Journey Complete!
Finisher #177 to complete the list
1089
Albums Rated
3.66
Average Rating
100%
Complete
Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
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1950s
Favorite Decade
Jazz
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other
Top Origin
Cheerleader
Rater Style ?
95
5-Star Albums
6
1-Star Albums
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You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trout Mask Replica | 5 | 2.28 | +2.72 |
| Wonderful Rainbow | 5 | 2.28 | +2.72 |
| Metal Box | 5 | 2.41 | +2.59 |
| Third | 5 | 2.43 | +2.57 |
| The United States Of America | 5 | 2.61 | +2.39 |
| Chelsea Girl | 5 | 2.63 | +2.37 |
| Yank Crime | 5 | 2.7 | +2.3 |
| Tago Mago | 5 | 2.79 | +2.21 |
| Sweetheart Of The Rodeo | 5 | 2.83 | +2.17 |
| A Walk Across The Rooftops | 5 | 2.86 | +2.14 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&M | 1 | 3.26 | -2.26 |
| Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury | 1 | 2.88 | -1.88 |
| Back In Black | 2 | 3.86 | -1.86 |
| All Hope Is Gone | 1 | 2.7 | -1.7 |
| Slipknot | 1 | 2.67 | -1.67 |
| Casanova | 1 | 2.67 | -1.67 |
| The Marshall Mathers LP | 2 | 3.49 | -1.49 |
| Antichrist Superstar | 1 | 2.48 | -1.48 |
| Rumours | 3 | 4.46 | -1.46 |
| ...And Justice For All | 2 | 3.43 | -1.43 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Slipknot | 2 | 1 |
| Metallica | 4 | 2.25 |
5-Star Albums (95)
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Popular Reviews
John Coltrane
5/5
”If God had an ipod I would be on his playlist” - John Coltrane, 1965
51 likes
Drive Like Jehu
5/5
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
48 likes
The Thrills
3/5
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
23 likes
Radiohead
5/5
You can take the whiteboy out of the Radiohead, but you can’t take the Radiohead out of the whiteboy
8 likes
1-Star Albums (6)
All Ratings
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Fun and creative. Not something you must listen to before you die, but enjoyable if you do.
Solomon Burke
3/5
Solid, competent soul
The Flaming Lips
4/5
Great drumwork, synths and general breadth of sounds.
Erykah Badu
4/5
Made me convert to baduism
Peter Tosh
4/5
Catchy tunes with plenty of depth, assuming you don't mind reggae.
Mike Oldfield
5/5
As unique now as it was in 1973, definitely an album you must hear before you die.
Fugazi
5/5
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
Isaac Hayes
5/5
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.
Bon Jovi
2/5
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
Wire
5/5
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
Anthrax
2/5
Mostly disparate elements that don't form a cohesive sound, occasionally odd mixing too. I hope the drummer enjoyed himself, at least
Brian Eno
4/5
Quirky, noisy, artsy rock brimming with ideas whilst still having a pop sensibility underneath.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
Good, enjoyable pop songs
Tori Amos
4/5
Reminiscent of a more reserved Kate Bush, the songs range from starkly intimate to anthemic. A captivating album
The Gun Club
4/5
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
Massive Attack
4/5
A hazy, groovy, classic debut. Though they went on to do better things, this album still holds up.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Pleasant jazz-laced pop with some musical suprises
The Triffids
3/5
Occaisonally poignant tunes with an apreciable sonic variety
4/5
Very fun music that keeps up the energy. Great bass playing, too
D'Angelo
3/5
Plenty to enjoy here if you like R&B
Lucinda Williams
3/5
Enjoyable album, nice singing, guitar and drum sound
Baaba Maal
3/5
Nice senegalese sounds mixed with other influences
Ride
4/5
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
5/5
Even if you divorce it from the impact it's had on popular music, it's still a brilliant little record
The Byrds
5/5
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.
The Magnetic Fields
4/5
You couldn't really grasp an album like this on the first listen, which says something with how well I still liked it
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
Catchy electronic pop that still holds up
Sam Cooke
4/5
A tight, exciting live set full of energy
Pixies
4/5
If I was a rose I wouldn't be surfing, that sounds scary!
Wilco
5/5
A successful combination of great songwriting, unusual production and a captivating sound.
Amy Winehouse
4/5
Genuinely soulful. My mom like Amy Winehouse
Nico
5/5
Uniquely beautiful, occasionally disturbing
Todd Rundgren
4/5
A rich collection of quirky pop songs with a satisfying flow, nice drum sounds too.
The Prodigy
4/5
Banging
Nine Inch Nails
4/5
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.
David Bowie
4/5
Really groovy songs, the Eno hijack on the second side is good too
Randy Newman
3/5
Nice songs with nice instrumentation.
Rush
3/5
Rocks, they have better albums
Napalm Death
3/5
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.
Billy Bragg
4/5
I wish they maid mer of these. Oh wait!
Portishead
5/5
Timeless, popular for good reason. Every song is a different flavor of their alluring, melancholic sound.
Burning Spear
4/5
Sharp reggae with lively instrumentation
Mudhoney
4/5
Focused rocker. I didn't realize EPs were included in this list
Cee Lo Green
2/5
ceelo is a good singer but this was annoying. It's not that bad, I liked the songs toward the end more, but still
Guns N' Roses
3/5
Axl Rose's vocals doesn't do this any favors but there are still solid rock songs scattered throughout
Crowded House
3/5
vibin
Miles Davis
5/5
Beautiful, an album uniquely it's own. Yet another reason for why Miles Davis is such a musical icon
The Everly Brothers
3/5
A short, fun, whimsical collection of songs
Beatles
3/5
Creative for a 60s pop album
The Beach Boys
3/5
Nice :)
Public Image Ltd.
4/5
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
Muddy Waters
3/5
Nice blues
The B-52's
3/5
Nice mix of fun and post-punk sounds
Queen
4/5
A briskly paced album of varied songs in Queen's own style, thoroughly enjoyable.
Nas
5/5
Timeless, basically
The Stooges
4/5
A somewhat fragmented album, it's pulled together by the unified raw attitude of the band
The Fall
4/5
The Fall is a great band and this is another one of their great albums
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Groovy, soulful and musical. Stevie brings the whole package
Kraftwerk
4/5
Considering the year it was released, these tunes have a modern accessibility. Very enjoyable, repetitions and all
Elbow
3/5
Nice singing, strings and drum grooves
My Bloody Valentine
5/5
Often imitated, never replicated. A rightful classic
Elvis Costello
4/5
Solid, spunky songs with a clear personality
The Prodigy
4/5
Propa chunes
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
Very decent with some great songs. I'm also a fan Lindsey Buckingham's voice.
Herbie Hancock
5/5
Classic banger
The Go-Go's
4/5
Fun, energetic and musically detailed beneath the poppy surface. I wish I would've listened to this before
Sabu
4/5
Very catchy rhythms and chants, with the additional instrumentation supplementing them well
Alice In Chains
4/5
Murky, sinister and sounds massive. Also rocks
Hole
4/5
Opens and ends with fury. I like the rest too
4/5
Whimsical, dense and very enjoyable. I like the trick where they write two songs and put it into one
The Flaming Lips
4/5
Catchy, pretty singing with groovy drums and detailed synths, as expected of the Flaming Lips. Basically? Vibin
Hole
4/5
Very well rounded power pop
Rush
5/5
Classic. Every song is in the perfect interstice of Rush's prog and pop.
Blur
3/5
Bloody decent
10cc
4/5
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.
Beth Orton
4/5
Very pretty, in short
Dr. Dre
3/5
The beats are great, the rhymes not as much. Certainly an album you must hear before you die, though
Primal Scream
3/5
Pretty cool. The fact that it features so many different collaborators probably contributes to the variance in quality between songs.
Dwight Yoakam
3/5
Solid, not much else to say
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
A very gentle indie classic
Joni Mitchell
5/5
"Beautiful" is an easy word to use for this album. I think the music speaks best for itself
Dexys Midnight Runners
4/5
It's good but it would be better if instead of "come on eileen" it was "come on guyleen"
Bebel Gilberto
4/5
Cool mix of bossa nova and electronics
Van Halen
4/5
A lot richer (musically) than they are often derided as being. Rock on brother
The Mamas & The Papas
4/5
Very jolly, fun to listen to, and nicely arranged
The White Stripes
4/5
It's like Van Halen in the opposite direction if U think about it
Jorge Ben Jor
5/5
Really good, lively and well made. If you’re the best in brazil you know you have something going on
Dolly Parton
3/5
Very quaint. The song "Travelling Man" is really funny
Jeff Buckley
5/5
One of the best albums of the 90s
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
4/5
Very solid, obviously a classic
Don McLean
4/5
There’s a kind of folky subtlety that really gives the songs a big boost. Very pleasant
Mudhoney
3/5
Pretty enjoyable, pretty creative, pretty good
Traffic
3/5
Nice rock songs with jazzy and folky elements
The Smiths
5/5
I prefer Meat Is Murder but this is arguably their peak.
Shuggie Otis
4/5
Very groovy, a nice suprise
Venom
3/5
Metal sucks, Venom rocks, simple as
Elton John
4/5
Elton John is epiiic
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
I like The consistency of the album’s energy, very fun
Frank Zappa
4/5
Zappa brings bangers
George Michael
3/5
I accidentally listened with prejudice. Sorry Michael!
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
Better than I was expecting with a nice swagger, the talent of the musicians also helps
Tim Buckley
4/5
The first side gives an early taste of Buckley’s experimental tendencies, and the second features more ordinary folk. Both sides are great
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
Chill beats
Parliament
5/5
Pure, distilled funk
Led Zeppelin
3/5
Some great songs, some not as great songs. Solid
Minutemen
5/5
Great jazz record. Also considerably varied
Drive-By Truckers
3/5
Well made southern rock with an actually somewhat interesting narrative
Van Halen
4/5
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
3/5
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)
Jurassic 5
4/5
Varying flavors of hip-hop with a classic feel. Fun
The Soft Boys
3/5
The Soft Boys make a soft album
Marty Robbins
4/5
Just a collection of very solid and enjoyable country ballads. I don’t think Marty really killed and got killed all those times, though
George Jones
3/5
Good ole country yeeharrr. Also a generous amount of lap steel guitar
Television
5/5
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
4/5
Cool new-wave, post-punk, pop-rock bonanza with an especially entertaining singer. A fun listen
SZA
3/5
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
The Who
4/5
Good album :)
Machito
4/5
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
David Gray
3/5
Pleasant
Foo Fighters
3/5
A collection of nice rock tunes. Well done Dave
Emmylou Harris
4/5
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.
Cat Stevens
4/5
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?
Thundercat
4/5
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
Incredible Bongo Band
4/5
Groovy. A bit too many instruments that aren’t bongos though, just a bit of constructive criticism
Radiohead
5/5
You can take the whiteboy out of the Radiohead, but you can’t take the Radiohead out of the whiteboy
Fleet Foxes
5/5
Holiday cheer may have inspired me to give this a more favorable rating, but it _is_ a great album
Various Artists
3/5
Christmas songs with Phil Spector’s production. A very pleasant christmas gift
Afrika Bambaataa
3/5
A historically essential record, very groovy if somewhat aged
Jefferson Airplane
5/5
Rock solid psych, compact with a certain something that ties it all together
John Lee Hooker
2/5
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 😈
Leonard Cohen
4/5
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 Incredible String Band
4/5
Not sure what it is about this album that seems to inspire such vitriol in people. I think it’s cool and unique:)
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
They didn’t lie, they caught a fire…. Album
Green Day
3/5
Not a bad album actually. Solid songs all around
Janet Jackson
3/5
Conpetently made funky 80s pop. Enjoyable, but not too much else. Also very dated, although that didn’t bother me
Coldplay
3/5
Just enough instances of beautiful musicality to keep it from being totally generic. Pretty much the exact middle point
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
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
Gene Clark
4/5
This album is cool… I like this album
Keith Jarrett
4/5
Come to Brazil!
John Lennon
3/5
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”
Kanye West
5/5
Some people hate on Kanye and have never listened to this. Sad!
Fairport Convention
5/5
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.
New Order
3/5
Propa synth chunes yeah
The Hives
4/5
They rock hard basically. I appreciate the intensity. Also quirky instrumentals. Fun!
The Mothers Of Invention
4/5
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”
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
I love this album. Just banger after banger
Isaac Hayes
4/5
Very cool and unique take on soul. I dig it
Eminem
2/5
Eminem is a talented rapper, if he could’ve trimmed the length and varied his topics this could’ve been epic ftw
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
The standouts are great but a lot of this is just momrockers. Some parts sound suprisingly similar to indie rock
Aerosmith
2/5
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
Taylor Swift
2/5
Quintessentially average pop with just a hint of musicality to let you know that someone working on this had greater ambitions
Morrissey
3/5
Fair album, I like the sound of the guitars. I like Speedway too
Jean-Michel Jarre
4/5
Vibin
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
Yo my name is Wu-Tang and I’m rizzety-rappin’
The Armenian genocide didn’t happen
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Groovy
Joy Division
4/5
Very well realized post-punk gloom. Ian Curtis thought the synths were ”gay”, but what does he know?
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
Shout out to everyone in the band that isn’t Anthony Keidis… he’s not even that bad
Public Enemy
4/5
Gnarly
The Dictators
4/5
I very much enjoyed the attitude. A treat :)
Air
4/5
Smooth like butter
The Stooges
4/5
*The* proto-punk album. Pretty awesome
The Jesus And Mary Chain
3/5
Pleasant soft noise pop tunes
Prefab Sprout
4/5
Really pretty. I dig the sound
New Order
3/5
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
Q-Tip
4/5
Groovy hip hop with a consistent vibe. Sollid
Elliott Smith
5/5
Uhh, yeah, this one’s 4 the indie boys
Grateful Dead
3/5
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
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I ain’t finna cap this album is kinda cool. Can’t You Hear Me Knocking is a banger
The Roots
4/5
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
4/5
Great sixties album
Dusty Springfield
4/5
Come to Brazil pls
Sisters Of Mercy
3/5
Cool post punk et al
Rahul Dev Burman
4/5
I personally prefer the instrumentals but it’s awesome that this is here at all. Go watch Kal Ho Naa Ho
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
Synth dance with a certain atmospheric sensibility. I does make me wish the orchestral stab preset was never invented
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
BBB (Big Beat Bangers)
Miles Davis
5/5
Fantastic, one of a kind, classic etc. etc. ”Miles Runs The Voodoo Down” indeed
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Essentially, rock n roll as a double album. I dig it.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Good 👍
The Velvet Underground
5/5
One of the most crucial albums you must hear before you die. 1967 really was a loaded year
Hanoi Rocks
3/5
Might be the only Finnish album on here. Gotta respect it
Bill Evans Trio
4/5
Chill live jazz improvisations to relax and study to
Paul Simon
3/5
This album is uhh good (bernie sanders voice)
The Who
4/5
Some quirked up white boys rock out, you love to see it
Eagles
3/5
I have a confession to make… I like dadrock
Violent Femmes
4/5
An alternative classic. The acoustic instruments give the angsty songs a unique flavor.
Kate Bush
4/5
Kate Bush = epic, simple as
Elvis Presley
4/5
Elvis is BACK! What it do, baby!
Charles Mingus
5/5
A high point in jazz music
Little Simz
4/5
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
1/5
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
Kacey Musgraves
3/5
Cutesy country-tinged pop :)
The Specials
3/5
Very fun sound and attitude… high 3
SAULT
3/5
A good sounding album that never really goes for any emotional or musical highs, just stays in the middle ground. Pretty cool
Gillian Welch
3/5
Slow, stripped down country songs. Pretty
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
4/5
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?…;)
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Joni be like: brings home the bagel… I like the variety on the album and Car On A Hill is funky
Black Flag
5/5
I love this s*** man… shout-out to punk music
Portishead
4/5
Cool, unique & creepy sound. Still recognisable as being Portishead while sounding completely different from Dummy
Leonard Cohen
3/5
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
The Smiths
5/5
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
4/5
Cool and good and fun :)
Serge Gainsbourg
4/5
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.
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
Where do you apply for a membership?
Soul II Soul
3/5
Groovy. Would likely tear up the club to these tunes
Ash
3/5
Playful 90s rock. The way the guitar feedback just turns into a suspended drone in one of the songs was gnarly.
The Kinks
3/5
Enjoyable, competent. Not their best, not their worst
The Teardrop Explodes
3/5
Pretty um bouncy nervy 80s post-punk type thing with synths and that yeah
M.I.A.
3/5
The playful attitude (bar some darker themes) combined with the particular minimal(?) sensibility of the music makes for a memorable whole……. I dig it
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
Pretty well executed aesthetic. My friend would like this album
Sonic Youth
4/5
This is my kind of music. More like this, Robert
Hawkwind
3/5
Space rock is what space rock does
Brian Eno
4/5
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
Jungle Brothers
4/5
Solid old school hip-hop with a somewhat eclectic array of sounds. Upbeat and enjoyable
Small Faces
4/5
Nut indeed… also a fairly eclectic range of psychedelia covered on this LP. This week’s word is ”eclectic”
Pere Ubu
4/5
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
Bob Dylan
3/5
Proud of U robert
Fugees
5/5
A higlight in hip-hop, I’d say
Heaven 17
3/5
A nice combination of sounds: Detached ironic vocals, busy drum machine patterns, various synth textures and lively bass work being a definite highlight
Teenage Fanclub
4/5
Balanced, well rounded power pop. A seamless blend of alternative sound and mainstream appeal
Grizzly Bear
4/5
Rich layerz like Shrek
The Cure
4/5
Grr… mom brought me the wrong dip sauce for my chicken nuggies… she just doesn’t GET me… goth 4 life
Bob Dylan
4/5
The increased musical variety courtesy of being a double album is… cheeelin
The Beau Brummels
4/5
Solid folk & country songs complemented by creative production
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Hell yeah brother
Dire Straits
3/5
Honestly? Pleasant
Ice Cube
3/5
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?
MGMT
4/5
Effective mix of synths, indie and danceability + bangerz
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
Confident, well-paced album. Would definitely rock with this if I was a white girl in the 2000s. StronG 3
My Bloody Valentine
4/5
Veeeerrrrrrrrryyyyyyyy strong four…. I love the sound. Distinct from Loveless while still having their trademarked effects-drenched guitars
Robbie Williams
2/5
Good album
The Black Crowes
3/5
R0ck on brother
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Imagine being the guy making the second ever album and having to follow this up 😨
Suede
4/5
White boy, black boy, they the same
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
They don’t call him ”The Boss” for nothing 🤟 hahhhaaaa nah but seriously, this is tasteful and well-aged take on hard rock :)
The Charlatans
3/5
Strange mix of britpop tracks and funk instrumentals. Fine overall
The Jam
4/5
This is a jam… album
Nick Drake
5/5
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
The Zombies
4/5
One of the highlights of sixties psychedelic baroque pop whathaveyou. Would probably be a 5 if I wasn’t so late to the party
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
Really like this. Very well executed sound that envelops you. StronG 4
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Jangly, spooky post-punk. A successful fusion of different musical elements into one cohesive sound
Van Morrison
4/5
Easy classic. A quite singular creative vision
Miles Davis
4/5
Cool album… ehehehehe
Sister Sledge
3/5
Solid disco groove
Fiona Apple
3/5
Don’t like her vocals. Fine otherwise
Alice Cooper
3/5
Something of a musical hodgepodge. I like it
John Martyn
3/5
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
5/5
Bert Jansch was a fantastic guitarist and is a personal inspiration. This album has that certain ”contained experience” which captures me tremendously
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
^ this guy? Not from the bayou
Tom Waits
3/5
Good but I prefer what he made after. This is still a bit scattered and prototypical
The Notorious B.I.G.
4/5
Claaaaaasic… might’ve been a 5 if this wasn’t the first time I heard it LOL
Queens of the Stone Age
3/5
Why is this the one Qotsa album on here and no Kyuss bruuuhhhh 💀💀💀 give me some of what Rob’s smoking!
Elastica
3/5
I like this…:) Enjoyable if quintessentially average
Cocteau Twins
5/5
Ethereal beauty
Shack
3/5
Fun, easygoing (with some exceptions). The strings arrrangements are well implemented. I especially like the song ”Streets Of Kenny”
Cyndi Lauper
3/5
Not that unusual, really
Björk
5/5
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.
Fats Domino
4/5
Who said the oldies can’t rock 💃🕺🧓🏼👴🏻
Syd Barrett
4/5
I don’t even care about the Syd Barrett story man, this is just wacky, totally nutty, absolutely bonkers.
Sarah Vaughan
4/5
Warm, inviting vocal jazz. Hard to dislike
Prince
4/5
Prince made bangers. It’s been known
Neu!
3/5
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 😈
Eels
3/5
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
Jane's Addiction
4/5
Great
Blur
3/5
This is kinda bussin bruh fr
Michael Jackson
4/5
Disco bangers, simple as
Jane Weaver
3/5
Pretty good. Not so original as to make me understand what it’s doing on here though
Cocteau Twins
4/5
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.
Talvin Singh
3/5
Cool. I’m always for unique fusions of styles
Steely Dan
5/5
This is like Revenge of the Nerds but instead of sexual assault they made one of the best (produced) albums of all time
Willie Nelson
4/5
Warm like a campfire
The Go-Betweens
3/5
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
Stan Getz
3/5
Cheeelin
Black Sabbath
5/5
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
3/5
Plenty of bangers on here but, blasphemously, this is one of the Led Zeppelin albums that could’ve been cut. Shoutout John Paul Jones
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
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
Johnny Cash
5/5
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
Slipknot
1/5
This is like their first album but less unique. Switch the score I gave that with ”Slippery When Wet” and it should balance out
Aphex Twin
4/5
Straddling a line between standing the test of time and having aged unfavourably, it’s place is certainly earned on this list
Paul Simon
3/5
Keep it up Paul
Living Colour
3/5
Decent
Radiohead
4/5
I probably like this album more than most but it didn’t need to be on here. There’s enough Radiohead already
Goldie
4/5
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
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Jolly. I really like the album cover (with the title)
Leonard Cohen
2/5
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
The Velvet Underground
4/5
Freak classic
Stephen Stills
4/5
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
Deep Purple
4/5
These guys just rock… highway star is an all-time classic… good music
Pink Floyd
4/5
Like a wise man once said: Good album
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
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
Leonard Cohen
4/5
A stellar debut, superbly balancing minimal instrumentation with Cohen’s cryptic writings
Arcade Fire
3/5
Good… not sure if both this and Funeral need to be on the list though… just my 2 cents
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
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
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
I love these lil fellas tbh
Kate Bush
4/5
The quintessential Kate Bush album: Art-pop bangers, conceptual journeys and an irish jig
The La's
4/5
Mostly bouncy, concise songs in a mixture of styles that is difficult to describe. It is, however, easy to enjoy
James Taylor
3/5
Nice |:)
Steely Dan
4/5
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
Big Black
4/5
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
Pulp
3/5
Cocker is an evocative lyricist. I, however, have never been a lyrics person. The intentionally kitsch sound is charming
Pink Floyd
5/5
Overrated
Tricky
4/5
sOlid, a unique approach to trip-hop
AC/DC
2/5
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
Simply Red
3/5
Groovy. The cover of ”Heaven” stands out as particularly effective, otherwise the music is very of it’s time
Gang Starr
3/5
Look, Gang Starr is classic, but you’re gonna include this and not Paid In Full or Road To Riches? U crazy Robert
Leftfield
3/5
Some good chunes on here yeah
Radiohead
5/5
You can take the whiteboy out of the Radiohead, but you can’t take the Radiohead out of the whiteboy: 2
Astrud Gilberto
4/5
Almost as nice as going to the beach in person!
Bobby Womack
4/5
Funky, soulful, very solid
Carpenters
4/5
Why is it called soft rock when it goes so hard?
Culture Club
3/5
Perfectly fine with some standouts (such as the number one single)
Massive Attack
4/5
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
4/5
An effective album by a great, heartfelt singer
Beck
4/5
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
Public Enemy
4/5
Well produced throughout, the occasionally aged sounds are offset by instances of forward-thinking production. Also politics
Steely Dan
4/5
It’s a testament to the quality of Steely Dan’s music that this is one of their weaker albums
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
Their best album, groovy tracks with punch and odd sounds baked into them
Bob Dylan
4/5
Prefer folk Dylan to electric Dylan tbqh
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
Pleasant organ grooves
Nick Drake
5/5
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.
Coldplay
3/5
Good album to be earnest… some inspired guitarwork and catchy drums + charming songs
Ray Price
4/5
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
Neil Young
4/5
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 :)
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
Similar to his debut, with some more keyboard thrown in
Fela Kuti
4/5
Fela the type of fella to only release bangers
Tom Waits
4/5
Like the preceding ”Swordfishtrombones” but better realized
Can
5/5
Uhh, yeah, I’m thinking it’s a classic
Common
4/5
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
The Who
3/5
Good & silly
The Strokes
4/5
Obviously a modern classic, essential listening, must hear before you die etc. etc. I personally prefer Room On Fire
Ella Fitzgerald
4/5
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
Elliott Smith
4/5
Not his best work, but Elliott Smith is Elliott Smith…
Fela Kuti
5/5
Fela had the winning formula; Half an hour, 2 tracks, all groove
Paul Simon
3/5
Nice enough albeit underwhelming. Crossing cultures can only do so much legwork. I do particularly enjoy the title track
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
4/5
Underrated second side
Lana Del Rey
3/5
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?
Norah Jones
4/5
I love ”Jazz”. Very pretty and deceptively simple
Blondie
4/5
Just kind of a new wave classic…
The Beach Boys
5/5
If this was 5 albums you must hear before you die this would still be here
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
Great performances by four talented musicians of unique and well-written jazz compositions… hits a lot of spots for me
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
A great live album with some truly fantastic moments brought from improvisation
The Pogues
4/5
A delightfully rowdy take on irish folk
k.d. lang
4/5
k.d. stands for “kinda dope”
Gil Scott-Heron
4/5
Stripped-down funk based on Jackson’s jazzy keys and Heron’s social poetry. Very solid!
Tom Waits
4/5
Being more experienced with his 80s-sound, Waits turns up the country influence, making the music at turns more touching or more demented
Iron Maiden
4/5
Not as great as I remember… but it is as good as I remember 🤘😎
ZZ Top
3/5
There’s something very punchy about the production on this album… and some real bangers scattered throughout… strong 3
Pink Floyd
4/5
Delightful psychedelia
Super Furry Animals
4/5
Playful, eclectic & unpredictable. I dig it
Beck
3/5
Very pretty. Didn’t stick with me so much beyond that. I’ll probably change my mind later
Cream
3/5
An obvious classic, though the music never especially impressed me
The Band
4/5
Better than Bob Dylan 🫢
Dead Kennedys
4/5
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
Oasis
4/5
Biblical
Run-D.M.C.
2/5
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
David Bowie
4/5
Great split release
The Auteurs
3/5
Nice if largely unremarkable
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
By some quirk fate ”Free Bird” was the least fulfilling song on this album
Roxy Music
4/5
Roxy music combines slickness with oddity to great effect
Michael Kiwanuka
3/5
A nice mix of organic pop and indie sounds. Also suprised to learn that Danger Mouse produced this… strong 3
Love
4/5
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
The Black Keys
3/5
They weren’t lying… these hwiteboys have soul!
Barry Adamson
4/5
Pretend soundtracks of varying styles (often jazz) held together by a consistent standard of quality
Genesis
5/5
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
John Coltrane
5/5
”If God had an ipod I would be on his playlist” - John Coltrane, 1965
Suede
2/5
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”
Frank Black
3/5
He kinda funny 3 this one
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Stevie ”Bangermaker” Wonder does it again
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
4/5
To me this is just a normal album
Deep Purple
4/5
Deep Purplr just do hard rock very well. Some may disagree though…
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
The eponymous opener is divine. The other tracks are great
Def Leppard
2/5
Respect to Rick Allen but I fell that one Def Leppard album is more than enough before you die
k.d. lang
4/5
K.D. Lang has a great, emotive voice, and it’s set well against the backdrop of country stylings
Magazine
4/5
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
James Brown
5/5
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
The Kinks
3/5
In an wild turn of events, the Kinks come out with another album of solid baroque pop
Tina Turner
3/5
Good but not my thing
Skunk Anansie
3/5
Not sure what compelled Rob to go back and put this in here… it’s dexent
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
If you think Bruce makes stupid music, you’re stupid… simple as
KISS
3/5
I like the drums :)
3/5
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
Beastie Boys
4/5
This is what you love to see, just guys being lads
Kraftwerk
4/5
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
4/5
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
4/5
Tranquil country songs with tasteful accompaniment helping to broaden the soundscape. Something of a forgotten classic
Frank Ocean
4/5
Please… drop a new album…
Slint
5/5
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
Dennis Wilson
4/5
Sometimes leaning towards overproduced, while at others having some very inspired production choices. Overall? Cool album
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Absolutely funkadelic. Wait, wrong band
Yes
5/5
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
Kraftwerk
4/5
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
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
One of the more notable ”slacker rock” bands. Although, with guitar playing such as this you could hardly call them slackers
Black Sabbath
4/5
Vol. 4/5
Neneh Cherry
3/5
Good bearing how aggressively it is of it’s time
Kanye West
3/5
A truly experimental album: Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t
The Beach Boys
4/5
A later Beach Boys gem
Hugh Masekela
5/5
Honestly? Just an excellent record… gotta give this a 5… don’t @ me
The United States Of America
5/5
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
Beatles
4/5
Nice tunes :) tasteful length
Depeche Mode
3/5
Good songs unfortunately held back by outdated technology, something they’d much improve upon on their following album. Also, Pimpf just sounds silly
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Not bad, could’ve been better if it was cut down to just the best tracks
The 13th Floor Elevators
4/5
A very important album for rock music and also holds up very well. R.I.P. Roky Erickson
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Sinatra is Sinatra, great music
Fairport Convention
4/5
Folk and rock combined a way I haven’t quite heard before: Faithfully sung folk narratives with a solid rock groove underneath. Nifty
Saint Etienne
3/5
Decent dance music. ”Nothing Can Stop Us” is great
Talking Heads
3/5
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
Soundgarden
4/5
☝️☝️☝️
⚠️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
David Bowie
4/5
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
Primal Scream
3/5
Groovy and fairly varied, strong 3
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
4/5
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
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
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 =)
Nirvana
4/5
Good vibes :) it’s enough to make me overlook that this unplugged album is very much plugged in
Everything But The Girl
4/5
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
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
Baanger
Koffi Olomide
3/5
Nice, the synths and electronic drums haven’t aged too well
AC/DC
3/5
Damn… this rox
The Doors
4/5
The great tracks are fantastic, the others are good too. Definitely an album you have to hear b4 you die
3/5
Crazy how decent this album is
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
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
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Well executed soulful tunes with a well defined atmosphere. Just very solid
Michael Jackson
4/5
Happy Halloween
Queen
4/5
Kinda rocked with this one… decent 4
4/5
Awkward, angular and all the better for it
The Kinks
4/5
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
R.E.M.
2/5
Better than I remember but still not very impressive
Os Mutantes
3/5
These fellows sure are wacky. Good music
Hüsker Dü
3/5
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
CHIC
4/5
Slapper. Disco rules
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
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
Sheryl Crow
3/5
Decent music. The last two songs were especially strong
Moby
3/5
Mellow tunes. I feel too many of them can be boiled down to 60s sample + dance beat + additional piano and/or guitar
LL Cool J
4/5
Dope
Gary Numan
4/5
Suprising amount of the band uses regular, non-synthetic instrument for an artist whose image relies so heavily on being robotic. Banger btw
Amy Winehouse
4/5
Girlboss
Pulp
3/5
For being their grand statement on fame it’s not very grand. But maybe that’s the ultimate statement to make
David Bowie
4/5
This goes hard A Trip To The Moon (1902)
Julian Cope
3/5
Not bad. The murky grooves sound nice but don’t feel like they reach any real highs, the song ”Safesurfer” being the outlier
The Jam
4/5
Another The Jam certified jam
Tears For Fears
4/5
Very close to a five. Excellent pop in terms of both writing and creativity. Just a liiiittle too 80s
Circle Jerks
4/5
Classic hardcore banger. In and out, 15 minute adventure
Talking Heads
4/5
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”
Elvis Presley
4/5
Thanks Elvis:)
Ray Charles
4/5
Modern? More like timeless
The Monks
4/5
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.
Talking Heads
4/5
The awkward raw nervousness of their debut is traded for a more polished stilted nervousness. The quality music remains intact.
Funkadelic
4/5
Banger. Great band
Fun Lovin' Criminals
2/5
Not as bad as I thought it would be from the first song, but still a questionable inclusion
The Waterboys
4/5
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”
New York Dolls
3/5
Solid rockers
Talking Heads
5/5
How can you blame them for ripping off Fela Kuti when it made for their best album?
Nanci Griffith
4/5
Country music is dea-
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
Jeff Lynne writes consistently solid pop tunes. A lot of them. I was pleased with them. Strong 3/5
Miles Davis
5/5
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
2Pac
4/5
What more can I say, I wouldn’t be here today if the old school didn’t pave the way
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
Good emotionally charged alternative rock songs. Didn’t fully click with me unfortunately
Pixies
4/5
Classic of indie classics. Gonna say this one is a banger
Bauhaus
4/5
This kind of classic gothy post-punk tends to be to my taste. It might have to do with the rhythms. Must investigate further
Eminem
3/5
I find there’s something charming about Eminem’s edginess on this album. Other than that it’s, ironcally, mostly inoffensive
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I may dig on The Rolling Stones
The Stooges
4/5
Very groovy and absolutely demented. A strong combination
Hookworms
3/5
Some nice synth and grooves. Nothing I haven’t heard before, but still pleasant.
Brian Wilson
4/5
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
Jeff Beck
4/5
This guy’s about to rock off… truth
Joy Division
4/5
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
CHIC
4/5
Cet album c’est chic
Radiohead
4/5
I’m a defender of this album but even I don’t think it’s essential. C’mon Bob
Santana
4/5
Awesome latin-fusion jams
Love
4/5
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
Sufjan Stevens
4/5
Beautiful :) strong 4
Al Green
4/5
Certified National Recording Registry banger
Sepultura
2/5
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
4/5
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
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Honestly? Banger. Shoutout to Sly Stone not understanding the title of ”What’s Going On”
The Blue Nile
5/5
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
Motörhead
4/5
100% pure f*uckin rock, R.I.P. Lemmy
Sigur Rós
5/5
Thx for the bangers Bob
ABBA
4/5
Despite being Scandinavian and having heard the song a thousand times, Dancing Queen is a megabanger. The rest of the songs are bangers
Beatles
4/5
Wow, just heard this! Very cool album :)
Butthole Surfers
3/5
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
The Police
4/5
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
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
3/5
Nice lo-fi aesthetic and sparse arrangement
Billy Joel
4/5
Very solid late 70s pop rock. Varied songs, varied moods and well made as a whole
Michael Jackson
3/5
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
Johnny Cash
4/5
More of the same as his first prison album… please make even more!
The The
4/5
A good example of a record with unmistakeably ”80s” production that makes it work for the music. Very enjoyable
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
3/5
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
The Youngbloods
4/5
A very pleasant folky/jazzy listen. This is the kind of new find that rewards going through 1001 albums
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
4/5
Enjoyed ever minute
Beastie Boys
4/5
An eclectic mix of grimy jazz atmosphere tracks, dirty funk tracks and an assortment of other styles. Quite cool :)
Steve Winwood
4/5
Didn’t expect this kind of funky 80s music from Steve Winwood. Pleasantly suprised
Björk
4/5
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
The Temptations
3/5
Some nice classic funk tunes.
Rod Stewart
3/5
Cozy
TV On The Radio
3/5
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
The Saints
4/5
Zamn! Who would’ve thought an aussie could rock like this?
Def Leppard
3/5
Pretty decent if u ask me 🤠
The Yardbirds
3/5
Bluesy psych rock with flashes of guitar that hint towards the players’ future career
Songhoy Blues
3/5
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
Dexys Midnight Runners
4/5
Catchy tunes performed with heart and a complimenting horn section. Did they end up finding the soul rebels though??
Public Enemy
3/5
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
3/5
Just some girls rocking off… you love to see it
King Crimson
5/5
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.
Sade
4/5
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
Cheap Trick
4/5
Come to Finland plz
The Byrds
4/5
Very solid covers and originals. Better than the last times I’ve heard it
Eurythmics
3/5
Dexent synth-pop. I like the songs with wind instruments
PJ Harvey
3/5
A refreshingly original version of rock music. I may enjoy the ”sound” more than the songs themselves. Good regardless
4/5
Oasis is one of the most revolutionary artist in music. All he has to do is walk and they follow lgx
Metallica
1/5
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
3/5
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
Lorde
2/5
Maybe I’m making a lapse in judgment but I simply cannot remember anything from this album except being underwhelmed. My bad
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Not his best work, although Marvin is Marvin so there are plenty great songs throughout
Ryan Adams
4/5
Yeah… kinda rocked with this. No hate. Sucks to hear he was alleged to have committed sexual misconduct though :/
2/5
Honestly? Not that bad. The core band can come up with some killer grooves. No comment on Fred Durst’s vocal performance.
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
Groooovy
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
4/5
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
OutKast
3/5
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
Simple Minds
3/5
Fresh songs with an easily digestible sound. Quite nice
The Replacements
4/5
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 and the Heartbreakers
4/5
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
Lambchop
3/5
My favourite Nixon. That is to say: It’s decent
The Smiths
3/5
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
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
4/5
Ah, finally some music you can dance to. Include more salsa next time, gringo
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
4/5
Crushingly gentle
Bee Gees
3/5
Some pleasant 60s pop tunes. Nothing that really stands out though, even for a double album
Megadeth
5/5
This gets better for every other thrash metal album I listen to.🐐
The Icarus Line
4/5
I was prepared for some more underwhelming 2000s picks from Bob but this is pretty gnarly. Nice one :)
The Cure
4/5
Original sadboy classix
The Temptations
3/5
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.
John Grant
3/5
This guy seems to like The Beatles. Makes for enjoyable music
Pentangle
4/5
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
N.W.A.
4/5
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
4/5
Solid debut laying the grounds to be improved upon only a few months later. 🤟
Raekwon
4/5
Only Built 4/5 Cuban Linx
Wilco
4/5
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
Missy Elliott
3/5
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).
R.E.M.
3/5
Better than their debut
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Psych classic. I have nothing more to add other than the fact that I, controversially, prefer their sophmore release
4/5
Kickass
Screaming Trees
3/5
Not my favourite Screaming Trees album, but has solid cuts like ”Sworn and Broken” and ”Traveler”. R.I.P. Mark Lanegan
Judas Priest
3/5
Fine
ZZ Top
4/5
Heeeell yeah, tres hombres… wait, who’s playing the second guitar???
Alanis Morissette
3/5
Sounds like Disney Channel music (no hate)
Lou Reed
4/5
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
GZA
4/5
Vicious precise lyrics, sinister alluring beats, and very relatable (they wish they were east asian, just like me)
Ravi Shankar
4/5
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
Prince
4/5
This album made me a monarchist
Aerosmith
3/5
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?
Thelonious Monk
4/5
Monk the 🐐. More jazz please, Rob
Metallica
2/5
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
Sonic Youth
4/5
Dunno if Sonic Youth needs 5 albums on here but if they’re jams like this then fair enough
The Undertones
3/5
Just some lads playing their tunes. Fun!
Morrissey
3/5
Thought it was decent when I listened but can’t really remember anything from it now. Also, interesting that Vini Reilly worked on this.
Queen
3/5
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
Prince
3/5
A lot of music to digest. Many bangers, some odd production. Strong 3, will probably get better with repeated listens like with Purple Rain
The Doors
4/5
Solid groovy songs from later career The Doors (with Jim Morrison, at least)
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Nice mellow tunes that still have a tangible edge. I like the fuzz on the guitars
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
Like yesterday’s Neil Young album but with the edge turned down and mellow turned up. Pretty!
Sonic Youth
3/5
Solid. Found it a bit less meaty than some other SY albums but maybe it was just my mood.
The Human League
4/5
Baaanger. Except for the first two tracks of side B (they’re basically one song), those were a little wank
Deerhunter
3/5
A fair few great tracks (ex. the opener and closer) and others that are alright if unremarkable.
Sepultura
2/5
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
Duke Ellington
4/5
Shoutout to Duke, just a great artist
Badly Drawn Boy
4/5
He may be badly drawn but he
Elis Regina
4/5
Zarn! Regina got the grooves💃💃💃💃🕺🕺🕺
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
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
Nitin Sawhney
4/5
Cool! Pleasantly suprised by this find
The Stone Roses
5/5
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.
Alice Cooper
3/5
Solid rock making for an enjoyable listen. Strong 3.
P.S. in the book index, Alice Cooper is listed under the letter A
Super Furry Animals
2/5
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)
The Offspring
3/5
Some nice melodic hardcore. I can see why this sold a gajillion bajillion copies. Not my preferred flavour of punk, though
The Clash
4/5
Heeeell yeah. Now this is some clxssic punk. Much love
4/5
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
B.B. King
4/5
He wasn’t called King for nothing
Janelle Monáe
4/5
Delightful album. One of the few picks post-2000 that’s really deserved and not prematurely chosen to fill out the book
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
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 :^)
Christina Aguilera
4/5
Honestly?…….. good album
4/5
Am I crazy or is this way better than their other albums? A pleasant suprise
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Shoutout Aretha
Tito Puente
4/5
Erm, how come the DJ never plays stuff like this?
Turbonegro
3/5
Pretty rocking punk and pretty funny. Hells yeahs dudes
Janis Joplin
4/5
Pearl indeed
Louis Prima
4/5
Great lively swing with timeless appeal
a-ha
3/5
Some nice tracks to discover but mostly you’ll be fine with just Take On Me
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Good early 2000s indie rock. It sounds indie at least. ”Maps” is a great track
Carole King
4/5
Great and cozy singer-songwriter album
Derek & The Dominos
4/5
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
The Clash
4/5
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
David Bowie
3/5
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
Otis Redding
4/5
Just some great soul with nice arrangements. Sometimes it doesn’t need to be more than that
UB40
4/5
A little more than an hour of solid dub reggae, no complaints here. Wubba lubba dub dub
Linkin Park
3/5
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
The Style Council
3/5
Slick, cool r&b influenced pop. The best tracks are great but as an album it’s a bit too unfocused. Strong 3
Neil Young
4/5
There’s something special about the sound of this record. Very fluid with country stylings. I’m a fan
Sinead O'Connor
4/5
Great singer, as gets showcased throughout this album. Nothing Compares 2 U is classic
Pavement
4/5
Absolute indie classic. Got even better on the latest listen.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
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
Big Star
4/5
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
4/5
Lovely album! Definitely can see myself returning to it many more times
Todd Rundgren
4/5
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 :)
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
4/5
Nice african acapella music, harmonious and spacy I hope calling it acapella is appropriate
Lenny Kravitz
3/5
Decent if average 70s throwback hard rock, the highlight being Lenny’s impassioned vocals where they are featured
Stan Getz
4/5
I ❤️ bossa
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
Quite good! Classic post-punk is always a treat
Jazmine Sullivan
4/5
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 :)
Röyksopp
3/5
So chill. The songs blend together a bit but “Poor Leno” was a standout.
ABBA
3/5
Fine, I prefer their disco work
U2
3/5
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
Nina Simone
4/5
Nina don’t miss
Lou Reed
4/5
Cool album. A bit on the fence with quite how much I like the music but it’s something like a decent 4
Meat Puppets
4/5
Raw, jangly, groovy
Scott Walker
4/5
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
Pink Floyd
4/5
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
Adele
2/5
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??
Faith No More
3/5
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.
Finley Quaye
4/5
Fun album that’s fairly varied on top of it’s reggae sound
Adele
3/5
Prefer this to 25, the sound being more timeless probably being the biggest factor. ”He Won’t Go” bumps
4/5
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.
Germs
4/5
Classic hardcore, gotta love it. I like how the last song is 9 minutes long
Guided By Voices
4/5
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
4/5
Lovely atmosphere, sounded great listening to it in the morning. Just the right balance of technicality and emotion
Christine and the Queens
3/5
Quite decent electronic pop, I won’t complain
The Byrds
4/5
Swag album!
Pleasant
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
Great album! Always a treat to listen to.
3/5
Good, funky album. I’m feeling a strong 3
John Prine
4/5
Robert, u right 4 this one
Hot Chip
4/5
Groovy. Indie electronic dance done right
Justice
4/5
Baanger
Ramones
4/5
Claaassic rock. And no, it’s not punk rock. Who’re you calling a punk?
Pantera
4/5
Man this shit rocks lol
Duran Duran
3/5
Very slick. Strong 3
Dion
3/5
Nice pop album with some great standouts like ”New York City Song”
The Afghan Whigs
4/5
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)_/¯
The Who
4/5
Bangr. I hadn’t really appreciated Keith Moon before but it’s fun hearing 60s pop-rock with the drummer letting loose
Slade
4/5
This is like AC/DC but way more swag
Billie Holiday
4/5
Tremendous vocal jazz!! Billie is a singular talent
T. Rex
3/5
Slider to her DMs 😂 fine album btw
Everything But The Girl
4/5
This is the classic Everything But The Girl. Serene beauty
5/5
One of the most perfect albums of all time
Supertramp
4/5
Classic debut! A unique combination of being catchy, bombastic, swinging, rocking and quite a bit more.
The Pretty Things
4/5
Another great psych album. Keep them coming Bob
Dizzee Rascal
3/5
Pretty goofy production. Fun album though
Silver Jews
3/5
Pretty nice. Did they seriously use the ”Are you from Tennesee? Cause you’re the only ten I see” joke as a chorus though???
The Verve
2/5
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.
The Doors
3/5
Nice enough but doesn’t reach the highs of their better albums
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Sorry haters… this is a banger
4/5
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
X-Ray Spex
4/5
Fun and groovy album. Always have to rep punk with wind instruments
Bob Dylan
4/5
Bobby U are alright for this one no lie
The Stranglers
4/5
Very solid rock with prominent keyboards. Quite forwardly melodic in a few places, silly and dirty in others.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
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
Bob Dylan
4/5
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? ;)
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
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
The Avalanches
4/5
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!
The Slits
3/5
Cool post-punk with heavy dub influence
The Birthday Party
4/5
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
3/5
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.
Kate Bush
4/5
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
Gang Of Four
5/5
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.
Chicago
4/5
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
Nick Drake
4/5
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
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
3/5
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
4/5
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?
Fishbone
4/5
Awesome. Like a more palatable version of bands like Mr. Bungle.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Stevie is crazy man. Legendary album for good reason. Absolutely on the shortlist of albums you have to hear
The Monkees
4/5
Very solid 60s pop! Would definitely return to it
Boards of Canada
5/5
I 🧤electronic music
Basement Jaxx
4/5
Red Alert goes craaazy so I’m pretty sure the rest of the album did too
Supergrass
3/5
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
3/5
Decent post-punk of the less polished variety
Mekons
4/5
This is crazy man. Went in expecting regular alt country and got way more. Awesome
Iggy Pop
4/5
Classic banger? Blassic Blanger?
Malcolm McLaren
4/5
Sid Vicious died for this
Tangerine Dream
4/5
Very deserved spot on this list. Also holds up very well for being such an early experiment with electronic music
PJ Harvey
3/5
I like this album but perhaps I need more time for it to really settle. It’s cool though
4/5
Great album. Probably my favourite PJ Harvey thing yet.
Cowboy Junkies
4/5
Yeehaw… 🕊️
Pavement
4/5
Banger album, even though after half a dozen listen I still can barely recall some of the songs. No offense!
Metallica
3/5
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 Fall
3/5
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
Van Morrison
3/5
My dad prefers this album over Astral Weeks, I’m the other way. Definitely some great tracks on this one though
Method Man
4/5
I looooooove meth 😄 solid album
Grateful Dead
3/5
Very chill for a jam rock album, i appreciate that.
Randy Newman
3/5
Good olboym ;)
Eric Clapton
3/5
Cool stuff. Much preferable album to what most “guitar gods” come up with
Cornershop
3/5
Dope for the indian sounds but it should’ve leaned even harder into them
Funkadelic
4/5
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
Richard Hawley
3/5
Pretty :) kinda mad that this was nominated for a Mercury Prize though
3/5
Solid punk!
Traffic
4/5
Jolly music :) Great drumming going on too
Sugar
3/5
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
Spiritualized
4/5
Whiteboy play the tripped out space gospel
Jethro Tull
4/5
Classic album with some fantastic standout tracks. Jethro Tull have a fair few better albums overall though
Joan Baez
5/5
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
Queen Latifah
3/5
Fun late eighties rap with it’s share of goofy musical choices
David Crosby
4/5
Lovely atmosphere that carries throughour the whole record. Great album for an early morning
Orbital
2/5
Not a hater but this honestly just hasn’t aged well. Even the best track, Halcyon On & On, suffers because of it. Unfortunate!
Joe Ely
4/5
What a banger! Thanks Rob
fIREHOSE
4/5
Great alt-rock carrying on the unique Minutemen flavour.
Drive Like Jehu
5/5
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
Wild Beasts
3/5
Inoffensive indie music. A pleasant listen
The White Stripes
3/5
Not bad
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2/5
Some bright moments (Farmer John for example) but mostly very lifeless and derivative. Neil most his mojo??
Peter Frampton
4/5
Peter Frampton knows how to have a good time
Waylon Jennings
4/5
Keep the country albums coming, they haven’t missed the mark yet!
Steve Earle
3/5
The country really didn’t stop coming! Lower score overall but still good
XTC
5/5
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 :)
The Isley Brothers
4/5
3 + 3= So much swag
Mylo
3/5
For such a confrontational name, the music sure is inoffensive
Astor Piazzolla
4/5
What a great find! A meeting of styles that’s both unique and seamless. Will definitely be exploring this further
The Residents
4/5
Fun to see something this demented appear on this list. #residentssweep
FKA twigs
3/5
Good alternative R&B but doesn’t really speak to me personally
Haircut 100
3/5
Upbeat and groovy! Some very nice new wave
Meat Loaf
4/5
On the verge of being overblown, but the great hooks keep it focused & grounded. And isn’t it being overblown what’s fun, anyway?
The Thrills
3/5
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
Kid Rock
3/5
This was supposed to be terrible, why is it so hype? Falls off towards the last third of the album though
Youssou N'Dour
3/5
Funky stuff! Strong 3
Rod Stewart
3/5
Decent like the other Rod Stewart album on this list. ”Just A Hobo” is a great standout however
Tim Buckley
3/5
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
Les Rythmes Digitales
3/5
Not too crazy but there were a fair few tracks that had me bobbing my head
TV On The Radio
3/5
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
4/5
Swag! Didn’t expect it resonatw as much as it did, but Mark Knopfler knows his way around a song.
Underworld
4/5
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 :-)
Spacemen 3
3/5
I respect the vision of Spacemen 3 but the execution doesn’t fully live up to it. Their debut is better
DJ Shadow
4/5
Classic, always a pleasure to return to.
Weather Report
4/5
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.
The Killers
4/5
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
The Cult
3/5
Pretty decent hard rock with some cool moments
Jacques Brel
4/5
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 The Hoople
4/5
Like this a lot! Had a great sound and overall energy
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Give me bossa and I’m happy
Elvis Presley
4/5
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!
The Flying Burrito Brothers
4/5
Country rock classic 🌯
Goldfrapp
4/5
Nice moody electronic album with a fresh take on the trip-hop sound.
Beck
3/5
Standard Beck fair. Fine, but not sure why it’s on here
Brian Eno
4/5
Certified Eno classik
Paul Weller
3/5
Some songs exceeded my expectations and all around the musicianship was very good, but overall somewhat middling. All respects to Paul Weller, nonetheless
The Dandy Warhols
2/5
Not impressed
Lauryn Hill
4/5
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
3/5
I enjoy listening to this album but can’t really retain any of it afterwards. Strong 3
Pixies
4/5
Pixies is just classic
Mike Ladd
3/5
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
Madonna
3/5
Fun pop
Country Joe & The Fish
3/5
Decent psych, hadn’t heard of it before. I like the song ”Super Bird”
Giant Sand
3/5
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
The Byrds
3/5
Solid byrds shtuff. Feeling a strong 3 on this one
R.E.M.
4/5
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
Shivkumar Sharma
4/5
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.
Fiona Apple
3/5
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
4/5
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
Marilyn Manson
1/5
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.
Billy Bragg
4/5
Billy Bragg is swagg
Liz Phair
4/5
Fun indie rock, I liked it :)
Genesis
5/5
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.
Neil Young
4/5
Another Neil Young album with great atmosphere! That’s the thing which makes for his best albums, I find.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
I understand the concept behind this album, but the music itself doesn’t do anything special for me
George Michael
3/5
Solid pop. Very well crafted bearing some 80s-isms.
The Cramps
3/5
Fun! Strong 3
Patti Smith
3/5
Good album. I do feel it kind of drifts by but I enjoy the music nonetheless
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
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!
Iron Butterfly
3/5
Nice basswork and some good grooves. This could’ve been left for the 1001 songs book though, if anything
Arrested Development
3/5
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
The Young Rascals
3/5
Yeah… I was groovin
Jamiroquai
3/5
Funky but not enough to make it great. There is something missing to really bring it together
Death In Vegas
2/5
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
David Holmes
3/5
Pretty chill pretty chill
John Lennon
4/5
Dug this. Has a lot more sauce than (what I remember of) Imagine.
Red Snapper
3/5
A fair few great tracks but a lot of mediocre ones as well. Strong 3
Green Day
4/5
Green Day has bangers?? Many such cases
Soft Cell
3/5
Very of it’s time but fun pop nonetheless
Led Zeppelin
4/5
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!
Bill Callahan
3/5
Very strange that this is on here while there are no albums by Smog. Pleasant stuff nonetheless
Joanna Newsom
4/5
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.
Morrissey
3/5
He’s still got it 🤟
Sleater-Kinney
4/5
Bangerrr. They really make their uncommon lineup of instruments work organically.
Sonic Youth
4/5
Indieboy classic
Brian Eno
4/5
What do you know, another classic record from Eno!
Skepta
3/5
Decent, decent
David Bowie
4/5
Solid album. I would be happy if I got an album out 2 days before my passing too.
Einstürzende Neubauten
4/5
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.
Snoop Dogg
4/5
Great album and seriously funky 😎
Fatboy Slim
4/5
Very solid big beat with a great sense for production. Has aged gracefully
Dirty Projectors
4/5
Digging this. Using conventions from indie music if it’s time and recontextualising them to make something unique. Cool
50 Cent
3/5
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
Harry Nilsson
3/5
Nice little pop album
Tim Buckley
4/5
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
Digital Underground
2/5
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
Kanye West
4/5
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
Anita Baker
4/5
Lovely!
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
3/5
Don’t have too much to say about this one, it’s decent
The Beta Band
3/5
Interesting and well made! Refreshing for a 2000’s electronic music album included on this list. Strong 3
The Velvet Underground
4/5
Very chill album to listen to. I think it stands up nicely to their preceding albums, even if the sound is totally different
The Young Gods
4/5
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
Common
4/5
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!
Nirvana
4/5
This album… is good 💥
R.E.M.
4/5
Maybe I’m becoming an R.E.M. fan, because I dig this album! Some great songs on here
The Adverts
4/5
Dope punk album! Just the right attitude, creative drive and songwriting sense
Metallica
3/5
In the end, just decent
LTJ Bukem
3/5
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
Dusty Springfield
4/5
a girl called dusty… makes bangers
Thin Lizzy
4/5
Thin Lizzy is just awesome, and this album is the perfect showcase of that. Rock on 🤘 😎
Donovan
4/5
Psychedelic pop classic
Kings of Leon
3/5
Pretty good :) the songs are a bit static for my taste but the sound is still satisfactory
Bee Gees
3/5
Pleasant soft rock. Gotta say though, I prefer their disco stuff. Has a bit more punch
Merle Haggard
4/5
Country ❤️
Little Richard
4/5
Actual classic this time. Very one-note stylistically yet it doesn’t get old thanks to the energy beaming from the performances. Timeless!
Johnny Cash
4/5
Great and very understated
Throbbing Gristle
3/5
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
Radiohead
4/5
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
Arcade Fire
4/5
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 Mothers Of Invention
3/5
Funny little album. Zappa went on to make better things
Yes
4/5
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
Tortoise
4/5
So chill!!! Their following album ”TNT” is a personal favourite, and this one is great too!
King Crimson
5/5
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.
The Shamen
3/5
Decent stuff
Scott Walker
4/5
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
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
Another decent album. Nostalgic in a certain way, very 2000s.
Travis
3/5
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
4/5
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
The The
4/5
Hmm… ok I’m thinking that this is a banger
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
5/5
My music taste is broken beyond repair
Grant Lee Buffalo
4/5
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
3/5
I like the title track but otherwise pretty middling. Should’ve let Boz sing
The Cars
4/5
Banger & ahead of the curve for 1978
Beach House
4/5
Beautiful stuff… the rare post 2000s album whose spot is deserved
Dr. John
4/5
Funny guy, this Dr. John. Fun music too
Terence Trent D'Arby
3/5
Enjoyable album but falls a bit short. The 80s production hasn’t all aged greatStill, a nice listen
Destiny's Child
4/5
Zamn… this bumps. Very well produces and performed
David Ackles
4/5
Great album, a wonderful suprise. Will definitely be listening to this many more times
Girls Against Boys
3/5
Pretty cool post-hardcore. Having two bassists is something I’d like to hear attempted more often
Ghostface Killah
4/5
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
Kelela
3/5
Nice album with nice beats
Happy Mondays
3/5
Decent madchester stuff, pretty groovy
Marvin Gaye
4/5
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!
Neil Young
4/5
One of Neil’s best! Very sensitive and sentimental in the way Neil does best
Madonna
3/5
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
Supergrass
3/5
More Britpop!!! This album is more adventurous than I’ve noticed previously, but still mostly just okay. “Sitting Up Straight” was a standout track
Sparks
4/5
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
Björk
4/5
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
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Good album with some great cuts but I prefer violent Cave
Boston
4/5
Catchy pop rock! Just very solid all around
Incubus
4/5
Deftones if it was epic
The Pogues
4/5
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
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
3/5
Good songs on here but too long and too excessive
Ice T
5/5
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).
Ozomatli
3/5
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
2/5
Not feeling it!!!
The Boo Radleys
3/5
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
Rufus Wainwright
4/5
Very beautiful and well made! A gem of the 2000s
The Sonics
4/5
Cool garage rock and an important proto-punk record!
Flamin' Groovies
3/5
More garage rock. This one had some more country elements. Fun!
The Louvin Brothers
4/5
Crazy how much better these guys are when the whole album isn’t about christianity
Doves
3/5
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
David Bowie
3/5
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
Mj Cole
3/5
Smooth DnB. Nice to have on while doing other things
The Cardigans
4/5
Cardigans are legit! Don’t miss out
4/5
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
3/5
Quite mellow, a solid 3
Air
4/5
Cool album, nice grooves and the drumming is very tasteful even when it breaks out.
Adam & The Ants
4/5
Funky poppy post-punk! Very danceable. Different sound from their first album but good nonetheless
4/5
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
Blue Cheer
4/5
Great record! Fuzzed out guitar tone and riffs. They may have invented heavy metal but they’re better than most of it 😎🤘 rock on
Pere Ubu
4/5
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
Morrissey
3/5
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
Rocket From The Crypt
3/5
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!
American Music Club
4/5
Beautiful in many different ways. Definitely a slow burn, but satisfying when you warm up to it
Rage Against The Machine
3/5
Best part about this album is that rocks. Pretty funky too. Strong 3
Buffalo Springfield
4/5
Nice folk americana, tastefully implemented string section. Also, technically counts as another Neil Young album ;)
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
3/5
Chilled out world-dub fusion. I wish I’d heard more of the bass because what I heard was groovy. A strong 3
Lupe Fiasco
3/5
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
Stevie Wonder
4/5
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!
The Specials
3/5
More Specials indeed, good stuff!
Ian Dury
4/5
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
The Bees
2/5
This passed through one ear to the other!! Some decent stuff in there damn!
Fever Ray
3/5
Decently funky
Radiohead
4/5
You CAN take the Radiohead out of the whiteboy
Django Django
3/5
Pretty groovy
Milton Nascimento
4/5
Brazilian classic. Lovely songwriting, arrangement and performance!
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
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
Antony and the Johnsons
3/5
This album is pretty. Hadn’t heard of it before, a nice little discovery
The Electric Prunes
3/5
Nice little psych album :)
Beatles
5/5
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
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
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
JAY Z
3/5
Some great cuts on here no doubt, but Jay always was more of a singles artist
Bad Brains
3/5
Dope. I like the more rocky tracks on the second side too. Should’ve been their debut though!
The Darkness
3/5
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
Khaled
3/5
Was a bit skeptical for the first few tracks but there are some really groovy cuts on here! Solid 3
G. Love & Special Sauce
3/5
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
2/5
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
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Quite a solid effort from Costello, nice melodies and arrangements. Strong 3
The xx
4/5
I dig it! An electronic pop album with very solid songs. A nice suprise given the release date and the style
White Denim
4/5
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!
M.I.A.
4/5
I underrated M.I.A. previously, this is fire, fire
Gram Parsons
4/5
R.I.P. Gram Parsons 😭
Minor Threat
5/5
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
4/5
Wow…. This rips! Sorry liberals
Brian Eno
3/5
Chill, some nice grooves, atmospheric
Roni Size
4/5
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!
Stereolab
4/5
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
Orbital
3/5
Better than the other Orbital album on this list but still a bit dated
Buck Owens
4/5
Country b classic
Elton John
4/5
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 😉
Beastie Boys
4/5
So swag 💪 Beastie Boys don’t miss
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
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.
Calexico
3/5
These 2000s albums just get more and more inexplicable. However, I actually liked this one a decent amount! Definitely has appreciable moments
Aimee Mann
3/5
Good album :D
The Verve
2/5
What’s the purpose of including an album that’s just Urban Hymns without ”Bittersweet Symphony”?
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Quite a good album! Many enjoyable songs in different styles. Just solid
Björk
4/5
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
Baaba Maal
4/5
The perfect music for coming home late after a flight 🙏 Very enjoyable
The Cure
4/5
Shout out to goth girls 🖤 this one’s for u
Britney Spears
4/5
Teen pop was good all this time?!? The answer may shock you
Ministry
3/5
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)
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
Top shelf 90s rock. Great melodies, playing and overall just very enjoyable. Very close to a 5
Dolly Parton
4/5
This is my supergroup 🔥
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
So chill✌️
The Libertines
4/5
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 🤘
George Harrison
5/5
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
Public Image Ltd.
5/5
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!
The Rolling Stones
3/5
They got better!
Pearl Jam
4/5
I dig this! Very solid grunge
The Psychedelic Furs
3/5
Some nice new wave, definitely has songs that I’d want to return to
Talk Talk
4/5
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
Dagmar Krause
4/5
Love Dagmar Krause, Hanns Eisler and Bertolt Brecht 🙏 Very pleased to have them recognized on here. Go modernist theatre!
Ute Lemper
3/5
So chill… not sure what inspires such indignance in so many users here. The Scott Walker composition was a nice suprise!
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
The boss did something with this one… wish I would’ve checked it out before
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Very relaxing… maybe the best of her jazz works. Always a treat hearing some Jaco Pastorius too
The Band
4/5
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
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
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
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
Underrated LCD Sounsystem album, some top tunes on here
Holger Czukay
4/5
Always let Holger Czukay cook 🔥Liebezeit’s drum groove on the last track is crazy too. Great work!
Paul McCartney
3/5
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
Solange
4/5
Lovely production and singing! A very nice album
Laibach
3/5
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
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Frankly, this is a classic!
Dr. Octagon
3/5
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
Jane's Addiction
3/5
First track is excellent and then the rest are decent. Not bad, but I would have preferred something more in line with the intro!
Stereo MC's
3/5
The quality of this album swings between the funky beats and the goofy ass british MC. The score lands on a moderate 3
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Led Zeppelin 4/5
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
This is what dad rock should be. Stirring, joyous and a lovely time every time you hear it. Boss up 🙌
Kings of Leon
4/5
I can’t lie, I enjoyed this album quite a bit. Sometimes you’re just in the mood for some nice tunes!
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
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!
Van Morrison
4/5
Terrific live set! Great energy, great playing, great versions of the songs. Those 92 minutes just fly right by!
The Fall
4/5
Strong debut from a great band ✌️
Jack White
4/5
Who would’ve thought a whiteboy would bring the blues back
Aerosmith
4/5
This shit rocks!! Hell yeah
The Associates
4/5
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
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
Great record! Wish I’d given it a listen before.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
PG the 🐐
Kings of Leon
2/5
You do not need to listen to 3 Kings of Leon albums before you die!!
The Pharcyde
5/5
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
4/5
Groovy alt goodness
Megadeth
3/5
The gap between this and Rust In Peace is crazy
U2
4/5
U2 was cooking with this one! Pleasantly suprised
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
When Touré and Cooder are talking timbuktu you better listen! 🗣️
Beatles
4/5
It’s Rubber Soul, not much I can say. Not my personal favourite, but still so many classic songs on this album.
CHVRCHES
4/5
Pretty damn good! Suprised by how much I enjoyed. Very solid production, performances and songwriting
Japan
4/5
Great synth-pop/post-punk with some hints of Sylvian’s later eccentricity while still being danceable
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
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.
Leonard Cohen
5/5
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
Mercury Rev
4/5
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!
Soft Machine
5/5
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.
OutKast
3/5
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
Willie Nelson
4/5
Willie 🔥
Coldcut
3/5
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
Manu Chao
3/5
Amazing that this album survived so many editions of this book, but it’s alright. A fun atmosphere
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
Pet Shop Boys so consistent
The Sugarcubes
4/5
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
Iggy Pop
4/5
Classic album with quite a bizarre atmosphere
The Damned
3/5
Some nice british punk. Lively atmosphere, and the last track switches things up in a cool way. Strong 3
Beatles
5/5
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
Madness
4/5
Absolute mad lads
Nirvana
3/5
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
William Orbit
4/5
Cool beans
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
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
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
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
Ryan Adams
3/5
Some nice alt-ish country. The best tracks are the more intimare songs that let the soft sound flourish
The Beta Band
2/5
The album cover made me expect cringecore electronic pop but instead I got middling alt rock 😔
Marvin Gaye
4/5
So slick
The National
3/5
Not a fan of the vocals. Otherwise, it’s fine. Nothing too crazy in either direction
Justin Timberlake
3/5
Some bangers here and there for sure, otherwise decent. And why are JT’s albums so damn long?
The War On Drugs
3/5
This album is aiming for a certain type of atmosphere and does it well. One of the better modern indie picks, all in all
Orange Juice
3/5
Nice bit of new wave
Sonic Youth
4/5
Another great SY record ✌️ great mix of their pop era and their noisy roots
The Undertones
4/5
Great poppy punk! Love the vocals and the album is full of catchy tunes. I’m a fan!
MC Solaar
3/5
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
The Police
4/5
The Police so swag. The hits are mega classic and the deep cuts are underrated. Really a one of a kind group of musicians
Motörhead
5/5
I fxcking love Motörhead!!! This is like a greatest hits with more energy and more rock 🤘Fly high Lemmy
John Cale
4/5
Great baroque pop! Good on ya Cale
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
3/5
Not bad but Tony Allen was severely underused here
Beyoncé
4/5
Suprisingly good! Some adventurous decisions made for such a pop superstar. Slay
Christina Aguilera
2/5
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
T. Rex
4/5
So classic 🎸 great production and playing to complement the groovy tunes
Peter Gabriel
4/5
Peter Gabriel going more pop than before but still keeping up the strong songwriting. Sledgehammer is so classic too
Spiritualized
4/5
Spacey, enveloping atmosphere. Might like this one more than Ladies And Gentlemen for that aspect
808 State
4/5
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
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
So classic so indie 🙏
Suzanne Vega
4/5
Smooth… a nice thing to put on
Barry Adamson
3/5
This made my cat uneasy! Besides that, a well executed concept, but I prefer his ”Oedipus Schmoedipus” musically
Buzzcocks
4/5
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
TLC
4/5
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
The Lemonheads
4/5
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
4/5
If the music is from Brazil you already know it’s going to be good!
Tom Tom Club
3/5
Quirky funk, nice tunes
Deee-Lite
3/5
Good dance album. Strong 3
Robert Wyatt
4/5
Classic Wyatt strangeness. Hasn’t lost a thing with age!
Depeche Mode
5/5
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
3/5
Never heard, pretty dope
Gene Clark
3/5
Nice, but not as interesting as the other Gene Clark album on the list!
The Mars Volta
5/5
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
Roxy Music
4/5
Roxy music with less art and more rock, but the quality standard is still intact. Groovy
4/5
Classic country stays undefeated 🔥also didn’t know Lynn wrote some of the songs herself! A nice bonus to an already great performance
The Modern Lovers
4/5
Good music that I can’t recall after I listen to it… still gets a 4
Joan Armatrading
3/5
Not bad! Nice songs and a unique voice
The Divine Comedy
1/5
Why is he doing that voice
Happy Mondays
3/5
Decent madchester stuff
John Martyn
4/5
A somewhat understated album, weaving an enveloping atmosphere. A real nice listen!
De La Soul
5/5
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.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
4/5
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.
Gotan Project
4/5
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
The White Stripes
3/5
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)
Not horrible, just very lame. You really don’t have to listen to this before you die!
Tom Waits
4/5
Tom Waits stays on top 🙏
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
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.
My Bloody Valentine
4/5
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)
Doves
3/5
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
Can
4/5
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.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
4/5
Kicks ass!!
Peter Gabriel
5/5
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
Robert Wyatt
4/5
A perplexing yet revealing look into the singular creative mind pf Robert Wyatt. Ends brilliantly, too
The Byrds
4/5
More catchy, lightly psychedelic tunes… I can’t hate on that!
Deep Purple
4/5
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!
Korn
3/5
Wait why does this go kinda hard?!
Gorillaz
4/5
Hmm.. yeah this is a banger 🦍
Taylor Swift
3/5
Some nice tracks on here for sure 🕊️
Scissor Sisters
4/5
Suprise hit! Hell yeah
Steely Dan
5/5
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!
The Who
4/5
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
The Rolling Stones
4/5
From the late 60s to the early 70s, The Rolling Stones were on a roll 😉
Animal Collective
5/5
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
Klaxons
3/5
Some funky stuff going on here
Marianne Faithfull
3/5
Okay! The vulgarity gets a little over the top but the band was playing nicely
The Sabres Of Paradise
3/5
Nice beats but too damn long!
The Divine Comedy
3/5
So much more swag than Casanova
Ray Charles
4/5
A title that only Ray could have gotten away with
Madonna
3/5
Don’t have to much to day about this one! A fine listen
Scritti Politti
3/5
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
Donald Fagen
4/5
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?
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
1/5
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!
Arcade Fire
3/5
Not bad, but not as essential as their debut
Eagles
4/5
Wait… the Eagles are epic?!?
Abdullah Ibrahim
3/5
Solid jazz record, nice tunes and fun soloing
Rufus Wainwright
4/5
Rufus Wainwright makes gorgeous music. I’m not afraid to say it!
The KLF
3/5
A bit of a quirky electronic journey
Ice Cube
4/5
Classic 🧊
Maxwell
4/5
A suprise great r&b record!
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
3/5
Dunno about sensational, but they were handy with their instruments
The Vines
4/5
Quite good! Lots of gusto in the performance of these retro tunes, and the songwriting is varied enough to keep the listening fresh
Devendra Banhart
4/5
Supremely intimate, the perfect album for quiet moments
Richard Thompson
4/5
Cozy folky pop that’s also fairly ominous in places. Lends an extra dimension to an already worthwhile listen
Fatboy Slim
4/5
Techno from a great producer. Not as iconic as his following works, but the quality standard is maintained nonetheless
Jimmy Smith
3/5
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
Muddy Waters
3/5
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
The Zutons
3/5
Another indie garage record that doesn’t seem to have survived past the 2000s. Pretty good, though
5/5
Bowie was an artist of much inspiration… but this is peak Bowie
N.E.R.D
3/5
Just fly enough to not have to die, congrats!
Elvis Costello
3/5
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?)
Emmylou Harris
3/5
Emmylou goes alt. A pretty good fit!
The Streets
3/5
The flow and production took a bit of time to get used to, but the storytelling on this album is undoubtably solid. Nifty album
Quicksilver Messenger Service
3/5
Pretty much one long jam. Pretty cool
Mariah Carey
3/5
Kinda slay
Daft Punk
4/5
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
Big Star
4/5
Classic classic classic. Can’t go wrong with this one really
Lightning Bolt
5/5
Lightning Bolt motherfucker!!! To all the boomers giving this a 1: Sorry you can’t handle the thunder 🌩️🤘😎
Tom Waits
4/5
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
Jerry Lee Lewis
4/5
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?
The Crusaders
4/5
They may have changed their name but they are still swingsters!
Sebadoh
4/5
Dope indie!!! Never listened to Sebadoh all that much, but it seems I should!
Goldfrapp
4/5
Didn’t know there was more Goldfrapp here, a nice surprise!
Slayer
3/5
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.
Laura Nyro
5/5
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.
David Bowie
4/5
Bowie 😀
Missy Elliott
3/5
Nice, but nothing too crazy. Timbaland’s production adds it’s own charm and Missy E and the guest artists do a fair job
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
3/5
Cool! Lively singing and pretty diverse instrumentation
The xx
4/5
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
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Filled out arrangements help make this one of Cave’s hits
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
Been waiting for this one 🙏 this list needs more jazz
Bonnie Raitt
3/5
Groovy! Suprisingly great songs 🤠
PJ Harvey
4/5
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.