In an attempt to branch away from choral hymns and Gregorian chant, the Pope issued a list of the top ten pop and rock albums of all time, with The Beatles’ Revolver securing the number one spot. The list was published in the Vatican’s newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, on Feb. 13.
Michael Jackson’s 1982 album Thriller and Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon also made the list, surprising many readers because of their focus on grim subject matter, specifically, their mediation on death.
(What’s the story) Morning Glory? by Oasis and Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours were commended by the Pope for being classic pop milestones.
The newspaper, which had previously attained a reputation for stuffily reporting Vatican events, has recently tried to adopt a more contemporary tone. In past issues, L’Osservatore Romano praised the Harry Potter books and films and criticized the Twilight series. Commenting on popular music is just one more step that the Vatican is taking to move into the 21st century.
The newspaper refers to the list as a “semiserious guide” to point individuals “on the road to good music.” The albums also received the honor of being named as ideal tunes for a person stranded on a deserted island.
The Vatican’s list included albums by American, British and Irish artists. No Italian musicians made the cut.
The Vatican’s Top 10:
1. Revolver by The Beatles
2. If I Could Only Remember My Name by David Crosby
3. The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd
4. Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
5. The Nightfly by Donald Fagen
6. Thriller by Michael Jackson
7. Graceland by Paul Simon
8. Achtung Baby by U2
9. (What’s the story) Morning Glory? by Oasis
10. Supernatural by Carlos Santana
