Journey in Progress
Discovering music one album at a time
315
Albums Rated
3.06
Avg Rating
17
5-Star Albums
29%
Complete
774 albums remaining
Rating Speed
3
Per Week
730
Days Active
Reviews
303
Written
96%
Review Rate
vs Global
-0.23
Avg Diff
3.06
Avg Rating
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Ratings by Decade
Which era do you prefer?
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When do you listen?
Taste Profile
2000s
Favorite Decade
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Favorite Genre
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Rater Style
23
1-Star Albums
Taste Analysis
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Ratings by genre
Origin Preferences
Ratings by country
Rating Style
You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will The Circle Be Unbroken | 5 | 2.98 | +2.02 |
| Time (The Revelator) | 5 | 3.06 | +1.94 |
| Eagles | 5 | 3.29 | +1.71 |
| The College Dropout | 5 | 3.32 | +1.68 |
| A Rush Of Blood To The Head | 5 | 3.44 | +1.56 |
| Parachutes | 5 | 3.46 | +1.54 |
| Blue | 5 | 3.49 | +1.51 |
| Licensed To Ill | 5 | 3.56 | +1.44 |
| Darkdancer | 4 | 2.58 | +1.42 |
| Black Holes and Revelations | 5 | 3.59 | +1.41 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exodus | 1 | 3.94 | -2.94 |
| Buena Vista Social Club | 1 | 3.66 | -2.66 |
| Jazz Samba | 1 | 3.56 | -2.56 |
| Different Class | 1 | 3.42 | -2.42 |
| Africa Brasil | 1 | 3.37 | -2.37 |
| Channel Orange | 1 | 3.31 | -2.31 |
| Cross | 1 | 3.28 | -2.28 |
| Phrenology | 1 | 3.25 | -2.25 |
| Bandwagonesque | 1 | 3.05 | -2.05 |
| The Bends | 2 | 4.01 | -2.01 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums and high weighted score
| Artist | Albums | Avg | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Led Zeppelin | 3 | 4.67 | 3.83 |
| Johnny Cash | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| Coldplay | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums and low weighted score
| Artist | Albums | Avg | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| My Bloody Valentine | 2 | 1.5 | 2.4 |
| Bob Marley & The Wailers | 2 | 1.5 | 2.4 |
| Bruce Springsteen | 4 | 2.25 | 2.57 |
5-Star Albums (17)
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Popular Reviews
Led Zeppelin
5/5
What an absolute masterpiece. For a first album to contain so many perfect songs (Good Times Bad Times > Babe I'm going to Leave You may be the best album opening of all time) is INSANE. They blend genre so well in a single song and knock your socks off!
21 likes
Van Halen
5/5
I don't know why I expected a much harder rock/metal sound, but this was fantastic! One of the best albums I've listened to from this. I went back and listened through a lot more Van Halen after this.
20 likes
Muddy Waters
2/5
This may be more a criticism of early blues (or blues in general), but a lot of these tunes sound so similar. I know that's just me being uneducated and unfamiliar with the nuance of solos and lyrical stylings, but I can't quite get into it.
18 likes
Pulp
1/5
This shit is pretty creepy. Not a fan of the lyrics or the whisper-singing. Not too creative and not a good vibe.
9 likes
Stereolab
2/5
Eclectic without much substance, it wasn't unpleasant to listen to, and I do like French music, but overall just eh.
9 likes
1-Star Albums (23)
All Ratings
Air
3/5
Well made, but often very slow (not in a good way) and somewhat repetitive.
The xx
4/5
Great album-mellow, soft, trancy
Charles Mingus
4/5
Fantastic jazz album. Varied, virtuosic, easy-listening.
AC/DC
4/5
Excellently crafted album--not as heavy as I maybe expected, but clean and interesting
Prince
3/5
Beatles
3/5
Definitely a classic, and innovative for its time, but just not my style. I found some of the sound effects, arrangements, and sitar annoying at times.
Tangerine Dream
4/5
VERY cool soundscapes, great for working. Will check this band out more. Only got the last 2 (out of 4) tracks on Spotify, but I was impressed.
The Pogues
4/5
A fun, varied, and at times emotional album. Competent musicianship meets clever arranging and songwriting. Reminds me of the Levelers a bit.
Alanis Morissette
3/5
I don't love her voice--a little annoying, and some of the songs are cheesy/corny beyond enjoyability. Some of the tracks are quite good, and the musicianship is clean, but not my vibe overall
Beatles
4/5
I enjoyed this a lot more than Revolver. It's a bit more tame, but I enjoy the simplicity and simple genius of many of the songs. So many classics!
Fatboy Slim
2/5
Not really my style -- funky and metallic, without much lyrical substance or 'groove'. It just felt empty to me and a bit boring. Some cool moments, but overall not my thing.
Guns N' Roses
3/5
Not really my style -- funky and metallic, without much lyrical substance or 'groove'. It just felt empty to me and a bit boring. Some cool moments, but overall not my thing. Hard to get through the whole album, tbh
The Sonics
3/5
Undoubtedly a classic. I love some of the songs on this album, but I can't fully enjoy the full embodiment of dad rock that is Guns N Roses. A bit cringey at times
Radiohead
4/5
Some fun songs for easy listening. The audio quality is pretty low, which brings down the enjoyment level, and the sound feels a bit derivative, but I enjoyed it a fair amount!
4/5
Great easy listening, and a ton of absolute classics! I'm glad to have listened through this, and I grabbed a song for my playlist.
The Smiths
4/5
Great easy listening, and some absolute classics! Glad to have listened to this.
Madness
4/5
This album wasn't available in full on Spotify, so I listened to 'Madness', which shares most of the tracks. It was an interesting listen! Very creative and smoothly crafted, with insightful lyrics and complex arrangements.
Steely Dan
2/5
I do not like Steely Dan. Their music sounds atonal and uncanny in an unpleasant way. This album is technically proficient, and I'm sure fans would enjoy it, but it is not my jam.
The Kinks
2/5
A bit simplistic, but I suppose that's the time period. It wasn't a bad listen, but not something I'd return to.
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
Not a bad album, but I don't love the sound. It sounds too classic American roadside bar, a bit too heavy on the drums and sultry man voice.
Khaled
1/5
Definitely not what I was expecting when I read 'Khaled' haha,. It was proficient enough, but I really couldn't get into it.
The Electric Prunes
3/5
Kind of a fun listen--some interesting sounds and songs in there, but not something I'd return to.
My Bloody Valentine
1/5
NOT a fan. I guess this is what they would call 'noise rock'? It's a lot of noise and not a lot of rock. Very grating and hard to listen to at times. The first album on this list I haven't finished.
Solomon Burke
3/5
A fun listen! Outside of my normal wheelhouse, but I'm glad to have found it. Not groundbreaking, but nice smooth listening.
Grizzly Bear
3/5
Fats Domino
4/5
I didn't find this album, but I listened through some greatest hits and am glad I did! What a legend, blending swing, blues, and early rock together to create upbeat, fun, and entertaining songs.
Donovan
4/5
Very enjoyable, varied and interesting, especially for 1966! I'd heard some tracks off this album, but never listened through it. Very fun.
Van Halen
5/5
I don't know why I expected a much harder rock/metal sound, but this was fantastic! One of the best albums I've listened to from this. I went back and listened through a lot more Van Halen after this.
Paul Simon
2/5
Surprisingly not a fan of this, and I already love Paul Simon...? It feels like a lot of B tracks, and just a weird sound for him. Wasn't impressed.
Elvis Presley
4/5
Short and sweet! Most of the songs are around 2 minutes in length, so it's a nice quick tour of some fun songs. It's nice to hear so many styles represented and blended--and to see the roots of what would become other genres.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3/5
Not a bad listen, but nothing very memorable.
Lucinda Williams
4/5
Great album all around! I've listened through the regular version, but the deluxe is a nice step up. Disk 2 is all live versions, so I didn't get that far, but I love Lucinda!
Hawkwind
2/5
Definitely some interesting rock sounds, but nothing groundbreaking or particularly creative.
Motörhead
3/5
Fun and badass metal album. Not something I'd choose to listen to often, but definitely better than most.
Louis Prima
3/5
Nice easy listening. Pretty fun tunes, and outside my normal wheelhouse. Won't return to it, but alright alright alright.
Shack
4/5
A surprisingly fantastic album! I love the soft rock groove, and I added it to my playlist. Shack was never on my radar, but they are awesome!
Jorge Ben Jor
1/5
Not my cup of tea.
a-ha
2/5
Definitely a classic, but I'm not a huge fan of their brand of synth pop. Too much MIDI, not enough substance.
Massive Attack
2/5
Definitely different, and kind of fun, but I found it a bit repetitive and not super interesting.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Absolute bangers all the way through. It is funny that he ends almost every song with a fade, but just a great album overall.
Wild Beasts
3/5
Not bad--pretty nice easy listening, but not something I'll go back to.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
2/5
I pretty much hate all Reggae, so even a 2-star rating is a compliment. This is clearly good for what it is, but I can't do it.
Steely Dan
3/5
I'm not a huge fan of Steely Dan's sound overall, but I have to admit this album has some bangers....
Tears For Fears
3/5
Nice easy listening, but easy to forget. I literally had to refresh myself on what this was.a
Frank Zappa
3/5
Technically brilliant, but the lack of lyrics kind of made it a slow listen. Not fully my style
Common
4/5
What an absolute jam! Creative, varied, passionate, and original--definitely one of the better rap albums I've heard. And to have Kanye and John Legend in there? Awesome!
Billie Holiday
3/5
Like walking back in time to a rainy night in the 40s. Smooth and classic--but not something I'd listen to in my own free time (unless it was Christmas). Makes me think of Esther, which is nice.
The Cardigans
2/5
Intriguing, quirky, and kind of fun, but a lot of noise as well. Very strange version of Iron Man.
The Roots
1/5
Not bad, but nothing great. Definitely forgettable to me, a not-so-fan of rap. Didn't finish.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
5/5
What an incredible collection! Like walking through a history of bluegrass museum. 5/5. 10/5 really. My first 5 star rating-and of course it's bluegrass, surprise! But those guests??!!! What an incredible effort!!
Cornershop
3/5
Interesting without being super engaging. Some of the sound effects were cool--others were a bit annoying. I like the variety of it.
The Jam
4/5
Some solid jams here. Nice classic rock feel without a lot of cliche. Hard to give it a 4 when I've given the Beatles some 4s, but I think I'm here for it.
Dusty Springfield
2/5
Kind of fun, but not super interesting. Showtunes and a good voice, but the arrangements and lyrics are a bit stale.
Bob Dylan
4/5
What a legend, once again! So many hits on the same album, and such genius writing. If it mere a bit more musically interesting, I'd probably give it a 5
ABBA
4/5
I love ABBA, but I've only ever heard the greatest hits. Super fun to explore an album, and it ROCKS!
The Streets
4/5
Actually super interesting. I did not expect to like this so much, but it's so creative! A fully-realized concept album, with a story thread and characters. Super fun and different.
Donald Fagen
2/5
Like Steely Dan without the interesting songwriting. Oh boy. There were some good moments, so it's not a 1, but I was not thrilled overall.
Pink Floyd
5/5
10/5. 'Nuff said.
Frank Ocean
1/5
He's definitely talented, but this is not my speed. One of the brands of rap I just can't enjoy.
Kraftwerk
2/5
Kind of cool sounds, but pretty boring overall.
Rush
4/5
Wow, I can't believe I hadn't listened through this yet! So inventive, fun to listen to, and well-produced. Way to go!
Buck Owens
3/5
A bit too simple to be amazing, but still a good listen. I like his sound, but his lyrics are a bit wanting. But CRYING TIME.... so good
Quicksilver Messenger Service
3/5
Definitely great for its time, and pretty interesting, but it lags at points.
The Charlatans
3/5
Actually a really nice sound-like a clean Levellers. I like a lot of these songs, might add to library, but not very memorable past the first listen.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
Kind of fun, but mostly like the Talking Heads without the soul.
2/5
This is the most 90s shit I have ever heard. Did not finish.
Massive Attack
3/5
Interesting sounds and vibe. Nothing incredible, but definitely good work music.
Pulp
3/5
Not my usual sound, but definitely has some bangers!
The Cure
2/5
Kind of cool sounds in there, but overall kind of a drag.
Johnny Cash
5/5
Pretty incredible to have this many talented folks playing in a prison. What a party!! I gotta give this a 10/5
Ray Charles
2/5
Undoubtedly good, but not my style and rather forgettable for me.
Jimmy Smith
2/5
Good down-tempo jazz vibes, just not something I'm really into.
Buena Vista Social Club
1/5
Big yikes. A few fun mariachi moments, and fairly competent jazz, but I really can't enjoy it - did not finish.
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
Incredibly strong for a first album. I didn't LOVE it like I've loved their newer stuff, but I was very impressed. Some of the lyrics are a bit out-there and sometimes uncomfortable, but the soundscapes and overall composition is exciting and unique.
Soul II Soul
2/5
Not the most fun collection. Some stand-outs that were mildly interesting, but this feels like a very sad club.
Justice
1/5
Kind of fun for work, but mostly monotonous and uninteresting.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
What an absolute masterpiece. For a first album to contain so many perfect songs (Good Times Bad Times > Babe I'm going to Leave You may be the best album opening of all time) is INSANE. They blend genre so well in a single song and knock your socks off!
Led Zeppelin
4/5
I had Led Zeppelin 1 come up yesterday, and I'm definitely still a fan of this one, but in comparison, it's not quite the masterpiece that 1 is. It seems more disconnected, and not all the songs are bangers. Still love it though!
Neu!
2/5
Some moments were VERY chill. If I wasn't at work, I would have fallen asleep. Kind of nice to be soothed, but hardly 'music'. Other moments were more upbeat, but not very interesting.
Jethro Tull
4/5
Very interesting and unique concept album. Versatile, well-written, and fully realized. Glad I found this!
Bad Brains
1/5
Not good. Turned it off very quickly. Just angry and whiney.
Van Morrison
3/5
Pretty nice ambience. I'm not sure why I expected more of a rock sound, but this is nice and folky. Nothing particularly mind-blowing, but a good vibe.
Air
3/5
Very smooth and some cool-sounding electronic stuff. Not usually my speed but I enjoyed it.
Madonna
2/5
The first two songs are such bangers, and there's just... filler. Unfortunately, this happens with a lot of pop albums that are vehicles for singles. But man, the quality drops so sharply after track 2, it's insane! As singles, 8/10. As an album? 2/5.
Stereolab
2/5
Eclectic without much substance, it wasn't unpleasant to listen to, and I do like French music, but overall just eh.
Fairport Convention
3/5
Some nice tracks in there that I added to playlists. Not a great album overall and not super cohesive, but I'm glad to have heard it.
Nirvana
4/5
Pretty darn good album. I know many call it a masterpiece, and if I was more into the overall sound maybe I'd agree. Well crafted songs and a full album experience for sure.
David Gray
4/5
Really surprised I don't recognize this artist, because I did recognize some songs, and most were bangers! A little short of a 'GREAT' album, it was still really nice to check out.
Love
4/5
Neat! Kind of Beatles-esque, but very well-produced and well-written for its time. Added some songs to my playlists.
Fatboy Slim
4/5
This man is pretty fuckin' creative! I don't usually go in for electronic music, but the blend of real instruments and truly interesting sound effects and beats is pretty fun to hear. Incredible bangers on this album.
Green Day
4/5
Very good musicianship and a very cool approach, doing most of the songs as double feature/mashups that flow pretty seamlessly into one another. The hits are much better than some of the other tracks, but they all fit together pretty well.
Nightmares On Wax
1/5
What a generic heap of crap. Uninspired from start to finish, and so repetitive. Maybe I'm just hungry, but I did not enjoy this...
Steve Earle
4/5
Pretty solid country album! Obviously in love with the first track, and most of them are about on par for Steve. Some slower and less interesting songs, but a good time overall.
Janet Jackson
3/5
Interesting and very socially aware for a pop album, but that also makes songs like "Escapade" stand out as off-key. Not bad but a weird one overall.
Metallica
4/5
Very smooth transitions and excellent musicianship. Some of the songs blend together and sound a bit repetitive, but that could be my inexperience with metal. Super solid!
The Temptations
3/5
Pretty smooth, but nothing extra special. Nice funky sound.
Ice Cube
2/5
Good flow, but I couldn't make it through the violent/sexist/explicit tracks. Big yikes!
Nirvana
3/5
Definitely has nothing on Nevermind, but decent songs throughout. I'm not a huge fan but it's not bad.
The The
2/5
It's been 3 days and I already forgot what this album was all about. Nothing special, but not horribly bad either.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Pretty fun sound, but a bit repetitive and a bit derivative. Good listen but probably won't go back.
Steely Dan
2/5
Not as blatantly awful as some Steely Dan, but really not my favorite band...
Drive Like Jehu
1/5
Loud, screamy, and garbled. Not a fan. Did not finish.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
Some nostalgia value for sure, as I played a random online game with this as the soundtrack. Pretty interesting electronic/rock sounds, and somehow the "Chemical Brothers" is just such a perfect name for it.
Duran Duran
3/5
Fun little album. Nothing special, and pretty short, but aight.
New Order
2/5
Seems like another Talking Heads wannabe. So many average bands with MIDI drums and semi-edgy lyrics. Not super impressed.
Sonic Youth
2/5
Nothing special, but not offensive to the ears either. Just very forgettable hardish rock Struggled to make it to the end.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Quite cheesy, and without the musical appeal of Pet Sounds. Not too bad, just a bit repetitive and corn-dog.
Sam Cooke
3/5
Pretty fun. Lot of energy, but some repetition (maybe that's just the genre and the time period). I did like the crowd participation--you can just tell everyone's having a great time.
Killing Joke
2/5
Sadly, another entry on this list that is just decent, mostly forgettable rock.
Neil Young
3/5
Nice mellow sound, and pretty much what I expected from good ol' Neil, but not much energy and just kinda plods along.
Fiona Apple
4/5
Love it! Hadn't listened to the whole album, but Criminal is such a bop--probably still my favorite on the album, but pretty solid overall.
Beastie Boys
5/5
You already KNOW I'm gonna give this 5 stars! Don't even need to listen to it (but I will). Absolute bangers all the way through. Definitely a bit of nostalgia playing a role, but eh. I love it!
Lorde
3/5
Pretty fun for pop, but a little whiney and some of the songs really blend together. Cool sound design overall.
Miles Davis
4/5
Pretty sweet tracks actually. Very long and often very meandering and esoteric, but all good ambiance.
David Bowie
4/5
Super engaging, diverse, and well-produced. More enjoyable than other Bowie I've listened to. Slaps.
The Everly Brothers
4/5
Bops and Beeps! Such great harmonies and nice songcraft. A few *ahem outdated lyrics, but overall wonderful.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
1/5
I'm sure this is good as far as it goes, but I hate reggae, truly.
Fairport Convention
4/5
Pretty fun early folk rock with some medieval vibes to boot. Sometimes a bit repetitive and whiney, but mostly a good time.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
4/5
Actually a fantastic album. Super well articulated musically, great lyrics, and an original feel. Big fan.
The Monkees
4/5
Apart from one or two cringey-lyric songs, overall a great jam. Pretty creative and well-produced.
Julian Cope
4/5
What a wild ride! Super neat and varied, and a VERY long album. I didn't make it through disk 2, but I did really enjoy disk 1.
LL Cool J
1/5
Competent rap but not my style. A bit aggro masculine. Did not finish.
Brian Eno
2/5
Interesting but not necessarily enjoyable. A lot of unique sounds, but very little musical cohesion and flow.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Approaching a masterpiece, this album is quite an experience! Much more sonically diverse than her other stuff I've heard, and the lyrics are so profound. Way to kill it again, Joni!
The Police
2/5
Not super impressed. The sound just feels a bit one-dimensional and the lyrics aren't inspired.
Anita Baker
2/5
Decent but fairly forgettable. A great voice, but no 'wow' factor.
Korn
1/5
Bit aggressive and dark for my tastes. Didn't finish.
A Tribe Called Quest
2/5
Solid rap, but some of the usual macho and vaguely sexist overtones :/
The Zombies
3/5
Not bad, but not too memorable. Nice and classic, good vibes, just nothing special.
Jerry Lee Lewis
4/5
Lot of fun and high energy. Wish there were more tracks or longer tracks. Noice.
Shivkumar Sharma
2/5
Nice background music, but too slow to be fun.
Eric Clapton
4/5
Good times and good tunes. Nothing out of this world, but some hot pickin and well-written songs. I Shot the Sherriff is pretty top notch.
The Divine Comedy
4/5
A surprise smash hit out of left field. I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would. Gorgeous songcraft, funny and witty lyrics, and a nice melodic ambiance.
Gang Of Four
2/5
Like a whiney Levelers with less dimension to their sound. Meh.
Solange
4/5
Thoughtful and thought provoking - a tour of ideas as well as musical styles and sounds.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
4/5
Bee Gees
2/5
Clean production, but a bit uninspired. Sometimes a bit whiney and at others bland.
Dire Straits
4/5
Seriously impressive range and song craft on this album. Some of their biggest hits are here, and the B-tracks are interesting in totally different ways.
Stevie Wonder
2/5
Other than Superstition, I didn't connect with any of these songs. Definitely classic but not my speed.
Yes
4/5
My first full YES album, and it delivered in a lot of ways. Didn't blow my mind, but they have some great song craft and very complex melodies/rhythm. Nice themes and album continuity as well.
Haircut 100
2/5
Didn't really jump out to me as anything special, but mostly competent.
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
The epitome of a 3-star album. Solid musicianship and a good hit, but nothing out-there or interesting for my ears to grab onto.
Dire Straits
4/5
Really neat, and way more country than I expected! Great acoustic/electric blend and songwriting. Big fan of some of these tracks.
Thin Lizzy
3/5
Pretty fun live show - a bit generic, and the songs started to really blend by the end.
The Lemonheads
2/5
Meh. Pretty generic and uninteresting. Some neat songs, but overall not a fun time.
Machito
3/5
Enjoyed it more than I expected but not so much that I finished it.
The Triffids
3/5
I have had a very long string of 3-star albums at this point....
Basement Jaxx
1/5
Not my type of music and nothing grabbed me in the first few songs.
Incubus
3/5
Not a bad time. Some solid songs, but it's been 2 days and I'm forgetting most of the experience already.
Beatles
3/5
Not a bad time, but weaker than other Beatles albums I've heard
The Pogues
4/5
Fun and varied; a nice long tour of Irish music with some classics sprinkled in with the originals. Good rowdy vibes.
The Incredible String Band
2/5
Started off strong but became pretty annoying as it went on. Neat concepts but not executed well.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Exquisitely crafted music from some serious pros. Great to have on and tune into to a greater or lesser degree from time to time.
Coldplay
5/5
I've said it many times, and I'll say it again. Coldplay has 3 perfect albums, and this is one of them! Incredible songs all the way through, with lots of variation and genre blending. A thoughtful progression of tracks and sounds.
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
Solid production, but not quite for me. Don't think I've ever listened through a full album of theirs, and it just doesn't resonate.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Ultimate dad rock with a small dose of cirngey good ol' boy lyricism. Good tunes though, nothing great, but good.
Ray Price
3/5
So classic, but quite myogenetic. I had never heard Honky Tonk Angles in full, and it's a bit much. Different times and all that, but it's hard to fully enoy.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
4/5
Frank Sinatra
4/5
The Stone Roses
3/5
Black Sabbath
3/5
Short and sweet with some well-crafted songs, but not as epic as I was epxecting.
Baaba Maal
3/5
Good work music but nothing outstanding
R.E.M.
3/5
Fun but unsupecial
The Waterboys
3/5
Quite a string of 3-star albums here. Once again, fun but forgettable.
Nick Drake
2/5
I'm honestly surprised how popular this is--it's not awful, but it really failed to capture my interest.
Billy Joel
4/5
Classics from start to finish. A bit dad-rock-ish and too much piano for my *heavily refined* taste XD, but what an outing!!
Jane Weaver
3/5
Some cool sounds and ideas. Get's a little repetitive after a few songs.
Talking Heads
4/5
Fuck yeah! Super fun and deep, a little more melodic than I'm used to from them too, which was good
The Flaming Lips
4/5
Nice! Much more enjoyable than I would have guessed, but I'm here for it.
Janelle Monáe
4/5
Right between a 3 and a 4, but trending toward a 4 for the sheer variety and ambitiousness. So many genres are here, and such virtuosic singing.
Beatles
5/5
Iconic.
The Icarus Line
3/5
Not a bad time--good metal, but just missing a specialness and polish that my favorite metal features.
Orbital
1/5
This is barely music.
Pentangle
4/5
A fun exploration of choral and instrumental music. Really enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Absolutely classic. A few weak tracks and a lot of misogyny pull it down from a 5 to a 4, but this is a pretty iconic album.
Beatles
3/5
Pretty classic, but a bit more stripped down and cheesy than all of the other Beatles albums I've listened through in full. Definitely not my favorite but solid.
Dr. Octagon
2/5
Weirdly captivating for what it is, but at the end of the day, not quite my jam.
Rocket From The Crypt
1/5
Oof.
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
Decent but forgettable
Teenage Fanclub
1/5
Not for me
Joy Division
4/5
Neat little album! That first track is a bop.
Koffi Olomide
4/5
Eve is such a good influence :) I'm learning to appreciate this kind of music much more! Honestly super fun and unique, at least to me.
The The
2/5
Not very fun. Mostly just intense and uninteresting. Some standout songs, so not a 1, but not my fav.
Anthrax
3/5
Well-polished metal album
Don McLean
2/5
Not for me, although more interesting songs than I would have thought.
The Smiths
4/5
This album kicks ass! Big fan of the themes, both lyrically and musically.
R.E.M.
4/5
Excellent album with range and some absolute BANGERS in the middle.
Happy Mondays
3/5
Really interesting but not really my jam--and there are some uncomfortable songs on there to say the least... I'll give it a 3 for creativity.
The Cramps
3/5
Beck
4/5
Neat mashup of genres here. Some hip-hop (very Beastie Boys), some hard rock, and some metal elements. I like the samples too.
Meat Loaf
3/5
Solid metal, good vibes
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Bangers all the way through. Some of them sound pretty similar would be my only critique.
Flamin' Groovies
3/5
The Auteurs
3/5
Radiohead
3/5
Mellow and smooth, but they all kind of blend together. Not my fav Radiohead album.
The Yardbirds
4/5
Damn good album! Really neat progression of songs into one another and super interesting guitar work. Big fan.
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
Pretty nice tunes. Not the biggest fan of his voice, but the music slaps!
Leftfield
1/5
No impression
Butthole Surfers
1/5
This is bad.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Solid outing, but more repetitive than other albums and I don't connect with the songs as much other than Gimme Shelter
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Really nice, badass feminist album!
Paul Simon
3/5
A bit creepy and melancholy, Paul! You okay? The storytelling is brilliant as always, but it's not quite as dynamic and fun as his other work.
Pulp
1/5
This shit is pretty creepy. Not a fan of the lyrics or the whisper-singing. Not too creative and not a good vibe.
Elvis Presley
2/5
Fairly good songs, and I like the country elements, but not quite as entertaining as some other Elvis material.
The Smiths
3/5
I'm kind of surprised that this album (and the Smiths in general) is so popular. It's not bad by any means, but it's pretty unspecial to me and just has SO many plays!
Herbie Hancock
4/5
Really creative and other-worldly. I like it a lot as someone who doesn't often get into jazz.
James Taylor
3/5
Pretty nice but also lost me at some moments.
David Bowie
4/5
Damn good shit! Sexy, interesting, and so creative.
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
Neat tunes. Not entirely my style but I respect the musicianship immensely.
Coldplay
5/5
Definitely the weakest of Coldplay's big 3 almost-perfect albums, but still an absolute JAM. I gotta give 5 stars, especially as I think part of my resistance is a lack of familiarity compared to the other 2.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Poetry in song--pure and simple. I'm not 100% into the aesthetic--some songs speak to me but a lot is lost. It is gorgeous, but it feels like nice old-school art in a museum that I'd pass by in favor of something shinier.
Gillian Welch
5/5
One of the best albums all time--enough said, but I'll say more. The marriage of poetic lyrics and tasteful, subtle instrumentation in this album is unlike anything I've ever heard. Most songs are just 2 instruments, and yet each is a distinct arrangement completely articulated around the story painted by the words. The experience of this album is akin to sitting in a room with a master painter or other artisan and watching a masterpiece come to life quietly and softly before you.
The Byrds
4/5
Good stuff! I like the soundscapes and harmonies on this album a lot, and it seems to twist and turn into some at times dark and at times transcendent places. Very creative!
The Crusaders
4/5
Smooth AF.
Screaming Trees
3/5
Nothing especially excellent, but a good vibe overall. I was expecting harder rock, but there were some nice peaceful moments.
Jane's Addiction
3/5
Portishead
4/5
This is a cool ass sound! So unique in its blending of electronic and acoustic instruments, and so melancholy yet danceable. I feel like I'm in Tron.
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
Very interesting that Come On Eileen is on this album--I did NOT expect that from the initial songs. Strange vibe and not my fav, but a couple good tunes.
Megadeth
2/5
Not my speed, but competently made. Just a bit too screamy and deathy for me. *Shrug* what do you expect from 'Megadeath'
Grateful Dead
4/5
Really, really good shit. Peak dead and so smooth. I'm a weirdo in liking some of their album stuff better than their live stuff, and this is the dankest.
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
Impressive sound quality for a live album. Not really my sound but a nice vibe.
Talk Talk
3/5
Easy listening but not very inspired
The Fall
1/5
Annoying and atonal singing ruined the experience for me
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
Sounds pretty similar to their other work, which I like. Definitely a nice album, but I somehow enjoyed it less. Maybe a bit pretentious?
Primal Scream
4/5
Actually a DANK album, and no primal screaming at all--which I admit to being trepidatious about...
Paul Weller
4/5
Great times! So varied and interesting and smooth. I'm impressed by the range on display and really dug some of these tunes.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
Sexy and sweet. One of the songs gets a little out-there, both in length and its narrative of evil women. Overall positive experience.
Love
2/5
Nothing special. Inoffensive but forgettable.
Big Star
2/5
Not a bad time but nothing wowed me.
Eagles
5/5
STELLAR album. So many classics, a blending of acoustic and electric that rivals any, and thematically tied to boot. A rare 5 on an album I'd never heard all the way through.
Fleet Foxes
3/5
Some bangers in here for sure, but it gets a little too pop-folk with some of the oohs and ahhs and kick-tambourine.
Radiohead
2/5
This falls into the category of most Radiohead I've heard - a little whiney, a little uncanny--musically interesting but not in a way that pulls it up out of just 'meh' for me.
MC Solaar
3/5
Neat beats brah. To a non French-speaker it seems very repetitive, although I imagine much of the appeal is the lyrics. Good soundscapes underneath just a bit flat overall.
UB40
2/5
I got through disc one, which is not bad for me! I would say probably my favorite reggae album to date, but I truly do not like this genre in any way.
Joni Mitchell
5/5
An absolute masterpiece of writing and production. To imagine one person producing this in any amount of time is incredible. Gorgeous songs all the way through, perfectly rendered in a minimal and yet impactful way.
CHIC
3/5
Glamorous and smooth. Easy listening but watered down and overall not very creative.
Queen
3/5
Truly the only not-totally-positive Queen experience I can remember. It just doesn't feel fully realized? Like the musicality is there and some songs are great (Killer Queen most notably), but I can't get behind the whole thing.
Depeche Mode
3/5
Easy listening and neat sounds. Not entirely my jam genre-wise, but pleasant overall.
Roni Size
1/5
This is the late 90s distilled into one album. It's hard to think of it as new or interesting in any way--it's so repetitive and dated D:
Alice Cooper
4/5
Pretty interesting and not at all as hardcore as I expected from Alice Cooper. Some nice acoustic work even.
Carole King
5/5
This is incredible. So wholesome and at times so heart wrenching. I LOVE her songwriting style, and it's a style that shines through after just 2 or 3 songs. So blunt and yet not simplistic at all. Gorgeous melodies and songs overall.
Sigur Rós
2/5
Definitely not great, but weirdly captivating. I found myself liking the sounds even though the overall impression was not something I'd listen to again. Very 'post-rock'
TV On The Radio
3/5
Good tunes but bland sound. I like Golden Age because of the Phish cover, but the cover is so much more alive.
Miriam Makeba
3/5
Incredible voice and a cool inclusion of world music on the list. I'm not particularly taken with any of the arrangements.
Various Artists
3/5
I'm sure it's classic but I can't listen to Christmas music on January 4th. I'll come back to this next year XD
John Lennon
3/5
Good jams overall. A bit whiney and cliche, but when is John Lennon not? Definitely liking his Beatles work more at this moment in time.
Gene Clark
4/5
Great album! Such an interesting journey through some spacey sounds. His voice strikes a nice chord with me, and that trippy guitar work is top notch.
Johnny Cash
5/5
Exquisite! I am truly impressed that he was able to do this and that it didn't incite a riot. Great energy in the performance and the song selection is dynamite.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Dank album and such an incredible voice. I was amused to learn that what I thought was 'ch-ch-change' was actual "chain chain chain". TIL! Aretha is a Queen and this would be 5 stars if I was personally more of a soul fan.
Stan Getz
1/5
Missed the mark for me. Competent but uninteresting.
Bon Jovi
3/5
Some classics in here for sure, but most of the tunes weren't captivating.
4/5
Although it's not quite my favorite sound, I see why this album is legendary. Pretty iconic songs back to back, and dang that play count! Well done, kids.
Earth, Wind & Fire
2/5
Not really my groove. It was a bit hard to get through the full album, but I do respect the musicality of some of the tunes.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Good tunes and a nice vibe. Repetitive near the end and not my overall favorite genre, but son of a Preacher Man is a Jammm!
Lou Reed
2/5
Kind of a low-fi Velvet Underground record, and not really my style.
Hüsker Dü
2/5
Meh. Just not much interesting going on in the sound or lyrics.
Kanye West
5/5
Damn, Kanye came out of the gate swinging! His early stuff is so good. This album is such a strong indictment of racism and consumer culture as well as being a FIRE rap album with smooth verses and well produced beats throughout. I like some newer Kanye, but this takes the cake. And 21 tracks?! He was on fire.
Adele
4/5
This album is actually a jam all the way through. The writing is a little repetitive but is more mature and nuanced than a lot of pop. It's cool that she mostly writes her own material (albeit with cowriters).
Goldfrapp
3/5
Pretty nice atmospheric jams. The whole album blends together into an easily digestible but also easily forgettable package.
Metallica
2/5
I wish I connected with this more, as I know I love Metallica sometimes, but it just fell short for me. It felt like a less full sound that I normally hear from them--curious as to why?
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
Super Furry Animals
2/5
Man, it took me 3 days to get through this. Not because it was particularly bad, but because it never held my attention. Some fun sounds on a few tracks and a catchy hook or two.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
2/5
Good music but not my style.
Erykah Badu
2/5
Some good vibes but largely outside of my area of enjoyment.
Ash
3/5
Fairly solid hard rock with some punk influences. Interesting sound on some tracks but pretty paint by numbers overall.
Brian Eno
2/5
Kind of weird and funky but also kind of boring. I can't say anything grabbed me.
George Michael
4/5
Woof, I have never head an album so sexual with such religious branding. I kind of love it?! Hard to tell from a casual listen if it's intentionally ironic or if he just blends the two with no cares for puritan purity, but either way I'm here for it. I don't love the music itself, but it's not a bad time. 4 stars for sheer daring.
4/5
More diverse and interesting than Revolver but not quite the masterpiece of the White Album. I like the more melodic and mellow tunes here. And the amount of instruments and soundscapes is truly impressive! The album flows nicely from song to song--you can tell it was created as one work of art, and I love that. I wish there were a 4.5 star option just for this album.
Sufjan Stevens
4/5
Familiar yet mysterious, mellow yet engaging. This is a neat album with a lot of great songs. I had heard "Chicago" many times and never knew where it came from. Way to go, pal.
Silver Jews
3/5
What a strange time. Irreverent, blunt, and occasionally hilarious, they lyricism on display is a special kind of witty that almost goes too far into annoying. He's definitely got something going, but I'm not sure how much I enjoy it.
Raekwon
2/5
Pretty hardcore and not quite my sound. It's well made, and his voice is super solid, but I don't like the vibe.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
4/5
Bizarre and fantastic. I hardly know how to classify this, and it demands some context. But it is wildly enjoyable from start to finish. Way to go, classical pals.
Public Enemy
4/5
These guys are like a black Beastie Boys, which is to say more legit, talking about real issues, and straight up gangser. I'm not a rap fan overall, but they're the real deal.
Steely Dan
3/5
This is the first Steely Dan album I've actually enjoyed. The guitar has more of a hard rock tone and the music is less atonal overall. Still not my jam, but I'm glad to see they have diversity.
Amy Winehouse
4/5
Really nice blending of styles, from soul to blues to jazz to indie rock. Wild that this is her first album.
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
Good times from a competent hard rock group. Nothing groundbreaking, but I dig their sound design and use of spoken word samples.
Les Rythmes Digitales
4/5
Really digging these digital beats. It's got a cartoonish vibe, but it still feels mature and articulated.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
Not my favorite story album. Some decent songs but some are quite abrasive and melancholy without being touching.
Hole
4/5
Good jams! I like the vocals a lot, and some of the songs hit super hard.
k.d. lang
3/5
Some good jams in here, but a largely forgettable pop sound overall.
Beastie Boys
4/5
Not the masterpiece of License To Ill or Check Your Head, but still a great thumpin' album. I like the guest appearance, and Sabotage is up there with their best songs.
Arcade Fire
3/5
Definitely a good piece of art with a cohesive sound and some great songs. Month of May is my favorite for sure, and not just for nostalgic reasons. I didn't love or get lost in the album, and part of it felt very dreary.
The Black Keys
3/5
Good tunes but some generic beats and mostly repetitive.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
You already KNOW this is getting 5 stars! What an incredible showing, from groovin rock songs to intimate, delicate acoustic arrangements, IV may be the peak of Zeppelin's performance. It's more polished than 1, but more raw than later work. Seriously dig it.
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
I think I just don't like Bruce Springsteen that much... His version of Atlantic City is so far inferior to The Band's version in my opinion--less energy, more slurring of his words, less tight arrangement, less interesting. Even some of the lyrics are worse! He just seems to be whining into the mic in a lot of these. I appreciate some of his tunes but can't get behind him overall.
Iggy Pop
3/5
Passenger is a kick ass song, and the sound is consistent through the album. I'm not a huge fan of his voice, and some of it gets pretty poppy (heh) for me.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Not my favorite Dylan album, but some absolute gems in there. The first 2 tracks especially are incredible. I know this was around his electric shift, but I'm not sure what all the hype was about--seems very tame.
Fela Kuti
3/5
Great rhythm. I like the vibe of this a lot, but it's not something I would return to--just not quite enough meat.
The Clash
2/5
Not my favorite sound. Feels a bit simplistic and bringing the proto to proto-punk.
Prince
3/5
Good jams and a diverse set of lyrics. I can never quite enjoy the simple drumm + bass sound of some of Prince's stuff, but I respect it.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Great tunes. The guitar work is so technical and yet so smooth and dreamy. What a god.
Lenny Kravitz
4/5
This album fucks! So atmospheric, so driven, and so intentional. Love the sound and the lyrics. Groove!
Boston
4/5
What a god damn opening!! Those first 3 tracks are a mega 3-hit combo. The rest of the album is solid as well. It maintains a consistent sound without being repetitive.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Good jams. Great messaging and nice beats. A bit one-note at times.
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
Solid album for easy listening. Nothing stand-out brilliant but nice overall.
Muddy Waters
2/5
This may be more a criticism of early blues (or blues in general), but a lot of these tunes sound so similar. I know that's just me being uneducated and unfamiliar with the nuance of solos and lyrical stylings, but I can't quite get into it.
Hookworms
2/5
Unspecial but not offensive.
Cypress Hill
3/5
Good rap and great production. Not quite my style overall, but well done.
Robbie Williams
2/5
I do not like the 90s.
Pixies
3/5
Unspecial but unoffensive
5/5
What are these sounds and why do I like them so much?! It’s space age and grungey at the same time and beautiful something emerges from the chaos. Very engaging start to finish
Iron Maiden
3/5
Clean hard rock sound, but I’m not connecting with it very much
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Seriously impressive group of songs with some absolute classics in there. And he played most of the instruments himself. Super
Aerosmith
3/5
Not my favorite sound but well put together
Waylon Jennings
4/5
Classic and expected
Badly Drawn Boy
4/5
Really interesting sounds and production design. Into the vibe but not as connected to the lyrics and musicianship.
Talking Heads
4/5
Great collection of tunes. The Talking Heads always sound like themselves, which is sometimes an advantage and sometimes monotonous. I liked this groove enough to get over it the whole time.
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
A well thought out and unique sound. Good soft rock grooves
Goldfrapp
3/5
Out there and interesting
Otis Redding
4/5
Impressive amount of hits and a diverse sound
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
Too much noise for me
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Some interesting sounds but overall forgetsble
Rush
4/5
Skunk Anansie
2/5
Not very chill and not very orgasmic. Mostly generic hard rock
Elvis Costello
2/5
Unspecial and mostly one-note. Like a slightly more country / acid rock Bruce Springsteen.