250
Albums Rated
3.21
Average Rating
23%
Complete
839 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1970s
Favorite Decade
Metal
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
25
5-Star Albums
8
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pyromania | 5 | 3.13 | +1.87 |
| Screamadelica | 5 | 3.17 | +1.83 |
| Nothing's Shocking | 5 | 3.17 | +1.83 |
| Hysteria | 5 | 3.21 | +1.79 |
| Tonight's The Night | 5 | 3.23 | +1.77 |
| British Steel | 5 | 3.3 | +1.7 |
| Eliminator | 5 | 3.38 | +1.62 |
| Darkness on the Edge of Town | 5 | 3.42 | +1.58 |
| Aqualung | 5 | 3.44 | +1.56 |
| Bat Out Of Hell | 5 | 3.45 | +1.55 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Predator | 1 | 3.26 | -2.26 |
| Let England Shake | 1 | 3.15 | -2.15 |
| Music From The Penguin Cafe | 1 | 3.01 | -2.01 |
| Only Built 4 Cuban Linx | 1 | 2.86 | -1.86 |
| Beyond Skin | 1 | 2.77 | -1.77 |
| Let's Stay Together | 2 | 3.76 | -1.76 |
| Kid A | 2 | 3.71 | -1.71 |
| The Low End Theory | 2 | 3.7 | -1.7 |
| The Score | 2 | 3.69 | -1.69 |
| A Grand Don't Come For Free | 1 | 2.67 | -1.67 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Def Leppard | 2 | 5 |
5-Star Albums (25)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Jethro Tull
5/5
I have always loved the song Aqualung, but never listened to the whole album. Simply awesome, the whole thing just rocks. Brought my speakers to life!
13 likes
Frank Sinatra
3/5
How can you not like some Frank Sinatra. Easy to listen to and sort of comforting. Only complaint is it seemed like one 45 minute song. 3
13 likes
Def Leppard
5/5
Making heavy metal accessible for the masses! Love this album almost as much as I did 40 years ago. High and Dry is their best album though!
11 likes
Nico
1/5
Well friends, that was painful. Vocals are flat, monotone and boring. Some of the instrumentals would have been good as background music, but then Nico starts singing again. And what was that noise about 2/3 of the way through "It Was A Pleasure Then"? I've tried to avoid giving out 1's as a rule, but I think this one deserves it.
8 likes
Wu-Tang Clan
2/5
This album seemed repetitive and boring. I admit that most hip-hop is just not my thing with only a few exceptions, and this one didn't cut it. I found the skits annoying and for me, where is the actual "music"? Just a boring beat. 2
6 likes
1-Star Albums (8)
All Ratings
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Love this album even though not my favorite genre
PJ Harvey
1/5
Too slow. Not interesting. Music to commit suicide by! Some of the later songs aren't as bad, but still not my cup of tea.
Radiohead
3/5
Still not sure why people like Radiohead that much. It's ok.
Second listen, getting better
Need to give it a third
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
I'm digging this album. Specifically Spellbound, Arabian Knights and Monitor. Why? Guitar and drums!
Nina Simone
3/5
Love her voice, especially some of the material with a bit more grit to them. Good to listen to a couple times, but didn't grab me.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Great voice, can see why its on the list, but not my cup of tea
Happy Mondays
4/5
Enjoyable and catchy. Very listenable even on first play.
Al Green
2/5
As with some of the others, excellent vocalist and I like the music accompaniment. However, the genre just doesn't do it for me.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
4/5
Hmmm. They show up with three KSHE Klassics, but none on this album. Fun to listen to, but mostly instrumental. Many of the songs are variations of Bo Diddley's "Who do you Love". I like it. Good jamming background music.
Nitin Sawhney
1/5
Don't like it. Bailed halfway through as I heard nothing redeeming with it.
Sugar
4/5
Grunge. Sounds just like Nirvana. Need to listen more
3/5
Starts off great with the four hits that got tons of airplay. If I rate as an album, not that great.
Laura Nyro
4/5
Love this album. 60 sounding, but very good.
Jimmy Smith
2/5
Nice organ/saxophone instrumental. Enjoyed it for what it is. Can't say I'd listen to it again though.
The Band
4/5
Already loved songs off this album, whole thing was pleasurable. Would give 4.5 if possible
The Byrds
3/5
Title track is good, rest of the album sounds the same.
Kendrick Lamar
2/5
Not my cup of tea
Queen Latifah
3/5
Never listened to her before, and not really my genre, but I enjoyed this.
Michael Jackson
5/5
What a great album. Had never listened to the whole thing before. Every song is worthy to sing along.
Talking Heads
4/5
Great album. Love the steel drums. Psycho Killer and Pulled up are my favorites off the album. Probably a 4.4 to give room for Talking Heads later albums
The Stooges
2/5
I can see the influence from this album, but didn’t find it particularly catchy in anyway for me.
Randy Newman
2/5
I certainly recognized that voice immediately from Toy Story! As for this particular album, it was good as background music, but not probably something I would ever just listen to with any intent.
Isaac Hayes
2/5
Upbeat, largely instrumental music. "Groovy"! Theme from Shaft was my favorite.
Otis Redding
4/5
What a good album. Emotion, grit. Very enjoyable listen.
Ray Charles
2/5
I know that Ray Charles is idolized, but just too slow and not what I'm looking for when listening to music.
David Bowie
3/5
Ok, but I didn’t think it was as good as ziggy stardust
Raekwon
1/5
Not my thing...
Lucinda Williams
4/5
Never heard of Lucinda Williams before, but loved this album. Favorite song was can’t let go.
Garbage
4/5
I recognized a couple of songs off this that had radio play on a local alt station back in the 90's, name Only Happy When It Rains and Stupid Girl. Enjoyed listening to the whole album. Really did As Heaven as Wide which I hadn't heard before.
The Go-Go's
3/5
This one was a walk down memory lane. Love the couple of hits that came off this album. The rest was just so-so. Certainly listenable, but not that exciting either.
808 State
3/5
I'm kind of liking this ... at first. Then I realize that I should hate this. But, I don't. OK, maybe not that bad, is that birds in Pacific 202? Would listen to again as background music while doing something. Maybe the first electronic music I kindof like?
The The
2/5
Never really got into this one. I don't understand its appeal, but probably just my mindset.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Had never listened to Elvis Costello before, but found him to be very listenable. But...not very exciting. Just middle of the road. Moods for Moderns was my favorite though.
Mudhoney
3/5
Can definitely see how they influenced a lot of the bands that came after them such as Nirvana. Touch Me I'm sick was my favorite
Prince
2/5
Other than Purple Rain, I have not listened to any Prince albums. While I could listen to this, and didn't dislike it, it also didn't excite me much. Seemed a bit all over the place with nothing holding the album together. Not sure why this one is on the list.
Shuggie Otis
3/5
Groovy, funky, easy to listen to.
Neneh Cherry
3/5
Very listenable, was surprised that I liked it at all since this isn't my normal hard rock style of music.
Supergrass
4/5
New group that I hadn’t heard of and really liked! What a range on the album. Will definitely listen again
Peter Tosh
2/5
Ok to listen to, but a little mediocre to me. Won’t ever listen again
Madonna
3/5
A classic album, enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Morrissey
2/5
First listen, and it doesn’t seem very interesting to me. No “pop” to it. Second pass through, a little better, but nothing that grabs me. 2.5 is what I’d like to give
Jethro Tull
5/5
I have always loved the song Aqualung, but never listened to the whole album. Simply awesome, the whole thing just rocks. Brought my speakers to life!
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
I was disappointed that I didn’t like this more. Flat, homogeneous? The energy level was high, but just nothing really catchy.
Sonic Youth
3/5
First listen and I was ready to give it a 1 and move on, just noise. However, after listening a couple more time and looking at the lyrics, I like it and look forward to more Sonic Youth albums. Maybe 3.5?
Anita Baker
3/5
What a great voice, and recognized Sweet Love. All and all a nice album to listen to. I'm giving it a 3 only because it is a bit sedate for my liking.
Radiohead
2/5
I will never understand the excitement around Radiohead. Period. Just mediocre.
Elbow
2/5
Boring? I just don’t get why this one is on the list. Quite possible it’s just the hard rocker in me.
Tortoise
3/5
Instrumental, good background music. Can't say that I would ever just listen to it without being background music.
Beastie Boys
4/5
The Beasties! Had never listened to the whole album, with Sabotage being the only song I knew going into it. Awesome. A bit all over the place, but I really enjoyed that. I'd give it a 4.4 out of 5.
Primal Scream
5/5
Great album that I had never heard before. Acid house with a gospel twist? Already bought a used CD of it arriving next week! 4.4/5.
Donald Fagen
4/5
I love Steely Dan, but had never listened to any of Donald Fagen's solo work without Walter Becker. Can I describe it as "too smooth" or "too upbeat"? I must miss the more biting aspect to the lyrics and music that were Beckers influence. Maybe 3.4/5? Then I listened to it some more, and its really growing on me due to the jazzy music. Solid 4.
Buzzcocks
3/5
Punk rock group that I hadn't heard before as back in 1978 I wasn't much into music yet. Mostly good stuff, but some of the material is a bit "homogeneous". Fiction Romance was my favorite, but Autonomy and Moving Away From the Pulsebeat also good. Last half of the album better than the first! Probably 3.2 out of 5?
The Byrds
3/5
Definitely Beatles-esque. Like the sound and the different instruments. Perhaps a bit ethereal for my taste as typically like more of an edge to my music. Good background music though. 2.6/5
George Michael
4/5
Good upbeat album, especially enjoyed the hits that I recognized. How can you not bop along to them! I Want Your Sex absolutely slaps! Other songs were enjoyable as well, up to the last two which seemed to change tone and I didn't like as much. Probably 3.8/5.0
Jane's Addiction
5/5
Well, guess I should have listened to this many years ago instead of only hearing Jane Says on the radio. Great album and will be listening to it more than just today. Standout songs for me include Had a Dad, Mountain Song, Pigs in Zen are all rockers in addition to Jane Says. Summertime Rolls is ok to slow things down a bit, but not my favorite. This is where I wish I had more granularity to the scale. I enjoy it more than albums I gave a 4, but not as good as my other 5's. Screw it, 4.6/5.0.
Ice T
4/5
First introduction to gangsta rap, and honestly went in with a bad attitude. However, this is not bad and I enjoyed it but can't compare it to anything else in this genre. Black Sabbath being sampled in Midnight was fun. Body Count slaps and throws it over the top for me. 4.2/5.0.
The Beach Boys
3/5
The Beach Boys are starting to grow up. Help Me, Rhonda is my favorite with Dance, Dance, Dance a second. 3.4/5.0
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Another band that I had never listened to previously and was surprised it had been nominated a grammy in 2009 for best alternative album. In listening to it several times, I find while I don't dislike it, it also doesn't particularly move me in any way. Just kind of mediocre. Heads will Roll and Dull Life are the best in my opinion. 3.4/4.0
Madonna
2/5
I have never been a Madonna fan and this album didn’t change that. Critics cite this as the greatest pop album ever? I don’t get it. It was over an hour of sameness with very little to break it up. I’m being generous to give it a 2.
The Electric Prunes
2/5
I found this album to be a little all over the place, and vaguely reminded me of the Animals - but not as good. Can’t say I really enjoyed it. 2.4/5
Simply Red
4/5
While I didn't recognize the name, I certainly remembered the single "Holding Back the Years". Great vocals and good groove to the whole album. I probably won't go back and listen to it again, but it was enjoyable. Solid 4.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
Was really getting the Bowie vibes on this one, and to be honest, didn’t really give this the serious listen it deserves. Listened twice all the way through, but had other things going on. Will perhaps go back and listen again later as nothing really grabbed me except for The Killing Moon. Third listen getting better. 3.5 could go either way
Pixies
4/5
First introduction to the Pixies, and it took a couple of listens to get into it. Love 90s alt rock and the Pixies created that sound. Wired lyrics, always melodic but also edgy at the same time. Will need to explore them more. Solid 4 at the point!
Eagles
4/5
I love the Eagles, but they are really a singles band and not so much album oriented. I also think “On the Border” is a better album than this one, but am giving it a four based on the strength of the three singles that were generated from this album.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
I had some familiarity with this album already, but gave it a thorough listen (ok several) and really liked it. Darker than his previous albums, but so good. Adam Raised a Cain and Racing in the Streets are two that I hadn’t paid attention to that I especially liked in addition to the already known singles such as Prove it all Night, Badlands and Darkness. 5
Mercury Rev
3/5
Good album, a bit softer for my Rock tastes, but very listenable. I like the variety of different instruments in it. Favorite song was Goddess on a Hiway, followed by Delta Sun Bottleneck Stomp. 3.4/5.0
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
Well, I like a lot of S&G hits, but this album doesn’t do it for me. Simon himself says that the second side is full of throwaway tracks and that seems obvious to me, even if I like them more than the first side. I like the two big singles America and Mrs. Robinson of course. Fakin it and A Hazy Shade of Winter are ok, but not enough. No better than a 3/5
Beatles
5/5
My favorite Beatles album. Love every bit of this except the granny song, Maxwell’s Silver Hammer. 5
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Slow folk music is not really my speed. This was OK, but nothing ever grabbed me enough to listen to it again. 2
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
Wow, another album that I had not listened to previously that I really like. Classic new wave sound. Favorite songs: Being Boring, This Must Be the Place I Waited Years to Leave, How Can You Expect to Be Taken Seriously, So Hard. Solid 4 on this one.
Yes
4/5
While I'm a big fan of prog rock in general, Yes isn't my favorite. I was already familiar with this album, but gave it another couple listens. Obviously Roundabout and Long Distance Runaround are great, however the rest of the album doesn't do much for me, thus dropping to a 4.
Elliott Smith
3/5
While somewhat interesting to listen to, it was also a bit dark for my music tastes. I’ll need to revisit it a couple more times. 3
Björk
4/5
This was a very interesting album to listen to, and it took about 3-4 times through it to appreciate it. Chaotic but good music, soulful vocals. Way out of my normal listening genres. 3.8/5
5/5
Classic glam rock. Great album
Judas Priest
5/5
This is an awesome 80's heavy metal album. An album with some meat to it! Songs like Metal Gods, Grinder, United not to mention the two great singles Breaking the Law and Living After Midnight. Great from beginning to end. Easy 5 for me.
Missy Elliott
3/5
Fun and interesting album even though not my normal jam. Nice vocals, good beats. 3.4/5.0
Travis
3/5
The band that paved the way for Coldplay is not exactly a selling point in my book! However, I gave this album a couple of listens to give it a fair shake, and deemed it not bad but also not very exciting. A couple songs are better than the rest such as Writing To Reach You, Driftwood, and Why Does It Always Rain on Me. Not sure I could go above a 3 on this one.
JAY Z
3/5
Hip-hop is not my favorite genre, but this was pretty good. But what does that say when my favorite song on the album is the one featuring Eminem? Anyway, better than most. 3.2/5
Portishead
2/5
The production seems top notch with interesting tidbits of instruments that pop up in each song. However, overall its not very memorable to me and just too depressing with the haunting vocals and lyrics. Not into it. 2.4/5.0
Janis Joplin
5/5
Janis Joplin was a troubled person that left us way too early. She bared herself and put it all out when she sang. Very soulful and heartfelt album. 5 all the way on this one.
Nico
1/5
Well friends, that was painful. Vocals are flat, monotone and boring. Some of the instrumentals would have been good as background music, but then Nico starts singing again. And what was that noise about 2/3 of the way through "It Was A Pleasure Then"? I've tried to avoid giving out 1's as a rule, but I think this one deserves it.
Faust
3/5
First exposure to krautrock, and that first song "Krautrock" almost made me stop listening. The second song "The Sad Skinhead" was much better. The rest of the album wasn't bad and was semi-enjoyable, but not enough to make me say that I have to go purchase it or listen again. 3/5
Frank Black
4/5
So, Frank Black , aka Black Frances, aka Charles Thompson IV is the lead singer of the Pixies! Didn't know that. I enjoyed this and really did get some Dire Straits vibes on a couple songs. References a Wrinkle in Time in Headache, so its got to be good. 4
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Neil Young is great and this album doesn't disappoint with Hey, Hey, My, My (Into the black) on it! Love the acoustic first half and electric second half. 4/5
Sonic Youth
3/5
I've already had Sonic Youth Goo come up earlier, so my reaction to this is similar. I'm not wild about "noise rock", but I see the influence on bands that came later. I like Goo better than this album, but just barely. 3.2/5
Buck Owens
4/5
I wanted to hate this as I don't like country music as a rule. However, this was pretty enjoyable to have in the background as I was working. Found myself nodding along even on the first listen. Corny lyrics from the 60's, strumming guitar, toe tapping g'damn country music. Sigh. 3.8/5.
Fugees
2/5
For hip-hop, this is ok, but overall I found this one fairly bland. I did like the reggae feel to it more than most, but not enough to say I'd ever listen to it again. Was going to give it a 3 for the two cover songs which were really good, Killing me Softly and No Woman, but maybe just a 2
Faith No More
4/5
Faith No More is Epic! As in the only song I knew going into it. Good album, not a five as it’s dated, but still pretty good. 4/5
Jungle Brothers
2/5
Wasn’t bad, but just doesn’t do it for me.
The Flaming Lips
3/5
Wiki states that one reviewer claimed that "The Soft Bulletin might be the best record of the entire decade". I don't get it. This is my first introduction to The Flaming Lips, and I while I have nothing against this album - because its not bad, but I didn't find anything particularly compelling about it either. Nothing outstanding from either a vocal, lyrics or instrumentation perspective. 3/5
Turbonegro
4/5
Now this is a fun album, I was pleasantly surprised! Offspring meets Bowie on the stage with the Ramones? Giving it a 4 after several listens, but given age I might consider a 5!
Spiritualized
2/5
I didn't know dream pop was a thing until this album, but an aptly titled genre. Space cadet dreamy background music. Not bad, but not what I'm looking for when I listen to music and I can say with the utmost certainty that I will never listen to this again. (Unless perhaps I'm tripping on acid or something!) Waffling between a 2/3.
John Prine
2/5
Didn’t know that country-folk was even a thing. While I appreciated the lyrics, I can’t really say that I enjoyed the delivery. I’ll give it a 2
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Folksy, nostalgic, great album! 4.4/5
Joy Division
2/5
I was really surprised to hear an album with this kind of sound that was produced in 1980! Dark, haunting describe it well, but this is not why I listen to music. Overall, just not interesting to me.
Suicide
2/5
Minimalistic and stripped down approach to producing music makes it also not very interesting to my musical taste. Interesting that the song Frankie Teardrop inspired Bruce Springsteen and Marquee Moon - but I still have to rate it according my tastes and this never gets above a 2, especially after listening to Frankie Teardrop.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
This is good, but I don't think its aged very well. Great voice, smooth 70's sex music! But not really my cup of tea. 3/5
Milton Nascimento
3/5
Pleasant to listen to, dig the music. Vocals in Portuguese didn't bother me, after all, Rammstein is a favorite band of mine also and I don't understand German. Probably only a 3 just because I don't see me ever listening to this again.
ABBA
3/5
Not as cringe worthy as I first feared when I saw ana ABBA album come up. A bit too poppy for my musical tastes, but also not bad. 3/5 though as I will not go out of my way to ever listen to this again.
Os Mutantes
3/5
A second Portuguese album in 3 days. I found this one very disjointed. Not awful from a music standpoint, but since I don't understand Portuguese it also doesn't grab my attention. Amazing that this came out in 1968 though.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
4/5
No idea on what to expect from The Flying Burrito Bros, but I guess country rock makes sense. Loved Christine's Tune right of the bat, rest of the songs were kind of hit/miss for me though. Its a bit better than the rash of 2/3's I've been giving out lately, so lets call it a 3.6/5.
The Fall
4/5
This is some pretty good post punk. Love the beat throughout, not surprised to see "alternative dance" listed as one of the genres. Is Mark E. Smith talking/singing - yes! But seems to go good with the music to me. I was entertained. 3.6
R.E.M.
4/5
I know all the REM hits, but have never listened to a whole album, especially their debut. This was good and I’ve always liked their sound. It would have been nice to have at least one solid single on it. I see they have 4 albums in the list, so we’ll see if one of them makes it to a 5. 3.6
The Rolling Stones
5/5
I saw The Rolling Stones live a week ago and was hoping for an album of theirs. I had never seen them in concert before and I had a whole new appreciation for their music and their energy (especially for a bunch of really old dudes).
Thus, I've been going through their albums and this one was really the beginning of when they cemented themselves into history as the greatest rock and roll band ever and went back to more of a blues rock based sound.
This isn't my favorite Rolling Stones album, but I have to give it a 5 to lift it above other albums I've given 4's to.
Woo hoo, woo hoo, wooo hoo!
Country Joe & The Fish
4/5
I was pretty sure by the album cover that I would be listening to some old psychedlic rock on this one, and that was correct. I also expected that I wouldn't be fond of it. However, I found myself liking the bluesey/psych fusion of it with the occasional twangy guitar. If they had refined this a bit more, could have seen it make a 5. Favorite songs - Not So Sweet Martha Lorraine, Super Bird, but also Love. As is, 3.6/5
Pixies
3/5
Bossanova came up a few months ago, and even though the critics like Doolittle better, my preference is probably Bossanova. Some good songs on Doolittle, especially Here Comes Your Man and La La Love you. Otherwise, found this one to be just a little flat. 3.4/5
Nick Drake
2/5
Please, no more sad lad music. I see all the other positive reviews and wish I liked this better to join the "Nick Drake" crowd, but it just doesn't work for me. His voice is just too monotone and its not only that I don't find it interesting, but it also has a negative droning effect on me.
Santana
4/5
I was glad to see Santana on the list as I have always enjoyed his music, albeit more from a singles perspective. Abraxas is no exception with two great singles that I have loved for 40 years. The rest of the album is good from largely an instrumental perspective, and makes for great background music. This is where I wish a 10 point system was being used because I would give it a 9. As it is, it isn’t quite a 10.
Dolly Parton
3/5
Not my favorite genre, but you have to like Dolly Parton. Old country is so much better than new "pop" country.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
What an awesome voice, and a great album with a number of her key hits on it.
Sex Pistols
5/5
Where punk started! I said it would be hard for me to give a 5 to an album the first day I listened to it. But with the snarling vocals and rocking guitars, it deserves it!
Marvin Gaye
2/5
Marvin Gaye's voice is smooth and flowing. Also boring for my tastes and at 73 minutes long a real struggle to get through. I also noticed that this album was a "commercial and critical failure" upon release. I am not a fan of albums that are dug back up and later revered. 2 at best.
2
Leonard Cohen
2/5
I wish I could be a fan of Leonard Cohen, but it just doesn't work for me. This is better than the previous, more folk based Cohen album that I got before, but just not my cup of tea. After about halfway through, I thought I'd give it a 3, but then I listened to the cringey "I'm Your Man". 2.
3/5
I was hoping for a bit more out of this one, especially after my exposure to britpop earlier on the list. It's not bad, and Sunday Sunday was giving me Supergrass vibes(I Should Coco which came out 2 years later than this album), which I really liked. But, overall as an album I found it a bit uninspiring and homogeneous. Might be my favorite album cover though!
Gillian Welch
2/5
Mediocre. What more can I say. I noticed another reviewer stated that the only reason this didn't get a 1 was because of "I Want To Sing That Rock and Roll". I completely agree. Its the only standout on an otherwise not very inspiring album. However, after that 14 minute "I Dream A Highway", I did almost reverse myself and give it a 1.
Wilco
3/5
This album is really in a strange genre - alt country, rock, punk(?) with a bit of noise in it (i.e. Sunken Treasure). I'm not sure I can digest it in just one day, especially as I think the album would have been better if the picked the best tracks to make a single album instead of a double. Treating the album as a whole, I'll give it a 3. If it would have been a single album with the most interesting upbeat songs - now it rises to at least a 4 on a first listen.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
How can you not like some Frank Sinatra. Easy to listen to and sort of comforting. Only complaint is it seemed like one 45 minute song. 3
Kanye West
2/5
Not as bad as I thought it would be, but still hip hop and I don’t overly enjoy the genre. 2
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would, really like Cave’s voice for it and the music nicely accentuated it. Not sure I would ever listen again though as it’s a bit too melancholy for my tastes. 3
The Icarus Line
4/5
In general, I’m not a fan of noise rock, but this wasn’t bad! Garage rock? Liked the vocals and catchy riffs. 4
Black Sabbath
5/5
Ozzy forever! War Pigs, Paranoid, Electric Funeral and Fairies Wear Boots. Iron Man is also great but been worn out by hearing it on the radio. Easy 5.
Magazine
3/5
Interesting post punk album. P-good at first listen but no song really stood out. Perhaps could use a second listen, but didn’t have time today. 3
The Beach Boys
4/5
I understand the significance of the production of this album, but I don’t listen to The Beach Boys for a reflection on life. I listen to them for light, sing along beach and cars songs. They’re The Beach Boys! 4 for the two singles off this album
Metallica
5/5
This is an easy 5 for me as I've listened to this album since it came out in 1991. While I like the older Metallica albums, this is just more accessible and I really enjoy it. Hits that sweet spot for still being metal and driving but doesn't drive my wife out of the room!
Funkadelic
2/5
Not on Spotify, but I did find the whole album on Youtube. Title track was good and I enjoyed it, but unfortunately the rest of the album disappointed me. 2
Cypress Hill
4/5
First exposure to Cypress Hill past "Insane in the Membrane" which I remember from back in the 90's. Good beats on this one! This is hip-hop I can listen to, perhaps it reminds me of the Beastie Boys. 4
Stereo MC's
3/5
"Connected" is a great and groovy song, I really dig it! While the rest of the album is listenable, I didn't feel it ever measured up to the promise of the title track. 3
Thundercat
3/5
Good bass lines from a bassist, with mostly humorous lyrics, not serious. Just flows from one song to the next. Nothing overly grabbed me though, can't say I would ever listen to it again, but good background music for the day. 3.
Wu-Tang Clan
2/5
This album seemed repetitive and boring. I admit that most hip-hop is just not my thing with only a few exceptions, and this one didn't cut it. I found the skits annoying and for me, where is the actual "music"? Just a boring beat. 2
Kraftwerk
3/5
First "Electronic" album that I didn't hate. Not to say that I would ever listen to this again, but it wasn't bad. Good background music if your into such as you could basically just have the album loop over and over and never realize it. 3
Buffalo Springfield
4/5
Great album with a lot of variety to it. Starts off with Mr. Soul that has a good rock beat to it with Neil Young signing. Bluebird/Rock and Roll Woman are great and I love Good Time Boy (R&B feeling to it). If I could give it a nine I would out of 10. 4 because there are a couple songs that are a bit weak.
Fever Ray
3/5
The theme song for the Vikings! Recognized almost immediately. Rest of the album wasn’t exciting.
The Sonics
3/5
I enjoyed listening to the raw sounds of this album. It's hard for me to go above a 3 though because 2/3 of the songs are covers and its not even 30 minutes long!
Björk
2/5
I preferred Bjork's Debut album to this one, albeit I didn't have much time to listen to it repeatedly. 2 at best.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
A have a lot of respect for this album. Soul Is just a genre way out of my normal listening zone, but I really enjoyed this one. Maybe not enough for a 5, but a strong 4. Would listen again.
ZZ Top
5/5
This album’s got Legs and I love to listen to it while eating my TV Dinners. BTW, its also got Gimme All Your Lovin, Got Me Under Pressure and Sharp Dressed Man. This is the album where they broke into a more mainstream sound from their blues band past. My favorite ZZ Top album. 5
The White Stripes
3/5
I have only listened to a couple White Stripes songs previously, those being their two biggest singles. I honestly had higher hopes for this one. It wasn't bad, just not the same appeal to me as there later stuff. Maybe a 3?
Mekons
3/5
This was pretty good and I guess alt country is a thing. While I didn’t mind listening to it, I can’t say I liked it enough to ever listen to again. 3
OutKast
3/5
Couple of hits I recognized that were good. Otherwise too long and just ok. Hip hop is just not my thing.
The White Stripes
4/5
Only song I had listened to prior was Seven Nation Army and this album did not disappoint. Much better than White Blood Cells that I got earlier in the week. Probably a 4, but could see this go to a 5 with some more listens.
TV On The Radio
3/5
Not bad to listen to, but also nothing memorable. Won't be thinking of this album the next day. 3
Def Leppard
5/5
I love Def Leppard, starting back with High & Dry which should be on this list - it’s my favorite Def Leppard album. Hysteria is also good, love every song on it, but they had a bit more polish to their sound by this time. Still a 5 though!
Drive-By Truckers
4/5
I like southern rock a lot, but had never listened to DBT before and was pleasantly surprised. Only complaint is how long it was, so only able to give it one listen. 4
The Lemonheads
3/5
Outside of the cover of Mrs. Robinson which I've heard many times, I found this album to be pretty generic. Nothing really stuck out. Not bad, but also no reason to listen to again. 3.
The Cure
3/5
Album was ok, but a bit dark for my tastes. Much prefer their later work.
David Bowie
3/5
Normally a Bowie fan, but this one kind of missed for me. Side 1 was pretty good, then side 2 was flat. Maybe not in the mood for instrumentals today. Just a 3.
The Avalanches
2/5
Piecing together old songs to make new…. Not bad, but not my thing and I while I can appreciate the work that went into it to pull it off - I guess I don’t appreciate it as much as a band that picks up musical instruments and makes actual music. 2
The Zombies
4/5
Time of the Season is one of my favorite songs, but have never listened to this whole album. Enjoyed it, very Beatle like. 4
Bebel Gilberto
2/5
Nah, not a fan. Not that there is anything wrong with it for background music, but this is not something I would ever listen to again. 2
Tina Turner
3/5
Seemed dated, and did not enjoy as much as I thought I would. Great voice and “What’s love got to do with it” is a good hit, but otherwise just ok.
Neil Young
5/5
While I’m a Neil Young fan, I had never listened to anything from this album, and was pleasantly surprised with the raw intensity of this album. Rock and blues, guitar and piano. Emotional lyrics. Will listen again.
Rod Stewart
4/5
Love Rod Stewarts hits, but none on this album. Still good, some really catchy songs even on a first listen. Would listen again. 4
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
Forgot how good the first half of this album is, especially with Girls Just Want to have Fun and Time after Time.
Blondie
5/5
I had forgotten what a good album this is, even beyond the two hits that I know and love, "One Way or Another" and "Heart of Glass". Great guitar work on "Fade Away and Radiate". "I'm Gonna Love you Too" is a short but good song. Great album through and through. Surprised to be giving this a 5, but well there it is...
A Tribe Called Quest
2/5
Not bad for hip-hop, but still kind of boring. Same beat over and over. 2
The Flaming Lips
3/5
The concept album that is not a concept album (at least according to the band)! This album has a good sound to it: indie rock with some progressive sounding instrumentals. It was interesting, but I can't say that I loved it on the first couple of listens anyway.
Ian Dury
2/5
If I was sitting in a pub listening to this live while downing a few pints, I would like it! However, sitting here cold sober and listening to it, not so much. A couple songs even annoyed me. 2
The 13th Floor Elevators
4/5
Strong Animals vibe out of this one for me, minus Eric Burdon perhaps. Interesting sounds along with that standard 60’s guitar. Will listen again.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
To be fair, didn’t give this a great listen, more in the background. Initial impressions were that it sounded fairly generic. Not bad, but nothing to grab you either.
Various Artists
4/5
Merry Christmas! Will listen again in a year!
Billy Joel
4/5
Great album, really enjoy Billy Joel and 6/9 of the songs on this album are hits. At one point, I would have given it a 5, but just seems a tad bit poppy to me now.
Beach House
3/5
Not bad for dream pop, but a bit too sedate for my tastes.
Violent Femmes
5/5
At one point in my life I had only heard Blister in the Sun. Then I heard the rest of this album and absolutely love it, along with a lot of the other Violent Femmes catalog. Energetic punk/alt rock. Could have been recorded in a garage. 5
D'Angelo
2/5
Not awful, but not my jam.
New Order
3/5
This was ok, but nothing stood out to me in it. 3
Solomon Burke
3/5
Ok, but nothing outstanding 58 years later. 3
Elton John
4/5
Awesome album with Tiny Dancer and Levon on it. Madman across the Water was really good also. Got a bit weaker near the end of the album.
The Adverts
3/5
Not bad, but pretty generic punk rock in my opinion. All blends together, nothing really sticks out. 3
Tito Puente
4/5
Fun album and really enjoyed it. Might not listen to it again ever, but would if it came on. 4
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
4/5
Great album with a number of hits on it. Never realized these all came from the same album. On a 10 point scale, I would give this a 9.
Ice Cube
1/5
Hip hop is not my jam and the lyrics really turned me off in this one.
Gotan Project
3/5
Better than expected, actually quite nice background music.
Elvis Presley
3/5
I was initially excited to get an Elvis album, but ended up being disappointed. Not that it was bad, but just not the rockabilly that I like from that era of music. Not bad, Elvis’ voice was good, good variety of different styles on the album, but not what I was hoping for.
The Shamen
3/5
Upbeat house/dance music. Not my normal type of thing, but not bad. Vocals perhaps a little lacking.
The Isley Brothers
4/5
Good jams, really enjoyed this one’s nostalgic smooth sounds. 4
Dire Straits
5/5
Just a trumpet playing band. Love this album. Good guitar and vocal blending. Not a bad song on it, plus Sultans of Swing. 5
Cream
3/5
First two songs off this album are classic hits played by our local radio station, KSHE95, so know them well. Rest of the album was pretty good, but nothing stood out to me.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
What genre is this? Orchestral pop? Not that that is a bad thing. Some catchy hooks here and there but overall not something I cared for.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
Emmy Lou Harris has a great voice and I enjoyed this - for country music which is not really my thing. Would I listen again, yes, but wouldn’t go out of my way. 3
Herbie Hancock
3/5
Funky, jazz music. More enjoyable than I would have guessed at first. Only complaint would be it’s was a bit repetitive and blends together. 3
Rod Stewart
4/5
Great album with Rod’s raspy voice and great lyrics and Ronnie Wood on guitar. Every song on this album is good with the exception of Amazing Grace(why?). Favorites are Maggie May and I’m Losing You. Might give a 5 if Amazing Grace was not on it! 4
Sleater-Kinney
4/5
First new album in a while that I had never heard before and really enjoyed. Dig the riot grrrl’s! Need to listen some more, but this is good stuff.
Waylon Jennings
2/5
I thought I would enjoy this one more, but never really got into it. 2
The Verve
4/5
Great four song start to this album, after only previously listening to Bittersweet Symphony. Good alt rock. Rest of the album was also good, need to give it several more listens to sink in though.
The Temptations
2/5
This was just ok for me, nothing outstanding. 2
The Who
4/5
Who are these guys? Really fun album! Of course, I Can see for Miles is the big single, but the rest is really entertaining as well. Need to listen a couple more times.
Coldplay
3/5
Always said that I hate Coldplay, but tried to listen to this with an open mind. I reaffirmed that I’m not wild about Chris Martin’s vocals, and overall Coldplay as a band is just a bit too smooth and bland for my tastes from a rock group. But overall, it’s not awful and you can’t deny the singles and airplay from this debut album. I wanted to give it a 2 or 3, but, if I’m being honest-4.
Common
2/5
Couldn’t do it today. Jazzy background was ok, but otherwise not into it. 2
The United States Of America
3/5
Honestly, I almost bailed after the first song. Glad I didn’t! While still weird throughout, definitely got better for me.
Machito
3/5
Very catchy jazz. Need to listen again. 3
Beastie Boys
5/5
Punk rock, metal hip hop! I love this album. Lyrics are fun and tell a story. Love the Beasties. 5
The Clash
5/5
What a great album! I already knew the hits off this album like London Calling and Lost in the Supermarket, but was surprised by the breadth of the album as a whole. Clampdown, Death and Glory and of course Train In Vain. Its punk rock but with more diversity in sound. 5
Moby Grape
4/5
Why didn’t this band do better and how come I’ve never heard of them? And it’s so hard to even find this album to stream, had to go to YouTube. Great guitar work, great bluesy rock vocals. Really dig it 4
Meat Loaf
5/5
I’ve been waiting for this album ever since Meatloaf died a little while back. Such a fun album and absolutely great lyrics and strong opera like vocals. You have no soul if you dislike this one! 5
Suede
2/5
This was ok, but nothing really that interesting.
Pink Floyd
3/5
Had never listened to early Pink Floyd, and this was a surprise. Psych rock versus prog rock? And did anybody get a “The Who” vibe from this album? Perhaps I should have been stoned before listening. I really enjoyed flashes of it, but other times it started to drag a bit like during Interstellar Overdrive. Between a 3 and a 4. Probably a 3 because the tail end of the album isn’t as good as the start.
Barry Adamson
2/5
Hmmm. Good, then bad. Good, then bad. Sometimes jazzy, funky. Then noise. Interesting I guess, but would never listen again. 2
Stephen Stills
4/5
Totally dig this album! Love the mix of folk, rock, blues and bluegrass. Twangy guitar and country fiddle really completes it with a southern rock type of sound. Need to go find a copy of it.
Amy Winehouse
2/5
Amy has an impressive voice, and the lounge like setting of the album is kindof interesting. However, overall, I really did not enjoy this at all. 2
Paul Simon
3/5
I don’t understand why this is rated so high. I didn’t hate it, but can’t say much stood out to me other than it being generic like world music. 3
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Black Flag
3/5
While I like punk "in general", and respect what Black Flag did, hardcore punk is just a bit noisier than what I like. Gave it some more listens, and starting to like it more, but definitely a harsher sound. 3
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
This was a good if somewhat generic sounding 60’s pop-rock album. Enjoyed it even if not really breaking new ground.
Kanye West
3/5
I wanted to give this a 1 or a 2. I really wanted to. However, I admit that while I don't like Kanye as a person or really like much Hip-Hop/Rap as a genre, this is not bad. Maybe pretty good. Some songs even slap! So, I am begrudgingly giving it a 3. If it had been trimmed up a bit and some of the lesser material (especially at the end) pulled out, it might have made it to a 4.
Queen
5/5
All around a great album. All good songs, including the monster hit Bohemian Rhapsody. Quite the variety of songs. Easy 5
The La's
3/5
"There She Goes" is a good song, but I never even thought about who actually sang it. The rest of the album is easy to listen to, and enjoyable even if nothing stands out on it. I'm giving it a 3 because in all likelihood I'll never listen to it again. Just a bit too poppy for my tastes.
The xx
2/5
Ughh. Minimalistic? Yes. Boring? Yes. Will I listen again? No. 2
Hawkwind
3/5
Weird. Strange. But not bad. Let it run as background music for most of the day. 3
Pretenders
4/5
Had previously only heard Brass in my Pocket, but enjoyed listening to the whole album. Listened all day. Great vocals and guitar. Need to listen to more of their other albums.
The Kinks
3/5
This was just ok, and I was hoping for more as I like other Kinks songs. 3
The Cure
2/5
I’m just not a big fan of the Cure outside a couple of their later singles. This album did not change that opinion. Not a bad listen, but very mediocre. 2
Iron Maiden
4/5
Finally some more metal! I enjoy their later stuff a bit more, but a good jamming album. 4
OutKast
3/5
Long album and I did not have time today to give it a full listen. Hey Ya is a great song though and while hip hop is not a genre of mine, I bounced around the double album to get a flavor of it. 3
Can
3/5
While this album wasn't bad, it also wasn't awful. A bit mundane and repetitive, but not in an annoying sort of way. The song "Moonshake" is quite good, but unfortunately it is a 3 minute song on an album of 41 minutes with only 4 songs! This would get a 2, but with Moonshake, I'll give it a 3.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
This is a classic album, and one of my favorites. Not a bad or weak song on it. Gotta be a 5.
Daft Punk
2/5
I do not like electronic music as a rule. This isn't as bad as most because how can you not like that 4 beat dance music rhythm. Great if you're actually dancing though. Otherwise, repetitive and it gets old quick especially because its so long. 2 or 3 to be decided after another listen.
Roni Size
1/5
Gross. I know my music tastes are quite narrow, hence why I’m going through the list. But I don’t understand why this one is on here. 1
The Birthday Party
2/5
Hmmm. Is this music? Or just noise? I will say, it wasn't as bad as I expected from being the second lowest album on the global ratings list. However, its also not that good. 2
Sabu
3/5
Good background music. Can't say I would just go listen to this as it's not that exciting, so won't rate higher than a 3.
Thin Lizzy
4/5
Good live album with a lot of classic tunes on it. 4
George Michael
3/5
Great vocals, but I still prefer the sound of Faith better. 3
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
Smooth vocals, great for light background music.
Tracy Chapman
4/5
Wow, I had no idea. Obviously I've heard "Fast Car" before, but really didn't know the artist. It's Tracy Chapman. Whole album is so smooth and heartfelt. Really enjoyed it even though this is out of my normal jam. I then also discovered that "Give Me One Reason" is her song also. Clearly I need to listen to more of her discography. 4
Mott The Hoople
4/5
Another surprise band. I had heard "All the Young Dudes" before, but did not know the name of the band, I would have guessed Bowie who actually wrote and gave the song to Mott The Hoople. This album sounds to me like a continuation of All the Young Dudes, the Bowie influence on them is very prominent. Enjoyable album, need to listen to it again. 4
Michael Jackson
3/5
There were some comparisons of this album to Thriller, claiming it was as good or better, but I wouldn't agree. Couple of good songs, the rest just didn't cut it for me. 3
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
Two great hit songs, but didn’t find the rest of the album very good. Paul is my least favorite Solo Beatle.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
Thought I would hate this. No, I should hate this. But, do I actually like it? Electronic dance music. Hmmm. I do like it. 4 on a first listen. Last 2 songs could have been removed for a better album. Almost lowers it to a 3.
Prefab Sprout
3/5
Easy to listen to, while nothing earth shattering. 3
Ray Price
2/5
For the time period, maybe this was pretty good. But very hard to listen to now, and honestly got no enjoyment out of it.
Dwight Yoakam
3/5
Some pretty good country music. Not my favorite, but would listen to again.
Dexys Midnight Runners
4/5
I admit I’m a bit of a sucker for bands with a horn section! Good album, upbeat and much more than a one hit wonder. Will listen again. 4
Moby
3/5
While not a fan of electronic music, this is not awful. How is that for an endorsement! I was relieved when I discovered it is actually only a little over an hour and the Apple Music album included the "B Sides". Was also surprised to discover the song "South Side" was on the album, which was written by Moby. Didn't expect to actually recognize a song I like. 3
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
1/5
Painful. 1
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
Good groove! Funky guitar work. Didn't understand a word! However, would listen again, could see playing this in background while working on stuff. 3
Amy Winehouse
3/5
My second Amy Winehouse album and again I don’t really get the hype. I’m just not a huge fan of her voice, maybe a bit too sharp for me? Maybe I like it more than Frank, but I didn’t find any song that was very catchy. 3
The Clash
4/5
Great punk rock album. Excited to have it over the weekend to listen to multiple times.
R.E.M.
4/5
Great album, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Best REM album.
Def Leppard
5/5
Making heavy metal accessible for the masses! Love this album almost as much as I did 40 years ago. High and Dry is their best album though!
The Streets
1/5
UK rap. Just not into it. Painful. The album cover is nice though.
The Charlatans
4/5
I certainly get the Oasis vibe with this one, but don't hold it against them and thought the whole album had a nice groove to it.
Kendrick Lamar
2/5
Hard to listen to.
System Of A Down
3/5
While hard rock, metal is my jam, I have never been fond of Serj’s voice, I find it grating. Decent album, just that voice!
Maxwell
3/5
Smooth, I like it. Not my normal jam, but good background music. 3
Gene Clark
2/5
Not bad, but also not interesting in any way. Bland. 2
Donovan
3/5
Outside of Sunshine Superman, I wasn't terribly impressed with this album. Very 60's sounding, but somewhat mediocre. 3
John Lee Hooker
4/5
Great album, and I have another of his albums that includes a number of the songs on this one. Very much enjoyed some good old blues with modern(ish...) artists. 4
Beatles
4/5
Enjoyable, but not up to the same standards as the later albums to come from this group!
Arrested Development
2/5
Just ok, but not really my type of thing. 2
The Temptations
3/5
I had higher expectations for this one that it didn’t live up to. Just ok. 3
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
I like this one better than Sound of Silver. Catchy and more interesting with a good vibe - but also still nothing to make me say "I've got to listen to that album again!". Thus, it doesn't rise above a 3.