Call it the Vatican's 10 commandments for good listening.
The Holy See's newspaper L'Osservatore has published its picks for pop rock paradise, ranging from Michael Jackson's album "Thriller" to Oasis's "Morning Glory", Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon" and the Beatles' "Revolver."
Last year the Vatican advised the faithful which films to watch, finding merit even in Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings.
This year, because Europe faced a season of mediocre songs at music festivals, the newspaper explained, it was time to recommend an antidote in the form of classic pop milestones.
The writers of the article ended with a shot at Bob Dylan, praising his “great poetic vein” but saying he was excluded from the list for a major fault: paving the way for generations of dilettante singer-songwriters who have “harshly tested the ears and patience of listeners, thinking that their tortured meanderings might interest somebody.”
Pope takes on TV stars for music award
Meanwhile, the Pope has been nominated for a top British classical music award and will fight for the prize against reality television stars.
The pontiff was shortlisted for the Classical Brit Awards album of the year for his singing on the album "Alma Mater -- Music From the Vatican".
There are 10 contenders vying for the prize, including two from British reality television shows: Britain's Got Talent star Faryl Smith and the X-Factor's Rhydian Roberts.
Also up against the German-born pontiff are three Catholic clerics in a group called The Priests, with their second release Harmony.
The winner of the album of the year, who is voted for by the public, will be announced in London on May 13.
Last year the prize was won by the bagpipe music of Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.
The Vatican's Top 10 Rock Albums
1. Revolver by the Beatles
2. If I could Only Remember My Name by David Crosby
3. The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd
4. Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
5. The Nightfly by Donald Fagen
6. Thriller by Michael Jackson
7. Graceland by Paul Simon
8. Achtung Baby by U2
9. (What's the story) Morning Glory by Oasis
10. Supernatural by Carlos Santana
