and Inter.funda.stifle as well, I also can't say just from a writing standpoint, Arrows & Anchors is better or even as good actually.

But had Joe Barresi not produced it (he has a resume that includes many albums that seem influenced by the "loudness wars"), Arrows and Anchors may have come out sounding a lot better and thus, more addictive.

Arrows and Anchors could use a remixing like Vapor Trails, and I might be able to re-assess it.

I will say, the songs live were all good, but I still wouldn't necessarily say the collection of songs on it even live, were better than the Fables track list.

[Kotowboy]

Ironically - Joe Baressi also produced 10,000 Days.

[Sacul]

Is the intent of the thread "most recent" or "final"?

Both are valid for this thread.

[TheCountOfNYC]

Right now I would say Sum 41. They have a new album coming out later this year but their current most recent album Screaming Bloody Murder, is my favorite by them.

[Prog Snob]

Is the intent of the thread "most recent" or "final"?  Given the other threads, I figured "final", in which case:

Fair to Midland
The Beatles (meaning Abbey Road)

I was wondering the same thing myself in regards to the meaning of "last".

And as far as The Beatles. Wasn't Let It Be their last? I know it was technically written first, but it wasn't released until after Abbey Road. I really can't argue with Abbey Road being their best. Maybe The White Album could come close and I've always been a huge fan of Revolver.

[TheCountOfNYC]

Is the intent of the thread "most recent" or "final"?  Given the other threads, I figured "final", in which case:

Fair to Midland
The Beatles (meaning Abbey Road)

I was wondering the same thing myself in regards to the meaning of "last".

And as far as The Beatles. Wasn't Let It Be their last? I know it was technically written first, but it wasn't released until after Abbey Road. I really can't argue with Abbey Road being their best. Maybe The White Album could come close and I've always been a huge fan of Revolver.

To me the whole argument is moot since St. Pepper exists.

[Prog Snob]

At one time Sgt Pepper was my favorite but I've come to love Abbey Road and The White Album so much. Sgt Pepper is number two for me.

[krands85]

and (contraversial but I love 10,000 Days) Tool.   

Same here, I think I like it slightly better than Lateralus. The only others I can think of are Reuben and maybe (another controversial choice) Iron Maiden - I just love The Book of Souls!

[Stadler]

I think arguments can be made for:

The Beatles (Abbey Road); Paul intended this to be the last album, so since he was there and had a say in it, I'm okay with that.

It might be a personal pick, but an argument can be made for "Dig Out Your Soul", by Oasis.  I LVOE that album.

Depending on what your taste is, and how you consider the "Marks", you can make an argument for Now What!? by Purple (though for me, in the whole catalogue, I would go with Abandon or Fireball), and Bent Out Of Shape by Rainbow (though I would go with Rising). 

[ErHaO]

Probably some minority opinions here (only counting full fledged studio albums of artists that have made at least 3):

Stone Sour - House of Gold and Bones part 2
Steven Wilson (solo) - Hand. Cannot. Erase.
James Labrie (solo)- Impermanent Resonance
Theocracy - As the World Bleeds
Opeth - Pale Communion
Ian Anderson (solo) - Homo Eraticus (man, if this album had a young Ian Anderson voice)
Elvenking - Pagan Manifesto (their only album I like, actually)
Maiden United -Remembrance (wasn't overly fond of the first two but this one is great)

Also, until recently it was Evergrey with Hymns for the Broken (have not checked out the newest one yet).

[pain of occupation]

Add Silverchair to my list, I prefer their later day experimentation to the classic grunge sound of the early phase.

You just can't beat Frogstomp and Freak Show IMO.

Neon Ballroom is totes their masterpiece, yo.

[Kotowboy]

and (contraversial but I love 10,000 Days) Tool.   

Same here, I think I like it slightly better than Lateralus. The only others I can think of are Reuben and maybe (another controversial choice) Iron Maiden - I just love The Book of Souls!

I don't know what 10,000 Days has that Lateralus doesn't do much better.

[pain of occupation]

ya. 10000 days is great and all, but it's pretty much just a lesser Lateralus.

[Kotowboy]

The Grudge > > Vicarious

Parabol / Parabola > > Wings For Marie / 10,000 Days

Schism > The Pot

[Super Dude]

I don't know if it's been mentioned yet but Mr. Bungle's California.

[SoundscapeMN]

I enjoy Young Modern, but if I had to pick, I'd go with Diorama as Silverchair's best work.

But then again, sometimes I think The Dissociatives album is better than both of them.

[Architeuthis]

Symphony X.   Underworld 

[bundy]

No mention of Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water?


Not my favourite S&G (that's Parley, Sage ...) but it's the one that tends to get the most kudos.

[King Postwhore]

I enjoy Young Modern, but if I had to pick, I'd go with Diorama as Silverchair's best work.

But then again, sometimes I think The Dissociatives album is better than both of them.

Both albums are great. 

[soupytwist]

Surprisingly tough question if you take into critical acclaim as opposed to personal taste.

Simon & Garfunkel - Bridge of Troubled Water

Spring to mind.

[King Postwhore]

Well I can appreciate Bob Dylan for his craft but not like his music.

[Mister Gold]

I'd say there's a strong case to be made for Fates Warning's latest album of being their best...

[ZKX-2099]

Avantasia - Ghostlights
Dragonforce - Maximum Overload
Every Time I Die - From Parts Unknown (this may change in a week)
GWAR - Battle Maximus
Strapping Young Lad - The New Black
Slipknot - .5: The Gray Chapter

[ytserush]

I'd say we can make an argument for Rush's Clockwork Angels.  That was an album that most people have praised and claimed that it was Rush's best album since Power Windows (and, to an extent, Moving Pictures).  Given the way things are going, if Rush decides to call it regarding studio albums(and they will have to decide sooner than later), Clockwork Angels is a great way to go out.

Woah woah woah, it's a great album. But this isn't asking about bands whose last albums are great, but their best. I can't see the argument (which even you conceded) that CA is their best.

I'd make that argument.

That album defies all things natural, but it exists.


I'd put up the Astonishing too, but those lyrics just kill me.

[Mosh]

Clockwork Angels could be in my Rush top 5. It's hard to say because their catalog is so vast, but I can see the argument for that album.

[Kotowboy]

Hardwired...To Self Destruct is shaping up nicely.

Won't be at all surprised if it's Metallica's best album since METALLICA

[Elite]

Mr. Bungle - California
Anna von Hausswolff - The Miraculous
Ihsahn - arktis.
Textures - Phenotype


These are the only ones I could think of quickly.

[Scorpion]

I definitely agree with the people will have said Fates Warning, Mr. Bugle and Ihsahn. I'd also add Nick Cave to the list, Skeleton Tree it's just amazing and at this point, I'd say it edges out Murder Ballads as my favorite of his releases.

[SoundscapeMN]

Textures - Phenotype

I can easily see myself agreeing with this. Although the follow-up Genotype is coming next year, so it may not last (unless Genotype is as amazing as Phenotype is).

[bosk1]

I'd say there's a strong case to be made for Fates Warning's latest album of being their best...

If by "strong case" you mean "unmitigated slam-dunk," then yes.