1001 Albums Summary

Listening statistics & highlights

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Finisher #177 to complete the list

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1089
Albums Rated
3.66
Average Rating
100%
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Rating Distribution

Rating Timeline

Taste Profile

1950
Favorite Decade
Jazz
Favorite Genre
Other
Top Origin ?
Cheerleader
Rater Style ?
95
5-Star Albums
6
1-Star Albums

Breakdown

By Genre

Top Styles

By Decade

By Origin

Albums

You Love More Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
5 2.3 +2.7
Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
5 2.31 +2.69
Metal Box
Public Image Ltd.
5 2.41 +2.59
Third
Soft Machine
5 2.45 +2.55
The United States Of America
The United States Of America
5 2.61 +2.39
Chelsea Girl
Nico
5 2.63 +2.37
Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
5 2.74 +2.26
Tago Mago
Can
5 2.81 +2.19
Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
5 2.83 +2.17
Damaged
Black Flag
5 2.86 +2.14

You Love Less Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
S&M
Metallica
1 3.26 -2.26
Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
1 2.88 -1.88
Back In Black
AC/DC
2 3.83 -1.83
All Hope Is Gone
Slipknot
1 2.7 -1.7
Slipknot
Slipknot
1 2.68 -1.68
Casanova
The Divine Comedy
1 2.65 -1.65
Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
3 4.45 -1.45
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
2 3.45 -1.45
Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
1 2.45 -1.45
Murmur
R.E.M.
2 3.42 -1.42

Artists

Favorites

ArtistAlbumsAverage
Miles Davis 4 4.75
Beatles 7 4.29
Radiohead 6 4.33
Steely Dan 4 4.5
Nick Drake 3 4.67
Yes 3 4.67
Peter Gabriel 3 4.67
Genesis 2 5
King Crimson 2 5
Stevie Wonder 4 4.25
Björk 4 4.25
Pink Floyd 4 4.25
David Bowie 9 3.89
My Bloody Valentine 3 4.33
The Smiths 3 4.33
Jimi Hendrix 3 4.33
The Velvet Underground 3 4.33
Black Sabbath 3 4.33
Johnny Cash 3 4.33
The Byrds 5 4
Bruce Springsteen 5 4

Least Favorites

ArtistAlbumsAverage
Slipknot 2 1
Metallica 4 2.25

5-Star Albums (95)

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Popular Reviews

A Love Supreme by John Coltrane

”If God had an ipod I would be on his playlist” - John Coltrane, 1965

Yank Crime by Drive Like Jehu

One of the best albums of this whole list and if you give it a low score you are not invited to my birthday party

So Much For The City by The Thrills

Cute early 2000s indie. I do not have my copy of the 1001 Albums book on hand but I can bet this didn’t last more than one edition

OK Computer by Radiohead

You can take the whiteboy out of the Radiohead, but you can’t take the Radiohead out of the whiteboy

Live! by Fela Kuti

Fela the type of fella to only release bangers

1-Star Albums (6)

All Ratings (1089)

It's Blitz! by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Aug 22 2021

Fun and creative. Not something you must listen to before you die, but enjoyable if you do.

Rock 'N Soul by Solomon Burke
Aug 23 2021

Solid, competent soul

The Soft Bulletin by The Flaming Lips
Aug 24 2021

Great drumwork, synths and general breadth of sounds.

Mama's Gun by Erykah Badu
Aug 25 2021

Made me convert to baduism

Legalize It by Peter Tosh
Aug 26 2021

Catchy tunes with plenty of depth, assuming you don't mind reggae.

Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield
Aug 27 2021

As unique now as it was in 1973, definitely an album you must hear before you die.

Repeater by Fugazi
Aug 28 2021

Amazing how some people hear a song like "Shut The Door" and think it's nothing more than just punk. Even more amazing is the fact that this isn't even Fugazi's best album

Shaft by Isaac Hayes
Aug 29 2021

Funky, soulful and keeps it up for the whole double album (though it could be one disc if not for "Do Your Thing"). You can't go wrong with it.

Slippery When Wet by Bon Jovi
Aug 30 2021

A few musical tricks, competent soloing and "Raise Your Hands" having a good riff saves this from total musical failure. I thought punk had gotten rid of this kind of music

Pink Flag by Wire
Aug 31 2021

With (among much more) the guitar sound of grunge and the brevity of hardcore, it takes a special kind of ingenuity to make a punk album that sounds like this in 1977

Among The Living by Anthrax
Sep 01 2021

Mostly disparate elements that don't form a cohesive sound, occasionally odd mixing too. I hope the drummer enjoyed himself, at least

Sep 02 2021

Quirky, noisy, artsy rock brimming with ideas whilst still having a pop sensibility underneath.

Midnight Ride by Paul Revere & The Raiders
Sep 03 2021

Good, enjoyable pop songs

Little Earthquakes by Tori Amos
Sep 04 2021

Reminiscent of a more reserved Kate Bush, the songs range from starkly intimate to anthemic. A captivating album

Fire Of Love by The Gun Club
Sep 05 2021

Makes you wish that blues and post punk was a more common combination, especially in the hands of musicians who know to use dynamics in rock music

Blue Lines by Massive Attack
Sep 06 2021

A hazy, groovy, classic debut. Though they went on to do better things, this album still holds up.

Calenture by The Triffids
Sep 08 2021

Occaisonally poignant tunes with an apreciable sonic variety

Sep 09 2021

Very fun music that keeps up the energy. Great bass playing, too

Brown Sugar by D'Angelo
Sep 10 2021

Plenty to enjoy here if you like R&B

Lam Toro by Baaba Maal
Sep 12 2021

Nice senegalese sounds mixed with other influences

Nowhere by Ride
Sep 13 2021

It's curious how this is counted as a shoegaze album when, with the exception of a song like "Dreams Burn Down", it's mostly just neo-psychedelic britpop with distorted guitars. Great album, great songs and a great rhythm section

Sep 15 2021

Very soothing country rock, with particularly beautiful vocals. The decievingly simple songs obscure how well realised it is as a whole. This is the album you would show someone who doesn't like country.

69 Love Songs by The Magnetic Fields
Sep 16 2021

You couldn't really grasp an album like this on the first listen, which says something with how well I still liked it

Actually by Pet Shop Boys
Sep 17 2021

Catchy electronic pop that still holds up

Surfer Rosa by Pixies
Sep 19 2021

If I was a rose I wouldn't be surfing, that sounds scary!

Sep 20 2021

A successful combination of great songwriting, unusual production and a captivating sound.

Back To Black by Amy Winehouse
Sep 21 2021

Genuinely soulful. My mom like Amy Winehouse

Chelsea Girl by Nico
Sep 22 2021

Uniquely beautiful, occasionally disturbing

A Wizard, A True Star by Todd Rundgren
Sep 23 2021

A rich collection of quirky pop songs with a satisfying flow, nice drum sounds too.

The Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails
Sep 25 2021

Though reputation and age exceed this album somewhat, the care put into it is still clear. The peaks of it's brutality are what really shine.

Heroes by David Bowie
Sep 26 2021

Really groovy songs, the Eno hijack on the second side is good too

Sail Away by Randy Newman
Sep 27 2021

Nice songs with nice instrumentation.

2112 by Rush
Sep 28 2021

Rocks, they have better albums

Scum by Napalm Death
Sep 29 2021

I'm largely skeptical towards extreme metal but this manages to come out the other end. I suppose the earlier an album is within a genre the more it's outside influences show.

Mermaid Avenue by Billy Bragg
Sep 30 2021

I wish they maid mer of these. Oh wait!

Dummy by Portishead
Oct 01 2021

Timeless, popular for good reason. Every song is a different flavor of their alluring, melancholic sound.

Marcus Garvey by Burning Spear
Oct 02 2021

Sharp reggae with lively instrumentation

Superfuzz Bigmuff by Mudhoney
Oct 03 2021

Focused rocker. I didn't realize EPs were included in this list

Oct 04 2021

ceelo is a good singer but this was annoying. It's not that bad, I liked the songs toward the end more, but still

Appetite For Destruction by Guns N' Roses
Oct 05 2021

Axl Rose's vocals doesn't do this any favors but there are still solid rock songs scattered throughout

Woodface by Crowded House
Oct 06 2021

vibin

In A Silent Way by Miles Davis
Oct 07 2021

Beautiful, an album uniquely it's own. Yet another reason for why Miles Davis is such a musical icon

Public Image: First Issue by Public Image Ltd.
Oct 11 2021

Though a lot of the creative decisions can probably be attributed to John Lydon wanting to troll the mainstream, the dub-influenced post-punk still shows strongly. The brighter tracks "Public Image" and "Low Life" are great too

B-52's by The B-52's
Oct 13 2021

Nice mix of fun and post-punk sounds

Oct 14 2021

A briskly paced album of varied songs in Queen's own style, thoroughly enjoyable.

Illmatic by Nas
Oct 15 2021

Timeless, basically

The Stooges by The Stooges
Oct 16 2021

A somewhat fragmented album, it's pulled together by the unified raw attitude of the band

Talking Book by Stevie Wonder
Oct 18 2021

Groovy, soulful and musical. Stevie brings the whole package

The Man Machine by Kraftwerk
Oct 19 2021

Considering the year it was released, these tunes have a modern accessibility. Very enjoyable, repetitions and all

Loveless by My Bloody Valentine
Oct 21 2021

Often imitated, never replicated. A rightful classic

My Aim Is True by Elvis Costello
Oct 22 2021

Solid, spunky songs with a clear personality

Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
Oct 24 2021

Very decent with some great songs. I'm also a fan Lindsey Buckingham's voice.

Beauty And The Beat by The Go-Go's
Oct 26 2021

Fun, energetic and musically detailed beneath the poppy surface. I wish I would've listened to this before

Palo Congo by Sabu
Oct 27 2021

Very catchy rhythms and chants, with the additional instrumentation supplementing them well

Dirt by Alice In Chains
Oct 28 2021

Murky, sinister and sounds massive. Also rocks

Oct 29 2021

Opens and ends with fury. I like the rest too

Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots by The Flaming Lips
Oct 31 2021

Catchy, pretty singing with groovy drums and detailed synths, as expected of the Flaming Lips. Basically? Vibin

Moving Pictures by Rush
Nov 02 2021

Classic. Every song is in the perfect interstice of Rush's prog and pop.

Parklife by Blur
Nov 03 2021

Bloody decent

Sheet Music by 10cc
Nov 04 2021

Though this is more of a pop record, it has the kind of creative songwriting I wish was more prevalent in prog. Would probably give it a 5 if I was more familiar with it.

The Chronic by Dr. Dre
Nov 06 2021

The beats are great, the rhymes not as much. Certainly an album you must hear before you die, though

Screamadelica by Primal Scream
Nov 07 2021

Pretty cool. The fact that it features so many different collaborators probably contributes to the variance in quality between songs.

Blue by Joni Mitchell
Nov 10 2021

"Beautiful" is an easy word to use for this album. I think the music speaks best for itself

Too Rye Ay by Dexys Midnight Runners
Nov 11 2021

It's good but it would be better if instead of "come on eileen" it was "come on guyleen"

Tanto Tempo by Bebel Gilberto
Nov 12 2021

Cool mix of bossa nova and electronics

Van Halen by Van Halen
Nov 13 2021

A lot richer (musically) than they are often derided as being. Rock on brother

White Blood Cells by The White Stripes
Nov 15 2021

It's like Van Halen in the opposite direction if U think about it

Africa Brasil by Jorge Ben Jor
Nov 16 2021

Really good, lively and well made. If you’re the best in brazil you know you have something going on

Coat Of Many Colors by Dolly Parton
Nov 17 2021

Very quaint. The song "Travelling Man" is really funny

Grace by Jeff Buckley
Nov 18 2021

One of the best albums of the 90s

Deja Vu by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Nov 19 2021

Very solid, obviously a classic

American Pie by Don McLean
Nov 20 2021

There’s a kind of folky subtlety that really gives the songs a big boost. Very pleasant

The Queen Is Dead by The Smiths
Nov 23 2021

I prefer Meat Is Murder but this is arguably their peak.

Black Metal by Venom
Nov 25 2021

Metal sucks, Venom rocks, simple as

Raising Hell by Run-D.M.C.
Nov 27 2021

I like The consistency of the album’s energy, very fun

Hot Rats by Frank Zappa
Nov 28 2021

Zappa brings bangers

Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Nov 30 2021

Better than I was expecting with a nice swagger, the talent of the musicians also helps

Goodbye And Hello by Tim Buckley
Dec 01 2021

The first side gives an early taste of Buckley’s experimental tendencies, and the second features more ordinary folk. Both sides are great

Led Zeppelin III by Led Zeppelin
Dec 04 2021

Some great songs, some not as great songs. Solid

Southern Rock Opera by Drive-By Truckers
Dec 06 2021

Well made southern rock with an actually somewhat interesting narrative

1984 by Van Halen
Dec 07 2021

Pretty similar to how I feel about their first album except there are synths in this one. I should've probably given yesterday's album a 4 but what can men do

Suicide by Suicide
Dec 08 2021

The repetitive simplistic beats serve the uneasy atmosphere well. Maybe a bit prototypical as a whole, but still an album you have you hear (even if most of it is because of Frankie Teardrop)

Power In Numbers by Jurassic 5
Dec 09 2021

Varying flavors of hip-hop with a classic feel. Fun

Dec 11 2021

Just a collection of very solid and enjoyable country ballads. I don’t think Marty really killed and got killed all those times, though

The Grand Tour by George Jones
Dec 12 2021

Good ole country yeeharrr. Also a generous amount of lap steel guitar

Marquee Moon by Television
Dec 13 2021

The compositional endpoint of the two guitars, bass and drums band playing rock & roll. Every instrument is playing exactly what it needs to, and what they’re playing is all brilliant (especially the drums). This could've just as well have been released 10 or even 20 years later. Hard to believe it would come out of the CBGB's scene

Pretenders by Pretenders
Dec 14 2021

Cool new-wave, post-punk, pop-rock bonanza with an especially entertaining singer. A fun listen

Ctrl by SZA
Dec 15 2021

Nice r&b with cool murky beats on some tracks. I think this list could have stopped being updated at 2005 though, just a thought

Kenya by Machito
Dec 17 2021

A straightforward, digestible kind of jazz that just sounds good. That might sound dismissive, but it’s really a treat when done well, as it is here

Foo Fighters by Foo Fighters
Dec 19 2021

A collection of nice rock tunes. Well done Dave

Pieces Of The Sky by Emmylou Harris
Dec 20 2021

Awesome album. The varied instrumentation and is rousing during the lively songs and beautiful during the pretty songs, and naturally the singing is also on point.

Tea for the Tillerman by Cat Stevens
Dec 21 2021

Pretty folk rock. Not sure how to articulate it but there’s a certain charm that draws me in. Maybe it’s in Stevens’ voice, his words or the instrumentation. Who knows?

Drunk by Thundercat
Dec 22 2021

The mileage of this album may depend on if you can stomach Thundercat as an artist. I can, so I like this album. Fantastic bassist, too

Bongo Rock by Incredible Bongo Band
Dec 23 2021

Groovy. A bit too many instruments that aren’t bongos though, just a bit of constructive criticism

OK Computer by Radiohead
Dec 24 2021

You can take the whiteboy out of the Radiohead, but you can’t take the Radiohead out of the whiteboy

Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes
Dec 25 2021

Holiday cheer may have inspired me to give this a more favorable rating, but it _is_ a great album

Planet Rock: The Album by Afrika Bambaataa
Dec 27 2021

A historically essential record, very groovy if somewhat aged

Surrealistic Pillow by Jefferson Airplane
Dec 28 2021

Rock solid psych, compact with a certain something that ties it all together

The Healer by John Lee Hooker
Dec 29 2021

Pretty uneven album. About half the cuts are lame and both the production and John Lee Hooker himself sound aged (not in the way that’s good for a blues musician), particularly the first song, and the other half are solid blues numbers with the last song standing out as being truly poignant. It’s not that bad overall but it gets a 2 because 😈

You Want It Darker by Leonard Cohen
Dec 30 2021

Pretty hard to seperate from his death shortly following the album’s release, obviously by design. His low voice is really captivating here. I wish it went harder on the strings

The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter by The Incredible String Band
Dec 31 2021

Not sure what it is about this album that seems to inspire such vitriol in people. I think it’s cool and unique:)

Catch A Fire by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Jan 01 2022

They didn’t lie, they caught a fire…. Album

American Idiot by Green Day
Jan 02 2022

Not a bad album actually. Solid songs all around

Rhythm Nation 1814 by Janet Jackson
Jan 03 2022

Conpetently made funky 80s pop. Enjoyable, but not too much else. Also very dated, although that didn’t bother me

Jan 04 2022

Just enough instances of beautiful musicality to keep it from being totally generic. Pretty much the exact middle point

Chirping Crickets by Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Jan 05 2022

Everyone knows the Buddy Holly story yada yada. This is solid rock and roll (the original kind). If I was rating purely on my own enjoyment this wold be a 4. Also an album you have to listen to before you die

No Other by Gene Clark
Jan 06 2022

This album is cool… I like this album

Imagine by John Lennon
Jan 08 2022

Pretty much what other people have said. Some nice songs, some songs that could’ve been left out. I like the drums on ”I Don’t Wanna Be A Soldier Mama”

The College Dropout by Kanye West
Jan 09 2022

Some people hate on Kanye and have never listened to this. Sad!

Unhalfbricking by Fairport Convention
Jan 10 2022

Really loved this. Very well performed, charming folk rock that is simultaneously consistent and varied .It feels like I could keep listening to this for a long time.

Low-Life by New Order
Jan 11 2022

Propa synth chunes yeah

Jan 12 2022

They rock hard basically. I appreciate the intensity. Also quirky instrumentals. Fun!

Freak Out! by The Mothers Of Invention
Jan 13 2022

I realize the innovation doesn’t make up for the polarizing nature of the music. It’s love it or hate it, and I’m more inclined towards the former. Especially with ”Help, I’m A Rock”

Axis: Bold As Love by Jimi Hendrix
Jan 14 2022

I love this album. Just banger after banger

Hot Buttered Soul by Isaac Hayes
Jan 15 2022

Very cool and unique take on soul. I dig it

Jan 16 2022

Eminem is a talented rapper, if he could’ve trimmed the length and varied his topics this could’ve been epic ftw

Tusk by Fleetwood Mac
Jan 17 2022

The standouts are great but a lot of this is just momrockers. Some parts sound suprisingly similar to indie rock

Pump by Aerosmith
Jan 18 2022

It’s very cool that Aerosmith regained popularity going into the 90s, Robert, but that doesn’t mean we have to listen to it. The hidden track is the best one also

1989 by Taylor Swift
Jan 19 2022

Quintessentially average pop with just a hint of musicality to let you know that someone working on this had greater ambitions

Vauxhall And I by Morrissey
Jan 20 2022

Fair album, I like the sound of the guitars. I like Speedway too

Oxygène by Jean-Michel Jarre
Jan 21 2022

Vibin

Natty Dread by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Jan 23 2022

Groovy

Closer by Joy Division
Jan 24 2022

Very well realized post-punk gloom. Ian Curtis thought the synths were ”gay”, but what does he know?

Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Jan 25 2022

Shout out to everyone in the band that isn’t Anthony Keidis… he’s not even that bad

Go Girl Crazy by The Dictators
Jan 27 2022

I very much enjoyed the attitude. A treat :)

Raw Power by The Stooges
Jan 29 2022

*The* proto-punk album. Pretty awesome

Darklands by The Jesus And Mary Chain
Jan 30 2022

Pleasant soft noise pop tunes

Steve McQueen by Prefab Sprout
Jan 31 2022

Really pretty. I dig the sound

Technique by New Order
Feb 01 2022

Once again, propa synth chunes. This album seems to change every time I listen to it, this time there were more outdated synth sounds than I remember

The Renaissance by Q-Tip
Feb 02 2022

Groovy hip hop with a consistent vibe. Sollid

Either Or by Elliott Smith
Feb 03 2022

Uhh, yeah, this one’s 4 the indie boys

American Beauty by Grateful Dead
Feb 04 2022

If there’s any Grateful Dead album you have to listen to before you die, it would be a concert recording. This is a good album, however

Sticky Fingers by The Rolling Stones
Feb 05 2022

I ain’t finna cap this album is kinda cool. Can’t You Hear Me Knocking is a banger

Phrenology by The Roots
Feb 06 2022

Thinking about why you would pick this album out of all their albums for this made me really that you could justify picking most any of their albums. Great band, great album

Moby Grape by Moby Grape
Feb 07 2022

Great sixties album

Floodland by Sisters Of Mercy
Feb 09 2022

Cool post punk et al

Shalimar by Rahul Dev Burman
Feb 10 2022

I personally prefer the instrumentals but it’s awesome that this is here at all. Go watch Kal Ho Naa Ho

Behaviour by Pet Shop Boys
Feb 11 2022

Synth dance with a certain atmospheric sensibility. I does make me wish the orchestral stab preset was never invented

Bitches Brew by Miles Davis
Feb 13 2022

Fantastic, one of a kind, classic etc. etc. ”Miles Runs The Voodoo Down” indeed

Exile On Main Street by The Rolling Stones
Feb 14 2022

Essentially, rock n roll as a double album. I dig it.

The Velvet Underground & Nico by The Velvet Underground
Feb 16 2022

One of the most crucial albums you must hear before you die. 1967 really was a loaded year

Back to Mystery City by Hanoi Rocks
Feb 17 2022

Might be the only Finnish album on here. Gotta respect it

Paul Simon by Paul Simon
Feb 19 2022

This album is uhh good (bernie sanders voice)

Live At Leeds by The Who
Feb 20 2022

Some quirked up white boys rock out, you love to see it

Eagles by Eagles
Feb 21 2022

I have a confession to make… I like dadrock

Violent Femmes by Violent Femmes
Feb 22 2022

An alternative classic. The acoustic instruments give the angsty songs a unique flavor.

Elvis Is Back by Elvis Presley
Feb 24 2022

Elvis is BACK! What it do, baby!

GREY Area by Little Simz
Feb 26 2022

Stylish album. Little Simz is a cool rapper with her own voice and the beats complement her well, making for a satisfying and enjoyable result

Slipknot by Slipknot
Feb 27 2022

Principally this would be 2 but I don’t know how many more albums there will be in this that I’ll dislike more. I appreciate the additional percussion being used, the aggression and the unique sound distinguishing it from other ”nu-metal”, but it wears off towards the end of the album. Also a lot more extreme than I was expecting. An honorable 1 star

Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves
Feb 28 2022

Cutesy country-tinged pop :)

The Specials by The Specials
Mar 01 2022

Very fun sound and attitude… high 3

Mar 02 2022

A good sounding album that never really goes for any emotional or musical highs, just stays in the middle ground. Pretty cool

Architecture And Morality by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Mar 04 2022

I really like the sound palette on this, by using more analog electronics (I assume) it avoids the sort of ageing that some synth based albums from the 80s sometimes fall victim to. Also one of my favorite album covers, but I wouldn’t let that influence my score, would I?…;)

Court And Spark by Joni Mitchell
Mar 05 2022

Joni be like: brings home the bagel… I like the variety on the album and Car On A Hill is funky

Damaged by Black Flag
Mar 06 2022

I love this s*** man… shout-out to punk music

Third by Portishead
Mar 07 2022

Cool, unique & creepy sound. Still recognisable as being Portishead while sounding completely different from Dummy

Songs From A Room by Leonard Cohen
Mar 08 2022

Personally would not have put this on this list. Not his best album, still cool. Cohen is as poetic as ever, and the prominence of sounds such as the mouth harp gives the album it’s own identity

Meat Is Murder by The Smiths
Mar 09 2022

My preferred Smiths album. I don’t even dislike the title track that much, though it’s still a miss in terms of pacing

Ananda Shankar by Ananda Shankar
Mar 10 2022

Cool and good and fun :)

Histoire De Melody Nelson by Serge Gainsbourg
Mar 11 2022

Sprawling, funky tracks in a satisfyingly short package. Also not the least bit suprised about the subject of the story considering it was made by a frenchman.

1977 by Ash
Mar 14 2022

Playful 90s rock. The way the guitar feedback just turns into a suspended drone in one of the songs was gnarly.

Face to Face by The Kinks
Mar 15 2022

Enjoyable, competent. Not their best, not their worst

Kilimanjaro by The Teardrop Explodes
Mar 16 2022

Pretty um bouncy nervy 80s post-punk type thing with synths and that yeah

Kala by M.I.A.
Mar 17 2022

The playful attitude (bar some darker themes) combined with the particular minimal(?) sensibility of the music makes for a memorable whole……. I dig it

Daydream Nation by Sonic Youth
Mar 19 2022

This is my kind of music. More like this, Robert

Space Ritual by Hawkwind
Mar 20 2022

Space rock is what space rock does

Mar 21 2022

Any album that names a whole genre should be listened to before you die, this is no exception. A manifesto for what ambient music could be, expectedly pretty and abstract

Done By The Forces Of Nature by Jungle Brothers
Mar 22 2022

Solid old school hip-hop with a somewhat eclectic array of sounds. Upbeat and enjoyable

Ogden's Nut Gone Flake by Small Faces
Mar 23 2022

Nut indeed… also a fairly eclectic range of psychedelia covered on this LP. This week’s word is ”eclectic”

Dub Housing by Pere Ubu
Mar 24 2022

Post-punk bangerz. I really like the combination of the blunt synths and the jagged rock instruments. Sad that this is in the lowest ranked albums on this site. Shows what the masses know, I suppose

The Score by Fugees
Mar 26 2022

A higlight in hip-hop, I’d say

Penthouse And Pavement by Heaven 17
Mar 27 2022

A nice combination of sounds: Detached ironic vocals, busy drum machine patterns, various synth textures and lively bass work being a definite highlight

Bandwagonesque by Teenage Fanclub
Mar 28 2022

Balanced, well rounded power pop. A seamless blend of alternative sound and mainstream appeal

Veckatimest by Grizzly Bear
Mar 29 2022

Rich layerz like Shrek

Pornography by The Cure
Mar 30 2022

Grr… mom brought me the wrong dip sauce for my chicken nuggies… she just doesn’t GET me… goth 4 life

Blonde On Blonde by Bob Dylan
Mar 31 2022

The increased musical variety courtesy of being a double album is… cheeelin

Triangle by The Beau Brummels
Apr 01 2022

Solid folk & country songs complemented by creative production

Superfly by Curtis Mayfield
Apr 02 2022

Hell yeah brother

Apr 04 2022

Enjoyable sound albeit repetetive to it’s detriment. The track ”Can’t fade me” sticks out for it’s misogyny but what he says on ”Who’s The Mack?” and the framing of ”It’s a Man’s World” makes me believe that he think he was aware of how it came off when he wrote it. The question then becomes why write it at all?

Apr 05 2022

Effective mix of synths, indie and danceability + bangerz

Isn't Anything by My Bloody Valentine
Apr 07 2022

Veeeerrrrrrrrryyyyyyyy strong four…. I love the sound. Distinct from Loveless while still having their trademarked effects-drenched guitars

In The Wee Small Hours by Frank Sinatra
Apr 10 2022

Imagine being the guy making the second ever album and having to follow this up 😨

Suede by Suede
Apr 11 2022

White boy, black boy, they the same

Darkness on the Edge of Town by Bruce Springsteen
Apr 12 2022

They don’t call him ”The Boss” for nothing 🤟 hahhhaaaa nah but seriously, this is tasteful and well-aged take on hard rock :)

Tellin’ Stories by The Charlatans
Apr 13 2022

Strange mix of britpop tracks and funk instrumentals. Fine overall

All Mod Cons by The Jam
Apr 14 2022

This is a jam… album

Bryter Layter by Nick Drake
Apr 15 2022

If you’re like me and found out about Nick Drake through Pink Moon you’d probably be surprised hearing some of the more lavish arrangements found on this album. For example, Poor Boy features female backing vocals straight out of a soul song. But whereas you might think that such treatment would obscure the songwriting, it instead enhances it. The upbeat “Hazy Jane II”, drifting “One Of These Things First”, sublime “Northern Lights” and leisurely “Sunday” mark some of the best moments in his all too short career, not to mention every other song on the album

Odessey And Oracle by The Zombies
Apr 16 2022

One of the highlights of sixties psychedelic baroque pop whathaveyou. Would probably be a 5 if I wasn’t so late to the party

Savane by Ali Farka Touré
Apr 17 2022

Really like this. Very well executed sound that envelops you. StronG 4

Juju by Siouxsie And The Banshees
Apr 18 2022

Jangly, spooky post-punk. A successful fusion of different musical elements into one cohesive sound

Astral Weeks by Van Morrison
Apr 19 2022

Easy classic. A quite singular creative vision

School's Out by Alice Cooper
Apr 23 2022

Something of a musical hodgepodge. I like it

One World by John Martyn
Apr 24 2022

I really like ”Couldn’t Love You More” and ”Small Hours”. Had an interesting sound otherwise, Martyn’s voice was a bit coarse on most of the songs

Bert Jansch by Bert Jansch
Apr 25 2022

Bert Jansch was a fantastic guitarist and is a personal inspiration. This album has that certain ”contained experience” which captures me tremendously

Bayou Country by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Apr 26 2022

^ this guy? Not from the bayou

Swordfishtrombones by Tom Waits
Apr 27 2022

Good but I prefer what he made after. This is still a bit scattered and prototypical

Ready To Die by The Notorious B.I.G.
Apr 28 2022

Claaaaaasic… might’ve been a 5 if this wasn’t the first time I heard it LOL

Queens of the Stone Age by Queens Of The Stone Age
Apr 29 2022

Why is this the one Qotsa album on here and no Kyuss bruuuhhhh 💀💀💀 give me some of what Rob’s smoking!

Elastica by Elastica
Apr 30 2022

I like this…:) Enjoyable if quintessentially average

Hms Fable by Shack
May 02 2022

Fun, easygoing (with some exceptions). The strings arrrangements are well implemented. I especially like the song ”Streets Of Kenny”

Vespertine by Björk
May 04 2022

My favorite Björk album. From the intimate ”Cocoon” to the sprawling ”Pagan Poetry”, the album combines orchestral strings, choir song, assorted twinkling instruments, electonic production and Björk’s umistakable voice into a cohesive, enveloping and deeply personal expression. The ticking and shuffling electronic percussion used also appeals to me personally.

This Is Fats Domino by Fats Domino
May 05 2022

Who said the oldies can’t rock 💃🕺🧓🏼👴🏻

The Madcap Laughs by Syd Barrett
May 06 2022

I don’t even care about the Syd Barrett story man, this is just wacky, totally nutty, absolutely bonkers.

At Mister Kelly's by Sarah Vaughan
May 07 2022

Warm, inviting vocal jazz. Hard to dislike

1999 by Prince
May 08 2022

Prince made bangers. It’s been known

NEU! 75 by Neu!
May 09 2022

Neu is band whose influence exceed their quality. The music is good, don’t get me wrong, but it’s superceded by the myriads of bands that took what they did and expanded upon it. That being said, it and their debut (which is suprisingly not on here) should certainly be listened before you die. It gets a 3 because 😈

Beautiful Freak by Eels
May 10 2022

Not sure about this one. I find it difficult to describe the way this album keeps changing it’s sound song for song. The variety produces some great songs like ”Not Ready Yet” and ”Mental”. Also not too fond of the vocals on some songs, although they’re better on others. Idk It also feels strangely long for it’s length. I don’t think it’s a bad thing, but it’s worth noting

Blur by Blur
May 12 2022

This is kinda bussin bruh fr

Off The Wall by Michael Jackson
May 13 2022

Disco bangers, simple as

Modern Kosmology by Jane Weaver
May 14 2022

Pretty good. Not so original as to make me understand what it’s doing on here though

Treasure by Cocteau Twins
May 15 2022

I don’t know if Spotify’s source is faulty or not but the sound quality of this album was worse than I remembered, particularly the drum machines. They do add a mechanical charm. Anyway, it’s Cocteau Twins.

OK by Talvin Singh
May 16 2022

Cool. I’m always for unique fusions of styles

Aja by Steely Dan
May 17 2022

This is like Revenge of the Nerds but instead of sexual assault they made one of the best (produced) albums of all time

Stardust by Willie Nelson
May 18 2022

Warm like a campfire

16 Lovers Lane by The Go-Betweens
May 19 2022

A post-punkulent sound gives these songs a unique effect. I especially like ”Clouds” and how it uses the oboe for added escalation. This is an album you shouldn’t underestimate

Paranoid by Black Sabbath
May 21 2022

Every song* has at least 2 legendary riffs. Great understated drummer, great bassist, Ozzy Osbourne. It’s a testament to how great the seventies were that one of it’s best albums was released so early and it still didn’t slow down. *not Planet Caravan. Still a great track

Led Zeppelin II by Led Zeppelin
May 22 2022

Plenty of bangers on here but, blasphemously, this is one of the Led Zeppelin albums that could’ve been cut. Shoutout John Paul Jones

The Sun Rises In The East by Jeru The Damaja
May 23 2022

Even if Robert Dimery’s hip-hop choices are fairly questionable, this is a fine album, if a bit stereotypically 2conscious4u as some 90s rap albums are. It’s also tastefully short

At Folsom Prison by Johnny Cash
May 24 2022

As lively as a live album can be. You can’t help but feel the excitement of the prisoners cheering at Johnny Cash singing “I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die”. A joy to listen to

All Hope Is Gone by Slipknot
May 25 2022

This is like their first album but less unique. Switch the score I gave that with ”Slippery When Wet” and it should balance out

May 26 2022

Straddling a line between standing the test of time and having aged unfavourably, it’s place is certainly earned on this list

Vivid by Living Colour
May 28 2022

Decent

The Bends by Radiohead
May 29 2022

I probably like this album more than most but it didn’t need to be on here. There’s enough Radiohead already

Timeless by Goldie
May 30 2022

In keeping with the album being such a breakthrough for dnb, it’s more of a collection of ideas than a cohesive whole. This, in combination with the excessive length (which Goldie somehow managed to surpass for his next album) makes for lopsided whole. The tracks themselves, however, I have no issue with

Armed Forces by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
May 31 2022

Jolly. I really like the album cover (with the title)

I'm Your Man by Leonard Cohen
Jun 01 2022

Doesn’t really work. I like the instrumental of the opener and ”Take This Waltz”, but otherwise it’s mostly different flavors of dated with Cohen reciting his lyrics over it all. It has comical value, though

Manassas by Stephen Stills
Jun 03 2022

Dunno if it’s the joy from finding a way to listen to this besides YouTube but I enjoyed listening to this album a bunch… just very solid, direct and stylistically varied across the four sides of the lp

Machine Head by Deep Purple
Jun 04 2022

These guys just rock… highway star is an all-time classic… good music

The Wall by Pink Floyd
Jun 05 2022

Like a wise man once said: Good album

Murder Ballads by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Jun 06 2022

Very close to giving this a five, It’s just so well executed all around. Even looking past the intriguingly morbid stories being sung (clearly being the focus), each song brings it’s own set of accompanying sounds, like organ, banging drums, strings, choirs, duets and more. A captivating listen

Songs Of Leonard Cohen by Leonard Cohen
Jun 07 2022

A stellar debut, superbly balancing minimal instrumentation with Cohen’s cryptic writings

Neon Bible by Arcade Fire
Jun 08 2022

Good… not sure if both this and Funeral need to be on the list though… just my 2 cents

good kid, m.A.A.d city by Kendrick Lamar
Jun 09 2022

Well told, well performed, accompanied by beats that fit like a glove (even when they aren’t to my personal taste). “Sing About Me, I’m Dying Of Thirst” is the clear winner for me, but the rest of the album isn’t very far behind

Bookends by Simon & Garfunkel
Jun 10 2022

I love these lil fellas tbh

Hounds Of Love by Kate Bush
Jun 11 2022

The quintessential Kate Bush album: Art-pop bangers, conceptual journeys and an irish jig

The La's by The La's
Jun 12 2022

Mostly bouncy, concise songs in a mixture of styles that is difficult to describe. It is, however, easy to enjoy

Pretzel Logic by Steely Dan
Jun 14 2022

A Steely Dan is a Steely Dan album, but why choose this over, say, The Royal Scam? Because it has their top-charting single, duh

Atomizer by Big Black
Jun 15 2022

Clxssic. The pounding drum machine, Albini’s inelegant delivery, and the sound they produce from their metallic guitars is either stunningly ghastly or like you’re being run over with a bulldozer. That being said, there are better noise-rock albums out there… well deserving of being on this list, nonetheless

Different Class by Pulp
Jun 16 2022

Cocker is an evocative lyricist. I, however, have never been a lyrics person. The intentionally kitsch sound is charming

Maxinquaye by Tricky
Jun 18 2022

sOlid, a unique approach to trip-hop

Back In Black by AC/DC
Jun 19 2022

Somehow I’ve avoided being bothered by AC/DC’s music before listening to one of their albums proper. Also, for being one of the best-selling albums of all-time, there are a lot fewer hits on this than I was expecting

Picture Book by Simply Red
Jun 20 2022

Groovy. The cover of ”Heaven” stands out as particularly effective, otherwise the music is very of it’s time

Step In The Arena by Gang Starr
Jun 21 2022

Look, Gang Starr is classic, but you’re gonna include this and not Paid In Full or Road To Riches? U crazy Robert

Leftism by Leftfield
Jun 22 2022

Some good chunes on here yeah

In Rainbows by Radiohead
Jun 23 2022

You can take the whiteboy out of the Radiohead, but you can’t take the Radiohead out of the whiteboy: 2

Beach Samba by Astrud Gilberto
Jun 24 2022

Almost as nice as going to the beach in person!

The Poet by Bobby Womack
Jun 25 2022

Funky, soulful, very solid

Close To You by Carpenters
Jun 26 2022

Why is it called soft rock when it goes so hard?

Colour By Numbers by Culture Club
Jun 27 2022

Perfectly fine with some standouts (such as the number one single)

Protection by Massive Attack
Jun 28 2022

I was thinking that these guys were crazy to put Massive Attack’s first three albums on here, but then I found out that Mezzanine isn’t included. Wtf Blobert? Anyways good album

Tracy Chapman by Tracy Chapman
Jun 29 2022

An effective album by a great, heartfelt singer

Odelay by Beck
Jun 30 2022

An awesome blend of contrasting elements. Commonly featured are hip-hop beats, country licks and electric noise. Even classical music appears for a moment, only to be replaced by a wholly different potpourri of sounds. Also, great-sounding drums

Countdown To Ecstasy by Steely Dan
Jul 02 2022

It’s a testament to the quality of Steely Dan’s music that this is one of their weaker albums

Dig Your Own Hole by The Chemical Brothers
Jul 03 2022

Their best album, groovy tracks with punch and odd sounds baked into them

Green Onions by Booker T. & The MG's
Jul 05 2022

Pleasant organ grooves

Pink Moon by Nick Drake
Jul 06 2022

This is the album that made me falsely expect (and, perhaps, wish) every folk album to just be someone singing with a guitar*. Using this album as any kind of point for comparison is unfair, really. It’s just a one-of-a-kind album *There are about four measures of piano on the first track.

Parachutes by Coldplay
Jul 07 2022

Good album to be earnest… some inspired guitarwork and catchy drums + charming songs

Night Life by Ray Price
Jul 08 2022

Some great downtrodden, melancholy country songs. Lapsteel guitar features prominently and when Ray Price really breaks out his majestic voice it’s sure to impress

Harvest by Neil Young
Jul 09 2022

Before I listened to him I thought Neil Young made sentimental music for dads, but I was pleasantly surprised by his balance of heartfelt country and intriguing musicality. Pretty cool :)

This Year's Model by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Jul 10 2022

Similar to his debut, with some more keyboard thrown in

Live! by Fela Kuti
Jul 11 2022

Fela the type of fella to only release bangers

Rain Dogs by Tom Waits
Jul 12 2022

Like the preceding ”Swordfishtrombones” but better realized

Tago Mago by Can
Jul 13 2022

Uhh, yeah, I’m thinking it’s a classic

Jul 14 2022

The usual Common mix of conscious preaching, brag-rap, love songs and storytelling. The Jaydee (pbuh) production gives the album it’s edge over his preceding albums

Is This It by The Strokes
Jul 16 2022

Obviously a modern classic, essential listening, must hear before you die etc. etc. I personally prefer Room On Fire

The Gershwin Songbook by Ella Fitzgerald
Jul 17 2022

69 love songs? More like 59 love songs. Pertaining to this being more of a box-set than an album, it’s massive size makes listening front-to-back an absolute trek. The kicker is that it’s a trek through wonderful versions of timeless tunes Ps. To all the slackers who only listened to best-of version: Your loss

Figure 8 by Elliott Smith
Jul 18 2022

Not his best work, but Elliott Smith is Elliott Smith…

Zombie by Fela Kuti
Jul 19 2022

Fela had the winning formula; Half an hour, 2 tracks, all groove

Graceland by Paul Simon
Jul 20 2022

Nice enough albeit underwhelming. Crossing cultures can only do so much legwork. I do particularly enjoy the title track

Tarkus by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Jul 21 2022

Underrated second side

Jul 22 2022

Has a serene sound that you can lose yourself in… also, if we’re doing albums from last year, does that mean that next year I’ll have more than 1001 albums to listen to?

Come Away With Me by Norah Jones
Jul 23 2022

I love ”Jazz”. Very pretty and deceptively simple

Parallel Lines by Blondie
Jul 24 2022

Just kind of a new wave classic…

Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys
Jul 25 2022

If this was 5 albums you must hear before you die this would still be here

Time Out by The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Jul 26 2022

Great performances by four talented musicians of unique and well-written jazz compositions… hits a lot of spots for me

At Fillmore East by The Allman Brothers Band
Jul 27 2022

A great live album with some truly fantastic moments brought from improvisation

Ingenue by k.d. lang
Jul 29 2022

k.d. stands for “kinda dope”

Winter In America by Gil Scott-Heron
Jul 30 2022

Stripped-down funk based on Jackson’s jazzy keys and Heron’s social poetry. Very solid!

Bone Machine by Tom Waits
Jul 31 2022

Being more experienced with his 80s-sound, Waits turns up the country influence, making the music at turns more touching or more demented

The Number Of The Beast by Iron Maiden
Aug 01 2022

Not as great as I remember… but it is as good as I remember 🤘😎

Eliminator by ZZ Top
Aug 02 2022

There’s something very punchy about the production on this album… and some real bangers scattered throughout… strong 3

Sea Change by Beck
Aug 05 2022

Very pretty. Didn’t stick with me so much beyond that. I’ll probably change my mind later

Disraeli Gears by Cream
Aug 06 2022

An obvious classic, though the music never especially impressed me

Aug 08 2022

Bangers with little to no downtime inbetween. This albums reminds of something that I’ve noticed while listening to quite a few classic punk records, that being the music’s suprising sophistication in comparison to it’s stereotype of being simple

Run-D.M.C. by Run-D.M.C.
Aug 10 2022

As important as this album is for hip-hop as a whole, it unfortunately hasn’t aged favourably. The sparse production leaves more to be desired and the slow pace of the back-and-forths between Run and D.M.C. just end up sounding silly and outdated. Not hating btw

Low by David Bowie
Aug 11 2022

Great split release

New Wave by The Auteurs
Aug 12 2022

Nice if largely unremarkable

For Your Pleasure by Roxy Music
Aug 14 2022

Roxy music combines slickness with oddity to great effect

KIWANUKA by Michael Kiwanuka
Aug 15 2022

A nice mix of organic pop and indie sounds. Also suprised to learn that Danger Mouse produced this… strong 3

Forever Changes by Love
Aug 16 2022

Great album. If every song was as good as the best tracks it would be an easy 5 but unfortunately it’s not quite that inventive the whole way through

Brothers by The Black Keys
Aug 17 2022

They weren’t lying… these hwiteboys have soul!

Oedipus Schmoedipus by Barry Adamson
Aug 18 2022

Pretend soundtracks of varying styles (often jazz) held together by a consistent standard of quality

Aug 19 2022

A prog masterwork. Ever changing songs, brimming with great melodies, creativity and life. Though the players are all incredibly gifted, technicality never overshadows musicality. If you haven’t heard it before you certainly must before you die

A Love Supreme by John Coltrane
Aug 20 2022

”If God had an ipod I would be on his playlist” - John Coltrane, 1965

Dog Man Star by Suede
Aug 21 2022

Not so bad, but considering it’s namesake it’s disappointingly ordinary and sorely lacking the energy of their debut. Also, not sure why but the sound quality felt a bit funky. Maybe it had to do with my mood, but it felt like the album got better towards the end, especially the song ”Black Or Blue”

Innervisions by Stevie Wonder
Aug 23 2022

Stevie ”Bangermaker” Wonder does it again

Oar by Alexander 'Skip' Spence
Aug 24 2022

To me this is just a normal album

Deep Purple In Rock by Deep Purple
Aug 25 2022

Deep Purplr just do hard rock very well. Some may disagree though…

Hysteria by Def Leppard
Aug 27 2022

Respect to Rick Allen but I fell that one Def Leppard album is more than enough before you die

Shadowland by k.d. lang
Aug 28 2022

K.D. Lang has a great, emotive voice, and it’s set well against the backdrop of country stylings

Real Life by Magazine
Aug 29 2022

Not as crazy about this album as many are but it doubtlessly has many great moments. ”Shot By Both Sides” is also just a banger

Aug 30 2022

One of the tightest albums ever, live or studio. Also, it’s James Brown. Also also the crowd’s enthusiasm is infectious. And a bunch of other things

Aug 31 2022

In an wild turn of events, the Kinks come out with another album of solid baroque pop

Post Orgasmic Chill by Skunk Anansie
Sep 02 2022

Not sure what compelled Rob to go back and put this in here… it’s dexent

Born In The U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen
Sep 03 2022

If you think Bruce makes stupid music, you’re stupid… simple as

Destroyer by KISS
Sep 04 2022

I like the drums :)

Sep 05 2022

Pretty nifty… I like the way different genres are emulated and integrated into the instruments’ parts while having a cohesive sound… the songs themselves don’t always form a satisfying whole however… and the singer would be benefit from trying less to sound like Thom Yorke… respectable 3

Licensed To Ill by Beastie Boys
Sep 06 2022

This is what you love to see, just guys being lads

Autobahn by Kraftwerk
Sep 07 2022

Daft Punk succeed in what eludes so many electronic artists: Making music that stands the test of time even as it’s technology becomes obsolete

Cypress Hill by Cypress Hill
Sep 08 2022

Stoned out hip-hop with guitar-based beats and B-Real’s signature delivery (no shade towards Sen-Dog). I can imagine it’s not for everyone but I couldn’t tell you who.

Fred Neil by Fred Neil
Sep 09 2022

Tranquil country songs with tasteful accompaniment helping to broaden the soundscape. Something of a forgotten classic

Channel Orange by Frank Ocean
Sep 10 2022

Please… drop a new album…

Spiderland by Slint
Sep 11 2022

The importance and/or appeal of this album might be lost on those not familiar with the style of music this band occupied and inspired further. Being an avid fan post-rock and post-hardcore, this album is comparable in influence with something like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Also, brilliant music

Pacific Ocean Blue by Dennis Wilson
Sep 12 2022

Sometimes leaning towards overproduced, while at others having some very inspired production choices. Overall? Cool album

Stand! by Sly & The Family Stone
Sep 13 2022

Absolutely funkadelic. Wait, wrong band

Fragile by Yes
Sep 14 2022

Take any one performance from this album; guitar, bass, drums, keys, song; and you would have an excellent album. Together, they result in some of prog rock(if not rock altogether)’s finest offerings, still fresh 50 years on. I could say more but the music should speak for itself and, more importantly, I’m tired

Trans Europe Express by Kraftwerk
Sep 15 2022

I don’t have much to say about this that I didn’t say about their other albums. Their music aged gracefully because they played to the strengths of the technology rather than using it to try and replace traditional instruments

Bug by Dinosaur Jr.
Sep 16 2022

One of the more notable ”slacker rock” bands. Although, with guitar playing such as this you could hardly call them slackers

Vol. 4 by Black Sabbath
Sep 17 2022

Vol. 4/5

Raw Like Sushi by Neneh Cherry
Sep 18 2022

Good bearing how aggressively it is of it’s time

Yeezus by Kanye West
Sep 19 2022

A truly experimental album: Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t

Surf's Up by The Beach Boys
Sep 20 2022

A later Beach Boys gem

Home Is Where The Music Is by Hugh Masekela
Sep 21 2022

Honestly? Just an excellent record… gotta give this a 5… don’t @ me

The United States Of America by The United States Of America
Sep 22 2022

Love this album, fantastic psychedelic music. Strange, groovy and a joy to listen to. I hope Rob doesn’t make me look silly and give me third 5 star album in a row

Music for the Masses by Depeche Mode
Sep 24 2022

Good songs unfortunately held back by outdated technology, something they’d much improve upon on their following album. Also, Pimpf just sounds silly

The Rising by Bruce Springsteen
Sep 25 2022

Not bad, could’ve been better if it was cut down to just the best tracks

Liege And Lief by Fairport Convention
Sep 28 2022

Folk and rock combined a way I haven’t quite heard before: Faithfully sung folk narratives with a solid rock groove underneath. Nifty

Foxbase Alpha by Saint Etienne
Sep 29 2022

Decent dance music. ”Nothing Can Stop Us” is great

Fear Of Music by Talking Heads
Sep 30 2022

I like Talking Heads but this album eludes me. I like the songs(Life During Wartime is a personal favourite) yet the album as a whole doesn’t gel…. Strong 3

Superunknown by Soundgarden
Oct 01 2022

☝️☝️☝️ ⚠️Whiteboy on the mic⚠️ Exciting rethinking of rock ideas of both their past and present with inspired playing (particularly the drumming). Could’ve been shorter though

Young Americans by David Bowie
Oct 02 2022

I was ready to rag on this for being inessential Bowie and not needing to be on this list but, as it turns out, it’s actually a good album. Still didn’t need to be on this list

Vanishing Point by Primal Scream
Oct 03 2022

Groovy and fairly varied, strong 3

The Message by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Oct 04 2022

I rock with this. Musically somewhere between funk and hip-hop, it starts of fun and high energy but moves in quite a few directions throughout it’s mere 36 or so minute runtime. I found that it has aged better than some of the other old-school hip-hop albums on here, but maybe that’s just me

Cosmo's Factory by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Oct 05 2022

Very impressed with how condensed this album is. There’s some considerable variety packed into just 42 minutes, and that’s with a 7 minute and a 11 minute song. Good music too =)

Oct 06 2022

Good vibes :) it’s enough to make me overlook that this unplugged album is very much plugged in

Walking Wounded by Everything But The Girl
Oct 07 2022

This didn’t quite click with me the first time but hearing it now the electronic makeover gels well with their signature mellow sound. Just goes to show what repeated listenings can do

The Doors by The Doors
Oct 11 2022

The great tracks are fantastic, the others are good too. Definitely an album you have to hear b4 you die

Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Oct 13 2022

A lot to digest, espexially on a first listen. The common element of this wide array of songs is it’s glossy, bombastic sound reimagining the Bad Seeds for the 21st century. Might rub some people the wrong way, but I’d say that the music retains it’s strength

Thriller by Michael Jackson
Oct 15 2022

Happy Halloween

Queen II by Queen
Oct 16 2022

Kinda rocked with this one… decent 4

Oct 18 2022

Haven’t quite caught up to the hype with this album but it’s got great songs yeah. I like ”Do You Remember Walter” a lot

Murmur by R.E.M.
Oct 19 2022

Better than I remember but still not very impressive

Os Mutantes by Os Mutantes
Oct 20 2022

These fellows sure are wacky. Good music

Oct 21 2022

Fine album, but was a bit confused as to why it was included. Then when I went to check my copy of the ”1001 albums” book for the section for this album, I was stunned to find that this is the only Hüsker Dü album included, with ”Zen Arcade” having been omitted. So now I’m even more confused

Risque by CHIC
Oct 22 2022

Slapper. Disco rules

Oct 23 2022

Great debut from the group that helped set the stage for alternative hip-hop. It still holds up considersbly well even now 30 years on. Could’ve used more Phife though

Play by Moby
Oct 25 2022

Mellow tunes. I feel too many of them can be boiled down to 60s sample + dance beat + additional piano and/or guitar

The Pleasure Principle by Gary Numan
Oct 27 2022

Suprising amount of the band uses regular, non-synthetic instrument for an artist whose image relies so heavily on being robotic. Banger btw

Frank by Amy Winehouse
Oct 28 2022

Girlboss

Oct 29 2022

For being their grand statement on fame it’s not very grand. But maybe that’s the ultimate statement to make

Aladdin Sane by David Bowie
Oct 30 2022

This goes hard A Trip To The Moon (1902)

Peggy Suicide by Julian Cope
Oct 31 2022

Not bad. The murky grooves sound nice but don’t feel like they reach any real highs, the song ”Safesurfer” being the outlier

Sound Affects by The Jam
Nov 01 2022

Another The Jam certified jam

Songs From The Big Chair by Tears For Fears
Nov 02 2022

Very close to a five. Excellent pop in terms of both writing and creativity. Just a liiiittle too 80s

Group Sex by Circle Jerks
Nov 03 2022

Classic hardcore banger. In and out, 15 minute adventure

Talking Heads 77 by Talking Heads
Nov 04 2022

Very forward-thinking, setting the stage for the indie rockers and unconvential frontmen of the future. Also great music, like the shifting “No Compassion” and fantastic closer “Pulled Up”

Black Monk Time by The Monks
Nov 07 2022

Knowing the backstory to this album affects my view of it. Trying to put that aside however, it’s a delightfully odd album that’s both entertaining and intriguing. It’s place on this list is well deserved.

Nov 08 2022

The awkward raw nervousness of their debut is traded for a more polished stilted nervousness. The quality music remains intact.

Come Find Yourself by Fun Lovin' Criminals
Nov 10 2022

Not as bad as I thought it would be from the first song, but still a questionable inclusion

Fisherman's Blues by The Waterboys
Nov 11 2022

Jolly irish sounds with some alternative rock elements. I especially like the songs that have a gradual build-up like ”We Will Not Be Lovers” and ”The Stolen Child”

Remain In Light by Talking Heads
Nov 13 2022

How can you blame them for ripping off Fela Kuti when it made for their best album?

Out Of The Blue by Electric Light Orchestra
Nov 15 2022

Jeff Lynne writes consistently solid pop tunes. A lot of them. I was pleased with them. Strong 3/5

Kind Of Blue by Miles Davis
Nov 16 2022

Another entry that would make it on the shortlist of these 1001 albums. Works just as well for beginners to jazz as it does for veteran listeners

Nov 17 2022

What more can I say, I wouldn’t be here today if the old school didn’t pave the way

Everything Must Go by Manic Street Preachers
Nov 18 2022

Good emotionally charged alternative rock songs. Didn’t fully click with me unfortunately

Doolittle by Pixies
Nov 19 2022

Classic of indie classics. Gonna say this one is a banger

Mask by Bauhaus
Nov 20 2022

This kind of classic gothy post-punk tends to be to my taste. It might have to do with the rhythms. Must investigate further

The Slim Shady LP by Eminem
Nov 21 2022

I find there’s something charming about Eminem’s edginess on this album. Other than that it’s, ironcally, mostly inoffensive

Beggars Banquet by The Rolling Stones
Nov 22 2022

I may dig on The Rolling Stones

Fun House by The Stooges
Nov 23 2022

Very groovy and absolutely demented. A strong combination

Microshift by Hookworms
Nov 24 2022

Some nice synth and grooves. Nothing I haven’t heard before, but still pleasant.

Smile by Brian Wilson
Nov 25 2022

Strange that this s the first time I’ve heard of this album. Knowing the mythical status of the original ”Smile”, some might be disappointed by this rendition. I think it’s nice

Truth by Jeff Beck
Nov 26 2022

This guy’s about to rock off… truth

Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division
Nov 27 2022

You don’t have to hear this album before you die because in all likelyhood you already have. Even if it’s reputation exceeds it’s quality, it’s still a great album

C'est Chic by CHIC
Nov 28 2022

Cet album c’est chic

Hail To the Thief by Radiohead
Nov 29 2022

I’m a defender of this album but even I don’t think it’s essential. C’mon Bob

Abraxas by Santana
Nov 30 2022

Awesome latin-fusion jams

Da Capo by Love
Dec 01 2022

As someone who knew this band solely for Forever Changes this was a suprise. And I’m all for more varied, experimental and complicated songs. Perhaps it doesn’t reach the highs of the previously mentioned album but it’s certainly up my alley

Illinois by Sufjan Stevens
Dec 02 2022

Beautiful :) strong 4

Arise by Sepultura
Dec 04 2022

Not a fan of death metal, but as this is one of the only albums in the style that’s included here, aren’t there more significant albums that could’ve taken it’s place? Not very interesting musically, with the occasional nice guitar line or rhythm. The vocalist’s accent is also a bit amusing

Faust IV by Faust
Dec 05 2022

Being the only classic Faust album that was on streaming services for a while I’ve listened to this one quite a few times. Very cool record. Also, don’t call it krautrock

There's A Riot Goin' On by Sly & The Family Stone
Dec 06 2022

Honestly? Banger. Shoutout to Sly Stone not understanding the title of ”What’s Going On”

A Walk Across The Rooftops by The Blue Nile
Dec 07 2022

Gotta give this a 5. Earnestly beautiful, expertly balancing heartfelt emotions with intricate arrangements to create songs that can truly captivate you. This is aided, in no small part, by the excellent production

Ace of Spades by Motörhead
Dec 08 2022

100% pure f*uckin rock, R.I.P. Lemmy

Arrival by ABBA
Dec 10 2022

Despite being Scandinavian and having heard the song a thousand times, Dancing Queen is a megabanger. The rest of the songs are bangers

Abbey Road by Beatles
Dec 11 2022

Wow, just heard this! Very cool album :)

Locust Abortion Technician by Butthole Surfers
Dec 12 2022

Always down for some goofy guys just messing around on a record. Unfortunately most of the songs are too short or don’t develop enough to go beyond being musical ideas. I appreciate this being on the list, but there are better records of this scene that could’ve taken it’s place, not least by the same band

Synchronicity by The Police
Dec 13 2022

The first side is a bit wank (read: experimental) but the record really picks up from “Synchronicity Ⅱ“ onwards. Really a toss up between this being a 3 or 4 but personal enjoyment pushes it over the edge

Jack Takes the Floor by Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Dec 14 2022

Nice lo-fi aesthetic and sparse arrangement

The Stranger by Billy Joel
Dec 15 2022

Very solid late 70s pop rock. Varied songs, varied moods and well made as a whole

Bad by Michael Jackson
Dec 16 2022

Good pop as expected but the production has not aged as gracefully and the album as a whole is not as strong as his previous two

At San Quentin by Johnny Cash
Dec 17 2022

More of the same as his first prison album… please make even more!

Infected by The The
Dec 18 2022

A good example of a record with unmistakeably ”80s” production that makes it work for the music. Very enjoyable

Pictures At An Exhibition by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Dec 19 2022

ELP are the quintessential hit-or-miss band. I’m on the hit side. This album is enjoyable and the boys play the arse off as expected, but it doesn’t do anything particularly impressive with it’s structure as a whole

Elephant Mountain by The Youngbloods
Dec 20 2022

A very pleasant folky/jazzy listen. This is the kind of new find that rewards going through 1001 albums

Ill Communication by Beastie Boys
Dec 22 2022

An eclectic mix of grimy jazz atmosphere tracks, dirty funk tracks and an assortment of other styles. Quite cool :)

Arc Of A Diver by Steve Winwood
Dec 23 2022

Didn’t expect this kind of funky 80s music from Steve Winwood. Pleasantly suprised

Debut by Björk
Dec 24 2022

Conflicted on whether to give this 4 stars or 5, if that that should tell you what I think of this album. Also, a much larger portion of the album has aged gracefully than I’ve previously noticed

All Directions by The Temptations
Dec 25 2022

Some nice classic funk tunes.

Dear Science by TV On The Radio
Dec 27 2022

Was skeptical at first but warmed up to it towards the middle of the album. If I wanted to listen to whiteboy music sung by a black man I would just listen to Bloc Party though

Eternally Yours by The Saints
Dec 28 2022

Zamn! Who would’ve thought an aussie could rock like this?

Pyromania by Def Leppard
Dec 29 2022

Pretty decent if u ask me 🤠

Roger the Engineer by The Yardbirds
Dec 30 2022

Bluesy psych rock with flashes of guitar that hint towards the players’ future career

Music in Exile by Songhoy Blues
Dec 31 2022

A fun take on rock music as filtered through an african sound. I especially liked the songs that featured more unusual rhythms. Will be exploring this band further

Searching For The Young Soul Rebels by Dexys Midnight Runners
Jan 01 2023

Catchy tunes performed with heart and a complimenting horn section. Did they end up finding the soul rebels though??

Jan 02 2023

Despite being, or maybe because the album was made as a statement on the music of it’s time it has remained a product of that time. Regardless, the musical (and lyrical) edge is still palpable and the album remains essential to understanding hip-hop history

Le Tigre by Le Tigre
Jan 03 2023

Just some girls rocking off… you love to see it

Jan 04 2023

One description I’ve often seen of this album is that it sounds like it could’ve been released today. Certainly, there are elements that betray it being a product of the 60s, but it’s no mean feat to still sound fresh more than 50 years on. One reason for this is probably the fact that prog bands are using it as a reference point even to this day. The more relevant reason, however, which is common with every album that transcends time and genre, is great songwriting. And every song on here is a classic, never quite replicated by another band since except maybe King Crimson themselves. This is all without mentioning the massive musical talent within the band: Greg Lake steals the show with his powerful voice, not to overshadow his nimble bass playing providing great counterpoint to the rest of the music. Robert Fripp, who should need no introduction, takes a more subdued role, with hints of his unique melodic approach present in the guitar solos/improvisation. Michael Giles provides a stunning performance on drums, showing off his impressive chops not just in the bombastic moments but also the quiet ones. Not least of all is Ian McDonald, showing faultless multi-instrumental prowess on reeds, woodwinds and keys while also being the principal songwriter. The lyrical contribution of Peter Sinfield also deserve mention, illustrating wondrous fantasy worlds alongside rough depictions of war, solitude and the human condition. This line-up of King Crimson was not to last, as Ian McDonald and Greg Lake would leave the group before the release of their next album less than a year later, with Fripp taking over as band leader and principal writer from then on (even the artist behind the iconic cover art, Barry Godber, would tragically pass away a few months after the albums release at the age of 24). King Crimson then went on to experiment wildly with their style for the rest of their career, leaving behind perhaps the greatest debut album of all time. P.S. The flaw of the album is not Moonchild. That song is wonderful all the way through. The true flaw is the anti-climactic fake out ending of The Court Of The Crimson King. Why they decided to put that one last instead of using the perfect ending that precedes it I will never understand.

Diamond Life by Sade
Jan 05 2023

Silky smooth soul. Most will of course gravitate to the big songs like ”Smooth Operator”, bit the others aren’t bad either! Very good debut, and she only got better coming out of the 80s

At Budokan by Cheap Trick
Jan 06 2023

Come to Finland plz

Mr. Tambourine Man by The Byrds
Jan 07 2023

Very solid covers and originals. Better than the last times I’ve heard it

Dry by PJ Harvey
Jan 09 2023

A refreshingly original version of rock music. I may enjoy the ”sound” more than the songs themselves. Good regardless

S&M by Metallica
Jan 11 2023

Before listening to this album, I was actually somewhat looking forward to hearing how the album sounded. The idea of a thrash metal band backed by a symphony orchestra seemed like an interesting concept with lots of potential for something unique to come out of it. The first thing that quelled my enthusiasm was realising that the album was 40 minutes longer than I’d previously thought. The other was hearing the music. What you might cynically suspect a collaboration such as this would sound like, this does. Overblown, with neither party adding much substance to the other. More often than not, they fit so poorly together that they honestly would both sound much better separated. A “teilkunstwerk”, if you will. The only time the fusion is successful is on the slower ballads, which are so few and far between I’d recommend you just listen to them by themselves rather than having to sit through the whole 133 minutes of runtime. One positive I can cite without hesitation is the quality of the live recording. The technical team did a fantastic job capturing each instrument of the orchestra and of Metallica. This makes for yet another thing wasted on what is ultimately a waste of creative potential and my time.

Sex Pistols was always a band whose image eclipsed their music. It’s certainly influential and definitely not bad, just disproportionally unremarkable for their larger-than-life reputation. Still, every music lover has to listen to it sometime

Melodrama by Lorde
Jan 13 2023

Maybe I’m making a lapse in judgment but I simply cannot remember anything from this album except being underwhelmed. My bad

Here, My Dear by Marvin Gaye
Jan 14 2023

Not his best work, although Marvin is Marvin so there are plenty great songs throughout

Gold by Ryan Adams
Jan 15 2023

Yeah… kinda rocked with this. No hate. Sucks to hear he was alleged to have committed sexual misconduct though :/

Safe As Milk by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Jan 18 2023

Love this album. Great bluesy, soulful and out-there songs that too often get overshadowed by their outrageously out-there subsequent works. I’d like to give this a 5, but I feel that as a whole it doesn’t quite reach that level. It is quite close, however

Jan 19 2023

More like 1002 albums you must hear before you die Regarding ”Speakerboxxx”: Totally fine southern rap album. Good tunes abound. Regarding ”The Love Below”: This half is a bit trickier. I remember really loving André’s eclectic genre fusion experiments, but for all their inventiveness a lot of them end up being somewhat aimless. Of course there are the great hits like ”Hey Ya!” and ”Roses”, but not all the 21 tracks achieve their (artistic) success. The album finishes strongly with the intriguing ”A Life in the Day of Benjamin André (Incomplete)”, showing off that when André wants to rap, he does so with inimitable individuality and skill. Overall, one of the 2 hour+ long albums with the least obtrusive feeling lengths, which could be thanks to the neat seperation in the middle. Still, listening to it makes me think of how it could’ve been realised even better

Let It Be by The Replacements
Jan 21 2023

Now THIS is what I call pop-punk. Earnest and full of attitude whilst having a sensibility for good melodies and catchy songs. Lovely album

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Jan 22 2023

There’s some kind of x-factor to this album I’ve been trying to pin down. The most coherent explanation I’ve come up with is that the combined simple instrumental parts and short lengths of the songs make for these ”miniatures” of sort. It’s fascinating in the way you might be fascinated looking at a snowglobe or something to that effect. This tapers off in the latter half of the album but returns for the last song ”American Girl”. I also believe that this album is a link between the rock music before it and the indie rock that would come after it in the 80s and 90s. Maybe this is just me though

Nixon by Lambchop
Jan 23 2023

My favourite Nixon. That is to say: It’s decent

Jan 24 2023

Their weakest effort, unfortunately. The songs sound too different to form a cohesive whole, and the songs on their own vary in quality. Still, an enjoyable listen

Siembra by Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
Jan 25 2023

Ah, finally some music you can dance to. Include more salsa next time, gringo

Odessa by Bee Gees
Jan 27 2023

Some pleasant 60s pop tunes. Nothing that really stands out though, even for a double album

Rust In Peace by Megadeth
Jan 28 2023

This gets better for every other thrash metal album I listen to.🐐

Penance Soiree by The Icarus Line
Jan 29 2023

I was prepared for some more underwhelming 2000s picks from Bob but this is pretty gnarly. Nice one :)

Cloud Nine by The Temptations
Jan 31 2023

Groovy soul tunes. Strong 3. Also, these guys wrote ”I Heard It Through The Grapevine”? I always though that the song just kind of existed.

Queen Of Denmark by John Grant
Feb 01 2023

This guy seems to like The Beatles. Makes for enjoyable music

Basket of Light by Pentangle
Feb 02 2023

Wonderful album. Having Bert Jansch and John Renbourn in the same band makes for some inimitable guitarwork, and interplay between all the band members is captivating the whole way through. Definitely give this album a listen

Feb 03 2023

Having never gotten around to listening to this album, I was pleasantly suprises by it’s quality! The rapping itself is quite good, at least by 1988 standards, but the production is what really stands out. Along with plenty of minor details, the beats adjust to the verses, choruses, bridges, interludes and sometimes change altogether for the latter half of a song. This makes for a much more vibrant and enjoyable listening experience. Although, you definitely don’t need me to tell you to listen to it.

Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath
Feb 04 2023

Solid debut laying the grounds to be improved upon only a few months later. 🤟

Being There by Wilco
Feb 06 2023

I like Wilco and I like this album, but you don’t need to listen to it before you die. If you had to call any Wilco album ”essential”, it would be Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. But as I said, I like the album. The standard quality of songwriting is good and it foreshadows in some ways where the band was heading. Don’t look up the name of the drummer

Under Construction by Missy Elliott
Feb 07 2023

Decent. Missy Elliott’s delivery sometimes borders on obnoxious and Timbaland’s production is similarly hit-or-miss, but when they align it’s pretty fun (”Slide” stands out as a good example).

Document by R.E.M.
Feb 08 2023

Better than their debut

Are You Experienced by Jimi Hendrix
Feb 09 2023

Psych classic. I have nothing more to add other than the fact that I, controversially, prefer their sophmore release

Dust by Screaming Trees
Feb 11 2023

Not my favourite Screaming Trees album, but has solid cuts like ”Sworn and Broken” and ”Traveler”. R.I.P. Mark Lanegan

Tres Hombres by ZZ Top
Feb 13 2023

Heeeell yeah, tres hombres… wait, who’s playing the second guitar???

Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette
Feb 14 2023

Sounds like Disney Channel music (no hate)

Berlin by Lou Reed
Feb 15 2023

Went to Berlin last november and it was pretty swell, not sure what this guy is on about. Some great bass playing on this album though

Liquid Swords by GZA
Feb 16 2023

Vicious precise lyrics, sinister alluring beats, and very relatable (they wish they were east asian, just like me)

The Sounds Of India by Ravi Shankar
Feb 17 2023

I would go to school if this guy was the teacher… also my edition of the book says this album was released 1968… pretty embarrassing… banger btw

Purple Rain by Prince
Feb 18 2023

This album made me a monarchist

Rocks by Aerosmith
Feb 19 2023

Pretty good classic rock. I feel like they deserve some props for their pop sensibility and having the decency to keep the album under 35 minutes. I’m also pretty sure there was only one guitar solo on the whole album. Who’da thunk it?

Brilliant Corners by Thelonious Monk
Feb 20 2023

Monk the 🐐. More jazz please, Rob

...And Justice For All by Metallica
Feb 21 2023

This album is used as a punchline for it’s infamous bass mix. Really though, that isn’t the main issue with the album. The main issue that it isn’t well-written or interesting. Listening this only affirmed my bias that, the longer Metallica went without Dave Mustaine, the worse their writing got. Also, for all the talk of the bass mix, the drums don’t sound good either. The snare lacks most any punch, and the bass drum has this ugly thump that metal bands inexplicably agreed to being how a bass drum should sound. This is not necessary listening, reading about it as a footnote in Metallica’s career is enough. Except Dyers Eve. I like Dyers Eve

Goo by Sonic Youth
Feb 22 2023

Dunno if Sonic Youth needs 5 albums on here but if they’re jams like this then fair enough

Hypnotised by The Undertones
Feb 23 2023

Just some lads playing their tunes. Fun!

Viva Hate by Morrissey
Feb 24 2023

Thought it was decent when I listened but can’t really remember anything from it now. Also, interesting that Vini Reilly worked on this.

Feb 25 2023

I’ve enjoyed the ”theatricality” of Queen’s music before, but on this album it devolves into excess. The songs tend to get derailed (most egregiously in the indulgent middle section of “The Prophet’s Song”) and good songs like “Love Of My Life” are at a threat of being drowned out by the myriad extra flourishes. Still, there are great moments: The previously mentioned “Love Of My Life” is a personal favourite. “‘39” is a nice tune. “I’m In Love With My Car” is amusing. “Bohemian Rhapsody” is Bohemian Rhapsody. It all balances out to a fairly enjoyable listen

Sign 'O' The Times by Prince
Feb 26 2023

A lot of music to digest. Many bangers, some odd production. Strong 3, will probably get better with repeated listens like with Purple Rain

Morrison Hotel by The Doors
Feb 27 2023

Solid groovy songs from later career The Doors (with Jim Morrison, at least)

Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Feb 28 2023

Nice mellow tunes that still have a tangible edge. I like the fuzz on the guitars

Crosby, Stills & Nash by Crosby, Stills & Nash
Mar 01 2023

Like yesterday’s Neil Young album but with the edge turned down and mellow turned up. Pretty!

E.V.O.L. by Sonic Youth
Mar 02 2023

Solid. Found it a bit less meaty than some other SY albums but maybe it was just my mood.

Dare! by The Human League
Mar 03 2023

Baaanger. Except for the first two tracks of side B (they’re basically one song), those were a little wank

Halcyon Digest by Deerhunter
Mar 04 2023

A fair few great tracks (ex. the opener and closer) and others that are alright if unremarkable.

Roots by Sepultura
Mar 05 2023

rOOOts, bloody rOOOOOOOts More enjoyable overall than Arise, with the every-so-often occurance of a groove or riff that conveys the energy they were going for. Still, the imrovement is mostly marginal and the long length doesn’t help with picking out the good parts. I also personally would have leaned harder into the south american folk music aspects than they did, although I wouldn’t have been making a metal album in the first place

Vento De Maio by Elis Regina
Mar 08 2023

Zarn! Regina got the grooves💃💃💃💃🕺🕺🕺

The Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest
Mar 09 2023

This being the first hip-hop record I really listened to probably explains why I like it so much, but man, it’s just such a fantastic record. Timeless beats from Ali Shaheed Muhammad and the signature playful yet pointed lyrics from Q-tip and Phife Dawg, who now has come much more into his own as a sideman compared to their debut, making for a balanced and entertaining trading of rapping styles. I often find certain lines or phrases from the record repeating in my head, sometimes not even realizing where they’re from. From the attention-grabbing bassline and introductory narrative that starts things off to Busta Rhyme’s career-making verse closing things out, it’s a joyride the whole way through

Beyond Skin by Nitin Sawhney
Mar 10 2023

Cool! Pleasantly suprised by this find

The Stone Roses by The Stone Roses
Mar 11 2023

The way I see it, this is the Marquee Moon of the 80s. Besides the fact that they sound almost nothing alike, they’re both rock albums that sound(ed) completely new, are incredibly well composed and the band couldn’t repeat a second time.

Billion Dollar Babies by Alice Cooper
Mar 12 2023

Solid rock making for an enjoyable listen. Strong 3. P.S. in the book index, Alice Cooper is listed under the letter A

Fuzzy Logic by Super Furry Animals
Mar 13 2023

Perhaps the most middle-of-the-road album to have come from this list so far. One might question how it even got here, but I suppose that something needs to fill the spot of ”most mediocre”. (To be clear, it should not be on this list)

Smash by The Offspring
Mar 14 2023

Some nice melodic hardcore. I can see why this sold a gajillion bajillion copies. Not my preferred flavour of punk, though

The Clash by The Clash
Mar 15 2023

Heeeell yeah. Now this is some clxssic punk. Much love

Mar 16 2023

Great and considerably varied electronic grooves. Some outdated sounds and less interesting tracks crop up here and there, but overall the album holds up quite well

The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monáe
Mar 18 2023

Delightful album. One of the few picks post-2000 that’s really deserved and not prematurely chosen to fill out the book

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness by The Smashing Pumpkins
Mar 19 2023

Ignore the haters, this is a banger album. The album starts with an incredible run spanning something like the first 8 songs. After that it takes a small dip for a few songs before returning to excellence with the epic “Porcelina Of The Vast Oceans” and capping off the first disc with the quaint “Take Me Down”. The second disk is overall not as strong, though it still has great songs like the iconic “1979”. For some reason they decided to make the last 5 songs all slow songs, which really kills the momentum of the album. That being said, “Farewell and Goodnight” is a very pretty closer. This album gets a strong 4. I almody didn’t notice it was 2 hours long :^)

Stripped by Christina Aguilera
Mar 20 2023

Honestly?…….. good album

Mar 21 2023

Am I crazy or is this way better than their other albums? A pleasant suprise

Lady Soul by Aretha Franklin
Mar 22 2023

Shoutout Aretha

Dance Mania by Tito Puente
Mar 23 2023

Erm, how come the DJ never plays stuff like this?

Apocalypse Dudes by Turbonegro
Mar 24 2023

Pretty rocking punk and pretty funny. Hells yeahs dudes

Pearl by Janis Joplin
Mar 25 2023

Pearl indeed

The Wildest! by Louis Prima
Mar 26 2023

Great lively swing with timeless appeal

Mar 27 2023

Some nice tracks to discover but mostly you’ll be fine with just Take On Me

Fever To Tell by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Mar 28 2023

Good early 2000s indie rock. It sounds indie at least. ”Maps” is a great track

Tapestry by Carole King
Mar 29 2023

Great and cozy singer-songwriter album

Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek & The Dominos
Mar 30 2023

Some might say this album is too long with not enough variety to fill up it’s runtime. I’d say the quality of songwriting is actually consistently quite good. This may have been affected by me listening to this album in two chunks, but I don’t know. Personally, this is one of my more favourite things Clapton has worked on

London Calling by The Clash
Mar 31 2023

Have been mixed on this album before but this time it ended up connecting with me. The great songs are great and the others are good or short enough that they aren’t obtrusive. “Train in Vain” is mega groovy

Station To Station by David Bowie
Apr 01 2023

Not a bad album but one of the least essential of Bowie’s 70s albums. It’s more important as a transitional stage in his career. Overall not as consistent as his great albums

Signing Off by UB40
Apr 03 2023

A little more than an hour of solid dub reggae, no complaints here. Wubba lubba dub dub

Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park
Apr 04 2023

Linkin Park has a uniquely shifting reputation as both a widely beloved and derided band. Some time ago I decided to listen to find out what it was really like for myself. What I found was better than I expected, worse than I hoped. It certainly has more merit and earnest emotion than the typical nu-metal band, but it also suffers many of the same flaws. Ultimately, I still consider it worth listening to if you haven’t heard it, not only for it’s tastefully short length and since it’s such a defining album of it’s era. On a similar note, I find it disappointing that this is one of the albums that has been cut from the revisions of this 1001 albums book since it is a much more essential album than so many of the other post 2000s picks. It’s also another example of the way emo and it’s adjacent genres are ignored

Cafe Bleu by The Style Council
Apr 05 2023

Slick, cool r&b influenced pop. The best tracks are great but as an album it’s a bit too unfocused. Strong 3

Tonight's The Night by Neil Young
Apr 06 2023

There’s something special about the sound of this record. Very fluid with country stylings. I’m a fan

Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin
Apr 09 2023

This is a hard album for me to rate. I know I enjoy it, but I also know that I don’t remember a large chunk of the songs. Some of Led Zeppelin’s best moments is on here (In My Time Of Dying, Kasmir), but it’s also 82 minutes long. Ultimately, the album’s structure as a whole supercedes my personal enjoyment of the music. Strong 3

Third/Sister Lovers by Big Star
Apr 10 2023

Great ”lost” album. Would have loved to hear a whole album with the somber sound of tracks like ”Holocaust” but I can’t really complain about getting more power pop songs from Big Star

Miriam Makeba by Miriam Makeba
Apr 11 2023

Lovely album! Definitely can see myself returning to it many more times

Something/Anything? by Todd Rundgren
Apr 12 2023

Liked this album! Quite an eclectic mix of songs over it’s 90 minutes, and the studio banter makes for a fun atmosphere. Thumbs up from me :)

Shaka Zulu by Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Apr 13 2023

Nice african acapella music, harmonious and spacy I hope calling it acapella is appropriate

Let Love Rule by Lenny Kravitz
Apr 14 2023

Decent if average 70s throwback hard rock, the highlight being Lenny’s impassioned vocals where they are featured

Crocodiles by Echo And The Bunnymen
Apr 16 2023

Quite good! Classic post-punk is always a treat

Heaux Tales by Jazmine Sullivan
Apr 17 2023

Good r&b album. Do you have to hear it before you die? Probably not. It’s only a little longer than 30 minutes though. Might as well :)

Melody A.M. by Röyksopp
Apr 18 2023

So chill. The songs blend together a bit but “Poor Leno” was a standout.

The Visitors by ABBA
Apr 19 2023

Fine, I prefer their disco work

Achtung Baby by U2
Apr 20 2023

More enjoyable than the other U2 album (Joshua Tree) but not as good as it’s made out to be. I’m starting to think U2 isn’t as good as they say

Transformer by Lou Reed
Apr 22 2023

Cool album. A bit on the fence with quite how much I like the music but it’s something like a decent 4

Scott 2 by Scott Walker
Apr 24 2023

Majestic songs performed with appropriate emotion. Mostly accessible and conventional arrangements, with only hints of the creative vision that would only fully be revealed much later in his career. Still, this is a great album on it’s own

Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
Apr 25 2023

At some point I thought this was Pink Floyd’s best album. Listening to it now I’m not as hot on it compared to their other works. There’s just something I find missing in it. But that’s not to decry this album too much. I still enjoy revisiting it

25 by Adele
Apr 26 2023

Not my thing. I think it’s because this is the sound of pop that I was surrounded with growing up, and as such doesn’t appeal to me. Also, she has an album named 21 on the list and one named 25??

The Real Thing by Faith No More
Apr 27 2023

Not my favourite album Mike Patton has worked on (which, considering his portfolio, doesn’t really say that much). I have much respect for his vocal abilities but the singing voice he employs on this album is mostly just annoying. Otherwise, besides the cheap keyboard sound, the music is enjoyable.

Maverick A Strike by Finley Quaye
Apr 28 2023

Fun album that’s fairly varied on top of it’s reggae sound

21 by Adele
Apr 29 2023

Prefer this to 25, the sound being more timeless probably being the biggest factor. ”He Won’t Go” bumps

Very enjoyable live album honestly. Both the acoustic portion and the full band portion work well and service the songs well. You probably don’t NEED to listen to it before you die, though.

GI by Germs
May 01 2023

Classic hardcore, gotta love it. I like how the last song is 9 minutes long

Alien Lanes by Guided By Voices
May 02 2023

Classic indie rock! They way the short songs blend into each other makes for a uniquely cohesive album, and the songs on their own are quirky yet have a deft pop sensibility. Do listen!

Blood, Sweat & Tears by Blood, Sweat & Tears
May 03 2023

Lovely atmosphere, sounded great listening to it in the morning. Just the right balance of technicality and emotion

Chris by Christine and the Queens
May 04 2023

Quite decent electronic pop, I won’t complain

Ocean Rain by Echo And The Bunnymen
May 07 2023

Great album! Always a treat to listen to.

John Prine by John Prine
May 09 2023

Robert, u right 4 this one

In Our Heads by Hot Chip
May 10 2023

Groovy. Indie electronic dance done right

Cross by Justice
May 11 2023

Baanger

Ramones by Ramones
May 12 2023

Claaassic rock. And no, it’s not punk rock. Who’re you calling a punk?

Rio by Duran Duran
May 14 2023

Very slick. Strong 3

May 15 2023

Nice pop album with some great standouts like ”New York City Song”

Gentlemen by The Afghan Whigs
May 16 2023

I rock with this album. Maybe I’m just an alt-rock guy. Also see a lot of people complain about the lyrics but I didn’t notice them so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

My Generation by The Who
May 17 2023

Bangr. I hadn’t really appreciated Keith Moon before but it’s fun hearing 60s pop-rock with the drummer letting loose

Slayed? by Slade
May 18 2023

This is like AC/DC but way more swag

Lady In Satin by Billie Holiday
May 19 2023

Tremendous vocal jazz!! Billie is a singular talent

The Slider by T. Rex
May 20 2023

Slider to her DMs 😂 fine album btw

Idlewild by Everything But The Girl
May 21 2023

This is the classic Everything But The Girl. Serene beauty

Crime Of The Century by Supertramp
May 23 2023

Classic debut! A unique combination of being catchy, bombastic, swinging, rocking and quite a bit more.

S.F. Sorrow by The Pretty Things
May 24 2023

Another great psych album. Keep them coming Bob

Boy In Da Corner by Dizzee Rascal
May 25 2023

Pretty goofy production. Fun album though

Bright Flight by Silver Jews
May 26 2023

Pretty nice. Did they seriously use the ”Are you from Tennesee? Cause you’re the only ten I see” joke as a chorus though???

Urban Hymns by The Verve
May 27 2023

Truth be told, this isn’t such a bad album. If it’s anything, it’s okay. There are however two elements that bring down my opinion of the music. Firstly, this static 80 bpm (or slower) continously plodding along kind of rock is incredibly uninteresting. It can work, but for an entire album it makes for a very monotonous listen. This also relates to the second point, that being that this album has no business being 76 minutes long (or, more accurately, around 66 minutes without the silence preceding the hidden track). Again, this style of rock can be nice and I enjoy ”Bitter Sweet Symphony” as a song, but more than an hour of the same style just makes me pray for any sort of increase in tempo. I’m hoping the other Verve album on this list is more stimulating, because otherwise it would make for a real waste of 2 album spots.

L.A. Woman by The Doors
May 28 2023

Nice enough but doesn’t reach the highs of their better albums

Siamese Dream by The Smashing Pumpkins
May 29 2023

Sorry haters… this is a banger

May 30 2023

Very cool album! I think their debut is their best, but as an evolution of those musical ideas and simultaneously a complete left turn this holds it’s own. I like the repetitive choruses used here and there, they’re catchy

Germfree Adolescents by X-Ray Spex
May 31 2023

Fun and groovy album. Always have to rep punk with wind instruments

Rattus Norvegicus by The Stranglers
Jun 02 2023

Very solid rock with prominent keyboards. Quite forwardly melodic in a few places, silly and dirty in others.

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
Jun 03 2023

Obviously a classic. Don’t have anything meaningful to add to that except that there may be some Simon & Garfunkel album I prefer as a whole

Time Out Of Mind by Bob Dylan
Jun 04 2023

Lived up to my expectations! Really lovely atmosphere that boosts my enjoyment of the slower music. Not super into Dylan’s voice at this stage of his career but it doesn’t detract from the experience meaningfully. Maybe there did need to be 7 Dylan albums on here, eh? ;)

Band On The Run by Paul McCartney and Wings
Jun 05 2023

I’m finding it very difficult to describe this album in any way that isn’t some variation of ”solid”, ”nice” or ”post-Beatles”. But, nonetheless, it is a nice, solid post-Beatles album. Would need to give it more than one listen to really dig deeper into the songs themselves

Since I Left You by The Avalanches
Jun 06 2023

Such a fun album! Pairs well with a sunny summer day. I’m not as in love with this album as some are, but even leaving aside the amazing technical effort put into this album’s production, the appeal is very easy to understand. The compositions stand strong, separate from the samples from which they’re sourced. Very well deserving of a spot on this list!

Cut by The Slits
Jun 07 2023

Cool post-punk with heavy dub influence

Junkyard by The Birthday Party
Jun 08 2023

Great violent post-punk, often bordering on noise rock. As much as this album appeals to me though, there are a few clear failings that keep it from true greatness: Firstly, I think the album should lean even harder into the angular, noisy angle than it already does. Secondly, the lo-fi production does the sound a disservice. I don’t mean that in a audiophile purist sense, but the muddy sound of all the instruments really take away from their attack and makes for a much less striking experience overall. Still, it’s a very worthwhile album. I also really like the album cover

Killing Joke by Killing Joke
Jun 09 2023

Strong 3! Definitely a solid release alm the way through but it’s not my favourite Killing Joke album. There a select few moments of poorly aged effects but overall the album leaves me wanting more.

The Dreaming by Kate Bush
Jun 10 2023

I used to not think too highly of this album but now I realize it’s a hit. From ”Pull Out The Pin” onwards it’s classic Kate Bush wacko bangers ahoy

Entertainment by Gang Of Four
Jun 11 2023

Call me basic but this is just top-shelf post-punk. All the musicians are great in their own ways and the songs they play are catchy, groovy, well thought-out and well-written. Maybe Bob is going to lay off the post-punk for a bit because it wouldn’t compare well.

Jun 12 2023

Cool stuff! Maybe a bit long for some but the music is a nice mix of soulful rock tunes and jazzy jams. Maybe I’m just a sucker for this kind of thing

Five Leaves Left by Nick Drake
Jun 13 2023

I may have overrated Bryter Later previously. This is yet another great Nick Drake album however. Definitely one of the most deserving artists to have their whole studio discography on here

Rattlesnakes by Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
Jun 14 2023

Quite decent 80s rock of that certain sound I can’t really place right now. Enjoyed it but nothing too special all things considered

Femi Kuti by Femi Kuti
Jun 15 2023

I don’t want to compare Femi Kuti too much to his father, because even though this music is entirely owed to Fela’s inventions, it stands well on it’s own. Perhaps the album could be shorter, but then the issue isn’t one of losing interest. It’s more ”too much a good thing”, you know?

Truth And Soul by Fishbone
Jun 16 2023

Awesome. Like a more palatable version of bands like Mr. Bungle.

Songs In The Key Of Life by Stevie Wonder
Jun 17 2023

Stevie is crazy man. Legendary album for good reason. Absolutely on the shortlist of albums you have to hear

Headquarters by The Monkees
Jun 18 2023

Very solid 60s pop! Would definitely return to it

Remedy by Basement Jaxx
Jun 20 2023

Red Alert goes craaazy so I’m pretty sure the rest of the album did too

In It For The Money by Supergrass
Jun 21 2023

Enjoyable brit-/ alt-rock that’s a bit more adventurous than contemporaries such as, say, Oasis. Also what the hell was the last track?? I want more of that

Throwing Muses by Throwing Muses
Jun 22 2023

Decent post-punk of the less polished variety

Fear and Whiskey by Mekons
Jun 23 2023

This is crazy man. Went in expecting regular alt country and got way more. Awesome

Lust For Life by Iggy Pop
Jun 24 2023

Classic banger? Blassic Blanger?

Duck Rock by Malcolm McLaren
Jun 25 2023

Sid Vicious died for this

Phaedra by Tangerine Dream
Jun 26 2023

Very deserved spot on this list. Also holds up very well for being such an early experiment with electronic music

Let England Shake by PJ Harvey
Jun 27 2023

I like this album but perhaps I need more time for it to really settle. It’s cool though

Slanted And Enchanted by Pavement
Jun 30 2023

Banger album, even though after half a dozen listen I still can barely recall some of the songs. No offense!

Master Of Puppets by Metallica
Jul 01 2023

My opinion of this album shifts a fair amount, but I think I can confidently say I like about half of it. ”Disposable Heroes” and ”Damage Inc.” Are the songs I really like, and if the rest of the album was as good I would agree with the hype. ”Welcome Home (Sanitarium)” I remember enjoying, Orion and Battery being decent. The other tracks I don’t care too much for, even the classic title track. The songwriting could of course be improved at quite a few places, but the biggest improvement overall would just be removing 2 minutes of runtime from most of the songs. If Metallica would’ve just cut the fat, the resulting album would be much better for it. Basically? Kill ’Em All is their best album

The Infotainment Scan by The Fall
Jul 02 2023

Not their finest. The sort of inspired moments you’d look for in a The Fall lp appear, however they are offset by less-than-fortunate production choices

Moondance by Van Morrison
Jul 03 2023

My dad prefers this album over Astral Weeks, I’m the other way. Definitely some great tracks on this one though

Tical by Method Man
Jul 04 2023

I looooooove meth 😄 solid album

Live / Dead by Grateful Dead
Jul 05 2023

Very chill for a jam rock album, i appreciate that.

461 Ocean Boulevard by Eric Clapton
Jul 07 2023

Cool stuff. Much preferable album to what most “guitar gods” come up with

Jul 09 2023

Great funky songs and playing, especially from the bass. Wholly delivers on having “groove” in it’s title. You also gotta love the 11 minute shit simile song

Coles Corner by Richard Hawley
Jul 10 2023

Pretty :) kinda mad that this was nominated for a Mercury Prize though

Traffic by Traffic
Jul 12 2023

Jolly music :) Great drumming going on too

Copper Blue by Sugar
Jul 13 2023

Pretty average alt rock. Wouldnt be that bothered about it except for the fact that this is on here while Zen Arcade isn’t. Baffling

Aqualung by Jethro Tull
Jul 15 2023

Classic album with some fantastic standout tracks. Jethro Tull have a fair few better albums overall though

Joan Baez by Joan Baez
Jul 16 2023

Such an excellent folk album I’m just going to give it a 5. Engaging guitar playing, singing and moments of quietude that keep you focused until the end, after which you’ll want to go back for more

All Hail the Queen by Queen Latifah
Jul 17 2023

Fun late eighties rap with it’s share of goofy musical choices

Orbital 2 by Orbital
Jul 19 2023

Not a hater but this honestly just hasn’t aged well. Even the best track, Halcyon On & On, suffers because of it. Unfortunate!

Fromohio by fIREHOSE
Jul 21 2023

Great alt-rock carrying on the unique Minutemen flavour.

Yank Crime by Drive Like Jehu
Jul 22 2023

One of the best albums of this whole list and if you give it a low score you are not invited to my birthday party

Two Dancers by Wild Beasts
Jul 23 2023

Inoffensive indie music. A pleasant listen

Elephant by The White Stripes
Jul 24 2023

Not bad

Ragged Glory by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Jul 25 2023

Some bright moments (Farmer John for example) but mostly very lifeless and derivative. Neil most his mojo??

Honky Tonk Heroes by Waylon Jennings
Jul 27 2023

Keep the country albums coming, they haven’t missed the mark yet!

Guitar Town by Steve Earle
Jul 28 2023

The country really didn’t stop coming! Lower score overall but still good

Skylarking by XTC
Jul 29 2023

As an XTC fan, I feel this list is lacking some key albums (Drums & Wires, for example, would have been an obvious choice for inclusion). I also feel that Skylarking is generally somewhat over-represented in their discography, but man is it an immaculate listen. Jam-packed with great songwriting and little brilliant moments that add up to such a rich whole. As an album experience, it’s probably the most cohesive XTC ever got. I also want to mention that Andy Partridge is one of my favourite lyricists in pop, as someone who usually doesn’t put so much importance into lyrics in music. He uses wit, poetry and humour to make texts that are great in their own right, and combined with his songs elevate eachother even higher. This is not to ignore Colin Moulding’s role, as him getting 5 songs on the album rather than the usual 1-2 per album is another thing that helps to make the album so special. Dave Gregory also needs to be mentioned for his musical contributions, for example his tasteful(ly short) guitar solo on ”That’s Really Super, Supergirl” and impressive string arrangement for ”1000 Umbrellas”. What a great band :)

3 + 3 by The Isley Brothers
Jul 30 2023

3 + 3= So much swag

Jul 31 2023

For such a confrontational name, the music sure is inoffensive

The New Tango by Astor Piazzolla
Aug 01 2023

What a great find! A meeting of styles that’s both unique and seamless. Will definitely be exploring this further

Duck Stab/Buster & Glen by The Residents
Aug 02 2023

Fun to see something this demented appear on this list. #residentssweep

LP1 by FKA twigs
Aug 03 2023

Good alternative R&B but doesn’t really speak to me personally

Pelican West by Haircut 100
Aug 04 2023

Upbeat and groovy! Some very nice new wave

Bat Out Of Hell by Meat Loaf
Aug 05 2023

On the verge of being overblown, but the great hooks keep it focused & grounded. And isn’t it being overblown what’s fun, anyway?

So Much For The City by The Thrills
Aug 06 2023

Cute early 2000s indie. I do not have my copy of the 1001 Albums book on hand but I can bet this didn’t last more than one edition

Devil Without A Cause by Kid Rock
Aug 07 2023

This was supposed to be terrible, why is it so hype? Falls off towards the last third of the album though

Immigrés by Youssou N'Dour
Aug 08 2023

Funky stuff! Strong 3

Gasoline Alley by Rod Stewart
Aug 09 2023

Decent like the other Rod Stewart album on this list. ”Just A Hobo” is a great standout however

Happy Sad by Tim Buckley
Aug 10 2023

About half the tracks are great, half are decent. ”Love from Room 109 at the Islander (On Pacific Coast Highway)” is the standout track here, very beautiful and enveloping. All in all, not his best album but has gems to be discovered

Darkdancer by Les Rythmes Digitales
Aug 11 2023

Not too crazy but there were a fair few tracks that had me bobbing my head

Aug 12 2023

Pretty interesting sound, I prefer it to the other TV On The Radio album that was on here. Ultimately it doesn’t really add up to too much besides a decent listen

Dire Straits by Dire Straits
Aug 13 2023

Swag! Didn’t expect it resonatw as much as it did, but Mark Knopfler knows his way around a song.

Aug 14 2023

Not too crazy about the opening two tracks that take up almost half of the album’s runtime, the other tracks I find more interesting. Beautiful final track too. After some deliberation I’ll say that this is good :-)

Playing With Fire by Spacemen 3
Aug 15 2023

I respect the vision of Spacemen 3 but the execution doesn’t fully live up to it. Their debut is better

Endtroducing..... by DJ Shadow
Aug 16 2023

Classic, always a pleasure to return to.

Heavy Weather by Weather Report
Aug 17 2023

Not in love with this album as much as it is a classic, but the star studded lineup can’t be denied. Also, the music is just palatable, at worst you’re going to have a pleasant time.

Hot Fuss by The Killers
Aug 18 2023

Returning to this album for the first time in some time, I’m glad it’s still as good as I remember! The heavy amount of synthesizer is implemented well and adds variety between the songs. This album is a highlight of it’s time, very solid

Electric by The Cult
Aug 19 2023

Pretty decent hard rock with some cool moments

Olympia 64 by Jacques Brel
Aug 20 2023

Once I read someone likening listening to Jacques Brel without speaking french to listening to Morrissey without speaking english. Be that as it may, Brel is still a joy to listen to even when you don’t understand him! Such spirited delivery. The backing music is consistent in matching the energy as well. The music transcends the language barrier. Besides, doesn’t Morrissey himself have a large Mexican fanbase?

Mott by Mott The Hoople
Aug 21 2023

Like this a lot! Had a great sound and overall energy

Elvis Presley by Elvis Presley
Aug 23 2023

The 1001 albums book kind of dismisses this album as mostly just being important historically but I’d say it’s pretty great collection of songs! The sparseness of the sound makes for a really peculiar atmosphere, which gives the music an extra layer of interest. A solid start!

Felt Mountain by Goldfrapp
Aug 25 2023

Nice moody electronic album with a fresh take on the trip-hop sound.

Guero by Beck
Aug 26 2023

Standard Beck fair. Fine, but not sure why it’s on here

Wild Wood by Paul Weller
Aug 28 2023

Some songs exceeded my expectations and all around the musicianship was very good, but overall somewhat middling. All respects to Paul Weller, nonetheless

Aug 30 2023

I really like this album and it 100% deserves to be on this list. Still, I can’t give it the full five stars as I thought I would. The album has plenty of fantastic songs like To Zion or Doo Wop (That Thing), but it also has a lot of very similar R&B songs which, for as great as a singer Lauryn Hill is, just isn’t my cup if tea. I guess I just always want the rap when it comes to Lauryn, in opposition to the trajectory of her (all too short) career. All that being said, the positives far outweigh the negatives of this album. Very strong 4

Bossanova by Pixies
Sep 01 2023

Pixies is just classic

Sep 02 2023

Pretty eclectic piece of abstract hip-hop. A lot of open space in the songs however. I feel like this could’ve been polished a lot

Chore of Enchantment by Giant Sand
Sep 05 2023

Pleasant little (not lengthwise) album. I believe this is also one that didn’t last more than one edition, rightfully. Still, the soft palette is nice to listen to

Fifth Dimension by The Byrds
Sep 06 2023

Solid byrds shtuff. Feeling a strong 3 on this one

Sep 07 2023

This is probably the first R.E.M. album I’ve really liked, pleasantly suprised! I guess sometimes a band gets better when they go pop

Call of the Valley by Shivkumar Sharma
Sep 08 2023

Kind of a pain to find the right version, but a pleasure once I got to listen to it. The quartet of instrument work well, I’m especially a fan of the tablas and flute.

Tidal by Fiona Apple
Sep 09 2023

I remember this album really annoying me but listening to it now I can tolerate it. Still not crazy about the r&b sound. The house song “The First Taste” is very well executed, however, and my favourite cut on here.

Roxy Music by Roxy Music
Sep 10 2023

Very creative work of classic rock. I’m especially fond of ”Sea Breeze”, but the other tracks are all fun pieces of quirky pop-meets-experimentation in their own right

Antichrist Superstar by Marilyn Manson
Sep 11 2023

More than being offensive or otherwise affecting this is just dull. There are moments which, if given to a better artist, could be great. But unfortunately they’re given to Marilyn Manson, and we’re listening to it.

Sep 14 2023

2 many bangers. I will admit I am biased towards this album since Peter Gabriel era Genesis holds a special place in my heart, but this album is such an excellent final effort. The 5 minute wank of ”The Waiting Room” could be cut but everything else is essential. Possibly the briskest 94 minutes of music on tape.

On The Beach by Neil Young
Sep 15 2023

Another Neil Young album with great atmosphere! That’s the thing which makes for his best albums, I find.

Ghosteen by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Sep 16 2023

I understand the concept behind this album, but the music itself doesn’t do anything special for me

Faith by George Michael
Sep 17 2023

Solid pop. Very well crafted bearing some 80s-isms.

Horses by Patti Smith
Sep 19 2023

Good album. I do feel it kind of drifts by but I enjoy the music nonetheless

Psychocandy by The Jesus And Mary Chain
Sep 20 2023

There’s lots of noisy indie out there. What elevates this one above the rest is partly how early it is, but more importantly how abrasive the noise on this album gets. There were multiple times when I listened to it that I was taken aback by an instance of feedback starting a song. Gnarly!

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly
Sep 21 2023

Nice basswork and some good grooves. This could’ve been left for the 1001 songs book though, if anything

Sep 22 2023

I’ve heard this talked about like some kind of forgotten hip-hop classic, but I’m not so convinced. It’s lacking any real high points, just mostly staying in a middling state. The rhymes (which don’t have much presence on many tracks) are also kind of stuck on the early side of the 90s, in the sense that they’re slightly clunky. Mild 3

Groovin' by The Young Rascals
Sep 23 2023

Yeah… I was groovin

Sep 24 2023

Funky but not enough to make it great. There is something missing to really bring it together

The Contino Sessions by Death In Vegas
Sep 25 2023

Honestly can’t recall this at all. All I remember was finding it okay but the degree to which the music evades my memory there must be missing something more than usual. Or maybe it’s just me, whoops

Our Aim Is To Satisfy by Red Snapper
Sep 28 2023

A fair few great tracks but a lot of mediocre ones as well. Strong 3

Dookie by Green Day
Sep 29 2023

Green Day has bangers?? Many such cases

Led Zeppelin by Led Zeppelin
Oct 01 2023

Shameless pilfering aside, just a classic debut! That sort of energy of a band wanting to prove their mettle makes for some truly memorable performances, most notably from Bonham and Page. Perhaps a bit frontloaded on side 1 compared to side 2, but the record is still great all around!

Ys by Joanna Newsom
Oct 03 2023

A truly singular album. The only music really comparable is Joanna Newsoms other works. I will say that the album does get a bit monotonous. Not to make an outrageous claim like there not being a clear trajectory to the compositions, but at length it starts to feel something like a repetition of one musical idea. That is idea is a beautiful one, though.

Your Arsenal by Morrissey
Oct 04 2023

He’s still got it 🤟

Dig Me Out by Sleater-Kinney
Oct 05 2023

Bangerrr. They really make their uncommon lineup of instruments work organically.

Sister by Sonic Youth
Oct 06 2023

Indieboy classic

Blackstar by David Bowie
Oct 09 2023

Solid album. I would be happy if I got an album out 2 days before my passing too.

Kollaps by Einstürzende Neubauten
Oct 10 2023

All the people giving this a low score is unfortunate. This is classic stuff! Industrial music in it’s purest form. Maybe one of their later albums could’ve been included for easier digestability, but that’s not the case.

Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg
Oct 11 2023

Great album and seriously funky 😎

Bitte Orca by Dirty Projectors
Oct 13 2023

Digging this. Using conventions from indie music if it’s time and recontextualising them to make something unique. Cool

Oct 14 2023

This is classic and well deserving of being included. It is a bit samey, both production wise and (shockingly) in terms of lyrical content. Still, it’s fun stuff. Strong 3

Greetings From L.A. by Tim Buckley
Oct 16 2023

Another very solid Tim Buckley album! Haven’t spent as much time with this one as Lorca or Starsailor but this is a good middle ground between his late career jamming and free jazz experimentation

Sex Packets by Digital Underground
Oct 17 2023

Better than expected but also definitely not an album that you have to listen to before you die. There should really be some kind of revision of the hip-hop albums that are included here

Oct 18 2023

Great album, of course. Not quite as amazing as people like to say and as I’ve thought previously, but still an exceptional piece of work. Stronggg 4

Rapture by Anita Baker
Oct 19 2023

Lovely!

Bluesbreakers by John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
Oct 20 2023

Don’t have too much to say about this one, it’s decent

Hot Shots II by The Beta Band
Oct 21 2023

Interesting and well made! Refreshing for a 2000’s electronic music album included on this list. Strong 3

The Velvet Underground by The Velvet Underground
Oct 22 2023

Very chill album to listen to. I think it stands up nicely to their preceding albums, even if the sound is totally different

L'Eau Rouge by The Young Gods
Oct 23 2023

Another industrial album that’s made it to the lowest rated on this site, I’m starting to notice a pattern. I dig it though. Nice grooves and a bit of a wacky atmosphere

Be by Common
Oct 24 2023

Great collaboration between Common and Kanye West, the complement each other well. Many great tracks, ”GO!” being my favourite. Also, a rap album from 2005 and it’s only 42 minutes long? A miracle!

Nevermind by Nirvana
Oct 25 2023

This album… is good 💥

Green by R.E.M.
Oct 26 2023

Maybe I’m becoming an R.E.M. fan, because I dig this album! Some great songs on here

Metallica by Metallica
Oct 28 2023

In the end, just decent

Logical Progression by LTJ Bukem
Oct 29 2023

Too samey? Too long? Probably true. But I also found it to be a breezy listen. Probably because I was doing something else while listening, which I’d say is the best way to listen to it. A strong 3, I would say

Live And Dangerous by Thin Lizzy
Oct 31 2023

Thin Lizzy is just awesome, and this album is the perfect showcase of that. Rock on 🤘 😎

Only By The Night by Kings of Leon
Nov 02 2023

Pretty good :) the songs are a bit static for my taste but the sound is still satisfactory

Trafalgar by Bee Gees
Nov 03 2023

Pleasant soft rock. Gotta say though, I prefer their disco stuff. Has a bit more punch

Here's Little Richard by Little Richard
Nov 05 2023

Actual classic this time. Very one-note stylistically yet it doesn’t get old thanks to the energy beaming from the performances. Timeless!

Throbbing Gristle is a band that’s remembered more for their historical importance than by how well their music holds up. I do enjoy this album, but by modern standards it’s a quite average industrial/noise/experimental album. Still, well worth listening to

Amnesiac by Radiohead
Nov 08 2023

This is not an essential album, and this is coming from a fan. With cuts like ”Pyramid Song”, ”I Might Be Wrong” & ”Knives Out” there are certainly great things to get from it, it’s just a bit goofy around the edges. Nonetheless, I am bound by blood to give it at least 4 stars

Funeral by Arcade Fire
Nov 09 2023

Ok… this is a classic. But why is emo catching strays in the book? Get with the times and put Welcome To The Black Parade on here

The Yes Album by Yes
Nov 11 2023

The first Yes album to feature the inimitable Steve Howe. This album is still building towards the excellency of their next two (which I admittedly have a bias towards), but it’s teeming with classics all the same. In fact, most of the album consists of classic tracks! While it doesn’t reach quite the same heights, this and their two following albums from a trilogy that provided, and still provides, a gold standard for what prog rock can achieve

Larks' Tongues In Aspic by King Crimson
Nov 13 2023

After a year’s break between studio releases and many personell changes, King Crimson re-emerged in 1973 with wholly new members and a wholly new sound (a common theme in most of the band’s history). Alongside guitarist, mellotronist and only constant member Robert Fripp are precussionist and drummer Bill Bruford, fresh out of Yes, bassist and vocalist John Wetton, violinist and keyboardist David Cross and Jamie Muir, credited as playing percussion and “allsorts”. Jamie Muir is perhaps the most important in defining the character of this specific iteration of the band: Alongside supremely disciplined and serious technical musicians is a fur-coated madman slamming sheets of metal, blowing a whistle in his mouth, rattling chains, then sitting behind a drum-kit to play along with the song, then getting up to continue plunking bottles and other assorted instruments and non-instruments. In The Court Of The Crimson King this is not, or any sound previously explored by the band. In place of dramatic epics and woodwinds are noise, screeching violins and pummeling heaviness. These two sides of the band’s sound are neither totally abandoned or new, of course, but in style and atmosphere the band is nearly unrecognisable. Worth mentioning also is the change from previous lyricist Peter Sinfield to Richard Palmer-James, replacing flowery, fantasy inspired texts with more contemporary topics, such as criminals and displeased lovers. Pertaining to this however is also the fact that over half of the album is instrumental. One such instrumental is “Lark’s Tongues In Aspic (Part 1)”, opening the album starkly with what sounds like a kalimba, playing a playful melody. Various sounds eventually drown out the melody, segueing into a tense continuous violin. The violin ascends, an evil guitar playing over it, drums build, and a considerably heavy full band section takes stage; overdriven guitars, overdriven bass, and indistinct feedback for good measure. This dynamic repeats and then leads into another stark moment: A rapid, sharply angular guitar figure, as meticulous as it seems spontaneous. Following this atonal precision is a funky jam, over which Fripp’s guitar figure is played over in clever contrast. A faster jam section is next, then leading into an extended section centering on solo violin. Previously I’d estimated this section taking up most of the second half of the piece, but timing it now it’s only around 3 minutes! Clever pacing or a meandering sidetrack? Your mileage may vary. After this section rounds out, we are reintroduced to the violin line from the beginning, only with guitars and violin trading roles. This builds up to the mysterious climax of the song, led by bass guitar, and capped of with the playing of a xylophone. Displaying their wide range, King Crimson follow up the longest, most difficult to grasp piece on the album with the shortest, most straightforward one: “Book Of Saturdays”. This album is not just irreverent chaos, with moments of simple beauty on this song and the final one of side A, the sunny “Exiles”. Singing violin, longing vocals and a wonderful guitar solo featuring Fripp’s inimitable suistanes tone closes of the first half of the album. Starting off side B is the bossy “Easy Money”. This is one of the songs where Jamie Muir is most present, among the discernable percussive sounds being the ripping of tape and what sounds like stomping in a pile of mud. The penultimate track, “The Talking Drum”, is essentially a 7 and a half minute build-up. Simple, yet effective. This build-up climaxes in some, quite honestly, painful screeching, which then satisfyingly leads into the closer, “Larks Tongues In Aspic (Part 2)”. An excellent, rocking instrumental, ending the album in a cathartic explosion of loud sound. Following the album, King Crimson continued following the pattern found in all of it’s history: Members left, their music shifted accordingly and the band moved on to make more fantastic music. Jamie Muir ended up being the first to leave, seemingly because he didn’t care for the hassle, leaving this incarnation of the band one-off and this album remaining the most progressive prog album for 30 years.

En-Tact by The Shamen
Nov 14 2023

Decent stuff

Scott 4 by Scott Walker
Nov 15 2023

Beautiful album! Fantastic production and song quality packed in only 32 minutes. It is a bit strange that Scott 2 and 4 are included here but not the career highlight Scott 3. Do yourself a favor, listen to that one too :) love ya Scott

A Little Deeper by Ms. Dynamite
Nov 16 2023

Another decent album. Nostalgic in a certain way, very 2000s.

The Man Who by Travis
Nov 17 2023

Another turn of the millenium britpop album! I will say that this one’s slightly better than average. Decently enjoyable, even if it is totally derivative.

Franz Ferdinand by Franz Ferdinand
Nov 18 2023

I could’ve sworn this had already appeared 🤔 Anyways, cool album. More than many other ”Post-punk revival” bands, Franz Ferdinand have one leg in the post-punk past and the other in the revival present

Soul Mining by The The
Nov 19 2023

Hmm… ok I’m thinking that this is a banger

Trout Mask Replica by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Nov 20 2023

My music taste is broken beyond repair

Fuzzy by Grant Lee Buffalo
Nov 21 2023

Enjoyed this album a bunch! A nice suprise considering the year and first impression from the cover. Dug the sound, mood and execution of the music.

Bad Company by Bad Company
Nov 22 2023

I like the title track but otherwise pretty middling. Should’ve let Boz sing

The Cars by The Cars
Nov 23 2023

Banger & ahead of the curve for 1978

Teen Dream by Beach House
Nov 24 2023

Beautiful stuff… the rare post 2000s album whose spot is deserved

Gris Gris by Dr. John
Nov 25 2023

Funny guy, this Dr. John. Fun music too

Survivor by Destiny's Child
Nov 27 2023

Zamn… this bumps. Very well produces and performed

American Gothic by David Ackles
Nov 28 2023

Great album, a wonderful suprise. Will definitely be listening to this many more times

Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby by Girls Against Boys
Nov 29 2023

Pretty cool post-hardcore. Having two bassists is something I’d like to hear attempted more often

Fishscale by Ghostface Killah
Nov 30 2023

Solid album! A bit of a strange choice compared to some of the classic rap albums omitted (and over Supreme Clientelle?) but all in all it’s a great piece of work

What's Going On by Marvin Gaye
Dec 03 2023

Classic album, of course. Not quite a 5 for me personally but maybe I’ll wish I gave it one in the future. Also, James Jamerson tears it up on this album!

After The Gold Rush by Neil Young
Dec 04 2023

One of Neil’s best! Very sensitive and sentimental in the way Neil does best

Ray Of Light by Madonna
Dec 05 2023

Great production on some of the less disco tracks, especially the opener. If this album was more of that it would be fantastic, but as it is it’s a bit of a mixed bag

I Should Coco by Supergrass
Dec 06 2023

More Britpop!!! This album is more adventurous than I’ve noticed previously, but still mostly just okay. “Sitting Up Straight” was a standout track

Kimono My House by Sparks
Dec 07 2023

Love Sparks! This album starts with two back to back bangers, wish the whole album kept up that energy. Still a great album with many more fun songs by band who deserve to be remembered more

Medúlla by Björk
Dec 08 2023

Severely overlooked album! A lot of people get hung up on the song only ”gimmick”, when the music is as strong as any Björk album. Of course there’s a more experimental edge than on her previous albums, and the sound palette isn’t for everyone. But it is for me! Classic Björk as far as I’m concerned

The Boatman's Call by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Dec 09 2023

Good album with some great cuts but I prefer violent Cave

Boston by Boston
Dec 10 2023

Catchy pop rock! Just very solid all around

Rum Sodomy & The Lash by The Pogues
Dec 12 2023

So much swag! Being used to acts like Andrew Jackson Jihad and Pat The Bunny, seeing the term folk-punk used here is suprising, but it does fit. A lot more folk in this case. And Irish folk is a riot

Dec 14 2023

Man this is just so awesome. Many tracks feature stereotypical old-school gangsta rap (in the best way), then switching nonchalantly to tracks with surprisingly thoughtful social commentary, to a track that’s just shouting people out to even a punk song. The album’s considerably long runtime is kept entertaining by Ice-T, whose writing is consistently funny and well delivered while also, as previously mentioned, being capable of unexpected poignancy. Ice-T is the Original Gangster and Robert is too for including this here (even if it got phased out in later editions).

Street Signs by Ozomatli
Dec 15 2023

This must’ve gone hard in 2006 because no way this was added any later. Usung latin music makes your album at least a little good however so I can’t hate too much

The Coral by The Coral
Dec 16 2023

Not feeling it!!!

Giant Steps by The Boo Radleys
Dec 17 2023

These guys have great sense for melodic songwriting, if this was shorter and more focused it would really be something! I appreciate the use of wind instruments too

Want Two by Rufus Wainwright
Dec 18 2023

Very beautiful and well made! A gem of the 2000s

Here Are the Sonics by The Sonics
Dec 19 2023

Cool garage rock and an important proto-punk record!

Teenage Head by Flamin' Groovies
Dec 20 2023

More garage rock. This one had some more country elements. Fun!

Tragic Songs of Life by The Louvin Brothers
Dec 21 2023

Crazy how much better these guys are when the whole album isn’t about christianity

Dec 22 2023

For being a dreaded post-2000 british alt-rock album this is quite decent! Found myself enjoying a fair few of the songs. Strong 3

The Next Day by David Bowie
Dec 23 2023

Not his best, not his worst. Probably felt a lot more relevant when it was his latest. Some good tracks on here though, to be sure

Sincere by Mj Cole
Dec 24 2023

Smooth DnB. Nice to have on while doing other things

Dec 26 2023

I would really like to give this a 5, because it contains some of my favourite XTC songs with some truly fantastic arrangements and melodies, but then it also has a slump in the middle with songs that don’t hit the mark. It’s like 65% excellent. Definitely worse ways to close off your career (although they still released volume 2 after this one) but there’s still a bit of lost potential felt. I also find it a little strange that this is the only other XTC album included here besides Skylarking. Albums like Drums & Wires, Black Sea, English Settlement or Nonsuch would’ve made better candidates, I feel. All that said, there’s still a lot of great songs on this one

Stephen Stills by Stephen Stills
Dec 27 2023

Quite mellow, a solid 3

Dec 28 2023

Cool album, nice grooves and the drumming is very tasteful even when it breaks out.

Kings Of The Wild Frontier by Adam & The Ants
Dec 29 2023

Funky poppy post-punk! Very danceable. Different sound from their first album but good nonetheless

Pure fxcking anarchy!! Beyond the maniacal skronking, however, there’s thought to be found in the organization. Even some tracks that sound almost like normal jazz, such as “Ecars”. This one of Zorn’s earliest breakthroughs, and some would see it’s one of his best! Very happy to see it included, sad that it didn’t arrive on streaming along with the rest of his discography

Vincebus Eruptum by Blue Cheer
Dec 31 2023

Great record! Fuzzed out guitar tone and riffs. They may have invented heavy metal but they’re better than most of it 😎🤘 rock on

The Modern Dance by Pere Ubu
Jan 01 2024

Post-punk classic! Even within the varied field of post-punk they manage to stand out without resorting noise. Great record from a great band

You Are The Quarry by Morrissey
Jan 02 2024

Kind of funny in a surreal way to hear Morrissey’s venomous lyrics set to more “contemporary” accompaniment. No way you have to listen to this before you die but there’s nice sounds here and there

Scream, Dracula, Scream by Rocket From The Crypt
Jan 03 2024

Being that Drive Like Jehu is a favourite band of mine, I was excited to listen to Rocket From The Crypt as the next thing John Reis was a part of. First time I heard it I was underwhelmed. Now I appreciate it more, it’s a fun album!

California by American Music Club
Jan 04 2024

Beautiful in many different ways. Definitely a slow burn, but satisfying when you warm up to it

Rage Against The Machine by Rage Against The Machine
Jan 05 2024

Best part about this album is that rocks. Pretty funky too. Strong 3

Buffalo Springfield Again by Buffalo Springfield
Jan 06 2024

Nice folk americana, tastefully implemented string section. Also, technically counts as another Neil Young album ;)

Rising Above Bedlam by Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
Jan 07 2024

Chilled out world-dub fusion. I wish I’d heard more of the bass because what I heard was groovy. A strong 3

Jan 08 2024

Mixed bag! Lupe has great rapping and storytelling talent and it’s delightful when it gets expressed properly (“Kick, Push”, “The Cool”) but between that there’s a lot of misses and just okays. Same for the production. Lupe has what it takes to make a truly great (american) rap album but this unfortunately isn’t it. Still, a good first try

Fulfillingness' First Finale by Stevie Wonder
Jan 09 2024

Another Stevie Wonder classic!! The fourth album now to be included from his unbelievable 70s run. Should’ve included Music Of My Mind too while they’re at it, Stevie deserves it more than many if the other top representes artists. Anyhow, don’t have anything clever to say. Just a great record!

More Specials by The Specials
Jan 10 2024

More Specials indeed, good stuff!

New Boots And Panties by Ian Dury
Jan 11 2024

Fun! The vocal delivery is so unbothered while the band backs it up with groovy instrumentals. There were maybe one or two tracks on the obnoxious side, but otherwise it’s very amusing

Sunshine Hit Me by The Bees
Jan 12 2024

This passed through one ear to the other!! Some decent stuff in there damn!

Fever Ray by Fever Ray
Jan 13 2024

Decently funky

Kid A by Radiohead
Jan 14 2024

You CAN take the Radiohead out of the whiteboy

Clube Da Esquina by Milton Nascimento
Jan 16 2024

Brazilian classic. Lovely songwriting, arrangement and performance!

Sound of Silver by LCD Soundsystem
Jan 17 2024

This one’s for the Pitchfork heads out there… great gym music though. Very groovy. I also like the closer a lot. Personally think the follow-up is their finest hour

I Am a Bird Now by Antony and the Johnsons
Jan 18 2024

This album is pretty. Hadn’t heard of it before, a nice little discovery

Electric Prunes by The Electric Prunes
Jan 19 2024

Nice little psych album :)

Revolver by Beatles
Jan 20 2024

My personal favourite Beatles album. This is the real turning point between their boy band roots and further experimentation, which I see as a best of both worlds. Unbelievable how many classics they fit onto this one! Right when you’re done with one it’s on to the next. Makes up for many of the songs being too short, I want more! The only other criticism I have is that so many of the songs end with a fade-out. I’d loved for there to have been more resolution to some of the songs. And it’s much easier to list the few flaws than the innumerable strengths! This listen around, the fantastic rhythm section stood out. Paul’s busy basslines and Ringo’s understated drumming is such a powerful combo. I never tire of this album

Don't Stand Me Down by Dexys Midnight Runners
Jan 21 2024

Not bad but not as good as their preceding albums. The conversational back and forth that appears on a lot of the songs is kind of fun. Great last track, also

The Blueprint by JAY Z
Jan 22 2024

Some great cuts on here no doubt, but Jay always was more of a singles artist

I Against I by Bad Brains
Jan 23 2024

Dope. I like the more rocky tracks on the second side too. Should’ve been their debut though!

Permission to Land by The Darkness
Jan 24 2024

Fun listen :) A convincing homage to 70s glam rock, for better or for worse. The overuse of guitar solos may also be wank but despite that the guitarist is quite good

Kenza by Khaled
Jan 25 2024

Was a bit skeptical for the first few tracks but there are some really groovy cuts on here! Solid 3

G. Love And Special Sauce by G. Love & Special Sauce
Jan 26 2024

Very humorous that this is on here in place of many other hip-hop classics but I will admit that it’s groovy to a non-negligible degree. Not too convinced about the rhymes though

System Of A Down by System Of A Down
Jan 27 2024

This shit is stupid! Also, I was thinking that this album sounded poorly mixed, then I checked and got confirmation that it was produced by Rick Rubin. Loudness War criminal he is! I don’t particularly dislike this album, there are better songs like “War?” and “P.L.U.C.K.”, but I gotta draw the line somewhere. Too many things to let it slide

Blood And Chocolate by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Jan 28 2024

Quite a solid effort from Costello, nice melodies and arrangements. Strong 3

I See You by The xx
Jan 29 2024

I dig it! An electronic pop album with very solid songs. A nice suprise given the release date and the style

D by White Denim
Jan 30 2024

Wow, another surprise hit from the 2010s! Out of all the flavour of the month, eclectic, indie psych records that are included on this list this is one of the most succesful musically. Quite enjoyed the songwriting, playing and little quirks, for example the inclusion of flutes on ”River To Consider”. Will be exploring this band more on my own!

Arular by M.I.A.
Jan 31 2024

I underrated M.I.A. previously, this is fire, fire

Out of Step by Minor Threat
Feb 02 2024

Legendary shit!!! This album has everything: Classic tracks, catchy melodies, great playing on all sides, high energy and it’s only a little over 20 minutes long! You gotta love a band whose full recorded discography is shorter than 50 minutes. A personal favourite for sure

Iron Maiden by Iron Maiden
Feb 03 2024

Wow…. This rips! Sorry liberals

New Forms by Roni Size
Feb 05 2024

A bit humorous how many long dnb albums are on this list, but this is one of the best of the bunch! Jazzy basslines, atmospheric synths and drums that are engaging to follow. Great!

Emperor Tomato Ketchup by Stereolab
Feb 06 2024

A bit of an odd choice for the sole included Stereolab album (Not Dots & Loops? Cobra and Phases Group Play Voltage In The Milky Night?) but really there is no bad choice! Great album, great band and great that they appear on this list

Snivilisation by Orbital
Feb 07 2024

Better than the other Orbital album on this list but still a bit dated

Feb 09 2024

Classic album… if it was cut down to normal album length it would probably be one of the best albums of the 70s, but as it is it’s just great 😉

Paul's Boutique by Beastie Boys
Feb 10 2024

So swag 💪 Beastie Boys don’t miss

Imperial Bedroom by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Feb 11 2024

One of his best! The songwriting is at it’s a-game, and the arrangements are more varied and unique. It’s unfortunate that the 2 best songs are the ones not available on Spotify, but such is life.

Feast of Wire by Calexico
Feb 12 2024

These 2000s albums just get more and more inexplicable. However, I actually liked this one a decent amount! Definitely has appreciable moments

Whatever by Aimee Mann
Feb 13 2024

Good album :D

A Northern Soul by The Verve
Feb 14 2024

What’s the purpose of including an album that’s just Urban Hymns without ”Bittersweet Symphony”?

Aftermath by The Rolling Stones
Feb 15 2024

Quite a good album! Many enjoyable songs in different styles. Just solid

Vulnicura by Björk
Feb 16 2024

I hadn’t gotten to this album yet, I should have! Another great album from Björk, the production is also very suitable. I will need more time to digest it fully, but first impression is strong nonetheless

Djam Leelii by Baaba Maal
Feb 17 2024

The perfect music for coming home late after a flight 🙏 Very enjoyable

Disintegration by The Cure
Feb 18 2024

Shout out to goth girls 🖤 this one’s for u

...Baby One More Time by Britney Spears
Feb 19 2024

Teen pop was good all this time?!? The answer may shock you

KE*A*H** (Psalm 69) by Ministry
Feb 20 2024

Had to listen through only one ear which definitely didn’t do this any favors. Decent album though, some nice pummeling grooves and atmosphere. I prefer my industrial more metal scrap and less metal music (unless it’s Godflesh)

You're Living All Over Me by Dinosaur Jr.
Feb 21 2024

Top shelf 90s rock. Great melodies, playing and overall just very enjoyable. Very close to a 5

Trio by Dolly Parton
Feb 22 2024

This is my supergroup 🔥

Exodus by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Feb 23 2024

So chill✌️

The Libertines by The Libertines
Feb 24 2024

One of the better 2000s indie/garage rock albums on here. I’d say it’s of a similar caliber as The Strokes. Rock on 🤘

All Things Must Pass by George Harrison
Feb 25 2024

Georgie was cooking for 4 years and served up a feast of bangers 🙏 It gets better every time I give it a listen. Not counting the ”Apple Jam” songs since it was a bonus disc but those aren’t bad either! 5 stars

Metal Box by Public Image Ltd.
Feb 26 2024

Post-punk masterpiece. The jangly, funky tunes are of course excellent, but when the looseness and seeming disregard for tonality become transcendent, particularly on “Poptones”, is when the album really shows it’s colours. Great effort by all the players, Jah Wobble’s bass standing out especially. Punk’s not dead!

Ten by Pearl Jam
Feb 28 2024

I dig this! Very solid grunge

Talk Talk Talk by The Psychedelic Furs
Feb 29 2024

Some nice new wave, definitely has songs that I’d want to return to

The Colour Of Spring by Talk Talk
Mar 01 2024

With the change in instrumentation such as wind instruments, organ and acoustic bass, this album moves towards Talk Talk’s later more musically impressionistic material. At the same time, the use of dance rhythms and catchy choruses keeps it connected to their poppy past work. Essentially, this album is a transition between the two eras of the band, seemingly disparate, but as this album reveals are more compatible than they would seem. Rather than a radical shift in direction, the group’s sound is undergoing a, as the butterflies on the cover suggest, metamorphosis. And as a well as this album works as a bridge between two worlds, if you choose to stop at the bridge on your journey you’ll find the view is beautiful all in itself! This album conjures a certain mood, not quite achieved elsewhere by the band. A unique and lovely musical experience. R.I.P Mark Hollis

Tank Battles by Dagmar Krause
Mar 02 2024

Love Dagmar Krause, Hanns Eisler and Bertolt Brecht 🙏 Very pleased to have them recognized on here. Go modernist theatre!

Punishing Kiss by Ute Lemper
Mar 03 2024

So chill… not sure what inspires such indignance in so many users here. The Scott Walker composition was a nice suprise!

Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen
Mar 04 2024

The boss did something with this one… wish I would’ve checked it out before

Hejira by Joni Mitchell
Mar 05 2024

Very relaxing… maybe the best of her jazz works. Always a treat hearing some Jaco Pastorius too

The Band by The Band
Mar 06 2024

Wow, this is great. Very close to giving this one 5 just on my first impression. Tight, groovy, soulful and much more. What a great The Band

The Holy Bible by Manic Street Preachers
Mar 07 2024

Revisiting this there are more good songs than I remembered. Revisiting this I also have come to understand that Manic Street Preachers is a songs band and not an albums band

american dream by LCD Soundsystem
Mar 08 2024

Underrated LCD Sounsystem album, some top tunes on here

Movies by Holger Czukay
Mar 09 2024

Always let Holger Czukay cook 🔥Liebezeit’s drum groove on the last track is crazy too. Great work!

McCartney by Paul McCartney
Mar 10 2024

Good for Paul that he was able to get his ideas out with this one. Definitely good stuff on here, but his next one is where he really got cooking

Opus Dei by Laibach
Mar 12 2024

Another one of the lowest rated albums! Don’t think it deserves the malign but it’s also not spectacular. Some decent industrial with martial elements that lie on the edge of being outdated. A very centered 3

Dr. Octagonecologyst by Dr. Octagon
Mar 14 2024

A bit of a fun album yeah. Kool Keith is a bizarre artist and this album didn’t disappoint on that front. I just don’t think I’m as crazy about Dan The Automator’s production anymore. Solid 3

Nothing's Shocking by Jane's Addiction
Mar 15 2024

First track is excellent and then the rest are decent. Not bad, but I would have preferred something more in line with the intro!

Connected by Stereo MC's
Mar 16 2024

The quality of this album swings between the funky beats and the goofy ass british MC. The score lands on a moderate 3

Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen
Mar 18 2024

This is what dad rock should be. Stirring, joyous and a lovely time every time you hear it. Boss up 🙌

Aha Shake Heartbreak by Kings of Leon
Mar 19 2024

I can’t lie, I enjoyed this album quite a bit. Sometimes you’re just in the mood for some nice tunes!

Cheap Thrills by Big Brother & The Holding Company
Mar 20 2024

Damn, an even better album than I previously realized! Wish I’d listened to this more before. Joplin obviously is the standout performer, but the whole band is phenomenal! Absolutely killer guitar solos too. Far out!

It's Too Late to Stop Now by Van Morrison
Mar 21 2024

Terrific live set! Great energy, great playing, great versions of the songs. Those 92 minutes just fly right by!

Blunderbuss by Jack White
Mar 23 2024

Who would’ve thought a whiteboy would bring the blues back

Sulk by The Associates
Mar 25 2024

This is awesome synth pop for how demented it is, as well as there being some genuinely great cuts. The wacky cover of “Gloomy Sunday” belongs to the former category, while “Club Country” sits firmly in the latter. Overall, I find the novelty very entertaining

Porcupine by Echo And The Bunnymen
Mar 26 2024

Great record! Wish I’d given it a listen before.

Youth And Young Manhood by Kings of Leon
Mar 28 2024

You do not need to listen to 3 Kings of Leon albums before you die!!

Mar 29 2024

Pure classic! It’s easy to appreciate how fun the music, but you also have to consider how forward thinking it is. Just a small example, but having a horrorcore verse on a song in 1992 is no small feat! Besides all that, the quality of the songs is great. Great rhymes, performances and production. Wish they were around for longer 🙏

Garbage by Garbage
Mar 30 2024

Groovy alt goodness

War by U2
Apr 01 2024

U2 was cooking with this one! Pleasantly suprised

Talking Timbuktu by Ali Farka Touré
Apr 02 2024

When Touré and Cooder are talking timbuktu you better listen! 🗣️

Rubber Soul by Beatles
Apr 03 2024

It’s Rubber Soul, not much I can say. Not my personal favourite, but still so many classic songs on this album.

Apr 04 2024

Pretty damn good! Suprised by how much I enjoyed. Very solid production, performances and songwriting

Quiet Life by Japan
Apr 05 2024

Great synth-pop/post-punk with some hints of Sylvian’s later eccentricity while still being danceable

Rust Never Sleeps by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Apr 06 2024

The first side of this album is the one classic Neil Young thing I haven’t been able to get into. Just something very dull and lifeless about that doesn’t capture the sentimental charm that Young does so well. The second side picks up the slackt though, making the experience as a whole better, although I’d rather listen to Neil’s other albums than sit through the first side of this to get to the second one.

Songs Of Love And Hate by Leonard Cohen
Apr 07 2024

Cohen’s best work. The album where his poetry and the music come together and make something sublime. Every song is captivating, Cohen uses his limited singing range creatively to great effect and the expanded arrangements embellish without overpowering. An absolute success

Deserter's Songs by Mercury Rev
Apr 08 2024

I prefer their first two albums but this is great on it’s own. Many catchy melodies and head-bumping grooves. Also extra points for using the singing saw!

Third by Soft Machine
Apr 09 2024

Originally I wanted to write and excessively long and detailed review of this record, but now I’m done with this whole thing and this is the only album left to be rated! So I will be writing by heart, be as long as it may. Soft Machine formed in Canterbury as psychedelic/progressive rock band, with founding members including genre stalwarts Kevin Ayers and Daevid Allen. As the band progressed they moved further from rock, dropping the guitars, and further towards jazz, adding wind instruments. This leaves us at Third, a album with lengthy jazz soloing with a recognizable prog rock base. The album features original members Mike Ratledge’s defining keyboards, Hugh Hopper’s bouncy (heh) yet solid basswork, Robert Wyatt’s unmatched drumming, as well as Elton Dean’s alto sax trading solos with the likes of Lyn Dobson, Jimmy Hastings and Nick Evans. The first thing you will likely about the album is that it’s 75 minutes long with only 4 tracks across 4 sides: This is a committed listen. Despite the length, I never feel as if the album or any of the individual pieces go on too long. The length is merited by the content filling it out. Starkly, “Facelift” opens with abrasive organ noise. One could easily mistake this as something produced by a guitar (as I originally did), one contributing factor to the rock feeling even in the complete absence of guitar. Eventually the track settles into a march like 7/4 groove, the band playing the piece’s theme before setting off on an extended bout of soloing. This is the track most singularly focused on jazz soloing, going through different moods and sections, but largely the members give their solos before returning to the theme to close out the first side. “Slightly All the Time” is the most jazzy track on the album, with swinging drums and Hugh Hopper’s brilliant bassline. This album also features many unusual time signatures (as does the whole album, a particular joy of mine), going between 11/4, 9/4 and 10/4 throughout it’s different sections. The track, as expected, features much soloing as well as dynamic melodies and section changes, ending on a somewhat playful note. ”Moon In June” is the odd man out: A quirky sung song (the last of Soft Machine’s career) featuring Robert Wyatt playing all the instruments in the first section. As well as being a prime example of Wyatt’s unbridled musicality and creativity, it is also a solemn reminder of what the drum world lost with his accident leaving him paraplegic. He switches between nasty grooves so rapidly it seems like would never run out. After this long first part of the song, we shift into more familiar jazz rock territory featuring the rest of the band, then ending on an eerie drone. Just when you might think the album is out of suprises, “Out-Bloody-Rageous” begins with a long section of keyboard tape-loops. The loops layer on top of each other at different speeds, creating an enveloping soundscape. For my money, this section could continue for the full length of the track, but we are treated with another section of nimble jazz rock, this time in 15/8 time. This section follows the familiar themes and solos structure, before ending with a short tease of more tape-loops before a piano interlude. More jazz rocking follows, before ending on one last tape-loop soundscape. Soft Machine went further into jazz on following releases, with many changes in line-up. To me, this album offers a whole that I can’t find quite anywhere else. The whole-hearted embrace of jazz, the prog-psych heart, the odd-time grooves, free experimentation and just overall high quality of musicianship, composition and sound. This is one of my all-time favourite records, not necessarily for any emotional significance, but the music and the rich listening experience it continues to provide.

Stankonia by OutKast
Apr 10 2024

Somewhat mixed on this album. On one hand it has many of their best tracks, on the other hand there’s a handful of tracks where the production just sounds terrible. Also a bit on the long side, with this being in the CD era and all. Also, I get that this album has all the hits, but only having this as the only OutKast album proper on this list? Come on Bobby. Good album, but they have better ones

What's That Noise? by Coldcut
Apr 12 2024

Another fun little electronic record. Definitely wouldn’t say you have to hear this before you die, but I found myself enjoying the vibe of the aged production

Clandestino by Manu Chao
Apr 13 2024

Amazing that this album survived so many editions of this book, but it’s alright. A fun atmosphere

Very by Pet Shop Boys
Apr 14 2024

Pet Shop Boys so consistent

Life's Too Good by The Sugarcubes
Apr 15 2024

This album (and band) takes on a different context with Björk’s solo career in mind, but even on it’s own it’s a good album! Björk’s performance is great as you’d expect, and the rest of the band is similarly solid. Good stuff

The Idiot by Iggy Pop
Apr 16 2024

Classic album with quite a bizarre atmosphere

Machine Gun Etiquette by The Damned
Apr 17 2024

Some nice british punk. Lively atmosphere, and the last track switches things up in a cool way. Strong 3

The White Album by Beatles
Apr 18 2024

It’s the most Beatles album, so it must be the best! Despite the seemingly overstuffed tracklist, I do like most if not all the songs. Shows off their versitility more extensively than any other release and every beatle gets to shine. It’s not their best album though… it’s their second best

In Utero by Nirvana
Apr 20 2024

Not crazy about this album. There are great songs as usual and Steve Albini’s production is one of a kind, but I just dig the sound of Nevermind more

Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix
Apr 22 2024

Jimi mother effing Hendrix. A whole double album of bluesy guitar jams can be a bit much, but with such a small discography I find it more forgivable. And it’s still top shelf stuff at the end of the day

Green River by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Apr 23 2024

Always a big CCR respecter, not as crazy about this album. Good songs as usual but nothing that truly jumps out. I’d say this is their 3rd best album of 1969

Heartbreaker by Ryan Adams
Apr 24 2024

Some nice alt-ish country. The best tracks are the more intimare songs that let the soft sound flourish

Heroes to Zeros by The Beta Band
Apr 25 2024

The album cover made me expect cringecore electronic pop but instead I got middling alt rock 😔

High Violet by The National
Apr 27 2024

Not a fan of the vocals. Otherwise, it’s fine. Nothing too crazy in either direction

Justified by Justin Timberlake
Apr 28 2024

Some bangers here and there for sure, otherwise decent. And why are JT’s albums so damn long?

Lost In The Dream by The War On Drugs
Apr 29 2024

This album is aiming for a certain type of atmosphere and does it well. One of the better modern indie picks, all in all

Rip It Up by Orange Juice
Apr 30 2024

Nice bit of new wave

Dirty by Sonic Youth
May 01 2024

Another great SY record ✌️ great mix of their pop era and their noisy roots

The Undertones by The Undertones
May 02 2024

Great poppy punk! Love the vocals and the album is full of catchy tunes. I’m a fan!

May 03 2024

A bit out of my element considering I don’t speak french! The beats were nice however, and he sounded like he had something to say :) hell yeah

Reggatta De Blanc by The Police
May 04 2024

The Police so swag. The hits are mega classic and the deep cuts are underrated. Really a one of a kind group of musicians

May 05 2024

I fxcking love Motörhead!!! This is like a greatest hits with more energy and more rock 🤘Fly high Lemmy

Paris 1919 by John Cale
May 06 2024

Great baroque pop! Good on ya Cale

BEYONCÉ by Beyoncé
May 08 2024

Suprisingly good! Some adventurous decisions made for such a pop superstar. Slay

Back to Basics by Christina Aguilera
May 09 2024

Way too long! Otherwise decent with nice production here and there. Christina Aguilera is a talented vocalist but her singing style is a bit much, and the faux swing sound is a bit kitsch

Electric Warrior by T. Rex
May 10 2024

So classic 🎸 great production and playing to complement the groovy tunes

So by Peter Gabriel
May 11 2024

Peter Gabriel going more pop than before but still keeping up the strong songwriting. Sledgehammer is so classic too

Lazer Guided Melodies by Spiritualized
May 12 2024

Spacey, enveloping atmosphere. Might like this one more than Ladies And Gentlemen for that aspect

90 by 808 State
May 13 2024

Banger! Has aged excellently for an electronic record more than 30 years old. Funky grooves that work well for both surface listening and deeper examination

Tigermilk by Belle & Sebastian
May 14 2024

So classic so indie 🙏

Suzanne Vega by Suzanne Vega
May 15 2024

Smooth… a nice thing to put on

Moss Side Story by Barry Adamson
May 16 2024

This made my cat uneasy! Besides that, a well executed concept, but I prefer his ”Oedipus Schmoedipus” musically

May 17 2024

British punk classic! Some say punk rockers can’t play their instruments, and they should listen to this drummer playing his arse off. Cheeky songwriting and attitude

Crazysexycool by TLC
May 18 2024

Great R&B record. The production is conventional while still being interesting, vocals are smooth and the rapping is suprisingly very engaging! No complaints from me

It's A Shame About Ray by The Lemonheads
May 19 2024

Wasn’t aware of the Lemonhead before, another cool discovery from this list right on album nr. 1001! Very solid poppy indie rock

Caetano Veloso by Caetano Veloso
May 20 2024

If the music is from Brazil you already know it’s going to be good!

Tom Tom Club by Tom Tom Club
May 21 2024

Quirky funk, nice tunes

World Clique by Deee-Lite
May 22 2024

Good dance album. Strong 3

Shleep by Robert Wyatt
May 23 2024

Classic Wyatt strangeness. Hasn’t lost a thing with age!

Violator by Depeche Mode
May 24 2024

Excellent synth pop! So many classic tracks that combine great pop performance and writing with production that, with an good ear for timbre, has managed to aged gracefully. Really hard to decide between giving it a 4 or a 5 but the making-me-want-to-dance factor brings it over the edge. Eternal!

The Only Ones by The Only Ones
May 25 2024

Never heard, pretty dope

White Light by Gene Clark
May 26 2024

Nice, but not as interesting as the other Gene Clark album on the list!

Deloused in the Comatorium by The Mars Volta
May 27 2024

This being one of my all-time favourite albums, I’m finding it hard to put my thoughts into words without just rambling praise for it. Essentially, it’s the most radical prog album to be since the 70s (avant-prog notwithstanding, you know I love you). There were other albums to combine alt-rock and prog before this one, but none with this level of energy, inventiveness and embrace of prog absurdity while retaining vitality. This is progressive rock made by hardcore kids, the fusion of the two providing the music with it’s strongest characteristic: combining musical complexity with emotional expression. This carries through all elements of the music. Omar Rodriguez-Lopez’ guitar work, while at times sounding completely alien, borrows a lot of harmonic vocabulary from hardcore and particularly emo bands, giving the occasionally incomprehensible chords a clear emotional resonance. Cedric Bixler-Zavala outrageously high vocal register and word-salad lyrics may come off as obtuse prog-excess, but the melodic lines are delivered with complete conviction and earnesty (and considering the often recounted story behind the album, the conviction is very justified) Jon Theodore also puts in one of the best drum performances put to tape, laying down inimitable grooves with pinpoint precision and unbridled power. Every other player contributes massively also; Flea’s groovy bass, “Ikey” Owens’ characteristic keyboards, the laye Jeremy Michael Ward’s soundscapes, Lenny Castro’s percussion to name a few. I’ve already rambled about this album enough however, and I haven’t even gotten to the songs themselves. This album is one of a kind. Far from the band’s only masterpiece, but there is a certain element that cannot be repeated through just similar composition. And that’s what makes this album so great

Country Life by Roxy Music
May 28 2024

Roxy music with less art and more rock, but the quality standard is still intact. Groovy

The Modern Lovers by The Modern Lovers
May 30 2024

Good music that I can’t recall after I listen to it… still gets a 4

Joan Armatrading by Joan Armatrading
May 31 2024

Not bad! Nice songs and a unique voice

Casanova by The Divine Comedy
Jun 01 2024

Why is he doing that voice

Bummed by Happy Mondays
Jun 02 2024

Decent madchester stuff

Solid Air by John Martyn
Jun 03 2024

A somewhat understated album, weaving an enveloping atmosphere. A real nice listen!

3 Feet High and Rising by De La Soul
Jun 04 2024

Classic record that has not lost it’s uniqueness or quality with time. Not my favourite De La Soul record overall, but still very deserving of the praise.

Music From The Penguin Cafe by Penguin Cafe Orchestra
Jun 05 2024

A gem! Playful composition which take from folk, classical and avant-garde to make something quite unlike any of it’s influences. I discovered this album when I first read through this books many years ago, and it’s always a pleasure to return to.

La Revancha Del Tango by Gotan Project
Jun 06 2024

Left-field pick that’s actually pretty damn good! Super groovy electronic beats that stand well on their own, whilst also being helped by well integrated tango elements. Greatly suprised by its quality

Get Behind Me Satan by The White Stripes
Jun 07 2024

Okay!! The marimba being used on so many tracks is a bit interesting, as well as the other instrumentation and arrangement choices separating this from their other albums. But no hits 💁 (Blue Orchid doesn’t count)

The Scream by Siouxsie And The Banshees
Jun 10 2024

Post-punk esssential! Musically unique with it’s angular guitars and tom centric drums, nonetheless retaining the simple attitude central to punk. Also love the DEVO style cover of Helter Skelter, where the lyrics are the only part retained from the original.

m b v by My Bloody Valentine
Jun 11 2024

This album is older than 10 years now so it can officially be said: Classic! Continuing the sonic direction of Loveless while further deviating and experimenting with it. Can’t wait for the next one (this year for sure)

Lost Souls by Doves
Jun 12 2024

Not sure what it was about Doves that ol’ Rob thought made you have to hear them before you die, but I actually enjoyed this one quite a bit! Strong 3

Future Days by Can
Jun 13 2024

A kosmische musik classic! Not Can’s best album all in all (the competition is tough as nails), but when this album hits right there’s not much that hits that spot.

Now I Got Worry by The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Jun 14 2024

Kicks ass!!

Peter Gabriel by Peter Gabriel
Jun 15 2024

Didn’t remember this being here, I love this album. Coming fresh from Genesis, the music is a cross between those complex theatrical compositions and the artsy pop he would transition into making. Makes for a unique combination, backed up by the fact that the album is filled to the brim with bangers!! ”Waiting For The Big One” is the only weak cut and unfortunately the longest, but besides that it’s just classics and hidden gems. With this I believe that Peter Gabriel is in total my highest rated artist on this site

Rock Bottom by Robert Wyatt
Jun 16 2024

A perplexing yet revealing look into the singular creative mind pf Robert Wyatt. Ends brilliantly, too

Younger Than Yesterday by The Byrds
Jun 17 2024

More catchy, lightly psychedelic tunes… I can’t hate on that!

Made In Japan by Deep Purple
Jun 18 2024

Although it features many now mocked elements of 70s hard rock (Ian Gillan’s high screeches, the 5+ minute drum solo on The Mule, etc.), the energy of this set carries it plentily. A great performance from a great band!

Gorillaz by Gorillaz
Jun 20 2024

Hmm.. yeah this is a banger 🦍

evermore by Taylor Swift
Jun 21 2024

Some nice tracks on here for sure 🕊️

Can't Buy A Thrill by Steely Dan
Jun 23 2024

Every song of this is an actual heater and a classic. Every time a song switches I’m delighted at getting to listen to another masterfully assembled pop song, until the album ends and I’m left wanting more Dan!

Tommy by The Who
Jun 24 2024

Rough around the edges (Fiddle About), but still a great and inspired album that continues from what The Pretty Things offered with “S.F. Sorrow”. Some weaker songs, many classic songs

Let It Bleed by The Rolling Stones
Jun 25 2024

From the late 60s to the early 70s, The Rolling Stones were on a roll 😉

Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective
Jun 26 2024

It’s funny to put this one along with the numerous other indie-psych-pop-whathaveyou records inexplicably included in this list, consider this is one I’ve been listening to since middle school! I was thinking that maybe my opinion on it has become milder, but nah, I still love every song on this! Great production, creative ways to connect the experimental side of AnCo to this more poppy sound. I am very biased with this one, but this is a megabanger

Broken English by Marianne Faithfull
Jun 28 2024

Okay! The vulgarity gets a little over the top but the band was playing nicely

Haunted Dancehall by The Sabres Of Paradise
Jun 29 2024

Nice beats but too damn long!

Music by Madonna
Jul 02 2024

Don’t have to much to day about this one! A fine listen

Cupid & Psyche 85 by Scritti Politti
Jul 03 2024

This straddling the right on the line between a 3 and a 4. The glossy, chic production is something you either embrace or reject. My dad likes it though

The Nightfly by Donald Fagen
Jul 04 2024

Gotcha, Robert! I was listening to this album just yesterday! And I’m not complaining that I get to do it again, such a solid set of songs. Different to Steely Dan’s music in many ways yet similar all the same. Also is The Goodbye Look the best track on here or am I going crazy?

Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury by The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
Jul 05 2024

I’m finding it very difficult to evaluate this album musically, since most of this album is quasi-industrial hip-hop beats with Michael Franti rambling over them, often not rhyming or delivering his lines in rhythm. And his lyrics are just that: Rambling. With the exceptions of ”Language Of Violence” and ”Socio-Genetic Experiment”, which follow a narrative with some emotional or personal potency, Franti is just listing off societal issues one after another. Among the most surface level socially-conscious rap I’ve ever come across, frankly. The instrumentals are better, but not particularly noteworthy besides stray moments and the jazzy anomaly ”Music & Politics”. More than being bad, this is just very lame. And more than being lame, it’s just bizarre. Damn!

The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
Jul 06 2024

Not bad, but not as essential as their debut

Want One by Rufus Wainwright
Jul 09 2024

Rufus Wainwright makes gorgeous music. I’m not afraid to say it!

The White Room by The KLF
Jul 10 2024

A bit of a quirky electronic journey

Next by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
Jul 13 2024

Dunno about sensational, but they were handy with their instruments

Highly Evolved by The Vines
Jul 14 2024

Quite good! Lots of gusto in the performance of these retro tunes, and the songwriting is varied enough to keep the listening fresh

Rejoicing In The Hands by Devendra Banhart
Jul 15 2024

Supremely intimate, the perfect album for quiet moments

Jul 17 2024

Techno from a great producer. Not as iconic as his following works, but the quality standard is maintained nonetheless

Back At The Chicken Shack by Jimmy Smith
Jul 18 2024

Happy to hear some more jazz classics. Jimmy Smith in particular is an influental artist who I’m pleasantly suprised to have appear here. All in all, a nice album. Strong 3

Hard Again by Muddy Waters
Jul 19 2024

Real noisy for a blues record. Sounds like at any moment there’s 3 instruments wailing on top of each other. Unique, but gets repetitive

Jul 20 2024

Another indie garage record that doesn’t seem to have survived past the 2000s. Pretty good, though

Fly Or Die by N.E.R.D
Jul 22 2024

Just fly enough to not have to die, congrats!

Brutal Youth by Elvis Costello
Jul 23 2024

Very questionable inclusion but not a bad album necessarily. Costello is a songwriter of considerable talent and the bright spots shine through even on this album, even if as a whole it feels a bit redundant (I mean seriously, 6 Costello albums?)

Red Dirt Girl by Emmylou Harris
Jul 24 2024

Emmylou goes alt. A pretty good fit!

Jul 25 2024

The flow and production took a bit of time to get used to, but the storytelling on this album is undoubtably solid. Nifty album

Happy Trails by Quicksilver Messenger Service
Jul 26 2024

Pretty much one long jam. Pretty cool

Butterfly by Mariah Carey
Jul 27 2024

Kinda slay

Homework by Daft Punk
Jul 28 2024

Big Daft Punk fan but even I have to say that this album is a hint too long! Makes sense as a club record, not as solid in a home listening context. Still, it’s made bearable by being 74 minutes of Daft Punk! So many great tracks, from the hits to the deep cuts. Some weaker tracks pad out the runtime for sure (I was never a fan of Oh Yeah), but those tracks are always surrounded by more bangers. A strong debut

#1 Record by Big Star
Jul 29 2024

Classic classic classic. Can’t go wrong with this one really

Wonderful Rainbow by Lightning Bolt
Jul 30 2024

Lightning Bolt motherfucker!!! To all the boomers giving this a 1: Sorry you can’t handle the thunder 🌩️🤘😎

Jul 31 2024

Perhaps his best record of his early era! The secret ingredient is the live atmosphere, it adds a sense of authenticity to Waits’ performing that lets the music flourish

Live At The Star Club, Hamburg by Jerry Lee Lewis
Aug 01 2024

Shame about the whole marrying his 13 year old cousin and being racist to Chuck Berry thing, because this goes hard as hell. They really made live albums differently in the 60s huh?

Street Life by The Crusaders
Aug 02 2024

They may have changed their name but they are still swingsters!

Bubble And Scrape by Sebadoh
Aug 03 2024

Dope indie!!! Never listened to Sebadoh all that much, but it seems I should!

Seventh Tree by Goldfrapp
Aug 04 2024

Didn’t know there was more Goldfrapp here, a nice surprise!

Reign In Blood by Slayer
Aug 05 2024

One thing I respect about this album: the sound. Nevermind whatever extremes you can find in obscure black metal demos, this is heavy! Also, I respect any band that makes their albums short and concise. But besides those things, I have never particularly cared for the songs themselves. Slayer doesn’t have the songwriting chops of Metallica or Megadeth. They make up for it with a more aggressive presentation, but it doesn’t take me all the way to the same heights that those bands reach.

Aug 06 2024

First time I listened to this I thought it was great, hearing it again really blew me away. The music on this record is so soulful, creative, tightly performed, stylisticaly free and much more. A (sometimes forgotten) classic that deserves to be regarded among the best singer/songwriter albums.

Hunky Dory by David Bowie
Aug 07 2024

Bowie 😀

Supa Dupa Fly by Missy Elliott
Aug 08 2024

Nice, but nothing too crazy. Timbaland’s production adds it’s own charm and Missy E and the guest artists do a fair job

Devotional Songs by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Aug 09 2024

Cool! Lively singing and pretty diverse instrumentation

xx by The xx
Aug 10 2024

Subtle, great music. At a surface level it seems like the average electro-indie pop record, but really it is much more stylistically unique than many similar bands

Henry's Dream by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Aug 11 2024

Filled out arrangements help make this one of Cave’s hits

The Atomic Mr Basie by Count Basie & His Orchestra
Aug 12 2024

Been waiting for this one 🙏 this list needs more jazz

Nick Of Time by Bonnie Raitt
Aug 13 2024

Groovy! Suprisingly great songs 🤠

Rid Of Me by PJ Harvey
Aug 14 2024

A great, original and enduring album! Harvey writes songs that are deeply rooted in rock history whilst still sounding utterly new. Also great performances all around, each member of the trio lifting and supporting the others. Also, another Steve Albini produced classic: R.I.P.

Cheerleader

Average rating: 3.66 (0.48 above global average).

Other

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