What is the VERY BEST CD album you've ever heard?

@hipsterjefe Graceland was the first disc I heard as well.  A gradeschool buddy invited me over to show me his dad's new CD player, and that was the only CD they had at that point.  

One of my favorites is Pink Floyd's Pulse double disc.  I typically hate live recordings, but I get excited every time I play that one.

I have a ton of other favorites, but a couple that stand out to me are Sponge's Rotting Pinata album, and the X-Files movie soundtrack.  I don't even know why those two are on the top of my head right now, but I have thoroughly enjoyed both and the production on both sound great..

Jazz at the Pawnshop! Being away from this hobby for several years I decided to buy a new amplifier. At the time I had a Conrad Johnson Premier 2. I bought it with me to demo the amp. (Adcom GFA 555) . The dealer connected everything (CD, Preamp, and Amp) to Magnipan speakers. There was another customer in the shop at the time. After listening to several CDs the customer asked if we can listen to the system using a turntable. He then played Jazz at the Pawnshop. That was my renaissance into a lifelong Audiophile.

I'm torn between King Crimson's Live in Chicago and Music is Our Friend (live in Washington and Albany 2021)

Very similar shows and tight recordings. This version of Crimson is extremely powerful and the catalogue of tracks hit on every era of Crimson music.

I believe Fripp stated that the Washington DC show was their last, shame, because I really believe they have more to share.

Anything by Rory! It still shocks me how many people still do not know of him.

UFO Mechanic Michael at his best.

I think you are looking for titles a little off the beaten path so my nomination is for Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit - self titled live album. These guys are sort of a cross between the Allman Brothers and Frank Zappa and the album is one of the best live recordings in my collection. The musicianship on this album is stunning.