#151 - The Great Double Album Debate (Top 5 Double Albums)

#151 - The Great Double Album Debate (Top 5 Double Albums)

From Riff Worship by Austin Paulson, Dylan Adams, and Justin Swindle

April 23, 2026 · 1h 34m · Episode 151

About this episode

The episode explores the history and significance of double albums in music, along with personal favorites from the hosts.

This week on Riff Worship we take a deep dive into the history and eventual “demise” of the double album! From the introduction of the LP in 1948 to an era of pivotal releases ushered in by Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde, we’ll explore the evolution of the format while attempting to answer several key questions. What actually defines a double album? Is it a matter of intent or runtime? Are they necessary? Can a "true" double album exist in the age of digital streaming? We also weigh in with our personal Top 5 Favorite Double Albums—the records that pushed artistic boundaries, mastered the conceptual narrative, and made every single minute count! Riff Worship's Top Double Albums: Tom Waits - Alice Tom Waits - Blood Money Pink Floyd - The Wall The Rolling Stones - Exile on Main St. The Clash - London Calling Defeated Sanity - Disposal Of The Dead // Dharmata KISS - Alive! Hüsker Dü - Zen Arcade Bruce Springsteen - The River Minutemen - Double Nickels on the Dime Prince - Sign O' The Times Mastodon - Hushed and Grim The Smashing Pumpkins - Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness Honorable Mentions: Stevie Wonder - Songs In The Key Of Life Jerry Cantrell - Degradation Trip…

People in this episode

Hosts: Austin Paulson, Dylan Adams, Justin Swindle

Topics covered

  • double albums
  • music history
  • artistic boundaries
  • conceptual narrative
  • digital streaming

Keywords

  • double album
  • music evolution
  • LP history
  • top albums
  • streaming impact

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Blonde on Blonde, Alice, Blood Money, The Wall, Exile on Main St., London Calling, Disposal Of The Dead // Dharmata, Alive!, Zen Arcade, The River

More episodes of Riff Worship

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Riff Worship podcast page.