1001 Albums Summary

Listening statistics & highlights

134
Albums Rated
3.11
Average Rating
12%
Complete
955 albums remaining

Rating Distribution

Rating Timeline

Taste Profile

1990
Favorite Decade
Hip-hop
Favorite Genre
Other
Top Origin ?
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
14
5-Star Albums
3
1-Star Albums

Breakdown

By Genre

Top Styles

By Decade

By Origin

Albums

You Love More Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
New Forms
Roni Size
5 2.52 +2.48
The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
5 3.27 +1.73
Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
5 3.33 +1.67
Blur
Blur
5 3.33 +1.67
Parklife
Blur
5 3.39 +1.61
Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
5 3.49 +1.51
Timeless
Goldie
4 2.51 +1.49
Stankonia
OutKast
5 3.55 +1.45
Moon Safari
Air
5 3.57 +1.43
Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
5 3.6 +1.4

You Love Less Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
1 2.91 -1.91
Rattlesnakes
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
1 2.9 -1.9
A Short Album About Love
The Divine Comedy
1 2.76 -1.76
Hard Again
Muddy Waters
2 3.6 -1.6
Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
2 3.41 -1.41
Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
2 3.38 -1.38
My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
2 3.33 -1.33
This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2 3.31 -1.31
The Soft Bulletin
The Flaming Lips
2 3.28 -1.28
Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
2 3.28 -1.28

Artists

Favorites

ArtistAlbumsAverage
Blur 2 5

Least Favorites

ArtistAlbumsAverage
Elvis Costello & The Attractions 2 1.5

5-Star Albums (14)

View Album Wall

Popular Reviews

New Forms by Roni Size

Very rare for an electronic/dance music album to win the Mercury Music Prize but it is completely unprecedented for a drum and bass album. I'd be surprised if it will ever happen again. This is one of the albums that put drum & bass on the mainstream music map. It's a wicked album, super pioneering, blending lots of different influences, particularly jazz and hiphop. You've also got to factor in the timing of it, artist-led d&b albums were not common in 1997. And it still sounds fresh! "In The Mode" might edge "New Forms" for tunage, but it is nowhere near as groundbreaking or influential. 10/10

Raising Hell by Run-D.M.C.

These guys are also absolute pioneers of an entire genre and played a key role in bringing it to the mainstream, with some of the tracks from this album at the heart of that. Some people might say inventing rap/rock was perhaps not the greatest gift to music 😂 but the impact of their cover of Walk This Way is immeasurable. Plus it's pure vibes as a listening experience! 9/10

Fuzzy by Grant Lee Buffalo

Nice enough music, don't really get what makes it a "1001" album though. 5/10

Happy Trails by Quicksilver Messenger Service

Quite a confusing album. Didn't really read or hear anything to suggest it's a worthy "1001" album and didn't massively enjoy it either. 4/10

Butterfly by Mariah Carey

I know she has an amazing voice, but I find it jarring when she (or anyone) goes really high with loads of notes added in and she isn't even singing words - essentially just showing off. Also, pop r&b is probably the only genre I find virtually no enjoyment in. I don't care if millions of people love this album, objectivity can do one. 4.5/10

1-Star Albums (3)

All Ratings (134)

Autobahn by Kraftwerk
Jan 21 2021

It's almost impossible to listen to this now and appreciate how ahead of its time it was. Some of the instruments used here were brand new, expensive and not widely used. Plus they made their own synths too!

Pink Flag by Wire
Jan 22 2021

Really liked this, bet they were a good live band. Once again, listening to it now, I get the feeling it's impact at the time is difficult to comprehend. Wire also strike me as one of those bands whose influence is greater than their own success. It sounds to me like they influenced a lot of the 90s US punk bands I like.

Dookie by Green Day
Jan 24 2021

DELIGHTED to see this come up! One of my fave albums of all time and easily the best Green Day album, with Nimrod a close second (although it's not in the 1001 and American Idiot is 😤). No duff tracks and many highlights including some of Green Day's best songs of all time. Plus, it has a hidden track about wanking, what's not to like? It is regarded as the moment the band "sold out" but it was an album that, along with "Smash" by The Offspring, opened my ears to so many US punk bands like The Vandals, Pennywise, NOFX, etc, etc. 10/10

The Rising by Bruce Springsteen
Jan 25 2021

I've never listened to a Bruce Springsteen album before. I thought it well-written, with excellent production, "Waiting On A Sunny Day" was catchy and I quite liked "You're Missing" and "Paradise", but overall it was just a bit bland. "Worlds Apart" had some vaguely different (tokenistic) influences. There aren't even any Springsteen classics on this album to get excited about. From what I understand, this album was a return to form for him although it sounds way more dated than it is. Maybe "Born in the USA" would have been a better intro to Springsteen? He seems like a good guy, I'll give him that, but I'll give this album 5/10. Offensively inoffensive.

Surfer Rosa by Pixies
Jan 26 2021

I really liked this album, to the point where I'm thinking I really should be a bigger Pixies fan than I am. I only know the hits... "Where Is My Mind?", "Debaser", "Monkey Gone To Heaven", "Here Comes Your Man", etc. I'll def give this album a few more listens and I've also revisited "Doolittle" which is also a cool album. 8/10

Rocks by Aerosmith
Jan 27 2021

Heavier than I was expecting, which is good obviously. It's quite sleazy too, can imagine it playing in an American dive bar. I liked it as a whole album although there weren't really any standout tracks or megahits. Not surprised in the slightest that it influenced Guns n Roses and Motley Crue. 7/10

Paul's Boutique by Beastie Boys
Jan 28 2021

Love the vibes. There's definitely a certain sound that you can only get from sampling, a sound that is synonymous with specific genres. It's quite remarkable there are SO many samples on this record. 8/10

Sea Change by Beck
Jan 29 2021

Half way through first track and all I can think is Radiohead "Fake Plastic Trees" and "No Surprises" combined with a bit of slide guitar. I thought the album was a nice listen, but it felt like background music to me. It's similar to the Springsteen album in that I don't really get the significance of it. It's not his biggest, best or first album, in fact other than some critical acclaim at the time it doesn't seem to have really influenced much at all. It's just because it's a revered artist basically. 6/10

Emperor Tomato Ketchup by Stereolab
Jan 30 2021

"To be unique was more important than to be good", the words of the band's main songwriter. Probably explains why I'm not that into it although I can recognise the innovation. I like the fact that they have a very specific vision for their music and are quite fiercely independent with political sensibilities in their lyrics. But ultimately just not that into the music. 5/10

Sex Packets by Digital Underground
Jan 31 2021

Really cool vibes. Like the Beastie Boys, another album with sampling at it's heart. But this one has been sampled itself a LOT by all kinds of people, really interesting to read and listen to all those tracks too. Big influence on backpack hiphop. Best discovery of this thing so far 7.5/10

Rattlesnakes by Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
Feb 01 2021

Found it hard to be objective on this one. It doesn't seem to be particularly popular (at the time or now) and it doesn't seem particularly influential, so it must be about the musical quality. Feels like this is the sort of thing a music critic would choose, but it's not my bag at all. 3/10

Maggot Brain by Funkadelic
Feb 02 2021

The guitarist is so clearly inspired by Hendrix, Super Stupid is essentially him doing an impression of Jimi. Not as accomplished as Jimi on the guitar, but who is? I really liked this album. It was way more interesting and varied than I'd anticipated, so much so I feel I need a second listen to get my head around it properly. The self indulgent moments go both ways for me (guess that'll be the drugs). Sometimes it meanders into weirdness eg Wars of Armageddon, but some of the improv is great eg title track. No doubt these guys are legendary and influential and have been sampled by almost everyone in hip hop. But it's also a sick album. 9/10

The Genius Of Ray Charles by Ray Charles
Feb 03 2021

Nice to get a proper old album. Absolutely no doubting the man's influence and legacy, such a recognisable voice. I bet this album gets absolutely rinsed in films and hotel bars. I wasn't so much into the "big band" first half of this album. The chilled second half was more my vibe. 7/10

Blood And Chocolate by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Feb 05 2021

As I dragged myself through the album, I learned to ignore his voice and actually the music is alright. It sounds dated even taking into account the 1986 release date. Probably deserves a higher score than Lloyd Cole because at least I've heard of him, but it would be disrespectful to The Boss. 2/10

Screamadelica by Primal Scream
Feb 06 2021

I really liked this album, to the point where I'm wondering why I wasn't more into Primal Scream way back when. They even headlined the first Glasto I went to in 98 and I remember just listening to them from my tent. I think their heyday was probably slightly too early, although I never had a problem with retrospective Nirvana love. I was much more into indie/rock at that time and this definitely draws a variety of influences. 7.5/10

The Soft Bulletin by The Flaming Lips
Feb 07 2021

Opening track is cool but there were quite a few moments where it sounded like a fairly standard band deliberately trying to be a bit wacky and weird. Lead singer Wayne Coyne comes across as a bit try hard too. There were a couple of "nice" songs, but ultimately a bit forgettable other than the opening track. 4/10

Back To Black by Amy Winehouse
Feb 08 2021

You can tell this album is big simply from the length of the Wiki page! This was actually the first time I've listened to the full album. I'm scoring highly for talent, execution, legacy and I'm sure it will influence people for generations to come, but I can't give it 5/5. Other than a couple of songs, it's not totally my vibe. I assume everyone else will give it full marks though so that will more than make up for it. 8.5/10

Slippery When Wet by Bon Jovi
Feb 09 2021

A little surprised a panel of music critics put this one in. For me, a couple of novelty megahits drag this album into the 1001 list. There's a lot of filler, so I'm scoring this largely on the popularity of two or three songs above anything else. I quite like those songs but they mostly remind me of cheesy nightclubs. 5/10

Raising Hell by Run-D.M.C.
Feb 10 2021

These guys are also absolute pioneers of an entire genre and played a key role in bringing it to the mainstream, with some of the tracks from this album at the heart of that. Some people might say inventing rap/rock was perhaps not the greatest gift to music 😂 but the impact of their cover of Walk This Way is immeasurable. Plus it's pure vibes as a listening experience! 9/10

Steve McQueen by Prefab Sprout
Feb 11 2021

Not good or bad. Don't really get the significance. 5/10

A Short Album About Love by The Divine Comedy
Feb 12 2021

Another one my Irish relatives won't be pleased about. Can't stand this band. Can't even muster any objectivity. 1/10 (ahh yeah that felt good)

Pornography by The Cure
Feb 13 2021

A very confusing album. Wiki says it's their most popular album to date, yet streaming numbers are really low compared to their other albums. Also, it seems the critics hated it at the time, yet now it's highly regarded. Another confusing element is that it influenced Deftones and System of a Down, which I can hear (especially Deftones), yet it isn't something I'm massively into. Very hard to score this. 7/10

L'Eau Rouge by The Young Gods
Feb 14 2021

Liked this more than I was expecting to. The sampling approach is interesting, reminds me a bit of how Thr Prodigyvusea guitar samples. The vocals were slightly hard work because they were in French and quite prominent in the mix. Overall I liked it and it seems to have influenced some cool people! 7/10

Ágætis Byrjun by Sigur Rós
Feb 15 2021

Not sure why I've never explored Sigur Ros further than Takk as I really love that album. This one was really cool, but I think it needs a few more listens to properly get my head around it. 7.5/10

Inspiration Information by Shuggie Otis
Feb 16 2021

Really chilled and some nice instrumentation, but at times it is so chilled it's actually a bit boring. Although it was cool to discover the the "Ms Jackson" connection. 5.5/10

American Pie by Don McLean
Feb 17 2021

Quite a sombre album that seems to reflect a changing mood in society/music between the 60s and the 70s. Not an artist or a style of music I'm massively into, but I can recognise the merit and the popularity of American Pie and Vincent. Having said that, I'd rather listen to NOFX's cover of Vincent than the original. 6/10

We Are Family by Sister Sledge
Feb 18 2021

My score is pretty much entirely based on strong legacy, songwriting, superb musical proficiency and an interesting sampling history. Mad respect for this, although it's a bit too slushy and cheesy for my personal tastes. 7/10

Bubble And Scrape by Sebadoh
Feb 19 2021

A lot of this album sounds out of tune with itself. I suspect that's the point and maybe goes hand in hand with being "lo-fi" but it's slightly jarring. Still, there were some good moments and in particular I liked the louder, rockier tracks which reminded me of Nirvana's "Bleach" album. I can hear similarities with other bands from the same era but it's hard to gauge how influential this album was and there isn't really much info about that on Wiki. Feels like the band might be more influential than any specific album, plus I'd say Dinosaur Jr were a more influential band than Sebadoh. 5.5/10

Bryter Layter by Nick Drake
Feb 20 2021

I knew the name but didn't know much about him and have never consciously listened to his music before. A very nice discovery in that respect, and what a fascinating and sad story. His live shows sound like a riot! Crazy how little-known he was before he died, yet his music has become so revered and influential since. His music stands the test of time. Perhaps he'd still be here if he'd found more success while he as alive? Not really into folk music that much but I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. 8.5/10

Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury by The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
Feb 21 2021

Never heard of this before. Liked the vibe and the sentiment although it got a bit samey. Influenced Hed PE, not sure that's anything to write home about. 6.5/10

Kind Of Blue by Miles Davis
Feb 22 2021

Incredible musician(s), hugely influential, a huge power of social and cultural importance, ticks all the 1001 boxes. Feel like I should give 5 but, on a purely personal level, it's not entirely my bag as something I would consciously sit down and listen to. 9/10

Odessey And Oracle by The Zombies
Feb 23 2021

Thoughts on this, in order, as I'm listening to it... Sounds a bit like Beach Boys. Actually this band is kinda irritating. Oh Paul Weller likes them. This song sounds like it's from medieval times. Oh I know this song. 5/10

London Calling by The Clash
Feb 24 2021

There's no doubting the legendary status of this album, so I was keen to figure out why I wasn't a bigger fan of The Clash but after listening I still don't really know. I don't dislike it but it just doesn't massively excite me. I can't put my finger on it. Still worthy of 8/10

Parklife by Blur
Feb 25 2021

Yay a proper all time favourite. Legendary status. 10/10

My Aim Is True by Elvis Costello
Feb 26 2021

Better than the other album but I still don't really get what is so important/significant/brilliant about Elvis Costello. 5/10

Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen
Feb 27 2021

It feels like some artists have multiple albums because they are significant rather than the album itself. Having said that, this is quite different to the other Springsteen album, I enjoyed it more and feels more worthy of the 1001 inclusion. 6/10

Phaedra by Tangerine Dream
Feb 28 2021

Cool discovery. I knew the name but not much else. Pioneering like Kraftwerk. Same year as Autobahn. Mad lineup, more like a movement than a band. Music featured on Grand Theft Auto and Stranger Things. I actually really liked the music too. 8.5/10

Something/Anything? by Todd Rundgren
Mar 01 2021

I like the producer angle this guy has, it seems he has been quite influential on that basis to people like Prince, Bjork and Daft Punk. So I rate him for that, but musically this album is a bit boring. A bit too easy listening for me. 5/10

Moon Safari by Air
Mar 02 2021

Stunning album and a genuine all-time favourite of mine. So this gets maximum possible points for the music but I'm slightly less sure about the legacy/influence/significance (although I'm basing this largely on Wiki). Either way a sick album, with no weak points. 9.5/10

The Slim Shady LP by Eminem
Mar 03 2021

I could score this 5 solely on music and probably another 5 solely on legacy/influence. Awesome album. Plus it has Chase & Dave on it. 10/10

Supa Dupa Fly by Missy Elliott
Mar 04 2021

Never really been into Missy Elliott but I totally get that being a female rapper in the 90s was massively pioneering and, as a result, my score is largely on that basis. I like the Timbaland production but just don't find the album as a whole massively exciting. No bangers either. 6/10

Da Capo by Love
Mar 05 2021

It's quite a big deal to be one of the first racially-diverse American rock bands. At the time (especially live) I can imagine this band being really good but this album to me sounds dated, I wasn't really into it. Their most influential album seems to be "Forever Changes", maybe that's better? 5/10

Kenya by Machito
Mar 06 2021

Nice to have something a bit different to listen to, not something I'd usually be into but I did quite like it. I bet Giles Peterson is well into this 😂 I'm astounded at how old it is. I'm sure the remastering helped, but it sounds sick! They pioneered some important technical musical advancements that had a profound and lasting impact on several genres and Afro-Cuban music in general, as well as the social/political environment surrounding it. Random observation: some parts of it sounds like a Tom & Jerry soundtrack (eg start of Holiday). 7/10

Mar 07 2021

Liked this more than I thought I would. It's a bit edgier/rockier than I'd assumed all of Rod Stewart's music was. 7/10

The Boatman's Call by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Mar 08 2021

It's not terrible, but I wasn't really into this. Just a bit slow and boring. Don't really see much much importance/significance in it either. I can see how it is a music critic's dream though, probably explains why it's in this list. Another Howard fortunate 3. 5.5/10

Rubber Soul by Beatles
Mar 09 2021

For the record, I don't think The Beatles' music is shit, I just think they are overrated, cheesy and sound a bit dated. Torn between a 3 and a 4.

Debut by Björk
Mar 10 2021

I wouldn't say I'm a huge fan of Bjork, but I enjoyed this album and respect the creativity/originality and her identity as an artist. This is also a landmark album for the entire electronic music genre in terms of permeating the mainstream. 7.5/10

Doolittle by Pixies
Mar 11 2021

Marginally prefer this album to Surfer Rosa and I think it has a slightly stronger legacy probably because there are more recognisable songs like Debaser, Tame, Here Comes Your Man, Monkey Gone To Heaven, etc. 9/10

Fisherman's Blues by The Waterboys
Mar 12 2021

Didn't find this very exciting, really not a folk person tbh. It was kinda rocky at some points and I quite liked "The Stolen Child" at the end. Don't really get the significance of it either. 5/10

Bluesbreakers by John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
Mar 13 2021

Definitely some great guitar skills and people with a strong legacy. Not hugely exciting for me though. Would have been a Howard fortunate 3 if it wasn't for the 70s racism and anti COVID lockdown nonsense. 5/10

At Budokan by Cheap Trick
Mar 14 2021

Was a little surprised to see a live album, especially as there doesn't seem to be anything particularly unique about the performance, but I get it was an important release for the band and I did really enjoy it. Great energy and good songs! Sound like a fun live band. 8/10

Here Are the Sonics by The Sonics
Mar 15 2021

Loads of covers but they made them their own and I enjoyed it. Maybe there weren't enough songs to go round in 1965? 6/10

Queen II by Queen
Mar 16 2021

I was expecting something quite different having read the Wiki, but to me this album is Queen honing their skills and finding their eventual sound that we are all familiar with. Overall, I thought it was cool but I wouldn't be in a mad rush to listen again. One for bigger Queen fans than me. 7/10

Butterfly by Mariah Carey
Mar 17 2021

I know she has an amazing voice, but I find it jarring when she (or anyone) goes really high with loads of notes added in and she isn't even singing words - essentially just showing off. Also, pop r&b is probably the only genre I find virtually no enjoyment in. I don't care if millions of people love this album, objectivity can do one. 4.5/10

Brown Sugar by D'Angelo
Mar 18 2021

Impressed that he did almost everything on the album and he has fused a few genres in quite a pioneering way, playing a big role in the creation of "neo soul". Quite like the beats and the vibe. It's easy easy listening bordering on being a bit boring. 6/10

Sound of Silver by LCD Soundsystem
Mar 19 2021

It's well written, performed and produced but I found the energy quite linear and the songs dragged on a bit. There isn't much in the way of dynamics, very little change of pace/energy and nothing particularly catchy in terms of choruses. I'm also struggling to score on significance/legacy, particularly as it is a relatively recent album. This all sounds very critical but, In the face of overwhelmingly positive reviews, I felt it deserves a bit of extra justification. I actually don't think it's bad album, it's just not my vibe. 6/10

Crime Of The Century by Supertramp
Mar 20 2021

Spurs were so shit I actually wasn't able to really have any meaningful thoughts on this but I liked it. 7.5/10

Juju by Siouxsie And The Banshees
Mar 21 2021

This has always just been a name to me and never consciously listen to them. More fool me, I really liked it. Sounds sick considering it's older than me! Really influential too. 9/10

Sunshine Superman by Donovan
Mar 22 2021

Nice and chilled. Nice songwriting. Nice guitar playing. Sounds VERY 60s. Happily listened to it, although not hugely exciting. I didn't realise he was Scottish, always assumed he was American. 6/10

Ritual De Lo Habitual by Jane's Addiction
Mar 23 2021

Vaguely familiar with the band, largely because of Dave Navarro's RHCP connections, but never listened to an entire album before. Wasn't overly impressed tbh. I quite liked the music and instrumentation, I think it was the vocals I struggled with, and the slightly unremarkable songwriting. First half was better than the second half. 5.5/10

Mad props for the influence and legacy. Heard Blur and Supergrass all the way through, two of my fave bands. I enjoyed the music more than I thought I would, some Bowie bangers on here too. Wouldn't be in a mega rush to hear it again but scoring highly for the respect. 8/10

Suede by Suede
Mar 25 2021

I kinda liked the album. Some songs more than others. It reminded me a lot of other bands, some of which are from the same era or later. Bands who did something similar to Suede, but better than Suede did it. It definitely has a legacy and some influence though. 6.5/10

Happy Trails by Quicksilver Messenger Service
Mar 26 2021

Quite a confusing album. Didn't really read or hear anything to suggest it's a worthy "1001" album and didn't massively enjoy it either. 4/10

My Generation by The Who
Mar 27 2021

One of those albums that is of its time. Got a lot of respect for that, but for me just sounds dated. Score largely on legacy/influence. 7/10

Mar 28 2021

I find the popularity of Coldplay's dull music kinda irritating. Has anyone ever said "I got into music and formed a band because of Coldplay"? But to it's hard to knock the accessibility of their songwriting and ignore some of the megahits on this album. 7/10

Groovin' by The Young Rascals
Mar 29 2021

Cool album, enjoyed it. Doubt I'd listen to it again though.

Mar 30 2021

That wasn't as bad as I feared, apart from "Bennie", which had an incredibly annoying vocal. Highly competent songwriting and musicianship, albeit a bit unadventurous for my tastes. Some big hits and enjoyable music, but also a lot of filler. 6.5/10

Fuzzy by Grant Lee Buffalo
Mar 31 2021

Nice enough music, don't really get what makes it a "1001" album though. 5/10

Play by Moby
Apr 01 2021

I never loved the album at the time, but I loved most of the big tunes. Listening to it now and it's better than I remember. A lot of it holds up and there are def a good number of classics, although it would benefit from a few less tracks. I actually think the excessive film/tv/advert licensing adds to its impressiveness and legacy. Plus it influenced Adele, who knew? 8.5/10

Alien Lanes by Guided By Voices
Apr 02 2021

Quite a disjointed album and quite a challenging listening experience as a result. Having said that I liked the music and the lofi vibe even if it ultimately reminded me of other bands I'd rather listen to. 6.5/10

Stankonia by OutKast
Apr 04 2021

Sick album. Awesome beats, lyrics, production, legacy, influence. Ticks all the boxes. 9/10

Catch A Fire by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Apr 05 2021

Excellent album. Not sure if it's the best Bob Marley album. If it isn't, I'll give that album 5 stars too. 9/10

Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye
Apr 06 2021

Bit floppy and sloppy for my tastes, but clearly mega influential in terms of the changing style of motown and future r&b genres. 7/10

New Forms by Roni Size
Apr 08 2021

Very rare for an electronic/dance music album to win the Mercury Music Prize but it is completely unprecedented for a drum and bass album. I'd be surprised if it will ever happen again. This is one of the albums that put drum & bass on the mainstream music map. It's a wicked album, super pioneering, blending lots of different influences, particularly jazz and hiphop. You've also got to factor in the timing of it, artist-led d&b albums were not common in 1997. And it still sounds fresh! "In The Mode" might edge "New Forms" for tunage, but it is nowhere near as groundbreaking or influential. 10/10

Germfree Adolescents by X-Ray Spex
Apr 09 2021

I quite liked this, reminded me of a lot of bands like Snuff, early AFI, NOFX, etc, although there wasn't much info on Wiki about their influence or legacy to know if there was a direct influence. Also, too many versions/formats with different running orders and different bonus tracks. That was annoying. 6/10

Elephant by The White Stripes
Apr 10 2021

A handful of really amazing tracks (Seven Nation Army is an all time classic that will be listened to for the rest of time), but equally a handful of slightly unremarkable ones particularly towards the end. I enjoyed the album, but I'm not sure how often I'd actively listen again in its entirety. Awesome duo with great songs and fantastic live, but as an album it's a 7/10

C'est Chic by CHIC
Apr 11 2021

I don't really get the Chic hype tbh. Similar to The Beatles in some ways. I get the musicianship, songwriting, popularity, etc and it's nice enough but just not my vibe. 7/10

Appetite For Destruction by Guns N' Roses
Apr 12 2021

Welcome To The Jungle has to be one of the best album opening tracks of all time. Totally sets the mood for a great album. I'm definitely not the world's biggest GnR fan, but I do like this album. It is also hugely influential. 9/10

Manassas by Stephen Stills
Apr 13 2021

Very middle of the road and generic. I get that Stills is a big deal, but this isn't for me and I don't really get what is so good/significant about this album. 5/10

It's A Shame About Ray by The Lemonheads
Apr 14 2021

Enjoyed the album. The cover of Mrs Robinson doesn't quite sit right with me though. Mostly because it isn't part of the original album and was only added because it was a popular. Added to that, the band's frontman doesn't even like the song or Paul Simon, and Paul Simon doesn't like the cover. What a shitshow 😂 It's clearly the biggest song on the album, except it isn't really on the album is it? 6/10

The Grand Tour by George Jones
Apr 15 2021

Was alright. Forgotten it already though. 5/10

Apr 16 2021

Really cool album, nice vibes. Shuffle meant I had to listen to it twice, which was fine by me. I've never listened to it before but recognised a couple of tunes. Influenced Outkast. I mean this one ticks a lot of boxes. 8.5/10

White Light by Gene Clark
Apr 17 2021

The music was fine, but I didn't understand the significance. I mean, the Dutch seemed to enjoy it at least. 5/10

Hard Again by Muddy Waters
Apr 19 2021

Felt like I listened to the same song on loop for 45mins. 5/10

Tonight's The Night by Neil Young
Apr 20 2021

A bit easy going for my tastes. All a bit nice and not enough edge. 5/10

Will The Circle Be Unbroken by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Apr 22 2021

Didn't listen to all of it but every track was almost the same so I think I got the vibe. 4.5/10

Lady In Satin by Billie Holiday
Apr 23 2021

Yeah was alright. Enjoyed. 6.5/10

Home Is Where The Music Is by Hugh Masekela
Apr 24 2021

Amazing musicians on this album, very cool vibes. Jazz trumpet grates on me after a while tho. 6.5/10

Led Zeppelin by Led Zeppelin
Apr 26 2021

Not an album or a band I would listen to on the regs but clearly hugely influential on a lot of the music I do listen to. They are the Beatles of harder rock music genres. Jimmy Page's production techniques also highly innovative. 8.5/10

Apr 27 2021

Nice enough, but not particularly interesting musically. I know this isn't an exercise in technically proficient musicianship but the lead singer can't really sing. 5.5/10

Blur by Blur
Apr 28 2021

Such a varied album. Psychedelic moments, electronic elements, straight up acoustic songwriting, rock, punk, hiphop beats, fun singalong vibes but also some slightly more challenging/experimental songs. This is why Blur are one of the best British bands of all time and why this album is one of their finest. It also resonated heavily in the US and is a favourite of the band themselves. 10/10

Revolver by Beatles
Apr 29 2021

I don't know if I've ever knowingly listened to this album in its entirety before but I felt I'd heard most of it before. It was actually alright tbf and the legacy alone is huge. 8/10

Timeless by Goldie
Apr 30 2021

Classic album. Created the foundations of an entire genre. You can't knock it's importance and you have to remember it's over 25 years old! Also, important to remember Rob Playford's involvement! Plus RIP Diane Charlemagne. 9/10

The Stone Roses by The Stone Roses
May 04 2021

Never been a huge fan of Stone Roses but this is a cool album with some classic tunes. 8/10

The Atomic Mr Basie by Count Basie & His Orchestra
May 05 2021

I was waiting for the Family Guy theme tune, but it never came. Was a nice listen though. I can imagine sitting in a cocktail bar listening to this.

Copper Blue by Sugar
May 06 2021

Never heard of these guys. Sounds like a second rate hybrid of Pixies, Soundgarden, Foo Fighters and Nirvana with a spattering of 90s UK indie. I know it won an NME award but struggling to see the influence or impact of this album. It was a little bit hit and miss musically, but not bad overall. 5.5/10

If You're Feeling Sinister by Belle & Sebastian
May 07 2021

Music critic fodder. Trying to be objective but it's just not my vibe. Wishy washy. 4/10

Aqualung by Jethro Tull
May 10 2021

Can see why these guys are one of the originators of 🤘 It's a lot more acoustic than I was expecting although a few good heavy riffs here and there. Not totally my vibe, but influenced a lot of important bands that followed them. 7.5/10

Truth And Soul by Fishbone
May 11 2021

Bags of musical talent and good energy. I like all of the musical influences and all the genres that they've mixed together but at times it feels like mixture doesn't quite work and it'sa bit disjointed as an album. Maybe a case of less is more. Enjoyed it and could imagine they'd be wicked live, but not an album I'd be desperate to revisit. 6/10

Live At The Star Club, Hamburg by Jerry Lee Lewis
May 12 2021

Always slightly sceptical of live albums being part of this unless there is something unique or different compared to a regular live performance. Nonetheless there is so much vibe and energy! Recording quality is fantastic. If I was rating the gig it might be a 10/10. As an album it's 8/10

Hypnotised by The Undertones
May 13 2021

It was nice enough but ultimately a little uninteresting. 5/10

Scream, Dracula, Scream by Rocket From The Crypt
May 14 2021

A band that Ishould be more into than I actually am, but just never quite got into them. "On A Rope" is an absolute classic and I remember seeing them at Glasto 98 but I've never listened to this album in full. It was a good vibe but I'd def cherry pick the best songs (by which I mean "On A Rope"). 6/10

Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield
May 17 2021

It's a classic but it goes on a bit. 5/10

Gasoline Alley by Rod Stewart
May 18 2021

Middle of the road music for the masses. Not offensive, but not very interesting either. 5/10

One World by John Martyn
May 19 2021

Didn't like this after the first track or two but it really grew on me as it went on. Really nice chill vibes. 7/10

Technique by New Order
May 21 2021

I like bits and pieces of New Order and I rate them for being pioneering in terms of the electronic elements, but I didn't find this album particularly interesting or memorable. It was a nice listen, but ultimately I found the songs a bit too meandering and the music a little bland. 7/10

This Year's Model by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
May 24 2021

Done just over 100 albums and 3 of them have been Elvis Costello. I mean really? One Elvis Costello album in the 1001 would have been plenty. 4/10

May 26 2021

Violet and Doll Parts are classic tracks, but I'm not sure I've ever listened to this album in full before. Not the biggest fan of Courtney Love but I enjoyed the album. Really powerful voice, catchy songs, loads of energy. Well-produced. Easy to compare to Nevermind in many ways. In fact, it is interesting that Kurt might have written some of the songs and that he features as backing vocalist on two tracks. I enjoyed this and I'd certainly revisit the big songs, but less sure about the album as a whole. 7/10

Heroes by David Bowie
May 27 2021

No wonder he called the album "Heroes", that's by far the best track. The health spa moments towards the end were unexpected but not unwelcomed. Overall not for me. 6/10

Pretzel Logic by Steely Dan
May 31 2021

Was cool, although maybe a bit too easy listening. 7/10

Jun 01 2021

Didn't know standup comedy and jazz could be fused together. 5/10

Histoire De Melody Nelson by Serge Gainsbourg
Jun 02 2021

Not all French-speaking music sounds so stereotypically French which, on face value, makes this feel like a slightly tokenistic inclusion. That said, it clearly has wide-reaching influence beyond France and, on a personal level, I liked the musicianship and instrumentation but found the spoken word vocals a bit cringe. 6/10

Actually by Pet Shop Boys
Jun 03 2021

I liked the 80s vibes. "It's A Sin" is a real standout track but I liked a few of the other tracks too. 7/10

Eliminator by ZZ Top
Jun 04 2021

Enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. I was flirting with 4 stars, but the second half was less impressive than the first. 7/10

The Poet by Bobby Womack
Jun 07 2021

I totally respect the musicianship and songwriting, but I find this type of music just a bit too smooth for its own good and a bit cheesy. 6/10

Jun 09 2021

125 albums and we finally get a decent metal band 🤘 This album massively reminds me of university days and "Freak On A Leash" is an undisputed banger 🤘 Some cool guests on this too: Ice Cube, Fred Durst, SlimKid3 from The Pharcyde. That said, it's not my fave metal album. It might not even be my fave Korn album. Still worthy of 4 stars tho. 7.5/10

Liege And Lief by Fairport Convention
Jun 10 2021

Far too much folk and country music in this. "Most Influential Folk Album of All Time"? I'll take your word for it. I'll give it an extra star for that. 4/10

Dare! by The Human League
Jun 11 2021

For an album that's as old as me, I find the use of instruments available at that time fascinating. And they definitely saved the best for last. Overall, I just don't think the songwriting is particularly good, I would probably have enjoyed it more if it was instrumental. 6.5/10

Rip It Up by Orange Juice
Jun 14 2021

First track sounds like a weird/slow version of 'Good Times' by Chic without the cool bassline. Overall, it was all just a bit "nice". 5/10 ⚽ Euro player: Johan Cruyff. Played in orange and definitely ripped it up.

Dirt by Alice In Chains
Jun 15 2021

Alice In Chains are another one of those bands that I *should* be massively into, but for whatever reason it just doesn't stick. Happily enjoyed listening through the album, but didn't find anything particularly memorable and there wasn't anything I particularly want to revisit. 5.5/10 ⚽ Euro player: Declan Rice vs Croatia. Did the job. Wasn't memorable. Hope the next one is better.

The Nightfly by Donald Fagen
Jun 16 2021

Really interesting to read about this album being one of the first digitally-recorded albums and also the legacy in terms of how it resonates with audiophiles and sound engineers. Not totally my vibe, but enjoyed it. 5/10 ⚽ Euro player: Xabi Alonso. Wouldn't top your list of best players of all time, but is highly technically proficient and admired by his peers.

Jun 17 2021

If Arctic Monkeys came along 10 years earlier I think I'd have been a huge fan purely because of the kind of music I was listening to at that time. Really like this album though. Highly influential too. 8/10 ⚽ Euro player: Gordon Banks. Sheffield born. Internationally famous. Might have been more apt if it was a Pulp album seeing as his nephew is the drummer.

2112 by Rush
Jun 21 2021

An incredibly influential band and it seems like this was their breakthrough album. I liked it but probs not something I'd revisit. 7/10

Wordsmith

Reviews written for 100% of albums. Average review length: 232 characters.

Other

Album origins are grouped into three buckets: US, UK, and everything else. “Other” means the artists you rate highest are from outside the US and UK.