175
Albums Rated
2.91
Average Rating
16%
Complete
914 albums remaining
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Taste Profile
2010s
Favorite Decade
Hard-rock
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
10
5-Star Albums
14
1-Star Albums
Taste Analysis
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Ratings by genre
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Ratings by country
Rating Style
You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuzzy Logic | 5 | 2.94 | +2.06 |
| Hail To the Thief | 5 | 3.44 | +1.56 |
| Parachutes | 5 | 3.46 | +1.54 |
| Dirt | 5 | 3.47 | +1.53 |
| Bookends | 5 | 3.56 | +1.44 |
| Jagged Little Pill | 5 | 3.72 | +1.28 |
| LP1 | 4 | 2.8 | +1.2 |
| Dookie | 5 | 3.8 | +1.2 |
| In Rainbows | 5 | 3.84 | +1.16 |
| Back In Black | 5 | 3.86 | +1.14 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| At Folsom Prison | 1 | 3.99 | -2.99 |
| American IV: The Man Comes Around | 1 | 3.9 | -2.9 |
| Bringing It All Back Home | 1 | 3.65 | -2.65 |
| S&M | 1 | 3.26 | -2.26 |
| White Ladder | 1 | 3.08 | -2.08 |
| Elephant Mountain | 1 | 3.07 | -2.07 |
| Will The Circle Be Unbroken | 1 | 2.99 | -1.99 |
| Joan Baez | 1 | 2.96 | -1.96 |
| Ingenue | 1 | 2.94 | -1.94 |
| Metallica | 2 | 3.79 | -1.79 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Radiohead | 2 | 5 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Johnny Cash | 2 | 1 |
| Metallica | 3 | 1.67 |
5-Star Albums (10)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Green Day
5/5
An amazing collection of guitar-driven pop songs. Always happy to hear this record, and still holds up after more than 25 years. A hugely influential album. In my opinion, the pinnacle of pop punk.
22 likes
David Gray
1/5
The singles from this album were everywhere when it first came out, and I hated it then. I was a teenager at the time, and it seemed like everyone's mum was a fan. I had hoped it might have improved upon a revisit, but no. It actually sounds even worse. The mixes are sparse, poorly recorded, terrible production, really awful electric drum and synth sounds, acoustic guitar loops incredibly weak and monotonous. His whiny, nasally voice was, and still is, an assault on the ears. And the songs themselves are just... nothing. As if the singles weren't bad enough, the other tracks are beyond boring.
I can't believe this was as popular as it was, though it clearly struck a chord with a lot of people. About as bland and uninspiring as it is possible to be. Despite being ubiquitous when first released, it thankfully never stood the test of time and seemed to disappear before too long. Unfortunately, I was reminded of it when it came up on this list. Hopefully this is the last time I ever have to hear this abomination. I have no idea why this album is on this list. Nobody needs to hear this before they die. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if a few people have died from boredom while being subjected to this steaming pile of shit.
14 likes
Lorde
2/5
It's okay. I like the 'bigger' sounding tracks, and definitely a lot of Kate Bush influence. But a lot of cliched, minimalistic, sad indie girl tracks - pretty boring. And I don't understand the weird accent she puts on. Some tracks a 4, but weak as an album.
14 likes
Alice In Chains
5/5
Classic album from the grunge era. Excellent song writing with great melodies, harmonies, and heavy guitar sounds. The whole band sound fantastic on this record. Also one of the greatest opening riffs to any album, ever.
13 likes
The Prodigy
4/5
An incredible dance record, which was hugely influential in its time and continues to sound great. Lots of energy and some really cool synth sounds. Some real standout tracks, particularly throughout the mid section of the album, though the whole thing flows well. The kind of music best listened to while off your face in a nightclub/warehouse/field. Too long though, like a lot of dance albums from this era.
13 likes
1-Star Albums (14)
All Ratings
Nirvana
4/5
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
2/5
Boards of Canada
4/5
Kanye West
2/5
Erykah Badu
3/5
First listen. Excellent. Bit long. (3.4)
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
Liked at the time, but doesn't hold up. (2.6)
David Bowie
3/5
Parliament
3/5
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
Tom Waits
2/5
The Youngbloods
1/5
Method Man
3/5
Pretty good. Much better than Kanye's debut.
ZZ Top
3/5
It's good , but the relentless pounding drum machine is bit much...
Coldplay
4/5
k.d. lang
1/5
Listened to more than half, but then quickly skipped through the rest as I couldn't take it any more. Not for me. Though Constant Craving is a good song.
Love
2/5
Was going okay until the extended jam last track...
Michael Jackson
3/5
Clearly excellent, though not sure how often I would listen to it.
David Bowie
3/5
Beastie Boys
4/5
Sabu
1/5
Had a go at a few tracks. I'm sure it's an important record in its genre but... would I ever choose to listen to it? No.
Raekwon
2/5
Listened to about half, skipped through the rest. Okay, but percussion tracks really boring, and kick sounds like it's being amplified through a shitty sub in a lada riva and recorded from underneath the car using yoghurt pots and string instead of a mic.
FKA twigs
4/5
Louis Prima
2/5
Like the production. Sounds great for 1956. Some tracks a bit samey. Wouldn't listen again though.
Charles Mingus
3/5
Pretty cool. Probably wouldn't listen, but definitely appreciate. 2.8
Daft Punk
3/5
It's an absolute classic, but far too long.
Eagles
2/5
I like some of the hits and more rocky tracks, but a lot of the record is too country for me.
Ian Dury
2/5
Not really for me, but much better than I expected. Only knew the hits before, which aren't on this record. 2.7
Pixies
4/5
Joan Baez
1/5
Not awful, but not for me. Grates a bit. Gets boring. Didn't get through it.
Soul II Soul
2/5
When started listening thought it would be better than it was. Felt like a lot of filler. A cappella album version of 'back to life' pretty boring. Bonus version of tracks better.
Sheryl Crow
3/5
Disappointing. Like some songs, but a few stinkers on there (e.g. na-na song). All I wanna do is great though. 2.7
Incubus
4/5
DJ is superfluous, but apart from that it's a great album.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
Liked it. A bunch of nice, short, pop songs.
Sigur Rós
4/5
Nico
1/5
Absolute shit. Production is awful - guitars quiet and muddy with terrible tone. Would have been better without strings and flutes. Bad lyrics, worked into even worse melodies. Not as smart as it thinks it is. Ended up skipping through a lot as I couldn't take it any more. Pretentious wank.
Youssou N'Dour
3/5
Not something I would usually listen to, but pretty good. Good musicianship.
The Incredible String Band
2/5
Not for me. Too folky, airy fairy.
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
Like this. Great musicianship, good songs, well produced. Definitely one of the better psychedelic records from the 60s.
Alanis Morissette
5/5
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
Trying too hard. Didn't like the 'push everything until it clips' sound. Not as edgy as it seems to think it is.
Bon Jovi
2/5
Only Sambora's guitar playing saves this from being 1 star. Pretty terrible.
Wire
3/5
Liked it. Can see how it was influential.
Bad Company
3/5
Steely Dan
3/5
Not a huge fan of the music, but max points for musicianship and production values. Immaculately produced record. 3+
Dizzee Rascal
3/5
Not really for me, but did enjoy it.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Thought this was great. Not the Beach Boys I'm used to. Harder edged, more sombre, very cool. 3.4
Wu-Tang Clan
3/5
Pretty good. Backing tracks a bit repetitive. Not quite Tribe, but better than Kanye.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
Metallica
1/5
Not a fan of Metallica anyway, and the addition of an orchestra and crowd noises only makes it more unbearable. Orchestra sounds forced and out of place. >2 hours way to long, skipped most, came back for hits at the end and guitars on 'One' sound atrocious. Surely any of their studio albums would have been a better pick?
Front loaded with solid hits, but pretty weak otherwise, particularly in the middle section.
Mylo
3/5
Not a fan of a lot of the spoken word samples laid over the top of some tracks, but otherwise a really nice record. Lots of great synth sounds, basslines, production. From the good old days before popular electronic music got all samey.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Some nice songs, but don't particularly like the instrumentation. And the Jew's harp throughout is an annoying and unnecessary distraction.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
This is cool. I only knew one of the tracks, but the whole thing was good.
The Cure
3/5
Not that familiar with this record, but it's great. Really dark and twisted. 3.4
Peter Frampton
3/5
For a live album, it's an excellent one. Some great guitar playing. Last track is a belter.
Iggy Pop
3/5
Can definitely hear Bowie's influence all over it. Pretty good.
Lorde
2/5
It's okay. I like the 'bigger' sounding tracks, and definitely a lot of Kate Bush influence. But a lot of cliched, minimalistic, sad indie girl tracks - pretty boring. And I don't understand the weird accent she puts on. Some tracks a 4, but weak as an album.
The Young Rascals
2/5
Not really for me, but not too bad. Wouldn't listen again though.
Shack
2/5
Ned rock, albeit well crafted. Musical, but entirely uninteresting. Got bored, didn't finish.
Minor Threat
3/5
XTC
4/5
Ali Farka Touré
2/5
I wanted to like this more, but not really for me.
Duran Duran
3/5
Joy Division
2/5
Still don't get it. Some interesting production choices, but would benefit from a few more chords and a lot less of Ian Curtis' vocals.
Elvis Costello
3/5
The Streets
3/5
Always felt like The Street are let down by melodies - like the lyrics got written first and then forced into any old melody. But I like the album and the concept.
Deep Purple
3/5
Janelle Monáe
4/5
Thought this was great. Much better than the more recent album. All over the place, but in a great way.
Suzanne Vega
3/5
Don McLean
2/5
Johnny Cash
1/5
Hated it. As if Johnny Cash studio recordings weren't bad enough, it's even worse live. Don't get it at all.
Billie Holiday
3/5
Steve Winwood
3/5
Napalm Death
3/5
Really enjoyed this, though clearly it won't be to everyone's taste. Brutal, powerful, and its legacy and influence are completely understandable. Not something I'm likely to make an effort to listen to often, but happy to have it on in the background.
Megadeth
4/5
Classic thrash metal album. Great musicianship - Marty Friedman's guitar and Nick Menza's drums, in particular. Music to motivate. Always much preferred Megadeath to Metallica. A truly great and inspiring metal record.
The Specials
3/5
I liked this record. The contrast of styles coming from the different band members; the variation between some instruments sounding live 'in-the-room', and the more polished close-miked sound of others; the dark themes set to upbeat music. A solid and enjoyable listen (3.3)
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
Really like this album, although I may be a little biased as they are local to me. Nothing ground-breaking musically, but a beautiful collection of ear-pleasing songs. Only slight let down are the recorders on 'Judy and the Dream of Horses' - nobody needs that.
Radiohead
5/5
Beautiful songs and instrumentation. Everything flows - feels very cohesive. Not even my favourite Radiohead album, but still a masterpiece.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Great songs and energy. Love the vocal delivery, and guitars holding it all together. Not so sure about some of the lyrics.
The Louvin Brothers
1/5
I try so hard with this kind of music, but just can't get into it. Guitars sound abrasive, vocal harmonies are impressive at first but grating after a short while, and I got bored of the general style of songwriting very quickly. Traditional country music just isn't my bag.
Green Day
5/5
An amazing collection of guitar-driven pop songs. Always happy to hear this record, and still holds up after more than 25 years. A hugely influential album. In my opinion, the pinnacle of pop punk.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
1/5
Some decent musicianship, but that's where it ends for me. Can't get into traditional country at all. Despite the varied instrumentation, thick harmonies etc., the songs just come off as bland and uninteresting. Maybe okay for Bob's Country Bunker, but not for me.
Beatles
4/5
Incredible songwriting, as you would expect. Only criticism is that a lot of the guitar tones sounds pretty weak - I'm guessing recorded straight into the desk. Some people like this aesthetic, but I feel better sounding guitars would have filled out the sound more. Still a great record, though.
Eminem
3/5
Some really great tracks with incredible lyricism, in amongst some questionable content. Also not a fan of skits in general - could definitely do with cutting these as the album already runs a bit long. Still, a great hip-hop record that (mostly) stands the test of time. 3.4
Funkadelic
3/5
Really cool album. Lots of 'feel' and emotion that really comes across in the playing. A lot of reviewers seem to focus on the first and last tracks, but I thought the whole thing was great.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Nice collection of songs. Lots of energy, solid hooks, some great musicianship.
Faust
3/5
I enjoyed this, and particularly the 'noisy' elements. Probably not something I would choose to put on and actively listen to, but good background music.
The Temptations
3/5
Pleasant, soulful collection of songs. Incredible collection of voices. Enjoyed it and would happily have it on in the background. Something wrong with the production/EQ on the first couple of tracks though, which spoils it a bit.
Bob Dylan
1/5
I don't enjoy Dylan at all, and never have. A poet, maybe, but I find his melodies uninteresting (and often near non-existent) and his nasal tone and delivery painful. Also, why is the harmonica always so high in the mix? As if his whiny vocals weren't bad enough, you then get assaulted with equally obnoxious mouth organ in almost every song. I listened to the whole thing, and hope that I never have to again.
The Pogues
2/5
I liked the storytelling style of some of the lyrics, but the music isn't for me. Never been a fan of whistles and banjos. Definitely not something I would ever choose to put on. Listening on Spotify, there were also some serious issues with EQ on some tracks - they kept losing high end. Actually preferred some of the additional tracks from the expanded addition... but not by much.
Massive Attack
4/5
Really like this record. It was fresh and interesting at the time, and still sounds great today. However, it should have ended after 'Heat Miser', as that would have felt like a pleasing and natural conclusion - the addition of the live version of 'Light My Fire' at the end disrupts the cohesiveness and doesn't sit well with the rest of the album.
Red Snapper
2/5
Found this incredibly boring for the most part. I didn't hate it, just thought it was uninteresting and uninspiring. Not a fan of music where it's just a series of samples repeated over and over ad nauseam, which is basically what this is. Some of the tracks towards the end were a little more interesting, but not enough to leave me wanting more.
Coldplay
5/5
It might be fashionable to deride Coldplay, but there's a reason they became one of the biggest bands in the world. Great melodies sitting over well structured songs, beautiful sounding guitars (I'm a fan of delay and modulation effects used tastefully), plenty of dynamic range.
The Kinks
3/5
Wouldn't go out of my to listen again, but I did enjoy it. Some nice and interesting compositions, and I like that it covers a range of different styles yet still sounds cohesive as an album.
Blondie
4/5
Excellent pop/rock record. Fantastic melodies and hooks, and the band is superb - really cool guitar parts set against a super tight rhythm section. A classic that still sounds great today.
Talking Heads
3/5
I do like Talking Heads, though this isn't my favourite album of theirs. Some good songs , and love Tina Weymouth's bass playing, but I feel like they perfected their chops on later records. Still very much worth a listen.
Yes
3/5
Really like this record, and Steve Howe's guitar playing in particular. However, it was in the albums that followed where I feel Yes really hit their stride, both in terms of composition and performance. Regardless, a nice collection of songs and a sign of what was to come.
The Prodigy
4/5
An incredible dance record, which was hugely influential in its time and continues to sound great. Lots of energy and some really cool synth sounds. Some real standout tracks, particularly throughout the mid section of the album, though the whole thing flows well. The kind of music best listened to while off your face in a nightclub/warehouse/field. Too long though, like a lot of dance albums from this era.
Taylor Swift
3/5
It's a great pop album, with a few absolute pop bangers (mostly the Max Martin/Shellback songs). However, there are quite a few less interesting tracks too (i.e. filler), and the album really tails off after Bad Blood. And as much as I do tend to love the Max Martin/Shellback stuff, they come up with some really awful bridges. Blank Space, Shake It Off, Bad Blood - all really weak bridges that just kill the momentum in otherwise excellent pop songs.
Kid Rock
2/5
Absolute wank. Unless this is all a masterful troll, in which case it could be genius. Cliched, pathetic lyrics that sounds like they were written by a 12 year old edgelord. Weak songs, with the horrible autotuned country song being a particularly notable low point. Only saving grace is that some of the production and musicianship is actually pretty good. I have no doubt that Kid Rock is talented, it's just disappointing that he didn't choose to funnel that talent into something with a bit more artistic merit. The fusion of rock, country and rap is something the world could have done without.
The xx
2/5
I liked the first track, but went downhill from there. Possibly a bit too minimalist for me, but I think my biggest issue is that it sounds like they just couldn't be bothered putting in any effort when recording it. I realise that is part of their style, but the vocals in particular are so lacklustre that it really puts me off. And all the delay and reverb can't cover up the fact that the guitars just don't sound very good. Comes across as very pretentious. They couldn't be bothered with it, and neither can I.
Deerhunter
3/5
Enjoyed this. Nothing particularly interesting or exciting, but pleasant enough collection of songs.
Franz Ferdinand
2/5
It's okay, and I get why it was popular at the time, but I find a lot of it pretty uninteresting, and very, very repetitive. I was fully expecting to enjoy this a lot more than I did.
They say a line. And then they say it again. And then they say it again. And then they say it again. And then they say it again. And again, and again, and again. And then - is that something different coming in?.. Nope. Same line again. And again, and again...
Something about a matinée. Matinée, matinée, can't stop saying matinée. Singalong songs for people who struggle to remember lyrics.
I suppose they deserve at least a little recognition for their ability to take about 3 min of actual unique musical content, stretch it into a 40 min album, and somehow make it a hit.
Beach House
3/5
Nice enough. Inoffensive indie, maybe a little bland, but happy to have it on in the background.
Roxy Music
3/5
Enjoyed this album overall, though some parts more than others. Good musicianship, lots of interesting ideas, and can clearly see why it was so influential. Not sure how much I would be likely to revisit, although it seems like it could be a grower.
ABBA
4/5
An incredible pop record. The songwriting, the arrangements, the musicianship, the production - all fantastic. Perhaps not something I would choose to listen to regularly, but I still think this is probably one of the greatest pop records of all time.
Alice Cooper
3/5
I enjoyed this. Solid collection of rock songs. There are a few absolute classics on it, but the whole thing was good. Some intriguing themes and ideas (both musically and lyrically), and interesting production too. Would definitely consider revisiting, though I might be tempted just to head straight for a Greatest Hits compilation.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Not really a huge fan of Neil Young, though I can appreciate the music and its influence. Not bad - some nice songs, but I probably won't be revisiting any time soon. (2.6)
The Band
2/5
If I was trying to be purely objective I think I would score this higher, but it's veering a bit too close to country for my own tastes. Not for me, and I can't imagine ever revisiting, but I wouldn't run to turn it off if it came on the radio.
Van Halen
4/5
A classic rock/metal album. Van Halen really mastered the art of fusing metal and pop to create anthems that would appeal to a wide audience. And of course, Eddie's guitar playing is incredible - an innovator who spawned millions of copycats, and influenced guitar players everywhere. And despite all the imitators, he remained inimitable. Eddie always sounded like Eddie. Only criticism is that the album is over too quickly.
Some might think a few of the lyrics are a bit questionable, but they were never meant to be taken too seriously. Van Halen were ridiculous and over the top, but they knew it and embraced it. It's unfortunate that a lot of the bands that followed in their wake didn't seem to get the joke.
Eels
4/5
A great record that I will happily listen to any time. Fairly simple songs structures, but well executed, with clever use of samples and some interesting instrument choices. Nice melodies and hooks, and I really like Mark Everett's distinctive vocals. Some of the lyrics can come across a bit patronising / condescending, but not enough to put me off listening.
Thelonious Monk
3/5
Not something I would usually listen to, but I did enjoy this. Unconventional song structures and rhythms, and some fantastic playing. Not an easy listen, but an enjoyable one.
David Bowie
4/5
Good Bowie album. Front loaded with hits, but enjoyed most of it. Not sure I'm that keen on the chugging acoustic guitar that goes through a lot of it, but otherwise liked the songs, arrangements, production and instrumentation.
Alice In Chains
5/5
Classic album from the grunge era. Excellent song writing with great melodies, harmonies, and heavy guitar sounds. The whole band sound fantastic on this record. Also one of the greatest opening riffs to any album, ever.
Wilco
3/5
It was okay. Generally inoffensive, but not that exciting. Not sure I really needed to hear it before I die. Feels like it might be a grower...
Seems I was right about it being a grower. Enjoying it more on second listen. Some really nice guitar sounds. Vocals reminiscent of Mark Everett. Don't think it will ever be a favourite album, but I like it enough to revisit again.
The Style Council
2/5
I liked parts of this album (the song with Tracy Thorn singing was great), but other parts not so much. Started much stronger than it finished. Feels like it's trying to be too many things - Paul Weller stepped out of his comfort zone in a few places on this record, and it shows. The rap and funk efforts in the mid-section of the album, in particular, are horrible clichés. In fact, the entire back end of the album sounds like a series of poorly executed parodies of a range of genres, but I get the impression they were supposed to be sincere... which makes it that much worse. I definitely won't be coming back to this one.
Van Morrison
2/5
I found this uninteresting. Very little variety throughout, particularly in terms of melody. Feels like the same song repeated multiple times at different tempos. I kind of like his voice, but don't like what he does with it.
Super Furry Animals
5/5
Great album from a great band. A rock album at heart, but with elements of pop, psychedelic, glam, synth etc. all seamlessly woven through. Excellent songs with wonderful melodies, counter melodies, harmonies, and instrumentation. And solid production - all the instruments sound great and have well defined spaces within the mix. A refreshing alternative to the brit pop of the time, and still sounds good today.
James Brown
4/5
James Brown certainly lives up to his name as the Godfather of Soul. I'm not usually a big fan of live albums, but this is an excellent recording, and the performances are incredible. James Brown's vocals are outstanding, and the band are incredibly tight and all sound fantastic. Crowd noises didn't even annoy me as much as they usually do, as they punctuate the recording nicely and almost behave as another instrument in the mix.
The Jam
3/5
Good album. I only knew the hits previously, but liked the whole thing. Was expecting it all to just be straightforward vocals, guitars, bass and drums, but there were a few other interesting instrumental and noise-making elements in there. Solid songs - well structured, nice melodies, some great poppy hooks, good lyrics. Cool production as well, and the individual instruments all sound great. Would happily revisit this one.
Pink Floyd
5/5
I don't think there's anything I can say that hasn't been said before. An absolute masterpiece of songwriting, performance, and production.
Jacques Brel
1/5
Not really sure why this album is on the list, as I don't feel I particularly needed to hear it before I die. I found the songs quite uninteresting and unoriginal. Simple songs, with simple and predictable melodies. My French is mediocre at best, so can't really comment on the lyrics.
I won't be coming back to Jacques.
Le Tigre
3/5
Great opening track, cool fuzz guitars, like the vocal delivery, lots of interesting sounds and noises worked in to the music, but... pretty repetitive, most songs plod along but don't really go anywhere. Happy to listen to the odd track here and there, but can't imagine ever going back for a full album. (2.7)
Sonic Youth
3/5
Never previously gave this band much of a listen, despite being a fan of a lot of the bands that they influenced and inspired, but I really liked this record. There are good songs, but with the addition of lots of layered noise and feedbacking guitars, which is definitely my kind of thing when done well (which it is here). Not sure how often I would listen to it, but good background music for when working.
The Roots
3/5
I really like The Roots - excellent musicians and songwriters. Some great tunes, and I like the amalgamation of different styles to produce something that still sounds cohesive and flows. However, I do think this record is too long. It could have easily lost a few tracks. It's also too loud and compressed for the most part. Whenever you see footage of The Roots playing live there is much more dynamic range and swing, and I feel a lot of that is lost on this recording. (3.4)
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Love the rockin' guitars, the vocal harmonies, and the live feel, but I struggle with a lot of Neil Young and this is no exception. Some good songs, but his voice always seems quite weak and whiny in comparison to the music. This album also feels far too long, and drags in places. Rhythm section is mediocre at best. But the aforementioned rockin' guitars definitely bring it up a notch. (2.6)
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
Was instantly impressed with this, despite only really knowing the hits previously. Track 2 comes in with heavy synths, and some really incredible production that sounds much more modern than I expected. Fantastic use of reverbs to create a very dynamic feel of size and space. Choice of instruments, arrangements, and musicianship are top notch. And it goes without saying that Paul Simon is an amazing songwriter.
I wouldn't usually consider giving an album that I am only hearing for the first time 5 stars, but I'm so blown away by this that I have to.
Burning Spear
3/5
Not really a big reggae fan, but I can dig it. Probably wouldn't normally listen to this, but I can imagine enjoying it in the right circumstances. (2.7)
OutKast
3/5
First off, this needs to be treated as two separate albums. Even when doing this, each of the albums is still way too long! There are a lot of tracks that feel like filler, and the various skits should just have been left out completely. It feels like there are potentially two excellent albums in here, each of around 40 min in length.
All that aside, there are some really fantastic tracks on both. The bits that I liked, I loved. Two different styles, both with really cool rhymes and flow, great music.
Would both easily be a 4 for me... if they were streamlined considerably.
The Undertones
3/5
Liked it. Lots of short, poppy, punk songs. Not much variety, but the songs are great.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
Nice enough, but certainly didn't love it. In fact, there were a few tracks I didn't really like at all (El Condor Pasa, for one). It feels like they really nailed it with Bookends, but went too far with the production on this record and it just ends up a bit of a mess at times.
Madonna
2/5
When I started listening to this I thought it was going to be excellent, but became more and more disenfranchised as I worked my way through it. A handful of really great tracks, and plenty of tracks which were similar in sound but much weaker overall. I feel that getting rid of a few of the tracks, and shortening the length of some of the others, would have resulted in a much stronger album. I did really like some of the production and instrumentation (William Orbit's influence), but even that gets a bit monotonous as it's all pretty similar sounding.
I think it's fair to say I was bored shitless by the time I got to the end. (2.3)
The Cardigans
4/5
I really like this album. A wonderful collection of pop/rock songs. Accessible, but not generic, with beautiful melodies and interesting arrangements. I love Nina Persson's voice, and Peter Svensson's guitar work is incredible - an absolute master of guitar tone, and always seems to play exactly what is required for the song (and no more). Love the production too, with all the instruments and vocals clear and defined and exactly where they need to be. (4.3)
10cc
3/5
Really liked this record. Kind of pop, but in no way conventional. Great musicianship, interesting ideas and themes. Glad I listened to this and definitely keen to check out some more, as I only knew the hits previously.
Neneh Cherry
1/5
I can just about see why this is on the list, but it's really not for me. Incredibly corny. The drum beats and samples are monotonous and abrasive throughout. A few tracks that I was almost liking are then ruined by unwelcome samples of whistles, crowd noises and scratching. Feels like a great example of everything that went wrong with pop at the end of the eighties. Her voice is kind of cool, but that's about it.
The whole thing sounds like a novelty album. As if some kids in a popular TV programme formed a band within the show and then the producers decided to try and release some music for real. Serious PJ and Duncan vibes, though I would much rather listen to Let's Get Ready to Rumble on repeat for an hour than have to suffer through this again.
Supertramp
3/5
This was cool. Nice songs, interesting structures, well produced, great musicians. Accessible prog. They certainly have their own sound. Only really knew the hits before, but would happily listen to more of this band. (3.4)
Sepultura
2/5
It was okay. A bit cookie-cutter and cliched as far as metal goes, although I suppose it wasn't so much at the time. Guitar solos were just widdly nonsense and lacking much in terms of musicality. Don't think I would listen to again.
Talking Heads
4/5
I really like this album. Probably my favourite from Talking Heads. Lots of cool polyrhythms, with wonderful songs built around single chords and instrumental loops (though played live rather than sampled). A real mesh of styles, and Brian Eno's production excellent as ever. Amazing bass playing from Tina Weymouth. Guitars sound great. Love the percussion. Excellent use of effects, drones, noise throughout.
A very interesting approach to writing and recording, and it really paid off.
Metallica
2/5
Not a fan. A few decent riffs here and there, but I find the tracks quite bland and uninteresting. For me, a lot of the tracks from this record are not too far removed from Nickelback. High praise indeed!
Boring, uninspired drum parts, and the actual drum sound is pretty terrible - overpowers the mix and is abrasive. Kirk needs to lay off the wah pedal. Prefer their thrashier, heavier stuff, though still not by much.
Marianne Faithfull
2/5
I feel like this would have worked much better as an instrumental album. Great music, ruined by Marianne's vocals.
AC/DC
5/5
This is how a hard rock record should sound. The songs are great - nothing particularly ground-breaking or avant-garde, but amazing riffs, fantastic to sing along to, and definitely elicits an emotional response (especially when turned up loud). Some questionable lyrics, but they never took themselves too seriously and I don't think they expected the audience to either.
In terms of overall sound, it's clear to see why this album is held up as one of the pinnacles of hard rock production. Solid rhythm section, and the guitars all sound incredible. The sound of a Gibson into a Marshall and turned up loud can't be beaten. Guitar solos suit the music perfectly, as do Brian Johnson's vocals.
Makes me want to go grab my guitar and turn it up loud.
Suede
3/5
Overall, it was okay. Maybe even pretty good. I wouldn't go out of my way to listen to it, but wouldn't rush to turn it off either.
Production not great - some good ideas, but poorly mixed and sounds muddy. Excessive reverbs and delays don't help with this. Superfluous strings.
Highly pretentious. I don't think either Brett Anderson or Bernard Butler were as musically gifted back then as they seemed to think they were.
But... I like a lot of the songs. Often dark and broody, and yet somehow sounding optimistic. Very Bowie-esque. I like that some of the guitars were clearly recorded very loud and on the edge of uncontrollable feedback.
Tito Puente
2/5
Not my kind of thing, but I didn't hate it. It's definitely got a groove. I think I would appreciate music that incorporates elements of this style, but a full album is a bit much for me.
Cyndi Lauper
3/5
Really liked this. Nice collection of pop songs, but with a few interesting asides. 80s guitars, 80s synths, 80s drums... all sounds that I like. Cyndi Lauper has a cool voice and delivery. And the hits are absolute pop bangers. (3.3)
Stevie Wonder
4/5
There is no doubt that Stevie Wonder is an absolute musical genius. Incredible songs, incredible groove, incredible musicianship. I do feel that the album is way too long. The quality is there throughout, but it feels like it should have been split into two separate offerings. Also, I found the child noises throughout 'Isn't She Lovely' pretty annoying - they take you away from the music.
Regardless, Stevie absolutely deserves his legendary status, and this album absolutely deserves to be on this list.
The Monkees
3/5
It's okay, but really just sounds like a group trying (and struggling) to impersonate the more poppy elements of the Beatles, which I suppose is essentially what they were doing. It's well recorded and produced, but the songs just fall a little flat for me. There were a few interesting asides though - I now know where Del the Funky Homosapien got the main sample for Mistadobalina!
Probably wouldn't listen to again, but it wouldn't annoy me if someone else wanted to put it on. (2.6)
Public Enemy
4/5
I do really like Public Enemy. The lyrical flow, the emotion, the message, the delivery - all excellent. However, I'm not a always a fan of the constant repetition of short samples that backs the majority of the tracks. Sometimes it works great, other times it can become a bit monotonous. The whole album also feels a bit long.
Regardless, this is a classic from the golden era of hip hop and, due to tighter restrictions on the use of samples, records in this style will probably stay resigned to the past. (3.7)
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
Good songwriting, interesting song structures, incredible harmonies, and Stephen Stills is a musical genius. Perhaps a little twee at times, but really enjoyable nonetheless. (3.3)
The Specials
3/5
Probably wouldn't go out of my way to listen to The Specials, but I do really enjoy them when I do. Solid meshing of genres, and hugely influential. Strong messages, and despite the often bleak lyrical themes the actual music relays joy and positivity. And I like the fact that it sounds like a band playing together, rather than an amalgamation if individually recorded parts. (3.1)
The Damned
3/5
Liked this. While I enjoy much of the music that it influenced more than I enjoy this, its importance in guiding the way for others can't be understated. A solid punk album. Not sure I would listen to again, but would have no issue if someone else put it on.
Bonnie Raitt
2/5
It's musical, and Bonnie has a great voice, but I found the whole thing pretty uninteresting. Inoffensive background music at best - the kind of thing you might expect to hear being played in the toilets of a chain restaurant.
David Gray
1/5
The singles from this album were everywhere when it first came out, and I hated it then. I was a teenager at the time, and it seemed like everyone's mum was a fan. I had hoped it might have improved upon a revisit, but no. It actually sounds even worse. The mixes are sparse, poorly recorded, terrible production, really awful electric drum and synth sounds, acoustic guitar loops incredibly weak and monotonous. His whiny, nasally voice was, and still is, an assault on the ears. And the songs themselves are just... nothing. As if the singles weren't bad enough, the other tracks are beyond boring.
I can't believe this was as popular as it was, though it clearly struck a chord with a lot of people. About as bland and uninspiring as it is possible to be. Despite being ubiquitous when first released, it thankfully never stood the test of time and seemed to disappear before too long. Unfortunately, I was reminded of it when it came up on this list. Hopefully this is the last time I ever have to hear this abomination. I have no idea why this album is on this list. Nobody needs to hear this before they die. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if a few people have died from boredom while being subjected to this steaming pile of shit.
Kate Bush
4/5
Liked this a lot, and think it definitely deserves to be on this list. I like how it is front-loaded with the obvious singles, and then gets more progressive in the second half. Really interesting songs, arrangements, melodies. Lots of cool production choices, plenty of dynamic range, and her use of samples works extremely well. Hard to define (synth/pop/prog/rock?...) and all the better for it.
Abdullah Ibrahim
3/5
Was pretty good. Not really my kind of thing, but did enjoy. A nice bit of smooth jazz for background while working.
Johnny Cash
1/5
First track was better than expected, but nothing else was. And I didn't expect much. Really not a fan of traditional Johnny Cash, and his take on the more modern songs didn't do much for me either - I much prefer the original versions in every case. Bridge Over Troubled Water was particularly painful, especially when the backing vocals come in. Danny Boy has been murdered by many before, and it's good to hear Johnny Cash keep up that tradition.
I listened, so at least I can say I gave it a chance, and I definitely preferred this to most of his other music.
Still hated it.
JAY Z
3/5
Really well produced. Excellent flow and delivery. Consistently high quality the whole way through - not marred by stupid 'skits' that were so prevalent in a lot of hip-hop at that time. Questionable lyrics - not particularly into the whole 'guns and bitches' thing - but as it's all bullshit bravado anyway I'm okay with it. (3.3)
Can
3/5
Was pretty cool. Nice background music. Wasn't particularly moved or inspired by it, but I did enjoy it and would happily listen again. Relaxed, easy-going rock music centred around guitars and keys, with pleasant grooves and nice ambient soundscapes to accompany. Feels like something I would probably enjoy more and more on repeated listens.
Billy Bragg
2/5
Not for me. I like some Wilco, but can't stand Billy Bragg and his influence is too much for me here. Sort of country, sort of folk, and mostly pretty uninteresting. I did like some of the lyrics (courtesy of Woody Guthrie), but less of a fan of the music.
I actually enjoyed a couple of the tracks - generally the ones that sounded more Wilco than Bragg - but overall not a fan and certainly won't be coming back to this again.
Pere Ubu
3/5
A bit mad, somewhat challenging, and yet highly enjoyable. Like a blend of Talking Heads, Roxy Music, Devo, and a little bit of Cardiacs. Wasn't familiar with them before, but interested to check out more of their stuff now. Wouldn't say I loved it, but definitely liked and, and feels like it could be grower.
Eurythmics
2/5
Never been much of a fan of Eurythmics, and listening to this album in full hasn't really changed anything. The hits are definitely the highlight, and despite some cool synth sounds and productions choices a lot of the other tracks felt like filler.
Steely Dan
3/5
The song writing, the production, the musicianship and performances - all excellent, as you would expect from the Dan. However, while objectively very good musically, not sure how likely I would be to revisit much of this. Nice enough as background music.
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
It's a very good record. The rhymes, the wordplay, the delivery are all excellent. Of course, the hits are top notch and have stood the test of time. Some of the other tracks I find a bit samey - many are just backed by simple 808 beats on loop - though that puts more focus on the rhymes, so not necessarily a bad thing. At times the drum sounds are a bit harsh for me, but I suppose that is the sound they were going for.
Definitely a highly important and influential album, though I might be tempted to head straight for the hits in future.
Metallica
2/5
Despite being a big metal fan I have never managed to get into Metallica, despite my best efforts. This album only acted to strengthen my overall disdain for the band.
The production on this album is truly awful. Nothing about the mix is cohesive. I tried both the original and the remaster, and both sounded horrible albeit in slightly different ways. The vocals sound okay, but everything else sounds like absolute shit and I can't believe it was ever allowed to be released in this state. The drums are way too far forward in the mix and overpower everything else, and this alone is enough to completely ruin the listening experience. The bass is pretty much non-existent despite being sorely needed to round it out. Guitar tones are mostly awful - rhythm guitars often too scooped and muddy, lead guitar too harsh and brittle, clean tones just pathetic and weak. Kirk's solos generally don't align with the songs at all, and it often feels like he wasn't even listening to the same tracks as the rest of the band while recording. Mindless guitar wanking devoid of musicality.
All that aside, I did think there were some okay songs, and Hetfield's rhythm playing is solid as a great big shit-covered rock.
The Everly Brothers
3/5
Generally enjoyed this. More than I thought I would. Pleasant collection of pop songs. Lots of nice instrumentation and excellent vocal harmonies throughout. Some real hits (e.g. Love Hurts, Cathy's Clown), and some horrible misses (their cover of Lucille is particularly weak), but overall pretty good. Also helped by clear, crisp production.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
Didn't enjoy this as much as I thought I would. The hits are strong, but a lot of the album felt a bit monotonous, abrasive and relentless. Enjoyable if you were out of your mind in a field somewhere, but not something I would just put on for casual listening.
Talking Heads
3/5
Not my favourite Talking Heads album, but still really like it. Poppy without being overly pop. Great band, and love David Byrne's voice and delivery.
Prefab Sprout
4/5
Pleasantly surprised by this, having only previously heard the hits. Was a little concerned by the country-adjacent start to the album (not my kind of thing), but quickly becomes clear that the style is more aligned to guitar-driven power pop. Reminds me of XTC, Jellyfish, Crowded House. Typically pristine 80s pop production. Interesting lyrics. Nice interplay between male lead and female backing vocals. Really great songs. Will definitely listen again and check out more of their stuff.
The Cure
4/5
Great record, although there are other The Cure albums that I enjoy more. Wonderful song writing - poppy and yet extremely dark at the same time. Excellent use of guitar and studio effects. 'A Forest' is a classic.
Radiohead
5/5
Several Radiohead albums I would rank higher than this, and yet it is still a 5 star album for me. A Wolf at the Door is an excellent closer.
Funkadelic
3/5
Always enjoy a bit of Funkadelic, though prefer Maggot Brain as an album. Regardless, great music to have on in the background to keep things ticking along nicely. (3.5)
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
2/5
Pleasant enough as background music, but can't really see myself revisiting often. (2.4)
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Alice Cooper
3/5
Always enjoy a bit of Alice Cooper. Really wide range of styles and influences that you don't get to fully appreciate when only listening to the singles. (3.3)