The 13 Best Rick Rubin Produced Albums Ever, Ranked

Known for their authentic sound, The Avett Brothers tapped into the masterful hands of Rubin for The Carpenter. The result? A blend of bluegrass, rock, and folk that tells tales of love, loss, and life.

Californication marked a pivotal moment for the Chili Peppers. This Rick Rubin produced album brought forth hits like "Scar Tissue" and "Otherside." It's the perfect blend of the band's funk-rock essence and Rubin's meticulous production.

Rick Rubin produced albums aren’t just limited to rock or hip-hop. The collaboration with Johnny Cash yielded a heartfelt and raw reflection on life, most notably Cash’s incredible cover of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt."

One of the pioneers of hip-hop, Run-D.M.C.'s Raising Hell, also produced by Rubin, can be credited for merging rock and rap with tracks like "Walk This Way," a collaboration with Aerosmith.

In this collaboration, Tom Petty’s signature vocals and heartfelt lyrics met Rubin’s stripped-back production style. Wildflowers is a testament to the magic that happens when two musical giants combine.

Taking a sharp turn from his hip-hop productions, Rubin's partnership with Slayer on Reign in Blood is considered a defining moment in the thrash metal genre.

Marking a significant shift in hip-hop, this Rick Rubin produced album showcased the Beastie Boys’ raucous energy. With tracks like "No Sleep till Brooklyn" and "Fight for Your Right," it's an album that's hard to forget.

Blending alternative metal with unique vocal harmonies, Toxicity stands out in the rock scene. With Rubin at the helm, the album achieved multi-platinum status and remains a favorite among fans.

While Rubin only produced one song on this album, “99 Problems” is iconic. The gritty guitar riffs paired with Jay-Z's raw lyrics make it a standout in both their careers.

One of the earliest Rick Rubin produced albums, Radio gave the world LL Cool J's charm and wit, wrapped up in Rubin’s raw beats. It’s a reminder of the golden age of hip-hop.

Pushing the boundaries of music, Kanye's Yeezus was avant-garde, fierce, and entirely unique. Rubin's minimalist approach allowed the album's raw energy to shine.

Politically charged and sonically revolutionary, this Public Enemy album changed the landscape of hip-hop. With Rubin's touch, tracks like "Bring the Noise" and "Don't Believe the Hype" became anthems for a generation.

Topping our list is the masterpiece from Adele, 25. While Rubin was one of the many producers, his contributions can't be ignored. Songs like "When We Were Young" exemplify the emotive rawness that Rubin is known for, making it one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century.