Neil Sedaka Albums Ranked

Neil Sedaka is an American pop singer, pianist, composer, songwriter and record producer. Since his music career began in 1957, he has sold millions of records as a performer and has written or co-written over 500 songs for himself and others, collaborating mostly with lyricists Howard “Howie” Greenfield and Phil Cody. After a short-lived tenure as a founding member of the Tokens, Sedaka achieved a string of hit singles over the late 1950s and early 1960s, including “Oh! Carol” (1959), “Calendar Girl” (1960), “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen” (1961) and “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” (1962). His popularity declined by the mid-1960s, but was revived in the mid-1970s, solidified by the 1975 Billboard Hot 100 number ones “Laughter in the Rain” and “Bad Blood”. Sedaka maintained a successful career as a songwriter, penning hits for other artists including “Stupid Cupid” (Connie Francis), “(Is This the Way to) Amarillo” (Tony Christie) and “Love Will Keep Us Together” (Captain & Tennille). He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983 and continues to perform, mounting mini-concerts on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are all of Neil Sedaka albums ranked.

Don’t missed the music of Neil Sedaka. Click below and experience the legendary songs of the past.

10. The Music Of My Life 

“A fine new album plus a ‘Greatest Hits’ CD featuring some excellent re-recordings (from 1991) of his early hits together with a good selection from his ’70s ‘comeback’.”

9. Emergence 

“I’d been a fan of Sedaka’s from the beginning and here was a modern album from the hit songwriter. I wish I could say that it was a balanced effort but it felt patchy even back then and hasn’t aged well. Sedaka’s voice and the production is sublime and it is a shame that the songs don’t really stand the test of time.”

8. The Hungry Years 

“Sedaka at the top: New York City Blues, The Hungry Years (most poignant) and the late-night jazz arrangement of Breakin’ Up are highlights. One of rock music’s great singer-songwriters & entertainers.”

7. The Neil Sedaka Collection 

“Neil Sedaka is a cut above many performers, because he was a song writer and arranger as well. This particular collection looks at many sides of this great artist…….some well known classics, others strange to one’s memory, as it covers many decades. Still, you will like this collection and only want more.”

6. The Tra-La Days Are Over 

“Thanks in large measure to an unlikely but dynamic liaison with (the soon to be) 10cc at the band’s Stockport-based Strawberry Studios this is Sedaka’s best album. It has a freshness that he never recaptured after returning to the US to continue his recording career; in fact this effort easily surpasses the previous years Solitaire produced by the same convergence of talents.”

See more: Madonna Albums Ranked

5. Solitaire 

“Recorded in London and Produced/Engineered by 10cc every track is beautifully constructed and will find you humming along…even after each track is finished. If you like Sedaka, and you want something other than the regular re-issues of the 60’s chart stuff, try this. You won’t be disappointed.”

4. Sedaka’s Back 

“Sedaka’s “comeback” US album on Elton John’s Rocket label was actually a selection of tracks from his three 72-74 albums which had only been given a major label release in Europe. Having said that, it is a good choice of tracks marred only by the glaring omission of “Going Nowhere” from the _Laughter in the Rain_ album. In fact, apart from that track and “Hungry Years” from 1975, this album includes the best of Sedaka’s 70’s output although even then there are a couple of tracks (“Sad Eyes” and “Little Brother”) that I could have happily done without.”

3. Neil Sedaka Sings His Greatest Hits 

“Oh, this is so very nice and polite for rock ‘n’ roll, isn’t it? I mean, who can deny such light fluffy niceties as “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do”, “Calendar Girl” and “Oh! Carol”? Sure, it may be a little too fluffy and whimpy at times, but it is great pre-Beatles pop, and I miss hearing this stuff on the oldies stations. I am pretty sure that his “Stairway To Heaven” was not really the inspiration for Led Zeppelin….”

2. All Time Greatest Hits 

“This album was one of a handful that left quite an impression on my life. True pop rock, but at it’s time was deemed by adults as offensive. Uh? Then, of course the Beatles changed everything. This is a CD of the original release. This is not a re-recording, like what a lot of Du Wop musicians have done lately. If you like the very classic pop rock, then this CD is unavoidable. “

1. Laughter in the Rain

“Neil Sedaka always sings beautifully and this album of his is certainly no exception! Although time has passed since he first became a star, Neil remains in excellent form both on this CD and today; he delivers the songs on this album with genuine feeling and great sensitivity. There are songs on this album which were also penned by Neil–what an artist! The quality of the sound on this CD is excellent and I like the artwork.”