Pop music, with its catchy melodies, memorable hooks, and broad appeal, has produced countless masterpieces over the decades. This list attempts to capture the 100 most influential, innovative, and enduring pop albums of all time. From the early days of rock and roll to modern pop and everything in between, these albums represent the pinnacle of pop artistry and have shaped the genre in profound ways.
1. Thriller – Michael Jackson (1982)
Michael Jackson’s sixth studio album is the best-selling album of all time and redefined pop music for a generation. Its blend of pop, rock, and R&B, coupled with groundbreaking music videos, set a new standard for pop artistry.
Key Tracks: “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Thriller”
2. Purple Rain – Prince and The Revolution (1984)
The soundtrack to Prince’s semi-autobiographical film showcases his incredible musicianship and genre-blending abilities. Its mix of pop, rock, and funk influences created a unique and influential sound.
Key Tracks: “When Doves Cry,” “Purple Rain,” “Let’s Go Crazy”
3. Rumours – Fleetwood Mac (1977)
Fleetwood Mac’s most successful album blended pop, rock, and folk influences with impeccable songwriting and harmonies. The personal drama within the band during its creation added to its emotional resonance.
Key Tracks: “Go Your Own Way,” “Dreams,” “Don’t Stop”
4. Like a Prayer – Madonna (1989)
Madonna’s fourth studio album marked her artistic peak, blending pop with elements of rock, funk, and gospel. Its controversial themes and innovative production pushed the boundaries of what pop music could be.
Key Tracks: “Like a Prayer,” “Express Yourself,” “Cherish”
5. 21 – Adele (2011)
Adele’s sophomore album showcased her powerful voice and emotionally resonant songwriting. Its blend of pop, soul, and R&B influences appealed to a wide audience and became one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century.
Key Tracks: “Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone Like You,” “Set Fire to the Rain”
6. Tapestry – Carole King (1971)
Carole King’s second album is a masterpiece of confessional songwriting. Its intimate, personal lyrics and melodic piano-driven sound influenced generations of singer-songwriters.
Key Tracks: “It’s Too Late,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”
7. Off the Wall – Michael Jackson (1979)
Michael Jackson’s fifth studio album marked his emergence as an adult solo artist and set the stage for his dominance of pop music in the 1980s. The album’s blend of disco, funk, and soul created a new template for pop-R&B crossover success.
Key Tracks: “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” “Rock with You,” “Off the Wall”
8. Jagged Little Pill – Alanis Morissette (1995)
Alanis Morissette’s third studio album blended alternative rock with pop sensibilities, creating a sound that defined mid-90s pop-rock. Her raw, emotional delivery resonated with millions of listeners worldwide.
Key Tracks: “You Oughta Know,” “Ironic,” “Hand in My Pocket”
9. Back to Black – Amy Winehouse (2006)
Amy Winehouse’s second and final studio album is a modern classic that revitalized interest in retro-soul pop. Winehouse’s powerful vocals and brutally honest lyrics, combined with Mark Ronson’s vintage-inspired production, created a unique and timeless sound.
Key Tracks: “Rehab,” “You Know I’m No Good,” “Back to Black”
10. 1989 – Taylor Swift (2014)
Taylor Swift’s fifth studio album marked her full transition from country to pop. Its 1980s-inspired production and catchy melodies showcased Swift’s evolution as an artist and solidified her status as a pop icon.
Key Tracks: “Shake It Off,” “Blank Space,” “Style”
11. Nevermind – Nirvana (1991)
While often categorized as grunge or alternative rock, Nirvana’s breakthrough album had a profound impact on mainstream pop music. Its raw energy and catchy melodies brought alternative sounds to a pop audience.
Key Tracks: “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” “Come as You Are,” “Lithium”
12. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill – Lauryn Hill (1998)
Lauryn Hill’s solo debut is a perfect blend of R&B, hip-hop, and pop. The album’s honest, personal lyrics and neo-soul sound earned it critical acclaim and commercial success, influencing countless artists in the decades since its release.
Key Tracks: “Doo Wop (That Thing),” “Ex-Factor,” “Everything Is Everything”
13. Born This Way – Lady Gaga (2011)
Lady Gaga’s second full-length studio album expanded on her dance-pop sound, incorporating elements of rock, heavy metal, and electronic music. Its themes of self-empowerment and LGBTQ+ advocacy resonated with a wide audience.
Key Tracks: “Born This Way,” “The Edge of Glory,” “Judas”
14. Teenage Dream – Katy Perry (2010)
Katy Perry’s third studio album is a tour de force of catchy pop hooks and upbeat dance tracks. It tied Michael Jackson’s record for most number-one singles from one album on the Billboard Hot 100.
Key Tracks: “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream,” “Firework”
15. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John (1973)
Elton John’s seventh studio album is a double album showcasing his versatility as a songwriter and performer. Its mix of pop, rock, and glam influences created a rich, diverse listening experience.
Key Tracks: “Bennie and the Jets,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting”
16. Control – Janet Jackson (1986)
Janet Jackson’s third studio album marked her emergence as a major force in pop music. Working with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Jackson created a sound that would define late 80s pop and influence R&B for years to come.
Key Tracks: “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” “Nasty,” “When I Think of You”
17. Spice – Spice Girls (1996)
The Spice Girls’ debut album took the world by storm with its catchy pop tunes and “Girl Power” message. It became the best-selling album by a girl group in music history.
Key Tracks: “Wannabe,” “Say You’ll Be There,” “2 Become 1”
18. Tragic Kingdom – No Doubt (1995)
No Doubt’s breakthrough album blended pop with ska, punk, and new wave influences. Gwen Stefani’s distinctive vocals and the band’s energetic performances brought alternative sounds to a mainstream pop audience.
Key Tracks: “Just a Girl,” “Don’t Speak,” “Spiderwebs”
19. Bad – Michael Jackson (1987)
Michael Jackson’s follow-up to “Thriller” continued his dominance of pop music in the 1980s. Its slick production and catchy songs spawned numerous hit singles and iconic music videos.
Key Tracks: “Bad,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Man in the Mirror”
20. …Baby One More Time – Britney Spears (1999)
Britney Spears’ debut album helped usher in a new era of teen pop at the turn of the millennium. Its catchy melodies and Max Martin’s production set the template for much of the pop music that followed.
Key Tracks: “…Baby One More Time,” “(You Drive Me) Crazy,” “Sometimes”
21. The Fame – Lady Gaga (2008)
Lady Gaga’s debut album introduced her unique blend of pop, dance, and electronic music to the world. Its catchy hooks and theatrical presentation set her apart from other pop stars of the time.
Key Tracks: “Just Dance,” “Poker Face,” “Paparazzi”
22. Justified – Justin Timberlake (2002)
Justin Timberlake’s solo debut marked his transition from boy band member to mature pop star. Its blend of R&B, pop, and dance music, produced largely by The Neptunes, created a fresh, contemporary sound.
Key Tracks: “Cry Me a River,” “Rock Your Body,” “Like I Love You”
23. Ray of Light – Madonna (1998)
Madonna’s seventh studio album saw her incorporating electronica and techno influences into her pop sound. Its introspective lyrics and William Orbit’s production created a mature, sophisticated pop album.
Key Tracks: “Frozen,” “Ray of Light,” “The Power of Good-Bye”
24. Synchronicity – The Police (1983)
The Police’s final studio album saw them at the height of their powers. Its blend of new wave, rock, and world music influences, coupled with Sting’s literate lyrics, created a sophisticated and commercially successful pop album.
Key Tracks: “Every Breath You Take,” “King of Pain,” “Wrapped Around Your Finger”
25. Millennium – Backstreet Boys (1999)
The Backstreet Boys’ third studio album (second in the U.S.) was a pinnacle of the late 90s boy band craze. Its mix of pop ballads and uptempo dance tracks appealed to a wide audience.
Key Tracks: “I Want It That Way,” “Larger than Life,” “Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely”
26. Confessions – Usher (2004)
Usher’s fourth studio album blended R&B with pop and crunk influences. Its personal lyrics and catchy production made it one of the best-selling albums of the 2000s.
Key Tracks: “Yeah!,” “Burn,” “Confessions Part II”
27. Fearless – Taylor Swift (2008)
Taylor Swift’s second studio album showcased her songwriting skills and crossover appeal. Its blend of country and pop elements set the stage for her eventual full transition to pop music.
Key Tracks: “Love Story,” “You Belong with Me,” “Fifteen”
28. No Strings Attached – NSYNC (2000)
NSYNC’s second studio album broke sales records upon its release. Its mix of pop, R&B, and dance influences defined the sound of boy band pop at the turn of the millennium.
Key Tracks: “Bye Bye Bye,” “It’s Gonna Be Me,” “This I Promise You”
29. CrazySexyCool – TLC (1994)
TLC’s second studio album blended R&B with pop and hip-hop influences. Its smooth production and the group’s confident performances created a template for girl groups in the 1990s.
Key Tracks: “Creep,” “Waterfalls,” “Red Light Special”
30. Dangerously in Love – Beyoncé (2003)
Beyoncé’s solo debut showcased her powerful voice and star quality. The album’s mix of R&B, pop, and hip-hop influences established her as a major force in pop music outside of Destiny’s Child.
Key Tracks: “Crazy in Love,” “Baby Boy,” “Naughty Girl”
31. Oops!.. I Did It Again – Britney Spears (2000)
Britney Spears’ sophomore album built on the success of her debut, further refining her pop sound. Its catchy melodies and Max Martin’s production solidified Spears’ status as a pop icon.
Key Tracks: “Oops!.. I Did It Again,” “Lucky,” “Stronger”
32. The Emancipation of Mimi – Mariah Carey (2005)
Mariah Carey’s tenth studio album marked a commercial and critical comeback. Its blend of R&B and pop showcased Carey’s powerful voice and appealed to both longtime fans and a new generation of listeners.
Key Tracks: “We Belong Together,” “Shake It Off,” “Don’t Forget About Us”
33. Stripped – Christina Aguilera (2002)
Christina Aguilera’s fourth studio album saw her adopting a more mature image and sound. Its diverse range of musical styles showcased Aguilera’s powerful voice and artistic ambition.
Key Tracks: “Dirrty,” “Beautiful,” “Fighter”
34. Daydream – Mariah Carey (1995)
Mariah Carey’s fifth studio album balanced her pop and R&B influences. Its mix of ballads and uptempo tracks showcased Carey’s incredible vocal range and songwriting skills.
Key Tracks: “Fantasy,” “One Sweet Day,” “Always Be My Baby”
35. Believe – Cher (1998)
Cher’s twenty-second studio album marked a major comeback and introduced her dance-pop sound to a new generation. The use of Auto-Tune on the title track became a defining sound of late 90s and early 2000s pop.
Key Tracks: “Believe,” “Strong Enough,” “All or Nothing”
36. Circus – Britney Spears (2008)
Britney Spears’ sixth studio album marked a return to form after personal struggles. Its electropop sound and confident performances reasserted Spears’ place in the pop landscape.
Key Tracks: “Womanizer,” “Circus,” “If U Seek Amy”
37. Breakaway – Kelly Clarkson (2004)
Kelly Clarkson’s second studio album established her as a major pop star beyond her American Idol win. Its mix of pop-rock and emotional ballads showcased Clarkson’s powerful voice and appealed to a wide audience.
Key Tracks: “Since U Been Gone,” “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” “Because of You”
38. Music – Madonna (2000)
Madonna’s eighth studio album saw her embracing electronic and dance music influences. Its futuristic sound and William Orbit’s production created a fresh, contemporary pop album.
Key Tracks: “Music,” “Don’t Tell Me,” “What It Feels Like for a Girl”
39. Loose – Nelly Furtado (2006)
Nelly Furtado’s third studio album marked a shift towards a more urban pop sound. Produced largely by Timbaland, the album’s mix of pop, hip-hop, and R&B influences created a fresh, contemporary sound.
Key Tracks: “Promiscuous,” “Maneater,” “Say It Right”
40. FutureSex/LoveSounds – Justin Timberlake (2006)
Justin Timberlake’s second solo album saw him fully embracing a futuristic pop and R&B sound. Produced primarily by Timbaland, the album’s innovative production and Timberlake’s confident performances created a new template for pop music in the late 2000s.
Key Tracks: “SexyBack,” “My Love,” “What Goes Around… Comes Around”
41. The Writing’s on the Wall – Destiny’s Child (1999)
Destiny’s Child’s second studio album established them as one of the premier girl groups of their era. The album’s innovative production and the group’s tight harmonies influenced the sound of R&B and pop music in the early 2000s.
Key Tracks: “Say My Name,” “Bills, Bills, Bills,” “Bug a Boo”
42. In the Zone – Britney Spears (2003)
Britney Spears’ fourth studio album saw her adopting a more mature sound and image. Its mix of dance-pop and urban influences showcased Spears’ evolution as an artist.
Key Tracks: “Toxic,” “Me Against the Music,” “Everytime”
43. Butterfly – Mariah Carey (1997)
Mariah Carey’s sixth studio album saw her embracing hip-hop and R&B influences more fully than ever before. The result is a mature, confident work that showcases Carey’s growth as an artist and songwriter.
Key Tracks: “Honey,” “My All,” “The Roof”
44. No Angel – Dido (1999)
Dido’s debut album blended pop with elements of folk and electronic music. Her ethereal voice and the album’s atmospheric production created a unique sound that resonated with listeners worldwide.
Key Tracks: “Here with Me,” “Thank You,” “Hunter”
45. Fever – Kylie Minogue (2001)
Kylie Minogue’s eighth studio album marked her triumphant return to dance-pop. Its catchy melodies and sleek production made it a global success and solidified Minogue’s status as a pop icon.
Key Tracks: “Can’t Get You Out of My Head,” “In Your Eyes,” “Love at First Sight”
46. Missundaztood – Pink (2001)
Pink’s second studio album saw her moving away from R&B towards a more rock-influenced pop sound. Its personal lyrics and diverse musical styles showcased Pink’s growth as an artist.
Key Tracks: “Get the Party Started,” “Don’t Let Me Get Me,” “Just Like a Pill”
47. Confessions on a Dance Floor – Madonna (2005)
Madonna’s tenth studio album saw her return to her dance-pop roots. Its continuous mix format and Stuart Price’s production created a cohesive, club-ready pop album.
Key Tracks: “Hung Up,” “Sorry,” “Get Together”
48. Fallen – Evanescence (2003)
Evanescence’s debut album blended gothic metal with pop sensibilities. Amy Lee’s powerful vocals and the band’s dramatic sound brought a new flavor to mainstream pop-rock.
Key Tracks: “Bring Me to Life,” “My Immortal,” “Going Under”
49. Let Go – Avril Lavigne (2002)
Avril Lavigne’s debut album brought pop-punk to the mainstream. Her tomboyish image and catchy songs appealed to a wide audience and influenced the sound of pop-rock in the early 2000s.
Key Tracks: “Complicated,” “Sk8er Boi,” “I’m with You”
50. Loud – Rihanna (2010)
Rihanna’s fifth studio album saw her returning to a more dance-oriented pop sound after the darker tone of “Rated R.” Its catchy hooks and diverse range of styles showcased Rihanna’s versatility as a pop artist.
Key Tracks: “Only Girl (In the World),” “What’s My Name?,” “S&M”
51. Hybrid Theory – Linkin Park (2000)
While often categorized as nu-metal, Linkin Park’s debut album had a significant impact on mainstream pop music. Its blend of rock, rap, and electronic elements appealed to a wide audience and influenced the sound of pop-rock in the 2000s.
Key Tracks: “In the End,” “Crawling,” “One Step Closer”
52. Bangerz – Miley Cyrus (2013)
Miley Cyrus’ fourth studio album marked her transition from teen pop star to adult artist. Its mix of pop, hip-hop, and electronic influences created a contemporary sound that showcased Cyrus’ evolving artistry.
Key Tracks: “Wrecking Ball,” “We Can’t Stop,” “Adore You”
53. The Fame Monster – Lady Gaga (2009)
Originally released as a reissue of “The Fame,” this eight-track EP stands on its own as a pop masterpiece. It further developed Lady Gaga’s theatrical pop sound and cemented her status as a pop icon.
Key Tracks: “Bad Romance,” “Telephone,” “Alejandro”
54. Sweetener – Ariana Grande (2018)
Ariana Grande’s fourth studio album saw her embracing a more experimental pop sound. Its innovative production and Grande’s powerful vocals created a fresh, contemporary pop album.
Key Tracks: “No Tears Left to Cry,” “God Is a Woman,” “Breathin”
55. Lemonade – Beyoncé (2016)
Beyoncé’s sixth studio album is a powerful exploration of betrayal, forgiveness, and black womanhood. Its diverse musical styles and visual album format pushed the boundaries of what pop music could be.
Key Tracks: “Formation,” “Hold Up,” “Freedom”
56. Melodrama – Lorde (2017)
Lorde’s sophomore album is a concept album about the joys and pains of young adulthood. Its introspective lyrics and innovative production created a unique and critically acclaimed pop album.
Key Tracks: “Green Light,” “Supercut,” “Perfect Places”
57. 25 – Adele (2015)
Adele’s third studio album continued her tradition of emotionally resonant ballads and showcased her powerful voice. Its record-breaking sales demonstrated Adele’s enduring appeal as a pop artist.
Key Tracks: “Hello,” “When We Were Young,” “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)”
58. Divide – Ed Sheeran (2017)
Ed Sheeran’s third studio album showcased his versatility as a songwriter and performer. Its mix of pop, folk, and hip-hop influences created a diverse and commercially successful album.
Key Tracks: “Shape of You,” “Castle on the Hill,” “Perfect”
59. Purpose – Justin Bieber (2015)
Justin Bieber’s fourth studio album marked his transition from teen pop idol to mature artist. Its mix of dance-pop and R&B influences created a more adult sound for Bieber.
Key Tracks: “Sorry,” “Love Yourself,” “What Do You Mean?”
60. Anti – Rihanna (2016)
Rihanna’s eighth studio album saw her experimenting with a variety of musical styles. Its eclectic sound and personal lyrics showcased Rihanna’s growth as an artist.
Key Tracks: “Work,” “Needed Me,” “Love on the Brain”
61. Reputation – Taylor Swift (2017)
Taylor Swift’s sixth studio album saw her embracing a darker, more electronic pop sound. Its personal lyrics and sleek production marked a new chapter in Swift’s artistic evolution.
Key Tracks: “Look What You Made Me Do,” “…Ready for It?,” “Delicate”
62. 24K Magic – Bruno Mars (2016)
Bruno Mars’ third studio album is a love letter to 80s and 90s R&B and funk. Its retro sound and Mars’ charismatic performances created a fun, nostalgic pop album.
Key Tracks: “24K Magic,” “That’s What I Like,” “Finesse”
63. Dua Lipa – Dua Lipa (2017)
Dua Lipa’s self-titled debut album introduced her distinctive voice and catchy pop sound to the world. Its mix of dance-pop and R&B influences created a fresh, contemporary pop album.
Key Tracks: “New Rules,” “IDGAF,” “Be the One”
64. Thank U, Next – Ariana Grande (2019)
Ariana Grande’s fifth studio album, released just months after “Sweetener,” showcased her resilience and artistic growth. Its personal lyrics and polished pop production resonated with critics and fans alike.
Key Tracks: “Thank U, Next,” “7 Rings,” “Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored”
65. Lover – Taylor Swift (2019)
Taylor Swift’s seventh studio album saw her returning to a more upbeat pop sound after the darker tone of “Reputation.” Its diverse range of styles and personal lyrics showcased Swift’s versatility as a songwriter.
Key Tracks: “Lover,” “You Need to Calm Down,” “Cruel Summer”
66. After Hours – The Weeknd (2020)
The Weeknd’s fourth studio album blends pop, R&B, and new wave influences. Its retro-futuristic sound and cohesive narrative created a unique and critically acclaimed pop album.
Key Tracks: “Blinding Lights,” “Save Your Tears,” “Heartless”
67. Future Nostalgia – Dua Lipa (2020)
Dua Lipa’s second studio album is a modern take on disco and dance-pop. Its retro influences and catchy hooks created one of the most acclaimed pop albums of recent years.
Key Tracks: “Don’t Start Now,” “Levitating,” “Physical”
68. Chromatica – Lady Gaga (2020)
Lady Gaga’s sixth studio album saw her return to the dance-pop sound that made her famous. Its pulsing beats and themes of healing and perseverance resonated with fans and critics alike.
Key Tracks: “Rain on Me,” “Stupid Love,” “911”
69. Folklore – Taylor Swift (2020)
Taylor Swift’s surprise eighth studio album saw her embracing a more indie folk sound. Its introspective lyrics and stripped-back production showcased a new side of Swift’s artistry.
Key Tracks: “Cardigan,” “The 1,” “August”
70. When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? – Billie Eilish (2019)
Billie Eilish’s debut studio album introduced her unique blend of pop and alternative music to a wide audience. Its minimalist production and Eilish’s distinctive vocals created a fresh sound in contemporary pop.
Key Tracks: “Bad Guy,” “When the Party’s Over,” “Everything I Wanted”
71. Happiness Begins – Jonas Brothers (2019)
The Jonas Brothers’ comeback album blended their pop-rock roots with contemporary pop production. Its catchy melodies and mature themes marked a successful return for the group.
Key Tracks: “Sucker,” “Only Human,” “Cool”
72. Sweetener – Ariana Grande (2018)
Ariana Grande’s fourth studio album saw her embracing a more experimental pop sound. Its innovative production and Grande’s powerful vocals created a fresh, contemporary pop album.
Key Tracks: “No Tears Left to Cry,” “God Is a Woman,” “Breathin”
73. Lemonade – Beyoncé (2016)
Beyoncé’s sixth studio album is a powerful exploration of betrayal, forgiveness, and black womanhood. Its diverse musical styles and visual album format pushed the boundaries of what pop music could be.
Key Tracks: “Formation,” “Hold Up,” “Freedom”
74. Melodrama – Lorde (2017)
Lorde’s sophomore album is a concept album about the joys and pains of young adulthood. Its introspective lyrics and innovative production created a unique and critically acclaimed pop album.
Key Tracks: “Green Light,” “Supercut,” “Perfect Places”
75. 25 – Adele (2015)
Adele’s third studio album continued her tradition of emotionally resonant ballads and showcased her powerful voice. Its record-breaking sales demonstrated Adele’s enduring appeal as a pop artist.
Key Tracks: “Hello,” “When We Were Young,” “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)”
76. Divide – Ed Sheeran (2017)
Ed Sheeran’s third studio album showcased his versatility as a songwriter and performer. Its mix of pop, folk, and hip-hop influences created a diverse and commercially successful album.
Key Tracks: “Shape of You,” “Castle on the Hill,” “Perfect”
77. Purpose – Justin Bieber (2015)
Justin Bieber’s fourth studio album marked his transition from teen pop idol to mature artist. Its mix of dance-pop and R&B influences created a more adult sound for Bieber.
Key Tracks: “Sorry,” “Love Yourself,” “What Do You Mean?”
78. Anti – Rihanna (2016)
Rihanna’s eighth studio album saw her experimenting with a variety of musical styles. Its eclectic sound and personal lyrics showcased Rihanna’s growth as an artist.
Key Tracks: “Work,” “Needed Me,” “Love on the Brain”
79. Reputation – Taylor Swift (2017)
Taylor Swift’s sixth studio album saw her embracing a darker, more electronic pop sound. Its personal lyrics and sleek production marked a new chapter in Swift’s artistic evolution.
Key Tracks: “Look What You Made Me Do,” “…Ready for It?,” “Delicate”
80. 24K Magic – Bruno Mars (2016)
Bruno Mars’ third studio album is a love letter to 80s and 90s R&B and funk. Its retro sound and Mars’ charismatic performances created a fun, nostalgic pop album.
Key Tracks: “24K Magic,” “That’s What I Like,” “Finesse”
81. Dua Lipa – Dua Lipa (2017)
Dua Lipa’s self-titled debut album introduced her distinctive voice and catchy pop sound to the world. Its mix of dance-pop and R&B influences created a fresh, contemporary pop album.
Key Tracks: “New Rules,” “IDGAF,” “Be the One”
82. Thank U, Next – Ariana Grande (2019)
Ariana Grande’s fifth studio album, released just months after “Sweetener,” showcased her resilience and artistic growth. Its personal lyrics and polished pop production resonated with critics and fans alike.
Key Tracks: “Thank U, Next,” “7 Rings,” “Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored”
83. Lover – Taylor Swift (2019)
Taylor Swift’s seventh studio album saw her returning to a more upbeat pop sound after the darker tone of “Reputation.” Its diverse range of styles and personal lyrics showcased Swift’s versatility as a songwriter.
Key Tracks: “Lover,” “You Need to Calm Down,” “Cruel Summer”
84. After Hours – The Weeknd (2020)
The Weeknd’s fourth studio album blends pop, R&B, and new wave influences. Its retro-futuristic sound and cohesive narrative created a unique and critically acclaimed pop album.
Key Tracks: “Blinding Lights,” “Save Your Tears,” “Heartless”
85. Future Nostalgia – Dua Lipa (2020)
Dua Lipa’s second studio album is a modern take on disco and dance-pop. Its retro influences and catchy hooks created one of the most acclaimed pop albums of recent years.
Key Tracks: “Don’t Start Now,” “Levitating,” “Physical”
86. Chromatica – Lady Gaga (2020)
Lady Gaga’s sixth studio album saw her return to the dance-pop sound that made her famous. Its pulsing beats and themes of healing and perseverance resonated with fans and critics alike.
Key Tracks: “Rain on Me,” “Stupid Love,” “911”
87. Folklore – Taylor Swift (2020)
Taylor Swift’s surprise eighth studio album saw her embracing a more indie folk sound. Its introspective lyrics and stripped-back production showcased a new side of Swift’s artistry.
Key Tracks: “Cardigan,” “The 1,” “August”
88. When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? – Billie Eilish (2019)
Billie Eilish’s debut studio album introduced her unique blend of pop and alternative music to a wide audience. Its minimalist production and Eilish’s distinctive vocals created a fresh sound in contemporary pop.
Key Tracks: “Bad Guy,” “When the Party’s Over,” “Everything I Wanted”
89. Happiness Begins – Jonas Brothers (2019)
The Jonas Brothers’ comeback album blended their pop-rock roots with contemporary pop production. Its catchy melodies and mature themes marked a successful return for the group.
Key Tracks: “Sucker,” “Only Human,” “Cool”
90. Rare – Selena Gomez (2020)
Selena Gomez’s third studio album showcases her growth as an artist. Its personal lyrics and polished pop production created a mature, confident sound for Gomez.
Key Tracks: “Lose You to Love Me,” “Rare,” “Look at Her Now”
91. Fine Line – Harry Styles (2019)
Harry Styles’ second solo album further distanced him from his boy band roots. Its mix of pop, rock, and psychedelic influences created a diverse and critically acclaimed album.
Key Tracks: “Watermelon Sugar,” “Adore You,” “Golden”
92. Manic – Halsey (2020)
Halsey’s third studio album showcases her versatility as an artist. Its eclectic mix of pop, rock, and country influences created a deeply personal and emotionally resonant album.
Key Tracks: “Without Me,” “You Should Be Sad,” “Graveyard”
93. Changes – Justin Bieber (2020)
Justin Bieber’s fifth studio album saw him embracing a more R&B-influenced sound. Its smooth production and personal lyrics marked a new chapter in Bieber’s artistic evolution.
Key Tracks: “Yummy,” “Intentions,” “Forever”
94. Plastic Hearts – Miley Cyrus (2020)
Miley Cyrus’ seventh studio album saw her embracing a rock-influenced sound. Its mix of pop, rock, and country influences showcased Cyrus’ versatility as an artist.
Key Tracks: “Midnight Sky,” “Prisoner,” “Angels Like You”
