I Cannot Fucking Wait Til Morrissey Dies

Can't believe how much I love this for a country album. Amazing lyricism, great voice, solid understated guitar work. I'm going to need to pick this up on wax

Love this album. Lightning Bolt are one of the best live bands I've ever seen. Complete chaos. This is probably their best album too.

I absolutely adore this album. Such a cool mix of 60s pop with trip hop and dub influences. The Neil Young cover is next level too.

This album is incredibly pretentious without the chops to back it up. I just think about how she acted like she invented the idea of a surprise drop... the same year that Bowie and MBV did it.

Can definitely see the influence on a lot of modern music. Crazy it came out in 78. Not always a huge fan of the vocals though.

Yeah still not a fan. Cheesy cringey vocals and lyrics. Boring instrumentation. I just can't see the appeal.

Pretty good album. Weird choice over Return to Cookie Mountain though. I think the increased prevalence of synths on this one is the weakest aspect. Still got some great funk to it though.

Amazing album. You can hear the influence on so many diverse genres from shoegaze to grunge. All bangers too and Poledo is such a wild closer.

Liked it more than I expected but still not a big fan of southern rock. I wish the vocals would steer away from the over the top southern drawl a bit more. When they did, I found myself enjoying it much more.

Interesting and pleasant enough but I really lack context for this to fully appreciate it. I dig the MS Paint cover though.

Stone cold classic. Amazing beats, poignant varied lyrics, absolute bops.

Can't believe how much I love this for a country album. Amazing lyricism, great voice, solid understated guitar work. I'm going to need to pick this up on wax

Can't believe how much I love this for a country album. Amazing lyricism, great voice, solid understated guitar work. I'm going to need to pick this up on wax.

Lots of nostalgia tied up with this one for me. I still wouldn't say it's an essential listen at all though. Especially coming right off of Muddy Waters. Putting those two in the same list is borderline offensive.

Pretty fun album. I can see the influence on future southern hip hop. There's always money in the banana stand.

Never listened to mambo before but this is nice and upbeat and very catchy. Definitely makes you want to dance.

This album rocks. Amazing guitar work and drumming. Nuff said. Pedo song brings it down a bit though.

I have a disappointing lack of funk in my life and this album cured that. My kiddo loved dancing to it too.

Nice chill folk with great lyrics and occasional instrumental flourishes that really bring it together. Another one I should probably pick up on wax.

Another really great album from Kraftwerk. I think I like this one a bit better than The Man Machine actually, especially in the vocal department.

An absolute classic in every sense. Incredible lyricism, banging instrumentation.

Fun album if nothing really spectacular to me. I dig the vocalist's style. Reminds me of some modern post-rock.

Absolute classic. Is 1969 the greatest year in music history?

Not a style I typically listen to but I really dig it. Chill but still makes you want to move a bit. She has a great voice.

What can even be said about the title track here. One of the greatest songs ever written. The rest of the album is no slouch either though. Certainly one of the best Beatles solo albums.

Banging post-punk with funny but still meaningful lyrics. Definitely can see the influence down the line.

One of the greatest prog albums of all time.

Fun if somewhat slight power pop. Really elevated by the lyrics though.

Not really my thing. Lyrics are kinda cringey and the instrumentation is very flat.

Chill, lush album. I definitely think Spiritualized got better after this but it's a really solid debut nonetheless.

Really digging the vibes on this album. Romantic and a bit cheesy but relatable and catchy af. Lots of great synth work.

Interesting, varied production. Pretty fun pop album even if it's not the type of thing I'd normally listen to.

Enjoyed the funkier aspects when it got there but the more soul parts lost me. Solid mixing though.

This album fucking slays (pun intended). One of my favorite thrash albums of all time. Great way to wake up in the morning on a day when you've been up since 4am.

Interesting intermediary sounding album between new wave and more experimental post rock sound of their later stuff. Some cool instrumental flourishes throughout.

Great grunge album with lots of swagger. Good music to maybe murder your spouse to

Really varied both instrumentally and vocally. I love the focus on live instrumentation. The lyrics are great too.

Chill vibes and really nice acoustic instrumentation. I never really got into Beck for whatever reason in spite of liking a lot of similar music but I dig this album.

Interesting chill hip hop. Kind of gives me Radiohead or Dan the Automator vibes. Not really sure what makes this 'essential' though honestly as much as I enjoy it.

Relaxing but still upbeat alt-country. I think Lambchop got more interesting later on but there's no denying that that started here.

Love me some psych rock and extended jams are my jam so this was right up my alley. The side B tracks are great too.

This album is just way too 80s pop for my tastes. Which makes sense, as an 80s pop album.

Chill but danceable at the same time. I just love the vibe of this album so much.

Fantastic sampling and classic 90s rapping. Plus that cover just rules.

Fuzzy distorted proto-punk with some surf elements. I can see the influence it had on later punk.

I Cannot Fucking Wait Til Morrissey Dies

This is the kind of country I just can't jive with at all sadly.

Exactly the kind of album that should be in 1001 albums in my opinion. Beyond being incredibly influential this album just plain rocks. Plus it covers a wide variety of genres around punk and post-punk.

Everyone knows that song but honestly this album is great all around. FF are super underappreciated in the indie rock canon. This album rocks.

She has a phenomenal voice. The production is really crisp too. I just have a hard time connecting to political folk music unfortunately especially as a white man listening to this.

It's interesting hearing this compared to Songs of Leonard Cohen. His voice is like whiskey over gravel here in the best of ways. The production is so much more elaborate and fantastic too. Love the lyrical themes of struggling with religion and aging.

Never understood the appeal of The Rolling Stones. This album is just boring to me.

Makes me want to watch Toy Story honestly. He has a great voice though and this album is some pleasant baroque pop. Also there's a song about Cleveland for some reason?

Not as good as his debut or You Want It Darker which we've already listened to but still a very solid album.

Absolute classic gothic rock. Influenced many of my favorite bands.

It’s The Beatles

Classic metal album. Really does everything I want an 80s metal album to do.

Such fantastic sampling on this album. The cover is iconic too. Not my favorite album of theirs but I love it still.

Fun and upbeat 60s pop. Doesn't really do much for me that other albums don't do better but I enjoy it well enough.

These guys are really underappreciated in my opinion. Super consistent and tight band. The Killing Moon is a CLASSIC song.

Daft Punk are one of the GOATs. This album is straight bangers.

I've never heard of her before but this is a really incredible piece of psychedelic pop! Very interesting inclusion here but I'm happy to have discovered it.

Fantastic mix of psych and folk with great lyricism. I need to cop this album.

Satisfying fun indie rock but doesn't really do much notable or special for me.

2009 best year for indie rock. I've listened to some Wild beasts but never a full album I don't believe. I really enjoyed this. Dude has a killer falsetto and there's a nice variety of instrumentals.

I liked this album when I was younger but it's definitely aged a bit poorly.

Classic chamber pop album. Love the vocals and pretty instrumentals.

Definitely needed to be in 1001 Albums with the amount of influence this album has had on punk rock. Also it slays.

This is a kick ass jazz album. His connection to Fela Kuti is fascinating as well. Weirdly it reminds me of SimCity 3000 music a bit!

Ugh again?

I’m not super well-versed in rockabilly but I liked this one quite a bit. I dig the cover too.

Definitely a deserved classic of the 2010s. Powerful and catchy album with an absolutely STACKED set of collaborators.

I love me some 70s prog. This album has some high highs and some low lows. Not my favorite Genesis album but when it hits it hits hard

The bongos are a fun gimmick for a song or two but get tiring. I could see myself throwing a song from this into a playlist easily but I'm not sure how much I would want to listen to the entire album.

Classic in the post-punk goth genre. Tough to listen to given the circumstances around its release but it's so powerful at the same time.

Interesting to see another of their early albums here. I don't give these enough listens honestly. This album is just full of classic songs.

I love new wave. It definitely feels dated but I can’t help but still dig it. This album is one of the better ones

Still just as hype as the first time I heard it. Amazing beats and amazing raps. Definitely a classic.

An interesting mix of genres and styles here. I really haven't given Elvis Costello as much of a chance as I should've. This album is fun and consistently upbeat even when it gets a bit more edge on some songs.

Very 80s. I'd heard Take on Me of course but nothing else to my knowledge. Definitely sounds like the Take on Me band.

Not the strongest album of theirs in my opinion. Definitely miss the edge of their earlier stuff

I’m often not a huge fan of typical singer-songwriter albums like this but Fiona just has such a powerful voice and creative and lush instrumentation that I can’t help but love it. Absolute classic album totally worthy of being here.

S tier Bowie album. One of the GOATs

More subdued than most of her work in a way that complements it well. I tend to overlook this album compared to her more bombastic ones but I'm really appreciating her work crafting the beats and melodies here.

Classic thrash album. Thrash is one of if not my favorite metal genre. I don't like Megadeth as much as the other 3 of the big 4 but this album still slays.

An absolute classic rock album in the vein of The Beatles. Dig the lyricism and the instrumentation. '69 was such a great year for music.

Love me some Neil Young. It's fun to hear more electric performances like this even if I prefer the more chill typical versions.

I haven't given Willie enough listens. I really dug the sparse instrumentation and lyricism here. The closing track in particular was simply gorgeous sounding.

Sounds a lot like discount Depeche Mode. Not bad but I don't know why I'd listen to this when I could just listen to Depeche Mode.

Classic album. I need some Talking Heads vinyl stat. I love the guitar work in particular.

Generic boring butt rock. Dave should've stuck to drumming, he was good at that.

Solid production and guitarwork. Alison is a fantastic song. Could use a bit more to help it stand out though.

I never knew how much I'd love funk until 1001 albums so I'm grateful for that. I really dig how comparatively dark and contemplative this album is to the other funk I've heard too. Adding it to the "need on vinyl" list.

Insanely powerful and dense album. I get chills at the line in Girl Loves Me when he says "Where the fuck did Monday go?" I know he couldn't have known when he wrote that lyric but he died on a Sunday so he literally didn't experience that Monday.

I'm confused how a 2021 album is even on this list? I think if I'd heard it elsewhere I may have even liked this, but seeing it here puts higher expectations on it that this just doesn't deliver. To be canonized that quickly, an album would have to be something truly groundbreaking. This is not that. It isn't bad either though.

Tom Petty is one of the greatest. I think some of the later heartbreakers stuff beats this album but it still rocks.

Such a classic, hard hitting 90s sound. Feels very emblematic of its era without feeling dated. The vocals are just sex.

I can't really say anything new about Hendrix's guitar playing and how important and influential it was. This album is an inarguable inclusion in this book. That said, it's clearly a 60s album from the aggressive abuse of stereo panning throughout.

Fun poppy psych music but only barely hints at the potential of what was to come. As far as PF releases go this one isn't nearly as essential in my opinion.

Definitely the most important hip-hop album of the 21st century so far in my opinion. Musically, it's incredible with gorgeous, jazzy, varied production. Lyrically it's Kendrick's peak which is saying something considering how consistent he is. The recurring poem to Tupac ties it together perfectly.

First of all, that name is incredible. This is really great though. I dig the mix of country and rock. The vocal harmonies are incredible especially on headphones and the mix is really well done.

Absolute classic of hip-hop. I have so many nostalgic memories tied to this album. The sampling game here is just unparalleled.

Another really cool funk album I hadn't heard before this project. I love the folksier sound mixed in here and the use of drum machines.

Straight classic in the rap genre. Biting, intense lyricism and amazing crisp production and beats.

Definitely feels very 90s R&B but it's a bit less hokey than most of that so I can enjoy it some more. The funk elements also add to it.

ATCQ never miss. I dig their later stuff a bit more but this album still rules.

Kind of boring hard rock. Doesn’t do much for me unfortunately.

Pretty sick rap album. Great, gritty beats and intense stylistic rapping. I dig it.

One of those albums where I can 100% see why it's on here for historical significance. It's not a bad album by any stretch but it's also not terribly interesting in a "Seinfeld is unfunny" kind of way.

Definitely a classic musician I haven't given enough attention. Scott has a killer voice and the string accompaniments here are absolutely stunning.

Pretty decent punk album if nothing particularly spectacular. I dig the trumpet flourishes. The book makes it sound like removing the "soothing woodwind and strings replacing the silence between tracks" was an improvement but to me that sounds like it would've been a much cooler album.

Killer funky afrobeat album with a powerful antimilitaristic message on top. Definitely a classic worthy of this project.

There's a reason why Sinatra is synonymous with having a gorgeous voice. Dude can sing. Swing isn't my normal style but I have to say this album is really amazing.

Not quite as strong as some of Smith's other work but still Elliot Smith so it's good shit. Eases a bit away from the sadness.

Love this album. While Bowie's weirder and less accessible work will always be my favorite, this album just has such a great fun funky sound. Can't help but jam out to it. Bowie is a musical chameleon.

One of the defining releases in ambient music (one of my favorite genres). This album is beautiful and interesting, while also being able to fade completely into the background - exactly as Eno intended.

Hard rock isn't really my thing at all so this doesn't do a ton for me but I will say that I found it less unpleasant than I expected. The joke about asking if girls want a little Irish in them was gross though.

Absolute classic 90s alt album. Lyrically deep and musically dense. I love how layered it is. You can really hear the MBV influence.

I can see how this led to Afro Beat Sound System. I think the fusion there was more successfully realized but this is still entertaining.

The Bowie influence here is immediately apparent and gives this album such a cool feel. Also I love hearing the drum beat I know from Closer on Nightclubbing.

I'm not very well-versed in disco but I'm digging this album. Amazing vocal performances and the instrumentals are incredibly layered and catchy.

Stone cold classic album. You can hear the influence in so many other albums. I'm a huge sucker for dream pop and this is just one of the titans of the genre.

Gorgeous and uplifting album. Every piece of it really fits so well together.

His vocal range and ability to jump around is seriously impressive. The instrumentation does a lot to compliment it too. Soul isn't my area of expertise but I dig this.

Like most people, I mostly know The La's from soundtracks. I will say though that this album is pretty catchy in general and the production is on point. Very full and crisp.

I love post-punk and appreciate the influence this album/band had but as a listening experience it's a bit grating.

I’m generally anti-classic rock but this album slays.

Very pleasant. She definitely has a fantastic voice. The instrumentation plays a suitable compliment without taking away the focus from her voice.

I’m not a big Americana guy but this album is fun enough. I can understand the significance even if it isn’t 100% for me.

While I prefer their earlier, more sample-focused work, this album still absolutely slaps. Beastie Boys are remarkably consistent.

Never been a huge Kravitz fan but giving this album a solid listen I can definitely appreciate it. It doesn't do anything crazy groundbreaking or anything but it's a solid set of funk rock.

One of The Black Keys' best albums for sure. This album is just wall to wall killer rock. I love it.

I've heard singles from Jamiroquai but never an entire album. The vibe is definitely similar throughout though. The unique instrumental flourishes like the didgeridoo really add to it.

Eels are a classic 90s alt band but also do just enough to push beyond the genre to set them apart. Big fan.

Cool to see the proto-Chicago house AND proto-hip hop here all mixed together. This album rules. Definitely a bit dated feeling but in a "Seinfeld is unfunny" way to a degree.

Not really my general area of expertise but I really dug this. It was catchy and upbeat and didn't edge too far into the more obnoxious elements of a lot of Latin music I've heard.

Elvis is another one I haven't given a focused listen to beyond what you get via general cultural osmosis but you know, I really dig this actually. Beyond the massive impact he had on rock music, these songs are just great to listen to.

She has a nice voice and the instrumentation is fine but I feel like there are better albums in the same vein that I would generally rather listen to.

He has a great voice. It's interesting hearing this early bridge between R&B and Soul. Definitely a foundational record worthy of being included here.

Doesn't really do much for me. 70s singer-songwriter pop just is never going to be my thing I think sadly.

I'm a sucker for a good '90s alt/pop album and this one hits all the right notes for sure. Really fun. I'm surprised I haven't listened to her more.

Spector really killed it with the production here (har har). I'm not really a Christmas music person but as far as that goes these are good renditions in my opinion.

Killer 90s alt with gorgeous lilting vocals. Love it.

Bjork's solo stuff would definitely go on to exceed this band but there's still a lot to enjoy here. It's a bit dated feeling but very fun and energetic.

Not my favorite 90s grunge band but this album has some great guitarwork and powerful vocals.

It's fine. Just doesn't really evoke any reactions in me. Meat and potatoes classic rock.

Really fun and catchy 80s synthpop. I need to get more Pet Shop Boys on wax.

I'm a bigger fan of Dylan's earlier works but this one is still really great. The production is stellar and it has some fantastic storytelling.

The GOAT

Killer mix of noise and pop music. It's wild hearing the influence of this album on such a diverse range of later music too.

Such a cool mix of poppy and experimental. I've always meant to give Faust a proper listen and I'm happy I have. Definitely need to seek out more of their stuff.

Absolute titan of the genre. Stone cold classic.

I've never heard of him before but this album really spoke to me. He has a gorgeous voice and the instrumentation here is lush and beautiful. The lyrics are the kind of wry, witty observational humor that I love too.

I'm already in a bad mood today and the idea of listening to this fascist wax on about his moronic ideals or listen to the dumbest fucking rhyme I've ever heard in my life (Frankly, Mr. Shankly) fills me with the white hot anger of a thousand suns.

Thriller's all killer no filler

Objectively there's nothing wrong with this album but Irish folk punk is just entirely something I don't have interest in. I feel like it would work well in a very specific scene in a movie or something and that's about it.

Killer prog rock with sci-fi lyrics? That’s my shit.

Country + classic rock is just a recipe for me to hate an album. I've never enjoyed them at all unfortunately.

I love Gil Scott-Heron but haven't listened to this one. It's fantastic though. The piano playing is incredibly beautiful and really complements his voice. Another for the vinyl list!

I've tried so hard to appreciate Frank's music since he's so beloved but I just don't get the appeal. It's... fine. Just doesn't really do much for me.

This is fine. Not really sure what I think of it. I don't love or hate much in particular. It's tough to separate it from my general expectations of what I want from Eno, which is more his later ambient work. The second half edges closer to this territory and therefore becomes a bit more exciting to me.

I love LCD Soundsystem but this is an odd choice to include in 1001 albums. I'd place any of their other albums above it. It's still a good album but nowhere near their peak. I'd argue it's the only one NOT justified in being here.

I want to punch Bono in his stupid little face

I'm not convinced that Travis really does anything noteworthy enough to elevate them above their peers to the point of being included in this list, but I will say that I enjoyed this more than I expected based on my prior experience with them. The songs here are very pleasant if somewhat meat and potatoes alt-rock.

Killer dancey electronic album. Love the intro and Impact in particular. This list desperately needs more electronic music but I'm happy that this is included at least.

Some of the best songs in Steely Dan's catalogue, but also some pretty weak ones. This album is frustratingly inconsistent. Still overall enjoyable though.

I'm a casual ska fan. Definitely like this album and appreciate its history in the genre. Not my favorite but we wouldn't have ska as we know it without it.

Incredible folk. This album gets slept on unfairly compared to Pink Moon. 1969 is really one of the best years in music history to me.

I dig his voice and guitar work but the 80s production really detracts from hit in my opinion. It does make me want to check out some of his earlier work though.

Never heard of this before or really heard anything like it. It's really fascinating. An odd mix of industrial and marching music or something. I'm digging it though.

I've never listened to The Jam before but I really dig this! I can see the influence it had on other albums I enjoy. The songs here hit a great mix of catchy and punk.

It’s tough to get into 50s era rock for me just because of how upbeat and simple it is but obviously that doesn’t take away from the influence it had, viewing at in context of when it released. This album is fun even if it’s not something I’d listen to a lot.

Fun if inconsequential sounding album. Britpop is a pretty middling genre in general in my opinion and this isn't doing much to change my mind but it's entertaining enough.

Such an experimental, awesome album that really provided a groundwork for so much music that I love. I think it might be my favorite VU album.

Fucking love Chemical Brothers. One of the first bands I ever really fell in love with and they still have a special place in my heart. While I think they got even better than this debut, it's still absolutely killer.

Fun and kitschy album. Definitely very front-heavy. Rock Lobster is obviously just an absolute classic.

As far as britpop goes, Blur is probably the peak for me. Generally speaking it's a genre I don't connect with but these Blur albums are definitely catchy and well-produced.

Such a fantastic album. It's funny that this is our 1001 albums of the day, on the same day when Godspeed You! Black Emperor's famous lost album officially released. Love both of them.

Music my mom would listen to. There's nothing objectively wrong with it really it's just so decidedly not my thing.

Love this album. Lightning Bolt are one of the best live bands I've ever seen. Complete chaos. This is probably their best album too.

Their later stuff is so much more inventive and exciting that it's tough to objectively listen to this album for me. It's fun though and showcases their strong songwriting fundamentals that would continue on their career.

It's genuinely offensive that this is included on this list.

I've never heard of them before but I really dug this! It's a fascinating mix of folk and psych. I can really see the influence. Definitely going to keep an eye out for the vinyl.

Decent enough punk album but it doesn't really do anything particularly notable or exciting for me.

This album is incredibly pretentious without the chops to back it up. I just think about how she acted like she invented the idea of a surprise drop... the same year that Bowie and MBV did it.

I love this album. So dancey and infectious. New York I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down is truly an all-time classic track.

Classic psych rock that feels timeless. Sunshine of Your Love is just an all-time great song. Clapton is a major POS but his guitarwork here is legendary.

I enjoy The Beach Boys but don't think I've ever listened to this one. I dug it a lot though. The cover art is fantastic and quite different for them. The psych pop elements are really great.

Fun if dated sounding house album. Not sure how much I would listen to it but I enjoyed it.

The studio experimentation here rivals Sgt. Pepper for how inventive and game-changing it was. While I don't think the songs themselves are quite on the level of Are You Experienced, it's still an incredible album worth listening to.

She had a fantastic voice and I can definitely appreciate this album even if it isn't really my thing. She was definitely talented as hell and gone too soon.

These guys really manufactured some of the best punk in history, and their influence on the genre can't be overstated.

Never listened to them before. This is really weird and fun. I dig it! No idea what's going on half the time but in an entertaining way.

Really great jazz-funk. That title track in particular is a real journey.

90s pop r&b just really isn’t good

Such a nostalgic album for me. My dad played them a ton as I was growing up. Still rips to this day.

Blur really benefited from moving away from britpop a bit in my opinion. This album takes that aspect and mixes it with more indie rock and alternative stylings to create something much better.

Classic grunge album. Definitely super nostalgic to me. Black Hole Sun is just an absolute classic. The album maybe could've done with a bit of trimming down though if I'm being honest.

I can respect Cash's work and this album but it isn't really my thing at all. His voice is overdone and his guitarwork isn't terribly memorable. The prison gimmick definitely adds to this live album though I will say.

I really like his voice, and the instrumentation here is honestly really great too. Fantastic, clear production. It's maybe not the most unique or original sound but it's executed incredibly well.

Enjoyable soul album. Maybe not something I'd come back to a ton but I'd never complain if it was on. Feels kinda dated.

KILLER album. Insanely influential on hip-hop as a genre and it's just full of jams. I love the minimalist beats.

Pleasant music that doesn't do a lot for me personally. Just not my thing really but that's ok!

Half the albums I love probably wouldn't exist without this album. Even setting that aside, it just rocks.

Really gorgeous, sparse production and vocals. I can see why this was commissioned to showcase sound systems. I definitely dig it.

More gold from The Beach Boys. I like the two halves approach of the album.

You can't listen to this without bobbing (pun intended) your head along. Gorgeous, catchy production and infectious lyrics.

Definitely one of the best solo Wu-Tang albums. I'm not huge on gangsta rap but this album is one of the ones I like more than most. Some amazing beats and raps that flow perfectly with them.

Cool guitar effects and very dub influenced style. Feels kind of like world music-influenced pop.

Love punk and adding keys is great. This album is a lot of fun. Lyrically though it's definitely a bit uncomfortable at times, not in a cool punk way sadly.

It's almost impossible to follow up an album like Thriller but I think Jackson did an admirable job at it. I don't like Bad quite as much but it's still a great album.

Not a huge Zeppelin fan and if I'm going to listen to them it will generally be the earlier ones. This... sure is more Zeppelin.

I dig it. Great performances all around. Listening to Clapton feels kind of gross at this point but if I set that aside this is a great blues rock album.

Classic grime album. I haven't listened to this in a hot minute but it's so nostalgic for me.

Listen... I know that they're Slipknot but I can't help but think that this shit fucking rocks. It makes me want to punch boulders and chug mountain dew.

Not as into this as their more experimental stuff like Aja but it's still catchy and pleasant.

A completely deserved classic. I know it’s trendy to say you like their other stuff better but in my eyes this is Nirvana’s peak.

I just like later Streely Dan better than their early stuff. It’s fun enough though.

Great lyricism and playing as usual for Bob Dylan. Fantastic album.

Southern rock isn't my main interest by any stretch but CCR are one of the greats and a go to if I'm feeling the genre. This album is a fantastic example.

Great album as always by Fiona. I think the hype over it is slightly overblown and partially just a reevaluation of her legacy in general. This isn’t my favorite album of hers but a middling Fiona Apple album is still better than 99% of the music out there.

Killer gothic rock. This album is just wall to wall filled with jams and killer songwriting.

Not really my thing personally if I'm being honest but I can still definitely respect her vocal talents and the songwriting quality of this album. I don't know if I'd seek it out but I wouldn't complain if it was on.

Bland, meat and potatoes classic rock. Uninteresting if inoffensive.

Classic post-rock album. The amount of electronic elements really sets them apart too.

Better than most classic rock for me. More Than a Feeling is a certified bop.

Another killer album from Cohen. He's remarkably consistent.

Love her voice. I've been a fan for a long time and this aughts-era indie will always have a soft spot in my heart.

Digging the triphop beats here. Very funky. Lyrically it can be a bit on the nose sometimes but overall a really cool release.

Certainly more unique and interesting than most of her work that I'm familiar with but this kind of poppy singer-songwriter stuff still just mostly isn't for me.

Dire Straits are a band I’ve somehow escaped listening to really but this album is pretty enjoyable and very well-produced.

Love Massive Attack and their massive influence on music. This album basically created trip hop. On top of that, it just plain slaps.

Fela is a god. This album is killer. Another I'll need to pick up on vinyl.

The two sides of this album are very distinct but I dig both. His piano playing really shines on the back half. The mix is somewhat subpar but otherwise this is really enjoyable.

Holy panning, Batman. It's so strong on a lot of these 60s albums that it hurts my head. That aside, I dig the music a lot. I swapped to a mono version and it let me appreciate it much more.

Love 80s new wave but somehow I've never really given Eurythmics albums a dedicated listen. This album is pretty fun. The title track is obviously a total classic.

You can hear the seeds of what's to come on this album but it definitely feels like a band still searching for their sound to me. Enjoyable but a bit more forgettable than their later stuff.

It's fine. Upbeat and pleasant. Manufactured or not, the songs are just very simplistic when viewed from a 21st century perspective. I can appreciate them contextually but I'm not sure how much I'd listen to them on my own.

Southern rock generally isn't my vibe but even I've gotta admit that this album is chock full of great riffs.

I love this album. I think it feels very much like classic rock in the vein of Springsteen, but mixes in enough modern indie rock influences to keep it interesting for me.

I like this one more than Folsom at least. He's dialed down his over the top voice a bit and the instrumentation is a bit more energetic and exciting. Still isn't my thing terribly but I won't complain about it being on.

Reggae is definitely a genre I need to explore more. I really dig this album though. The instrumentation is catchy and the lyrics are poignant and deep.

I haven't heard a ton of big band stuff but among the stuff I've heard this is one of the cooler ones. Makes me want to explore more for sure. The cover is striking too and very different than what I'd expect from a big band album, or any 50s album really.

Classic punk. Short, fast, and angry. What more could you want?

I find The Police enjoyable if somewhat unremarkable. I enjoyed this album but I don't think I would ever really deliberately seek it out either. I can appreciate that it takes some risks though for such a mainstream group.

Definitely a must-own record for any collection and a seminal record in the jazz genre.

Memes aside, Wonderwall only got so overplayed because of how damn good it is. The rest of the album is no slouch either. Truly THE britpop album.

Springsteen is basically the antithesis to what I want out of music. "Heartland rock" sums up the sound perfectly and why I'm not a fan. I can't stand the heartland of this country.

Moog-filled classical/prog what's not to love?

Eminem's beats and rapping ability are impeccable here. It really holds up. Lyrically though damn this has NOT aged well. Truly from a different time.

Fairly safe and stuck in its influences. This album is pretty and pleasant but doesn't really jump out to me much.

Pretty consistently filled with hits. I'm rarely in the mood for Zeppelin but if I am this is one I'll go for often.

Interesting and certainly something I wouldn't have listened to otherwise. It's just tough for me to engage without a lot of added context that I don't have. It's enjoyable though.

Some decently entertaining stuff here but overall this album feels very dated and doesn't bring nearly enough to the table to justify its long runtime. Not to mention the heaps of casual misogyny.

Such a cool mix of influences. I love the Indian elements combined with the chill downtempo vibes.

Bit too hair metal for me. Needs to be a bit heavier. I can appreciate the musicianship though.

Gorgeous vocals and piano as usual from Nina. She’s just fantastic.

While I appreciate their later, more experimental work more, this album still absolutely slaps. It's more straight to the point punk which has its own place. Lyrically it's on point.

One of my favorite Takling Heads releases. I definitely think this is the album where they truly came into their own. It's darker and more experimental than their earlier stuff, while retaining the pop sensibilities. Eno's production is fabulous as well.

Such a nostalgic album for me. I think it's aged a lot better than many of their nu metal peers. I love how they integrated funk in a really fresh way.

Classic rap and probably 2Pac's peak. Mixing his style with G-funk works so well.

2009 best year in indie don't @ me! This is my favorite YYY album and an absolute classic of indie rock. It makes me really happy to see it included here.

Great trip-hop. This album does enough to separate itself from Massive Attack while still clearly building off of Tricky's work with them.

Lovely off-kilter indie rock from the pre-Funeral era. Brings me back to a time alongside Elephant 6 that I have a lot of nostalgia for.

While I generally prefer the work that came after this, so many of those seeds were sown with this album. Tom's unique voice really shows here.

Really great stripped down folk with powerful lyricism and vocals. I like this a lot more than her more heavily produced stuff.

Thundercat is a master bassist and this album definitely showcases that. I think Drunk is a little more scattered and less focused than his first two albums but it's still really good.

You know I've never really sought out Pearl Jam or considered myself a fan at all but listening to this album I realize how much of it I've absorbed via cultural osmosis and just how much nostalgia I have for it. These are some absolutely killer grunge songs that still hold up today.

I'm down for heavy/experimental music but grindcore just isn't my brand I guess. The gutteral vocals don't work for me and the instrumentation feels a bit too focused on sheer technicality without consideration for how it actually sounds. I realize the irony of saying that as a big math rock fan too!

Cabaret country? It's certainly interesting but a combination of two things I'm not terribly favorable on is a tough sell.

Weaker than their debut or their classic followup Mezzanine but still a solid album. Massive Attack are always a good vibe.

Revolver? I barely know her! 5 stars for both this album and that joke. Both classics.

Kinda boring 60s pop that very occasionally pushes its boundaries towards something interesting for a brief moment.

Even as I come over to country a tiny bit, I think pop r&b will remain a genre I just have zero interest in unfortunately. This just does nothing for me.

Metallica was my first favorite band as a kid and will always hold a special place in my heart because of it. I'd personally put Ride the Lightning above this album but both are unimpeachable classics.

Some of my favorite bands consider Pixies a massive influence so I really don't listen to them as much as I should. This album absolutely rips. Where Is My Mind? is obviously a bonafide classic in particular.

It's fine. Roots rock isn't really my thing so it doesn't do a lot for me but it's not unpleasant either. Some nice guitar playing on it.

Absolute classic. Love Neil Young and this album has some of his biggest hits, including my favorite NY song (Old Man).

Tough to even find new things to say about Pink Floyd. This album is a classic and definitely one of the best concept albums of all time.

I'm a very casual reggae fan but this is fine if somewhat middling. Hits a variety of styles but nice and upbeat and chill throughout.

Love Wilco and this album is considered their magnum opus for good reason. It's truly iconic. One of the first country-ish albums I ever connected with so it'll always have a special place in my heart.

Really awesome African blues. I'm digging it a lot. I'm surprised this is the first I've heard of it.

It's fine. Doesn't really do a ton for me but it's pleasant and has some good musicianship. I like the less southern-influenced parts the best honestly.

90s hip-hop is just such a vibe. I've gotta be in the mood but when I am nothing else scratches the itch. Lyrically I'm kind of lukewarm on this album by and large but his flow and the beats are on point.

Duran Duran is one of those bands I always enjoy when they're on but haven't really sat down and listened to much. This album is really great though. Catchy, and 80s feeling but in a way that doesn't feel overly dated.

Killer garage rock. The Hives are really slept on.

While I tend to prefer the older folkier Neil Young, this album is pretty rad. I love how much room to breathe they give the songs. Very jammy.

Depeche Mode are one of the first bands I ever truly loved so I’ll always tell them. Personally I think Black Celebration edges this out (and it’s CRIMINALLY not on this list) but Violator is a close runner-up.

Fun simple lo-fi indie rock. You can definitely hear the Dinosaur Jr. influence but it does enough to separate itself as its own thing.

Love the atmospheric sound here and Dylan's aged voice has such a powerful gruffness that I really enjoy. Lyrically it's some of his finer work as well.

I haven't seen the movie but I really ought to. This soundtrack really works on its own though. Fantastic, experimental soul.

Not as strong as their first two albums in my eyes but still solid. Definitely the beginning of their downhill trajectory though unfortunately.

Not as strong as their first two albums in my eyes but still solid. Definitely the beginning of their downhill trajectory though unfortunately.

I think that Demon Days and Plastic Beach took what this album did and perfected it so a part of me thinks they should be included instead, but I also understand that maybe the s/t was included because it was first and therefore had the impact of being the album that introduced Gorillaz. It's still a killer album and Clint Eastwood is undoubtedly a classic track.

I'm not sure about how "essential" this album is but it is quite fun. Very jammy and grooving and catchy. Definitely something I'd listen to again.

AC/DC are basically the epitome of the style of boring classic rock that I just can't get behind no matter how much people hype it up. The lyrics are trite and the songwriting is too straightforward. Some of the guitar tones and soloing are nice though I will admit.

Never really listened to them but I've seen this infamous cover. It's pretty enjoyable. Catchy with nice riffs and some great arrangements.

Grunge always goes down well

Never really listened to them but I've seen this infamous cover. It's pretty enjoyable. Catchy with nice riffs and some great arrangements.

Love this album. The lyrics are really powerful and her arrangements are absolutely gorgeous. One of PJ Harvey's best works in my eyes.

Classic album that still sounds fresh today. You can hear their influence on so much of my favorite music.

The Stones just do nothing for me. It's fine. Not offensive or anything. I wouldn't outright complain if it came on. Just doesn't evoke any reaction in me at all really.

Love her voice and the stuff I've heard from her in movies, on the radio, etc but I don't think I've ever sat down and listened to an Aretha album straight through. This is some fantastic soul. She deserves her status 100%.

Pretty fun pop rock with some gorgeous production. I dig it! Doesn't do anything super groundbreaking but it's catchy af.

Really dig the combination of their sounds here. Bossa Nova fits well with Sinatra's voice.

Probably the best Megadeth album. I'd still put on Slayer or Metallica and probably Anthrax over it but it hits hard.

Pleasant but unremarkable to me. Honestly that's how I feel about almost all britpop. It's so... inoffensive. Wish it had some more bite. The lyricism has some solid highlights though.

I've heard of them but I'm not sure if I've ever actually listened before. I'm enjoying it. Very DIY feeling and loose but with some cool lyrics. Reminds me of a more palatable Captain Beefheart.

Pretty much what I think of when I think of funk. This album somehow feels retro and futuristic at the same time in the best way. Love it.

A little on the poppier side than I generally like my prog but still really fantastic stuff. Great melodies and production.

Love Cohen and mixing his style with this VERY 80s vibe is honestly a match made in heaven. Great stuff that somehow doesn't feel dated while still feeling very of its time.

Stone cold classic. I don't know what to even say about this album. One of the greats.

Pretty wild that this came out in '68. I can hear a lot of sounds that wouldn't be prevalent for years afterwards. This is a really cool mix of psych rock, proto-metal and blues. Dig it!

I've just never really been able to get into 50 Cent, in spite of digging a lot of his peers. Some of Dre's production on here is pretty good though I will say. I'm happy I gave it another go.

It's tough to follow up an album as popular as Nevermind, but in my opinion Nirvana really did it with this album. It's a different, punkier direction but it hits hard.

Not 100% convinced that this album is noteworthy enough to deserve a spot on this list, but I won't lie it's very nostalgic for me and has some absolute rippers. Can't help but move around to it.

Kinda boring classic rock. Just doesn't really do much for me at all. It's inoffensive though.

Love QOTSA. Although I think they got even better later on, this is still a really great collection of desert rock.

The beats on this album are so chill and funky and smooth. I love it. Common's vocals complement them amazingly with conscientious lyrics. I need to listen to him more.

Textbook definition of 'cool'. An absolute classic.

Such an incredible debut. Love her voice and the instrumentation complements it perfectly. Soulful and still bombastic.

Not much of a britpop guy but I enjoyed this album. Nice guitar tone and melodies and solid lyricism. I'd listen again.

Killer album. I love Bruford's work here and in King Crimson. Progggggg

I don't think I've heard of them before this but it's enjoyable. Very 80s pop. Gives me Steely Dan vibes.

Interesting early post-punk. Vocals are a bit grating if I'm being honest but I enjoy the themes of the album.

Love Sly. Great funk. This one is a bit more pop-oriented than There's a Riot Goin' On but still really solid.

Truly iconic album. Probably the "prettiest" Radiohead album and my second favorite behind Kid A. The PWYW structure was also groundbreaking and influential.

Upbeat, jazzy hip hop with some great instrumentation and production. I like it.

Classic prog weirdness. Love this album.

What a wild mix of bossa nova, electronic and jazz. His life story seems really interesting too, although tragic. I'm happy I learned about this.

Fine just kinda boring classic rock. Instrumentally it's enjoyable. The lyrics are pretty trite though.

Her music isn't really my thing but DAMN does she have pipes. What a gorgeous voice.

I casually enjoy LDR but hadn't listened to this one yet. It's pretty solid. I still think that adding an album to this list a year after release is ridiculous though. It's simply too soon to call it an album you MUST hear before you die. Viewing it through that lens is less favorable unfortunately.

Really pretty chamber pop arrangements. Lyrically it's a bit trite but it's bearable.

Coldplay are underrated honestly. This album is really great. Beats britpop for sure.

I've heard a lot of her songs through the radio and whatnot but don't think I've ever sat down and listened to an entire project. I really dig it. Great beats from Timbaland and her flow and lyrics are mostly on point. Minus some gross casual racism on the first track at least.

I like this a bit more than their self-titled I think. It has a bit more of the psychedelic edge to it that offsets the Americana aspect which I'm not quite as into. Fun album.

Middle school me's favorite album and still one I return to all the time. I have a lot of issues with Metallica as people but the music still slaps (at least until the later stuff).

Classic punk rock but with a bit more sheen and production to it which I love.

Straight fire and more relevant than ever. Fuck any nazis that think they have a right to listen to this. Learn to read.

I wish I knew more about salsa so I could appreciate what makes this album in particular special in the genre. I do really like it though!

Gorgeous and haunting at the same time. I need to get some of their stuff on wax for sure.

Simple catchy melodic punk. Not reinventing the wheel but it's still a fun listen.

One of those albums that 100% deserves every bit of praise it's gotten. Catchy, bombastic beats. Socially conscious and powerful lyrics. Incredibly flow and lyricism. Fuck tha police.

This is the type of album I love discovering through 1001 Albums. I don't think I ever would've listened to it otherwise, but I'm really enjoying it. It's fun, catchy and upbeat with more varied and interesting instrumentation than a lot of early '60s music I've heard.

The better of the two Coldplay albums in this list imo. Funny to get them two weeks in a row. Viva La Vida is their best to me but this one is really solid too.

Not quite as into this as A Girl Called Dusty but still pretty solid. Edges a bit closer to rock and loses some of that upbeat pop fun.

Good fun punk. Not mind blowing for me but it does what it does well. Plus I like the punny title!

The mid-late aughts are the absolute peak of the indie rock genre in my eyes, and this album is a perfect example. Gorgeous harmonies and guitar playing. White Winter Hymnal is one of my favorite songs of all time.

Folk rock with jazz influence? Sign me up for that! Love the mix of styles here and his lyricism seems fantastic. I should dig in more.

Love Prince and this album is one of his best. It's all over the place while still sounding cohesive. Somehow simultaneously minimalist and lush. And above all else, funky as fuck.

My favorite Queen album and I fucking love Queen.

Well at least this one doesn't have the pedophile song? Musically it's decent, albeit not my thing. I just dislike them as people too much and don't have the attachment to it musically to get over that. The lyrics are also really uninteresting to me.

Definitely varied and interesting. I dig the dub influence across it.

Definitely varied and interesting. I dig the dub influence across it.

The mid-late aughts were the absolute peak of indie rock and this album is a perfect example. A TITAN of the genre. So much instrumental variety but all so beautiful with witty, deep lyrics throughout.

Never listened to them before but I really enjoy this! Pretty wild that this came out in 1965. I can hear early elements of metal, punk and psych rock already seeping into this. Especially impressive coming from the dorks on the cover!

Abuser, pass.

I'm a casual fan but this is really good. Very beautiful and upbeat but still with some melancholy to it.

Somehow I never got into Badly Drawn Boy in spite of being into a lot of similar bands but I'm listening now and really enjoying it. I just love aughts era indie.

Love this. Soulful jazz with a focus on organ is something I didn't know I needed so much.

Disco is another genre I am very unfamiliar with outside of what you just get from cultural osmosis. I'm quite enjoying this though. It's upbeat and danceable (the best parts about disco music) without being overly corny like a lot of it is.

Arcade Fire are titans of the indie rock genre and this album really showcases that. Probably the last time I came close to giving a shit about the Grammys too.

One of Bowie's most famous albums and for good reason. Just killler from front to back.

This kind of early 60s rock and roll just doesn't do anything for me really. I appreciate the cultural significance but I wouldn't ever seek out listening to it.

This kind of early 60s rock and roll just doesn't do anything for me really. I appreciate the cultural significance but I wouldn't ever seek out listening to it.

Really pretty harmonies and great songwriting. I hate that cover though!

Really interesting eclectic mix of styles. I didn't realize that this was Paul Weller of The Jam before. I definitely like some tracks more than others but overall a cool listen.

Fun dumb rock. Not really worth being a \"must hear\" album to me but it's enjoyable. Kinda cringey sometimes though.

Politically-charged proto-noise? Sign me up. This fucks.

Honestly more fun than I really give them credit for. Some goofy moments but overall it's very enjoyable metal. Their drummer is basic af though.

This album fucks. Super tight, funky drums and bass and still-relevant leftist subject matter.

Very much feels true to the punk ethos - disruptive and forward thinking with strong simple riffs. A bit more theatrical than most though.

I absolutely adore this album. Such a cool mix of 60s pop with trip hop and dub influences. The Neil Young cover is next level too.

Another band I've listened to just incidentally but never really sat down and focused on an album from but it's really great. Breaks out of the traditional soul formula and does a lot of cool progressive stuff with it.

The GOAT

All the makings of a classic. Fresh, subversive and catchy while still having some edge. Love this album.

Not their best but certainly a solid entry in their catalogue. I think they were still finding their footing here but you can already see the makings of a classic band.

You know I've honestly never really listened to them outside of Smoke on the Water but this rocks. Super jammy and creative.

I don't think I've ever listened to them before but this really checks the boxes on 80s post-punk for me. Cool angular guitars, laconic vocals and tight rhythm. It's a bit funky too!

Love his voice and the gorgeous, melancholy instrumentation here. It's cool to hear a vaguely conceptual album from the 50s, which seems incredibly uncommon. Love it.

A solid album from Dylan but not one of my favorites. I think he's still learning what to do with electric instrumentation here in a way that's better executed later on. Some solid songwriting still though.

Love this album. So catchy and melodic while still being weird and interesting. You can hear their influence on so many other albums I love too.

This is the album that got me into music. Still one of my favorites of all time.

Wow this is super cool. Psychedelic, almost medieval sounding folk full of funky time signatures. '69 really was possibly the best year in music history.

Not quite as interesting as some of their earlier releases to me personally. It's a little safer and happier sounding without that haunting edge that I adore. Still some solid guitarwork and vocal melodies though.

Not doing it for me as much as the other one honestly. Just a bit safer and less exciting. Still got a few solid tracks on it.

Saw these guys opening for Death Grips and it was the cringiest shit, and that was at a Death Grips concert. Just seems like something I would've loved in elementary school if I was a bit older (not a compliment).

Learning about the historical influence of this was interesting, and I can imagine how shocking it was in 1962 to hear this mix. Obviously it sounds much more passe in 2022 in a "Seinfeld is unfunny" kind of way but I can appreciate it.

Country just isn't a genre I have much familiarity or interest in, but this one is alright. It overemphasizes the accent a bit which always grates me (whether that's fair or not). I enjoy the lyrics and guitar playing though.

Not sure why but Elton John has just never clicked for me like other similar artists have. I really tried again with this one but for some reason I'm just not into it. The reggae song is truly atrocious though I will say.

Another band I haven't really given the focus to that I think I should have so this was a really cool listen. I haven't seen the movie but even just as an album it works pretty well. Very melancholy and ambient. The pitch-shifted spoken word bits don't really fit when listening to it as an album though.

Certainly interesting but I'm not sure it's something I'd really listen to much. I feel like the Paul Simon influence is noticeable. Seems a bit like Americanized African music which seems almost vaguely exploitative at this point?

10/10 genre defining classic. I can’t say much that hasn’t already been said but this album still floors me today like it did when I first heard it. This is THE shoegaze album.

Solid folk rock with some great guitar playing. Doesn't really do anything mindblowing to me though honestly. A Sailor's Life is cool just because of how long it is.

Amazing album. I love how dark and psychologically brooding it is. Definitely need to get the vinyl. Never mind I actually just bought it ope.

While I love how The Cure mixed darkness and brightness on their later albums, this album is a great look at their unadulterated dark side. Pounding drums and base and screeching guitars abound.

So cool and unique. I can definitely see how a lot of artists I dig would have taken inspiration from this. I'm a sucker for spoken word pieces so this is right up my alley on that front. I also like the mix of rock and orchestral elements.

Two albums for this band seems excessive to me. They're fun and upbeat but nothing to really write home about to me.

Nah I'm good. Dude's a creep.

T.Rex knows how to make an infectious tune. Love the guitar tone here too. They had a big impact on a lot of music I love and for good reason.

American Pie (the song) slaps but I don't think I've heard anything else from him. While that song is obviously tough to beat with how epic, insightful and gorgeous it is, the rest of the album is really great too. He has a fantastic voice and his lyrics are really poignant.

I've definitely heard of them and probably even heard some songs, but somehow Suede is a band I haven't really paid much attention to, possibly due to the britpop tag which is a genre I typically dislike. This is really great though. Theatrical and brooding, killer guitar and vocals. Good shit

All of the Wu-Tang releases around the 36 Chambers era are just straight fire but this one might be my favorite solo release from that period. All killer no filler. Great beats, fantastic samples and biting lyricism.

Best riot grrrl album of all time in my opinion. Every song on this album absolutely rips, and it has a ton of variety and weirdness that keeps it fresh like dog bark samples, pitch shifting, explosions, etc. It has it all.

I won't lie - I went into this fully expecting to be disinterested at best but I actually enjoyed it. Not something I will necessarily revisit often but it was a fun listen. She has a really great voice. Some of the production has that 80s dated feel but some of it is also really fun and creative.

Such a great mix of punk and new wave that keeps some of the rawness and edge of punk but mixes it with a poppy sheen. Just makes me wanna jam.

Bit all over the place honestly. It has some catchy tracks though. Overall not as huge on it as a lot of people seem to be.

It's neat that black metal the genre is named after this album. I never knew that. I dig this more than I expected after seeing the cover. I'm hit or miss on metal but this one is a pretty decentmix of proto-black metal and thrash. I know it's intentional but the lyrics are a bit on the nose and basic though.

This album is weird as hell. Just a total mishmash of random styles and crazy guest features. I can definitely see what David Lynch was saying about how cinematic it is. Lots of trip hop and jazz influence. I think I need more listens to really decide my feelings but as of now I think I'm a fan.

What can I say, I love post-punk. The guitars here are next level, and Siouxsie's vocals are simply mindblowing. Well deserved to be on this list.

At the time I think I thought I was too cool for The Killers but in retrospect this is an absolutely FIRE album. Just bangers from start to end and I have a ton of nostalgia for it.

The trip hop influenced instrumentation here is really cool actually. I'm just not a huge fan of the very poppy vocals and her lyrics. Also this album did NOT need to be over an hour long.

I'd heard The Humpty Dance but I don't think anything else. That song is still an absolute classic. The rest of the album is pretty great too. Very fun rap in that classic 90s style.

Love me some house music. This album has a really great flow from beginning to end and some great guest features. Pretty sick.

This is really great. I love the group vocals and the slick mix of bubblegum pop with new wave/punk.

Shit commodification of the indie rock and folk I really love, turning it into bland soulless corporate schlock. I hope she gets the masters for this taken away too.

Enjoyable late 70s punk with a slight experimental edge. I like it. Not blowing me away but I think it might be a "Seinfeld is unfunny" situation.

I think this might be the first french rap album I've ever heard? I need to explore more now most definitely. Love the jazzy beats and his flow is impeccable even if I can't understand the lyrics.

More great guitar playing and lovely vocals from Nick Drake. I think I prefer his sadder stuff than this though but even still it's enjoyable.

Pop country is one of the things I hate most in the world. This album at least incorporates some interesting other elements like synths and vocoders but it's not enough to make it palatable to me.

The dead are hella nostalgic for me because my dad played them a ton while I was growing up. For whatever reason I never really pursued them as an adult but I've always wanted to change that. Maybe this is a sign that I should? This album is great but I’d rather listen to their live stuff.

The cliche bedroom music album for a reason. This album is just so damn sexy. Funky and soulful to the max.

Very dated sounding. It's fun and upbeat and she has a good voice but not really my thing.

I've heard of them a lot but never really given them a shot before. This is really cool. You can definitely hear the 60s influence but it does enough to stand out as its own thing and give a modernized (for the time) sound.

Simultaneously energetic and sad. Great guitar work here as well. One of the better NY albums in my opinion.

Haven't really listened to much Traffic but I enjoy the mix of folk and prog. Some nice flutes throughout as well. It feels a bit slight for a prog album to me though.

Where to even start. This album is just pure jazz insanity. I'm a sucker for stuff that plays with atonality and this has that in spades. It's so bold and aggressive, right down to the cover and title. One of those albums that just feels like a STATEMENT.

I'm an easy sell for 60s psychedelia, what can I say. I dig the folk elements here but mixing them with the psych rock really elevates it for me. Grace Slick's vocals are gorgeous here as well.

Not really an Elton John fan but as far as his stuff goes this one is decent. Not really my style at all but I wouldn't complain about it being on.

Black Celebration is better and I absolutely resent the shade the book throws at it, but this album still absolutely rules. Depeche Mode was one of the first bands I ever loved and I still can't get enough.

I'm completely unfamiliar with Brazillian pop music but this is really fantastic. Just super fun to listen to, great melodies and instrumentation, and a pleasant voice. Really glad to have discovered this here.

Love Eno. This album is so fun and weird. You can really tell it's him just letting loose and seeing what happens. That playfulness translates into some absolute bops.

Love Outkast but as an actual Outkast album I think this falls through. I appreciate the attempt to keep the group together in spite of their diverging musical interests, but I don't think it works a cohesive project. Treating it as 2 independent albums though, they both rule. I particularly enjoy The Love Below but both are great and super experimental. Hey Ya is obviously just a stone cold classic.

The Fall are another band I've meant to dig into further so I'm happy it's here. These are some fun, lo-fi post-punk jams. Very much in my wheelhouse. I can see how much a lot of bands I love were probably influenced by them.

Aughts-era indie rock is my kryptonite. Can't get enough. This is really cool, it takes the best elements of britpop but mixes them with some indie rock stylings to downplay the obnoxious elements. I'm shocked I've never listened to them before. THE CRIMSON INTERPOLATION THOUGH. Hell yes!

This album is a bit less over the top than Thriller while still being creative and catchy.

Incredible album. The beats are bombastic and catchy, the samples are expertly used, and Biggie has absolutely impeccable flow. I love how narrative his lyrics are too. RIP king.

Classic of the IDM genre. Personally I'd put Geogaddi above it but they're both fantastic. This album is such a vibe.

I'm a bit hit or miss on older British punk but Dead Kennedys are one of the good ones. Instrumentally complex enough to remain interesting and catchy, witty, politically savage lyrics.

Really fun and playful hip-hop. The beats are jazzy and funky too. Just an enjoyable listen all around.

Instrumentally, this sounds like Pretty Hate Machine-era Nine Inch Nails mixed with the Myst soundtrack. I love that. I think I've finally determined that the reason I can't get into her music is the vocals though. I just don't like her singing at ALL.

Instrumentally, this sounds like Pretty Hate Machine-era Nine Inch Nails mixed with the Myst soundtrack. I love that. I think I've finally determined that the reason I can't get into her music is the vocals though. I just don't like her singing at ALL.

Jazzy upbeat prog from one of my favorite years in music? Sign me up. This just makes me want to get up and boogie.

This album sounds exactly like the cover looks - corny and cringey. So 80s in the worst way. Not my thing at ALL. Even the book seems so mid about it!

One of my favorite albums. I'm a sucker for a good rock opera, and 1969 just contained some of the most killer music ever.

This album just bangs man. It's impossible to not get hyped up while listening to it. I practically wore the CD of this OUT in high school.

Definitely a little too country for me, but I really appreciate the powerful lyrics and she has a gorgeous voice.

What can I say, aughts-era indie rock and ESPECIALLY 2009 is my trap card. This album is a stone cold classic in my books. Two Weeks is a top track of all time.

I'm a casual fan but I dig Wilco from what I've heard. This isn't the strongest album of theirs that I've listened to but I enjoyed it. It covers quite a bit of range over the course of the 2 discs with some nice varied instrumentation.

SAULT have quickly become one of the most exciting bands around to me. This one has some of their best tracks too. Straight fire.

I've always had a soft spot for the Chili Peppers in spite of being something I'd usually have disdain for. This album is just really gorgeous melodically, especially Kiedes's vocals.

So boring. This is the exact kind of "classic" rock that I just don't get the appeal of at ALL.

Classic album. SOOO many of my favorite bands owe so much to this band. I can't help but love it.

It's tough to get into 50s stuff for me just because it's SO dated from a modern ear. As far as that goes though this is really entertaining. The hilarious cover art really captures the vibe of the album - playful, humorous and upbeat.

Honestly haven't given ZZ Top much though but this is better than I gave them credit for. Still not really my thing but I appreciate the experimentation with synth and the tight drumming and great guitarwork.

Trash.

One of my favorite albums from the 2000s. This record is funky, danceable, and consistently interesting. The use of glitches is just impeccable. It's a shame they could never quite recapture the magic but this (and the live album) will always be there.

This is really wild. Not something I can see myself listening to regularly but I dig it. Super chaotic and punky which is an interesting take on jazz that I haven't really delved into much. I love the drumming in particular.

Love what I've heard from Zappa (admittedly not enough). This album is wild and weird and eclectic but all across it you can hear the creativity and social commentary.

90s grunge/hard rock stuff generally bores me and this isn't really doing much to change that. It's fine and occasionally even goes as far as interesting but doesn't really wow me at all.

Dancing Queen is a bop. I can handle a song or two of ABBA but a whole album is a bit like the musical equivalent of eating a pound of cotton candy. It's too much. Definitely a singles band for me, and even that I can mostly take or leave.

I went in expecting to dislike this but found it shockingly pleasant. He has a good voice and there's enough variety in style and instrumentation here to keep it interesting. I'm not sure how often I'd seek this out but I wouldn't complain about it being on for sure.

Amazing album and honestly it has shockingly little filler considering it's 100+ minutes long but still... 100 minutes is too long too long to hold my attention. That's my only real complaint though. Otherwise it's such a fantastic listen. Maybe just best in 2 sittings.

Really cool mix of New Orleans R&B and psych rock. I'm surprised I've never listened to this, it's definitely the type of thing I enjoy.

I've always been weirdly mid on Beck considering how much he checks the boxes for something I'd like. This definitely feels in line with the better stuff like Odelay but still just not exceptionally exciting to me.

Absolute titan of 90s alt rock. This album has so many bangers, it would be almost any other band's greatest hits album.

No.

Pretty solid as far as the 1230656 Costello albums on this list go. I'd honestly probably dig him if it weren't for the fact that the authors of this book clearly have a hard on for him to a ridiculous degree.

Another really cool Stevie Wonder album. I love the striking cover and this album hits a lot of sounds while still feeling very cohesive.

I've heard the name but honestly somehow I don't think I've ever listened. I don't know what I expected them to sound like but it wasn't this. Pretty cool, sounds almost emo. I should explore more.

A little too country for me, especially in the vocals department. It's fun and lighthearted though. The track with Natalie Merchant singing is gorgeous.

I'm always down for more 60s psych rock. Never listened to these guys before but they do that style really well. Cool album. Their story is also very interesting.

Way too country for me and I really hate how a lot of these older country albums are just credited to the performer but most of the songs were written by other people. That should auto-disqualify an album from here in my opinion.

One of my favorite indie rock albums of all time. 2009 the GOAT year. The guitar and vocal harmonies on this one are chef’s kiss.

Lmao I thought glam metal died in the 80s. Why is this unoriginal parody crap on this list? It was awful then and it's even more awful now.

I'm hit or miss on some of his albums with Crazy Horse but this one is great. Just solid rock and roll with Neil Young's trademark vocals. Can't argue with that.

You can sense the tension between the competing directions of each band member here, and yet somehow it all coalesces into a killer, cohesive album nonetheless. Really gorgeous and psychedelic in a way that only late 60s albums are.

I've heard the cheeky name before, but I don't think I've ever actually listened to them. I'm kind of kicking myself now though because this is fantastic. I love post-punk and this is just a fantastic example of it. I'll definitely have to explore more.

10/10 groundbreaking classic album.

I'm a bigger fan of the more longform, experimental stuff his father does, but Femi does a great job here in channeling his energy while doing his own thing and creating more catchy, digestible songs.

I dig a lot of Simon & Garfunkel stuff but his solo stuff is a bit weaker to me. Just a bit all over the place and often too saccharine for me. Still lots of great moments and songwriting in this though.

A classic in every sense of the word. Moving, haunting, beautiful. Running Up That Hill is also one of the most coverable songs in my opinion. Her rendition is incredible but there's also so many other killer ones out there.

I'm just coming to accept that singer-songwriters aren't really my thing. This is decent enough. I dig her voice and there are some solid lyrics but it doesn't really evoke much strong feeling in me unfortunately.

I'm a very casual fan of Cheap Trick but this live album really showcases what made them special. Super high energy and equal parts catchy and noisy. So many bops.

I'm a very casual fan of Cheap Trick but this live album really showcases what made them special. Super high energy and equal parts catchy and noisy. So many bops.

I'm a very casual fan of Cheap Trick but this live album really showcases what made them special. Super high energy and equal parts catchy and noisy. So many bops.

Such a killer album. This is probably my second favorite from them after Boxer, which shockingly isn't on this list. It's worth it for Bloodbuzz Ohio alone though, but I'm biased.

Classic. This album really hits the high notes of Eno's earlier more rock-based stuff, while still integrating plenty of the more ambitious electronic/ambient material that I'm particularly fond of.

Why is everything form 1969 so good? Even pop like this which wouldn't typically be in my wheelhouse just hits differently. Some gorgeous harmonies here.

Just too country for me. I wish I could get more into it. Plus I blame them for helping birth country rock which has now turned into the worst music around today.

A little too theatrical for the metal I prefer but it's still pretty fun. Lots of quirky instrumentation and catchy lyrics.

Snoooooooore. I will never get the appeal of Springsteen. Jerking off about heartland America. Boring and lame.

She's another name I've always heard, and I've heard some songs on the radio and whatnot, but I've never really sat down and actively listened to. This album's pretty good though. She's got some pipes.

Ok as far as Springsteen goes this one is pretty decent. The more stripped down sound works a lot better and comes off a lot less fake-sounding. His voice is more subdued and there's some great guitar work here.

Never heard of this but I really dig it. Definitely reminds me of a lot of the europop/electronic stuff I listen to and I dig it. Very upbeat and dancey and catchy.

I love seeing something more unique like this coming out of the 50s here, since most of them are somewhat what you'd expect from that time period. This is a really cool mix of Cuban sounds with big beat. The cover is striking too.

This is great. His voice is really interesting and emotive, and his guitarwork is phenomenal and super forward-thinking for having come out in 65. I can hear influence from him on a lot of modern stuff I listen to.

I'm a sucker for albums that integrate the music into the theme of the album, so the title track here is right in my wheelhouse. You really get the vibe of driving down the highway out of it. The rest of the album feels less essential but still cool with lots of interesting synth work.

An absolute masterpiece performance. Honestly might be Nirvana's seminal work.

Love The Who and though I think Tommy vastly eclipses this album due to the overarching concept, the songs here are super solid and stand up on their own.

70s soft rock isn't really my wheelhouse so I'm not sure how much I will return to this, but it is cool as far as that goes. I like the psychedelic elements.

Wow this is really rad. The lyrics are witty and referential, and instrumentally it's catchy as heck. If britpop was more like this I would've definitely been a fan.

A classic album for sure. Riders on the Storm is just an S tier song but the rest holds up amazingly too.

What a voice. I never got into her while she was alive, but after her death I started exploring her discography and wow I really wish I'd appreciated her more. Such a fun, eclectic mix of styles.

Love female-fronted alt rock with some bite. It's not nearly common enough for my tastes. This is a super solid example of it. She has a great voice.

Her album with The Velvet Underground is iconic but I haven't listened to much outside of that. I should fix that because this is really great. Her voice is gorgeous and the orchestral instrumentation is epic and hauntingly beautiful.

The GOAT.

I don't believe I've ever listened to this outside of Hallelujah (which is amazing) but wow the whole album is really great. He had such a powerful voice and presence. It's a shame thinking of what could've been.

Kinda feels like knockoff Queen tbh. It's fun though. The falsetto thing is a bit much for me personally but I can see the appeal.

I think I would look at this album more favorably if it hadn't come directly between Kid A/Amnesiac and In Rainbows. It just feels like a step backwards from either direction. The political themes don't help either, because they feel very dated by now. Myxomatosis is incredible though.

Produced by a guy who worked on Sgt Pepper and cited as the main influence for Tommy? That alone would interest me, but this album is just fantastic on its own. Psychedelic and catchy AND a rock opera. I love it. The stereo panning is a bit much at many points so I definitely prefer mono but that's my only real complaint.

Very 80s in both good and bad ways. The subject matter is sappy but not in a way that gets too grating. The instrumentation is super snappy and tight though. Lots of amazing studio flourishes that really pop and some KILLER bass.

I'm generally not into southern rock but I can't deny that these guys rock in the classical sense of the word. Love the extended jams here and the slide guitar.

I can mess with this. Alt-country is about the only country I generally dig and this is a good early example of it. You can tell that they're coming at it from a punk side which I really like. Thematically it's interesting too.

Moving in the direction of Sailor's Life (the best song on their previous album) was a good call, because overall I like this a lot more. The vocals are really gorgeous and the instrumentation is much more interesting and varied.

Interesting mix of world styles. Very chill. Definitely something I would've smoked hookah to in college. It feels VERY 90s though, for better or worse.

Love D&B. I'm happy to see some representation of non-rock music in this list for once. This album rules, there's a reason it's one of the seminal albums of the genre.

This is the kind of country I can fuck with. Her vocals are GORGEOUS and the minimal, chill instrumentation fits them perfectly, allowing them to breathe but still maintaining interest.

Zappa is one of the GOATs. This album is much more palatable than a lot of his stuff which is nice for when you just want to vibe, compared to his headier material. I'm also always into albums that push recording technology and techniques forward, like this one did with its use of 16 track recording.

Some really cool songs here but I definitely see where the consensus of it being uneven come from. It's a bit all over the place. The guitar work is really solid though.

Tom Sawyer is just an absolute classic song. The rest of the album is no slouch either though. I love the expanded instrumental palate of this album vs their earlier stuff.

Very interesting and playful. I enjoy the backstory of the album and can really see it reflected in the sound. I'm not sure it's something I'd seek out often but it's a really unique vibe that I can definitely see myself returning to someday.

Cool experimental folk stuff. Doesn't blow my mind or anything but I enjoy it.

I prefer Los Angeles but these first 2 albums are both really good even if nothing else afterwards lived up to them. Such a fun mix of punk, rockabilly and more.

I can appreciate the talent involved and the place in music history, but I just have a really hard time enjoying '50s music because it sounds so dated at this point. There's some really great musicianship here though and the story of the '99 reissue is quite interesting.

I'm generally not into southern rock but this album I can fw. They mix in a lot of influences that really diversify it, with lyrics that sometimes touch of the typical southern rock cliches, but often transcend them. And Free Bird... memes aside it's just an insanely epic song. Loved it in Guitar Hero too lol

Some cool early noise elements here which I dig. The rockabilly aspects aren't my thing as much. Not my go to brand of punk but I can respect it.

Bowie just rules. This is another absolute classic from him. More intense and rock focused than a lot of his material which I dig.

In spite of listening to tons of stuff in this realm, I've somehow escaped ever listening to White Denim. I really dig it though. Indie rock with a lot of psychedelic influences with some gorgeous production. I'd honestly say that the instrumental parts are my favorite, but the vocals aren't bad either.

I've heard her collaborations with The Chemical Brothers but never listened to her own music. Some really great production and instrumentation here, and she has a great voice. It gets a bit hokey for me at times but overall I enjoyed it.

Bit too generic "rock" for me but it's not offensive or anything. Just very vanilla. I bet they would put on a good show though.

GOATED. Next question.

Very ambient and chill but still super jammy. I can definitely see how much this influenced post-rock down the line. I need to listen to more Can.

Maybe you just had to be there but I just can't stand hair metal. So lame and cheesy.

Honestly really fantastic. I've always written them off a bit as too boomer-y, mostly because of their fanbase I think but there's a ton of cool stuff on here. Really varied while still feeling cohesive.

Slaps so hard. Hardcore is my favorite subgenre of punk, and this album is an iconic example of it. Mixing in the reggae/funk elements adds so much to it.

Cool mix of 60's blues and British rock. I miss the psychedelic aspects but this is still really cool. Has a nice variety of sounds.

Very unfamiliar territory for me but I dig it. The drums and rhythm in particular are fantastic.

I'm not really crazy about disco in general, but as far as disco goes this is pretty good. It leans less on the cheese which really helps it.

An alternative hip hop classic. The beats are consistently spectacular and lend a really cohesive vibe to the whole album. The vocals are gorgeous and thematic throughout. Just straight fire.

He absolutely butchered Hurt.

One of the most gorgeous slices of psychedelic pop ever put to wax. The vocals and harmonies in particular are just beautiful. Brief Candles is an S tier track

Hugely influential and for good reason. This album really set the stage for music of the 70s. On its own it's a really great release too. Lovely harmonies and guitar playing. My biggest complaint is the absolutely abysmal stereo panning. Oh and fuck David Crosby.

Iconic. Definitely an album that everyone interested in hip-hop should know just for its place in the genre's history if nothing else. It's just a fun listen even setting that aside though. A bit dated sounding but way less than you'd think for something over 40 years old.

Hair metal is so lame and cringe. Just don't see the appeal at all.

I like the more varied instrumentation on this release. It's definitely a bit headier than a lot of their stuff. I find just including songs from a soundtrack on your separate album a bit weird though.

Including this album but not Pure Heroine is pure insanity. That album was amazing, and beyond that it was SUPER influential. By comparison, Melodrama is just a generic pop album. It's fine, but not anything noteworthy.

Synthpop classic. This album came out right before I graduated college and is one of the albums I most strongly associate with that transitional period of my life. It’s a shame they just couldn’t ever live up to it again though.

Thankfully this wasn't J Cole like I first thought. Love me some good house music. This one is a bit funkier than most that I've listened to which is a cool different vibe.

A lot of early proto-punk stuff is a bit rough for my liking, but MC5 were able to mix it with enough other elements and really make some awesome stuff. They sound unhinged here, and it's definitely loose but somehow it feels like controlled chaos.

While I may prefer the more conceptual, heady Who of Tommy, I can't deny that this song is just bop after bop. It's still loosely conceptual while making the focus on catchy pop songs.

Very interesting, especially when comparing it to Happy Sad. I like this one more for sure. The funk/r&b elements add a lot and there's a good amount of variety here.

A bit corny and 80s as expected but the songwriting here is strong. I enjoyed it more than I expected.

The fact that the band all learned how to play their instruments for this album is truly impressive. It does show in the sense that some of it is fairly basic but I can't fault them for that. It's a pleasant listen as well, although somewhat unremarkable in my eyes.

Legit classic, and super important too for its impact on music history. Trip-hop wouldn’t be trip-hop without Portishead.

Bigot.

Classic 90s hip-hop. The beats are killer and while Ice Cube's lyrics have aged a bit poorly on some occasions, the flow is impeccable. It Was a Good Day is just flawless.

Definitely one of if not THE weirdest album in this list. It's intentionally difficult, and I totally get why someone would absolutely hate it. However, the songwriting is truly next level and this album has definitely gone on to massively influence music. I real iconic album.

Oh boy britpop but poppier. That'll fix it.

I'm not really a big supergroup guy for the most part. There's some really solid songs here but it just feels a bit too disjointed for me and lacks that clear artistic vision of a single voice. Still an enjoyable listen though.

Solid stuff. There's a bit more variety here than I typically associate with him. Not exactly my thing but I can get behind it.

Such a great album. I love Dan the Automator's production and Kool Keith's weird off-kilter lyrics. It gets a bit juvenile at points though I will say. I've always felt like this was a sister album to Deltron 3030.

Fun college rock. It's nothing really insanely notable so it's a bit confusing to me why it's on this list but I do enjoy it quite a bit.

Bowie just rules. This album is fantastic. I love the dark instrumentals. Very brooding. You can really feel Eno's influence here.

Very interesting album. Instrumentally it's a mix of jazz and lounge rock but then throwing rap on top of it really makes for a weird combination that works way better than it should. Sounds very New York for sure.

Can’t say much about this that hasn’t already been said 1000 times. A true classic in every sense.

50's country... not really my bag. It seems good for what it is though. The harmonies are nice. I just can't really connect with it.

I prefer their stuff that came right after this but you can really hear the template for it here, and the transition from their earlier material. Definitely a solid album.

So happy to see some ska representation on this list. This album is super cool. It definitely has a lot of ska, but also ventures far into a lot of other territory. I dig how dark it is too. Definitely something I need to pick up on wax eventually.

I've heard so much about GBV but haven't listened much at all. I can really see the appeal after hearing this though. The songs are stripped to the absolute bare minimum - no studio embellishments, not one second of padding or note that isn't strictly necessary. Just catchy, lofi hooks. I dig it.

I've never been able to get into these guys in spite of trying many times. Too britpop-y for my tastes. It's nothing unbearable but also nothing really gripping to me. It's way too long too.

Love house music so much. I remember hearing some of these back when it dropped but I just wasn't ready for it at the time. Really enjoyed revisiting it though .What an upbeat, catchy album.

Ugh. I looooooved this album. Musically I still think it's absolutely on point. I just can't with Kanye any more though. Fascist pig. Sucks.

Honestly I dig this a lot more than I anticipated. Some really fantastic guitar playing and the vocals are catchy and bluesy. I'd definitely listen again.

Boring classic rock without even the classic aspect? I've never even heard of them. I am ready for the boomers to go away so music like this is forgotten.

IDM with deep themes? That's like catnip to me. Love this so much.

Once again a thoroughly decent album that somehow ended up on a list of the best albums ever. Also he drops a hard R which uhhhhh I get the context but Iunno about that one still...

There's a reason they're called Yes - because YES I love this band. They do prog like no one else really does it. Super unique with more classic rock influence. The harmonies are amazing as well.

Holy shit this is freaking gorgeous. The synths are so freaking lush. I needed this in my life.

I've always thought that this album was overrated. I think I can appreciate it more now than I have in the past, but my qualms are still there. It's mostly the mixing. The drums just sound so tiny and everything bleeds together. It really kills the impact of the album. Attempting to ignore that, the songwriting is really solid though. Catchy, clever and tight pop rock. I get the appeal, I just wish it was that tiny bit better.

Always happy to see some electronic stuff here. Underworld are fantastic. Intelligent proggy stuff that knows how to use ambient sections to make the heavy parts hit harder.

This album is just gorgeous. I’m not an expert on soul by any stretch but this one just makes you feel things. Always into a good concept album as well.

I've always thought these guys were comically overrated, even before the whole Sex on Fire thing. They just do nothing interesting, and the dude's over the top accent is so grating.

Love Public Enemy. This album is so raw and heavy. More intense and immediate feeling than some of their stuff which I love.

I've listened to some of The Fall's music but not enough. This album is really great. I love the off kilter guitars and organs, and Mark E Smith's rambling, interesting vocals are so good. You can hear their influence in so much of the post-punk I listen to.

Very 80s. I can see how people would've dug it at the time but it's just aged really poorly, and without the nostalgia connection it isn't really my thing. Dude has a good voice though.

Ugh nope too cliche country for me. Less than a minute in and he was already talking about his truck.

Funny to have another country album right in a row, but with such a stark difference in quality. THIS is the country I can fw. Her voice is fantastic and the lyrics touch on some familiar country cliches, but in a way that isn't cheesy and grating.

One of the titans of dream pop. This album is simply gorgeous, psychedelic and warm while also evoking a sense of mystery and melancholy.

Some really great tracks on here, alongside some confusingly odd missteps. It's a bit scattershot but there is a lot to enjoy.

This album is wild. Few albums described as "world" music really feel like they incorporate a lot of the world, but this one really does. Plus it's just catchy as heck. Underappreciated album for sure. Paper Planes is obviously just a banger and a half in particular.

Doesn't really do much for me to be honest. It's a solid but unremarkable bit of rock. I just don't click with britpop I think.

Memes aside, the title track honestly slaps. The rest of the album is honestly similarly great. Hits a good balance between dark and brooding, but still upbeat and catchy.

I like their more experimental stuff like Trout Mask more, but this is still really fun 60s music. Beefheart's voice is fantastic.

Never listened to him before but the name sounds familiar. This is really sick though. The description says folk but this is really almost proggy. Lots of jazz, psych, and rock influence too. I'm a big fan of the mix of influences here.

Another one of those bands that have gone on to influence a large portion of the music I now listen to. I love how upbeat and playful this album is. The electronica elements are also really great.

Including this but not Iowa is criminal. This album is still solid though. Slipknot gets a bad wrap honestly. They rock.

Never listened to them before but the name sounds vaguely familiar. I really enjoyed this. It touches on a lot of genres I like, like indie rock, electropop, etc. It's a bit wordy and intellectual but without sacrificing pop catchiness. Definitely going to listen to them more.

Such a fantastic complement to Tommy, which is one of my favorite albums ever. They're absolutely shredding on this album. I love all the jamming.

Classic release of the jungle genre, so this 100% deserves to be here. It does occasionally feel a bit dated but most of it still hits as hard now as ever.

I've always felt like I should like her stuff more than I do. On paper it has a lot that I like, and some of the producers connected with it I really love. Somehow though, I just don't connect too much with it. It is technically super impressive and I do enjoy listening to it, I just don't find myself wanting to go back much.

I grew up with a deadhead for a dad (not a euphemism to be clear) so I've always had them around but rarely actively explored myself. I've been meaning to though so this was a great album to pop up here. I really dug it too. The jams are just awesome.

I lack the context to really fully appreciate this I think, but as a complete novice it was fun to listen to. Maybe I'll give the movie a watch sometime!

SO GOOD. Honestly might be my favorite post-Beatles solo album. There's just an insane amount of amazing, creative songs here. It's super long but never feels overstuffed.

Definitely some nostalgia involved but the first few Eminem albums just hit so hard. From a technical perspective, he's one of the best rappers in the game in my opinion. I also really appreciate how he helped normalize white rappers. Some parts of this are definitely 90s edgy and have aged really poorly but I can still appreciate it as a product of its time.

I like that it inspired the cover for London Calling! It's not bad at all. Not my thing but it's enjoyable.

I've heard a bit of his stuff but not really explored too much. This is really great though. It's pleasant and relaxing but without being too laconic or boring. Super comforting somehow. I absolutely adore the cover as well.

Please no more britpop, I can only take so much. Morning Glory is really all I need as far as Oasis goes, and even that I could take or leave.

Great album. I'm a sucker for a good concept album and this one definitely nails it. The instrumentals provide a nice contrast to the main vocal-centric tracks. Lots of super interesting music going on and I love the imagery in the lyrics.

YES this album just kills from front to back. So many of their most iconic songs and zero filler. Love it.

I love New Wave so I was bound to enjoy this. The use of actual drums really helps this album, and the bass and guitar parts both jump out as particularly fantastic as well. I can definitely see the influence this album had.

Actually really enjoyable. I won't lie, when I saw the title I assumed I'd 100% hate it but I found this really pleasant. I think my issue with most country comes down to the vocals/lyrics. He approaches the edge for me at some points, but mostly sticks to vocals that I don't mind.

Rapist

Not my usual vibe at all but honestly I can dig it. The production is super clean for an album from 1960 (even considering the fact that I listened to a remastered version). Love Hurts is a classic song.

100% classic. This album is the exact kind that should be on here. It's both amazing to listen to, and hugely influential. It's a shame how far downhill Jay has gone but this album is proof of how great he could be.

Really great folk rock. The cover is absolutely striking. It hits a nice mix of melancholy and beauty. It didn't blow me away or anything but I enjoyed it.

Blech Clapton. Trite and boring and an awful person on top of it all.

Another great album from Pet Shop Boys. I've really appreciated diving into them over the course of this book. This one seems a bit more lyrically focused which I dig.

Classic album that's both amazing to listen to and hugely influential, aka the exact thing that should be on this list. The way they integrated house and rock was revolutionary and works so well.

Possibly the greatest album to come out of the aughts era NYC scene. This album absolutely rips!

Another S tier album from Radiohead. Kid A is my favorite album from them but this one is such a great compliment to it.

I love how freaking weird this album is. It doesn't always work but I appreciate how daring it is even when it doesn't. Some real hits here too though that somehow are still very catchy and poppy while maintaining that offbeat insanity.

Always exciting to see something that I know is going to be very new to me here. I really like his guitar playing. It's very intricate but simultaneously pleasant. It's neat to hear the mix of blues with African music.

Always down for some more house music. This one is fun, although it definitely feels a bit dated and 80s.

Enjoyable modern RnB album. It suffers from the same issue that a lot of the recent additions to this list do - I just don't think there's been enough time to really codify this into the music canon. Time will tell.

Maybe my favorite Gabriel solo album. It hits the exact right mix of his ear for poppy catchiness with his experimentation. So many fantastic sounds on this album.

Really great example of krautrock, which is a genre I really dig. I can hear their influence all over the place. Love the guitar here especially, it's so angular and funky.

Love this album and Nick Cave. I still think albums this recent shouldn't be included here though. Setting that aside, this album is so gorgeous and haunting. One of his better albums for sure.

This is the kind of drum & bass I love. Thoughtful, emotive and melancholy almost but still driving and upbeat. So many bangers across this mix.

It's just never going to be my thing honestly, but I don't hate it either. The production is cool honestly.

Killer album. It simply rocks, but they also hit a pretty wide variety of influences and styles within the framework of alternative. The production elevates it as well.

Wow I'm not sure how I've never heard of these guys. Reminds me heavily of stuff like The Unicorns and of Montreal which is my JAM. This is super funky and fun. I want the vinyl.

Not sure what I was expecting from the cover and title but it definitely wasn't country. It's interesting though. On the best tracks, it mixes in enough pop sensibilities to keep me interested.

Hmm not sure about this one. It's weird but I'm not sure in a good way? It just seems like a smorgasbord of random influences without its own voice. It's not bad or anything, I'm just not really getting the point of it.

Absolutely gorgeous album. This is the one that got me into Beach House. Unfortunately, they were the absolute worst live band I have ever seen. That's definitely colored my perception of them unfortunately. In spite of that, I still really appreciate this album.

This album goes so freaking hard. The strings add so much to their songs and make them even more epic. One of my favorite live albums ever.

Well it's certainly interesting. Definitely out of my comfort zone. Her voice is really powerful. The instrumentation feels a bit empty and flat but works for accentuating her vocals.

Like the other 500 Elvis Costello albums on this list, it's plenty enjoyable. Just not something you "must hear" at all to me. It's fairly standard, if well-made, pop rock.

No.

I'm a newbie with Indian classical music, but I love what I've heard so far. This album is absolutely gorgeous.

I love me a good 2000s era chamber pop album. I somehow never got into him like I did several of his contemporaries, but this album is really great. Lots of lush arrangements and beautiful songwriting.

Iconic album. I love big beat and Fatboy Slim is one of the greats of the genre. Few people have so perfectly mastered the art of riding the line between humorous and heartfelt as well as he has. On top of that, the songs are just bops.

It’s fine honestly. Overhated at this point just because it got so undeservedly popular. Nothing spectacular but also nothing terrible.

Thelonious Monk is fantastic. This album feels so ahead of it's time for coming out in the 1950s. Love the sax work on it in particular.

Really interesting. I like the mixing in of Indian influences into a pop rock album. Very funky and dancey. I love the eclectic mix of sounds.

Love this album and band in general. They really expanded their sound a lot with this album. You can hear the influence of Jamie xx’s solo project quite a bit. Definitely won me back after their lackluster second album. That said, I still think albums this recent should be excluded. I don’t think this album has really had the influence or cultural impact to justify its inclusion here.

I've somehow never really listened to her before but this album is fantastic. It's got such an edge to it. You can really feel how hungry she is to earn back her acclaim, and apparently it worked. Why'd Ya Do It is insane.

Very "80s solo album". It's not bad. A lot of enjoyable melodies and catchy lyrics. Doesn't really blow me away or anything.

Goated. This album just slays from front to back. Funky, visceral jams.

I'll never complain about some more late 60's psychedelia. I like the dichotomy of the two sides - the first half is lots of rocking psych songs, but then it gets super weird and trippy on the back half with the spoken word bits and wild imagery. Really neat.

Bossa Nova just isn't really my thing I think, but I can respect this album regardless. The guitar playing is impeccable and the vocals are lush and calming.

The shoegaze GOATs. Honestly this album may even beat out Loveless for me. I can’t believe it really happened still.

Interesting and playful pop music. This definitely feels like something that would be on Eno's label, and that's a compliment. I like how tough to describe or pin down this music is. It really feels otherworldly.

I can't blame them for britpop even if I should. This album is legitimately great. It's not whiny and painfully whitebread like the britpop that followed. There's an edge to it that keeps it interesting.

It'll always be tough to beat Joy Division for me, but damn if this album doesn't absolutely slay. The beats here are simply infectious. You can really hear how creatively revitalized they were.

Really solid country-tinged folk. I can definitely see the Dylan comparisons. Ultimately I think I'd rather be listening to him instead though to be honest.

Always happy for more Bowie. This album is another great one from him, especially as a comeback album. I love the art rock vibes.

Not something I'd seek out probably but I found it more enjoyable than I anticipated. Lots of great guitar licks in particular.

Too long for a pop album in my opinion. The amount of variety is impressive though. Many of the tracks are very catchy and feature some cool eclectic production.

A masterpiece of modern soul music. The instrumentals are gorgeous and funky, and her vocals evoke so much emotion..

One of my favorite albums of all time. Every song on here is just an absolute banger, and there’s an exceptional amount of variety too. Such an underrated band.

Boo.

One of the genres I've discovered the most interest in through this project is soul music. This album is another fantastic example. I love his falsetto voice and the incredibly funky guitar here. Killer album.

I think this Brazilian bossa nova/funk style just isn't for me. I can respect it though. There's some fun funky guitar and rhythm here. I could see it being a fun background for a party.

Jazzy prog? Wow I have been sleeping on these guys. I know some of Robert Wyatt's solo stuff but somehow haven't ever explored Soft Machine. I clearly have work to do!

Not a huge Steely Dan guy but this album slays. So chill and yet funky at the same time, and just insanely gorgeous production.

I like this more than the other bossa nova stuff I've heard here. Her vocals are definitely the part that sets it apart for me. They're so laid back but pretty. Instrumentally it still doesn't blow me away, but the increased focus on vocals makes that less of an issue for me.

Very iconic space rock. I love how it's designed to be one continuous piece. Some parts work better than others for me but overall it's a really fun listen.

As far as glam rock goes it's alright but it's just a genre I will never respect or appreciate I think.

Some fun funky instrumentals, but sometimes they get a bit too 80s cheese for me. The vocals I just dislike unfortunately. They're whispery and whiny at once somehow.

You know, I've somehow never thought of The Police as new wave, but they really are aren't they? It makes me see them in a bit of a new light. I really ought to listen to them more, I never remember how much I enjoy them until I do. This album is quite fun and has some of their great songs.

Pretty solid. It's more consistent in tone than many of his releases, and doesn't suffer from the 80s cheesiness quite as bad. It never really blew me away but I found it consistently enjoyable.

You know, I've somehow never thought of The Police as new wave, but they really are aren't they? It makes me see them in a bit of a new light. I really ought to listen to them more, I never remember how much I enjoy them until I do. This album is quite fun and has some of their great songs.

These early Wu-Tang solo projects are so fire. You can really tell that the entire collective had a fire lit in them. I think this is still one of the best showcases of Method Man's skill. The beats by RZA are also fantastic. Super dark and cavernous. I love the drum sound in particular.

GOATED album. Revolutionary and aesthetically gorgeous.

Interesting early moog stuff. I definitely think that later bands did it much better, but obviously the influence from here was probably tangible in a lot of them. Still a cool chill ambient release.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - 2009 was the best year for indie rock ever. This album is a perfect example. Such a unique, fully realized sound. This album is so chill and sexy. I still spin it regularly to this day.

Very backround-y. It was enjoyable but never really stuck out to me. Worked well as a backing soundtrack to work though.

Power pop is a really fun genre that definitely owes a lot to this album. I do think that it has since been largely surpassed by others in the genre, but you can't deny its influence there and it still contains a lot of catchy as hell bangers.

A little too country for how I like my indie. I'm more a fan of the stuff that came out the next decade. It's pleasant enough but feels like 100 other indie rock albums I've heard.

I'm a newbie with dub but I love everything I've heard. This is very cool. It has a bit more structure and traditional musicality than most dub I've heard. Plus I love the themes of worker rights and government corruption.

The overdriven acoustic guitars on this are such a great sound. This hits the right amount of country for me where it doesn't turn me off at all but still has that vibe. The recording is fantastic and really elevates it.

Thrash is one of my favorite metal subgenres, and this is a killer example of it. They introduce just enough experimentation and genre crossover to keep it interesting throughout. Plus the cover is metal as hell.

I've tried so hard but I just can't with this kind of country/honky tonk. Just grates me. He has a good voice if you stripped away the overly affected accent.

GOAT album from one of the all-time GOATs. Flawless.

What a wild album. I love how hard to define it is - elements of pop, R&B, electronic music, and rock all blurred together. Somehow it all works though and blends into a really phenomenal album.

Hard pass. Creep.

This style of bluesy classic rock is just not relatable to me as a millennial I think. Musically it's fine but doesn't grip me and the lyrics don't connect with me at all. I wouldn't mind it being on at a bar or something but I would never seek it out.

Everything about this album is so 90s haha. The cover art, the guitar, the lyrics. Also it's 50 minutes long so clearly from the CD era. It's fun though and captures a lot of what I enjoy about that era, but doesn't really seem push it in any new or original directions either.

Some absolutely gorgeous synth sounds here. Very vibey.

It's not as good as LA Woman obviously, but this one is also really great. Morrison's vocals are just so compelling, and the songwriting here is really great.

At least this album has a bit more edge than most Britpop. I'm still not sure why the authors of the book are so obsessed with that insipid movement though. It's definitely one of the strongest biases of this list. Could be worse though, at least it's not more Blur.

I love both their solo stuff and their work with The Knife. The solo stuff definitely has a more haunting, primal energy. I love how stark and dark the beats are, and how androgynous the vocals are made through effects. I've said it before and I'll say it again, 2009 was the best year for indie music.

Gorgeous. His baritone voice is so powerful, and the stripped back instrumentation here really lets it shine. The guitar and strings are also top notch, perfectly emphasizing the vocals.

I admit it, I just loathe classic rock like this. So much of this is so cringe

Another fantastic Wu-Tang solo album. The soul samples and upbeat style here really set it apart from the majority of their stuff which I really dig, but Ghostface still has absolute bars on top.

Hell yeah, this is sick! It sucks so bad about the label issues because I never heard of this (presumably due to that) and I love it. I would've 100% been a huge fan of this album when it dropped. Regardless, I'm glad to have found it now at least. Noisy garage rock is my jam.

Classic album. I'll admit I have a personal bias for Stadium Arcadium but this album is also absolutely fantastic. I love how seamlessly they can mix genres into one thing. Under the Bridge is an all-timer.

Love Spacemen 3/Spiritualized. This album is almost ambient at a lot of points which I really dig. They have such a distinctive sound that really creates a great vibe.

Tom Waits rules. Super unique voice and style. I love the conceptual nature of this album. It's goofy and weird in his very distinct way.

I somehow don't think I've ever listened to them, in spite of my love for aughts era dance punk. This is pretty fun. A bit more full sounding than many of the others that are more stripped and angular.

Too saccharine for my tastes by and large. There's some moments that hit, especially when it approaches more rock territory. Summer Breeze is a classic song.

Pleasant indie chamber pop. He has a fantastic voice and the arrangements here are really solid. Ultimately I have the same issue as I do with a lot of post-2000 albums on here - I'm not sure that this has the long-term cultural relevance or influence to justify its inclusion here. It is fun though.

Honestly this holds up so much better than the vast majority of the 50s music I've heard. His voice is so intense and the lower quality of the recording actually amplifies that in a way that makes it sound very timeless. You can also really see how much influence this had on early rock and roll. So many bangers too.

I like this more than some of the other samba stuff I've heard. I think the jazzier elements of it put it a bit more in my wheelhouse. Love the sax in particular.

Very interesting to hear this compared to their album Arise not that long ago. Where that one was very thrash, this is almost nu metal. The Brazilian influence is even stronger too. I do really enjoy the unique percussion elements.

One of the better R.E.M. albums. I like how dark and brooding this one is, and the cover really matches that vibe. Interesting mix of acoustic and electric sounds.

I will continue to profess my love of aughts-era indie rock! This is fantastic. I can't believe I've never listened to them before. The vocalist really reminds me of Jason Lytle who I love. These songs are just super upbeat and infectiously catchy.

Iconic post-punk band. These guys definitely majorly influenced a TON of music I adore so I have so much respect for them. They don't suffer from the "Seinfeld is unfunny" syndrome either, this album absolutely rips.

School's Out is an iconic track. I don't know a single person who didn't blast that song the day school let out. The rest of this album is solid too, although generally speaking 70s/80s hard rock isn't really my thing.

Very similar to Want Two which I've already heard through this list. They definitely feel like two parts of a single album to me.

One of the all-time greats. What can I even say that hasn't been said.

Really chill and sensual. You can tell her voice has been affected by alcohol/drugs, but somehow it only elevates it here. The backing arrangements do a good job of complementing her voice while still always allowing it to be the focus.

Meh it's fine it just doesn't really do much for me. Solid but unremarkable soft rock arrangements and pleasant but generic vocals. Unoriginal platitudes.

Pretty great stuff here. Psychedelic but also punky and kinda poppy? Such an eclectic mix, I can see why audiences weren't ready for it at the time but it really does hold up. I can very much see the influence this would've had on a lot of bands I dig.

This is the GOOD early 60s stuff. Love how stripped back it is, just organ, guitar, and drums. Super funky. The cover is so perfect too.

More stereotypically "80s" than their debut which I think dates it a bit more, but it's still really enjoyable.

Another heater from Cave. This one is a bit less intense but still so dark and brooding. I think it's a good complement to some of his other more aggressive material. His vocals are on top game here as well.

It's not my thing but I don't think it's objectively bad like most country is. She has a good voice and when it pushes more into folk territory I start to enjoy myself more. I just wish the lyrics were less cliche.

This is fantastic. I love his voice, the instrumentation is gorgeous, the themes are super relevant and deep. The thing is, I still really hate including albums this recent here. It just hasn't had time to prove it's long-term relevance and influence at all yet.

Honestly killer. He really shines with the energy of a live performance. The instrumentation is super tight and intense as well and his voice is so intense and powerful, especially for the early 60s.

Cool to see the origins of garage rock so clearly here. As that's one of my favorite genres, I really appreciate this album. So much of that sound is already so clear here. Plus the songs are just catchy bops.

King Crimson is one of my favorite bands of all time and in my opinion the best prog rock band ever. This album, like almost all of theirs, is simply incredible. A textbook example of what prog should be.

I used to think this was a 10/10 album but I just can’t listen to it anymore. Why are Nazis still a thing…

Really fun and goofy. I love the very clear DIY aesthetic here. I recognize several of these songs from samples which is really cool, but the originals are super fun too. Definitely influential.

Solid for sure, as you'd expect from him. It definitely feels like an earlier album than his true greats though. Still very enjoyable, but if I'm going to listen to Miles Davis it probably isn't the one I would immediately reach for.

Ugh I love aughts indie so much! I somehow never listened to these guys but they're fantastic. I really enjoy when indie bands infuse a bit of alt-country into their sound like this. I will definitely have to listen to them more.

I know this is Röyksopp's most famous album but personally I like a lot of their later stuff more. Still killer stuff here though. They blend together a lot of styles really well. Very chill and downtempo while still making you want to move.

Classic album. It’s definitely Beck’s peak cultural relevance so very worth having here. Surprisingly out there for such a popular album too.

Killer folky prog? Sign me up. I honestly haven't listened to them as much as I should cus they're very much in my wheelhouse. This album is just ripper after ripper.

I love the spoken word intros to each track. Really gives the album a cohesive, narrative structure. His guitar playing is really emotive and great too. One of the better '50s albums I've heard.

I feel like I should like this a lot more than I do. For whatever reason, they've just never clicked for me in spite of me liking all of their component parts. I think maybe it's just a bit too 70s-y for me?

I bit too cloying and poppy compared to some of their other stuff which I enjoy more. Still solidly enjoyable though.

Love them and this album is probably their best. All killer no filler punk with a clean pop edge.

In spite of my much professed love of aughts indie rock, somehow The Libertines never did much for me. They just feel like a lesser imitation of bands like The White Stripes and Arctic Monkeys. This album isn't bad by any stretch but I would rather listen to others most of the time.

Honestly WAY better than their earlier britpop stuff. I really like this as an epitaph to that era. The darker sound here is much more interesting to me and more varied as well. Their lyrics are a lot less trite and obnoxious too, with deeper subject matter reflecting the darker sound.

The quintessential snotty punk album. It never lets up. Killer riffs throughout too.

Pretty cool combination of soul, prog jazz and Latin influences. Given the title, I wish it had a bit more of an edge to it but it's pretty upbeat throughout. This may not be something typically in my wheelhouse that I'll listen to often, but it's a nice different style.

Come on, you know it's a perfect score.

Really cool mix of styles and influences. It's definitely tough to pin down. I enjoy the singer's voice, it definitely feels passionate. The instrumental arrangements are intricate but super tight.

Scott LaFaro's death shortly after this recording is really tragic because his bass really steals the show on this album. The piano compliments it perfectly, making for a super catchy album. This really showcases how powerful a jazz trio can be.

I strongly dislike U2.

Coldcut rule. They're masters of patchwork sampling, and this album is no different. Every song is packed to the gills but still manages to feel cohesive.

Win Butler skeeze aside, this is a phenomenal album that holds an insane amount of nostalgia for me. I waffle between the first 3 but overall I’d say this is probably my favorite Arcade Fire album.

A bit too scattered for me. I like several of the songs here, but it's all over the place stylistically which makes it not the best listen as an album. The ska elements are improved from their debut when they do appear.

Very interesting mix of styles. It mostly sounds like pop music, but occasionally approaches almost jazz, or samba or something? I really enjoy it honestly. It's unique and feels different than most western stuff, but still very palatable.

Probably her best late-career album. I don't think it reaches quite the highs of some of her earlier stuff, but it's certainly close. The arrangements here are just gorgeous as always and it's cool to see her singing about some more grounded topics.

Very interesting stuff! The fact that all the instrumentation besides drums is sampled really lends a unique air to it. It sounds like metal, but somehow off in a really neat way. I'm not as huge on the vocals but they aren't unlistenable either.

Super 80s sounding but in a nostalgic way. Girls Just Want to Have Fun is a bonafide classic track for obvious reasons, but the whole thing is just fun and entrancing in the same way.

I love this kind of goofy, irreverent indie rock. Throw in some psych and I'm extra sold. SFA are just impossible to not bang your head along to.

The Ravi Shankar material I've heard is all consistently great. I get the reasoning for putting in the introduction stuff here, especially considering that this released in 1957, but I do think that it detracts from this album as a listening experience so I doubt I'll listen to it again due to that.

Straight to the point, no frills hip-hop executed flawlessly. Sometimes that's all you need. I love the prevalence of jazz samples here, and Guru's rapping is so effortless and smooth.

Everyone (rightfully) hypes up Loveless, but this album also deserves heaps and heaps of praise. Less shoegaze than what came after, it's really fun to see MBV in more of a traditional indie rock sphere. The AA cut of this vinyl is simply incredible as well.

Everyone (rightfully) hypes up Loveless, but this album also deserves heaps and heaps of praise. Less shoegaze than what came after, it's really fun to see MBV in more of a traditional indie rock sphere. The AA cut of this vinyl is simply incredible as well.

One of the few arguably flawless discographies in music. They're all classics.

60's psych rock is my poison. The singer adds a lot here. Her voice is kind of whimsical but also grounds the more experimental aspects with a pleasant and poppy sheen. Really interesting story behind them too. I dig it!

I appreciate the barebones nature of it and how it reflects his dark mental state at the time. Ultimately it doesn't do a lot to grip me because of that though. I enjoyed it but not something I will likely come back to a ton.

I listen to a lot of post-punk and new wave, and it's impossible to do so without respecting the king. This album is just so hugely influential, but also incredible just as an album. Plus the cover is simply iconic.