As part of my Decades project, I counted down my own favorite albums of the year then explored other notable releases with which I was less familiar.

The year 1990 marked the transition from the 80s to the 90s with a batch of albums that mostly left me cold. The exceptions are the trio of albums topping my personal list, which still hold up as some of their creators’ finest work.

Originally published: 2017 | Song of the Day posts featured: 15

My top five albums of 1990:

#1. The Rhythm of the Saints – Paul Simon

#2. I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got – Sinead O’Connor

#3. Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 – George Michael

#4. Laughter & Lust – Joe Jackson

#5. Here Comes the Groom – John Wesley Harding

Other notable albums of 1990…

Heaven of Las Vegas – Cocteau Twins

Violator – Depeche Mode

Repeater – Fugazi

Ritual De Lo Habitual – Jane’s Addiction

The La’s – The La’s

Fear of a Black Planet – Public Enemy

Nowhere – Ride

Goo – Sonic Youth

A Catholic Education – Teenage Fanclub

Flood – They Might Be Giants