If you look back in the 70s or 80s, or even the 90s, it seems that one out of every 5 albums got a 5 star rating from Allmusic's guide. The only album released in the 2000s that I know that's gotten 5 stars is Outkast's Stankonia.

Why do you think this is? Is the quality of albums getting THAT much worse, or do you think it takes time for albums to reach a "classic" status? What other albums released in the 2000s have gotten 5 stars from them?

maybe they were too generous with the older reviews and with the new ones they are more critical?

there's a good chance i'm gonna end up eating all the banana's on my desk today.

there's 3.

Fatass.

I'm thinking they are being cautious.
Most 5-star ratings are reserved for albums that are bona-fide "Classics".
It's tough to obtain "Classic" standing in less than 6 years.
Maybe Stankonia got the 5-spot because they are an obviously important band and that is their obviously best record, to date. (I know that some of you will argue for Aquemini, but I think that got 5-stars, too.)

I think the ones from the 60s and 70s have become classics over time but aren't necessarily albums they would have given 5 stars to when released. I think that's pretty much what you already said, though. Personally, I sort of agree with this. It's almost like 4-4.5 stars means excellent to perfect but it takes several years before an album can be considered a 5 which means "legendary."

I pretty much take a 4.5 rating to be perfect on AllMusic. I think they don't want to give an album 5 stars and then have it not last. It's tough to achieve classic status without proven staying power.

I was shocked a couple of years ago when they gave Joe Strummer's Streetcore 5 stars. I see now they've taken it down to 4 1/2.

Steve