349
Albums Rated
3.08
Average Rating
32%
Complete
740 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950s
Favorite Decade
Blues
Favorite Genre
other
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
28
5-Star Albums
11
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
George Michael
|
5 | 3.17 | +1.83 |
|
Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
|
5 | 3.33 | +1.67 |
|
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
|
5 | 3.34 | +1.66 |
|
At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
|
5 | 3.38 | +1.62 |
|
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
|
5 | 3.46 | +1.54 |
|
Parachutes
Coldplay
|
5 | 3.46 | +1.54 |
|
Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
|
5 | 3.56 | +1.44 |
|
Moon Safari
Air
|
5 | 3.58 | +1.42 |
|
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
|
5 | 3.63 | +1.37 |
|
Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
|
5 | 3.66 | +1.34 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
|
1 | 3.41 | -2.41 |
|
Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
|
1 | 3.25 | -2.25 |
|
The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
|
1 | 3.2 | -2.2 |
|
Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
|
1 | 3.2 | -2.2 |
|
Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
|
1 | 3.1 | -2.1 |
|
Ten
Pearl Jam
|
2 | 3.92 | -1.92 |
|
Shadowland
k.d. lang
|
1 | 2.86 | -1.86 |
|
Pictures At An Exhibition
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
|
1 | 2.65 | -1.65 |
|
Chelsea Girl
Nico
|
1 | 2.63 | -1.63 |
|
A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
|
2 | 3.63 | -1.63 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Beatles | 4 | 5 |
| Pink Floyd | 2 | 5 |
| Stevie Wonder | 2 | 5 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | 3 | 1.67 |
| The Pogues | 2 | 1.5 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Lou Reed | 2, 5 |
| Radiohead | 5, 5, 2, 4 |
5-Star Albums (28)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Ice Cube
2/5
Not bad, but the misogyny is... a bit much. I get that this is the 'brand', but in my opinion it's hypocritical and undermines the message of the rest of the album. How can you critique the oppression of black people and at the same time promote the oppression of women? (I feel the same when it's the other way around, which also happens way too often, but that's a different story). Still gets 2 stars for the political songs.
39 likes
The Gun Club
2/5
The more I listen to it, the more the vocals really start to put me off. Between a 2 and a 3, but gets a 2 because it was more annoying than enjoyable.
14 likes
Pink Floyd
5/5
Yes, this album is increcibly self-indulgent. Yes, it may attract a particular kind of annoying fan that likes to drone on about how this music is so much better than "the garbage that's made nowadays" (it's not). Yes, Roger Waters is a dick. And yet...
7 likes
Songhoy Blues
5/5
Great album. It's rare that I fall in love with something on the first listen, but this did it for me!
4 likes
The Modern Lovers
2/5
This sounds like an amateur band that I could go see in the local pub. Not bad, but not good either.
4 likes
1-Star Albums (11)
All Ratings
The Black Keys
3/5
Good, enjoyed it. Would listen to it again.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Look, Gimme Shelter is an excellent song, as are some others on this album (Live with me, You can't always...). However, some are just ok and some are actually shit (looking at you, Country Honk). So ultimately, I'd rather pick out the songs I like and not listen to the whole album. 3.5 stars really.
Elvis Costello
3/5
Some really fun songs on this one, would listen to it again.
Joan Baez
2/5
Not bad, but a bit too scream-y for me. I'm also not a big fan of vibrato. Didn't hate it, but probably wouldn't listen to it again. I liked the Spanish song the most I think.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2/5
Liked: cinnamon girl; everybody knows this is nowhere; cowgirl in the sand. Ok: down by the river; the losing end. Didn't like: round & round; running dry (liked it at first and then it got worse and worse).
Overall I wouldn't listen to this album again, although I might give the songs I liked another listen!
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
Really enjoyed this, especially the first couple of songs and the title song. Will definitely listen to again (in fact, I listened to it again immediately), but I foresee I won't always be in the mood for it.
Elliott Smith
2/5
Conflicted. I kind of like it, but it's a bit too 'sweet' to me. Debating between 2 and 3 stars, but ultimately I don't really see myself seeking out this album again, so 2 stars.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Starts strong. Most songs are pretty fun, although it's maybe a bit more country than I'm into.
Particularly liked: green river, sinister purpose
Didn't like: wrote a song for everyone
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
1/5
First impression: way too dramatic for me. There is also something about the combination of his voice, the music, and the lyrics that makes it feel quite contrived and pretentious. After about the 5th song I started forwarding through songs if I didn't like them halfway through. I forwarded through all but West Country Girl (but I was distracted during that one). Black Hair has huge "men writing women" vibes and sealed the 1 star for me. First album on this list that I actively disliked listening to.
The Beau Brummels
2/5
Song 1, 4, 11: not a fan. Song 2, 3, 5, 8, 9: ok. Song 6, 7, 10: enjoyed them.
Many songs are a bit too country for me, and as mentioned before I'm not a fan of vibrato, but overall it was decent. Difficult decision, but ultimately 2 stars as I don't really like it enough to listen to it again.
Gang Starr
3/5
Good album. I liked all the songs except 'Love Sick' (and even that one was ok). I can see myself listening to this again, now just to decide between 3 and 4 stars...
The Verve
4/5
Good album. For me personally the rest of the album doesn't live up to the famous Bittersweet Symphony, but it's still mostly very good.
The Soft Boys
3/5
Starts strong, gets slightly more whiny towards the middle of the album and then recovers. Overall good album.
Gene Clark
2/5
Ok album, laid back, decent for background music. A bit too on the country side for me to listen to again, I would say.
Liz Phair
3/5
Fun album, would listen to it again.
Ice Cube
3/5
Good album, a reminder that the US keeps repeating history with only marginal change. Strong lyrics.
Brian Eno
4/5
I had high expectations for this one, being a Talking Heads fan. Overall the album did not entirely live up to those expectations, but I did really enjoy it. 3.5 stars, which I will round up to 4 because I liked the album more than most others I rated 3 stars. Really liked track 4 (Help me somebody).
Death In Vegas
2/5
Ok: 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Didn't enjoy: 2, 3, 4. In other words, probaly won't listen to this album again - 2 stars.
Gotan Project
3/5
I enjoyed it, and could easily listen to it again. Overall I mostly think it was nice as background music, which isn't to say it was bad (in fact I'm often looking for nice music for during work!). I could see myself play this during a dinner party.
Ray Price
2/5
Old fashioned country. The songs are almost all 3 minutes or under, but due to the pace of the music they feel very long. It doesn't help that the songs mostly sound the same. Not really my thing. Very close to 1 star, but I didn't feel I had to turn off any songs, so 2 stars.
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
This is actually quite a fun album. Could see myself putting it on again. No bad songs either, as far as I recall. Really liked Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five, and Jet.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
Interestingly enough I didn't know this band at all before listening. I quite enjoyed the whole album, and particularly the songs Strangered in the night, Anything that's rock 'n roll, American Girl.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Beyond the title song, I didn't know any of the songs on this album. It was a nice album, all of the songs are pretty good, but I don't think it was so special that I see myself playing it a lot.
Minutemen
2/5
I enjoyed the vibes, and some songs were fun. A bit long, though, and the quality of the songs varies a lot. Ultimately, I don't really see myself listening to this album again, so I'll have to give it 2 stars.
Bon Jovi
3/5
There are some absolute bangers on this album, but to me the rest of the album isn't as good as the two big hits.
Public Enemy
2/5
Really enjoyed some of these songs, but overall this album is a bit intense to listen to. This is most obvious at the end of 'Power to the people', for instance. The repetition, sampling, and switching of the sound from side to side was straight up unpleasant. This technique returns in many of the songs. Favourite songs: Can't do nuttin' for ya man; Fight the power (even though that one is also really intense). Struggling with the rating, but probably 2 stars.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Fun album, although not all the songs are winners for me. Favourite songs: Mrs. Robinson; Fakin' it; A Hazy Shade of Winter; At The Zoo.
Brian Eno
3/5
This was mostly pretty good. Particularly liked Baby's on Fire; Cindy Tells Me. Didn't really like: Driving Me Backwards; Blank Frank; Dead Finks Don't Talk.
Gary Numan
3/5
First impression: this slaps. Second impression: it is a bit repetitive in places, and particularly the song 'Conversation' goes on a bit (a lot) too long. Overall impression: enjoyed it, though. Will I listen to it again in its entirety? Maybe.
Ice Cube
2/5
Not bad, but the misogyny is... a bit much. I get that this is the 'brand', but in my opinion it's hypocritical and undermines the message of the rest of the album. How can you critique the oppression of black people and at the same time promote the oppression of women? (I feel the same when it's the other way around, which also happens way too often, but that's a different story). Still gets 2 stars for the political songs.
Harry Nilsson
4/5
I'm finding it exceedingly hard to rate this album. On the one hand, it contains some great songs (Gotta get up; Coconut; Jump into the fire; Early in the morning). On the other hand, it also contains some kind of whiny songs that I definitely thought about skipping (Without you; I'll never leave you). However, he did name this album Nilsson Schmilsson, which also deserves at least another half star. Let's settle for 4.5 stars then, which I will round down to 4.
Cheap Trick
3/5
I liked it, it has good energy. I don't love that it's a live album (although I get why this particular album is on the list, given it is the band's most sold album). There is just never a moment in my life that I want my music listening experience to be paired with loud audience screaming.
Pixies
3/5
Some songs are quite enjoyable, some contain a bit (way) too much screaming (River Euphrates). Where is my mind? is a classic.
The Isley Brothers
4/5
This album swings, I think it holds up really well. Probably closer to a 3.5 but I will round up to a 4 because I know I will listen to this album again!
The Temptations
3/5
Starts out strong, really liked the first three songs (except for the crying child in Run Away Child, which was a bit off-putting. That song was too long, as well). The rest of the album is decent, but nothing really amazing.
Madness
2/5
I knew Madness from the songs Baggy Trousers and One Step Beyond. This album is quite different, and I genuinely didn't know they had made Our House too. The rest of the album is ok music wise, but wtf is up with the brown face on the cover? That's a nope from me, dawg.
Sex Pistols
2/5
I knew God Save the Queen and Anarchy in the UK. I know this is the classic punk album. But really, this is not very good, is it? Will I listen to it again? No, that's very unlikely.
Radiohead
5/5
Great album, really trippy. I particularly like Subterranean Homesick Alien, Karma Police, No Surprises, Lucky, although the quality is maintained throughout. Would I love this as much as I do, had I not heard it before? Not sure, but I do love it, so this is officially the first 5* album on this list for me (after 38 albums listened).
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
It was nice enough, but there were no real stand-out songs. Best song for me was probably Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out.
Fela Kuti
4/5
I really enjoyed this. Not annoying despite being a live album. Admittedly, the drum solo does go on too long, although I imagine I would have enjoyed it had I been there live!
Foo Fighters
3/5
Decent, interesting to read the background of this album. Not sure I'll really listen to it again, though.
Os Mutantes
3/5
First impression: this looks like it's going to be weird af and I'm here for it. Second impression: potentially a bit too weird for me. Although I enjoyed certain songs (A Minha Menina, Adeus Maria Fulô, Trem Fantasma, Tempo no Tempo), a lot are kind of annoying to listen to. Definitely an interesting album, though.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
This is my second time hearing this album (switched to a group after about 30 albums generated). I'm actually glad to get another opportunity to rate this album, because I believe I rated it too high the first time. It's a decent album, but 3 stars for me (rated it 4 the first time).
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
Second time hearing this album, still 3 stars from me.
Butthole Surfers
2/5
Meh. Most of these kinda suck, some are ok.
The Avalanches
3/5
I'm not sure I'm really into the robot/bleep vibes, but it was overall not unpleasant.
Kate Bush
2/5
This started as quite a fun album, much weirder than I had expected (in truth, I don't know any Kate Bush songs except Running up that hill and Wuthering Heights, which in retrospect are also actually pretty weird, so no idea where I got my expectations from). Not into Pull out the pin, Night of the Swallow, Houdini. Basically all the songs where she actually screams. No thanks. Actually the later songs of the album really reduced my enjoyment, eventually ending up at 2 stars.
T. Rex
3/5
Most of the songs were pretty fun. Don't know if I'll listen to the whole album again, but maybe.
Particularly liked: Mambo Sun, Get it on.
The Modern Lovers
2/5
This sounds like an amateur band that I could go see in the local pub. Not bad, but not good either.
MGMT
3/5
Aside from the three hits, I didn’t really find this a very exciting album. I really like those three hits, though!
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Pretty fun, especially the first few songs and the hit (It’s a sin). Plenty of weird stuff on here as well. Is Shopping code for something?
Van Halen
3/5
Interesting album, surprising in places and pretty good. I don’t think I’ll listen to it again often, but I enjoyed it.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
2/5
I like the social commentary, but most of these songs just repeat the same words and go on for too long.
The Replacements
3/5
Largely enjoyable, but it didn't blow me away. I liked the queerness of it, so bonus points for that.
Soft Cell
2/5
Not bad, but not really good either. Can't say that I'll listen to it again, but I didn't hate it. Tainted love is a classic, but imo this is not the best version.
The Prodigy
3/5
Pretty decent album, although a lot of the songs do sound alike.
Ministry
2/5
What to say? It's metal. Although I recognise the skill in it, I don't personally find it enjoyable to listen to.
Goldfrapp
4/5
Very spacey, but I liked it! It sounds like film music, in a good way.
Parliament
4/5
Very funky!
The Prodigy
3/5
These songs were mostly enjoyable, and frankly fit quite well with my mood today. However, almost every one of these songs just goes on for too long.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Quite enjoyed it, quintessential Dylan. Tangled up in Blue is indeed good, or perhaps just familiar? I guess I should listen to the lyrics more to appreciate it more (that's what everyone says about Dylan, anyway), but to be honest, for music to really grab me the actual music needs to grab me, not just the lyrics.
LL Cool J
3/5
Pretty fun album actually, a lot better than I thought it would be. I'm probably not going to go out of my way to put it on, but I enjoyed it.
Sonic Youth
2/5
Some of these songs are pretty fun, until they remember that distortion is an option halfway through the song and just... do that all the time? Can't honestly say that I enjoyed this, but I'll give it 2 stars just for the few songs that aren't distorted to death.
Hugh Masekela
4/5
Nice album, although I'm not a big fan of the last 2 songs.
Mike Ladd
2/5
Pretty decent, versatile album. Not likely to put it back on, but I didn't hate it.
Deee-Lite
3/5
I quite enjoyed this actually, although besides 'Groove is in the heart' there aren't really (m)any other memorable songs.
Waylon Jennings
2/5
It's not bad, but it's just hugely not my thing.
Otis Redding
5/5
Excellent album.
Gene Clark
2/5
I'm just not really into the country sound. I enjoyed 'No other' and 'Strength of Strings', but they couldn't save this album from being 2 stars for me.
Beck
3/5
Look, I think Beck is great. Devil's haircut? Put it on any day. That being said, he just goes too far out there on occasion. I'm pretty sure there was a whole part that was just microphone feedback in one of the songs? That's nobody's "thing", ok. Nobody enjoys hearing that. No one in the history of music has ever gone: "You know what this song needs? Some microphone feedback." Except Beck, apparently. For this, and the other annoying parts of the album, 3 stars.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Quite chill, nice background music.
Cream
3/5
This album contains some bangers (strange brew, sunshine of your love), some good songs (tales of brave Ulysses, SWLABR), some ok songs (outside woman blues, take it back), and some meh songs (the rest). All in all it adds up to about a 3-3.5. Will round down because Clapton's a dick.
Suede
2/5
Whiny, with some ok songs.
The Beach Boys
4/5
I enjoyed this. Even though I have heard my fair share of Beach Boys songs, I didn't know any of the ones on this album. I also feel these songs are quite different from their usual vibe. Enjoyable, though!
Jimi Hendrix
3/5
What exactly was the point of the first track? This album contains some good songs (Little Wing, Castles Made of Sand, One Rainy Wish), but I really don't care for the noisy sound effects that a lot of artists on this list appear to be a fan of. Second half of the album is generally better.
Def Leppard
3/5
Surprisingly melodious. I wouldn't really put it on, it's a bit intense for my day-to-day music listening, but I enjoyed it today.
Nick Drake
4/5
Beautiful. I hadn't heard his music before at all (though I had heard the name), but it's lovely. It's definitely a mood, though.
Eminem
2/5
Meh. I enjoyed 'My name is' and 'Still don't give a fuck', but other than that there was nothing that I really liked on here.
Kraftwerk
3/5
I quite enjoyed this, but I'm not sure that I'll really listen to it a lot again. No bad songs, but it didn't really grab me. Probably around a 3.5 for me, but in the end I go by how likely I am to put it on again.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
Largely unremarkable. Some fun songs, some horrid songs, nothing that I would go and seek out again.
Elis Regina
4/5
Really nice, perfect for a dinner party.
Orbital
3/5
This grew on me. Might listen to it again if I need to be hyped up during a boring work task.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
Immigrant song is great, and there are definitely a couple of other enjoyable songs on the album (Friends, Tangerine, That's the way, Bron-Y-Aur stomp). However, none of them really grab me (besides the opener). So, regrettably, it's 3.5 stars from me (3 in the rating since I'm not likely to put the entire album on again).
Frank Zappa
3/5
Mostly enjoyable, except the end of The Gumbo Variations. I liked Peaches en Regalia the most.
The Cramps
2/5
It wasn't bad, but nothing amazing either. I kind of enjoyed What's behind the mask and Garbageman.
The Yardbirds
3/5
Like many albums on this list it was fun but not amazing. I like the artwork, though. Favourites are Lost Women, He's Always There.
D'Angelo
3/5
Fine, nothing special but nice as background music.
Paul Simon
4/5
Pretty chill, not as good as some of his albums (Graceland comes to mind), but still pretty good. Favourite is Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard.
Fiona Apple
3/5
This is a difficult one for me. At first I didn't like her voice, but I think it grew on me? I don't think I'll listen to it a lot in the future, but it was an interesting album.
Van Morrison
4/5
I like Van Morrison's music; even saw him perform not long before covid. This album contains many classics, and I will rate it without taking into account Van's... problematic tendencies.
Talking Heads
4/5
I really like Talking Heads, although in my opinion this isn't their best album. However, Psycho Killer is an absolute banger, and there are several other nice songs on here (Pulled Up, The Book I Read).
Talking Heads
5/5
Top 2 Talking Heads album.
Steely Dan
4/5
Enjoyed this, I'll even forgive the more country-vibe songs.
Moby
3/5
I quite enjoyed the first half of this album. I feel almost dirty saying it (Moby has always given me creep vibes a little bit, doubly so after the whole Natalie Portman thing) and it does feel like the same trick over and over again, but here we are. I didn't like the second half so much.
Dr. John
3/5
I kind of liked this, actually. Very odd, but not bad. It's between a 3 and a 4 for me. I'll go for 3 since it is a bit less appealing than others I've rated 4 stars.
Kate Bush
4/5
Ah, another album by Kate Bush, whose music I have previously described as "pretty weird". I do like Running Up That Hill, though! So we're off to a good start.
I also never realised what a banger Cloudbusting is! Yes, I realise I'm literally naming her biggest hits, but you have to admit that these are some of her most accessible songs.
The rest of the album is a lot better than "The Dreaming" (the previous one I listened to) - there was just way too much screaming on that one. In between a 3 and a 4, but I'll go for a 4 because it's definitely very original and well-executed.
Queen
4/5
This album contains two of my favourite Queen songs (Bohemian Rhapsody and You're My Best Friend) as well as some other nice ones. It also contains some songs that... aren't winners for me (particularly '39 and The Prophet's Song). All in all I think it's a 3.5 for me, which I will round up because I have a soft spot for Queen.
James Brown
3/5
Very energetic, must have been amazing to be there. I'm not a big fan of live recordings in general, but I can see how this one might be an exception (were it not for all the screaming).
The Verve
4/5
Still good, still not amazing enough for 5 stars (2nd time rating this one due to switch to Group).
George Michael
4/5
Great album, but not his best. Faith (the song) is exceptional.
PJ Harvey
2/5
I didn't really enjoy this. However, I didn't want to destroy my ears so I didn't have to listen to it anymore, so I'll give it 2 stars rather than 1.
Portishead
2/5
Strange and wide mix of songs, but unfortunately I didn't really like it (notable exception being The Rip).
Public Enemy
3/5
Pretty good. Very busy, but overall enjoyable.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
Good album, I don't think I'd ever really heard any of these songs beyond Pale Blue Eyes and Candy Says. Would skip The Murder Mystery - it's annoying and long.
The Smiths
3/5
Very recognizable vocals by Morrissey, but overall the album doesn't convince. It felt to me like the songs did not really have a very recognizable identity and the whole album was just one (slightly whiny) giant blob.
David Bowie
4/5
Good album, I only knew Sound and Vision (which I like). Warszawa has some serious Twin Peaks vibes. As many have said: not my favourite Bowie, but still enjoyable.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
3/5
I painted the ceiling of my bathroom to this album, and I have to say it lends itself quite well to that. I wasn't blown away, but I liked it.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
Lovely, very chill vibe. I liked the first two songs (Suite: Judy Blue Eyes and Marrakesh Express) the most. Predictable, I know. The last couple of songs are less good in my opinion.
The Smiths
4/5
More enjoyable than the previous The Smiths album I got on this list. Catchy songs, including of course the well-known 'Stop me...'.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
Oh no, it's another Nick Cave album. And it's a fucking hour and a half long, oh god. Okay, I'll give it a go, but if it's as bad as the previous one I will just skip my way through it.
First song is decent, but song 2 is already annoying again. The music is okay; every time a song starts I start getting into it, but I guess there is just something about his voice that is not for me. He just sounds very constipated on most of the songs, especially those on Volume 2. Overall Volume 1 was ok-ish, but just not for me. 2 stars, I guess?
John Cale
3/5
The first 4 songs are quite slow and don't do anything for me. Macbeth sounds good, and Paris 1919 is excellent. The last couple of songs are also pretty decent. Overall I would probably not put on the whole album again, but I'll definitely listen to selected songs in the future.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
Screaming is not music. I almost turned it off right there, but the rest of the album was slightly better. Hell, I even enjoyed some of the songs. I'm petty though - I cannot in good conscience support someone fucking screaming in my ear, so 2 stars it is.
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
I enjoyed most of this, but would have been fine with it being about half the length.
Ray Charles
4/5
Enjoyable album, I especially liked the first few songs. Unfortunately his version of Come Rain or Come Shine does not come close to Billie Holiday's version, so I almost docked some points for that, but in the end I still really enjoyed almost all of the album.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
2/5
Look, I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would (considering my feelings about the genre), but I'm not about to listen to 2 hours of country music. It's honestly astonishing how much of this I did listen to, so props to the artists I guess for keeping me somewhat entertained. I actually enjoyed some of the instrumental songs (Nashville Blues and some others) and their rendition of Tennessee Stud. I did not enjoy the rest.
Billie Holiday
3/5
I feel like I want to like this more than I actually like it. There is no question that she's a great singer, and some of these songs are really beautiful, but overall they do sound very much the same.
Aphex Twin
3/5
I mean, it's pretty chill, but also nothing really stood out to me. Might be good to play during focused work tasks?
3/5
A LOT more enjoyable than the previous PJ Harvey album I got on this list (Rid Of Me). Has some genuinely good songs (according to me), like Big Exit, Kamikaze, This Is Love.
Shuggie Otis
4/5
Very chill album!
The Stranglers
4/5
I quite enjoy The Stranglers, including this album. Not sure I'll put it on as a whole again though, it drags on just a bit and doesn't contain most of my personal favourites of theirs (Golden Brown, Always The Sun, Strange Little Girl).
Anita Baker
3/5
Beautiful voice, but difficult to rate for me. Most songs are nice, but I'm not sure that I'd ever really seek them out. Same Ole Love was definitely a stand-out, though.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
This album was ok, but I have the feeling that I just didn't get it somehow. Best song was probably Joan of Arc, although the backing vocals at the beginning and end of the song sounded like a drunk man trying to sing along, yet completely fucking up the timing. What am I missing?
Prince
3/5
I enjoyed this overall, but there were no really outstanding songs for me. Favourites would be Sign O' The Times, Hot Thing, U Got The Look.
David Gray
3/5
Fine, but nothing special. I guess you had to be there.
Ryan Adams
2/5
Utterly mediocre.
Bob Dylan
3/5
As with many albums on this list, this was fairly pleasant, but not outstanding. Is it bad to say that I prefer the Adele version of Make You Feel My Love?
Suzanne Vega
3/5
Charming, good voice, nice songs. Just not really my thing, maybe? It didn't draw me in.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Not all of these songs are good, but when they are, they are SO good. Favourites: Comfortably Numb, Nobody Home, Hey You (but there's plenty more to enjoy on here).
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Quite fun, but long (and not all the songs are great). Favourites: Mama Said, You don't own me, Will you love me tomorrow, I only want to be with you.
The Doors
5/5
Outstanding album.
Fun fact: my friend and I once used The End at the end of a high school theatre sketch (could there be a sentence which more perfectly describes what I was like in high school? I think not). The first sentence of the song was met with great hilarity from the audience. Anyway, we filmed the sketch and put it on YouTube, and then it got flagged for copyright infringement. We never took it down, so it's still out there, with the audio removed.
Carpenters
3/5
Close To You will always remind me of that Simpsons episode with the doorbell. It's so over the top that I just have to love it?
I recognised no other songs on this album, except of course the Beatles covers (which I was not impressed with). There's no doubt that Karen's voice is great, but overall this album is too sweet for me.
Fugazi
2/5
Meh.
Various Artists
3/5
Nice compilation, mostly enjoyable christmas music.
Isaac Hayes
4/5
Quite enjoyable. Struggling between a 3 and a 4, but I could see myself putting this on again so I'll be nice.
Pearl Jam
2/5
This sounds like the same song over and over again. I enjoyed Even Flow, but nothing else (no, not even Alive, fight me).
Rod Stewart
3/5
Honestly? Nothing special. I won't run to turn it off, but I won't put it on either. Acceptable.
Nitin Sawhney
2/5
This was not altogether terrible, but it was a very eclectic mix of songs with widely varying quality (with most songs falling on the lower end). A weird album such as this one always has to strike a delicate balance between being original and being annoying. In my opinion this album did not achieve that balance.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
3/5
Hmm, I don't know. I liked it, but ultimately it was just a little... unremarkable? I also felt like the singer was not very strong in terms of vocal range.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
So many hits on this (admittedly long, though never boring) album. Consistently excellent. The only songs I might skip on occasion are Village Ghetto Land and Ngiculela, but that's probably just because I suck rather than the songs, ya know? I also hate the baby crying on Isn't She Lovely. Yes, I know the story behind it and yes, I still hate it. Other than that, though, it's *chef's kiss*.
Radiohead
5/5
I love a good excuse to listen to this album. A respite from the mediocre crap that plagues the rest of this list.
Favourites: Planet Telex, High and Dry, Just, My Iron Lung, and, of course, Street Spirit.
David Holmes
3/5
It's not bad. It's not great. I liked the cinematic style songs, didn't see the added value of the samples of people on the street talking.
George Michael
5/5
Great album. Is it George Michael's best? I personally think Patience is his best, but that one doesn't have Freedom! '90 and that's a JAM.
The rest of the album is noticeably more subdued, but Michael executes this perfectly. During listening yesterday it was Mother's Pride that really struck me, which unfortunately remains topical as ever.
The Gun Club
2/5
The more I listen to it, the more the vocals really start to put me off. Between a 2 and a 3, but gets a 2 because it was more annoying than enjoyable.
Blur
4/5
Largely enjoyable. I knew Girls & Boys and Parklife before, and I do think these remain the highlights of the album. I also particularly liked London Loves. It starts to drag a bit at the end.
Depeche Mode
4/5
This album already deserves 5 stars just for Personal Jesus and Enjoy the Silence (what a song!), which are the tracks I recognize (and love). The rest of the album does not reach those same highs, but is enjoyable nonetheless. Ultimately more enjoyable than all of the middle of the road "inoffensive to my ears" albums on this list, so a 4 it is.
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
I knew Today and, surprisingly, Disarm. I think I liked those? Overall not bad but wouldn't put it on again soon.
Julian Cope
4/5
Surprisingly quite enjoyed this. Like most (it seems) of the reviewers I had never heard of this artist and I had low expectations. More of a 3.5, but as we all know, that rounds up to a 4.
k.d. lang
1/5
I'm sure this is lovely if you like country music. Which I do not. Could not get through it.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
I quite like this album, but I think it's a bit overrated. Yes, it has some great songs, but there's also some filler here (and Four Sticks, which... just no).
Sister Sledge
4/5
Some really nice disco on this! All the people in the reviews who hate this clearly don't know how to have fun.
Not a 5 because of the more boring songs (Somebody Loves Me, You're a Friend to Me).
Queen
3/5
This is probably the kind of album that really grows on you the more you listen to it, but after a first and second listen I can't honestly say that it has really grabbed me. Not bad, I mean it's Queen, but not great either.
Elton John
3/5
Nice. Tiny Dancer and Levon are obvious highlights. This is a difficult one for me, I quite enjoyed parts of this, but overall it just didn't really grab me and I'm unsure if I'd put it on again in full. A 3.5.
The Sabres Of Paradise
2/5
Is this music? Meh.
Songhoy Blues
5/5
Great album. It's rare that I fall in love with something on the first listen, but this did it for me!
Michael Jackson
4/5
Really enjoyed most of this album, with notable exceptions Girlfriend and She's Out of My Life. Surprisingly good, given the lack of hits.
Dwight Yoakam
1/5
Ah, another opportunity for me to figure out why I hate most country music so much. I think it's the singing, the whiny voice. All I can think is 'fucking GET OVER IT'. Musically this wasn't that bad, but good god just sing normally!
Daft Punk
3/5
There were some good songs on here, and I'm normally quite into Daft Punk, but overall this didn't do it for me. As many have said previously, most songs - even the good ones - are too long. Some songs are downright annoying and I didn't finish them (High Fidelity and Rock'n Roll come to mind). 3 stars for the good ones, which for me actually includes Around the world!
David Crosby
3/5
Decent, but not great. Background music. Would rare a 3.5 if I could.
Jerry Lee Lewis
3/5
This was actually surprisingly fun, considering I usually loathe live albums (screaming, clapping, generally worse singing). Veered dangerously close to country (Your Cheating Heart) and of course there's the whole pedophile thing... Purely musically, I enjoyed the album, but I'm still not sure I'd put it on again (see: screaming, clapping).
Sarah Vaughan
5/5
Beautiful album, beautiful voice. The live aspect didn't detract much from the experience and sometimes even added to it!
Cornershop
3/5
Some charming songs, but I had to cut Butter the Soul short because I couldn't take it. The rest of the album is a similar mix of songs that are quite nice and songs that are pretty annoying to listen to.
John Prine
3/5
Country, but charming. Didn't hate it but didn't love it either.
Soul II Soul
2/5
This was... not very good. Holdin' On was out of tune. Some of these were palatable, but I mostly did not enjoy.
OutKast
5/5
What an album! I know a lot of people prefer the Speakerboxxx side, but to me the songs on there always start to sound like too much of the same towards the end. It does contain some great tracks as well, though.
The Love Below is fucking weird, that's true, but it's exactly the kind of weird that I vibe with, and the songs are all absolute bops. I will admit to skipping some of the interludes on occasion, but as a concept album it is unrivalled. 5 stars!
Louis Prima
4/5
Fun! I don't really see myself being in the mood for this on many occasions, but I did enjoy it and it would be really perfect for an old-timey themed party.
Bee Gees
2/5
This was just largely not enjoyable at all. Not "hurt my ears" terrible, and with the occasional likeable song (Suddenly), but very much not worth the time investment in my opinion.
Nirvana
5/5
Probably the first album I ever bought, although it came out before I was even born. I still love it, and while I'm sure that's partly out of nostalgia, I can't rate it anything but 5 stars.
PJ Harvey
3/5
Another PJ Harvey album! (3rd one so far)
Starts out decent, but drops off steeply after the fourth song. I suspect PJ just kind of.. isn't my thing. This album does grow on you though. Although some songs remain annoying, rather than haunting (England).
Donovan
3/5
The title song and Season of the Witch are really great. It's a shame the rest of the album is so boring.
Solange
3/5
Some of these songs are quite nice (e.g. Weary), but I didn't care for the interludes and many (most?) songs were not very interesting.
Billy Joel
4/5
Really wasn't expecting to like this one* but the first two songs immediately won me over. Yes, the album does veer into sappy territory on occasion, but it was still really enjoyable.
*The only track I recognized by the title was She's Always a Woman, a song I've always considered too corny for life. Fun fact: my friend still cannot listen to it, after a boy once confessed his 'love' for her, accompanied by this song, when we were all like... 14 years old.
Heaven 17
3/5
This one was... fine. Some interesting hooks, but songs mostly went on too long or were just fine. Probably won't listen again, but I didn't actively dislike it.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Whew, that was a ride! Is it as good as Songs in the Key of Life? No. But is it an excellent album? Absolutely yes. Not to mention, it's better than approximately 95% of albums I've listened to so far on this list. And for that, it gets 5 stars.
Billy Bragg
3/5
Nearly a 2 for me, but Hoodoo Voodoo saved it. Will not listen to it again (except maybe the aforementioned song).
Dead Kennedys
3/5
Classic punk album, I was surprised by how many songs I recognized (and liked). The rest of the album doesn't really hold up to the hits in my opinion, and I don't see myself really putting this on a lot.
Neu!
3/5
The instrumental songs were decent, but Hero was absolutely awful.
The Stone Roses
5/5
I really enjoyed this album. I wanna be adored is the highlight for me (and is also the only one I knew beforehand). This is going in the rotation! Is it a 5? Sure, let's be nice.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
3/5
This was pretty good, but overall it just didn't really grab me. I might revisit it in the future, but for now it gets 3 stars.
Ghostface Killah
2/5
Not for me.
Ian Dury
3/5
I am partial to parts of this (Billericay Dickie, Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll), but I think mostly out of some kind of twisted nostalgia. The rest of the album isn't bad, but I'm not going to go out of my way to listen to it. Bonus points for the lyric "I come awake with a gift for womankind" though.
Bill Evans Trio
4/5
Beautiful. If someone asked me what jazz sounds like, this is what I would play for them. But not in a bad way!
Nick Drake
4/5
Expectations were high for this album, but they were not completely met. I prefer Bryter Layter! It's in between a 3 and a 4 for me, but I will give it a 4 because my group-mate already gave a 3.
Massive Attack
2/5
Some parts of this were definitely interesting, but overall this just doesn't do it for me. Was leaning towards a 3, but tbh it's worse than that.
James Taylor
3/5
Fine. A bit too country for me, but still decent, so I'll rate it a 3. In all likelihood, I won't listen to it again.
Rush
2/5
What an annoying voice this guy has. Really grating. Besides that, the songs are kind of boring. And also apparently these guys like Ayn Rand? I was going to rate it a 2 before I knew that but I almost deducted another star just for that.
Wire
3/5
This was actually pretty enjoyable. Will I listen to it again? Probably not, given the sheer amount of actually great music out there, but maybe?
Prince
4/5
Whew, what a party! This got... real weird there for a bit, but overall this album contains some absolute bangers. Favourites: the first 4 songs, more or less in that order.
Pantera
2/5
Musically I actually think this is executed really well, although it does start to hurt my ears at a certain point. Very intense. What I'm really not a fan of is the screaming/grunting, though. It's just not enjoyable to listen to!
The Jam
3/5
Fine, background music, kind of run-of-the-mill British rock.
Beatles
5/5
With the Beatles I sometimes wonder whether I genuinely enjoy the songs, or whether I just enjoy the fact that I can sing along with literally all of them (indoctrination?). Upon careful reflection of this album, I do have to say that it contains some damn catchy songs. Favourite: Eleanor Rigby.
The Crusaders
3/5
I quite like the title song, but the rest of the album feels like more of the same. The songs are too long.
CHIC
4/5
Very funky, makes you want to dance! -1 star for the sheer length of some of these songs and the fact that they are overly repetitive. Favourites: Good Times (if it was 4 minutes shorter), My Forbidden Lover.
Mekons
1/5
Shockingly bad vocals. Sounds like a bunch of off-the-charts drunk people decided to form a band and record an album all in one night.
3/5
Pretty chill, but not very remarkable to me. I did enjoy it while working because it's not so distracting (because I can't understand the words!).
Aerosmith
3/5
I definitely see why people like this. It's not really my thing, but overall I found it decently enjoyable. Drops off in quality after Sweet Emotion, and I downright disliked You See Me Crying.
ABBA
4/5
Really enjoyed this, mainly Dancing Queen, Money, Tiger, Fernando. Clearly, the hits are the stand-outs, but I would say most of the album is very danceable!
Antony and the Johnsons
3/5
Admittedly I have always found Anohni's voice kind of grating, so I'd never listened to a full album before. This was very haunting and in some (many?) places I found it beautiful, but I don't think I'll listen to it much again.
Santana
4/5
This is very good, but maybe just a tad boring? (besides Black Magic Woman & Oye Como Va)
Morrissey
2/5
Too whiny.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
Was expecting a very emo album based on the name, but wikipedia tells me this is "shoegaze". That checks out, exemplified by the 4th track, "to here knows when" (did not enjoy). Most of the album is actually kind of cool, I can see that the style has been influential.
Garbage
3/5
This was surprisingly good (had expected garbage). I can definitely see what other people are saying about it being too slick, though. Milk was a stand-out. This is really a 3.5; might listen again.
Elliott Smith
3/5
I gave this one a 2 before, but I'm milder now.
Venom
2/5
It wasn't awful, but it definitely wasn't good either.
Nick Drake
4/5
The more I listen to it, the more I like it. I think I keep being biased by the first song (which I don't like) to dislike the album, so I think I'll skip that one in the future. I still prefer Bryter Layter, though.
Manic Street Preachers
2/5
I just really didn't think this was good.
Lou Reed
2/5
Did not enjoy or even find beautiful, really. I still stand by my opinion/rule that no song should ever have a child crying in it.
Pixies
3/5
Overall I was quite pleasantly surprised, but I'm not sure yet whether I'll really listen to this in the long run. None of the songs individually really grabbed me, however I will commit to another listen.
Janet Jackson
3/5
A nice album, good rhythm. I could see myself listening to this again, although the lyrics are a little pedantic at times. This was before my time, so I also didn't recognize the hits unfortunately.
Britney Spears
3/5
...Baby One More Time (the song) is legendary. I also quite like Crazy, Sometimes, and The Beat Goes On. Thanks to Poundland I own this album, and I pretty much always turn it off at Soda Pop (as an aside, that song is such a bizarre vibe change). Having now listened to the rest of the album, I can say that it is cheesy to the max and unfortunately this drags down the quality. Points for the perfect 90s song title "E-mail My Heart" though.
The Smiths
3/5
This is ok, I guess - I don't understand the hype at all. Although I did appreciate the attention to detail in getting this album the day after the queen died ;)
The Rolling Stones
3/5
As usual with a stones album, there's some good songs and some bad songs. Not as good as Let It Bleed (but also not as bad).
Tito Puente
3/5
This was a lot of fun, but the songs do kind of blur together. I'd definitely put this on as background music.
Emmylou Harris
2/5
A low 2. Only gets that because some of the songs weren't completely terrible.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
As others have said, the first 6 songs + Road Trippin' are pretty good (some of these I even put on voluntarily!), but then the rest of the album all blends together in meh-ness. What are you left with? 3 stars, I guess.
Air
5/5
I have listened to this album quite a lot in the past couple of years, having rediscovered it through (I think) a reddit thread. Very chill. The only song I sometimes skip is You Make It Easy.
Tears For Fears
3/5
I think Everybody Wants to Rule the World is a great song, and there are some other pretty decent tracks on this album. Ultimately, though, this album doesn't rise above 3 stars for me.
Buena Vista Social Club
5/5
Such a swinging album. I can listen to it any time, but it's especially great (for me) during work, while making dinner, or during a dinner party.
2Pac
3/5
Decent rap, but not my thing.
Guns N' Roses
3/5
This was pretty fun, but it does quickly become more of the same. It also doesn't help that I am so sick of Paradise City - although admittedly that isn't Guns N' Roses' fault. I'm not likely to listen to this again, except maybe Welcome to the Jungle.
Goldie
1/5
Midway through This is A Bad I thought "This is bad". I saw no reason to put myself through more of it.
John Martyn
2/5
Not impressed
Stereo MC's
3/5
I was really feeling this at the start, but it got pretty repetitive and boring further into the album.
Radiohead
2/5
There isn't much to love here, is there? I have difficulty rating this album, because it does get better towards the end, but the first half is just awful. Ultimately, it gets 2 stars, just because Radiohead (and music in general) has so much better to offer.
Pulp
2/5
This was utterly pretentious and mediocre. I would have given this a 3, but honestly I had expected better from Pulp (I like Different Class) so due to the disappointment it's a 2.
Paul Weller
3/5
Some of this is really nice, but towards the end of the album it starts to sound quite monotonous. Might listen again just to see which songs were actually good.
Scott Walker
2/5
Not as bad as Nick Cave, but bad in the same ways (constipated and pretentious sounding)
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
Had me dancing during work! Not all the songs are winners, but overall I enjoyed it.
Mike Oldfield
1/5
At first I was thinking 2 stars, because I could deal with the bells while I was working, but then it got to the last "song"...
Van Halen
3/5
This was.. fine? Don't really get the excitement about this one. Jump is nice.
SZA
2/5
I guess this wasn't terrible, but I really don't understand the hype. Not for me.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
There are some genuinely cool tracks on here, and it wouldn't be a punishment to listen to the album again. Will I, though? Probably not.
2/5
Some of this isn't godawful, but most of it is.
Fugees
3/5
Ready or Not, Fu-gee-la, and Killing me softly are really good, the rest I could do without.
System Of A Down
3/5
This was good, but it's not my genre at all. Will keep in mind if I need to get hyped/angry.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
1/5
This was eh.. not enjoyable.
The Fall
2/5
Good album title. Unfortunately, that was the only thing that was good about this album.
Sebadoh
2/5
There was one good track on this album that has saved it from being a 1, but much of the rest of the album was so shit that I don't care to put in the effort to find out which was the song I liked. I get that the shitty out-of-tune sound was completely intentional, but that doesn't make it good, does it?
Leonard Cohen
5/5
I have attempted to rate this album at least 5 times now. At first I wasn't sure whether I even liked it, but I think I've figured out that I do.
Adele
3/5
Adele is a good singer, but honestly I would never put this on voluntarily. It’s not for me I guess.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Respect immediately brings this album to a 4. I've always considered it better than the original, not only because flipping the genders makes it a lot more fun (and less mean-sounding), but also because the execution is just so well done. The rest of the songs are very well done as well, but don't grab my attention in the same way.
R.E.M.
3/5
I agree with the 3.5 rating of my teammate. Since he gave a 4, I will give a 3 for balance.
Buck Owens
2/5
Not for me.
Duran Duran
3/5
I really like Hungry like the wolf & Save a prayer and will likely listen to them again. Ultimately, however, this album doesn't rise above a 3 for me.
The Zombies
4/5
Wow, I really enjoyed this actually, especially Time of the Season. Not Butcher's Tale though, that song can fuck right off.
The Young Rascals
3/5
Pretty groovin' but not /very/ groovin', if you know what I mean?
Weather Report
3/5
Quite good
Arctic Monkeys
5/5
Yes, I love this album. Yes, I was a teenager when it came out.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
I kind of liked some of this, and kind of hated other parts of this. I might need to revisit?
Wilco
3/5
Hmm, this was a bit meh to me. Not bad, but I'm not convinced.
Bobby Womack
4/5
I start out really liking this album, but it ends on a bit of a boring/sad note. Not really sure how "If you think you're lonely now" became the hit! 4 stars for the first 5 songs.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
I liked this. Mostly the first half of the album, but I might listen to it again in its entirety.
Elbow
4/5
I really enjoyed this! Maybe not a 5 (yet?), but I've saved the album.
Kanye West
1/5
I don't give money to nazis.
Dennis Wilson
2/5
Hmm. I was not really feeling this.
The Band
3/5
In an unusual turn of events, I actually liked this album less on my second listen. So, 3 stars instead of 4 it is.
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
This album has some real gems (It's tricky, Walk this way, You be illin'), but most of the rest of the album just doesn't do it for me.
Jamiroquai
3/5
I do like some Jamiroquai songs, but most of them are not on this album. Overall, this album just doesn't rise above 3 stars for me, even if it is very funky.
Randy Newman
2/5
Didn't really enjoy this, I think it's mainly because I don't like his voice (sorry Randy).
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
This album has some real bangers, music wise. Good god are the vocals ghastly, though.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
5/5
I know this album so well it's hard to be objective. But this is really good, right? Favourites: Woodstock, Almost cut my hair, Carry on.
Cat Stevens
3/5
Kinda nice, kinda boring, kinda mean-spirited sometimes.
Lou Reed
5/5
It's a shame this album ends on its most annoying song. Nevertheless, I'm going to take a walk on the wild side and rate it a 5 for the rest of the songs.
The Mars Volta
1/5
This is really not for me. It makes me feel very stressed for some reason.
Nico
1/5
At first I thought this was palatable, but at track 5 I realised that actually, it's not.
The Waterboys
3/5
This was pretty enjoyable, but after side 1 I had had enough. I might listen to stand-outs We Will Not Be Lovers and When Will We Be Married (and maybe Sweet Thing) again sometime.
The Pogues
1/5
Look, the singer blatantly just cannot sing. That would be okay if he had (almost) any other job in the world, but with him being a professional singer and all I think it poses a slight problem.
The White Stripes
4/5
Good, sometimes great. Best songs: Seven Nation Army, The Hardest Button to Button, In The Cold, Cold Night.
Cypress Hill
3/5
Pretty enjoyable, but repetitive. Might save a couple of songs (e.g. The Phuncky Feel One) for when I get in a stoner rap mood.
Björk
2/5
I can admire the goal of this album, but this just wasn't an enjoyable listen for me at all.
Jeff Buckley
4/5
Whew, I really used to love this album as a teenager/young adult. There are still some really beautiful songs on here (particularly Hallelujah and Lover you should have come over), but I do admit that some songs now come across as overly dramatic.
The White Stripes
4/5
I really enjoyed this. We're Going To Be Friends has been on many of my playlists. -1 star for Little Room and Aluminum.
fIREHOSE
3/5
Starts out pretty strong, but at the end I just had an overwhelming feeling of "this is fine I guess".
The Damned
3/5
Pretty decent, might listen again if I want to get hyped up.
Tom Waits
2/5
Meh.
Johnny Cash
3/5
Fairly enjoyable, especially at the beginning, but it gets very repetitive. It definitely belongs on the list, but I don't think I'll really listen to it again.
Jane's Addiction
2/5
I kind of liked this at the start, but it really starts to drag on from about track 6 onward.
Muddy Waters
4/5
This swings. I'm not often in the mood for blues, but this goes on my list for when I am.
Paul Simon
4/5
I liked this the first time around, and I liked it even more the second. Very calming.
Aimee Mann
2/5
Between a 2 and a 3, but ultimately it just drags a bit too much (both individual songs as well as the album as a whole).
Laura Nyro
3/5
I really wanted to like this, but in the end her voice was just too grating for me to listen to on a lot of the songs. It's a very interesting album, just not one I would listen to for pleasure. Favourite song: Eli's Coming
Pink Floyd
5/5
Yes, this album is increcibly self-indulgent. Yes, it may attract a particular kind of annoying fan that likes to drone on about how this music is so much better than "the garbage that's made nowadays" (it's not). Yes, Roger Waters is a dick. And yet...
Big Star
3/5
This didn't really make a big impression on me, between 2 and 3 stars.
The Pogues
2/5
Oh great, another Pogues album. It starts out better than the other one, musically I kind of like it actually.
The main problem remains the singing - or more accurately, drunk wailing - of Shane MacGowan, most obvious in 'Fairytale of New York' (full disclosure: I didn't listen past this song). Why that song ever became a hit I cannot fathom. It's bad enough that I have to listen to it every December, I'm not going to put myself through that at any other time of year.
2 stars for the Irish tunes.
Richard Hawley
3/5
High 3. I really liked some of the songs and was about to give it a 4, but then it veered too much into country with The Waters of My Time. Was it very exciting? No. But I enjoyed (most of) it.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Largely forgettable synth-pop. Enjoyable enough, but there weren't any stand-out songs for me (no, not even Go West). I actually started this album so many times and didn't get past the first two songs before being distracted, so I like those two simply because of familiarity. Not a ringing endorsement, eh?
Isaac Hayes
3/5
This starts out pretty good but peters out. I somewhat enjoyed it, though.
John Coltrane
2/5
This really stressed me out for some reason.
David Bowie
4/5
Some real bangers on here, and some ok songs. I guess it all adds up to 4 stars.
Stereolab
4/5
I quite enjoyed this.
Beatles
5/5
This album contains some of my favourite Beatles songs (Blackbird, Back in the USSR), as well as some of my least favourite (Revolution 9, Obladi oblada). Even with those annoyances it's a clear 5 though.
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
I was fully prepared to hate this, given the number of 1 star reviews in this list, but I thought it was actually quite enjoyable and thoughtful. It went on a bit too long though.
Jane's Addiction
4/5
This album holds up. I can't imagine listening to it a lot, but it was pretty enjoyable and original. Would probably give 3.5 stars if possible (due to re-listening probability), but will round it up to 4.
Haircut 100
3/5
Almost gave this 4 stars because it's really quite funky, but the further you get into the album, the more it feels like more of the same. I did add Favourite Shirts to my playlist, though.
Living Colour
3/5
This was fairly enjoyable, but also a bit forgettable? A bit generic? It didn't blow me away but I did listen to all of it...
Dolly Parton
3/5
I'm not a big country fan. Or at all, really. Dolly is a lot more palatable than most, though, and there were some genuinely nice and funny songs on here. Am I likely to put this album on? No. But it was enjoyable enough.
Radiohead
4/5
This is good, but not as good as some other Radiohead albums, so if I were to put on a Radiohead album this one probably won't be it. But occasionally, to mix it up, it might be.
Faust
4/5
It starts kind of boring and ends kind of annoying... but in between I actually kind of enjoyed it.
Michael Jackson
3/5
Hmm. I like Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, and Smooth Criminal, but most of the other songs on this album are quite weak (and I've always hated Man in the Mirror). Michael can do better (well, not anymore).
Deep Purple
3/5
Not sure why people keep mentioning that this album does not contain any hits, when Child in Time is probably Deep Purple's biggest hit in my country! The album rocks, but doesn't really grab me at any point. It's pleasant to listen to, but I don't really see myself putting it on much.
Beastie Boys
3/5
This was fine, but I didn't hear anything here that would bring it above 3 stars.
Beatles
5/5
Look, if I give this album anything less than 5 stars, I'm pretty sure my partner will leave me. However, it is genuinely a very good album, so this poses no problems for me.
Favourites: Here Comes the Sun, Come Together, Octopus's Garden, the medley.
Don't like: Maxwell's Silver Hammer (there it is, the secret is out - but given that 3/4 band members also hated this song I feel justified).
Norah Jones
4/5
I get it - it's a bit boring. But I enjoyed it, and in the end, I'm the dictator of these ratings...
Jungle Brothers
3/5
Decent.
Spacemen 3
2/5
I listened to this during a concentrated work day, and it was somewhat good for that. At some point it became a bit too annoying, though, and I don't see myself listening to it in another context.
Orbital
2/5
It's okay, but very repetitive. Not for me.
Eagles
2/5
Hmm. I really wasn't expecting to dislike this one, but here we are. Honestly, a bit of a drag. The title song is a staple in my country and it is always played shortly before midnight on New Year's Eve. Honestly, it's the main thing saving this album from 1 star. Life in the Fast Lane is decent too.
Dire Straits
4/5
Nice! Drops off a bit after Sultants of Swing, but mostly really chill to listen to.
Femi Kuti
3/5
This was enjoyable, but I felt that the singing wasn't the best most of the time. Musically, though, it was great.
Meat Loaf
3/5
This is quite a funny rock opera. But is it good? I'm not entirely convinced.
Beatles
5/5
Enjoyable, but impossible for me to rate objectively given that I know the songs so well.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
I didn't /have/ to listen to this album again to know it's great. But I did.
Traffic
3/5
I really enjoyed some of these songs, it's just a shame that they are intermingled with some other very annoying songs.
Pavement
2/5
Not enjoyable, the singer cannot sing.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
I really enjoyed this; it will go in the rotation. Favourites: Son of a Preacher Man (by far), Just a Little Lovin', Windmills of Your Mind.
N.W.A.
3/5
I like this album, but I Ain't Tha 1 and Dopeman are some of the worst songs I've ever heard.
Coldplay
5/5
What can I say, I'm a sucker for some classic Coldplay.
Primal Scream
3/5
I liked some of it (notably Movin' on Up), but overall it was just too much psychedelica for me.
2/5
I'm definitely not going to listen to this again, but I didn't hate it? I can see myself adopting 'there's always room on the broom' into my vocabulary.
Probably more like 2.5 stars, but since I have to choose...
Iggy Pop
3/5
This album seems to be somewhat love/hate, but it was pretty unremarkable for me. I liked Lust for Life, The Passenger, and Fall In Love With Me most.
Björk
3/5
Björk's most palatable album I've listened to so far.
Drive-By Truckers
2/5
Nothing wrong with it per se, just utterly boring.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
Had to stop listening because I don't want Nick Cave to end up in my daily discovery list... or my nightmares.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
Very chill album.
Jimmy Smith
3/5
Hmm, I thought I'd love this (I love the title, for a start), but it didn't really grab me. 3.5 stars.
John Lennon
3/5
I was expecting not to like this. I've always disliked the title track (disingenuous, overplayed). In the end it was not as bad as I expected, even enjoyable at times, so I will give it a generous 3 stars (although the harmonica at the end nearly brought it down to a 2).
Scissor Sisters
4/5
Is this a revolutionary album, a wholly original sound never heard before, not to be missed? No. Is it fun? Yes!
Slayer
2/5
This was ok, but misses any points of interest. The first time I looked to see what song was playing was when the album was finished and a 'related' song came on.
Joy Division
2/5
Barely listenable.
Thin Lizzy
3/5
This is fine, but a bit on the boring side.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
Nice enough. I listened to the 'best of' version of this album, which was more than enough.
Marty Robbins
3/5
Surprisingly fun. Favourites: Big Iron, They're Hanging Me Tonight.
Ramones
3/5
Pretty fun; short. I liked Blitzkrieg Bop in particular.
Al Green
4/5
Really solid album. Am a bit conflicted now that I found out he's into domestic violence. Why are so many men so terrible?
Van Morrison
3/5
I generally like Van Morrison's music, but I hate live albums. Minus 1 star also for Van's stupid and harmful covid opinions.
Michael Jackson
4/5
I think I might have to controversially give this album 4 stars. There are 4 good songs on here (I'm also counting Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'), the rest is filler or actively painful to listen to (looking at you, The Girl Is Mine). Then there's the whole pedo thing... at least he no longer actively profits from our streams?
Common
2/5
Queens of the Stone Age
3/5
I like Regular John, the rest is very same-y.
Jazmine Sullivan
2/5
Not bad, she can definitely sing, but I didn't really enjoy. Pick up your feelings was pretty good.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
The hits here are pretty good, the rest is just ok.
Fats Domino
4/5
This was a really fun listen!
Wu-Tang Clan
3/5
Pretty decent, but I don't really understand the hype.
R.E.M.
3/5
This was unremarkable to me.
Beck
3/5
Not bad, not great. Low energy.
Lenny Kravitz
3/5
Damn this album gets a lot of hate. I didn't hate it, but I didn't really like it either.
The B-52's
4/5
This was fun, but the album loses a bit of momentum near the end I felt.
Nine Inch Nails
3/5
Alright, not really my cup of tea but I can see the appeal.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
Gotan Project
3/5
Fairly enjoyable, but nothing special in my opinion.