Ten albums the critics rated as the worst ever in history

Sometimes you wonder if music critics at the top magazines have been listening to the same album as you. A new album sounds great to you but gets slammed by some critics. Often picking away at something that doesn't seem that relevant musically. 

Or maybe they are waxing lyrical about some new release, its fresh style, and originality, a change of direction for the artist. But you are wondering what on earth is going on when you play the album and can't get on the same wavelength. It often feels like a musical version of the emperor’s new clothes.

But hey, maybe sometimes the critics are bang-on with their assessment. They can and do critique honestly and fairly, saying what they really think. Especially when an album from a top artist just isn't hitting the mark. 

Two albums top the critics list as the worst ever in history

Bestsellingalbums.org has been highlighting several occasions where critics have agreed on a very poor album. The site has analyzed a collection of magazine lists of worst ever albums. It’s noted which albums have been slammed most often and it makes interesting reading. 

This is still based on personal opinion, but at least it's across several people rather than an individual view. How accurate is it though? Well, let’s take a look at a few on the list to test it out. Two albums top the list as potentially worst albums ever, using this amalgamated basis. These appear most often on the lists and ratings analyzed. 

Metallica – St. Anger

St. Anger from Metallica did sell over 5 copies. It was their first in five years when released in 2003. Jason Newsted had left and the album was recorded with producer Bob Rock on bass with Robert Trujillo taking that place after this album. 

Anger isn't just featured in the album title. It’s prevalent throughout the music on it. You don’t get radio-friendly rock here. You do get rage, fury, passion, and a lot of loud tunes. It’s not their best album by any means. But is it one of the worst albums ever? That’s probably on the harsh side. 

The Clash – Cut The Crap

Cut The Crap came from half The Clash in 1985. Joe Strummer and Paul Simonon were that half. They'd sacked Mick Jones and Topper Headon before the album was made. When it came out Strummer disowned it and folded The Clash as a band.

A sad end, but indicative of how poor the album and its tired punk style is. It wasn’t just Strummer that didn't rate it. The album was widely slammed by critics and listeners. Let’s just take away the ‘Cut The’; it’s just crap and not worthy of a great band. It should be high on the worst album list. 

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