Some Hits and Misses
The Grateful Dead – you either love them with a passion you can’t even begin to describe OR you totally abhor their music, there’s no in-between. The thing is, they’re one of the few artists who sound way better live. Even their most diehard fans are well aware that the group didn’t exactly shine when it came to recording – not all the time, at least.
And basically, their finest musical moments included concerts which were immortalized through live albums (fortunately for us). It’s just somehow difficult to capture that kind of magic in the studio. Nevertheless, we still added some studio records for good measure.
20. “Built To Last” (1989)
We can’t find a single good song here.
19. “Steal Your Face” (1976)
https://youtu.be/Y0wTU5BE2uY
It says something when even the band members themselves didn’t like the record.
18. “Go To Heaven” (1980)
https://youtu.be/slcFXtKdiBU
While there are a few good tunes, it’s still dull.
17. “Dead Set” (1981)
https://youtu.be/tZm1KSQXVS8
Overall, this doesn’t sound too bad – just ‘okay.’
16. “Dylan and the Dead” (1989)
https://youtu.be/ZiilqZ1WWQ4
Bob Dylan was no longer at his prime when he collaborated with the Dead. And this is basically a snoozefest.
15. “Shakedown Street” (1978)
There may be a few gems but this is still a mess.
14. “Reckoning” (1981)
https://youtu.be/xgGm7wj3fMw
The Dead were happy with this record and well, we kinda like it too – emphasis on “kinda”.
13. “The Grateful Dead” (1967)
There are some good tracks, sure, but the band was still finding their sound and style at this point.
12. “Wake of the Flood” (1973)
https://youtu.be/o-qZxV0dWsE
It’s easily forgettable, period.
11. “Blues for Allah” (1975)
https://youtu.be/sE_hm9qKRyc
Some are worth listening to but mostly, it sounds like they didn’t even exert any effort in making this.
10. “From The Mars Hotel” (1974)
https://youtu.be/lLRwFkipvns
“Scarlet Begonias” is a classic but for the most part, it’s boring.
9. “Aoxomoxoa” (1969)
https://youtu.be/3XKnH8BpYFo
It’s rich with energy and peppered with so much magic.
8. “In The Dark” (1987)
https://youtu.be/5Mnhlt0Gz9w
Their first album in six years, Grateful Dead sounds rejuvenated here and that’s probably why they got a second shot at fame with this.
7. “Anthem of the Sun” (1968)
https://youtu.be/JLPsZoF8q1U
A groundbreaking album, they finally found their identity and all the experimentation clearly paid off.
6. “Terrapin Station” (1977)
https://youtu.be/mwAEZmOl6to
It’s definitely one of their finest musical moments ever.
5. “Workingman’s Dead” (1970)
https://youtu.be/njYdQGh7QBo
Going Americana, it’s one of the best albums the ’70s had to offer.
4. “American Beauty” (1970)
https://youtu.be/TwmuYCnilkk
An epic masterpiece, enough said.
3. “Europe ’72” (1972)
https://youtu.be/7ZmCfm_xd8E
This propelled the Dead into international stardom.
2. “Grateful Dead” (1971)
From “Bertha” to “Wharf Rat,” there’s so much to love about this record.
1. “Live/Dead” (1969)
https://youtu.be/aL-dUZJydcw
It’s smoking. Period.