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.
#25: The Beatles – Past Masters, Vol. 2
iTunes stats: 250 plays
Previous Ranking: 25
The remastered version of this collection of the group’s non-album singles and rarities saw a 58% increase.
#24: Garbage – Chicago ’05
iTunes stats: 256 plays
Previous Ranking: 32
This bootleg, from the bands 2005 show at the Metro in support of their Bleed Like Me album, sees a nearly 72% jump in plays for the 17 songs in that night’s setlist.
#23: Various Artists – Millenium Rock N’ Roll Party
iTunes stats: 258 plays
Previous Ranking: 30
Thirteen 1950s hits, from the likes of Santo & Johnny, Chuck Berry, and Jerry Lee Lewis, added 104 listens over the past four years to this compilation.
#22: Patton Oswalt – Finest Hour
iTunes stats: 259 plays
Previous Ranking: 40
The fourth standup album from the mind of Patton Oswalt more than doubles its previous total with a 102% play increase.
#21: The Lonely Island – Incredibad
iTunes stats: 264 plays
Previous Ranking: 9
Seven tracks from the group’s debut album, most of which originated as digital shorts on SNL, saw a mere 21% increase leading to a twelve-spot drop.