I still remember when I bought the CD in a Virgin Megastore, in the bargain bin, practically for free. I don't know if I maybe was intrigued by the cover? Either case, I didn't expect what the band had in store for me. Before I knew what power pop was, I was fascinated by all those suggestive melodies, those sweet arrangements; it's true that they sometimes bordered on the cloying... but the album became one of my most listened to CDs for years, and a personal secret, since no one around me had the slightest knowledge of the band. I'm glad to see it here so many years later, and a pleasure to rediscover these beautiful songs

A very welcome discovery. Brilliant synth pop that puts you in a good mood and has effervescent melodies. It's the main reason I kept up with this "challenge". With such a cheesy cover and such a bland image, I never would have come to Alex Cameron on my own. Very grateful

One of the darkest, most ominous, complicated, twisted, and yet, in some strange way, gratifying masterpieces. It could only have been born in the 90s. Another unforgivable "oversight" on the original list

So the editors of the original 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die list decided that 1994 albums like 'Haunted Dancehall' by Sabres of Paradise, 'Snivilisation' by Orbital or The Sun Rises in the East' by Jeru The Damaja deserved a place on the list, but not this fkin' masterpiece that is Weezer's debut? Shame on them forever. And thanks to the person who added this entry to try to make amends for such an injustice (for the record, it wasn't me)

Back in the early 90s, I remember the teenager in me being amazed to find out that Urban Dance Squad, a band that sounded so American, was actually Dutch! Now I see they weren't the only Dutch band creatively competing with the big names of the era. It took me 30 years to discover Gotcha! and now tbh they sound a bit dated, but damn! they are pretty good. Shame our paths didn't cross back then, and thanks for proposing

The album's sound is truly captivating. The guitar in 'The Bug Collector' is particularly mesmerizing, and the overall arrangements are masterfully crafted. The singer's voice is exquisite, seamlessly blending with the music like a glove. A beautiful folk record. I have listened to it on a Sunday morning, it probably enhances its charm

Not for me, but it's a beautiful cover

A dub classic of classics! Shame it was a cold winter day for me... not same vibes as an evening summer in the sun...

A clear should-have-been in the 1001 list. Mayer's pinnacle as an artist and one of great albums of the 00's

Weird. Beautiful. Weird. I have loved a few songs, especially 'The Sound of War'

An excellent record. The band has always been under the radar in Europe I think, but they are nectar for connoisseurs. This is probably their best work

Hippies meet progs in the collision of decades

A union between members of Extremoduro and Platero y Tú to pay tribute to the poet Manolo Chinato. A curiosity from the early century, interesting for fans of both bands, but in this context any of the best works of Extremo or Platero would have made more sense to be included

A recent classic. Very strong effort from Abel. If it had been shorter and had included a few more songs of the same quality as "Blinding Lights", "Save Your Tears", "In Your Eyes" or even "After Hours", we would be talking about the "Thriller" of our time

Ehem... respect, but... what's this, exactly? A bit of Gogol Bordello vibes... I was never a fan of Gogol Bordello

Way cooler than I am

I even had to check. I could have sworn that this album was on the 1001 list. Not that I was ever a big fan, but I'm very surprised that it's not there, given all the relevance and reverence it has achieved since it was released

One of most inventive debut albums in recent times. They have become a bit predictable since then, but this one sounded so new and so cool

Looks like I missed this one at the time. And it is pretty good actually. Thanks for sharing

Interesante por determinados conceptos.

So the editors of the original 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die list decided that 1994 albums like 'Haunted Dancehall' by Sabres of Paradise, 'Snivilisation' by Orbital or The Sun Rises in the East' by Jeru The Damaja deserved a place on the list, but not this fkin' masterpiece that is Weezer's debut? Shame on them forever. And thanks to the person who added this entry to try to make amends for such an injustice (for the record, it wasn't me)

Death Cab for Cutie meets Air. What could go wrong? Nothing indeed

I was not aware of the existence of this thing called Tropical Rock. When I heard it, it took me to the Californian sound intoxicated with country rock. It's not really my cup of tea, but I'm glad I discovered this new genre and artist

Pure American hard rock from the early 2000s. To me, it's easily confused with hundreds of other similar sounding albums from that era. But I know that in certain circumstances, if you listen to an album like this in the right place and time, you'll just love it, it'll stick with you, and it'll be able to transport you back to that time and place when you hear it again in the future. Been there. Not my case with this one though

A very welcome discovery. Brilliant synth pop that puts you in a good mood and has effervescent melodies. It's the main reason I kept up with this "challenge". With such a cheesy cover and such a bland image, I never would have come to Alex Cameron on my own. Very grateful

Underrated masterpiece alert! 'Kick' is another flawless record left behind from the original '1001' list; I could listen to on repeat. All killer, no filler – this is timeless rock at its best and a career-defining moment for one of Australia's greatest bands

I just don't get what this guy is trying to accomplish here, sorry

Very funky. Very 90s

The original list included a certain amount of African music. If this album had been included in the main list, it would have been one of my favorites in the genre. Being said so, I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not, as I noticed that many times this kind of inclusion shows a "betrayal" by the artist of their roots in order to appeal more to Western musical sensibilities (like mine). Thanks anyway for providing such an interesting gateway to Mande music

While I admit I've never been a fan of Sparks, their image, their album covers, and their strange way of being cool have always attracted me, let alone the project 'Annette', what a masterpiece. It's a shame that their songs haven't done it for me as much. Of what I had heard from them, their first album had always occupied the top spot in my favorites... until now. Thanks for suggesting it

I must admit that I like finding "should have beens on the list" more than local rarities or personal favorites. Although in this case it is so close to a guilty pleasure... great memories anyway, and a bunch of truly great songs!

Or when Blink-182 wanted to mature and make a "serious" album. I'm surprised to see now that it's their highest rated album on Rate Your Music, or that it appears here. It didn't work for me then, and it doesn't work for me now, even though I've put all my effort into changing my mind since 2003...

... or how a chronic depressive tries to give the image of a person who seeks to be happy... without succeeding. Luckily I don't see myself reflected in it, but I appreciate the quality of Mr. E's art and especially his inner struggle that he reflects in this set of songs

Earth, Wind & Fire found their best sound in the second half of the 70s, with this particular mix of funk and disco sound, 'I Am' arguably being the epitome of it all. Of course, here 'After the Love Has Gone' and 'Boogie Wonderland' overshadow the rest of the tracks, but the album as a whole has a vitality and brilliance that they would never achieve again after leaving the seventies behind

70's British hard rock at its very best

One of the darkest, most ominous, complicated, twisted, and yet, in some strange way, gratifying masterpieces. It could only have been born in the 90s. Another unforgivable "oversight" on the original list

One of the cornerstones of gothic metal and the first peak in Type O Negative's discography. Along with Paradise Lost, they gave this genre its shine in the 90s, renewing and making even more oppressive the original gothic rock of the previous decade

One of most overrated acts in the last 10 years

It didn't really catch my attention. Nice arrangements and voice, but the result seemed a bit bland to me

Frank Zappa's unique sound, his way of manipulating sounds and music, his peculiar vocal timbre, and his masterful arrangements all make him a true genius. He is one of the few artists who can capture your attention without even needing great melodies

I still remember when I bought the CD in a Virgin Megastore, in the bargain bin, practically for free. I don't know if I maybe was intrigued by the cover? Either case, I didn't expect what the band had in store for me. Before I knew what power pop was, I was fascinated by all those suggestive melodies, those sweet arrangements; it's true that they sometimes bordered on the cloying... but the album became one of my most listened to CDs for years, and a personal secret, since no one around me had the slightest knowledge of the band. I'm glad to see it here so many years later, and a pleasure to rediscover these beautiful songs

A two-hour-plus jam session that went on forever, with a few potential great tunes here and there

I have friends who are huge fans of the band, but I've never really gotten into them. I find them to be second-tier power pop; and every time I listened to the band I reaffirm myself on that

Never been a fan of krautrock, and no matter how many chances I've given, the result's always been the same: a sonic brick wall that feels more like a lysergic exercise than something creative

Chromatics must be credited with their interest in taking synthpop beyond its usual boundaries. They don't always achieve what they seem to be trying to do, but they are creative and adventurous enough to make the journey always worth it. Here, their approach to synthwave, their dream pop landscapes, and their experimentation in a genre so little given to it, labeled them at the time as a group to keep a close eye on

One of Latin Rock classics. I didn't have it quite on my radar, since I've always been more of a fan of Argentine rock, but I've enjoyed rediscovering it and enjoying it. Such a powerful story with vibrant and catchy tunes. Thanks for sharing

... or when Arctic Monkeys went from being the best hope for classic rock, surpassing themselves with each album, to become a bland and uninspired group, trying to fulfill Alex Turner's goal of becoming a young crooner...

I don't know what Bon Iver was trying to accomplish with this album, but I did not get it. I still don't get it now

It is what it is, but I enjoyed it much more than expected

Random dance pop from the 00's? wtf! I was ready to put 1 star and rant about the selection... but then 'Crazy Boys' came in and.. ok, it is pretty good. 'I Will Be There' is not bad at all. Sampling The Cure on the next one? wow... OK, it is what it is... but I have to admit is much more inventive and catchy than what you normally get from the genre. Looks like Rachel was part of the band S-Club and this was her second solo record. One third and last was released -unnoticed- a few years later. A shame, she deserved better. Thanks for sharing

I know they are big in the USA. Never understood why

I'm sure that listening to this album surrounded by the natural beauty of Skrylle on a winter day has to be magical. Unfortunately, I had to do it on a gray rainy day in the middle of a big city

Band and album from the second division of that crossover of genres that led the music of much of the 90s. Even Fishbone's albums have stood the test of time better

Acid jazz from the 90s? Not in the mood, sorry. I have enjoyed the 'disco' vibes of 'Runaway' though. Great song

The influence of Sufjan Stevens is so great and so overwhelming that it overshadows the merits of the album itself

Obscure psychedelic album from the late sixties. Not bad, but deserves its cult work status only for fans of the genre

Interesting and original band, but overrated in my opinion. Lots of filler in their albums. Always a great song or two, a few OK ones and rest are simply boring and uninspired. Here, 'Let It Happen' and 'The Less I Know the Better' are the ones to keep

Beautiful album, but hardly special. The band was part of an eclosion of indie folk bands at the beginning of the 10s. They were one of the good ones, but a bit reiterative. No big deal

It's a breath of fresh air to see a Procol Harum album among indie rarities from the last few years and random albums from the 90s. To be honest, it doesn't feel like a masterpiece, but it's a good genre album from the late sixties, enjoyable and very well done

Well, that one was unexpected. Not my cup of tea, but it gives some variety to the list and certain air of cultural sophistication

Curious choice within Bad Religion's discography. Considering that there is no representation of the band in the original list (what a shame!), more celebrated albums such as their classic trilogy 'Suffer'-'No Control'-'Against the Grain' or the albums preceding and following 'Recipe for Hate' would have been more obvious choices. In any case, and without any song that stands out especially above the others, Bad Religion shows here that even on autopilot they were invincible at that time. The era that closed the unbeatable compilation 'All Ages' is a display of creativity and intelligence truly formidable. I have really enjoyed this one, thanks!

A cool Swedish folk rock record from one of those under-the-radar bands that it's always good to rediscover from time to time

Epitome of post rock and one of those uncomfortable albums/bands that do not leave you indifferent. Ideal soundtrack for the end of the world, this was GY!BE's calling card. Since they have created a unique and very meritorious discography

Back in the day they were considered a manufactured band of top producers trying to get some limelight and a pretty girl to provide the image for success. There is certainly some truth to this, but their longevity as a group, far greater than the vast majority of 90s bands, also speaks in their favor. This second album built on the success of the first thanks to its hits. But as with all of their discography, after two or three hits there was a lot of filler material

She died at a young age in sad circumstances, so out of respect I will not say what I think about her creativity. But damn, she makes Björk look like Aqua

He's such a self-absorbed guy that it's almost unbearable. I highly respect him as an artist within Porcupine Tree, and especially his work in modernizing the sound of old prog classics. However, I've never been drawn to his solo work. This was a perfect opportunity to give him another chance... and all he's done is reaffirm my opinion

What a pleasant surprise to find one of my favorite cult bands here. It's not the album I would have chosen from their discography, but The Decemberists have always seemed to me like one of those bands incapable of making a mediocre or bad album. They've been getting closer and closer to pop, but I always saw it more as a natural evolution than as a pretense to reach more people. And their latest albums are just as enjoyable. Even more so, in fact. Great thanks to whoever posted it for giving me this joyful time on the streets of Basel

Curious coincidences in life make me find albums by two of my favorite cult bands, The Decemberists and The Avett Brothers, in a row. In both cases, with albums that are not my favorites from their discography, but hey nothing is perfect in this life! This was the album that was supposed to take them to massive success, first with a major and produced by Rick Rubin. And although it is the one that had actually been the most successful by far, I think it fell short of expectations. The album itself is, for me, several steps below their previous 'Emotionalism' and their later 'The Carpenter'. I guess it's just another example that creativity doesn't always flourish when it's needed most, often quite the opposite in fact

I'm not a fan of Krautrock at all. I've never been able to get into the sound of the genre's big names like Can or Faust, so when I saw this album by a lesser-known band like Cluster, I was all over it. I was wrong. It's not an album that changes my opinion of the genre, but it's the most accessible thing I've heard from the era. Short instrumental tracks that could almost work as protosynth-pop. An enjoyable and appreciated listen

Always open to new suggestions. If they have this great look, even better. If it's a reference that belongs to the best years of pop music, how life could be better? :) I didn't know this Australian band. And it's not going to change my life either. But I loved it. A fresh, catchy, positive album... belonging to such creative years that it seems like nothing could go wrong

One of the immortal classics of the 90s. In all honesty, it never struck me as the masterpiece it's supposedly claimed to be. But there's no denying it's a record overflowing with creativity, boasting intricate arrangements and an originality that's hard to come by. The whole aesthetic surrounding it just cements its unique form. It should have been in the original list. I am surprised it is not

Alright, so I wasn't familiar with either the album or the artist. Thanks for letting me know! Based on what I've read online, it seems a lot of people are really into it. Honestly, it leaves me feeling like I might be missing out. I gave it a listen with an open mind, but I just couldn't find anything to click with

I was not aware of the band. Did not click on me, but thanks for suggesting

Interesting, but a bit too weird for my taste. I love how guitar sounds on the record, it is amazing indeed. However Richard's ugly voice and the songs themselves did not really appeal me

Imo, we already had enough records like this one in the original list. They sound all the same to me

Sometimes it sounded to me like one modern Screamin' Jay Hawkins. A peculiar record from a band I had heard of, but never actively listened to (until now). I know if I dedicated them enough time I would learn to love these songs. Damn modern times with such little disperse time for everything

Back in the early 90s, I remember the teenager in me being amazed to find out that Urban Dance Squad, a band that sounded so American, was actually Dutch! Now I see they weren't the only Dutch band creatively competing with the big names of the era. It took me 30 years to discover Gotcha! and now tbh they sound a bit dated, but damn! they are pretty good. Shame our paths didn't cross back then, and thanks for proposing

I remember when the record came out. It was their third album, but it was the first one that everyone started talking about. Their heartland rock, epic rock reminiscent of 70s Springsteen and that bigger-than-life music that was so rare to hear from a new band in the mid-00s left us all impressed. I always felt like their music lacked songs, themes and melodies that you could really hold on to. But just for their musical conception, their brilliant narrative and for being such a rare bird, they deserved their moment of glory, short but intense

Wow, this was energetic! Just another example of how good live albums are when they're good. I knew the band but not this album. As a big fan of classic live albums, I consider this filling a void. Thank you for that

Nice sounding neo-soul record. I appreciate its short duration, so that feels like a brief moment of relaxation with some beautiful songs

Ok, so a nod to the beginning of modern music? Of course, why not. A big name, sometimes overlooked

One of the most legendary live albums in history, finally released in 2006 as a DVD companion of the special edition of 'Born to Run'. A missed opportunity imo. It should have been released in a luxury edition, on its own and with a cover worthy of its contents, instead of that horrible one. All of this does not detract from the greatness of the album, a memorable document of the best that rock music can offer

They were coming from the big success of 'Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge', and I seem to remember no one gave a damn about what they were going to release, as if their second album had been a little flash of genius that could not be repeated. But it did. And with the conceptual 'The Black Parade' they improved on everything from their predecessor: better songs, better production, absolutely cool image, epitomizing everything that a cool emo band should be, and bringing the genre to its best moment. This was their creative pinnacle, which they could not even approach in their two subsequent works, but how good it was, and what memories it brings back to all of us who lived it at the time! Very close to the 5*