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'Led Zeppelin II' by Led Zeppelin -

Led Zeppelin's second album hit the number-one spot in a number of markets, including the UK and the US. The iconic 'Whole Lotta Love' was a top-ten single in several countries around the world. 

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'Doolittle' by Pixies -

Pixies released 'Doolitle' in 1989. Like their debut 'Surf Rosa,' this album is one of the most influential alternative rock albums of all time. It includes classics such as 'Monkey Gone to Heaven,' 'Here Comes Your Man,' and 'Debaser,' to name a few.

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'Like a Virgin' by Madonna -

Madonna's 1984 album 'Like a Virgin' turned her into an international pop star. Hits like 'Material Girl' and the eponymous track 'Like a Virgin' are still some of the Queen of Pop's most popular songs. 

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'Paranoid' by Black Sabbath -

Released in 19790, just seven months after their debut homonymous album, 'Paranoid' established Black Sabbath as heavy metal gods. The album features some of the band's greatest classics, including 'Iron Man,' 'War Pigs,' and 'Paranoid,' to name a few.

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'Transformer' by Lou Reed -

Lou Reed's second solo studio album is almost  a "greatest hits" record. Notable songs include 'Perfect Day,' 'Satellite of Love,' and 'Walk on the Wild Side.' 

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'Closer' by Joy Division -

'Closer' was Joy Division's second and last album. It was released in July 1980, after the death of lead singer Ian Curtis. It's a dark post-punk masterpiece definitely worth a listen. 

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'With the Beatles' by The Beatles -

'With the Beatles' features a number of classic McCartney and Lennon compositions, including 'All My Loving,' as well as George Harrison's first composition in a Beatles album: 'Don't Bother Me.'

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'Tapestry' by Carole King -

'Tapestry' was released in 1971 and remains Carole King's most popular album to this day. You may recognize songs such as 'You've Got a Friend' and '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.'

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'Back to Black' by Amy Winehouse -

Amy Winehouse's second and final album was a huge success. Produced by Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi, 'Back to Black' established Amy Winehouse as a household name in music. It includes tunes such as 'Rehab,' 'You Know I’m No Good,' and 'Back to Black.'

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'(What's the Story) Morning Glory?' by Oasis -

In 1995, Oasis went from being an interesting Britpop act to one of the biggest rock bands on the planet. The album contains some of the Gallagher brothers' greatest songs, including 'Don't Look Back in Anger,' 'Champagne Supernova,' and the iconic 'Wonderwall.'

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'The Colour and the Shape' by Foo Fighters -

The second Foo Fighters album was released in 1997. This is the album that made the band. If in doubt, check out the track list, which includes some of the band's greatest hits, like 'Monkey Wrench,' 'My Hero,' and 'Everlong.'

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'The Low End Theory' by A Tribe Called Quest -

Alternative hip hop pioneers A Tribe Called Quest released 'The Low End Theory' in 1991. Tracks like 'Jazz (We've Got)' and 'Scenario' make this album one of the greatest in the genre.

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'Siamese Dream' by The Smashing Pumpkins -

Billy Corgan's band went from being a cool alternative rock band to a Grammy-nominated rock band with tons of airplay and MTV presence. Tunes such as 'Today,' 'Cherub Rock,' and the ballad 'Disarm,' remain fan favorites to this day. 

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'Late Registration' by Kanye West -

Kanye West's second album is arguably one of his best. 'Late Registration' features some of the rapper's most famous compositions, including 'Touch The Sky,' 'Hey Mama,' and 'Gold Digger.'

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'The Score' by Fugees -

The second and final studio album by the Fugees was released in 1996. The alternative hip-hop group topped the charts in several countries around the world with singles such as 'Killing Me Softly,' 'Fu-Gee-La,' and 'Ready or Not.'

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'The Bends' by Radiohead -

Radiohead's second album was more refined than their debut 'Pablo Honey.' Their sound was evolving, and it was clear in songs like 'High and Dry' and 'Fake Plastic Trees' that Radiohead was not just a one-hit group that got lucky with 'Creep.'

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'Astral Weeks' by Van Morrison -

Van Morrison's quintessential album 'Astral Weeks' was released in 1968. Songs such as 'The Way Young Lovers Do' and 'Cyprus Avenue' remain fan favorites. 

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'Dirt' by Alice in Chains -

'Dirt' is considered by many to be Alice in Chains' masterpiece. It features some of the band's greatest hits, including 'Would?,' 'Them Bones,' 'Rooster,' and 'Down in a Hole.'

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'Post' by Björk -

Released in 1995, 'Post' was more experimental when it came to music genres, in comparison to the Icelandic singer's debut. Singles included 'Army of Me,' 'Isobel,' 'It's Oh So Quiet,' and 'Hyperballad,' among others.

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'Discovery' by Daft Punk -

The French electronic music duo's second album features a number of dancefloor anthems, including 'Digital Love,' 'Harder Better…,' and of course, 'One More Time.' 

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'Demon Days' by Gorillaz -

The sophomore album of Damon Albarn's virtual band brought us hits such as 'Dirty Harry,' 'Feel Good Inc,' and 'DARE.' 

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'The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan' by Bob Dylan -

This was the album that established Bob Dylan as a talented and respected folk singer-songwriter. The record opens with the classic 'Blowin' in the Wind.' Other great tunes include 'Masters of War,' 'Girl from the North Country,' and 'A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall.'

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'21' by Adele -

Adele's sophomore album earned her seven Grammys, among many other accolades. '21' topped the charts in more than 30 countries and it established the English singer-songwriter as a global superstar. The album features a number of hits, including 'Someone Like You,' 'Rolling in the Deep,' and 'Set Fire to the Rain.'

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'It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back' by Public Enemy -

Public Enemy's 1988 album was proof that Chuck D, Flavor Flav, and the boys, meant business. The album features hip-hop classics such as 'Bring the Noise' and 'Don't Believe the Hype.'

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'Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere' by Neil Young with Crazy Horse -

Neil Young's 1969 record features classics such as 'Cinnamon Girl,' 'Down by the River,' and 'Cowgirl in the Sand.' It's an absolute joy to listen to!

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'Paul's Boutique' by Beastie Boys -

While this was not the most commercially successful album of the Beastie Boys, it was one of their more sophisticated. It features some of the group's greatest lyrics and over 100 samples! Check out 'Shake Your Rump,' 'Hey Ladies,' 'Car Thief,' and 'Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun.'

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'Nevermind' by Nirvana -

'Nevermind' is one of the greatest albums of all time. Released in 1991, it catapulted Nirvana into stardom, especially thanks to their hit single 'Smells Like Teen Spirit.' 'Nevermind' was a truly groundbreaking record that changed the musical landscape in the '90s. 

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'Rated R' by Queens Of The Stone Age -

The second Queens Of The Stone Age album was the first to feature bassist Nick Oliveri and guest vocalist Mark Lanegan. It includes two of the band's greatest tunes: 'Feel Good Hit Of The Summer' and 'The Lost Art Of Keeping A Secret.'

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'Good Kid, M.A.A.D City' by Kendrick Lamar -

Produced by the likes of Dr. Dre and Pharrell Williams, 'Good Kid, M.A.A.D City' remains one of the most important albums of 2012. Check out 'The Recipe' and 'Backseat Freestyle.'

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'Little Queen' by Heart -

Released in 1977, 'Little Queen' is the album that brought us one of the Wilson sister's greatest hits: 'Barracuda.'

Sources: (Rolling Stone) (NME) (Louder) (Yardbarker) 

See also: Legendary "lost albums" that never saw the light of day

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