The Top 100 Canadian Albums: A Celebration of Musical Excellence

By Sal Ciampa

Canada’s musical heritage is a treasure trove of creativity and talent. Bob Mersereau’s list of Top 100 Canadian Albums showcases the nation’s most iconic records. Compiled from the input of nearly 600 music journalists, musicians, retailers, and DJs across the country, this list reflects decades of musical brilliance that have defined Canada’s cultural identity.

The Top 10 Canadian Albums

1. Harvest – Neil Young (1972)
2. Blue – Joni Mitchell (1970)
3. After the Gold Rush – Neil Young (1970)
4. Music From Big Pink – The Band (1968)
5. Fully Completely – The Tragically Hip (1992)
6. Jagged Little Pill – Alanis Morissette (1995)
7. The Band – The Band (1969)
8. Funeral – Arcade Fire (2004)
9. Moving Pictures – Rush (1981)
10. American Woman – The Guess Who (1970)

Key Highlights of the Top 100

The list dives into various genres and decades, reflecting Canada’s diverse musical tapestry. Here are some noteworthy features:

• Neil Young: A dominant presence with multiple entries, including Harvest and After the Gold Rush.
• Joni Mitchell: Albums like Blue and Court and Spark are benchmarks of songwriting brilliance.
• The Tragically Hip: Representing Canada’s soul with classics like Fully Completely and Road Apples.
• Hidden gems like Whale Music by Rheostatics and Cyborgs Revisited by Simply Saucer cater to niche tastes.

Why This List Matters

The Top 100 Canadian Albums is more than just a ranking—it’s a journey through Canada’s musical past and present. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or discovering these artists for the first time, this list offers a perfect entry point to explore Canada’s vast musical landscape.

What’s your favorite Canadian album? Did it make the list? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s celebrate the sounds that make Canada unique!