User Albums Journey
Exploring beyond the book, one album at a time
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2020s
Favorite Decade
New-wave
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18
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13
1-Star Albums
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You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Come On Come On | 5 | 2.79 | +2.21 |
| When Smoke Rises | 5 | 2.96 | +2.04 |
| Operation Ivy | 5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
| Nuyorican Soul | 5 | 3.15 | +1.85 |
| In Between Dreams | 5 | 3.18 | +1.82 |
| El Circo | 5 | 3.25 | +1.75 |
| Sublime | 5 | 3.27 | +1.73 |
| Dead Man's Party | 5 | 3.31 | +1.69 |
| Don't Say No | 5 | 3.33 | +1.67 |
| Enema Of The State | 5 | 3.37 | +1.63 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alive 2007 | 1 | 3.68 | -2.68 |
| F♯ A♯ ∞ | 1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
| We Like It Here | 1 | 3.13 | -2.13 |
| Hammersmith Odeon, London '75 | 1 | 3.12 | -2.12 |
| Mad Dogs & Englishmen | 1 | 3.06 | -2.06 |
| Live At Madison Square Garden | 1 | 2.99 | -1.99 |
| One Life | 1 | 2.83 | -1.83 |
| Les deux doigts dans la prise | 1 | 2.77 | -1.77 |
| Come And Get It | 1 | 2.64 | -1.64 |
| Choirs Of The Eye | 1 | 2.62 | -1.62 |
5-Star Albums (18)
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Popular Reviews
Bran Van 3000
4/5
It's got a good soulful beat. Some of the lyrics are outstanding!
See Kermit the Frog was one day daydreaming
Thinking about himself at a red light
With that it-ain't-easy-being-greenin'
And the cars behind him kept honking and honking
And Kermit's last words as he flipped the bird
Was, Damn you Muppets just keep on taking!
See I've got my own things now so stop tooting
I do my lily pad jumping
Miss Piggy bumping
Lotta Miss Piggys and that's all good
And I'm gonna turn this red light
Into a block party
So we can get down in basics of what?
3 likes
Robyn Hitchcock
4/5
Have always liked Robyn Hitchcock. Saw him in San Diego in the early 1990s. He performed Beautiful Girl on 91x as a promo for the concert. He's always been a bit different.
3 likes
Shania Twain
3/5
It's a good poppy country album. Easy to listen to, albeit very formulaic, but I guess that's why there's a formula for this kind of stuff. Would listen to it again.
2 likes
Graham Parker
4/5
Fourth studio album? Who chooses these albums? Melodic, musical, and rhythmic. Shades of Elvis. Very easy to listen to.
2 likes
Sampha
3/5
Really smooth, but nothing that evokes any type of emotions, either love or hate. Doesn't really make any promises, but also doesn't disappoint, or worse, offend.
2 likes
1-Star Albums (13)
All Ratings
Frank Zappa
3/5
I guess you have to give him credit for knowing when to end the song. I did not need to be reminded to watch where the Huskies... but then he continues to Nanook Rubs It, with its sick guitar licks. Just a really enigmatic album to listen to.
Dave Matthews Band
4/5
Seems that on a lot of these songs, Dave Matthews is grunting or screaming as if he needed some bran in his diet. He puts a lot of emotional effort into his music, sometimes unnecessarily. It's a good album that I'd listen to again.
Igorrr
2/5
Very surprising. Contains things like accordions, speed accordions, Spanish classical guitars, acoustic guitars, pianos, and... 70s video games samples(?) along with the obligatory screaming. If I was asked to annotate what they're saying, I'd just make stuff up... and I'd be right.
John Mayer
4/5
A neat album. Modern throwback to clean electric guitar sounds with quite a few great tracks. The Heart of Life is a great, somber track.
Sampha
3/5
Really smooth, but nothing that evokes any type of emotions, either love or hate. Doesn't really make any promises, but also doesn't disappoint, or worse, offend.
blink-182
5/5
A really powerhouse of an album with unlimited energy that gives such a good and unfiltered view of young adulthood and it's joys and pains.
Josh Ritter
3/5
Started off a bit dated, but he really picked up his groove. Hadn't heard of this artist before, but he's got a good Dylan vibe to him. The whistling/feedback in Good Man was a bit annoying.
Procol Harum
3/5
Not really sure about this one. He lacked a lot of energy, and the composition was decidedly monochromatic. I'm not sure what the thunder did, but it was there.
Weezer
5/5
Wow. No idea that we never had a Weezer album. That's just insane. Pinkerton is probably my favorite of the bunch. And maybe people doing the research got lazy by the time they got to Weezer and Yaz. Who knows? It's just a phenomenal album. Love Surf Wax America.
The Decemberists
4/5
It's slow getting off the bat, but it really gets going. I've said I'm not a fan of the silence that extends into the minutes when an album is starting up. The only use case where this works is if the listener has put the needle on the record and is going to get a beer before sitting down to listen. I'm still sticking to that... However, the Wanting Comes in Waves does need an instrumental to follow it. BTW - is there a guide that says a rock opera needs to have organ music. Seems all of them do.... The guitar picking on Margaret in Captivity sounds like Wanted Dead or Alive
Death Cab for Cutie
4/5
Fourth studio album? Four stars. No other comments. Well, other than Gibbard does have a certain cadence that make it easy to listen to, such as Death of an Interior Designer. Some absolutely great songs, but also a couple of songs that don't quite match.
Rachel Stevens
1/5
I can't get Lullaby out of my head on the song 'it's all about me'. Overall it's not a very good album. These lyrics... Oh, I let you in my back door
You're the one who's creeping
Rough love's so deceiving
... Anyway, I like the Cheryl Cole album much more than this one. It's better than gris gris... is that saying a whole lot?
Bon Iver
3/5
It's a very inventive album that seems to overturn a lot of the paradigms of what a song needs to be. Ultimately, however, it doesn't really work for me. A bit mechanical, a bit herky jerky.
Extrechinato y Tu
3/5
It's pretty entertaining to listen to, but ultimately not something that I would actively seek out to listen to again, however.
Alex Cameron
3/5
Some of the rhymes are a bit... underwhelming.... "hell" and "well"... "good" and "could"...
The music is easy to listen to, melodic. Something that I wouldn't mind listening to again.
The Alan Parsons Project
2/5
It's an ambitious album. Very unique. Difficult to listen to, but inventive.
They Might Be Giants
3/5
They Might Be Giant fans are a very dedicated group. There's a certain cadence to their music that's very boppy, in a good way. Hard to believe they've been around for over 40 years. It's a good album, but I've not seen anything that would think this is a whole lot different than their previous work. It's a whole bunch of short, creative songs.
Sublime
5/5
A powerhouse of a SKA album. Excellent example of how SKA should be. Enjoyed it very much.
The B-52's
3/5
Very aptly named. A classic sound from the 52s. Great when they are in harmony. Not so great when they aren't.
Graham Parker
4/5
Fourth studio album? Who chooses these albums? Melodic, musical, and rhythmic. Shades of Elvis. Very easy to listen to.
Adam Green
2/5
I'm not sure what I'm supposed to think about this, and more importantly why I'm supposed to listed to this. the only thing I really liked here was that the songs were very short.
Status Quo
3/5
I feel a lot of these 60s and 70s albums were long because they decided... we'll have a section where you can play the drums. Wait, that means you need 30 seconds for a guitar solo... Very formulaic. I'm trying to figure out what this album may represent... not sure, yet.
Valerie June
3/5
It's an unbelievably calm album, straddling a few different genres. It's old school, but with a new world feel. Interesting listen.
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
Pretty good funky album. I'm pretty sure some of these songs are party staples. Probably not as popular as the Village People, but still pretty darn popular.
Robyn Hitchcock
4/5
Have always liked Robyn Hitchcock. Saw him in San Diego in the early 1990s. He performed Beautiful Girl on 91x as a promo for the concert. He's always been a bit different.
The Marcus King Band
4/5
It's a good album. Really like his voice. Music is really upbeat and just very easy to listen to. Nothing over indulgent.
Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
5/5
Pretty darn good album. Carries the test of time pretty well. Contains a bunch of hit songs, including an iconic song from the movie "Risky Business".
The Hold Steady
3/5
It's a steady album. Reminiscent of a lot of other artists in the genre. Party Pit carried on a bit. I'm sure he's still walking.
Amadou & Mariam
4/5
Fourth studio album? It's got a pretty good beat. Obviously, I don't really understand the lyrics, but the tone is upbeat, varied, and pretty easy to listen to.
First Aid Kit
3/5
A bit twangy and folky. Pretty easy to listen to. However, not something that I'd listen to on a regular basis since it's somewhat melancholic. Worth listening to, however.
LaBelle
4/5
A strong album with plenty of strong voices backed up by some disco funk. Maybe before the disco era.
Angelo De Augustine
3/5
Light, dreamy, full of instruments, but not overplayed. Nice craftsmanship, if I can say that.
Hombres G
4/5
Catchy and upbeat. Very Spanish poppy, if there's such a thing. Would definitely listen to again.
TOOL
4/5
Really good album from TOOL. Really all that you would expect a metal album to be. Definitely listen to again.
Louis Armstrong
2/5
I suppose that there is a lot of talent here. However, it's difficult for me to appreciate the quality of the music, given that I'm generally not someone who listens to a lot of instrumental music.
Type O Negative
3/5
Why are the lyrics for Machine Screw not available?... and why would they want to remake summer breeze? ugh. It's not so bad of a goth album.
Freddie Gibbs
2/5
It's a smooth album with some good beats, but the language is just a bit much for me. Somewhere along the way, he samples TLC... a bit weird.
Korn
3/5
Better than most metal albums. at least for me. Is it an album that I should listen to? Not sure.
Roger Waters
3/5
The suggestion that I should listen to this starting at 4:30 and ending it with the last song starting at 5:11 is pretty novel. However, as I've said before, you can't/shouldn't have 15 seconds of dead air. Am I going to go bake a pie or something and wait for the music to start? Seems like there's a lot of yelling involved in a bluesy album. I'm not sure what happened to the first nine parts of the pros and cons of Hitch Hiking.
Protomartyr
2/5
Fourth studio album anyone? Seems like someone else was paying attention! It's a pretty decent album, but some of the instruments are off for me. Just different. Some in a not so good kind of way. Very heavy. Ultimately difficult to listen to again.
Maldita Vecindad Y Los Hijos Del 5to. Patio
5/5
very very enjoyable album. Maybe the lyrics were all f-ed up, but I'd like to think they weren't. because how can something sound so festive, joyful, upbeat have bad lyrics?
Jóhann Jóhannsson
3/5
It's modern and interpretative. Moody, windy, keying on emotions. I can feel the fibers of the music playing back into the room.
Pedro The Lion
4/5
Interesting the back story of this album. Reminds me of a few different artists (Jack Johnson specifically). Waffling between 3/4.
Garmarna
2/5
I don't think I have an appreciation of this other than it's a Swedish album performed by Indian musicians? Other than being able to understand it, I couldn't really get into the flow at all. Probably difficult to listen to this more than once.
Steven Wilson
4/5
Fourth studio album? It is unique. I think I like it.
The War On Drugs
4/5
Another 4th studio album? What in the world? Nice and mellow. Nothing too offputting. Enjoyable to listen to. Will probably be the same album 10 years from now.
Tally Hall
4/5
It's got a lot of Ben Folds in it. Pretty decent album. Different than what the title implies. I'd listen to it again.
Salif Keita
3/5
Upbeat. Good tempo. Glad it was recommended.
The Mountain Goats
2/5
Lest any geographically challenged people mock me for this review, the song doesn't match the title! Denton is north Texas, not west. Unless there's a north Denton in west Texas in the similar way that north Bend is no where geographically close to Bend, OR. Jenny sounds like Jesse's girl.
Primus
2/5
The only thing I can say about their music is that it's herky jerky. It's difficult for me to follow, and thus, enjoy.
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
2/5
I've heard of them before, but I don't know when and I don't know why. They seem to be an interesting enough group. Not sure that I'd be able to listen to the down under version of Iron Butterfly for too many times, though.
Savages
4/5
If I didn't know better, I would have thought this was a mix of the Kills and Siouxsie. It's got a really heavy beat that helps carry the dark mood. It's nice.
Chucklehead
3/5
Funky and spunky. I'd heard of them, but probably not quite as familiar as Rippopotamus. Meanwhile, Chucklehead has the number of plays in the triple digits still. Get in while you still can.
Mull Historical Society
2/5
It seems to be a concept album of sorts. Musically, there's something lacking. Not sure what it's missing. Maybe rhythm? ugh.
Marillion
3/5
some long songs here. Some songs that are short but sound long. It's decent musically. But with most concept albums or epics, it's just difficult for me.
Snarky Puppy
1/5
A live album recorded over 4 days... Said and done.
Childish Gambino
3/5
It's decent. I think if I listened to it a few times in a row, it might grow on me, but nothing really popped for me. Nothing too catchy.
Gang of Youths
3/5
The most popular song is also the longest song. It has a decidedly Beatles sound. To be fair most songs can probably be traced to a Beatles song somewhere.
blink-182
3/5
Probably not as good as their previous albums. Solid, but nothing too outstanding. Stockholm Syndrome Interlude just seemed indulgent. Maybe I just didn't understand it.
Fontaines D.C.
3/5
Pretty decent punk rock... on the television screen...
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
1/5
Hmmm... not sure I understand it.
Cluster
2/5
I'm not sure I understand this one, either. It sounds like a bunch of songs you might hear at a carnival, with other instruments.
Arthur Russell
3/5
Didn't really get anything special out of this. Not looking for anything unique, but it should have something that captures the attention or moves the soul or calms the spirit.
Bloc Party
4/5
Lively and energetic. Has a good energy to it, with nice melodic hooks. Very 2000s.
INXS
5/5
Just some really good songs on this album. It doesn't have all my favorite INXS songs, but still really powerful. The way need you tonight goes straight into mediate is simply, very cool.
The Burning Hell
4/5
Its a fun album. The fact that it's not too complicated or sophisticated makes it even more enjoyable. Maybe you just need to be in the mood to listen to it?
The Postal Service
5/5
Just an excellent album. Not sure why they decided to cover Phil Collins, but I guess Rivers and Ben like to cover other songs.
Elmer Gantry's Velvet Opera
4/5
It's got a lot of energy and a lot of spunk. Sounds almost live, but without the background noise. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.
Phish
1/5
Such a shame. A live album. As mentioned before, these tend to be a "best of" that's interspersed with background noise that isn't what the artists intended.
Hikaru Utada
3/5
It's clubby with a lot of pep. Couldn't understand the majority of it, though. Most likely not go back to it.
Vampire Weekend
3/5
The island sound reminds me of Poi Dog Pondering. California English kind of hurt my ears. Fairly melodic throughout, though.
Boy Azooga
3/5
Pretty good. Got lots of things going on in it. The organ/synthesizer was interesting.
GAS
2/5
Fourth studio album: check
Seven songs seventy minutes: check
Sequentially numbered pop songs that I'll never remember: check
Looks like we're ready for launch.
I wonder how long it would take for me to memorize this to the point that I could accurate identify which song is which. How many notes would it take me?
Kano
3/5
You and me sitting in a tree... ugh. I can't rate anymore.
Sunny Day Real Estate
3/5
Pretty good. Reminds me a little of Stone Roses. And I guess that's a bit of the problem. I'm trying to find a reference point for them, which is ultimately not the goal, right? It's good, but not sure how many more times I'll listen to it.
Madvillain
3/5
It's got a bit of throwback to it, but ultimately, there's not so much in it. Is the intent to sample anything where "villain" is mentioned?
Stromae
4/5
its upbeat, energetic without being too over the top. It does have a "club" feel to it, but I like the way he's able to weave different styles/genres into this album. Great recommendation.
Neutral Milk Hotel
4/5
Really very enjoyable. Melodic with appropriate use of non-"traditional" instruments on a pop album. Oh comedy takes about 20% of the album, and didn't really need to do so. But otherwise, good.
Garbage
5/5
Listened to this all the way through the very first time. There's a certain excitement to opening a CD, and this cover was especially interesting because it was textured and tactile. Crazy, I know.
Nuyorican Soul
5/5
What a nice album. Makes you want to move. And dance. And bounce. I am the black gold of the sun was delightful.
100 gecs
4/5
Excellent. It's like a SKA version of they might be giants. And really enjoyable. Sounds like a band that's having fun doing what they love.
Kaizers Orchestra
3/5
The tone of the album is really good. Nice energy and spirit. Interesting to listen to.
Childish Gambino
4/5
An outstanding 282M views on youtube music! It's a rich album, lots of content, lots of themes and really expansive. Nicely composed.
Jai Paul
3/5
Interesting beats. It sounds much better than some of the finished albums on this board. Seems like this was more of a passion project than a job to him. Thumbs up.
The Posies
3/5
Decent album. A few interesting songs, but drops off pretty quickly. Definite door has a good sound to it.
Mustafa
5/5
Very melodic and hypnotic. A short album, but one that doesn't waste time with anything indulgent. Sharp and crisp.
Ian McDonald
2/5
I was only able to listen to side A of this project. Not sure if side B carries a different tune, but this overall sounds a bit dated. Really very drum heavy and tries to carry the album with this. Hopefully others had a better shot at finding and listening to the full album.
Koritni
3/5
I get a big taste of David Coverdale and Whitesnake in this. Maybe a bit of Poison. Fender heavy and just classic 80s rock components. Released in the 2000s. Zoinks.
Switchfoot
3/5
Fourth studio album. My math says that 14% of all the albums on this list are 4th studio albums. Do bands come into their own the 4th time around? Is third time not the charm?.. This is your life seems more in place next to Policy of Truth by Depeche Mode. Overall a good, safe choice for this list.
My Chemical Romance
4/5
Can anyone say, GUITAR HERO? Welcome to the Black Parade is a great song. Definitely more on the harder side of rock, and I'm glad it wasn't a rock ballad. Rest of the album is pretty strong as well.
Jimmy Buffett
3/5
I'll give them a pass with this 5th studio album. I'm sure there was an album in there that shouldn't have been made. This album carries the Buffett sound, one that would sound better along with some surf sounds and clinking beer bottles (yes, I get the irony). He apparently didn't consult Christopher Walken. There's cowbell in here, but it could use more.
Mary Chapin Carpenter
5/5
Guess which studio album release number? Is it four, Alex? I guess the genre is listed as country, but it certain crosses multiple realms. She's got a strong voice and carries the songs without much effort. Most of the songs are great. Love "I take my chances."
Chromatics
3/5
Pretty cool album even if it's only a 3rd studio album. Really unique and modern tracks, and the vocals support the music well. It was an interesting take on Running up that hill. However that one track has more listens than all the other tracks combined. I wonder if the album would have been better without that cover?
Mogwai
2/5
I'm not really a big fan of songs that start off with a sample from TV or something similar, like a telephone call. Even with Pink Floyd's Young Lust, they wait until the end. Overall, it's difficult to keep my attention to this album. I get a great drum riff, followed by a dishwasher?
Oingo Boingo
5/5
Saw them in concert at SDSU's amphitheater. Fantastic show. Fantastic album. Really energetic. Love "Stay". Probably the best on an album full of great songs. Too bad it's a 5th studio album. I'll give them a pass.
Ani DiFranco
3/5
The twang reminds me a bit of Jewel and the overall album reminds me of Freedy Johnston. It's a well put together album. Very easy to listen to.
Bran Van 3000
4/5
It's got a good soulful beat. Some of the lyrics are outstanding!
See Kermit the Frog was one day daydreaming
Thinking about himself at a red light
With that it-ain't-easy-being-greenin'
And the cars behind him kept honking and honking
And Kermit's last words as he flipped the bird
Was, Damn you Muppets just keep on taking!
See I've got my own things now so stop tooting
I do my lily pad jumping
Miss Piggy bumping
Lotta Miss Piggys and that's all good
And I'm gonna turn this red light
Into a block party
So we can get down in basics of what?
MF DOOM
4/5
As a concept album about... food(?), it doesn't seem to be a whole lot about food. I mean, is OJ even a food? Gumbo is a clever use of wrap and wrapper.
Touché Amoré
2/5
Fourth studio album. Yes! Released on the 24 of 2016, which are both divisible by 4. There's also a song called Eight seconds! Ultimately, it's not really that great of an album for me. Seems fairly formulaic and without much emotion.
Porter Robinson
3/5
I'm not sure the purpose of dullscythe... bothered me. The other songs on the album were decent. Look at the Sky was good.
The Amazing Devil
4/5
It's a very "dramatic" album with plenty of musical gravitas. A lengthy album that doesn't really reach beyond that, however. Makes a lot of use of acoustic guitars to give it that additional oomph. Interesting. The last song put it into the 4 range for me.
4/5
I like the lead singer's voice. It's unique. Makes you pay attention. There's nothing subtle about it. Reminds me a bit of Margot Price. Some of the lead ins to the songs were too overly complicated. Even though it's long, it doesn't really seem that way. Glad it was recommended.
Café Tacvba
4/5
Very cute. Lots of really neat Mexican instruments used which is the only thing that can provide it with the unique sounds... to run, to have, you know it was me the other day...
Amon Düül II
2/5
There's a bit of India in this German album. It doesn't really bring too much of the hard core metal that I may have been expecting, but also doesn't really stand out on it's own in many other ways.
Gurrumul
3/5
It's dramatic, well composed, and moving. However, it's difficult to listen to. There are more than a few start and stops, but that sometimes adds to the drama and the suspense.
Daniel Bélanger
3/5
It kind of started to blend together for me around song 4. He's got a pleasant enough voice, but the composition of the music was mostly flat tending towards dreamlike sequences.
Richard Dawson
2/5
I appreciate the effort to tell a story from different angles, but the very first song really put me off. Was it two minutes of farting? No. It was two minutes and eighteen seconds. So I'm fair and continued listening. but none of the songs seem to connect to me. "No One" was unpleasant. Not sure why it was included.
Freestylers
3/5
Wow!! So much energy in this. Wish I hadn't had that Mountain Dew earlier. Keeping me warm on this cold day, though. That's for sure.
THE SPORTS
3/5
They've got a real Origin feel to them. I guess one of the influences at the time was INXS, which makes sense that a lot of the bands at the time would have this type of sound. Upbeat, uptempo, energetic. Interesting. Glad it was recommended. I still don't like that there are 10 seconds of silence before a song starts. Can someone tell me what that silence is for?
Debbie Gibson
4/5
One thing I've learned from this list is that not all albums, and in fact few, may qualify as the one album you would have if you were stranded on a deserted island. But in the sense that this is upbeat.. and it's not five Bjork albums. The pop melodies are catchy and it provides a good representation of 80s pop.
Marillion
3/5
A little interesting. A little weird. A little like Oingo. But ultimately, some songs were a bit too rough around the edges.
The Tragically Hip
3/5
I could only find the deluxe edition, which was three hours long. It's a good album. I think one hour would have been enough.
Killswitch Engage
3/5
it's all encompassing and consuming. It you break it down into constituent parts, it's pretty formulaic.
1. indecipherable screaming
2. rapid, rhythmic drums
3. speed metal guitars
4. pungent bass
The big difference here is that *gasp* there are times when you can understand the lead singer past the beast's growls.
Bad Religion
3/5
Man with a mission has the drum line from What's so funny about peace love and understanding... Bad Religion executes with a lot of passion and energy. Tons of spark. I just don't like that there is a lot of inconsistency. All Good Soldiers tries to bring a ska flair, but then they just totally abandon it. Then watch it die brings in a marching band for the first 30 seconds.
Jimmy Eat World
5/5
Note: 4th studio album. Gots lotsa catchy melodies and choruses (chori?).. didn't realize they did a John Mellencamp cover, then it turned out the Authority Song isn't a cover at all.
Damien Rice
4/5
First heard Cannonball when it came out. Such a pretty song. The rest of the album falls in the same vein. Soft, classical. His voice isn't overwhelming, and the accompanying instruments don't drown him out. Everything is laid out naked, without being able to hide anything.
Pink Floyd
3/5
It's a very classic Pink Floyd sound, with maybe a bit more Floyd than usual. Just enough cowbell. Some people consider this a masterpiece of theirs. My personal tastes defer slightly. I consider this a 'mood' album.
Tame Impala
4/5
Reminds me a bit of OMD, if anyone remembers them. Less ethereal, but still a lot of that synthpop action going on. The Less I Know the Better is obviously a standout on the album.
Streetlight Manifesto
4/5
I love the energy that comes from classic SKA. Along with Reel Big Fish, Rippopotamus, Skatalites, Fishbone, No Doubt, Specials... they're great as well. Mo ska = mo better. Really nice choice.
Cardiacs
3/5
Another fourth studio album? Wow. That was one long album. I'm not sure I fully understood it. Mind is still processing what it was about. I guess the chances of me listening to it again are fairly slim.
Joan As Police Woman
4/5
It's pretty raw and emotional. Powerful and strangely hypnotic. There's an occasional reverb of her voice that makes you want to keep listening. Really liked the upbeat tempo of Christobel.
Sparks
3/5
It's a lot of synth pop. At an average of over 5 mins per song, its a good album to have if you owned a club.
The Beautiful South
3/5
It's a unassuming album. Not sure it's carried the test of time, however. I'm wondering even back then if it had a lot of traction.
Chappell Roan
4/5
It's poppy and upbeat. In some ways, it's like Lorde, but a bit more upbeat, such as HOT TO GO. Interesting listen.
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
Sounds very typical of their music. I didn't really get too much of the title track. Seems like it was difficult for them to make it flow with title.
Susanne Sundfør
3/5
Simple, sincere, soulful. The sound of war and the title track didn't really do much for me. Overall, some of the introduction to these songs leave me wanting a bit more.
Shania Twain
3/5
It's a good poppy country album. Easy to listen to, albeit very formulaic, but I guess that's why there's a formula for this kind of stuff. Would listen to it again.
The Lumineers
4/5
It's folky and honest. Angela is probably one of the better songs on the album, even with the big hits, Cleopatra and Ophelia. I enjoyed the straightforward nature of this album more than others.
Men I Trust
3/5
I almost get this as a slower, softer, more subtle version of the Bee Gees. Numb especially sounds like How Deep Is Your Love. I hope I'm not spawning a copyright fight. I almost feel zenlike after this. Maybe I'll listen to some Enya now.
Sufjan Stevens
3/5
It def sounds like an NPR album. Does Fireflies sound like Should Have Known Better? It's a smooth and even album. Nothing really stands out for me.
2/5
Hmmm... not really what I thought I expected from an indie album, but I guess that's the point. Whitetail didn't really do a whole lot for me. And it didn't really seem to get much better from there.
That Handsome Devil
2/5
It's a bit uneven. There's some energy early, but it sort of devolved a bit to be maybe not really listenable. Wish I could like it a bit more.
Chet Baker
3/5
I think this would be a perfect zone out album. You really need the time and space to zone out to appreciate this. That's really difficult.
Stars
4/5
Hmm It's not what I expected from an indie album. One from Canada, no less. But I must confess that I like it a lot. It's got some catchy aspects and the mood is elegantly upbeat.
The National
4/5
Fourth studio album? His voice is very commanding. He's got presence, that's for sure. Got a lot of U2 in the first song. The drums starting and stopping. Squalor Victoria sounds like something... Can't place my ears on it yet.
Harmonium
3/5
I think there's context that's needed for this album to really be appreciated. There's passion in the music, but muted. It's an easy listen, but probably not something that could be done so repeatedly.
Gotcha!
3/5
Ah, these guys are from Haarlem. I used to live near Haarlemeerstraat on a street called Legmeerstraat. How convenient. This house music reminds me of a few places. Will need to play this at my next rave.
Avicii
4/5
Wow! Top 4 streamer on Spotify. I've heard of Avicii, but can't remember hearing the 2B streamed song. The album has good energy. Overall very positive. Glad it was recommended.
Thee Oh Sees
4/5
OK. You probably know by now how I feel about live albums. I love to listen to them, but they shouldn't be on a list of this kind. But my criticism might not be founded for this one. There isn't excessive noise in the album, and given that I hadn't heard of this band before, and the nature of garage bands, live might be the best representation. This is very nice.
Calibro 35
3/5
I think I like it, but I'm not really sure. It certainly has the energy and is simply easy to listen to. But it ebbs in and ebbs out like a cat. I'm allergic to cats.
Transvision Vamp
4/5
Gretting and demanding is how I'd describe the top song on this album. Really enjoyable... However, it's "Tell That Girl to Shut Up" is the song that brings a smile. OK. The message is... violent. But it's a great song. But really, it's a song about friendships, isn't it? Overall pretty decent album.
Haley Heynderickx
3/5
Starts off like Frente. Very mellow. A bit ethereal. Evokes a sense of dreaminess... nothing I associate with starting a garden. I need some RATM when I'm digging a new garden plot.
Courteeners
4/5
Hadn't heard of this band, but it's a decent album. No you didn't no you don't is good. As is not nineteen forever. Pretty short album, but long in substance.
Faith No More
2/5
It's been a while since we've had a fourth studio album. I don't feel that this one stacks up as neatly as some of the others on this list. The singer's voice seems weird on Caffeine. Maybe that's the point. Didn't understand RV at all. Didn't fit in.... And Easy... wow. didn't even bother to put their own spin on it.
The Chats
3/5
I guess I shouldn't judge an album by when it was released. Good punk is good punk. But maybe I'm removing a star because they've had so much inspiration to draw up, and ultimately, there's nothing new here.
The Sound
4/5
The Sound sound a lot like old school Cure. Interesting listen.
The Jesus Lizard
2/5
Hmmm... monkey trick has a Pixies feel to it. A bit of a debaser feel... but doesn't really have the hook. The rest of the album doesn't really hold too much appeal. I'll save my stars for another album.
Jeff Rosenstock
4/5
Rainbow is an interesting song. Has a frenetic SKA sound to it, but still very enjoyable. 17 songs over 37 minutes is also good. No need to prolong something into 37 minutes for one song. Enjoyable listen.
Wussy
4/5
Pretty good band. Album was an easy listen and had a unique sound for the band. Would totally listen to again.
Shudder To Think
3/5
These are long songs. At least they sound like long songs. Didn't really get any vibes that this had anything special. Didn't really do much for me.
Nik Kershaw
4/5
Pure 80s goodness is what this is. Very simple formula. Lots of synth with accompanying instruments lead to one huge track and many likeable songs.
Scraping Foetus off the Wheel
2/5
Fourth studio album! Yeah! It's a weird album to listen to. A bit difficult at times, also. I guess ultimately, it's not an album I would go back to often.
Billy Squier
5/5
Another one for the tape deck. And there are certain songs that you crank. Lonely is the Night is one of those. Just good rocking music.
4/5
Have always love the Eels since Novocain for the Soul was included on 94.5 The Edge Sessions. They've always had a simple, acoustic sound that brought easy to listen to harmonies and uncomplicated tones. Their music is large soapy bubbles. Sound of Fear is a great tune.
King Tubby
2/5
Another instrumental album. A couple in a row. As with most instrumental music, I need to be zoned out and zoned in only to this. It's fashionable enough, I guess.
Biffy Clyro
4/5
Fourth studio album! Fourth studio album! Fourth studio album! Sounds a bit like JImmy Eat World, or maybe they sound like Biffy Clyro. Good album.
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong
1/5
Live album... and they're playing Ghostbusters. Oye. All 14:16 of it. I actually like the music. Good psychedelic funk. But... as with most live albums...
Bruce Springsteen
1/5
If I'm going to listen to a live album, I want to bathed in noise and enveloped with the perfume of ganga. There are some great hits here. And it's a good album. I've already learned how to count from one to four. Thanks.
Kayo Dot
1/5
There's one small part of the album where it sounds like they're playing classical Spanish guitar and I thought, this could be changing around for the better. Nope. It's just difficult to get through.
Vulfpeck
1/5
The formulaic, expected bass songs are familiar, warm, groovy, and good. My first car is quite entertaining. I think there are three words in it? Is Ugh a word? It must be miscredited, because the studio version has more lyrics than this. And Tesla is an entertaining song with all the horns. As entertaining as it is, it's a live album, which, with exceedingly rare situations, is provided with a standard score.
Alexisonfire
3/5
Pretty decent. Lots of screaming. I hope he's ok after a set. I like that it's not all screaming. Ultimately, I think it lives up to what the band should be about.
Screaming Females
3/5
In Broken Neck, she sounds a bit like Gwen Stefani, but the cadence or rhythm is somehow a bit off. Some of the tone and intonation are dead on, however. There's also a bit of Throwing Muses in there somewhere. Wishing Well and Criminal Image are good, but there's really not much in between.
3/5
You'd think I'd be more aligned with this album given that it has a song called the little dipper, aka ursa micro. But other than stars, I didn't get much from this album.
Khruangbin
3/5
Very mellow and easy to listen to. The guitar work makes it sound an awful lot like Santana, without the rockiness of it. Would like to give it four stars, but it's probably not something that I'm really ever going to go back to very often.
Roky Erickson
3/5
very interesting. Starts off with a bunch of terrifying song names... two headed dogs, zombies, alligators, vampires... but ends with ghosts. Overall, it's approachable, like a $20 bottle of wine.
Death
2/5
As with most things in life, to be an expert, you've got to pay attention to the details of your craft. The experts for death metal have deemed this a great album. As someone who doesn't regularly listen, it's tough for me to differentiate this and any of the others. It's very different, and requires a certain attentiveness that I lack.
Ty Segall
3/5
Diversion is probably the best song on an otherwise uneven album. I'm going to take a stab at what w.u.o.w.t.s means. Wayne understands ordinary words this song.
Anaïs Mitchell
3/5
Fourth studio album!!! Go album! It's decent. Not really sure how many more times I'm going to listen to it, though.
3/5
Pretty cool album. Lots of energy. Electronic beats are entertaining, and it isn't all the same thing over and over again.
Tori Amos
3/5
I'm more a fan of "God" than "Cornflake Girl". The other songs are pretty decent, but a little uneven.
The Weeknd
4/5
lol. 4th Studio album. It's unique, energetic, with a few fun samples. I'm amazed that some of the greatest albums have a total listen of all the songs of maybe in the tens of thousands. The least listened to song on this album is in the mid 10s of millions and the most is almost 4b (and only on one platform).
The Dear Hunter
4/5
What madness is this? A 6th studio album but listed as Act IV? Pretty darn long. But pretty darn good!
John Martyn
2/5
I don't really think this album carries the test of time very well. It's mellow, composed, but dated. Tough to think that I'll revisit.
Charli xcx
4/5
Pretty neat album. It has good energetic beats. A really unique style.
Operation Ivy
5/5
Wow. Just really cool sounding. Frenetic, angry. Just what a punk band should be. A whole bunch of short, sweet songs. Should have made two albums. There's also a nice component of SKA mixed in here as well.
Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass
3/5
Zoinks. I can only see 1980s sitcom TV. This is frightening to me. Having said that, there's a bit of courageousness to have a band like this... and to recommend this album.
Jellyfish
4/5
pretty good. Reminds me a bit of ben folds. the Ghost at number one is a great song.
Teenage Fanclub
4/5
really like this album. It's interesting. Has really good composition, melodic. The progression of the songs, as well as within the songs, is nice. Very easy to listen to.
Crash Test Dummies
4/5
Afternoons and Coffeespoons is probably the best song on the album. mmm mmm mmm is really good as well. His voice is very unique, but it's difficult to listen for an entire album. It's very deep and resonating. Some of the songs at the end of the album also trailed off a bit.
The Cure
4/5
First time listening to the entire album. This is exactly what you'd expect from Robert Smith, and yet have it be new and fresh. Good find.
The Upsetters
2/5
It's a long album. As I've said before, you really need to be in the mood to listen to reggae. And I suppose I'm never that stoned. Not that a little occasionally is a bad thing (I mean the music). But a whole album needs something. Pass the dutchie on the left hand side, please.
Joe Cocker
1/5
A live album... some really good tracks. Not sure why superstar is on this. Carpenters were great with this song, and it doesn't even sound like Cocker was even in this song. Read my other reviews about why live albums don't belong here.
Karnivool
3/5
not terrifyingly bad. not terrible, either. I guess it's saying the same thing. Not a whole lot going on with this album that I could get.
Les sheriff
1/5
Damn! This is really good. Too bad it's a live album.
HELLYEAH
3/5
Quick question. Is there someone or someones whose job is to build heavy metal fonts, or do they do it as a side project. You could write Liberace in heavy metal font and you would know that it's a metal album. As far as albums go, this has all the elements of metal. Heavy drums, fast, chaotic guitars, almost indecipherable lyrics, some screaming, Wonderful!
Björk
3/5
A singularly unique artist with a singular style. Almost a staccatic like voice. She has a bit of range, but the music just doesn't give it much freedom. A few too many albums on this list.
Margot & The Nuclear So And So's
4/5
Mellow. Kind of a Jack Johnson feel. There's someone else, but I'm not recalling right off the top of my head. It sounds like the story behind the music is more interesting than the music itself, even though the album(s) is pretty decent. Not really sure what Hello Vagina is all about, but there are a few double entrendres mixed in there. Pretty decent little song. The end of the song reminds me of Eels(?)
The Stooges
3/5
This was recommended by Anthony Bourdain. At least the concept of the Stooges was big for him. Anyway, it's decent. Too much noise and no noise all at the same time. I could do without it.
Titus Andronicus
4/5
Really liked this album. Unique, but identifiable. Glad it was recommended.
Joe Jackson
5/5
Just a fantastic album. Love "got the time". Everyone knows that a breakup album sells and in the pantheon of breakup/unrequited love songs, "Is she really going out with him tonight" ranks right up with "Dance away" by Roxy Music as some of my favorites. But this album is so much more than just this.
The Angelic Process
1/5
It's a tough listen, and one that I didn't make it all the way through. I think set against up against a visual background, it may have more appeal, but it felt to me that I was walking through a dark museum exhibit where I couldn't really understand what was going on.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
2/5
I don't really know what to make of it. I often ask myself if I need to be in a mood to listen to a certain style of music. This one is tough to categorize. It's long, first of all. It's predictable. It doesn't really elicit any excitement. Tough to rate this one.
TOOL
3/5
I know some people who are huge TOOL fans. TOOL is also very good at what they do. The music is compelling, but it's not something that I ever really listen to much.
Nightwish
2/5
This whole album seems like a cross between Bohemian Rhapsody and Enya. There's just way too much going on with it. It sounds like they're trying to figure out where to insert a new instrument. The irony is that there is no cowbell!
Bob Mould
3/5
Is this a Peter Gabriel situation? This is the "hubcap" album? He's got an interesting history, but this album doesn't really hit any high notes for me.
Yeasayer
3/5
The title of this album is a pun, right? All Our Symbols, since this is a religious piece? Altogether, it's easy listening. Not too much to get in the way of the tone.
Modest Mouse
3/5
I guess I'm just not a fan of the mumbling over muted strumming. Seems like it's required to have a little "encouragement" to enjoy this album.
Polvo
3/5
OMG. OMD! Morphing into Stone Roses. Not really a fan of the vibrato interlude during the first third of the song. Vocals are way too muted. And finally, a bit too indulgent. And this is only the first song. Couldn't really get any of the lyrics for the rest of the songs. But I can say that "Can I Ride" is probably the best of the bunch.
Courtney Barnett
5/5
First thoughts? Love the title. Really unexpected. She's got a cadence that makes it really enjoyable to listen to. Really like Dead Fox. Great suggestion.
Slowdive
3/5
Mellow. Mellow. Mellow. Marshmallow. It's soft. But not as soft as soft serve. Very Enya like. Difficult to listen to past a certain point.
Jimmy Eat World
3/5
Sweetness is the most popular song on this album without a doubt. Lucky Denver Mint is also quite nice.
Avenged Sevenfold
3/5
Over 3 beats per second? As Susan Pewter would say, "Stop the Insanity!" I'm usually not a big metal listener, but this one is interesting. The most listened to song (Seize the Day) is a ballad with the obligatory extra long guitar solo that has notes so high only dogs can hear them. Very ironic.
Chloe x Halle
4/5
Really nice beats. Harmonious. Elegant. Easy. Relaxing. Haven't really heard of them before, but I'd say from this album that I could easily become fans.
The Caretaker
2/5
I really don't feel that I listened to this album. As it connotes, it is ambient music. Not much to experience.
Mylène Farmer
3/5
It's pretty. She looks like Reba, but doesn't sound anything close to Reba... The album is interesting. but really seems trapped in the 80s/90s techno-pop of Kylie, etc...
Amyl and The Sniffers
4/5
hmmm... pretty gosh darn interesting. Does the world need another punk album? the beats are healthy, energetic, sweaty. Lots of passion here. Security is a really good track.
Jack Johnson
5/5
A really fabulous album
CAKE
3/5
Some good tunes on here, but when the second biggest song is a slightly different version of the original... sigh. It's a good rendition, but I would have expected more.
Carly Rae Jepsen
4/5
It's pretty decent, a bit derivative, but very listenable. Not too sacchariney. Maybe a bit jaded from Call me maybe, but I'd listen to this again.
Bon Iver
4/5
Very calm and peaceful. Easy to listen to.
Great Big Sea
3/5
Unexpected. Didn't expect an Irish album from a Canadian band. The old black rum seems typical of a song crafted for a rowdy night of revelry at the local pub.
Backstreet Boys
3/5
Dear lord. 2 billion listens to I want it that way... and this is only on youtube music. I don't think I want to know how many plays it has on other platforms. It's a good song and very catchy. Show me the meaning of being lonely is arguably better with the spanish guitars... and that only racks up at 450m plays. overall... seems over produced and doesn't really carry the test of time.
Fontaines D.C.
4/5
Thank you! For choosing yet another fourth studio album. I've never actually heard of this album, but it's good. Very easy to listen to.
TOOL
4/5
Rosetta Stoned? Really? Definitely has the classic metal sound. The Pot is good. And most of the other songs don't really disappoint. But the real reason I love it is because it's a fourth studio album. Which is when real music gets made.
Martha
4/5
It's punk, but not really punk. It's pop, but not really pop. It's a fourth studio album, but also a fourth studio album. It's a fast 35 minutes. But it needs to be more songs if it's really going to be a punk album... so it's more pop than anything else. I like it, though.
Boards of Canada
3/5
So the description talks about this being one of the best ever "intelligent dance albums". Not really sure what that means, but the salt shaker in Sunshine Recorder almost makes it one of the tastiest dance albums out there.
Ornette Coleman
3/5
There were a lot of notes that I didn't catch in this one. I've always been a fan of the bass in jazz. It's the glue that holds this house together. The glory always goes to the sax or trumpet player, but it should be for the bass player.
Wishbone Ash
3/5
A rather long album with very classically composed songs that scream 70s, which is the way it should be.
Daft Punk
4/5
Didn't realize this album came out in the early 2000s. Which really goes to show that this album has weathered some genres. One more time is the clear hit of this album, but the energy is really carried through. I like something about us... is reminiscent of 70s funk.
Chris de Burgh
3/5
It's interesting. A bunch of stories told in musical form. A musical, if you will. He shows his range in Old Friend. Interesting pick.
The Tragically Hip
3/5
A very unique sound. At the hundreth meridian is one of the better songs on the album. wheat kings is more on the mellow side, but good as well.
Arca
2/5
It's energetic. It's hip. It's not for me. Disjointed most of the time, didn't really know where they were trying to lead me. Seemed very impersonal. Like the guy playing the bucket drums in front of the subway.
The 1975
3/5
This is a good album. They've got a unique sound, are interesting to listen to.
Daft Punk
1/5
If someone scratches an album that is a live recording of some scratching, does that distort the space/time continuum? I realize this is a concert and they need to put on a show, but this is a long album. How many times are they going to say, "Around the World"? Don't they know the world is flat? Same rating as with other live albums.
The Vaccines
4/5
Good thing they came out when they did, because otherwise they'd be cancelled by RFK, Jr. Fucking asshole. This is a terrific album. 12 songs. 35 minutes. Doesn't get boring. I wonder if under your thumb is their response to the stones, under my thumb.
Didn't expect this from a Danish band. Pretty enjoyable. Really liked snow brigade, but album was solid.
Songs: Ohia
3/5
Thanks for choosing a 4th studio album. This album seems like a labor and a celebration. He's passionate and dedicated. Being in love doesn't really do much for me. The title track is dark and deep, spiritual. Seems like most of the songs wait about a minute before the vocals come it. Lets those of us late to the game listen without missing much.
Beyoncé
3/5
A bit different than the energy that we get from past Beyonce records. I think I'd listen to it again, but some of the herky jerkiness was a bit difficult for me.
Paramore
4/5
A really nice album. Much much better than the next album. The Only Exception is a pretty song.
Nic Jones
2/5
This is one of the genres that just does not seem to transcend time. It's dated and kinda difficult to listen to. Wish I could be more positive about it.
Tom Misch
4/5
I wonder what the genre is for this album. Funkadelic spoken word rap? I'm finding myself moving to some of these beats. The album art looks like a candelabra. Why is it not spelled candlelabra? Movie was a bit slow for me.
Quicksand
3/5
Good recommendation. Not as hardcore as others, but decent. While it's not really in my wheelhouse, I appreciate that it was added.
Everything Everything
3/5
Good beats. As opposed to the Vegas bad beats. Nothing really stood out for me, but I'd listen to this again. Same as the next album.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd
4/5
Excellent album. Would listen to again.
Jaco Pastorius
3/5
Ah Jazz. Let me interpolate all the missing pieces. It's not too bad to listen to. The musicians are all clearly very good at their craft. Much better than a few albums from now.
Black Devil Disco Club
2/5
I had to piece together this "album" since it doesn't really exist on youtube music. Reminiscent of some new wave tracks more so than disco tracks. Or maybe disco on downers. One to choose has 951, nay, 952 views. Follow me is an instrumental, but for all intents, the whole album is instrumental for me.
Bright Eyes
4/5
This is certainly more entertaining than the next album (#328). Here's an excerpt from wiki:
"Road to Joy" contains an interpolation of Beethoven's "Ode to Joy". The title of the album is taken from a lyric in this song.
Technically, this is an interpretation. An interpolation is using known data points to find a data point in-between the other two points. So if this were a jazz album, where you're listening to the notes that aren't there, I do not believe this to be the case for this album. It's more of a pun if you ask me... Now on to the review. This album really reminds me of Poi Dog. There's a melancholy upbeatness to it, and in a way, also reminds me of playing GTA. How is that possible?
Malibu
1/5
OK. Let's forget about the technicalities here. I'm wondering why John Tesh hasn't been on this list... I appreciate that someone would like to share this with me. Sometimes, recommendations just don't hit the mark. For those who rated this as a 5, would you be comfortable giving this EP out as a Christmas present? Would you like to receive it as a present?
Modern Life Is War
3/5
Short and sweet. I'm not much of a metalhead, but the music was good. Couldn't catch much of the lyrics.
Rodríguez
3/5
Hmmm... there's a riff in Crucify your mind with the piano that makes me feel like my mobile phone is ringing. Back in the 70s! This album is pretty interesting, and certainly better than the 3 stars the next album is going to get.
Espers
3/5
I don't want to compare to another song, but the beginning of it sounds like another song. And even at 8 mins... I'm sure someone knows. Maybe there's even a lady who knows.
I didn't get enough of the lyrics to comment on any of the stories. Overall, not that much there for me.