Journey in Progress
Discovering music one album at a time
537
Albums Rated
3.8
Avg Rating
80
5-Star Albums
49%
Complete
552 albums remaining
Rating Speed
3.8
Per Week
997
Days Active
Reviews
534
Written
99%
Review Rate
vs Global
0.54
Avg Diff
3.8
Avg Rating
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Rating Timeline
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Ratings by Decade
Which era do you prefer?
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Taste Profile
1980s
Favorite Decade
Reggae
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Generous
Rater Style
1
1-Star Albums
Taste Analysis
Genre Preferences
Ratings by genre
Origin Preferences
Ratings by country
Rating Style
You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pictures At An Exhibition | 5 | 2.64 | +2.36 |
| A Grand Don't Come For Free | 5 | 2.67 | +2.33 |
| Beyond Skin | 5 | 2.76 | +2.24 |
| The White Room | 5 | 2.79 | +2.21 |
| Guitar Town | 5 | 2.81 | +2.19 |
| I’m a Lonesome Fugitive | 5 | 2.85 | +2.15 |
| Picture Book | 5 | 2.88 | +2.12 |
| Lazer Guided Melodies | 5 | 2.92 | +2.08 |
| More Specials | 5 | 2.96 | +2.04 |
| Searching For The Young Soul Rebels | 5 | 3 | +2 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tical | 1 | 2.94 | -1.94 |
| Ill Communication | 2 | 3.65 | -1.65 |
| All Directions | 2 | 3.46 | -1.46 |
| Be | 2 | 3.35 | -1.35 |
| Live Through This | 2 | 3.28 | -1.28 |
| Cross | 2 | 3.28 | -1.28 |
| Revolver | 3 | 4.25 | -1.25 |
| Clandestino | 2 | 3.22 | -1.22 |
| The Real Thing | 2 | 3.2 | -1.2 |
| Pieces Of The Sky | 2 | 3.11 | -1.11 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums and high weighted score
| Artist | Albums | Avg | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Dylan | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Johnny Cash | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Leonard Cohen | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Led Zeppelin | 4 | 4.5 | 3.86 |
| Paul Simon | 3 | 4.67 | 3.83 |
| Simon & Garfunkel | 3 | 4.67 | 3.83 |
| Nirvana | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| The Specials | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| Metallica | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| Pink Floyd | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| Radiohead | 6 | 4 | 3.67 |
| Bruce Springsteen | 3 | 4.33 | 3.67 |
| The Doors | 3 | 4.33 | 3.67 |
5-Star Albums (80)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Ravi Shankar
2/5
More of an historic curiosity than a listenable album.
24 likes
Lupe Fiasco
4/5
I liked this - the production is great. I don't think I'll listen to it again, though.
3 likes
Gary Numan
5/5
Excellent synth album - maybe lacks a bit of soul, but I guess that's the point...
3 likes
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
5/5
I really like this! Hadn't heard it before.
2 likes
1-Star Albums (1)
All Ratings
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
The Band
4/5
Good album but not all tracks are equally memorable.
Bad Company
5/5
Excellent album. Solid rock tunes.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Expected more from this album - I think the songs let it down as the production is great.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
Amazing album - bleak & soulful.
Yes
3/5
Not really for me - a bit rambling, and definitely sounds dated now.
Richard Hawley
4/5
Surprising & interesting album - wide range of styles, maybe not all that many memorable songs but definitely some classics.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
4/5
A classic blues-rock album I'd never heard before - will definitely be worth more listens.
Tom Waits
4/5
I bought this when it came out in 1992 - a very strange but compelling album which rewards multiple plays.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
Classic album - didn't realise how innovative it was.
Faith No More
2/5
Not sure if this is my thing - or if I just missed the boat back when it came out & I was listening to more heavy music!
Marvin Gaye
4/5
The sound of pain, but also potential recovery. Very interesting album.
The Verve
3/5
Not sure if this is ground-breaking - would need to get under its skin to be sure.
The The
4/5
Great album - This is The Day is a standout track, but it's all excellent.
Beach House
3/5
Nice, dreamy sound. Not sure if it beats the Cocteaus or Sigur Ros though.
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
A bit different to the usual PSB, and an intriguing album.
Judas Priest
4/5
This takes me back to when I used to listen to music like this a lot - and I should do so again. This album is full of well-performed, tight songs. Great!
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
4/5
Very pleasant and almost hypnotic sound. I can imagine that when this was first released it was groundbreaking.
Barry Adamson
4/5
A bit of a revelation - I'd never heard of this. It's interesting & intriguing.
The Cardigans
3/5
Good pop album, but I'm not convinced it's essential.
Daft Punk
3/5
Wasn't inspired by this - maybe need to listen to it again, or in a different frame of mind!
Primal Scream
4/5
Very interesting album - definitely going to listen to more.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
A classic - but is it better than The River?
Moby Grape
4/5
I don't know how I wasn't aware of this album, or group. It's just a shame the full album isn't on Spotify!
Bob Dylan
5/5
A genuine classic album - some new Dylan sounds, but his heritage shines through as well.
Tricky
4/5
I liked this more than I expected. Very atmospheric & moody.
Everything But The Girl
4/5
Lovely songs & a sweet voice. Like it a lot.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I was never a Rolling Stones fan but I can see from this album why they were innovative & important.
Derek & The Dominos
5/5
Excellent album.
Missy Elliott
3/5
Definitely not my kind of thing - but I can understand why people like it.
ZZ Top
4/5
Good Southern rock
The Streets
5/5
Love this album - the best concept album of the decade.
The Pretty Things
3/5
Interesting piece of musical history - don't know if it's much more than that.
Depeche Mode
4/5
Still prefer their earlier stuff!
Billie Holiday
5/5
The title is right - it's so smooth!
New Order
4/5
Classic New Order - excellent album
The Who
4/5
Maybe a bit over-blown in places, but it's well-crafted & will reward multiple listens.
The Cars
4/5
Really impressive debut album!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Not really my thing.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
An all-time classic!
Badly Drawn Boy
4/5
I liked this - will listen to again.
Megadeth
4/5
Great example of the genre. Some unusual elements too, which makes it even better.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Excellent album
Fela Kuti
4/5
I liked this more than I expected - definitely fusion music, but bringing the best of both.
Suede
4/5
Interesting stuff - need to listen a few times.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
I'm not sure how this really stands out from other similar albums.
Rush
4/5
This is really well executed. I have to be in the right mood, but it's very good indeed.
The B-52's
4/5
Totally distinctive sound, fun record.
Bobby Womack
4/5
Excellent album, but sounds more 70s than 1981.
Johnny Cash
5/5
Brilliant album - real, honest & fun.
Röyksopp
4/5
Really good album of its genre.
Eels
4/5
Excellent & quirky album.
Teenage Fanclub
3/5
A bit disappointed. It's a good mix of Californian style harmonies & Scottish style indie rock but is it really that special?
Gene Clark
4/5
I didn't know what to expect with this - but it wasn't just a solo Byrds album. I can see why it died on arrival and also why it has been rediscovered.
Gary Numan
5/5
Excellent synth album - maybe lacks a bit of soul, but I guess that's the point...
Ravi Shankar
2/5
More of an historic curiosity than a listenable album.
Leonard Cohen
5/5
Absolute classic.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
5/5
This is not how I remember JAMC. The Beach Boys influences are easy to hear, and they've updated them incredibly.
Carpenters
3/5
I'm not convinced this is a great album - some of the songs are great, but with The Carpenters I think their greatest hits compilations are enough.
Method Man
1/5
Not my sort of thing at all.
Hole
2/5
Meh.
Various Artists
5/5
I love this Christmas album!
New York Dolls
4/5
Great album - you can definitely see where it's come from and where music is going to go after it.
Santana
5/5
Love this album - sometimes you need music like this to wash over you.
David Gray
4/5
I haven't listened to this for ages, and had forgotten how much I liked it. It's a bit of its time, particularly his voice, but overall it's very good.
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
Yeah, good. Not particularly something I'll want to listen to again. Very interesting to hear Rod Stewart's plagiarism, though.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
This is a good album, but I'm not convinced it's great.
Lucinda Williams
4/5
I really liked this album, and would never have found it if not for this website.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
5/5
I really like this! Hadn't heard it before.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Side 1 is excellent - Side 2 lets it down a little. But overall a great album.
Sigur Rós
4/5
Lovely, but as with everything Sigur Ros it needs a few listens to get inside it.
Country Joe & The Fish
4/5
I sort of feel this has been overshadowed by what came after, so it's important to remember this did come first.
Malcolm McLaren
3/5
Quirky & a bit patchy - the singles were great.
Merle Haggard
5/5
Excellent album - very evocative.
Nirvana
5/5
I just love this album. So raw, honest and evocative of its time.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
All-time classic!
Sex Pistols
4/5
Definitely an important album, but if we're being honest it's not all that good.
Coldplay
5/5
The Cure
4/5
Good, but you definitely need to be in the right frame of mind to get this one.
The Pharcyde
3/5
Very interesting - given the date, no wonder it made waves.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Great album - really inventive & unusual sounds.
Motörhead
4/5
Classic live heavy metal album - and very fast!
Barry Adamson
4/5
This does sound like a soundtrack album. Really atmospheric & interesting.
Joni Mitchell
5/5
Genuinely lovely, and raw, album.
Michael Jackson
3/5
Some great tunes, but it's really quite dated now and it's hard to separate the music from the artist.
Tom Waits
4/5
Wow - captivating & very, very different.
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
Very atmospheric, but not really my kind of thing unless I'm in the mood. Loved the title track, though.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
4/5
Love this. Very much of its time, but still a great pop record.
Pearl Jam
3/5
This is good, but not essential to me.
Leonard Cohen
5/5
Leonard Cohen proves he isn't just a miserabilist. Brilliant album.
D'Angelo
4/5
Liked this more than I expected to. Definitely gospel roots and very smooth.
Tom Waits
4/5
Excellent album - poignant & authentic.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
I suspect I'd need to listen to this a few times to really get it.
The Divine Comedy
4/5
Very good pop album - lovely story-telling.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
Great album! So many different styles on one record.
Can
2/5
Not my kind of thing - maybe if I'm in the mood, it would be worth trying again but it's a bit too hard work.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
Great pop album
Ramones
3/5
Great stuff!
Steely Dan
4/5
Great album.
The Lemonheads
4/5
This is a good album but I don't think it's as important or innovative as people thought at the time.
The Pogues
5/5
Absolutely great album - fantastic mix of songs, given a unique twist.
Beatles
5/5
Not quite my favourite Beatles album but it's up there with the best.
Sonic Youth
4/5
Good album - definitely worth investigating further.
Todd Rundgren
4/5
This is not what I expected from Todd Rundgren - some lovely songs and early power pop! I had to dig on Spotify to find the second LP though.
Ute Lemper
3/5
On first listen, I didn't love this as much as I expected to but I suspect it will grow on me with repeated listening.
10cc
4/5
Definitely an experimental and enjoyable album for its time. A very clever group.
The xx
4/5
Surprised to really like this album!
The Band
4/5
Excellent album!
Marianne Faithfull
4/5
Very good album - surprisingly engaging.
The Specials
5/5
A perfect picture of Britain in 1979 - an album that absolutely stands the test of time.
Nirvana
5/5
Had forgotten how good this album is. Lots of variety as well.
4/5
Yes, this is good and it's definitely got a place in the English tradition & development of pop music. But I'm not convinced it's one of the best albums ever.
David Bowie
3/5
Not sure about this - it really needs an attentive listen.
Buzzcocks
4/5
Great album - surprisingly mature songs too.
Scott Walker
4/5
I liked this - sort of timeless, really. Great voice, of course!
Lana Del Rey
4/5
I was surprised by this album. Tender, melodic & moody.
Fela Kuti
3/5
Long drum solos really aren't my thing!
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
I think this is probably one of those albums that's more important than it is enjoyable & rewarding to listen to.
The Cure
4/5
Good album - one of the best of the genre.
fIREHOSE
2/5
This didn't stand out to me at all, really. I couldn't work out how it had earned its place on this list.
The Replacements
4/5
I don't know how I completely missed this. An excellent album.
The Avalanches
4/5
Mmmmm. Maybe not as good as I remembered it, though there are some standout tracks.
The Crusaders
3/5
I love the title track but the rest doesn't really stand out to me.
Ice T
4/5
I liked this much more than I expected to. Witty & angry at the same time.
Jazmine Sullivan
4/5
I was completely unaware of this, but really rather liked it.
Christine and the Queens
4/5
I liked this. Not sure how much, and not sure whether I preferred the French or English versions.
Adele
3/5
I suspect this is slightly over-rated.
Hole
4/5
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this. Deserves more listens, to be sure.
Air
5/5
Simply great!
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Great
Led Zeppelin
4/5
I can see why this album is both good and important, but I wonder how often I would listen to it if it came out now.
Doves
3/5
Mmmm. A bit like a sub-Coldplay to me.
Little Simz
4/5
Not my normal cup of tea but this is a very well-made album.
Brian Eno
4/5
Definitely like this one a lot - in the right place & time of course.
Boards of Canada
3/5
Not sure about this - probably needs to be appreciated in the right time & place.
Pulp
4/5
Excellent album - and a real picture of its time.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I would definitely be Beatles rather than Stones - this hasn't changed that.
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
Wow - great stuff & really evocative of the time.
Silver Jews
4/5
I'd never heard of this group before, but they're rather good!
Todd Rundgren
3/5
This didn't grab me. Maybe at the time it was important...
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Great album - perhaps a bit long, but it has some excellent songs.
Prince
4/5
ABBA
4/5
Not every track stands the test of time, but those that do are still outstanding!
Funkadelic
5/5
Wow - that is not what I expected. There's something primal in this one.
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
Good album, in the right place & time.
Johnny Cash
5/5
Absolute classic album - and feels completely real.
U2
4/5
I sort of lost touch with U2 after the Joshua Tree, but this is an album that bears repeated listening. I should give it more time.
David Bowie
4/5
Really interesting album - I hadn't heard the second side before & it's very atmospheric.
Queen Latifah
3/5
I'm a bit "meh" about this one. She's good in The Equalizer, though.
The Jam
4/5
Very good album - quite adventurous for the time.
Laura Nyro
3/5
This is good but I'm not sure I've missed anything important through not having heard it before.
Louis Prima
4/5
A great, fun album!
Elvis Costello
4/5
A great debut album: such a range of styles & mature subject matter.
Khaled
4/5
Really liked this, but could have done without the cover of Imagine.
Mj Cole
4/5
I really liked this.
Sepultura
2/5
I like a lot of metal, but not this. It's the vocals that kill it for me.
PJ Harvey
4/5
Interesting & powerful album.
Nanci Griffith
3/5
This didn't stand out for me - a good country album was all I heard.
The Byrds
4/5
Really good album, but not all the tracks are classics unfortunately.
Kanye West
4/5
Surprising entertaining - I didn't expect it to be so varied & interesting.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
I thought this was a bit mixed, to be honest.
Portishead
4/5
I liked this, but it needs more listens to fully get under its skin.
David Crosby
4/5
Unfortunately not all the album is on Spotify, but it started like a fairly normal 70s west coast LP and then became something more.
Spiritualized
5/5
Brilliant album.
Sarah Vaughan
4/5
Lovely album.
Kanye West
3/5
There was more variety & depth to this than I'd expected but it's not really my sort of album.
Youssou N'Dour
2/5
Nah - not for me. The voice didn't work for me on this album.
Belle & Sebastian
5/5
Absolutely classic album - great melodies & lovely lyrics.
Radiohead
4/5
I'm not convinced by this. I don't think it's their best.
Jane's Addiction
4/5
This definitely got more interesting on the second listen. I don't think it will be my last listen.
David Bowie
4/5
Not quite 5 stars, but almost...
The Byrds
3/5
I was a bit disappointed with this. The songs felt a bit slight, to be honest.
Aerosmith
4/5
Great album!
Ride
3/5
I think this was very much of its time - listening now, I'm not overly impressed.
Thelonious Monk
3/5
I can appreciate this, but I wouldn't choose it to listen to again.
Van Halen
4/5
OK - but not really a stand-out album for me.
Isaac Hayes
4/5
Good album - definitely of its time.
The Sonics
3/5
Very lively for its day - but I doubt I'll ever listen to it again. The early Beatles were better!
Buck Owens
2/5
A bit too basic country for me. Not keen.
The Kinks
3/5
I found this a bit disappointing - the overall sound wasn't great and the themes were very dated (which shouldn't have surprised me, I know).
Nas
3/5
I can see why this was important, and the lyrics are inventive. But it wasn't my thing.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
Fantastic album - so atmospheric and lyrical.
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
A very smooth, very 70s album.
Jethro Tull
3/5
I didn't love this. It seemed dated to me.
The Hives
4/5
Good, but I'm not convinced it's as great as we thought at the time.
The Who
4/5
I liked this a lot but I don't think it's one of the best albums ever.
Paul Simon
5/5
All-time classic.
Iron Maiden
4/5
This is a great album but I don't think it's their best.
The Doors
4/5
This is an excellent rock album but for me just falls short of being a 5-star one.
Sufjan Stevens
4/5
I'm still not sure about this one - need to keep listening to it.
Steely Dan
4/5
One of those amazing debut albums - I can't imagine how it would have sounded when it was first released!
Paul Simon
5/5
Fine songwriting, and great guitar work.
Sonic Youth
3/5
I bought this when it came out and didn't get in to it then. I'm still struggling now.
Common
2/5
I don't think I was the intended audience for this album.
Bob Dylan
5/5
An all-time classic album. Interesting to read about how it was made too.
The Beach Boys
4/5
A surprising Beach Boys album I'd never heard before. Not quite a perfect record, sometimes a bit worthy & smelling of greenwash, but actually very good.
The Divine Comedy
4/5
A very nice album indeed with very precise & carefully-chosen lyrics.
Depeche Mode
4/5
Really good album - worth listening to more often.
Nico
4/5
This was really good & atmospheric.
Arcade Fire
3/5
I'm not convinced this was a really special record - not very much of it stood out for me.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Even after a few listens, this didn't stand out for me.
Gillian Welch
4/5
This is rather a special album.
Kacey Musgraves
3/5
Yeah, good. But I'm not sure it's outstanding. Maybe I'm biased against country music...
Miriam Makeba
3/5
This was interesting & enjoyable, but I doubt I'd ever want to listen to it again.
Radiohead
5/5
Absolutely classic. 5 stars without a doubt!
Dead Kennedys
3/5
This has got a lot of energy, but the quality is pretty inconsistent.
The Yardbirds
3/5
Yeah, this is good but it didn't really stand out for me.
Really good album, but of its time and I don't think I'll listen to it again.
Janelle Monáe
4/5
Very interesting album, as is the predecessor. Definitely worth listening to a few more times.
Roni Size
3/5
Not for me - a bit too repetitive. I guess I'm not a Drum & Bass fan!
The White Stripes
4/5
I really liked this - a great variety of music and really energetic.
Germs
4/5
A lot of energy but didn't really stand out for me. I'd never heard it before, so that was good.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
This is an absolute belter!
Motörhead
4/5
Really good album, but I guess not all the tracks are up the standard of the title track and some of the others.
Jamiroquai
4/5
Yes - very funky.
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
I can see why this is good, but it's really not for me.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
4/5
Good album - mix of traditional and innovative.
The Smiths
5/5
Fantastic album!
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
I did really like this.
Mike Oldfield
5/5
I do love this - the voice at the end of Part 1 is great!
N.W.A.
4/5
I really liked this - a good sound and some real emotions.
Leonard Cohen
5/5
Brilliant album - great songs.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
3/5
Mmmm, not really sure this holds up.
The Who
4/5
This is a really interesting and fun album, with some great tunes.
Sam Cooke
3/5
I didn't find this as ground-breaking as other people seem to think.
Beastie Boys
4/5
A really fun, and clever, album.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
Truly amazing album, with almost every song a classic. And incredible production.
The Beach Boys
5/5
An all-time classic album!
Animal Collective
3/5
I guess I can see why people like this, but it didn't do anything much for me. Meh.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
Yes - this is a really good big band album. Not sure about the atomic theme, though.
Tina Turner
5/5
Amazing - I'd forgotten how good this album is.
Love
4/5
I liked this, but am not as bowled over by it as I'm clearly supposed to be. Sometimes it sounds like a lot of other records from that time.
Cream
5/5
Excellent album - shame about the last track. I guess they were trying to demonstrate a sense of humour!
The Birthday Party
3/5
I'm not sure what to make of this - but I don't know that I'll bother listening to it again to find out.
Metallica
5/5
All-time classic album. I absolutely love this - and it gave me a motto to use for life.
Talvin Singh
4/5
A really interesting album - it gets a bit weird at points, but will definitely listen again.
Tito Puente
4/5
I liked this - a great example of the genre.
Nina Simone
4/5
A very good jazz album, and not always what you'd expect from Nina Simone.
3/5
I wasn't overly impressed by this - nothing really stood out for me. Maybe with more plays it would grow on me, but...
Dexys Midnight Runners
5/5
Love this - a real classic album, both timeless and completely of its time.
The Saints
4/5
This was a bit of a hidden gem - I'd never heard of them. Did they make it out of Australia?
Frank Ocean
4/5
I liked this more than I had expected to. Very good album.
Beastie Boys
2/5
I didn't like this - too repetitive and not as much fun as earlier Beastie Boys albums.
Fairport Convention
3/5
Yes, I can see that this is good but I don't feel that it's as good now as it was revolutionary at the time.
Steve Winwood
4/5
Good, but was it really outstanding? I'm not convinced, but I'll probably give it another whirl sometime.
Astrud Gilberto
3/5
She has a great voice but this wasn't the strongest choice of songs for her. I'm surprised this album made it onto this list, to be honest.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Is this truly great? I'm not convinced but perhaps could be persuaded.
Prince
4/5
This is really good, but not as good as Purple Rain. It could maybe have been a bit shorter...
Dennis Wilson
4/5
A really interesting and varied album. Definitely glad I got to hear this & I think I'll play it again.
Dire Straits
5/5
Totally classic album.
Alanis Morissette
4/5
Very good album - gets a little bit samey over the whole album.
Fiona Apple
4/5
I'm not sure about this - it demands a few more listens before I decide.
Gorillaz
4/5
This is good, but I'm not sure it completely stands the test of time.
Thin Lizzy
4/5
Good live album.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
A lovely collection of pop songs. Great voice, too.
Q-Tip
4/5
Surprisingly catchy & listenable.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Lovely album, great voice.
Elton John
3/5
Much though I love Elton's music, I don't feel he's really an album artist. There are generally one or two strong tracks on each album, with the rest being high-quality filler.
Pretenders
4/5
Very interesting and different album for the time. It's got the 80s sound but there's more creativity in there than in most albums from the time.
Tim Buckley
3/5
I didn't love this - pretty generic to me.
David Bowie
4/5
This is a dense, varied album that demands multiple listens to get the most from.
Jefferson Airplane
5/5
This really is something special. Of its time, but also timeless in ways.
Amy Winehouse
4/5
Great album.
Incredible Bongo Band
3/5
Interesting & fun, but more of a curiosity than something I'll listen to again. I can see it's importance in the development of rap etc, but that's not enough to make it a great album for me.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Yeah, good but didn't blow me away.
Steve Earle
5/5
This is a stunning debut album.
The Clash
4/5
Pure raw energy.
Alice Cooper
4/5
An impressive album for the time, but didn't stand out enough for me in the now.
Metallica
5/5
I thought this was an amazing collaboration.
Jerry Lee Lewis
5/5
Huge amount of energy & really authentic. That poor piano!
The Icarus Line
3/5
Not really my thing.
Queens of the Stone Age
4/5
This definitely has "something" - I can't say I'm sure what.
Machito
4/5
This is really good, but doesn't seem hugely African to me.
3/5
Lots of energy - they must have been amazing live. Not convinced it translates onto record though.
Nitin Sawhney
5/5
I do love this album.
Radiohead
4/5
This was much more melodic than I had expected.
Garbage
4/5
Really good album - some great tunes.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Very, very smooth. Good album.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
This is good because it is upbeat and happy, but also pretty chilled.
John Grant
5/5
A really beautiful, lovely album. For me, an undiscovered gem!
The Stranglers
4/5
Really good album, with some classic tracks.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Almost impossible to believe this came from 1969...
King Crimson
3/5
I'm not sure what I made of this. I'll probably try again and see if it makes some more sense...
5/5
This is a real gem of an album - so English, so much of its time, and yet still very relevant.
Ananda Shankar
3/5
This is very much of its time - from the choice of covers to the mix of Indian music with early synths.
Grateful Dead
3/5
This is good, but it doesn't really stand out for me. I'm sure at the time it was more noteworthy.
Queen
5/5
Amazing album!
Screaming Trees
4/5
I'd never heard of this - and really like it.
Bon Jovi
5/5
This is a great, fun album with some knockout tracks!
Miles Davis
4/5
Very cool - but fairly impenetrable so will need several listens.
Elton John
4/5
A really good album, but I don't think every single track deserves its place on it.
The Soft Boys
3/5
Interesting stuff - I don't think I need to play it again, but I do wonder if I had heard it in 1980 if it would have become one of my favourites then.
B.B. King
4/5
Excellent blues album
Travis
4/5
A very accomplished album, I'm just not sure I believe the emotion in it.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Good, but for me fairly standard rock n blues fare. I don't feel the need to listen to it again.
Carole King
5/5
An absolute classic of an album - there's one track I don't really like (Smackwater Jack) but the rest are all brilliant.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
I quite liked this, but I doubt I'll bother listening to it again.
Liz Phair
3/5
This didn't really do much for me.
The Mars Volta
3/5
This one definitely needs to be listened to more than once! I'll reserve judgement until I've had some time.
Gotan Project
4/5
Fun and enjoyable album! It really brought the tango into the modern world.
Fairport Convention
4/5
Very nice - it's slightly difficult to see how this was considered groundbreaking at the end of the 60s though.
Finley Quaye
4/5
I'd forgotten just how good this album is! But the second half does let it down a bit.
The Flaming Lips
4/5
I'd never heard of this album, but I really like it. It's definitely worth getting to know better.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Wow! I'd never heard this before and it's really something else. It really was the start of something big.
Fever Ray
4/5
Mesmerising stuff. A bit like the Cocteau Twins updated....
Songhoy Blues
4/5
A really interesting fusion of rock and African sounds. I don't think I'd seek it out again, but I'm glad I listened to it twice.
Everything But The Girl
4/5
This is really excellent - her voice with the electronic background works so well.
Wilco
3/5
Didn't really strike me as something too special.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Excellent album that deserves some time spent on it.
Talking Heads
3/5
This is good but it didn't really excite me in any way. I liked the Al Green cover, for sure.
Goldie
4/5
Really interesting album - some excellent sounds.
Ice Cube
4/5
A rightly angry album - clever and oddly enjoyable.
Charles Mingus
3/5
I'm not sure I was in the right frame of mind to hear this - I think it needs a proper listen.
Stephen Stills
4/5
An interesting record.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
3/5
This sounds like early Bob Dylan to me, but Dylan definitely developed more.
MGMT
4/5
I really loved this one, though I'd never heard it before. The second half does flag a bit, but it's still good.
Aerosmith
4/5
I can see why this would have made a splash back in 1975. Some great tunes - pretty garbage cover, though.
Bee Gees
4/5
This really surprised me as I hadn't heard of it before. And there's one song on it (First of May) that I remembered hearing in a film way, way back.
R.E.M.
5/5
Glorious album!
Harry Nilsson
4/5
This wasn't quite as good as I had been expecting.
The Stooges
3/5
I can see how this would have had an impact in 1969 but I don't think I need to listen to it again.
Little Richard
5/5
Great rock 'n' roll album!
PJ Harvey
3/5
This didn't do it for me. I guess you have to listen to it closely a few times.
Basement Jaxx
4/5
This is a really good album with some unusual samples.
Rod Stewart
3/5
I'd say this is an okay album, but not really anything special.
Rush
4/5
Excellent album.
Neu!
4/5
This was surprisingly pleasant and innovative stuff!
I feel this album starts strongly but fades a bit towards the middle. It does pick up again at the end. Not their best album, for me.
The Clash
4/5
This was not what I was expecting from The Clash. Very post-punk, with some definite ska sounds in there. Excellent stuff!
The Temptations
2/5
Nothing about this album really spoke to me - the best songs are all done better elsewhere.
Nick Drake
4/5
A lovely album, very restful.
Elvis Presley
5/5
Great album from the start of rock'n'roll!
Heaven 17
3/5
This isn't as good as I remembered it (or imagined it was). It's a bit samey and less innovative than I had hoped.
The Slits
4/5
I'd heard of The Slits but never heard their music. This was surprisingly interesting, and a bit different given when it was released.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
Really nice album. Lovely harmonies, as you'd expect, and some great tunes.
Bob Dylan
5/5
A truly classic album.
The Fall
3/5
The Fall completely passed me by. This is an enjoyable listen but I doubt I will listen to it again.
The Boo Radleys
3/5
This kind of washed over me as it sounded like a lot of other albums of the time.
The Monkees
4/5
I really like this - it's very of its time, but still has some interesting tracks.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
This is an all-time classic album, and cover versions don't do the songs justice.
Booker T. & The MG's
4/5
Excellent instrumental album. Not all of the tracks are essential, though, but the sound is amazing.
Lupe Fiasco
4/5
I liked this - the production is great. I don't think I'll listen to it again, though.
Stereo MC's
4/5
Very good, very funky. I'm not sure it's essential beyond the singles, though.
Grizzly Bear
4/5
This is a really interesting album, with a great mix of sounds.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
A classic of the genre, and some great interpretations.
Arrested Development
3/5
I wasn't grabbed by this. I guess I'm not the target audience, though...
Black Sabbath
4/5
I liked this a lot.
Dirty Projectors
3/5
This was good, but didn't really stand out for me as exceptional.
The White Stripes
4/5
Definitely their best work. Really inventive but also rootsy.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
Great album. Classic torch songs.
The Only Ones
4/5
This is the sort of thing I would have probably loved if I'd heard it nearer the time - though maybe it would have been too old by then!
The Undertones
4/5
Some brilliant songs here - and sounding so fresh!
Public Image Ltd.
4/5
Powerful, weird stuff.
Lauryn Hill
3/5
A good sound, but not really for me. Some outstanding tracks, though.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
Some good tracks but I didn't feel the whole album hung together very well.
Johnny Cash
5/5
Unbelievably powerful - incredible mix of songs.
The Killers
4/5
Good album - the hits are definitely the best tracks.
Bill Callahan
4/5
I'd never heard of him, but really liked this.
Nick Drake
4/5
Really nice album - very restful.
AC/DC
4/5
This is a really good album, with some great tunes on it.
Lambchop
4/5
This had a lovely sound.
Patti Smith
3/5
This didn't really float my boat.
Shack
4/5
A nice album - not sure if it's a classic, though.
Yes
3/5
A bit rambly for me.
Cypress Hill
3/5
I can respect this, but I didn't enjoy it.
R.E.M.
4/5
Very good album - I missed it first time round, because I didn't start listening to them until Losing My Religion. If I'd heard this, I wonder if I'd have been hooked then.
Ian Dury
4/5
A pure slice of late-70s England...
k.d. lang
4/5
Lovely album. Some beautiful songs.
ABBA
5/5
A perfect pop album.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
4/5
Not all the tracks on this are equally brilliant, but it's a great album nonetheless.
Emmylou Harris
2/5
Nah, not for me.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
3/5
This didn't excite me.
The Go-Go's
3/5
This didn't really grab me.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
Great - very varied.
The Go-Betweens
4/5
I'd never heard this, but I liked it. Very summery sound.
Arcade Fire
4/5
This was good - a varied set of sounds. But I don't think I'd rush to listen again.
The Notorious B.I.G.
4/5
OK, I quite liked it.
Can
4/5
I really liked this - atmospheric & weird.
Bonnie Raitt
3/5
This one didn't do anything for me, really. It didn't stand out.
Brian Eno
3/5
I would never have guessed this was Brian Eno. I think he was better when he went instrumental.
Blur
4/5
Really good album - very varied & very south of England.
Meat Loaf
5/5
Absolute classic! Not a bad song on the album.
The Doors
4/5
Very good but not 100% consistent.
Sparks
4/5
Very good - especially for its time!
Ryan Adams
3/5
This didn't really stand out for me. I expected more.
Joan Armatrading
4/5
This is a really good album, which must have been groundbreaking at the time.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
I liked this, but apart from the hits it didn't blow me away.
The Libertines
4/5
This was more enjoyable and catchy than I had expected.
Blondie
5/5
A totally classic album - not a bad track on it. That voice, that image, everything!
Stephen Stills
3/5
This didn't stand out for me as much as I had expected it to.
Nick Drake
4/5
Very nice, very melodic. Need to spend time to listen to the lyrics, though.
Deep Purple
4/5
This is an excellent live album of the genre.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
3/5
Interesting but not really captivating.
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
I liked this more than I expected to. Interesting & personal stuff.
Pantera
3/5
This sounded like Metallica with less good vocals.
John Coltrane
3/5
This was good but I suspect my aural palate needs a bit of training on jazz...
Supertramp
3/5
Apart from a few tracks, I didn't really love this one. A bit too much of its time.
The Who
4/5
A very strong debut with some great tracks.
John Prine
4/5
There really is something about John Prine and his songs. The overall sound isn't particularly unique but his songs are special.
Portishead
4/5
I really like Portishead - great soundscapes.
David Bowie
4/5
Very layered, varied and interesting album.
Sheryl Crow
3/5
OK - but a fairly standard album to me.
Slipknot
3/5
The mix of vocal styles grated a bit on me. I prefer the more melodic tunes, but it didn't stand out as an album.
Simply Red
5/5
Absolute banger of an album. Forget what you think of Mick Hucknall, just listen to it!
The Kinks
3/5
Nice album, though not their best I'd say.
Baaba Maal
3/5
Not for me.
Kate Bush
4/5
This is very atmospheric, but I don't think it's her best album. It's still great, just not her very best.
Queen
4/5
I'm not sure this is their best album but it certainly shows where they were going.
Van Morrison
4/5
This is a good album but I'm not convinced that it's one I'd ever listen to again.
Suzanne Vega
5/5
A truly lovely album.
Slayer
3/5
I still think that the vocals are sub-Metallica, which is what lets this down.
Public Enemy
3/5
I can see the energy & talent here, but it's not for me.
Magazine
4/5
I was too young for this one at the time, but I suspect I could have got into it if I had been older.
Pulp
4/5
This is more interesting and layered than I had expected. Good album!
David Holmes
3/5
Honestly, this felt a bit like background music to me. There is a soundtrack element to it, for sure.
Robert Wyatt
2/5
This did not appeal to me at all. I don't understand why it was on this list.
Violent Femmes
5/5
One of the best debut albums of all time! Some classic tracks and so much relatable emotion. I've always loved this album.
Circle Jerks
3/5
There are some catchy tunes on this one, but it didn't really work for me. I guess if I'd heard it back in 1980 it would have been a favourite, though!
Elliott Smith
4/5
I found this more affecting than I had expected. Somehow it wormed its way into my brain.
R.E.M.
3/5
This had a good sound, but didn't grab me like some of their later albums.
Queen
3/5
This sounds to me like a good band who have found their sound, but haven't found what makes them outstanding yet.
Sisters Of Mercy
4/5
I liked this more than I had expected.
Radiohead
4/5
Very good album - worth a few listens.
The Specials
5/5
An all-time classic. Very inventive, brave and absolutely of its time, yet also timeless.
Skunk Anansie
3/5
Yes, okay & interesting but not really captivating for me.
Van Morrison
4/5
I quite liked the sound of this, though he's a bit shouty at times. I'm not a huge fan.
The Fall
2/5
The Fall have always passed me by. This doesn't change that.
Koffi Olomide
3/5
This music is so far outside my comfort zone that I don't know what makes it special or not.
2Pac
3/5
This was good. Not my type of music, but I could see its strengths.
Missy Elliott
3/5
This isn't really my scene but I liked bits of it a lot.
George Jones
3/5
Apart from the hit single, this didn't really resonate with me. The single, though, is pain made into music.
Neil Young
4/5
Very good - not all the songs are the very best, but most of them are.
Leftfield
4/5
A very good collection of tunes. Chilled at times, but also energetic sometimes.
Radiohead
3/5
Not my favourite Radiohead album. Not sure why.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
I liked this, but I'm not sure I'll ever choose to listen to it again. I'm not sure why.
Iron Maiden
5/5
A Classic album. Not all the tracks are outstanding, but most of them are.
Deerhunter
4/5
I liked the sound of this, but it didn't stand out massively for me.
Van Morrison
4/5
Very good album.
UB40
4/5
A really strong debut, including the instrumentals. The third listen did it for me.
Fugees
5/5
This really is an outstanding album!
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
Very easy to listen to - sometimes it's a little bit like background music but most of the tracks are excellent.
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
This wasn't really my thing - it sort of washed over me.
Elbow
4/5
i really liked this one - worth listening to again.
James Taylor
4/5
Lovely album - not quite perfect, but close.
Eagles
4/5
A really impressive debut album!
Slipknot
4/5
I liked this more than I expected to - it breathes some new life into the metal genre. And at the end of Scissors I actually said "wow!".
The Incredible String Band
3/5
Very much of its time. Interesting but not particularly enjoyable.
Beatles
3/5
This may be heresy, but I don't really love this album. Maybe it's just too transitional for me.
The Doors
5/5
Absolutely brilliant debut album!
Bill Evans Trio
4/5
A very good jazz album, but I don't think I need to listen to it again.
The Teardrop Explodes
4/5
This album is better than it has any right to be.
George Michael
5/5
Some lovely songs and an amazing voice. What's not to like?
The KLF
5/5
Absolutely brilliant stuff. Is it right to give it 5 stars, though, if the Directors' Cut version is even better?
Orange Juice
4/5
This is a bit patchy, with some odd songs on it - but I shouldn't have expected anything else!
T. Rex
4/5
This must have sounded pretty extraordinary when it came out. Still sounds good today.
Tears For Fears
4/5
This album has stood the test of time exceptionally well.
Destiny's Child
3/5
I didn't expect to like this, and while I didn't dislike it, I haven't changed my mind.
Iggy Pop
4/5
I think the first side is excellent, but the second side let it down a bit.
The Zombies
4/5
This was new to me, and I really liked it.
The Strokes
4/5
Good album - not convinced by all the lyrics, but great sound.
David Ackles
4/5
I had never heard of this album, or David Ackles. But I'll definitely listen to it again.
Otis Redding
4/5
Oh yes - this really grew on me. Excellent stuff!
Doves
3/5
I'd say this was good but not great.
Jacques Brel
3/5
I guess if you're French...
CHVRCHES
4/5
This is good stuff, but I think they will do even better with their later releases.
Rocket From The Crypt
3/5
I was a bit "meh" about this one.
Grateful Dead
2/5
I felt this was all a bit directionless and rambling.
Electric Light Orchestra
4/5
Possibly slightly over-blown, but excellent nonetheless.
The Shamen
3/5
I always thought of The Shamen as a singles rather than albums band, and I don't think I was wrong.
Green Day
4/5
Yes, I can see why this is highly-rated. It didn't set the world on fire for me, to be honest.
Cat Stevens
4/5
This is a lovely album. Not all the tracks are amazing, but a lot of them are.
The Damned
4/5
I liked the energy of this - I'd need to listen to it a few times to really understand it.
Pink Floyd
5/5
This is definitely one of the best albums ever created. Probably my favourite Floyd album - or is it?
SZA
3/5
This was well-produced, but it didn't do anything for me.
R.E.M.
3/5
A couple of amazing songs, a good sound, but it's not their best album for me.
The White Stripes
4/5
This was very pleasantly surprising! I really liked the range of styles and the variety of sounds used.
Maxwell
3/5
This was smooooth. But not exactly memorable, unfortunately.
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
No - I still don't really get what's good in African music.
Radiohead
4/5
A really interesting soundscape.
Paul Simon
4/5
Really good album with some great songs. They're not all equally great, unfortunately.
3/5
I really didn't get this - it just wasn't for me.
Duran Duran
4/5
Good 80s album. A bit over-produced these days, but some great songs.
Django Django
3/5
I've listened to this a few times now, and still can't quite say what I make of it...
The Stone Roses
5/5
Absolute classic! Great album from start to finish.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
This must have been amazing to hear for the first time back then! It stands up pretty well.
Goldfrapp
4/5
This was good, but didn't strike me as great.
GZA
3/5
Didn't do anything for me.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
This was okay but it didn't really connect with me.
Deee-Lite
3/5
This felt like a great single with a lot of feeder.
Terence Trent D'Arby
4/5
A really great album with some classic tracks.
David Bowie
4/5
At the time, this must have been insane to hear. Some of the piano work is incredible.
Aphex Twin
4/5
This is inventive and good music to work to - which I mean as a compliment.
Herbie Hancock
3/5
It's okay, but not even the best version of Watermelon Man, I'd say.
Skepta
2/5
This didn't stand out for me at all.
The Kinks
4/5
Quintessentially English album, with maybe a hint too much nostalgia for a poorer & more monochrome time.
The Smiths
4/5
This is a very good album - is it the best Smiths?
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
I see why this is an important album, but it wasn't for me.
The Afghan Whigs
3/5
OK but not great, I'd say
Brian Eno
3/5
This didn't stand out for me at all.
KISS
4/5
This is a really good rock album.
Waylon Jennings
4/5
I liked this, but I don't know that I'll feel the need to listen to it again.
Björk
4/5
Very weird but very good. A stunning debut album.
Don McLean
4/5
I liked this, but the album overall is overshadowed by the two massive hits.
Robbie Williams
3/5
i don't know about this one. Some great songs, some funny lyrics, but still - is it anything more than a decent pop album?
The United States Of America
2/5
This was a bit too strange for me - one of those albums that's probably more important than it is listenable.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
This didn't blow me away - i guess I needed to listen to the lyrics more closely.
The Waterboys
4/5
Great album - some weird parts, but overall excellent.
Pixies
3/5
This sort of washed over me without impacting me in any way. And I did play it twice.
Underworld
4/5
Yes, very good for its genre.
Dolly Parton
3/5
This is a good country album, but just too trad country for me.
DJ Shadow
3/5
I suspect this one would take a few listens to get under the skin. From a casual listen, it's clever but not captivating.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Sublime album - is it the Floyd's best? It could well be.
Pere Ubu
4/5
I liked this - I think I would have enjoyed it when it first came out, if I had heard it then.
a-ha
4/5
Excellent slice of 80s pop. The hits are fantastic!
Dolly Parton
3/5
This didn't stand out for me - maybe it's just that Dolly has so many hits I'm expecting to hear them.
Suicide
4/5
A bit patchy but very interesting.
Pentangle
3/5
This was good but didn't blow me away and sometimes the sound was rather grating.
Spiritualized
4/5
Excellent! I'd forgotten how good this is.
Deep Purple
3/5
Yeah, okay I guess. Not really a standout for me.
Pavement
4/5
Good - but I didn't think it was great.
Iron Butterfly
3/5
Interesting, I guess. A bit like The Doors, but not as exciting.
Manu Chao
2/5
I'm not sure why this is in here - it sounds like the music you hear in Spanish restaurants on holiday.
Traffic
3/5
This one just sort of washed over me - sounds fairly standard, I think.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
Very good album - some of the language hasn't dated well, but the sound is excellent.
Small Faces
4/5
Some good tracks on here, but I'm not sure the narration has survived the test of time.
William Orbit
3/5
I wasn't really impressed by this - maybe I would have preferred more actual tunes.
The Young Rascals
4/5
I'd never heard of this and was very pleasantly surprised. A great sound (of its time) and some brilliant songs.
Justice
2/5
I didn't really 'get' this one. Some of it was good, but some it seemed like random noise to me.
The xx
4/5
After a few listens, I could really see why this is included in this list. Some good atmospheric songs.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
5/5
I agree with Moby that this is a perfect album. Such a great sound, and some real banging tunes. I love the way they almost completely avoid choruses.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
Absolutely brilliant album, from top to bottom.
Adele
4/5
Great album - and not all maudlin by any means!
Supergrass
3/5
I don't think this is a particularly stand-out album. The single is great, but there's not much more there.
Fugazi
3/5
I quite liked this - but don't feel the need to listen to it again.
Red Snapper
3/5
I did like this - but mostly as a background soundtrack.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
This is very good but I don't think it's their best album - there's a cobbled-together feel to side 2.
Supergrass
3/5
This didn't sound particularly special to me.