41. Neil Young, 'Psychedelic Pill'

Neil Young swore off drugs and alcohol this year after decades of excess. Paradoxically, he then put out Psychedelic Pill, his 35th studio album and what might be the aural equivalent to a giant flashback. Anchored by three separate 16-plus minute guitar jam-outs, there's little concern for lyrics, choruses or any other sort of pristine songcraft here. Psychedelic Pill captures a very specific feeling for a specific type of outlaw. It's about remembering what it was like when the sound of Young's "Old Black" guitar would make you whirl around and see trails. -- Aaron Brophy