Of course there is the "Albums to Die For" list. That's easy enough. Another approach is to follow mastering. My ears tell me the best in the field is Bernie Grundman. I just like his sound when he is handed an excellent master to work with. I've literally picked off some of his recordings without knowing, before looking at the credits. He was with A&M for 15 years, so much of his work is found on their recordings before opening his own studio.
Credited with 2432 albums he is a busy man.
albumcredits.com/pro/bernie/grundman
Examples: Melody Gardot My One and Only Thrill
Madeleine Peyroux Bare Bones
Tuck and Patti I Remember You
Luciana Souza New Bossa Nove
Jack Johnson & Friends
