Rapper Coolio, who came to prominence in the mid-90s with hits like Fantastic Voyage and Gangsta’s Paradise, died unexpectedly on Wednesday. He was 59. The 2-hit wonder, who won the 1996 Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance, was tied for 178th in my latest look at my iTunes rankings.
After his music career stalled, he moved into the acting world, appearing in 53 films between 1996 and 2021. He also appeared in numerous television shows, usually appearing as himself.
We last counted down the Top 200 albums in my iTunes library four years ago. Since that time, the world has literally changed, and my commute has decreased from 1+ hours each way to 25 steps. So, despite the decrease in potential listening time, I figured it was time to take another look, based on number of plays from late 2007 through the morning of January 1, 2022.
Well, it all comes down to this: the top ten. We finish things off today with the ten albums I have listened to the most over the last 15 years. including three comedy albums, three compilations, two soundtracks, one greatest hits package, and one bootleg live performance.
#10: Various Artists – Television’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 3 (70’s & 80’s)
iTunes stats: 378 plays
Previous Ranking: 13
Another collection of TV theme songs, this time covering the late 70s and the early 80s, uses 32 songs, from shows such as The Facts of Life, Inspector Gadget, and Barney Miller, sees an 85% increase over the past four years.
#9: Garbage – One Mile High… Live
iTunes stats: 378 plays
Previous Ranking: 17
The audio rip of the band’s live video release, featuring 21 different tracks, jumps up eight spots after more than doubling its number of plays in the past four years.
#8: George Carlin – It’s Bad For Ya
iTunes stats: 391 plays
Previous Ranking: 24
The final album from George Carlin, released just over a month after his death, increases its total by over 144%, thanks in part to being used as a sleeping aid when I’m away from home.
#7: Patton Oswalt – Werewolves and Lollipops
iTunes stats: 395 plays
Previous Ranking: 10
An 85% increase for Patton Oswalt’s second comedy album, which would be significantly higher if I were to ever sync my old iPhone 4s, which I use to lull myself to sleep at home, again.
#6: Various Artists – Living in the 90’s
iTunes stats: 396 plays
Previous Ranking: 8
A whopping 22 songs, from bands like The Proclaimers, EMF, and Roxette, racked up an additional 172 new listens for this compilation of early 90s hits.
We last counted down the Top 200 albums in my iTunes library four years ago. Since that time, the world has literally changed, and my commute has decreased from 1+ hours each way to 25 steps. So, despite the decrease in potential listening time, I figured it was time to take another look, based on number of plays from late 2007 through the morning of January 1, 2022.
It is our penultimate look at the albums I have listened to the most over the last 15 years. including three compilations, two comedy albums, two greatest hits collections, and a bootleg live performance.
#20: AC/DC – The Razors Edge
iTunes stats: 283 plays
Previous Ranking: 12
An eight-spot drop in the rankings, most likely thanks to a pandemic-shortened 2020 baseball season without crowds and the subsequent lack of playing my White Sox playlists.
#19: Various Artists – TV’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 7: Cable Ready
iTunes stats: 289 plays
Previous Ranking: 16
A 98-play increase for this collection of TV theme songs from shows like Mad About You, Saved By The Bell, and Blossom, among others.
#17: The Monkees – The Monkees Greatest Hits
iTunes stats: 292 plays
Previous Ranking: 18
19 different tracks from the made-for-TV band, which is now down to just Mickey Dolenz following Michael Nesmith’s December death, saw a nearly 65% increase in listens over the past four years.
#17: Patton Oswalt– Feelin’ Kinda Patton
iTunes stats: 292 plays
Previous Ranking: 20
The first comedy album from Patton Oswalt sees an impressive 73% increase, which would be significantly higher if I were to ever sync my old iPhone 4s again.
#16: Elvis Presley – Elv1s 30 #1 Hits
iTunes stats: 312 plays
Previous Ranking: 15
This greatest hits package from the King of Rock & Roll uses 14 tracks to add an additional 119 listens over the past four years.
We last counted down the Top 200 albums in my iTunes library four years ago. Since that time, the world has literally changed, and my commute has decreased from 1+ hours each way to 25 steps. So, despite the decrease in potential listening time, I figured it was time to take another look, based on number of plays from late 2007 through the morning of January 1, 2022.
We continue today with the next batch of ten albums that I have listened to the most over the last 15 years, breaking into the top 25 with, mostly, some good old-fashioned rock and roll.
#30: Veruca Salt – American Thighs
iTunes stats: 240 plays
Previous Ranking: 29
Ten of the thirteen songs from the Chicago band’s 1994 debut album added 85 new listens over the past four years.
#29: Garbage – Bleed Like Me
iTunes stats: 241 plays
Previous Ranking: 22
Released in 2005, the band’s fourth studio album saw a 44% increase in plays compiled across all eleven tracks.
#28: Garbage – Version 2.0
iTunes stats: 244 plays
Previous Ranking: 31
92 new listens for the twelve tunes comprising the band’s 1998 sophomore release.
#27: Mexican Cheerleader – Mexican Cheerleader
iTunes stats: 246 plays
Previous Ranking: 25
The debut album from the local punk band headed up by a former co-worker sees a nearly 56% play increase over the past four years.
#26: Mexican Cheerleader – King and Kings’ Hoots
iTunes stats: 248 plays
Previous Ranking: 28
The twelve tunes off this sophomore effort from the local punk band added 92 new listens.
We last counted down the Top 200 albums in my iTunes library four years ago. Since that time, the world has literally changed, and my commute has decreased from 1+ hours each way to 25 steps. So, despite the decrease in potential listening time, I figured it was time to take another look, based on number of plays from late 2007 through the morning of January 1, 2022.
Today, we continue with the next batch of ten albums that I have listened to the most over the last 15 years, loading up on greatest hits collections, comedy, and 90s alternative rock debuts.
#40: David Cross – Shut Up, You Fucking Baby!
iTunes stats: 206 plays
Previous Ranking: 38
The 2002 double album saw a 58% increase in plays across its 17 tracks.
#38: Various Artists – Monsters of Rap
iTunes stats: 207 plays
Previous Ranking: 51
Ten tracks, from the likes of Onyx, Positive K, and 3rd Bass, added 95 new listens for this compilation album.
#38: Various Artists – Booty Jams
iTunes stats: 207 plays
Previous Ranking: 52
An 86% increase in plays over the past four years for the eight songs, from artists like Tag Team, Tone Loc, and 2 Live Crew, from this compilation of sexy jams.
#37: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – Greatest Hits
iTunes stats: 208 plays
Previous Ranking: 133
Ten of Tom Petty’s biggest hits, both with The Heartbreakers and solo, gained 69 new listens over the past four years.
#36: Poison – Poison’s Greatest Hits 1986-1996
iTunes stats: 214 plays
Previous Ranking: 43
The first greatest hits package for the glam metal superstars saw a 72% increase in plays across the eleven songs that made their way on to my phone.
We last counted down the Top 200 albums in my iTunes library four years ago. Since that time, the world has literally changed, and my commute has decreased from 1+ hours each way to 25 steps. So, despite the decrease in potential listening time, I figured it was time to take another look, based on number of plays from late 2007 through the morning of January 1, 2022.
Today, we kick off the final quarter of our countdown with the next batch of ten albums that I have listened to the most over the last 15 years, breaking the triple digit total play plateau with three compilations, and music from the 60s, 80s, 90s, and beyond.
#50: The Beatles – The Beatles
iTunes stats: 182 plays
Previous Ranking: 48
Colloquially known as The White Album, the band’s ninth studio album, released in 1968, garnered a nearly 52% increase in plays.
#48: George Carlin – You Are All Diseased
iTunes stats: 183 plays
Previous Ranking: 79
The comedian’s eleventh HBO special, recorded in 1999, added 102 listens to jump 31 spots in the rankings.
#48: Various Artists – Monster Ballads
iTunes stats: 183 plays
Previous Ranking: 55
This compilation of love songs from hair bands, featuring artists such as Warrant and Cinderella, added 74 new plays to the five different tracks in my collection.
#47: Garfunkel and Oates – Secretions
iTunes stats: 188 plays
Previous Ranking: 79
The latest offering from musical comedians Riki Lindhome and Kate Micucci saw a 132% increase in listens.
#46: Van Halen – The Best of Both Worlds
iTunes stats: 190 plays
Previous Ranking: 56
This greatest hits compilation saw an increase of 83 listens thanks to eight tracks, split between David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar.
We last counted down the Top 200 albums in my iTunes library four years ago. Since that time, the world has literally changed, and my commute has decreased from 1+ hours each way to 25 steps. So, despite the decrease in potential listening time, I figured it was time to take another look, based on number of plays from late 2007 through the morning of January 1, 2022.
As of today, we are three quarters of the way through of our countdown with the next batch of ten albums that I have listened to the most over the last 15 years, breaking the triple digit total play plateau with three compilations, and music from the 60s, 80s, 90s, and beyond.
#60: Various Artists – Forrest Gump
iTunes stats: 166 plays
Previous Ranking: 73
A 93% increase for the soundtrack, featuring artists like The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, and CCR, from the Oscar-winning film.
#59: Bon Jovi – Cross Road
iTunes stats: 167 plays
Previous Ranking: 62
Ten of the band’s biggest hits earned an additional 66 plays over the last four years.
#56: The Beatles – Please Please Me
iTunes stats: 168 plays
Previous Ranking: 53
Seven tracks from this remastered version of the band’s 1963 debut album earned a 51% increase in plays.
#56: David Cross – It’s Not Funny
iTunes stats: 168 plays
Previous Ranking: 62
This 2004 comedy album from David Cross added 67 new plays, and that total would be significantly higher if I were to sync my old phone again, as I have listened to it while falling asleep plenty of times.
#56: Various Artists – Buffy The Vampire Slayer: The Album
iTunes stats: 168 plays
Previous Ranking: 46
A drop of ten spots on the chart for this initial soundtrack album to the hit television series, featuring eight tunes by bands like Nerf Herder, Guided By Voices, and The Sundays.
We last counted down the Top 200 albums in my iTunes library four years ago. Since that time, the world has literally changed, and my commute has decreased from 1+ hours each way to 25 steps. So, despite the decrease in potential listening time, I figured it was time to take another look, based on number of plays from late 2007 through the morning of January 1, 2022.
Today, we continue our countdown with the next batch of ten albums that I have listened to the most over the last 15 years with three compilations, two comedy albums, and a heavy dose of 90s alternative favorites.
#69: Various Artists – The TransFormers: The Movie
iTunes stats: 149 plays
Previous Ranking: 60
A 46% increase in plays for the six tunes, from the likes of Stan Bush and Weird Al Yankovic, from this soundtrack from the animated TransFormers film from the mid-80s.
#69: George Carlin – Life is Worth Losing
iTunes stats: 149 plays
Previous Ranking: 85
The comedian’s 18th album, and 13th HBO special, added 70 new listens while rising 16 spots in the rankings.
#68: Various Artists – ’90s Style
iTunes stats: 155 plays
Previous Ranking: 64
A 56% increase in plays over the past four years for the nine tracks from exciting 90s artists, like Jill Sobule, Green Jelly, and MC Hammer, from this compilation album.
#67: Various Artists – Millennium Hip-Hop Party Vol. 2
iTunes stats: 158 plays
Previous Ranking: 66
This turn-of-the-century compilation added 60 new listens to seven tracks, from artists like Coolio, Naughty By Nature, and Paperboy.
#65: Poison – Swallow This Live
iTunes stats: 160 plays
Previous Ranking: 58
A 52% increase for the eight tracks from this double album, the first CD I ever owned after receiving it for Christmas in 1991.
We last counted down the Top 200 albums in my iTunes library four years ago. Since that time, the world has literally changed, and my commute has decreased from 1+ hours each way to 25 steps. So, despite the decrease in potential listening time, I figured it was time to take another look, based on number of plays from late 2007 through the morning of January 1, 2022.
We continue our countdown today with the next batch of ten albums that I have listened to the most over the last 15 years, with a strong concentration on the 60s, 80s, and 90s.
#80: Various Artists – Rock N’ Roll Era: 1961
iTunes stats: 138 plays
Previous Ranking: 90
Seven tunes, from artists like Del Shannon, Dion & The Belmonts, and Ben E. King, added 62 listens for this Time Life compilation.
#79: Snoop Dogg – Doggystyle
iTunes stats: 140 plays
Previous Ranking: 66
A 43% increase for the 1993 solo debut from the rapper from Long Beach.
#77: Pearl Jam – Contra
iTunes stats: 141 plays
Previous Ranking: 73
This bootleg album, which contains numerous live performances including the band’s 1992 MTV Unplugged appearance, adds 55 new plays to the eight different tracks in my collection.
#77: Various Artists – Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion
iTunes stats: 141 plays
Previous Ranking: 98
The first soundtrack to the Lisa Kudrow/Mira Sorvino comedy uses eight different 80s tracks, from artists like Tears For Fears, Culture Club, and The Go-Go’s, to rise 21 spots on the chart thanks to a 95% increase to its previous mark.
#76: No Doubt – Tragic Kingdom
iTunes stats: 142 plays
Previous Ranking: 89
An 84% increase for six of the songs from the band’s third studio album and major label debut.
We last counted down the Top 200 albums in my iTunes library four years ago. Since that time, the world has literally changed, and my commute has decreased from 1+ hours each way to 25 steps. So, despite the decrease in potential listening time, I figured it was time to take another look, based on number of plays from late 2007 through the morning of January 1, 2022.
The countdown marches on today with the next batch of ten albums that I have listened to the most over the last 15 years, breaking the triple digit total play plateau with three compilations, and music from the 60s, 80s, 90s, and beyond.
#88: Stone Temple Pilots – Purple
iTunes stats: 123 plays
Previous Ranking: 79
A 52% increase in plays for the five of the eleven tracks from this 1994 album, the band’s second.
#88: The Beatles – Abbey Road
iTunes stats: 123 plays
Previous Ranking: 109
Released in 1969, the band’s eleventh studio album, the last completed prior to their breakup, saw an increase of 58 listens to jump 21 spots in the rankings.
#88: Nirvana – MTV Unplugged in New York
iTunes stats: 123 plays
Previous Ranking: 101
A 73% increase in plays over the past four years for seven of the songs from the group’s 1993 MTV Unplugged performance, their first album released following the death of Kurt Cobain.
#87: Patton Oswalt – My Weakness is Strong
iTunes stats: 124 plays
Previous Ranking: 179
A very impressive 92 spot jump for the funnyman’s third comedy album, thanks to an additional 79 plays over the past four years.
#86: Various Artists – The First 1000 Years – Rock
iTunes stats: 126 plays
Previous Ranking: 77
Seven songs, from alternative artists like The Breeders, Everclear, and Jane’s Addiction, added 43 new listens for this MTV sponsored compilation.