Here it is, the album that started it all. Released in 1966, their debut album quickly hit #1 in the US charts. Some of the best tracks include, "Gonna Buy Me a Dog", "Last Train to Clarksville", and "Papa Gene's Blues" (written by Mike Nesmith). The 2-disc release includes many bonus tracks including "I Can't Get Her Off of My Mind".

Also released in 1967, this recording like its predecessors became #1 on the charts. It was also the first recording that featured the Monkees playing the instruments themselves, with very small help from session musicians. My favorite tracks are "Shades of Grey" and "You Just May Be the One" (another Nesmith Tune).

In 1968 things started to get a little rough for the Monkees. Their TV show was cancelled, their movie tanked and Peter Tork quit the group. This was also the first album not to reach #1, but stayed steady in the #3 slot. "Valleri" and "Daydream Believer" are the most well-known tracks on this album. The latter included Peter Tork on piano since it was actually completed in 1967.

And then there were three... Released in 1969, this album didn't really do much in the charts. The single, "Tear Drop City" only reached #56. The best tracks of the album were Micky's "Just a Game" and Mike's "Don't Wait for Me."

Welcome to the seventies! In 1970 the foursome became a duo with just Micky and Davy hanging on. The album's single, "Oh My My" was in the top 100 on the charts, but the rest of the album was essentially forgotten. This was the last album of the Monkees original run.

Finally, the nineties. For the Monkees 30 anniversary all four decided to get togther again. All songs were written and performed completely by the Monkees themselves. It peaked at #200 on the Billboard charts and never really found their audience. Despite it's flaws it is an interesting effort and most likely the last of the Monkee albums.