The best final albums of all time

When the band promoted this, its eighth studio album, it announced the project would be the last. Which, came as somewhat of a surprise. Then again, singer/guitarist Sully Erma was quoted in Forbes saying this indeed would be Godsmack's last studio album, "unless we just decide one day, 'Yeah, one more for the road.'" So, perhaps the door is still open. Lighting Up the Sky cracked the top 20 of the Billboard 200, and also produced the hit "Surrender," which topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart in the United States.

In terms of the Rush hierarchy of work, Clockwork Angels, the band's 19th studio release, probably doesn't rate top-10 consideration. However, for this late in the band's remarkable career, it remains an ambitious and concise concept album. Much like many of those records from the second half of Rush's career, Clockwork Angels isn't consistently lauded by die-hards of the band, but it received steady critical praise. In fact, the late Neil Peart's lyrics were as strong as ever. Bookend tracks "Caravan" and the severely underrated "The Garden" are solid examples of that claim.

It was 11 years between The Verve's third and fourth — and what would be their final — albums. Breaking up was nothing new to the English alt-rockers, who kept that movement going even as it waned during the 2000s. Forth didn't totally veer from the band's signature sound, but after more than a decade away from the game, there was a sense of maturity that proved The Verve were worth the investment all along. "Love is Noise" was the first single released from the record, and still the class of an album that proved to be a fitting farewell.

Essentially, this wasn't intended to be the iconic trio's final studio album. In fact, it was slated to be released in two parts, but Adam "MCA" Yauch's cancer diagnosis interrupted the project. The second part ended up being released, with hopes of putting out a followup, which was then scrapped after Yauch's 2012 death. A hit with critics, the album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in the United States, and once again showcased the maturity and versatility of the group during the late stage in its career (give a listen to "Lee Majors Come Again"). As unintended as a farewell this was, it's still an exceptional way to end a Hall of Fame career.

Perhaps this is a case of saving the best for last. The Eternal, Sonic Youth's 15th studio album, was the highest-charting for those records in the band's legendary history — topping out at No. 18 on the Billboard 200 in the United States. It was released three years after Sonic Youth's previous album, Rather Ripped, and the only one to appear on Matador Records after its contract with Geffen had run out. It might be the most guitar-heavy project released by the band, which, obviously, is saying quite a lot. There are several memorable moments, but the album's closer "Massage the History," is a memorable way to end an iconic indie/alternative rock career.

R.E.M.'s work from the 2000s isn't as celebrated as the classic efforts from the 1980s, and certainly the 1990s. However, 2008's Accelerate and this final offering three years later are above-average ways to end a stellar career — even if the mainstream success was essentially gone. As noted by the band, there were several hints in the lyrics to the album's songs that this would be it for R.E.M. The cover of the record even shows band members Michael Stipe, Peter Buck and Mike Mills seemingly waving goodbye. Tracks like "Oh My Heart" and "Mine Smell Like Honey" stand as the best the record has to offer. 

Following a diagnosis of lung cancer, Zevon took to the studio to record what he knew was going to be his final album. In the end, it would become perhaps, Zevon's most respected and celebrated effort of a brilliant, and often underappreciated, career. As Zevon came to terms with his own mortality, he delivered some touching and emotionally impactful tracks. "Disorder in the House"  is a duet with Bruce Springsteen that earned a Grammy Award. The sentimental "Keep Me in Your Heart," and a chilling version of Bob Dylan's "Knocking on Heaven's Door" also stand out. The album was released two weeks before Zevon's death on September 7, 2003, at age 53.

The tension between principle songwriters Bob Mould and Grant Hart was increasing, and it seemed only a matter of time that the Twin Cities three-piece would disband. That eventually happened in the wake of this sixth Hüsker Dü album, and subsequent tour. While it's only appropriate to celebrate the band's entire catalog, Warehouse: Songs and Stories is another example of the maturity that the band displayed on its later records. Of course, the group's collective volatility also fueled its musical greatness. Highlights include "Could You Be the One?" and "She's a Woman (And Now He Is a Man)."

By the late 2010s, Miller's career was already being taken seriously by critics, while also opening himself up to more hip-hop credibility among a broader fan base. Miller hit a high-water mark with 2018's Swimming, with Circles slated to be a companion album. However, the 26-year-old Miller was found dead due to a potent mix of alcohol, cocaine and fentanyl. More than a year after that tragedy took the life of the promising and burgeoning artist, Circles was released. It was hailed by critics and a top-10 choice on several year-end charts for 2020. The track "Good News" is a chilling gem, with a peaceful vibe that seemed to indicate Miller found comfort in his work — and, perhaps, where his professional life was headed. 

What should have been the beginning of major-label success for Sublime proved to be a case of what could have been. Troubled lead singer Brad Nowell lost his battle with drug addiction at age 28, roughly two months before this self-titled Sublime gem was released. It earned massive success (peaking at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 and going five-times platinum in the United States), delivering a perfect blend for punk, ska, pop and even some reggae, and spawning hits "What I Got," "Santeria" and "Wrong Way," in addition to the underrated "Same in the End."

It might be hard some of Petty's longtime fans, or anyone who fancies rock music, to know that this was his only album to sit atop the Billboard 200. It was also nominated for the Best Rock Album Grammy Award. Three years after the album was put out — Petty and the Heartbreakers' 13th of the studio variety — the band called it quits. Shortly after, Petty died, but the great one's Hall of Fame catalog continues to live on. Though Hypnotic Eye, paced by the lead single "American Dream Plan B," isn't the first Petty album that comes to mind, it's well worth a listen. 

Another example of a band bringing it to the end. Jack and Meg put out just six albums together, and the last should be considered one of the band's best. Tight, mature and brilliant on various levels, it reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 (the best of any album from the band) and won the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album. While the title cut is 4-plus minutes of The White Stripes' excellence, "You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do as You're Told)" could very well be the greatest song the duo ever released. Yes, we're willing to make that claim.

There have been other Led Zeppelin compilations and "greatest hits" released since the legendary band called it a career, but In Through the Out Door was its eighth and final studio effort. The record doesn't always get the credit it deserves, especially compared to the group's early greatness. The rock climate was changing with punk, disco, and new wave becoming more mainstream. Still, this record proved that Led Zeppelin was good to the last drop. Beginning with the haunting "In the Evening," In Through the Out Door reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Other classics from the record include the good-time romp "Fool in the Rain" and ballad "All of My Love," complete with John Paul Jones' memorable synthesizer solo.

The Smith were long broken up, after just four studio albums, by the time Strangeways, Here We Come was released in September 1987. For fans of the popular and influential alternative/indie pop crew, it was one last taste of greatness. The project contains two of the Smith's most noted tracks in "Girlfriend in a Coma" and "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Love Me." As well as the underrated "I Started Something I Couldn't Finish," and "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before," which has been lauded for Johnny Marr's creatively brilliant guitar work.

Featuring appearances by Kendrick Lamar ("Conrad Tokyo"), Jack White, and even Elton John ( "Solid Wall of Sound"), just to name a few, this must be a special piece of music. That said, pretty much anything Tribe put out was appointment listening during its stellar career. We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service was released 18 years after the band's previous studio album — 1998's The Love Movement. This was the hip-hop legends' second album to top the Billboard 200 and a strong goodbye, even if fans weren't ready to part with the group's greatness after just six studio releases.

Joplin burned out well before her time, but what she left in the wake of her October 1970 death at age 27 is obviously still widely celebrated today. Pearl was her second solo album, and released three months after she died. The record spent nine weeks atop the Billboard 200, and has earned quadruple-platinum status over the decades. Though there are plenty of special moments that showcase Joplin's talent that was never truly fulfilled, the Kris Kristofferson-co-penned "Me and Bobby McGee" and stripped down, unequivocally raw a cappella favorite "Mercedes Benz" remain the highlights.

The release of this record coincided with Bowie's 69th birthday, and just two days before he passed away at age 69. Blackstar should go down as one of the great swan songs in music history. It won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album, while the exemplary title track took home the same honor for both Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song. One of the more unheralded tracks on the album is "Lazarus," which was fitting since Bowie recorded these songs while dealing with liver cancer, which the severity of was not known until the stunning announcement of his death.

The Joy Division legacy lasted all of two albums. Both were rather exceptional, but Closer remains the final ode to greatness for one of the most influential post-punk, alternative bands of all time. It was released two months after the suıcide of singer/lyricist Ian Curtis, and kicks off with a bang courtesy of "Atrocity Exhibition" and "Isolation." Now, it helped that the non-album single and classic "Love Will Tear Us Apart" helped pave the way for Closer to attract a wider audience. The surviving members of Joy Division would go on to form New Order, but this band — and notably this record — will live forever in fondness. 

There are plenty of Nirvana fans who feel In Utero never got its due credit. Trying to follow-up a mainstream music-shifting, trendsetting record like Nevermind was never going to be easy. However, In Utero offered a mature sound from the band, and was a deeply personal album for Kurt Cobain, who provided plenty of emotion in the music, and died a little more than a year after its release. It was also an example of what was in store for the group, believing it had staying power. "Heart-Shaped Box" and "All Apologies" were popular hits, while the controversial "Rāpe Me," "Pennyroyal Tea," and "Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle" are some of the most underappreciated tracks in the band's musical arsenal. 

Winehouse released just two studio albums before her death in July 2011 at age 27, but Back to Black just might be the best of the century. At the time, however, not many thought this would be the most defining moment on a legacy that was much too short. The record, which produced modern-day classics such as "Rehab," "You Know I’m No Good," and the title track, clocked in just under 35 minutes, but it leaves the listener wanting more. Cited by various critics as “neo-soul,” this performance from the throaty and artfully disturbing Winehouse was brilliantly produced by Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi. It won the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album.

Hendrix and his Experience put out just three records. Each, obviously, had its own legendary moments, but when it comes to the best of the Hendrix studio lot, Electric Ladyland leads the way. A double album armed with Hendrix favorites "Crosstown Traffic" and his iconic version of Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower," not to mention "Voodoo Chile" and "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," this was his only record to reach No. 1. Including two weeks atop the Billboard Top LPs in the United States. Fellow greats like Steve Winwood, Dave Mason, Jack Casady and Brian Jones all played on the album.

Let It Be was released nearly a month after the Beatles announced their break-up. The recording on the record actually began prior to that of the more-celebrated Abbey Road, which was released one month before Let It Be — when the four were still an official band. Though critics had issues with this album upon release, it was still a chart-topper around the world, thanks to the likes of the famed title track, "Get Back," "The Long and Winding Road" and "Across the Universe." The album was released along with a documentary of the same name, chronicling rehearsals and the recording of the record.

Just four studio albums made up Daft Punk's career. But, the French progressive/electronic duo remain the gold standard when it comes to this genre of music. And, anyone who has witnessed Daft Punk live knows it is something close to a religious experience. The same could be said about taking in Random Access Memories. The duo pulled out all the stops when it came to this masterpiece, collaborating with a wide range of music heavyweights like Giorgio Moroder, Julian Casablancas, Nile Rodgers, Paul Williams and Pharrell Williams. It's the only Daft Punk record to top the Billboard 200, and the massively popular track "Get Lucky" helped the album to win five Grammy Awards.

The Police certainly saved their best for last, the group's most celebrated and overall successful album. It produced Police classics such as "Every Breath You Take," "Wrapped Around Your Finger," King of Pain" and "Synchronicity II." It was nominated for five Grammy Awards, and won three. Synchronicity sold more than eight million copies in the United States alone. Even though the Police seemed to be on top of its game, and one of the most popular music acts in the world, Sting eventually went solo, and the collective greatness he shared with Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland was left in the past. 

In January 1970, the duo of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel released this classic record. By the time the year ended, Simon and Garfunkel had called it a career. What was left to savor was their fifth and final studio release. Continuing their journey down a road away from their folk roots, Bridge over Troubled Water won two Grammy Awards and the record topped the charts in several countries. The legendary title cut was a four-time Grammy winner, while "The Boxer" and "Cecilia," have enjoyed iconic status, as well. Long lauded as one of the greatest albums of all time, this might be the epitome of going out in style.