Journey Complete!
Finisher #217 to complete the list
1089
Albums Rated
3.24
Average Rating
100%
Complete
The Bends
Radiohead
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Taste Profile
1950s
Favorite Decade
Funk
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
59
5-Star Albums
11
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Of Time | 5 | 2.83 | +2.17 |
| The New Tango | 5 | 2.88 | +2.12 |
| Rapture | 5 | 2.94 | +2.06 |
| Water From An Ancient Well | 5 | 3.04 | +1.96 |
| Myths Of The Near Future | 5 | 3.06 | +1.94 |
| Make Yourself | 5 | 3.07 | +1.93 |
| Scissor Sisters | 5 | 3.23 | +1.77 |
| S&M | 5 | 3.26 | +1.74 |
| Dance Mania | 5 | 3.27 | +1.73 |
| The College Dropout | 5 | 3.31 | +1.69 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Songs Of Love And Hate | 1 | 3.21 | -2.21 |
| You Are The Quarry | 1 | 2.86 | -1.86 |
| Ys | 1 | 2.8 | -1.8 |
| Live At The Harlem Square Club | 2 | 3.76 | -1.76 |
| Dummy | 2 | 3.71 | -1.71 |
| Exile On Main Street | 2 | 3.61 | -1.61 |
| Moon Safari | 2 | 3.58 | -1.58 |
| Paul Simon | 2 | 3.51 | -1.51 |
| Straight Outta Compton | 2 | 3.51 | -1.51 |
| Illinois | 2 | 3.49 | -1.49 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Radiohead | 6 | 5 |
| Beatles | 7 | 4.43 |
| Metallica | 4 | 4.75 |
| Michael Jackson | 3 | 5 |
| Stevie Wonder | 4 | 4.5 |
| Prince | 3 | 4.67 |
| Kendrick Lamar | 2 | 5 |
| Red Hot Chili Peppers | 2 | 5 |
| Led Zeppelin | 5 | 4.2 |
| Bruce Springsteen | 5 | 4.2 |
| Kanye West | 3 | 4.33 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 4.33 |
| Johnny Cash | 3 | 4.33 |
| Jimi Hendrix | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Morrissey | 4 | 1.75 |
| Leonard Cohen | 5 | 2 |
| Public Image Ltd. | 2 | 1.5 |
| Pere Ubu | 2 | 1.5 |
| Sonic Youth | 5 | 2.2 |
| Yes | 3 | 2 |
| My Bloody Valentine | 3 | 2 |
5-Star Albums (59)
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Popular Reviews
Todd Rundgren
3/5
Weird album, very psychedelic and different for 70’s pop/rock. 3/5 because I can appreciate the originality but probably won’t listen again.
4 likes
Ray Charles
4/5
Enjoyed the two listens. Only tracks I really dug were Sympathy for the Devil, Street Fightin Man, and Salt of the Earth. After five listens, these are incredible ballads in the second half of this record. Wow, just wow.
3 likes
Radiohead
5/5
Still one of my favorite Radiohead albums, so many poignant tracks, catchy riffs and solid bass lines
3 likes
4-Star Albums (341)
1-Star Albums (11)
All Ratings
Soundgarden
5/5
Love this album so hard
The Police
4/5
Air
3/5
Interesting listen. Good album, not great for running. 😃
John Grant
2/5
Listened once. The lyrics are interesting, the actual music didn’t move me much at all. Not sure i would give it a second chance.
Sonic Youth
3/5
Interesting vibe, very punk. I’ve always struggled to appreciate the music because I am not a fan of the singing.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Enjoyed it, more mellow than I expected from Sly. On the fence on whether I would give it a second listen.
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
Sheryl Crow
3/5
Good listen, not my thing
System Of A Down
4/5
Hard hitting album. Thought provoking. Still good and enjoyed listening 23 years later.
The Louvin Brothers
2/5
The lyrics tell some pretty morbid tales. This style of country remains to be not for me. Interesting stories in the songs, but the music just does not move me.
The Band
4/5
Really enjoyed it. Lyrics are compelling and the music moves me.
New Order
3/5
Not bad. Definitely has a solid synth trend throughout the album. Feels very much what I think of as 80’s New Age music.
Joy Division
2/5
Hard to appreciate. Just not my type of vibe. Melancholy 80’s synth with monotone vocals.
Iggy Pop
2/5
Didn’t get into it. Possibly just really bothered by China Girl track
The Mars Volta
4/5
This album still rocks. Still missing a lot of the imagery references used, but it’s still a beautiful album.
Tim Buckley
3/5
Somber Vietnam War album. Interesting lyrics, lulling acoustic guitar.
Fiona Apple
3/5
Interesting album. Good lyrics and themes. Not my usual thing, but I appreciate the work.
Dolly Parton
3/5
Dolly Parton has a beautiful voice. Good listen, couple of good tracks with great bass lines.
Beatles
4/5
Good album, more pop and love songs than their earlier stuff.
4/5
Fantastic album
ABBA
3/5
Better than I expected. While I’m not a fan of the band, I understand why so many like it.
Jungle Brothers
4/5
Solid album that seems to have inspired many rap artists as a lot of the fabric of this album I’ve heard in albums that came after this one.
Peter Tosh
3/5
Interesting albums. Laid back, timeless Reggae sounds.
Billy Joel
5/5
I have loved this album for years. Joel’s voice, his melodies. Fantastic.
Yes
2/5
Interesting album, not really my thing
Morrissey
2/5
Interesting lyrics, not very drawn in to the music.
Gang Of Four
3/5
Interesting punk album
Iron Maiden
3/5
Interesting album, vocals not my thing. Good solid metal riffs
Everything But The Girl
3/5
Good pop album.
Sebadoh
3/5
Angry, punk rock early 90’s. Didn’t grab me.
James Taylor
3/5
Good album. Nice voicing, good country
Little Simz
4/5
Powerful beats, lyrics.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
Interesting early conscious rap. Liked the lyrics, music was very generic, not a lot of movement.
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
It’s an interesting concept album, but I wasn’t able to appreciate it fully. The bits about nuclear incidents were interesting, but the music wasn’t for me. EDM with mixed in recorded playbacks told a story, just not interested in hearing it again.
Taylor Swift
3/5
Beautiful album, great voicings, good lyrics. Not my jam, but I like her music craft.
Mudhoney
2/5
Heavy, bad vocals, hard to appreciate
Jane Weaver
3/5
Listened twice, enjoyed some of the tracks. Late 2010’s rock with samples swirled in for texture. Singers voice was good, but probably won’t listen again
Happy Mondays
2/5
Couldn’t get into the music or vocals.
Talking Heads
3/5
Soft Cell
3/5
Pretty catchy. More songs to Soft Cell than I previously thought. Liked the vibe, catchy lyrics.
Frank Ocean
4/5
Great album, great vocals, catchy music
Thelonious Monk
4/5
Great album. Will need multiple listens to understand more of the movements and changes.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
Did not like much. Some songs have great lyrics, Nick Cave’s chords are moving in Bright Horses, but don’t really enjoy it much even on the second listen
Beth Orton
3/5
Easy listening, didn’t feel moved by it or find it memorable. Beautiful vocals
Ravi Shankar
4/5
Very relaxing, rapid scitar is impressive and interesting changes in tempo.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
Smooth, good beats
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
2/5
Did not enjoy it.
Justice
3/5
Good album, nice relaxing EDM.
Public Enemy
4/5
Great lyrics, can see why they pioneered conscious rap.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Good album, enjoyed Dylan’s lyrics and singing more than I expected
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Not bad, not memorable. A lot of the chords through the songs all sounded the same.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
Good album, beautiful vocals
George Michael
4/5
Really enjoyed it. Good vocals, catchy lines.
Prefab Sprout
3/5
Not bad, easy listening, didn’t really grab me.
SZA
4/5
Love Sza’s lyrics, vocals are great, music is good
David Bowie
3/5
Interesting album. Liked it, didn’t love it.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Not bad, didn’t enjoy it as much as Bringing it Back home album
Madness
3/5
Catchy, full album not on Spotify, but enjoyed the four tracks that were.
The Byrds
3/5
Not a bad album, first half of the album seemed mediocre, but the second half I enjoyed
Kanye West
5/5
Fantastic album. Still hate Kanye as a human
Sonic Youth
2/5
Not bad. Not my thing. Distorted riffs and shrieks take away from some of their more interesting tracks.
The Smiths
3/5
Neither the music or the lyrics drew me in
Paul Simon
2/5
Chill music. Wasn’t drawn in
Gene Clark
3/5
Pretty guitar lines, good lyrics
Eagles
4/5
Really enjoyed the guitar, bass, and vocals
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
Good music, chill vibes
Pretenders
3/5
Not memorable, but enjoyed some of the tracks
The Pharcyde
3/5
Not bad, didn’t make an impression
Manu Chao
3/5
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Ok, music was enjoyable, still not a fan of Nick Cave’s vocals
Mj Cole
3/5
Chill album, EDM, not too memorable
Keith Jarrett
3/5
Relaxing album, classical not generally my genre, but enjoyed it well enough
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
2/5
Interesting album, never listened to anything like it.
Ray Charles
3/5
Good album, full of beautiful Charles blues ballads.
Radiohead
5/5
God I still love this album
The Go-Go's
3/5
Catchy riffs, good vocals
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Second favorite Zeppelin album. Love Black Dog, Rock and Roll, Stairway to Heaven, and When the Levee Breaks
Metallica
5/5
Fantastic album
Malcolm McLaren
3/5
Weird album; not bad, interesting mix tape vibe
Tom Waits
3/5
Weird album, not bad
Jane's Addiction
3/5
Catchy music, vocals are so so, lyrics didn’t grab me
Various Artists
4/5
Good Christmas album
The Fall
3/5
Interesting punk album, didn’t really move me
Genesis
2/5
Like Phil Collin’s, didn’t enjoy this album
Pink Floyd
4/5
Good album, second favorite Pink Floyd record. Very ethereal
Leonard Cohen
1/5
Not for me, lyrics are good, but the music is too sullen and doesn’t grab me
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
Didn’t like it. Experimental 70’s punk with interesting lyrics, but nothing to captivate me. Vocals are awful, dissonant chords hard to listen to.
Fela Kuti
3/5
Good rhythms, interesting Afro jazz
Pavement
2/5
Interesting punk album, lyrics and vocals were ok
John Prine
3/5
Great lyrics, ok country music
Megadeth
2/5
Didn’t really get into it. Megadeath’s singer and metal sound aren’t for me.
Bee Gees
2/5
Interesting concept classical album. Literally put me back to sleep
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
Album was ok. Every song sounded the same. New Age early 80’s UK punk
Talking Heads
4/5
Good album, enjoyed the lyrics singing and music
Janelle Monáe
4/5
Great album, good beats, great singing
The Kinks
3/5
Not bad, lyrics and singing ok. Guitar riffs more generic sounding than I expected.
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
Not bad, interesting to listen to Clapton’s blues of the 70’s
Missy Elliott
4/5
Good album
Badly Drawn Boy
2/5
Ok album, nothing great, nothing bad
The Cure
3/5
Not bad, grew a little appreciation for the group, still not my thing
The Waterboys
3/5
Interesting folk album
4/5
Really enjoyed it. Harvey’s vocals are great, and the songs were good
Lightning Bolt
1/5
Album lacking melody, harmony was bad. This type of off-rhythm instrumental metal is not my thing at all.
2/5
Didn’t enjoy Dylan’s vocals on this album
Michael Jackson
5/5
Almost a perfect album. Great music, great vocals
Madonna
3/5
Not bad, some decent tracks
Ice Cube
3/5
Ice Cubes debut doesn’t have a lot of memorable music. Lyrics feel outdated, but understand how it drive the narrative of rap in the early 90’s
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
Good album, a little mellow, but good lyrics and music
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
Not bad, very relaxing, good lyrics
Bad Brains
2/5
Interesting punk album, not my kind of vocals
Can
2/5
Weird prog frock, didn’t grab me
Ice Cube
3/5
Alright album
Sarah Vaughan
4/5
Fantastic album, Sarah Vaughn has a phenomenal voice
Michael Kiwanuka
3/5
Not bad, vocals had no change in cadence or urgency. Chill, but didn’t grab me
Spacemen 3
2/5
Did not enjoy. Not a fan of slowcore it seems
Adele
3/5
Not bad, love Adele’s voice, but find the music behind it uninspired
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Music and lyrics are ok, not a fan of the vocals
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
Didn’t enjoy the music or vocals much. Kind of meh
Willie Nelson
2/5
Not bad, mellow, enjoyed it more than I expected, but not a Nelson fan
Sigur Rós
2/5
Not my thing. Ethereal sounding, very chill.
The Kinks
3/5
Not bad , sounds like the Kinks attempted to mimic Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
Elbow
3/5
Very ordinary, nothing bad, nothing that really grabbed me
The xx
3/5
Pretty good, enjoyed the vocals and the music was interesting.
Brian Eno
2/5
Interesting album and lyrics. Strange 70’s rock with some interesting lyrics
Fun Lovin' Criminals
3/5
Not a bad album, catchy riffs.
ZZ Top
3/5
Good album, enjoyed it. Strong guitar riffs, catchy
Nirvana
4/5
Great album, great riffs, Cobain is still a treasure
Missy Elliott
3/5
The beginning of Missy, more R&B than I expected to be. Not very memorable, but ok
Santana
4/5
Good vibes, Santana’s guitar lines are excellent.
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
Good album, the dawn of the sample hip hop NY era
New Order
3/5
Interesting 80’s synth.
The Human League
3/5
Not bad. I now know the group who wrote Don’t you want me Baby
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Some good songs. Ended up enjoying it more than I expected.
Judas Priest
4/5
Enjoyed it. Great heavy riffs, pretty good singing
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
Didn’t enjoy the vocals, music was interesting ska
Tracy Chapman
4/5
Good album, enjoyed the singing and the lyrics.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Good album, good lyrics, enjoyed this Dylan album
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
Kind of just noise, the vocals drowned out by distortion
Neil Young
3/5
Enjoyed the album. Young’s lyrics and music were enjoyable and moving
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
The beats, the lyrics, the feel, just a great album. Hip hop’s seminal albums
The Young Rascals
4/5
Good album, nice music, good singing
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
Ok album, not bad, not good
Janet Jackson
4/5
Good album 💿
John Coltrane
4/5
Good album, enjoyed McCoy and Coltrane pushing and pulling between the keys and sax
The Specials
3/5
Not bad, pretty catchy
The Fall
2/5
Weird punk album, the fall is not my thing
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
4/5
Good album, love Take 5
The Flying Burrito Brothers
3/5
Not my kind of country album, not a fan of the lyrics
Bill Evans Trio
3/5
Good album, nothing stuck out
Brian Wilson
2/5
Truly weird Sergeant Pepper vibes.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Good funky album
Koffi Olomide
3/5
Interesting, enjoyed the music, good Afro beat and upbeat
Mylo
3/5
Not bad, chill electronica
David Bowie
3/5
Interesting experimental rock
The Offspring
4/5
Good album, not my favorite Offspring album, still pretty good
Bert Jansch
3/5
Ok folk album
Pere Ubu
2/5
Weird album, off rhythm off key singing, didn’t really enjoy it
John Martyn
3/5
Enjoyed the singing and lyrics, solid folk album
Basement Jaxx
3/5
Average electronica album
The Cardigans
4/5
Good album, enjoyed it more than I expected and actually knew Lovefool (classic 90’s single)
The Pogues
3/5
Interesting album, fast paced, Irish folk rock
Green Day
5/5
Absolute great album, lyrics, music and singing still great and poignant almost twenty years later
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
3/5
Interesting bluegrass country album
R.E.M.
4/5
Good album, not my favorite REM album , but it’s pretty good
The Beach Boys
4/5
Good album, had never heard these Beach Boy songs, but enjoyed the laid back vibe of the tracks
Eminem
3/5
Good album, one of Eminem’s scarier albums as he uses his music to fantasize about handling his personal problems in a violent fashion.
Green Day
4/5
Great album from the 90’s punk classics
Supergrass
2/5
Interesting album, didn’t grab me
Elton John
4/5
Good album, enjoyed Elton’s singing and his piano playing
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
Enjoyed the album, interesting electronica, chill vibes
The Isley Brothers
3/5
Good funky and soul album. Definitely some good songs
Thundercat
4/5
Good album, can see why Thundercat’s music is so prominent in Kendrick’s music
Method Man
3/5
Ok album, love the rhythm and rhyme of Method Man, but the lyrics aren’t engaging for me.
Elvis Costello
2/5
Really didn’t enjoy any of the tracks. The music and singing didn’t capture me at all.
Charles Mingus
3/5
Good album, need more listens to appreciate it.
Morrissey
2/5
Not a fan, singing too somber, every song sounds the same
Soul II Soul
3/5
Pretty good, remember a lot of these tracks from middle school
Brian Eno
3/5
Not bad, actually enjoyed it much more than the other Brian Eno album
Van Morrison
4/5
Beautiful album. Enjoyed the music and the lyrics
Kacey Musgraves
3/5
Beautiful music, album is full of somber tracks, not bad. High Horse is a good song
John Lennon
3/5
I was surprised that I only enjoyed three or four tracks. I liked it, but I expected to not hear as many slow tracks.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Fantastic album
Stereo MC's
2/5
Not very enjoyable. Music wasn’t engaging, lyrics weren’t grabbing
Moby Grape
3/5
Good album! Enjoyed it and was surprised I had never heard any of their music before.
Metallica
4/5
Not my favorite Metallica album, Hetfield’s choruses sound repetitive. The music is really hard hitting. Enjoyed it!
Don McLean
4/5
Enjoyed the album! I had only ever listened to American Pie, but enjoyed the rest of the tracks
The Divine Comedy
2/5
Didn’t grab me. Singing was good, but it was overall slow and somber, and the vocals weren’t enough to keep me interested
The White Stripes
3/5
Enjoyed it more than I expected. Lot of good songs on this album
Screaming Trees
4/5
Surprisingly good album. Great stuff from Lanegan
Nick Drake
2/5
Not bad, was pleasant sounding but I wasn’t drawn in
Miles Davis
5/5
Still don’t know why this is one of the greatest albums of all time, but I’ll keep listening and trying for my more years. Love this album
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Ok album, enjoyed the music and some of the songs
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Great album, will be listening to it again
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Pretty good album! Only knew one of the tracks and enjoyed the album overall
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
Good electronica album. Not something I’d listen to much, but can see why folks enjoy it. Good rhythms and changes
Iggy Pop
3/5
Not a bad album. Enjoyed the music. Still not a big Iggy fan.
Herbie Hancock
4/5
Classic jazz fusion
Orbital
3/5
Ok electronica album, probably won’t listen again
Talking Heads
3/5
Ok album
The Doors
3/5
Ok album, still not a huge can of Jim Morrison or the Doors
The Only Ones
4/5
Not bad, enjoyed the listen
The Modern Lovers
2/5
Interesting punk/rock Boston based album. Didn’t really grab me
Culture Club
3/5
Interesting early 80’s Pop. Enjoyed it, but didn’t love it
Fiona Apple
3/5
Good album overall, a little slow for my liking, but Fiona is a talented singer and the piano playing on the tracks was great
Eels
4/5
Interesting album, enjoyed it. Very 96 in the alt distortion, good chord progressions, sometimes the singing was good, overall catchy. Would possibly listen again
Slipknot
2/5
Interesting album, not a big Slipknot fan, but there were some tracks that I thought were okay. Probably not something I’d listen to again
Ute Lemper
3/5
Beautiful voice, music behind it was uninteresting
The Mamas & The Papas
4/5
Really enjoyed it ! Good singing, nice harmonies, catchy lyrics
Miles Davis
4/5
Good album, still need more listens to fully appreciate the compositions
Mariah Carey
4/5
Really good album, great beats, harmonies and melodies. Mariah’s singing is still amazing all these years later
The Jam
4/5
Pretty good album, starting to really enjoy the Jam
Richard Hawley
2/5
Ok album, didn’t really like the singing
Carole King
4/5
Really enjoyed it, fantastic piano, great singing
4/5
Not bad, lyrics are ominous, couple of tracks I enjoyed. Singer eerily similar to some of Thom Yorke’s rockier songs
Meat Loaf
3/5
It was ok. Enjoyed it more than I thought. Meatloaf’s piano playing and comp was good, not sure how much I would listen to it again
Johnny Cash
4/5
Good album, enjoyed Cash’s storytelling and music
Venom
2/5
Didn’t enjoy it. Lot of mediocre vocals and uninteresting metal riffs
Air
2/5
Ok, hard for me to enjoy as anything other than background music
Tom Waits
2/5
Didn’t enjoy it. Not a fan of the music comp and it’s hard to enjoy Wait’s voice at times
Cocteau Twins
2/5
Never engaged me. I couldn’t make out the lyrics of any of the songs, and the ethereal tone of the music didn’t move me.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Enjoyed it! Lot of tracks I hadn’t heard before. Good background listening album,
Patti Smith
4/5
Good album, would give it another listen. Found the music to be interesting
LL Cool J
2/5
Tracks behind the vocals were ok, some good rhymes by LL
Beatles
5/5
One of the greatest albums of all time
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Enjoyed it more than other Costello albums
PJ Harvey
3/5
Not my favorite PJ Harvey album, solid 3
Lou Reed
2/5
Didn’t really enjoy it
Jazmine Sullivan
4/5
Good R&B album, her voice is great, album premise is good, not an album I would listen to all the time
Sufjan Stevens
2/5
I didn’t enjoy this album. I’m sure there are good lyrics and prose in the tracks, but I didn’t enjoy the music or singing behind it to appreciate it.
Eurythmics
3/5
Interesting new age 80’s synth. Had only heard Sweet Dreams before. Enjoyed it, but probably wouldn’t listen to it again often
Napalm Death
1/5
Really didn’t enjoy it. Not a fan of death metal, and the lack of singing really made this hard to enjoy
Pink Floyd
5/5
Fantastic album, pleasure to return to and give a listen after almost twenty years
Traffic
4/5
Enjoyable album, good music, would listen again
Dinosaur Jr.
2/5
Didn’t enjoy the singing at all, so hard to appreciate the music. I can see that a lot of 90’s alt rock were influenced by this record, so I appreciate the contribution
Slipknot
2/5
Interesting album, other than revisiting their single Wait and Bleed, didn’t really enjoy the album
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
Fantastic album
Gorillaz
4/5
Ok album, enjoyed it more than my last listen, still only enjoy the album enough as background music
Wild Beasts
2/5
Un memorable album
Nick Drake
3/5
Interesting album, beautiful compositions
The Rolling Stones
2/5
Didn’t really enjoy it. Not my favorite collection of songs from the Stones. No memorable melody’s, songs or lyrics
Coldplay
4/5
Good album, beautiful melodies, catchy riffs
Blur
3/5
Ok album, enjoyed the music
Milton Nascimento
2/5
Interesting album
3/5
Ok album
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
Good album, good bass lines, not a fan of the vocals, wasn’t drawn in
Massive Attack
3/5
Interesting electronica album, not bad but wasn’t enthralled
Super Furry Animals
3/5
Not bad, solid 3. Not memorable but enjoyable
The Hives
3/5
High energy garage rock, pretty fun listen
Cee Lo Green
4/5
Pretty great hip hop, good music, good rhymes.
Elvis Presley
4/5
Great album, good performances of classics by Elvis. Really enjoyed it. Nice to hear some tracks I hadn’t heard of before.
Mercury Rev
3/5
Nice music, very ethereal sounding and soothing
Morrissey
2/5
I have come to learn that I am not a Morrisey fan. I’ve listened to three albums, have not found a single song that has drawn me in
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Not my favorite Zeppelin album, but some good tracks on this one
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Good album, worth another listen
Pretty good album, enjoyed the listen and would listen again. Early70's rock with good riffs and vocals
Beastie Boys
4/5
The Beasties album that started it all. Still some great tracks on the album, a few that feel outdated topically like Brass Monkey and Girls. Still a good album overall.
Goldfrapp
2/5
Not my jam, little ethereal, all the songs sounded similar to me
Primal Scream
3/5
Interesting house music.
Weather Report
4/5
Really great album. My fifth listen this year and still hearing new phrases each time
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Alright album, still haven’t been drawn in by Young’s music
Bonnie Raitt
5/5
Love the album, great singing, lyrics and music , haven’t listened in about 30 years but loved returning to it
David Bowie
3/5
Enjoyed the songs, found the music more enjoyable than other Bowie albums
Ananda Shankar
4/5
Interesting album, enjoyed the music, would listen again
Arcade Fire
3/5
Ok album, might need another listen to appreciate it
Emmylou Harris
3/5
Chill laid back album, a lot of the songs sounded similar, didn’t grab me
Caetano Veloso
3/5
Nice music, enjoyed the listen
Gary Numan
3/5
New age synth album not bad, had heard Cars before
Miriam Makeba
3/5
Interesting album
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Great songs, love Aretha
Fred Neil
3/5
Interesting album, didn’t really grab me
The Strokes
4/5
Forgot how much I loved this album. Still a good one
Cornershop
3/5
Not bad, didn’t grab me, but enjoyed the listen
Julian Cope
3/5
Another interesting album that didn’t immediately draw me in
The Stranglers
4/5
Enjoyed the listen! Would probably listen again
Steely Dan
4/5
After the second listen, I’m starting to enjoy it.
Living Colour
4/5
Really enjoyed it!
Ash
3/5
Ok album, not memorable
Dusty Springfield
4/5
Nice singing and writing. Would listen again
Ice T
2/5
The only track I found slightly interesting was Body Count. I understand what I’ve T did for gangster rap, but I find the music to be uninspiring and the rhymes to be subpar.
Jeff Buckley
3/5
Ok album, some nice guitar music, not a fan of Buckley’s singing
Queen
4/5
Really enjoyed it. I’ve grown to love Queen’s breadth of musicality
CHIC
4/5
Good album, songs felt a little long as the sections repeated without any changes. Le Freak is still one of their best tracks ever.
Motörhead
3/5
Average metal. Some of the riffs were enjoyable, no song stuck out much
808 State
3/5
Easy listening electronica. Didn’t grab me
Kate Bush
4/5
Good album, enjoyed most of the tracks. Very 80’s synth vibe
Roxy Music
3/5
Enjoyed the listen, would give it another try
Kraftwerk
3/5
Weird electronica album. Probably not a repeat listen. Chord changes were occasionally interesting, but the music didn’t draw me in
Radiohead
5/5
One of my all time favorites, still great almost 30 years later.
Simple Minds
3/5
Ok electronica, easy listening
Astrud Gilberto
3/5
Nice album of mostly jazz standards with a samba take. Good listen
Nas
3/5
Good album, probably needs more listens for me to fully appreciate
Funkadelic
4/5
Good album, good bass lines and harmonies, solid jamming, worth another listen. Just wish it was easier to find now that it’s out of print
Sabu
3/5
Good jazz, enjoyed the vibe
Paul Simon
3/5
Ok album, some nice storytelling, but that’s about it
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
B.B. King
3/5
Good King live album, some of the lyrics sound outdated regarding how to treat women, but solid guitar playing
Hanoi Rocks
3/5
Pretty good, enjoyed the listen. Straight forward rock album from the early 80’s with a heavy lyrics toward California
Big Star
3/5
Not bad, interesting introspective rock album
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Good album, enjoyed Solsbury Hill and would give the album another listen
CHIC
4/5
Good album, still think that the songs could use more changes for the song length.
The Adverts
4/5
Good punk album, enjoyed the two listens!
DJ Shadow
3/5
Not my thing. Alright techno music but didn’t engage me
Barry Adamson
3/5
An album I couldn’t muster feeling one way or another. Late 80’s electronica.
Beck
4/5
Interesting music across the album. Appreciate it more now than I did back in my teens. Fun samples and interesting voicings.
Throwing Muses
3/5
Ok album. Singing was sometimes enjoyable, sometimes not. Good riffs, would give it another try. Hard to find to listen to on streaming platforms.
Chicago
4/5
Really enjoyed it. Would listen again. Found the anti- Vietnam war commentary also interesting
Cypress Hill
3/5
Cypress Hill has a few good tracks. Album was ok, but the sample changes were minimal and didn’t draw me in
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
Really enjoyed it. Good music and lyrics. Best Costello album I have heard so far in this list
The Yardbirds
4/5
Good album, enjoyed pretty much every track.
Jethro Tull
4/5
Really enjoyed the three times I listened, great riffs, good singing, nice pedal measures
Suede
3/5
Enjoyed the listen! Not a lot of memorable lines, but I liked the overall tone and would give it a fourth listen
Suede
3/5
I didn’t enjoy this album as much as their album Dog Man Star, but would listen again
Muddy Waters
4/5
Classic blues tunes with fantastic guitar riffs.
Throbbing Gristle
2/5
Odd synth music that was interesting as a concept, but didn’t enjoy
Beatles
4/5
Great album, lot of good tracks from the Beatles that I didn't realize were on this album.
Michael Jackson
5/5
Third favorite Jackson album, a lot of great phrases, great lyrics. Man in the Mirror is still one of my favorite songs by him
Dirty Projectors
4/5
Good album, weird riffs that were fun to listen to
Louis Prima
4/5
Good classic jazz blues standards from the late 50’s
Ramones
3/5
Good punk album, can see how the Ramones set the definition of punk for many bands like Green Day and Offspring to follow.
The Cure
4/5
Enjoyed the album! The Cure is growing on me.
The Magnetic Fields
2/5
Interesting concept, but don’t think I would listen again. Witty lyrics, but not many songs out of the 69 that kept me engaged
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
4/5
Really enjoyed it, would definitely listen again
Neil Young
3/5
Ok album, some good tracks, solid 3 and would listen a third time to see if Alabama or Harvest grows on me
Amy Winehouse
4/5
Great album, finally can appreciate this album for its great song crafting, lyrics, and singing
T. Rex
3/5
Interesting rock album, would listen again
Billy Bragg
3/5
Ok album, would give another listen as. I couldn’t pay full attention today but enjoyed some of what I heard
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Great album. Voodoo Chile and 1983 still a little long for my liking, but a lot of good tracks
The Stone Roses
3/5
Will need to give it another listen. Enjoyed the first listen
The Byrds
3/5
Good album, only got to listen once today, will have to listen again to see if it’s still a 3
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
Nice instrumental album. Lot of tracks that I’ve heard in movies or at baseball games, good to see where they originated
Radiohead
5/5
Still one of my favorite Radiohead albums, so many poignant tracks, catchy riffs and solid bass lines
Silver Jews
2/5
Quirky lyrics, but the music didn’t interest me
The 13th Floor Elevators
3/5
Enjoyable 60’s psychedelic album, would listen again
The Smiths
4/5
Good album, long love the Queen!
Quicksilver Messenger Service
3/5
Good blues instrumental type album, would listen again
Janis Joplin
4/5
Still learning to appreciate Joplin, but a great album
Ella Fitzgerald
5/5
Fantastic songs and such a beautiful voice. She lives up to the height as one of the greatest jazz singers
Germs
2/5
UPDATE 8-11-2023. Finally listened. None of the tracks were enjoyable to my ear. Not for me.
Def Leppard
3/5
Ok album, only listened twice, but definitely felt like I was in a mid-80’s action movie
PJ Harvey
4/5
Good album, love some PJ Harvey, nice to hear the album that has O Stella. Definitely good lyrics, good riffs. PJ’s singing can be hard to appreciate at times, but I liked the album overall
Thin Lizzy
4/5
Pretty solid rock album. Enjoyed the energy of the album.
Pixies
3/5
Interesting punk that I would give a second listen. Still unsure if I like it or simply appreciate it
Bad Company
4/5
Going to need a second listen, but I enjoyed this one a lot.
The Replacements
3/5
Pretty good punk rock, solid 3
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Fantastic album, so many good tracks, catchy lyrics, great melodies
Orange Juice
4/5
Fantastic album, enjoyed the rhythms, Melodie’s and singing.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Great rhythms, tracks and rhymes. Not my favorite Tribe album, but number 3 for the one that launched us into Tribe’s orbit
Elliott Smith
3/5
Enjoyed the listen, would give it another listen to see if I really like it
Oasis
4/5
Great album, what’s the story morning glory is the shining album, but good tracks on this one as well.
Nirvana
4/5
Great album, such great emotion and energy from Dave’s drumming, Kurt’s singing and Kris’ lines
Gene Clark
3/5
Interesting country album, enjoyed the listen
Circle Jerks
2/5
Not a fan, the punk rock was solid but not my thing.
Neneh Cherry
4/5
Really enjoyed it. Wasn’t expecting a vibrant synth pop based album and it delivered!
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
Great techno, not my favorite style, but enjoyed the listen
Jimmy Smith
4/5
Fantastic jazz album filled with great solos.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
Interesting album, enjoyed the listen , weird pop from the 70’s
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Powerful lyrics, enjoyed the storytelling and singing in this album
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Great album of standards and Sinatra in his zone. Fantastic
Laura Nyro
3/5
Interesting album, nothing particularly moved me, but I enjoyed her singing
Elton John
5/5
Fantastic album, Elton’s Melodie’s, singing and piano arrangements are fantastic
Ghostface Killah
4/5
Pretty good hip hop album, good mix, good rhymes, enjoyable listen
U2
4/5
Great album, good riffs, lyrics and singing by Bono
Kate Bush
4/5
Good album, really enjoyed Pull the Pin and some of the other tracks on the record
John Cale
3/5
Listened on a long run, not had, but nothing drew me in. Add to the list of might need a second listen to appreciate
Iron Maiden
4/5
Finally seeing the light on Iron Maiden, great riffs, good lyrics and very metal singing
Christine and the Queens
3/5
Good pop album. Enjoyed the listen, not sure it drew me in enough to listen again.
Boards of Canada
2/5
Not a fan of the electronica album. Didn’t dislike it, but found it to be nothing more than background music
The Who
4/5
Good album, definitely a masterpiece worth more listens
Leonard Cohen
2/5
While the lyrics are poignant, I can’t get into the music. Great storyteller, but not a musician I can appreciate
Super Furry Animals
3/5
Okay britpop, not a bad listen, not a great one. Solid 3.
5/5
Still a great album. Love it a solid 5
Tori Amos
3/5
Strong lyrics, good to finally hear her work. Interesting song lyrics, but not very moving musically. Solid 3
The Shamen
3/5
Not a bad race music album, enjoyed the listen for background music
GZA
4/5
Enjoyed the album. Haven’t realized before how great the rhymes and lyrics members of the Clan wrote and rhymes. Good album with interesting themes
Travis
4/5
Enjoyed the singing, the lyrics and the chords. Solid 4, can’t believe I’ve never heard of them
Lou Reed
4/5
Really enjoyed the witty lyrics and riffs. Goodbye Ladies is a fantastic track
The Electric Prunes
3/5
Weird triply psychedelic rock. Ok, but not my jam
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
Interesting album theme, but not my thing.
Harry Nilsson
4/5
Good album, Inter songs, has some humor in his lyrics, wrote some songs that became hits for others
Sepultura
2/5
Not a fan of the album. Neither the riffs or the lyrics moved me
The Doors
4/5
Great album
Sex Pistols
3/5
Ok punk album. I understand the importance in punk history that the Sex Pistols, but not my jam.
Rod Stewart
4/5
Good album! Great riffs and lyrics
Nine Inch Nails
3/5
Appreciate the ground-breaking it did for electronica in the 90's, but it's always been an album that hasn't resonated with me.
Wu-Tang Clan
4/5
One of the quintessential hip hop albums. A few too many brag tracks, but the musical composition on this drives the rhymes in a way few other groups can.
The The
4/5
Pretty good new age album, enjoyed the listens!
Magazine
4/5
Interesting punk album! Worth a few more listens
Alice Cooper
4/5
Ok rock album, some classic tracks of the 70’s. No More Mr Nice Guy still my favorite track from the album
Devendra Banhart
3/5
Alright folk album, weird lyrics, ok vibes
Cream
4/5
Pretty good album, enjoyed the psychedelic guitar riffs and lyrics
Cheap Trick
3/5
Alright 70’s rock. To me, it sounded typical of the 70’s rock vibe and didn’t stand out to me lyrically or musically
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
Lot of good songs, so much power in Joplin’s singing. Moving
ABBA
3/5
Some really good bass being played on this album. The album didn’t move me, but I appreciated the rhythm being laid down behind it.
Tina Turner
4/5
Great singing, great music
Common
3/5
Very average. Common’s rhymes were very run of the mill, music comp was generic 90’s hip hop. Solid 3. Probably only listen once.
Sonic Youth
2/5
I remain steadfast in my inability to appreciate what Sonic Youth did for punk. The screeching vocals on most tracks detracts from the music for me on most of the tracks. Sugar Kane was an ok song
The Stooges
3/5
Ok psychedelic rock. Some fun riffs, would listen again
Sleater-Kinney
2/5
Didn’t like the album. Vocals detract from the punk comp’s.
Pentangle
3/5
Interesting folk album. Not my thing, but it was a nice laid back listen filled with excellent chorus chanting
Steely Dan
4/5
Really great album. Great riffs, lyrics and singing. Still paying my penance for decades of not being able to appreciate the music they composed. Great album.
The Youngbloods
4/5
Fantastic album, great music and singing
Can
3/5
Interesting prog rock. Not my thing, but enjoyed its vibe
Fairport Convention
3/5
Interesting folk album, calming but not my thing
Elvis Presley
4/5
Some good songs on the album, but felt like Presley focused more on singing in this album and simplified his guitar playing. Still enjoyed the listen, but not my favorite Presley album.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
3/5
Chill New Age music, enjoyed the listen, but probably wouldn’t listen again. A lot of the tracks were minimal singing. More of a background album and not an album I would actively listen to.
k.d. lang
3/5
Pretty somber album, okay listen. I now know where the Constant Craving song that was dominant on the the radio in the 90’s came from.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
After multiple listens, I have to recant and say that I was wrong in my teens. This was a really solid album, filled with varied compositions. Corgan’s voice has grown on me after a few deep listens and I now understand that his singing isn’t my usual cup of tea, but is still great
Metallica
5/5
Fantastic album, one of the best metal albums. Kirk’s guitar riffs and Cliff’s bass drive this album from start to finish
Stan Getz
4/5
Enjoyed the listen , good jazz tracks
a-ha
4/5
Really enjoyed it. Have heard Take on Me a million times, but have never listened to any other a-Ha tracks. Good album
Tom Waits
4/5
An enjoyable album, interesting lyrics and comps. Waits singing was also good
Suzanne Vega
3/5
Chill album, was an okay listen, but wasn’t moved much by the music or singing
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
Interesting album, good singing, not my thing but enjoyed the listen
Moby
3/5
Good techno album. Still not my thing to listen to on the regular, but enjoyed the listen
Saint Etienne
3/5
Ok techno album, enjoyed the listen, not probably going to listen again
Muddy Waters
4/5
Classic blues album, really enjoyed the listen. Lyrics were really good and top notch blues guitar
Black Sabbath
4/5
Surprisingly good. Liked Ozzy’s singing, really liked Changes.
Pixies
4/5
May give it a few more listens. Enjoyed a couple of the tracks, and appreciate how they defined the music scene in Boston in the 80’s
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Good R&B album, great bass lines driving the tracks
Marilyn Manson
3/5
Weird album to come back too. Marilyn Manson both freaked me out and intrigued me in my teen years. The Beautiful People continues to be a solid driving rhythm with an interesting message. The rest of the album is weird and interesting. Might need to listen to it again to see if I can appreciate it or consider it an album from my youth that I no longer value.
De La Soul
4/5
Fun old school hip hop, fancy rhymes, good beats. Enjoyed the listen
Radiohead
5/5
Incredible atmospheric compositions, Yorker’s singing and lyrics are beautiful, great album
4/5
Good album. Listened three times and will probably revisit it again. Bowie's imagery in the songs is interesting and worth further exploration. Solid composition as well.
The Sabres Of Paradise
3/5
You appreciated the theme of the album, might listen again as background music
Spiritualized
3/5
Ok electronica. Probably won’t relisten
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Continue to not be able to appreciate the music of Cohen. Lyrics are ok, but don’t move me
Randy Newman
3/5
Ok album, like the music comp. Some of the lyrics felt outdated and dismissive towards certain groups and backgrounds. May need more listens to appreciate it
Prince
5/5
Great album, second favorite Prince album
Fishbone
4/5
Really enjoyed the music and singing and lyrics, will be adding this to my regular listens
Buzzcocks
4/5
Enjoyable punk album, fun riffs and singing, would listen again
Beach House
3/5
Ok album, music sounded all similar, singing as well. Didn’t move me on the first listen
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Good Stones album, great singing, not my favorite
Fats Domino
4/5
Great blues songs and playing, classic music
Heaven 17
4/5
Interesting synth techno pop album, enjoyed the beats and the lyrics, would listen again
The Notorious B.I.G.
4/5
Still hits hard, the lyrics, the samples, classic
Solange
3/5
On the second listen, I hear beautiful music, but nothing moving. It's an interesting conundrum, but I just can't get into it.
Kraftwerk
3/5
Interesting 70’s electronica. Impressive composition for the time, but probably wouldn’t listen again as it’s not my preferred music
Mudhoney
4/5
Not a bad grunge-like album. Enjoyed the two play throughs. No song really caught my ear, but I might give it another listen
Pixies
4/5
Enjoyed the two play throughs, would listen again
ZZ Top
4/5
Classic album of fun blues-ey rock tunes
Beatles
5/5
Great Beatles album, good songs, enjoyed the listen
David Bowie
4/5
This album is fantastic, that is all
Joan Armatrading
4/5
Fantastic album, what a great voice, great songs and music. Really great album
King Crimson
3/5
Interesting album, long tracks, nice changes
Black Sabbath
4/5
Really good album, great songs and riffs on Warpigs, Paranoid, Iron Man, Faerie Boots
Jurassic 5
5/5
Classic J5, great rhythms lyrics and rhymes
The Charlatans
4/5
Enjoyed the album, good riffs, good singing
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
Fantastic album, this album has really grown on me. Great singing and music
Miles Davis
4/5
Interesting tracks, enjoyed the movements and the playing , would listen again
The War On Drugs
3/5
Very this century Bob Dylan, good lyrics, but every song seemed to be the same drum track and didn’t really grab me
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Really enjoyed the listen, my favorite Nick Cave album thus far. More melancholy than I would listen to regularly, but truly beautiful music
5/5
Greatest Beatles album. So many good songs in this album
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
Great album. Really enjoyed listening again and finding all of the intricacies in the lyrics that I couldn’t get in my teens. Add fantastic guitar and bass and you have the makings of a great album.
Gillian Welch
3/5
Not a bad folk album, good but didn’t grab me
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Good vibes, singing and music
Elliott Smith
4/5
Album is growing on me. Melancholy, but witty, enjoyed the 3 listens
Tears For Fears
4/5
Loved the whole album more than I expected. Great songs.
The Boo Radleys
3/5
Interesting album, enjoyed the two listens, would listen again
Liz Phair
3/5
Enjoyed the listen, still unsure if I like it enough to dive into a 3rd listen
Amy Winehouse
4/5
Another great album, her voice is fantastic and the songs are catchy
Arcade Fire
3/5
Still not sure if I like it, but this listen through I enjoyed the lyrics and some of the songs
Johnny Cash
4/5
Good Cash album
Nina Simone
4/5
Good singing, good to finally listen to this album. Would listen again.
Prince
4/5
Third favorite Prince albums, some good slap lines, but feel like 1999 is a rehash of Let’s Go Crazy.
Digital Underground
3/5
I enjoyed listening to more Digital Underground. Fun early hip hop that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Fun listen from the creators of the Humoty Dance.
Black Flag
2/5
Early 80’s punk classic that I couldn’t get into. Vocals weren’t my thing, some interesting lyrics, but not enough to keep me engaged
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Lot of solos with a small amount of main sections. There's some things to love in this album. Young crafts perfect chord changes and makes a good listen, but not certain it's something I'll listen to again.
Aphex Twin
3/5
Didn’t hate it, didn’t like it. Never been into Aphex Twin or most electronica, and this one didn’t change my mind.
Randy Newman
4/5
Enjoyed the listen, Newsman’s piano playing is great
Guns N' Roses
4/5
Great album
The Undertones
3/5
Nice listen, enjoyed the lyrics and riffs. Would listen again.
Anita Baker
5/5
A stunning album, great singing, great bass, fantastic sax
Slint
2/5
Weird album, didn’t enjoy the listen. Not terrible, but not my thing. More spoken word than singing and a lot of aug chords
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
Great beats and music. Couldn't understand the lyrics due to it being Portuguese, but I would probably listen again.
Burning Spear
3/5
Good reggae album and with a lot of poignant lyrics
Fever Ray
3/5
Ok electronica, nothing good or bad.
Pulp
3/5
Ok Brit pop, listen was ok, not sure I would listen again
Gang Starr
4/5
Good early 90’s hip hop, good rhymes and tracks. Enjoyed the listen
The Who
3/5
Interesting album, doesn’t take itself seriously, nice to listen to but probably won’t listen again
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
Good album, enjoyed the edm vibes and singing
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
4/5
Enjoyed the listen more than I expected. Hometown Blues, Breakdown, Luna, and Strangered in the Night were all excellent songs.
John Martyn
4/5
Interesting album, enjoyed the listen, would probably listen to more from Martyn
Bon Jovi
4/5
Great album, quintessential 80’s rock.
Funkadelic
4/5
Good album full of some funky riffs and grooves.
Jean-Michel Jarre
3/5
Interestesting 70's electronica. The album has a lot of atmosphere. Not certain if I'd listen again.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Beautiful voice, enjoyed the listen. Nothing drew me into the songs, but her singing is fantastic
The National
3/5
Album came off as very same. None of the tracks had any energy. Didn’t dislike it but didn’t enjoy it either.
Depeche Mode
4/5
There were some good tracks on here. Would give the album and the band another listen
Sepultura
2/5
Not a fan of guttural yells in metal. This album had way too much distortion and screaming and it didn't move me at all.
Eminem
4/5
Still a fantastic raw album filled with pain, addiction, and great rhymes
Mike Oldfield
3/5
Interesting music. Impressive how he created so many changes off a few movements. Probably won’t listen again, but mainly because tracks this long are hard for me to appreciate
John Lee Hooker
4/5
Really great blues tunes
Haircut 100
4/5
Really enjoyed the music. Bass player was really great. Sad this band only lasted four years.
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
Great live blues.
The Byrds
4/5
Solid album. A lot of the changes were easy to see coming, but mainly because they defined the formula along with the Beatles of how a pop rock song progresses
Pavement
2/5
I know alit of folks hold Pavement in high regard. There’s some witty lyrics, but I can’t appreciate the music or singing behind it. Pavement continues to elude me.
Terence Trent D'Arby
4/5
Enjoyed the album, good singing and funk
The Avalanches
3/5
Ok edm, nice background music, but not something I would listen to
Black Sabbath
4/5
Pretty great album, never thought I’d like Sabbath, but have really enjoyed their early stuff
Sade
4/5
Good album, other great vocals other than Smooth Operator. Of my favorite 80’s pop singers, Anita Baker and Whitney still lead out, but Sade’s voice is also amazing
Robert Wyatt
2/5
Weird album, wasn’t able to appreciate it.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Great blues riffs, good singing. Great album
Fairport Convention
3/5
Ok folk album, not my thing, but it was a relaxing listen
Adele
4/5
Great songs, great singing
Lauryn Hill
5/5
An album full of great singing and commentary on life. Hill’s voice is beautiful, and props to the bass lines of Christopher Meredith.
Fleet Foxes
3/5
Only got a chance to listen once, but this time I appreciated the music more than previous attempts.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
2/5
Interesting album in how he pulled all this material together and performed it himself. I appreciate the art but not a fan of the music
Blood, Sweat & Tears
4/5
Really varied album, lot of jazz elements, good lyrics, bluesy, great fills. A surprisingly great listen. It’s my kind of all over the place.
The Damned
4/5
Good punk album, enjoyed Anti-Pope, Love Song and a few others for their lyrics and straight-forward punk style.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Still a fantastic album, the basis for most rock today. Hendrix’s riffs defined electric guitar and still continue to this day.
Erykah Badu
4/5
Took me two listens to really dig into it. I’ve loved Brady’s voice for decades, but never listened to this album in its entirety. Enjoyed the listen!
Blur
3/5
Ok album, enjoyed the listen, but other than Parklife, not really interested in listening again
Afrika Bambaataa
4/5
Fun album. Lots of these songs I recognize as samples from a lot of hip hop I’ve heard through the years. Fun, upbeat, good beats, solid 4!
Nico
2/5
Couldn’t appreciate this album, I didn’t enjoy the singing or the composition.
Elastica
4/5
This was a fantastic album, great singing, great punk rock guitar and bass. Can’t believe this is the first time I heard it.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Not my favorite Hendrix album, but some good tracks on here, namely Little Miss Lover and Castles Made of Sand
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
4/5
Great blues riffs and singing. Good early Clapton guitar riffs.
Kanye West
3/5
I can see the appeal. Kanye's lines are still solid, the tracks are interesting and experimental. But I've always been torn that this was the album that started pushing the envelope for the sake of pushing the envelope.
A lot of the lines were controversial just to be controversial. Maybe that's the point, that he'd achieved a status when he could say anything and people would love it. It wasn't as bad as Donda, but can't say it was more than middling.
Röyksopp
4/5
Kind of enjoyed this one. Good vibes and transitions. EDM remains not a usual choice of listening, but I might give this one a listen for while I’m working.
Frank Black
3/5
Ok album. The Pixies have been a group that I've heard a bunch, but never really clicked with me. Probably won't listen again, but appreciate the band's influence on the punk scene in the 80's/90's
Queen
4/5
Good album. Queen's varied comp is something I'm still learning to appreciate. Still haven't listened enough to fully hear the lyrics, but have enjoyed the music overall.
2/5
Even as a teenager who loved Limp Bizkit knowing it wasn’t great stuff lyrically, the music was good behind it. Today, it’s hard to listen to and not laugh at how silly it is today. Definitely hasn’t aged well and wasn’t great to begin with.
Rush
4/5
Great album, Geddy Lee’s voice has grown on me. Good progressions, fantastic bass lines
Portishead
2/5
All of the tracks seemed to blend into the background. Didn’t really engage or connect in any way.
3/5
Beautiful voice, not my kind of country, but Loretta Lynn is quintessential country. Wouldn’t listen again, but appreciate what she’s done for the genre
Lorde
3/5
A lot of the tracks had a similar/mellow flow to them. No ebbs and flows to the energy, which made the tracks almost blend into each other. Probably not an album I would add to the rotation.
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
Seems like a modern day Talking Heads. Some good tracks on here, more sort of laid back listening while I work type music. Might listen again.
Teenage Fanclub
3/5
Don’t agree with this album beating out Nevermind, but it’s a fun alt rock album. Enjoyed the listen.
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
Interesting album, wasn’t great, wasn’t bad. Interesting early synth operatic pop.
Nick Drake
4/5
The singing/songwriting are full of sorrow. It's not my cup of tea that I would listen to all the time, but I have enjoyed hearing the songs today.
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
Incredibly laid-back tracks. Something I would put on as background music, but wouldn't seek it out for a listen.
Leftfield
3/5
Ok electronica, was relaxing to listen to, but couldn’t find it engaging
Frank Zappa
3/5
Interesting psychedelic rock/jazz. Zappa has some amazing guitar playing and the prog songs were impressive. Not something I would come back to and listen to on the regular.
Stephen Stills
3/5
Enjoyed the two listens, would explore the lyrics and music further.
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
Just couldn't appreciate this album. The vocals seemed really low and I couldn't really hear them over the music. Music seemed to be a consistent hum and I could only really pick apart the chords and changes in a couple of songs.
Little Richard
4/5
A legend. Some of the tracks seem to only be driven by Richard's screams, but a classic and pioneer of a whole genre of music.
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
Good album, some good song lyrics. Might finally have started appreciating them musically. Previous attempts haven't clicked.
Daft Punk
3/5
The kings of electronica. Great background music, but not my type of music to listen to on the regular.
Hawkwind
3/5
Prog rock is hit or miss for me. Not having heard any previous versions of these tunes, I found myself not enjoying the multiple rounds through the song as it developed into a 15 minute piece. Glad I’ve heard it, but probably won’t return to it.
Femi Kuti
3/5
Good afrobeat album. Some of the tracks feel a little long, but I enjoyed the listen.
Drive-By Truckers
3/5
Didn’t really engage with the music, the spoken word singing distracted from a lot of the tunes. It was an interesting listen, but probably not one I’d revisit.
The Smiths
3/5
A lot of the tracks suffered from a feeling of the same vocals, but that’s kind of the thing with Morrisey. I enjoyed the two listens, and would probably give it another listen.
Primal Scream
3/5
Album didn’t grab me. Music didn’t engage me and I couldn’t appreciate it.
Beastie Boys
4/5
The music and the arrangements in this album I never appreciated until this listen. They took the evolving sounds of hip and really created interesting tracks around it. Good rhyming thrown in makes this one of the best Beastie albums.
Pantera
3/5
Ok album, Pantera defined heavy metal in the late 80’s, early 90’s. Their fueled rage has never been my thing, as it’s lacked melody.
Miles Davis
3/5
I love Miles, but have a hard time appreciating this album. Each song is 20 minutes on average, and that’s too long for my attention span. Beautiful music, but not my favorite Miles album.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
A trippy album. Not sure I get it, but I'm glad I listened to it twice.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
3/5
Classic folk/country. Probably won’t listen to this album in the future, but appreciate what it did for folk/country.
The Prodigy
3/5
Enjoyed the listen. I never knew how influential Prodigy was in the EDM space, only had listened to their single Breathe previously.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Some ok Dylan songs on here. Not my favorite album, but not terrible either. Solid 3. Lotta of Dylan singing like Dylan on this one
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
I found the music lacking. While it was a solid R&B album, the songs didn't pull me in. Not really sure how to describe why, as I love funk and R&B. Might relisten in a month or two to see if my opinion changes.
Gotan Project
3/5
Interesting EDM album, good background music.
Deerhunter
3/5
Slow tunes, laid back. Only listened twice and didn’t fully get into it. May or May not be my jam, solid 3.
Duran Duran
4/5
Good album, enjoyed the listen and the tracks.
Shack
3/5
Ok album, listened 3 times and couldn’t really get drawn in. Nothing bad per se, just never heard the lyrics blend with the music and transport me.
Le Tigre
4/5
I really enjoyed this album. Pithy lyrics, straight ahead punk. It's not my usual thing, but damn if I didn't listen to this album all day.
Animal Collective
3/5
I have struggled for over a decade to appreciate this group and this album in particular. For me, it's really hard to enjoy given the lack of a rhythm or flow. It's very ethereal, and there's not set anchor rhythmically in any of the songs that draw me in. After my fourth listen, I just seem to be unable to appreciate this work for what others see in it.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Great album, not as many catchy riffs as born in the USA, but some great singing and songwriting on this track.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
Not my type of country musically, but Harris’ singing is graceful and iconic
3/5
Interesting live album. Never heard this band before, and I had a hard time really engaging with the live performance version of the songs. It wasn’t bad, but I tend to not be engaged in live recordings of songs I’m not familiar with.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
A phenomenal album, the best album the Chili Peppers crafted. Beautiful singing by Kiedis on Californication and Scar Tissue, a banging intro in Around the World. Funkiness personified on Purple Stain.
And despite all of it, I still can’t stand Porcelain. But that’s how great the rest of the album is. That one song doesn’t break it’s magic
Incubus
5/5
I love the great use of effects on the guitar parts, the bass lines are stellar, and I still love Boyd’s singing. Great album!
Rahul Dev Burman
3/5
Interesting album, l liked the jazz vibes and sitar playing.
The Crusaders
4/5
Fantastic funk album. Lot of fantastic riffs on this album, and surprised I’ve never heard them before.
Motörhead
3/5
Ok 80’s rock. None of the track’s really caught my ear and didn’t find the singing anything to latch on to.
Marty Robbins
3/5
Classic folk style. Interesting listen, but not my thing.
The Black Keys
4/5
Good album. Very lounge rocky. I like the lyrics, but find the overall laid backness of all the tracks detracts from the album as a whole. That being said, solid 4.
3/5
Interesting jazz album. Liked the layering of saxes.
Mott The Hoople
3/5
Enjoyed the listen, might listen again. Reminded me of David Bowie in terms of vibe and song type.
Sister Sledge
4/5
Fantastic soul album. Great tracks, lots of classic 70’s R&B gems in We Are Family, He’s the Greatest Dancer, and Love in Music. Great stuff.
Kate Bush
3/5
After two listens, I'm unsure how I feel about the album. I'm not a big fan of the music, as it doesn't engage me. It's not bad, but I don't find myself being drawn in. None of the songs have anything catchy. Bush's voice is amazing though.
A good U2 album. Minus "Beautiful Day" and "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of", the album feels a little lackluster. The music sounds good, but lacks intensity is the best I can describe how it makes me feel.
Hot Chip
4/5
I love this album. Great grooves, great singing. Not sure why I haven't fallen in love previous, but this album has really grown on me.
Lana Del Rey
3/5
Liked the album, doesn’t feel as strong as her latest, but enjoyed the listen. White Dress was great
Brian Eno
3/5
Definitely, an album that meets the goal of background music. It was very relaxing to listen to, but not something I can really appreciate musically. It was too background for me and I found myself not engaging with the music as a result. Which is probably the point, but why make 45 minutes of music not to move people?
The Streets
3/5
Interesting concept album, not a big fan of the rhyming or backing tracks. Push Things Forward remains to be the only track I’ve enjoyed from the artist.
The Pogues
3/5
First listen I hated it, the second listen it grew on me. Definitely worth a third listen, but not much more to say for now.
The Clash
3/5
Not my favorite Clash album, but I enjoyed the 3 listens!
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
Weird album, seemed like the 60’s version of Tenacious D. Funny to hear a couple of times, but didn’t fall in love with it.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
I continue to find the lyrics themselves to be nice, but Cohen's actual music still doesn't engage me
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
Album didn’t really engage me. Ok, might listen again at a later date, rating 3 for now.
Björk
3/5
Interesting songs. After a few listens, I still find that Björk's music is not for me.
Baaba Maal
3/5
Fun listen, great afro beat music.
Tim Buckley
4/5
Enjoyed the music, singing was good, would listen again.
Wire
3/5
Not bad 70’s punk rock. Didn’t really catch me. Solid 3 but probably not something I’d listen to again.
Rod Stewart
3/5
I like Rod Stewart, but don't love him. None of the songs on this album were great, nor were they bad. Listened once, not sure I'll listen again.
The Temptations
4/5
Solid motown classic. Cloud Nine is a great track, I Heard it Through the Grapevine, and the rest of this album really define the motown sound.
Korn
2/5
I loved this album when I was 16. I don’t remember any of the later tracks on the album. The percussive slap of Freak on a Leash and Got the Life drive this album, but it hasn’t aged well as a complete work. The singles still move my head, but the overall album is lacking in something that I would feel a worthy of being on this list.
Sam Cooke
2/5
This album didn't connect with me. I found the live recording to subtract from the performance of the tunes. The energy of the set didn't move me.
The Roots
4/5
Solid album by the Roots. Still my second favorite next to Things Fall Apart, but I enjoyed listening again.
The Cure
4/5
I’m growing to enjoy the new age sound of the Cure. Good guitar riffs, driving drum tracks, was swept away in the listen. Solid 4!
Grizzly Bear
3/5
Album didn’t really click for me. Only track that stuck out was Dory.
Lambchop
2/5
Neither the music or the singing really brought me in. Butcher Boy was ok, but overall I just couldn't get into it after two listens. It had some motown vibes, but the singing on the record detracted from it for me.
Arcade Fire
3/5
This is a band I find that I'll never fully appreciate. The music doesn't engage me and I do not enjoy the singing at all. There might be good lyrics in this album, but it's hard for me to focus on it when I can't enjoy the rest.
The Everly Brothers
3/5
Good classic 50’s music. Made for Love sounds pretty cringey and out of touch, but it was solid 50’s pop.
The Specials
4/5
Never heard this album before and loved every track! Great 70’s ska, loved Nite Klub. Solid 4!
Al Green
4/5
Fantastic R&B album. It Ain’t Fun No More is my favorite track on the album
Fugazi
3/5
Ok album, not really interested by the music or singing. Ok punk but probably wouldn’t listen again
Robbie Williams
4/5
Pretty great album. Loved the singing and music arrangement. Could do without the 14 minute track of two songs equaling five minutes of music on a 15 minute track. Common in the 90’s, annoying to revisit.
The Mothers Of Invention
2/5
Weird album, I didn’t enjoy the experimental tracks and off-beat singing. Zappa is not for me.
1/5
Definitely noise rock. I listened once and didn't find it worth a second listen. This was not for me.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Lot of good songwriting and playing by Dylan. Might be my favorite Dylan album.
Big Black
2/5
An interesting album that seems to have defined noise-punk rock. It was an ok listen, but not my thing.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
Enjoyed the two listens. Good southern US rock. Enjoyed Free Bird, Poison Whiskey, I Ain’t The One and Simple Man.
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
Interesting listen, wasn’t able to appreciate the lyrics not knowing the language, but the comps were enjoyable. Not sure I would listen again.
UB40
3/5
Good solid reggae album. Great jamming, not something I would listen to alot as I'm a huge reggae listener, but the jams on each track were great.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
First and foremost, absolutely one of the great albums of all time. God the energy on this album is off the charts.
However, it was only today after an unknown amount of listens in my life that I caught the Lord of the Rings references in Ramble On. 🤯
David Bowie
3/5
A decent album. I’ve come to the conclusion that I like but don’t love Bowie as an artist. I like some of his music on this album, such as Changes, Song for Bob Dylan, and Andy Warhol. Solid 3 for me.
Dennis Wilson
3/5
Ok album, songs had some beauty to them, but I didn't connect with the album. Enjoyed the listen, but it ended up being background noise to me. Rated it a 3.
The Lemonheads
3/5
Ok album, a lot of the songs didn’t move me. Nice to hear some Boston music. Mrs Robison is still a great cover.
R.E.M.
3/5
Ok listen, R.E.M. remains a band that I don’t mind listening to, but don’t love it. Solid 3
Alice Cooper
3/5
Enjoyed the listen, School’s Out, Lundy Tune, Gutter Cat vs. the Jets were good tracks.
Tom Waits
4/5
Really liked the album concept. Definitely felt like I was listening to live jazz performance. My favorite Waits album, solid 4!
The Flaming Lips
4/5
Really a pleasant surprise. I've found over the years that the Flaming Lips weren't a group I could appreciate. This album was fun, interesting concept, and a great listen! Solid 4.
Michael Jackson
5/5
One of my favorite albums of all time. Even with Jackson’s troubled past, I can still acknowledge that he was a phenomenal artist.
Roxy Music
2/5
Gave it two listens, and didn't find a connection to any of the songs. Sounded like 70's rock, but other than identifying the decade sound, I didn't care for it.
Joy Division
3/5
Gave it two listens and couldn't connect with it. Music is ok as background music, vocals made it hard to engage with the lyrics. Might revisit at a later date, but a 3 for now.
The Fall
2/5
Ok album, this is my third from the Fall in this list. It was ok, I really find the spoken vocals to be not my thing. A two at most, didn’t want to give it even a second listen
David Bowie
3/5
Another ok album. Bowie’s compositions fail to connect with me. Took two listens and felt like I didn’t dislike either listen, but didn’t love it either.
The Cramps
3/5
Ok punk album. Didn’t get drawn in, but didn’t dislike it. Solid 3.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
I really enjoyed this one. The perfect reggae album. So many good tracks from one album. Bob Marley defined the genre, and while I'm not an avid reggae listener, this whole album is a timeless gem.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
Favorite Springsteen album. This band knows how to rock a sax solo.
Boston
4/5
Enjoyed the album more than I thought I would. Great solos. Classic 70’s rock and I dug every track
The Dictators
2/5
Ok punk album. I understand why it’s on the list, but it wasn’t for me.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Good album, liked it didn’t love it. Listened twice, probably won’t listen again.
The Stooges
3/5
Ok album, enjoyed the two listens. None of the songs really drew me in so I'm rating it a 3.
The Who
3/5
Not a bad album. Other than Baba O’Riley and Won’t Get Fooled Again, the album didn’t catch my interest. Three for now and may try another time.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Pretty great Stevie Wonder tracks. Some new ones for me. Pretty varied songs, liked the new ones. Solid 4!
Mekons
3/5
Interesting album, might give it a third listen. Not what I expected, definitely lives up to the description of alternative country. Rated a 3 for now.
Beatles
4/5
Lot of good songs on this album. Eleanor Rigby is still one of my favorites. Varied sounds and styles. Solid 4.
Stan Getz
4/5
Enjoyed the two listens! Pretty good jazz album, would listen again!
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
Ok hip hop album, only listened once, wasn’t for me. Rating a 3, might give a listen another time. Beat track wasn’t very engaging for me.
Maxwell
4/5
A pretty great soul and R&B album. Fantastic bass lines. Not my usual genre, but this is well done!
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
Enjoyed the two listens. Other than the Age of the Understatement, none of the songs were memorable.
Pearl Jam
5/5
One of my favorite albums of all time. Great singing by Vedder, great guitar solos by McCready, love Ament’s bass lines!
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Good album, not something I normally enjoy, but I liked Mitchell’s singing and prose
T. Rex
3/5
Interesting early 70's rock. Might give it a second listen when I'm not catching up on new albums. Now I know where Bang A Gong came from!
Dr. John
3/5
Interesting psychedelic 60's blues album. Enjoyed the listen, but probably won't listen again.
Queens of the Stone Age
4/5
Fun album, not my favorite QOTSA album, Rated R and Songs for the Deaf being the top contenders. Lot of fun riffs on If Only, Avon , How to Handle a Rope.
Aerosmith
4/5
Good album, never heard any of these tracks before, would listen again
Turbonegro
3/5
Enjoyed the listen, would listen again.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
2/5
Brian Eno music continues not to be for me. Didn’t enjoy the listen
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
3/5
Good music. Not my typical listen, but I enjoyed the album for it's soul singing.
Ozomatli
4/5
Really enjoyed the album. Going to need a few more listens to catch the lyrics given they're half in Spanish, but really enjoyed the 3 listens.
Bobby Womack
4/5
Amazed I've never heard the album until now! Loved the singing, bluesy, funky bass riffs. Great album!
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Good Wailers album, will need a second listen, but enjoyed the first listen
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Some good Stevie tracks. Might need a 3rd listen to fully appreciate this album, as it’s mellower than other records.
Scissor Sisters
5/5
Fantastic album! Enjoyed it in it's entirety.
David Crosby
3/5
Okay album, somber, good lyrics, enjoyed the listen
Destiny's Child
4/5
These three were R&B in the early ‘00’s. Enjoyed listening to the album in its entirety.
Joan Baez
3/5
A pleasant listen, but probably won’t listen again. Somber folk music just didn’t pull me in. Beautiful singing though.
Gram Parsons
3/5
Country is usually not my thing, but I enjoyed this album. I Can't Dance, Brass Buttons being up there.
2/5
Ok album, this is my second or third Blur album, and I’ve found that the music and singing don’t click with me.
Les Rythmes Digitales
4/5
Pretty good EDM album, enjoyed the listen and the remixes of tracks.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
Not a bad blues album, enjoyed the listen and might listen again
The The
3/5
Interesting listen, might give it another try at a later date. Interesting 80’s rock.
Cowboy Junkies
3/5
Very somber slow moving album. First listen has been hard to get through, not due to it being unpleasant, but I find it difficult to focus on the music as i find it uninteresting. Going to give a second listen and re-evaluate.
Raekwon
3/5
Ok hip hop album, interesting concept for the tracks, but not my thing in the end.
Dire Straits
3/5
Not a bad listen. Some classic catchy tracks like Walk of Life and Sultans of Swing. Been having struggles listening to new music this week, so may try to listen again at a later date. Rating a 3 for now.
Butthole Surfers
2/5
This album wasn’t an enjoyable listen. No real songs other than Human Cannonball. Not my thing. Gave it a second listen, slightly better but still not feeling it.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
Really enjoyed this album! Listened 10 times and really fell in love with every track.
Violent Femmes
4/5
Overall enjoyed the album! Blister in the Sun, Kiss Off, Please Do Not Go all great tracks!
CHVRCHES
3/5
It's not a bad album, but I've listened three times and can't really get into it. Nice pop synth, but I find myself not really listening to each song.
Van Morrison
4/5
Van Morrison nowadays isn't a great human being. Separating the art from the artist, this album is truly amazing. The vivid imagery and chords make this album come to life for me, picturing the scenes and scenarios. Fantastic singing, lyrics, music.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Really great songs, not my usual stuff, but beautiful writing and composition.
Orbital
3/5
Hard to appreciate. Very relaxing to listen to, but didn't really feel anything listening to it. Didn't dislike it, but will probably never listen again.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Okay album, like Cave’s imagery and imagination in his songwriting, music doesn’t pull me in.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Enjoyed the two listens. Only tracks I really dug were Sympathy for the Devil, Street Fightin Man, and Salt of the Earth. Not a bad album, but not my favorite Stones album. Solid 3.
Ray Charles
4/5
Enjoyed the two listens. Only tracks I really dug were Sympathy for the Devil, Street Fightin Man, and Salt of the Earth. After five listens, these are incredible ballads in the second half of this record. Wow, just wow.
Wilco
3/5
Still don’t know after two listens if I enjoyed this album, but I appreciated the layers of sounds and rhythms on the second listen. 3 for now, might listen again at a later date to reevaluate.
4/5
Very catchy music, enjoyed a lot of the bass lines. May listen again in the future to focus on the lyrics. Would say a four for now.
Skunk Anansie
3/5
Singer is great, music is so so, but not bad.
Elvis Costello
4/5
Good album, might need a fifth listen, but it's my favorite Costello album thus far! Catchy riffs, good singing, fun lyrics.
Lucinda Williams
4/5
Pretty great album, love Williams singing and songwriting on this record.
Waylon Jennings
3/5
Ok country album, listened twice. Not really my thing.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
There's just something about Sinatra. Great ballads, laid back guitar. 4/5.
The Style Council
4/5
3rd listen 🎧 s where it hit me. I enjoy how different this album is and the bluesy jazzy vibes. Different from what the Jam produced, and still good.
Sparks
3/5
Pretty weird album, but enjoyed the two listens. Unique sound, interesting lyrics.
Jerry Lee Lewis
4/5
Really enjoyed the album, gave it five listens, enjoyed each listen more
The Darkness
4/5
Fun album, starting to grow on me. Always loved I Believe In A Thing Called Love, but the album is more than that.
Grateful Dead
3/5
The Dead have never been my thing. It was good to finally give this album a try, but I found my mind wandered a lot as I listened. Each jam was too long to draw me in and keep me invested. 3 for now, May re review at a later date.
Alanis Morissette
4/5
Only halfway through my first listen and am loving it. As a 15 year old who wanted distortion everything, this album was one of my most loathed. Childishly mocking her singing, I found it absurd and whiny.
Good god how wrong I was, beautiful singing, lyrics, composition. Just fantastic.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
The singles Rockafella Skank and Praise You are enjoyable still to listen to, but the music overall isn’t my thing. This was an album I’ve always struggled to appreciate. Still feel it is on this listen.
Supergrass
3/5
Okay music, I listened 3 times and while the guitar riffs were okay, I couldn't really feel it. Lyrics kept washing over my ears and I could never latch on in my listens. Might be a me problem, but didn't enjoy this one.
Wilco
3/5
Wilco is just not for me, interesting melding of sounds but it lacks a groove I can engage in. One track I did enjoy was “I Got You(At the End of the Century)”
Solomon Burke
3/5
Good album, lot of old school ballads. Some weird song ballads like You Can’t Love Em All. Enjoyed the two listens.
Baaba Maal
3/5
Very relaxing listen. Not my thing to listen to again, but it's melodies were soothing to listen to.
Love
3/5
Enjoyed my two listens. 60’s psychedelic rock that was ok.
Dwight Yoakam
3/5
Enjoyed the listen, but honky tonk country isnt my thing. Concept of obsessive love turned murderous rage was interesting, but probably wouldn’t listen again.
The Associates
3/5
This album didn’t draw me in. Just finished my listen of the original 12 tracks for the release. While I didn’t dislike any of the tracks, I found it’s new wave vibe to have been done better by other 80’s artists such as New Order, Human League, Talking Heads, etc. Three for me without an interest in a second listen.
Brian Eno
3/5
I understand why this album is important as it paved the way for sampled sounds in composition, but I don’t find that type of music enjoyable. Solid 3.
The Incredible String Band
2/5
Psychedelic folk is not my thing. Listened once and didn't enjoy it. Mythological trippy folk just wasn't what my ear was looking for.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
So far two listens and just a phenomenal record. Proud Mary will always be the number one CCR song, but this album has a lot of good tracks. "Born on the Bayou", "Bootleg", "Graveyard Train", "Penthouse Pauper". Fantastic record.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
1/5
This album is not for me. It's disjointed psychedelic rock/folk meandering is just not for me.
Arrested Development
3/5
Got one listen through. Good hip hop, but only previously familiar with Tennessee. Rating a 3 for now, might give it another listen at a later date.
The album doesn't land a hit on every track, which for an album held to such a high standard, I feel it should.
Antony and the Johnsons
3/5
Interesting album, full of slow ballads and somber singing. Not something I’d listen to again, but didn’t have anything against it.
Billie Holiday
3/5
What an incredible voice. Her ballads are soothing and buttery smooth. Not an album I would return to often, but definitely one of the great singers of her time.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
Really enjoyed the three listens! Lot of sampling which I enjoyed though wouldn’t know how to recreate . Good album, will listen again!
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
I understand its significance to the zeitgeist, but I didn’t enjoy the listen. It has a laid back punk sound/vibe that I couldn’t connect with.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I can only describe this as Springsteen gospel rock. Good album, very uplifting.
Bill Callahan
2/5
Beautiful slow compositions, but not a fan of spoken word singing. Album isn’t for me.
The Undertones
3/5
Will need a second listen on another day, but it’s good straightforward pop punk. Enjoyed the listen!
Adam & The Ants
3/5
Interesting album, enjoyed some of the tracks, may give it another listen at a later date
Shivkumar Sharma
3/5
Soothing instrumental album. Not something I’d listen to again, but appreciated it for a relaxing focus at work.
The Stooges
2/5
Guitar riffs are fun. Iggy Pop’s singing isn’t my cup of tea. Can see the historical significance to punk, but probably won’t revisit this album
Deep Purple
3/5
Ok live album. Not as big a fan of the songs, so hearing long solos strung throughout wasn’t my thing. I can see the historical significance, but won’t listen to this again
Death In Vegas
3/5
Only listened once, mainly instrumental synth album. Nothing really grabbed me except for Aladdin’s Song.
Genesis
3/5
This might be the first Genesis album I’ve heard that I like. Interesting concept, I like the composition, Gabriel’s singing is fantastic
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
Some catchy riffs, but overall not my thing. Second Siouxie and the Banshees album that didn’t really move me. Solid 3, won’t listen again.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
Enjoyed the listen! Loved the vocal harmony and riffs. Solid 3 with the potential for a four after a second listen
JAY Z
4/5
My first reaction to this listen was "Another Jay-Z album on this list, really?"
While I still find Jay-Z to be overrated, mainly due to the excessive amount of time spent on diss tracks, I can't deny his lyrical flow. The man can turn a phrase. On "U Don't Know", the verse "I sell ice in the winter, I sell fire in Hell
I am a hustler, baby, I'll sell water to a whale", just is pure brilliance. Excellent imagery. For now, I'll give this listen a 4 because I ended the album with a more appreciative perspective than what I started with. May re-review at a later date.
The Cars
3/5
Enjoyed my listens. One of the classic 70’s rock albums. Just What I Needed is a classic
Nirvana
5/5
This album's angst, noise, and brilliance continues to live on. From the absolute banger opening on Smells Like Teen Spirit to the angst scream to the void that is Endless, Nameless, Cobain and Co. created a cacophony of sounds that still blow me away.
I've never been a big fan of Cobain's singing, but it's the music that makes it almost a moot point.
A fantastic album, a 4.5, but I'll give it a five because a 4 just seems wrong.
Marianne Faithfull
3/5
Ok album, I liked the music itself, the lyrics, but didn’t enjoy the singing. As an artist, she’s got great songwriting skills.
Killing Joke
3/5
Appreciated the listen. Enjoyed the riffs in the songs, and got the feeling that a lot of stoner rock like Queens of the Stone Age took concepts from this album to apply to their own music.
Kings of Leon
3/5
Hated the singing on the first listen, started to grow in me the second time around. 3 for now, may revisit at a later date
Foo Fighters
4/5
Great album, such an impressive feat for Grohl to form a band under a year after Cobain’s passing and write music that drives.
Roxy Music
3/5
Not a bad album! Gave it two listens. While I enjoyed it knowing a little more about Roxy Music than when I heard their other album on this list, it didn't really grab me lyrically or musically. Solid 3 for me.
The Verve
4/5
Nice chill album, really enjoyed the lyrics. It’s definitely a laid back album, so not one I’d probably put in a running rotation, but a joy to listen to.
Faith No More
4/5
A fun album. Good rock and funk vibes. Surprised I’ve never heard anything other than “Epic” from this. Definitely adding this to my usual running playlist.
Deee-Lite
4/5
When I think of 90's club dance music, this is a the group I think of. Simple beats and mixtures that slap. Enjoyed the listen. Not music I would listen to all of the time, but mainly because I'm not a club dance music person, not because I don't like the sound.
Depeche Mode
3/5
Solid album. I like the music, but find it hard to listen to the entire album in one sitting. All the tracks are relatively slow and plodding. I enjoy the lyrics but would appreciate more variety in tempo.
Donovan
3/5
Trippy album, solid 60’s folksy rock. Title track was good, probably won’t listen to the album as a whole again
Beck
3/5
Very somber album. Some of Beck’s best singing and emotion. Appreciate the effort, but an entire album of ballads is not for me.
M.I.A.
3/5
Fun album with different musical influences all over the place. 3 for now and will re-listen at a later date.
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
Two listens in and I kind of enjoy it. Pretty standard 90’s alt rock fare. Good lyrics, interesting backstory to the band. Not sure I would listen again, so rating a 3 for now.
Laibach
2/5
Weird album of industrial nationalist sounds, not for me.
Ian Dury
3/5
Really enjoy the music. Singing detracts from the album to me. Lyrics and singing give me a 70’s Bloodhound Gang vibe
Public Enemy
3/5
Public Enemy remains to me a group where I love the message in the lyrics, but just don't enjoy the delivery. There's a cadence to the way that Chuck D and Flavor Flav that doesn't appeal to me. It's a two line combo where there's added attack in their vocal delivery and it seems to be the same in every track. Sample beats don't flow well with the lyric delivery.
Public Enemy is just not my kind of hip hop. One of the groups that I know are the kings of the genre and paved the way for much of the conscious rap I love, but just not my cup of tea.
TLC
4/5
It’s been years since I’ve attempted a full listen to this album. I’m familiar with all of the singles, but the R&B music on this entire album is just fantastic. Great groove and the lyrics are awesome. Powerful singing by all 3 singers , T-Boz Left Eye and Chili.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Vocals of Karen O have grown on me. Solid 3 after two listens, may listen again at a later date to move it to a 4.
The Young Gods
2/5
Weird gothic industrial sound. Only listened once. Wasn’t for me. Didn’t enjoy the music or the vocals.
Small Faces
2/5
Listened twice, wasn't bad, but wasn't my thing. Psychedelic story-telling rock songs is not my cup of tea.
The Band
4/5
Enjoyed the listen. The Band is one of these groups that I really enjoy the music and the lyrics, but have to be in a laid back mood to listen to. Not something to put on the running list, but good stuff nonetheless.
Hole
3/5
After 3 listens, I like this album more than I did in my youth. Love has a great singing voice and her lyrics are poignant. The album as a whole feels like two separate works. It comes in with a heavy attack and then halfway enters more of a standard rock/slower ballad territory. Solid 3, enjoyed it a lot more as an adult than 15 year old me would have.
Minutemen
3/5
Listened once. I liked some of the funk elements and enjoyed the topics of the songs. Issue I have is that as soon as a song has a rhythm, it ends. Wish they had added at least a minute more to each track. 3 for now, possibly a 4 after a re-listen.
Ryan Adams
2/5
Album of ballads which was ok, but not my thing at all. Some fun honky tonk at the beginning, but overall was just sort of meh to me. Won’t listen to this again. Ryan Adams I’ve avoided for a long time thinking it wasn’t for me and listening to this album confirmed my opinion that it wasn’t for me.
AC/DC
4/5
While this album has very generic lyrics, the music just kicks. AC/DC just has guitar riffs that make me happy, and Back in Black is one of those quintessential guitar songs that just slaps. 4/5!
Madonna
4/5
A good album, great singing by Madonna. Didn’t enjoy every song, but Cherish, Oh Father, Like a Prayer and Keep It Together were good.
The Kinks
3/5
I’m not a huge Kinks fan, but I enjoyed the variety of song styles on the album. 3/5 after 3 listens.
Dolly Parton
3/5
Beautiful singing. Listened twice. Very old school country ballads, which were great to listen to, but I can't see myself coming back to this album. Can see why the album is heralded, but it's just too slow for me. 3/5.
Underworld
3/5
Not a bad electronica album. Listened only once though as I didn't really find it engaging.
Doves
4/5
I'll have to listen to this album again at a later date. After a listen and a half, it's really good. It has a Radiohead Kid A vibe to me which I enjoy. A lot of space, long notes and acoustic guitar for the rhythm. Good stuff! 4 for now.
Machito
4/5
Great jazz album, loved the sax solos and off-beat percussion. 4/5!
The Monks
3/5
Hard to find, but listened once. You can definitely feel the beginnings of punk in the album. Probably wouldn’t listen again, but a solid 3/5.
D'Angelo
4/5
One of the great R&B albums of the 90’s. D’Angelo’s singing is as smooth as butter, and those bass lines just create a great pocket and sit right in the groove. 4/5!
Dead Kennedys
3/5
Okay punk. The Dead Kennedy's bring a well thought political platform to punk rock, but I find the delivery to just be so so. 3/5.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
4/5
Only one listen so far and first reaction is 70’s Tenacious D. Music is good and the lyrics seem to be fun and silly.
Television
3/5
Enjoyed the listen, 3/5 for now as I only had time for 1 full time through it.
Alice In Chains
4/5
One of my favorite early 90's rock albums. Staley's lyrics and singing are powerful, Cantrell's lines are absolute bangers. Not always in the mood for the entire album as a whole, but the first half is fantastic. 4/5!
Garbage
4/5
As a kid, never enjoyed this album. As an adult, love the lyrics, the sarcasm, the music. Shirley Manson’s singing is stellar! 4/5!
Tricky
2/5
Initial impressions are underwhelming. Sounds like the soundtrack that should have been behind the scenes in Baz Lurman’s Romeo and Juliet. Slow and edgy for the sake of being edgy. Ok background music, but I can’t find anything in it to appreciate. 2/5.
Aerosmith
4/5
Second listen through grew on me. While never being a huge Aerosmith fan, their blues and funk inspirations come out strong in the album. Walk This Way, Big Ten Inch Record, Sweet Emotion and Round and Round are the star tracks of the album. 4/5.
Paul Simon
3/5
Paul Simon is an iconic artist that I just can't appreciate. The lyrics are great, and some of the tracks I really enjoy (You Can Call Me Al has a killer synth riff), but in general I just find it to be something I want to come back and listen to in the future. If I ever restart this list again, perhaps I'll find more appreciation in my 50's. For now, 3/5.
Coldcut
4/5
A pretty good edm album. Enjoyed the two listens. Could only find it on Youtube. 4/5!
George Michael
3/5
Singing on this album is great, good messages in the lyrics. Overall, the slowness of every song on the album is the thing that makes it not my thing. Freedom, Praying for Time, Waiting for That Day are all good tracks on here. Not an album I would just throw on, but good listen! 3/5.
John Lennon
4/5
Good album, good to finally listen to Lennon’s full first album. Lot of pain in the album, powerful lyrics, good music, albeit more simplistic than the Beatles compositions. 4/5!
50 Cent
4/5
One of the great brag rap albums of the early ‘00’s. 50’s flow was solid, Dre’s music for the backing tracks slammed. Great album. Not one I listen too often anymore, but definitely a 4/5!
Queen Latifah
3/5
I know this is a seminal album that paved the way for women in hip hop, but it’s not my thing. I love the message, not a fan of the delivery. Similar to LL, the delivery of the rhyme is just so so. 3/5.
Kraftwerk
3/5
Early 70’s electronica. It’s ok background music, but not my thing I look for in music when I want to listen. 3/5 for its significance in the evolution of electronica.
Paul McCartney
3/5
I was expecting more from this album. I recently had Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band album, which was filled with soulful singing. Other than Maybe, I’m Amazed, this album didn’t connect with me. 3/5.
Holger Czukay
3/5
Interesting instrumental album. Pleasant music, but the movements were longer than I’d like. 3/5
Lupe Fiasco
3/5
Enjoyed the second listen more than the first. Fiasco’s cadence is relatively monotone, but the lyrics and the message are good. I might revisit this at a later date, 3/5 for now
Shuggie Otis
4/5
Great vibes, good grooves, good singing. This album just grooves for me. Enjoyed the two listens and added to my library. 4/5!
Aretha Franklin
5/5
The queen of soul herself. Such great singing, lyrics, music, 5/5!
Willie Nelson
3/5
Classic country singer with an album full of tales. It’s not my type of music, I’m but I recognize how iconic Nelson is to country music. 3/5.
Norah Jones
3/5
Enjoyed the singing, and Don’t Know Why is a classic. 3/5 for now as the album full of ballads isn’t something I’m likely going to enjoy listening to often. It was pleasant to listen to while driving and relaxing.
Minor Threat
3/5
Interesting early punk thrash album. I don’t enjoy the singing, the straightforward punk rhythm and interesting guitar melodies were nice to listen to. 3/5, but unlikely to listen to it again.
Spiritualized
2/5
I found this album to be one where I just couldn’t connect. Even as background music, I found it to be something that didn’t move me. Not for me, 2/5.
Finley Quaye
3/5
Relaxing dancehall album. Enjoyed the opportunity to give something new a listen, as this is a genre I don't typically listen to. Enjoyed the laidback grooves, though the lyrics never really connected. Solid 3/5.
Madonna
3/5
Good album, Madonna’s foray into pop electronica is an enjoyable listen. 3/5 mainly only because as much as I enjoyed it, I won’t listen to it regularly.
Peter Frampton
3/5
Only had a chance to listen once. Not a lot of the live energy was captured, but I’d be willing to listen again to give it a more thorough evaluation. 3/5 for now
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
Not a very engaging album for me. Listened once, didn't really find anything that stood out. Seemed to me very straight-ahead rock punk with a rhythm that didn't catch me. Vocals weren't to my liking. 2/5.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
It’s an ok pop album, couple of fantastic songs, like Dirty, Beautiful, Stripped and Fighter. Solid 3/5.
New York Dolls
4/5
Enjoying the listens. It's fun, light-hearted lyrics, simple enough progressions. Kind of just clicked with me. 4/5!
Buck Owens
4/5
I was surprised I enjoyed this album as much as I did. I usually don't enjoy such straight-forward country albums, but I enjoyed how not seriously Buck Owens lyrics were. Country feel with a bit of silly. 4/5!
Coldplay
4/5
Really enjoyed it! Forgot how much I love this album. A bit slow paced overall, but it's just solid. Great lyrics, solid bass lines, 4/5!
Britney Spears
2/5
The first 5 or so tracks are pretty good, enjoyed the sparse rhythm and the drive of Spears' voice. The rest of the album didn't connect with me. The significance of her album driving the return to teenie-bop pop in the late 90's was a cultural milestone, but overall I found the album lacking as a whole. 2/5.
2/5
Album wasn’t my thing. Sounded very much like 70’s rock, but nothing drew me in. Lyrics were ok, singing was so so and the music itself was generic. 2/5.
Joanna Newsom
1/5
Didn’t connect with this one, the vocals were unenjoyable and the harp didn’t overcome it. 1/5.
Ryan Adams
3/5
Not bad, a few good songs. Marking 3/5 for now as I only had time for a single listen.
Björk
3/5
The a capella aspect of the background music was interesting, but I'm not a fan of the actual vocals. 3/5 for creativity. Maybe I'll like Bjork music someday. Triumph of a Heart was a fun surprise at the end of the album, because Rahzel doing the backing track was a fun surprise.
3/5
I enjoy the sound, but the jam vibe wasn’t to my liking. 3/5, but probably won’t listen again
The Gun Club
3/5
Had two listens, could hear the early punk elements with some blues infused into it. Not bad, but probably not going to listen again. 3/5.
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
It’s a great album, great afro-Cuban jazz album. Forgot about this album until it came up on the list. 4/5, if for no other reason that I probably wouldn’t listen to this album often as anything other than background music when reading.
LTJ Bukem
3/5
I listened to all of the tracks except Logical Progression. The idea of a track over an hour long wasn’t appealing at all. Overall, nice background music, but I didn’t see the importance as a bass and drum album. 3/5.
White Denim
4/5
Really enjoyed it. Listened 6 times, liked the singing, lyrics, and the harmonies. 4/5!
Neil Young
3/5
Young’s voice isn’t to my liking, but the lyrics are good. 3/5.
The B-52's
3/5
Weird fun album, lyrics are fun, singing is ok. 3/5
Kings of Leon
2/5
The singer of Kings of Leon just isn’t for me, and the music behind him is very generic sounding as well. 2/5.
The Icarus Line
2/5
This album didn’t click with me, didn’t enjoy the singing or the music. A song would get a rhythm that was pleasant to hear and overlay it with so much noise to wrap it up and overlay it. 2/5
David Bowie
3/5
Gave it two listens. Enjoyed them and may have finally gotten to appreciating Bowie, if not falling in love. Would give it another listen in the future, 3/5 for now.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
Surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Good lyrics, interesting electronica. Will give this another listen, 3/5!
3/5
Not sure how to rate this for now. Only listened once , 3/5 for now, may listen again
Serge Gainsbourg
2/5
Didn’t enjoy this one, didn’t sound very poppy. Not a fan, 2/5.
The Residents
3/5
A trippy album. Interesting to hear, seems like a lot of more out there stuff like Les Claypool’s bands. 3/5, because I can see why others find it interesting.
Paul Weller
4/5
Very listenable album. Enjoyed the singing, the chords, the bass lines are pretty tight. 4/5!
Dagmar Krause
2/5
Finally found it on Youtube and gave it a listen. The singer has a beautiful voice, but I didn't really enjoy it as anything more than semi-pleasant background music. 2/5, but only because I'm very meh on it.
FKA twigs
2/5
She’s got a great singing voice, but I didn’t enjoy the slow R&B ballads. Wasn’t my thing, and I’m unclear how this stands above other R&B that comes before it. 2/5
The Saints
3/5
Not a bad record, good straight ahead riffs, bass lines were good. 3/5 but may kick it to 4/5 at a later time
Eric Clapton
4/5
Really enjoyed it. Damn, Clapton has a way with lyrics, infused blues and guitar riffs for days. 4/5!
Love
3/5
Enjoyed the listen, but seemed very generic 60’s rock. Second Love album I’ve had. Not bad, but not in love. 3/5.
Kid Rock
3/5
A trip back to 15. The album was ok. More varied in tone and song lyrics. Some brag rap/rock mixed with good storytelling. Enjoyed it more than I expected, but still can't rate it more than a 3/5 as I really don't understand why it's on here.
The Clash
4/5
Seminal album that's grown on me. Only had heard London Calling before these two listens. Whole album is great. Punk elements, 70's rock, politics, ska/reggae vibes, it really has it all. 4/5!
The Beau Brummels
2/5
Interesting listen, but not my thing. The baroque style of music I found different, but not in a way that I enjoyed. Very medieval vibes with uninteresting rhythms. Storytelling in the lyrics was good though. 2/5.
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
Listened twice, still find that the music of this group doesn’t engage me. To me, it’s very straight forward rock. 2/5.
R.E.M.
3/5
R.E.M. is a band I like but don’t love. Some good songs on the album, 3/5 for me.
The Verve
4/5
Really enjoyed it. Good melodies, nice hooks. 4/5!
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Smashing Pumpkins remains a band that I don’t fully appreciate, but have grown on me through this site. This album is pretty great. Will need to give it another listen, but definitely 4/5!
Hugh Masekela
4/5
Fantastic album. Great beats, melodies and accompaniment. 4/5!
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Fantastic album. Needs more listens, but 4/5 for now!
Slayer
2/5
Listened once. Just not my thing. 2/5.
Merle Haggard
3/5
Very classic country vibe and sound. Enjoyed the listens and storytelling, but probably won’t listen again. 3/5 given the historical significance.
Sonic Youth
2/5
3rd Sonic Youth album in this list and it’s still not for me. I just don’t appreciate the lack of any interesting rhythms. 2/5.
The Zombies
4/5
Enjoyed the listen. Second time around the songs and vibe grew on me. 4/5!
Hole
3/5
I did enjoy Celebrity Skin more, but an ok album. Interesting lyrics, okay rhythms/melodies. 3/5!
The Temptations
3/5
I liked Cloud Nine a lot more, but there's some charm in this album. 3/5!
Everything But The Girl
3/5
Enjoyed the two listens. Second album from the group on this list, and I enjoyed it overall. It sounds very much like 80's pop. Great singing, but not something I would listen to regularly. 3/5!
U2
4/5
Second favorite U2 album. Incredible lyrics, storytelling, melodies. 4/5!
Meat Puppets
3/5
Listened twice, it was interesting. The lyrics were good, not a fan of the singing, but it was overall enjoyable. No idea they originally wrote Lake of Fire, only had heard Nirvana's cover prior. 3/5!
Tortoise
2/5
Interesting album. Like most of the instrumental albums on this list, it's more of a mood music piece. Pleasant background music, but not something I can appreciate. 2/5.
The Sonics
4/5
Great album, enjoyed the two listens. 4/5!
The Vines
4/5
Surprised this album's singles have never come up before for me. I've heard them on the radio at some point. Enjoyed the two listens. Get a lot of an STP vibe circa 2001. 4/5!
Earth, Wind & Fire
5/5
One of the greatest funk groups of all time. Some songs are new to me, as I've surprisingly never listened to a full album of theirs other than the '05 Illuminations album. It doesn't disappoint. Verdine White's bass playing is fantastic, and the horn section is on point. 5/5!
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
Weird album. Mix of 60’s psychedelic/surf rock. Enjoyed Kicks, There’s Always Tomorrow, Shake It Up, and SS 396. Melody for an Unknown Girl is really off-putting, just on the premise of the song. Could be a joke song, but I didn’t find it amusing. 3/5.
Dizzee Rascal
3/5
Dizzee has always been a rapper that I appreciate the talent, but not for me. The rhyme scheme and cadence of his lyrics is disjointed and I don’t enjoy it. The off-beat backing tracks are interesting but don’t make me want to dance. He’s a talented musician but still a 3/5 for me.
Country Joe & The Fish
4/5
Enjoyed the two listens. Some really good blues tracks. 4/5!
Einstürzende Neubauten
1/5
Weird album of random sounds. Didn’t enjoy it. 1/5
Carpenters
2/5
Maybe someday I’ll give this another listen, but after 1 play through, I’m not a fan. The slow song pace of every track, the vocals are good, but when it comes to the covers, I appreciate the originals more.
The Carpenters are a band that many have held in high regard , but they’re not for me.
2/5.
Blondie
4/5
Classic, fun and witty lyrics, great singing, catchy riffs. 4/5 for now!
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
2/5
Like the lyrics, but not a fan of the music. 2/5
Roni Size
2/5
Not a bad background album, but probably won’t listen again. Didn’t hear anything in this that genre defining. 2/5
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
Enjoyed the lyrics and storytelling in the songs, but aside from Mrs. Robinson, Fakin’ It, and A Hazy Shade of Winter, didn’t love it. 3/5.
Megadeth
2/5
It’s ok metal, never really been a fan of Megadeth. Mustaine’s voice detracts, the music itself seems very automatic. I get there place in metal history, but currently a 2/5 for me.
Talvin Singh
3/5
Interesting album, i found it interesting how they recorded all of the samples for the tracks. 3/5
Happy Mondays
2/5
Ok album, wasn’t very enthralled with the music. 2/5.
AC/DC
4/5
Pretty classic fun rock album. Good riffs, fun lyrics. 4/5!
The Teardrop Explodes
3/5
Not bad, cool listen. Live track at the end wasn’t great. Very average to me, but 3/5 for now as a second listen might help
Jacques Brel
3/5
Interesting listen, probably not something I would revisit, but a very lovely set of songs and music. 3/5!
The Triffids
3/5
The lyrics were ok, the music was ok. Just wasn't interested in this one. 3/5.
Morrissey
1/5
The music was incredibly boring, and his criticisms of everyone else show his lack of self awareness in full view. This was not an album worthy of this list. 1/5
OutKast
4/5
One of my favorite albums! Stankonia is my favorite, but this one is a close second. 4/5!
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
First listen I wasn't a fan of the vocals, but it grew on me on the second listen. J Mascis just put out a really great solo album called "What Do We Do Now?" that I fell in love with. All's to say, hadn't previously been a Dinosaur Jr. fan, but might be becoming one.
4/5!
Os Mutantes
2/5
Interesting album. Glad I gave it two listens, but don't think I'll be returning to it. The music wasn't something I got into. 2/5, mainly because I wasn't moved by it.
Cat Stevens
4/5
Really enjoyed the album. It was calm and peaceful, loved the music and enjoyed the lyrics/message. 4/5!
Def Leppard
3/5
This album didn't really excite me. It was an interesting two listens because it just sounds so prototypical 80's hair metal. Fun stuff to listen to with your brain turned off, but it didn't really catch me as something I'd want to listen to after this listen. The Reagan overlay during "Gods of War" seems to have aged badly, with the false bravado of supposed American strength. 2/5 because it's just not my thing, but really a 3/5 because I can at least see why it's on the list as a cultural touchstone of 80's hair-glam rock.
3/5
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
Every time I listen to this album, I love it more. Fantastic storytelling and story progression throughout the album. And every song is banger after banger. And this is my second favorite Kendrick album! 5/5
Lenny Kravitz
4/5
Really good album. Might be some of my favorite Kravitz comps on this album. Soulful and funky. 4/5!
TV On The Radio
4/5
Really enjoyed the two listens. 4/5!
Yes
2/5
Gave it a listen and wasn’t engaged. This is my second Yes album and I just don’t connect with the singing or music. 2/5.
George Jones
2/5
Enjoyed some of the lyrics, the only song I found particularly interesting was “Our Private Life”. This style of slow ballad country just doesn’t appeal to me.
2/5
3/5
Enjoyed the two listens. Some good tracks such as "Greenman", "Your" Dictionary", "I Can't Own Her". Not sure I'll give it a 3rd listen, but definitely a 3/5!
Ministry
2/5
Gave it a single lesson, wasn’t my thing. Straight technical metal with no focus on melody is just not for me. 2/5
Steely Dan
4/5
On my second listen and enjoying most of it so far. Night by Night is a fantastically funky tune.
4/5 for now!
Stephen Stills
3/5
Enjoyed the two listens. Couple of good tracks. It’s definitely got CrosbyStillsNashYoung vibes. 3/5.
Soft Machine
2/5
Listened once. While I enjoyed the music as background, 18 minute tracks are not my thing. 2/5.
Stereolab
3/5
It was an interesting album. Gave it two listens. Not sure it’s for me, but I found myself enjoying the laid back electronic loops. 3/5.
Buffalo Springfield
4/5
Really enjoyed it! Not a big Crosby, Stills, Nash, Young fan but this is great! 4/5!
Prince
5/5
Incredible album. So many amazing riffs, lyrics, and grooves. 5/5!
Neil Young
3/5
Every album of Young’s, I can appreciate the music composition, but the singing is so distracting from it. Young is a phenomenal musician but a terrible singer. 3/5.
The Beta Band
3/5
Interesting album, listened twice and it hasn’t clicked yet. Good singing but not sure if I dig the compositions. 3/5 but might revisit it later.
The Beta Band
3/5
Similar to Heroes over Zeroes which I previously reviewed. Catchy and laid-back, enjoyed the listens. Not sure I would listen again after 3 listens, so 3/5 with a possible revisit at a later date.
Calexico
3/5
Enjoyed the two listens. Very folk and I enjoyed the layering of strings in the tracks. Not sure if I'll keep coming back to it, so 3/5 for now!
The xx
3/5
Fun album! Will listen again. 3/5 for solid pop and laid back vibes
The Black Crowes
4/5
Good album! Impressive that this was their first album how many classic late 80’s rock songs came from it. Twice as Hard, Hard to Handle, Jealous Again, Seeing, and She Talks to Angels are all great tracks. 4/5!
Skepta
3/5
After two listens, it's okay. It sounds very similar to Dizzy, whose cadence and attack in his lyrical delivery isn't something that I like a lot. 3/5
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
Not my thing. The blues /punk fusion doesn’t resonate with me. 2/5.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Good Dylan album. 3/5!
The Jam
4/5
Pretty good album. Two listens and there were some killer bass lines and good riffs. The Jam deserves more listens, 4/5!
OutKast
5/5
Listening anyway, but the stories, music, and rhymes on this album were the sounds of my high school years. Dre's musical prowess with Big Boi's lyrical craft make this album just as amazing today as when it was released 24 years ago.
5/5!
Guided By Voices
2/5
Gave it one listen, some ok lyrics, but the songs are short even by punk standards. No real enjoyment of the music. 2/5
Tangerine Dream
3/5
Relaxing electronica. Understand the historical significance, but I'm not a big fan of 10 minute electronica. 3/5.
The Monkees
3/5
It's an upbeat and good album. The Monkees really defined the pop sound of the 60's with the Beatles. What separates the Monkees from the Beatles is the music doesn't really enthrall me. It's good, not great. 3/5.
TV On The Radio
3/5
Not a bad album, but I concluded it wasn’t for me after a single listen. TV On The Radio seems like a band that I would like due to its similarity to Radiohead, but this album didn’t click with me. 3/5
Steely Dan
3/5
Third favorite Steely Dan album. 3/5 as I can’t see myself listening that often, but I did enjoy it.
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
The music just didn't pull me in. I struggle to appreciate albums full of ballads. I did think the lyrics were good on a few tracks, but not enough to keep me interested in a a second listen.
2/5
3/5
Fun listen, but not really my thing. Debo pioneered the punk new age vibe, but it’s kind of like Presidents of the United States for me. Would listen occasionally, but not in love with it. 3/5.
Van Morrison
4/5
Good album. Only had time for a single listen, but listening to Morrison live was a treat. 4/5!
Snoop Dogg
3/5
I know it’s one of the quintessential hip hop albums of all time, the track music saves what is otherwise not a great listen to me in my 40’s. Gin and Juice and What’s my Name are still bangers, but I can’t see myself coming back to this album. 3/5.
David Holmes
4/5
After two listens, came to the conclusion that it wasn’t bad. Not sure I would listen often, but still would reconsider. 4/5 for now!
Eagles
3/5
Good album, enjoyed the two listens. Take It Easy, Witchy Woman, and Nightingale were the songs that I enjoyed the most from the album. 3/5!
The Jesus And Mary Chain
3/5
Gave it 3 listens. Some good lyrics, but the music sounded very generic to me. Nothing really stood out. 3/5
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
I have to admit that this album is the victim of my general disinterest in prog rock. Starting an album with a 20 minute song makes this generally not to my taste. It was an ok listen, but this just isn't for me. 2/5.
The Slits
2/5
Kind of a meh album. Not a big fan of any of the tracks. Witty lyrics, but not my thing. 2/5.
Brian Eno
3/5
Enjoyed the listen. Definitely can see how Brian Eno has become big in film scoring, this early album shows his delving into these themes. 3/5 only because I wouldn't find myself putting this album on very often, but appreciate what it is.
Linkin Park
3/5
After two listens I can understand why this album is on the list. Linkin Park took the nu-metal formula and added in some solid riffs mixed with a combo of melodic singing and wailing which spoke to a lot of folks in the late 90’s. 3/5
MGMT
4/5
Enjoyed the two listens. Didn’t realize I had heard a lot of the songs before. Enjoyed the laid back sounds and chords. Newer MGMT albums haven’t clicked for me, but I like this one a lot. 4/5!
Sisters Of Mercy
4/5
Very enjoyable. Lot of Cure vibes from the album. Only had time to listen once, but would listen again! 4/5!
Metallica
5/5
One of my favorite albums of all time. This album just has incredible riffs, lyrics, and hits hard. 5/5!
Iron Butterfly
3/5
Enjoyed the two listens. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida remains a seminal track in the history of prog rock, and have a love of this song for what it did, but really do wish it was about 10 minutes shorter.
But it's a good album overall. Probably won't listen again because I'm not a huge fan of the 60's psychedelic genre, but this was a 3/5.
Hookworms
3/5
Not a bad listen. Beta Band vibes, but wasn’t something I’d listen to again. 3/5
Fatboy Slim
3/5
Gave it a listen. Good electronica, but electronica isn’t my favorite thing. 3/5, but I want to note that this is my favorite Fatboy Slim album.
Khaled
3/5
Fun album. Wasn't able to understand the words, but I did enjoy the music. 3/5!
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Lot of good songs on this album. Good long version of I Heard It Through The Grapevine is fantastic. Enjoyed the two listens! 4/5!
SAULT
3/5
An interesting R&B album. Powerful subject matter speaking to police brutality in the wake of George Floyd. At times the album had more of an electronica vibe than an R&B one. Good lyrics but lacking in powerful delivery. 3/5.
Kanye West
5/5
Classic Kanye, bumping, smooth self-awareness with a flair for storytelling. This is Kanye at his finest. It’s interesting to come back to this album and I can see where the genius of Kanye came from and the potential to see him lose himself to what he is now. When he raps “ irst Aaliyah, now Romeo must die
I know I got angels watching me from the other side”, you can see how he talked himself into his viewpoint that he’s above everyone, because he viewed himself as less than them, but he’s still here. Powerful record regardless. 5/5
Common
3/5
Common's lyrics are great, but the music doesn't move me. It’s a good album, but not one I’d come back to. 3/5.
Supertramp
4/5
Enjoyed it a lot. Was surprised because prog rock isn’t normally my thing. The sax and piano were great. 4/5!
Syd Barrett
2/5
Very similar Pink Floyd vibes, but not the music of Floyd’s that I enjoy. Interesting to see Syd Barrett’s musical voicing, but won’t listen again. 2/5
Steve Earle
4/5
Really enjoyed the album. Goodbyes All We’ve Got Left, My Old Friend the Blues, Fearless Heart all great. Solid country album, 4/5!
The Rolling Stones
3/5
A good listen, good standard blues tracks on the album. This album is very generic and doesn't really stand out in 60's rock or even against later Stones album. 3/5.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Beautiful singing by Sinatra, but not a huge fan of ballad only albums. 3/5.
Dr. Octagon
3/5
An interesting album. Not my first time listening to Dr Octagon, and I enjoyed listening once in it's entirety. For me, a lot of the music composition is good, but as an overall album, not for me. The pacing for every track is laid back, with no real change of cadence. 3/5.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
Good album. I like Isaac Hayes with his smooth tones, but this album as a whole, is not my thing. Do Your Thing detracts from the album as a prog R&B jam, which is not my thing. All of this to say this is an ok album, 3/5.
Abdullah Ibrahim
5/5
A really great album! I hadn't realized that I had heard some of these standards before. Ibrahim is a fantastic pianist. 5/5!
Incredible Bongo Band
3/5
Enjoyed the listen. Really good bongo album. Not sure how often I’d relisten to it, though. 3/5!
Simply Red
4/5
Enjoyed the two listens. Solid 80’s pop album. Money Too Hard, Jericho, and Come to Aid were great tracks. 4/5!
Ride
2/5
Shoegaze is not a genre I enjoy. This album had some small moments, but the almost conversational vocals detracted from the experience for me. In general, the lack of tempo change across albums just isn’t for me. 2/5
Dion
2/5
Runaway Man and If I can Just Get Through The Night are two okay tracks. In general, I found this album to be very average. Some solid bass lines on the second half of the album, but I didn’t enjoy the almost solely ballad vibe of the album. 2/5.
Robert Wyatt
2/5
Didn’t enjoy this one. Prog rock is hit and miss for me. Interesting musical career, but won’t listen again. 2/5
Scritti Politti
4/5
Really enjoyed the two listens. Nothing ground breaking, but I enjoyed the straight ahead pop and funky bass lines. 4/5!
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
Ok album, only listened once. 3/5 for now because I didn’t have time to give it a second listen
Rush
3/5
Ok Rush album, much prefer Moving Pictures, but the opening song was indeed epic. 3/5
The Bees
3/5
After two listens, I’ve concluded that this is a relatively chill album. How often I’d come back to it, I’m unsure, but it was worth the two listens. It really is an album of different genre influences. Psychedelic, reggae, electronic. 3/5
The Birthday Party
1/5
Did not enjoy the album at all. This might be post-punk, but I can’t even rate it high for historical context. 1/5.
Jamiroquai
4/5
Very funky, with great bass lines. I've listened to Disc 1 twice and enjoyed the listens. Has some funky/jazz elements with elongated tracks and was overall pretty good. 4/5!
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
A really good album. Good lyrics, fantastic and funky. 4/5!
Pulp
3/5
Ok album. The first half had some good stuff in it, the second half was rather mediocre and meandering. Will give it another listen on a day that isn’t album release. 3/5.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
This is one of my favorite albums of all time. The music, the funkiness, the magic of Flea, Frusciante, and Smith bringing the energy to elevate Kiedis is amazing. While Sir Psycho Sexy is one of my least favorite Chili's tracks, the rest of this album is just a gem. 5/5!
Neu!
2/5
Interesting for one listen. It was soothing experimental rock, with some ethereal vibes. In the vein of Can, which was nice to be exposed to, but won't listen again. 2/5.
Cocteau Twins
3/5
Very relaxing to listen to. However, ethereal pop with almost no danceability isn’t my thing. This is my second Cocteau Twins album and I don’t think they’re for me. 3/5 because it’s not bad, just not my thing.
The Pretty Things
3/5
Interesting concept album, definitely a 60’s rock opera. Listened twice. Had a Sergeant Pepper vibe. Appreciate it, and might listen again. 3/5!
Scott Walker
3/5
An okay album. Some pretty lyrical imagery, but I didn't find it overly memorable. 3/5.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
2/5
The album was very average. Not bad, not good. Sort of standard slow ballad rock, which is hard for me to appreciate. 2/5.
Dire Straits
3/5
I gave it two listens. So far, I do enjoy it with one major caveat. The lyrics in Money for Nothing did not age well. The homophobic language takes away from the music. Might give it a 3rd listen at some point, as so far it's hard to tell if it was intentional derogatory language or an element of the less accepting times. 3/5.
Jeff Beck
4/5
Really great blues album. Loved pretty much the entire album! 4/5!
Beatles
4/5
A really great album. I’ve never heard the White Album in its entirety. Abbey Road and Sergeant Pepper are still my favorites, but this one is great too! 4/5!
Joe Ely
3/5
Not a bad country album. Not my thing, mainly because honky tonk isn't my thing. 3/5!
George Harrison
3/5
Took one listen and I couldn't enjoy this album. Harrison's guitar playing is great, but I just couldn't connect with it. 3/5 because he's a quarter of the Beatles.
Gil Scott-Heron
3/5
Listened on YouTube because the album isn’t available to stream. It was ok, but I’m still not ready to rate it. 3/5 for now and will relisten another day.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
Weird album, very psychedelic and different for 70’s pop/rock. 3/5 because I can appreciate the originality but probably won’t listen again.
Radiohead
5/5
Recently fallen in love with this albums. Just as beautiful as Kid, Amnesiac, OK Computer, and the Bends. 15 Steps, Bodysnatchers, Videotape, Weird Fishes/Arpeggi are all great tracks. 5/5!
Talk Talk
2/5
This had a lot of Tears for Fears vibes with none of the energy. Every song just kind of meandered. No jazz chords to be found here, perhaps reviews meant to say it's jazz-prog-pop? In any event, I don't think I'll listen again. 2/5.
Duke Ellington
4/5
Good live jazz album. Good classic 50’s standards. 4/5!
Massive Attack
3/5
Good EDM. Not my general thing, but it was good for 2 listens. 3/5
Kelela
2/5
I didn't enjoy this album. All of the songs on the album have a very similar cadence, and each song just seems to be. No emotion, there's no tension and release in any of the songs. She has a great voice, but this music comp wasn't for me. 2/5.
Astor Piazzolla
5/5
Really fantastic jazz album. Love Gary Burton, and Astor Piazzolla was amazing. 5/5!
Pink Floyd
3/5
Some good music on the album. Enjoyed all the songs, but found Shine On You to be too long of a song at 24 minutes for all parts. 3/5!
The White Stripes
3/5
It's an okay album. The lack of bass in White Stripes music has always left me wanting. My Doorbell is a good track, but overall I found this album to be average. 3/5.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
3/5
Interesting album. Enjoyed the listen for its quirky trance-like rhythms and spoken word lyrics. 3/5!
fIREHOSE
2/5
Ok idea. I wasn’t a big fan of the Minutemen album, so wasn’t surprised by not really feeling this either. Some good slap, but not the kind of funk vibe I enjoy. 2/5.
Grateful Dead
4/5
It grew on me after the second listen. Really good harmonizing in the singing, and loved the blues-y, country comps. 4/5!
William Orbit
3/5
Very laid back electronica. Probably won't listen again as I don't find music like this enjoyable to just sit and listen as background music. Not because it's bad, but because I find it not engaging in the slightest. 3/5.
Hüsker Dü
3/5
This album defines the stereotype of same drum rhythm played over the same chord/rhythm progression. It wasn’t bad, but one listen was enough for me to know I won’t return to this. 3/5.
Bebel Gilberto
4/5
Really enjoyed this album. Great music, samba rhythm, and singing. 4/5!
Johnny Cash
5/5
I need to remind myself that time and perspective changes how you relate to music. Twenty years ago, I bought this album because I knew folks who told me I should appreciate Cash. I didn't and couldn't appreciate it then. Listening 20 years later, I see why everyone thought it was amazing. Beautiful songs, simple compositions that drive the storytelling and add to the lyrics. 5/5!
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Some good music in this album. Still not sure if this one will get a third listen, but Gabriel’s comps are pretty good. 3/5!
King Crimson
3/5
An ok jam rock album, not likely to listen again, but I understand that it’s kind of the birth of prog rock. 3/5.
Faust
2/5
Interesting ways of composition with tape splicing and sound experimentation, but I didn't find it appealing musically. 2/5.
Van Halen
4/5
Panama, Jump, and I'll Wait were good tracks. Hot For Teacher is pretty cringey nowadays, definitely a product of it's time.
Overall, definitely defined 80's rock. For that, it gets a 4/5, though I probably won't listen to it again minus the aforementioned hits.
Youssou N'Dour
4/5
Really great long form jazz-like songs. Great relaxing listen. 4/5!
X-Ray Spex
3/5
Cigarettes was the only song I liked after two listens. 3/5 to commemorate its contribution to punk, but not my thing.
The La's
3/5
I tried to like this album, but I came away from it not finding a connection after two listens. It may be generic feeling because it paved the way for other bands to build on their sound to create something even better, but if so I can't see it. 3/5 because maybe a 3rd or fourth listen will have me fall in love at a later date.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
4/5
Enjoyed the two listens. These four together are a powerhouse. Woodstock was my favorite song, but I want to give the album more listens at a later date. 4/5!
Talking Heads
3/5
Talking Heads proves to be interesting lyrically, but not an entire album worth of catchy lyrics mesh with the music. 3/5 with the potential for 4 after another listen
David Gray
4/5
Really beautiful album. Only got one listen, but really enjoyed the beautiful singing, lyrics, and music. Very folk oriented and wonderful to listen to, 4/5!
The Auteurs
3/5
Not a bad album, but didn't really connect with it. Solid 3/5, but probably won't listen again.
Billy Bragg
3/5
Second Billy Bragg album from this list, and I can appreciate it for the lyrics, but I can’t connect to the music. 3/5
2/5
Not a big fan of electronica and this album didn’t connect with me. His work with Bebel Gilberto was more vibrant. 2/5
Giant Sand
2/5
This band just isn’t for me. One listen and I haven’t been able to connect with the lyrics or music in a single song. Gives me a lot of Nick Cave vibes, and I just can’t bring myself to a second listen to try to maybe have it click. I don’t like the spoken word singing or the slow roll country. 2/5.
Public Enemy
3/5
After 1 listen, this is another album where I know the importance of Public Enemy to conscious rap, but the samples and rhythms don't connect. 3/5 with the premise that perhaps after further listens, I'll finally get it.
Goldie
2/5
Slow moving electronica that has some tracks that are over 20 minutes. Simply not my thing. Not unlistenable, but won’t try this again. 2/5
Beck
4/5
Another great Beck album. Awesome rhythms, great guitar riffs, even a more refined version of Odelay. 4/5!
Nanci Griffith
3/5
A pleasant listen that embodied American country music. Enjoyed the two listens, but will most likely not listen again. 3/5
The Zutons
4/5
Really enjoyed the riffs and singing on this. Zuton Fever started the album right and kept going. Nice track variety. 4/5!
Traffic
4/5
Only got one listen, but really enjoyed the album. Will need more listens, but it just seems like a lot of rock stereotypes of today are from this album. 4/5!
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
Good album, will need more listens, but it's a solid Echo album. 4/5!
Portishead
2/5
Very slow electronica. Not bad for background music, but Portishead continues not to be something I can connect with. 2/5
Aerosmith
3/5
After 3 listens, there's a few good tracks on here:
Young Lust, Going Down/Love in an Elevator, and What it Takes are pretty great. Overall though, I don't think this is the album that makes Aerosmith's guitar prowess and Tyler's vocals shine. 3/5.
Blue Cheer
3/5
Okay 60's blues rock album. After two listens, I didn't really catch the vibe that this pioneered heavy metal. It wasn't bad, but I found the vocals to be a little off-putting. 3/5.
Justin Timberlake
3/5
After two listens, I’m not sure why this album is on the list. Other than the fact that Timberlake succeeded in peeling away from N’Sync to make a decent R&B solo pop album, the singles are all this album has. 3/5 just for nostalgia
Barry Adamson
3/5
It’s a film score from a rock artist. Not bad, but it only seems to be on the list because it’s one genre imitating another (rock to film score). 3/5
Elis Regina
3/5
Really enjoyed the music and the listening. The singing being in Portuguese makes this an album I might not come back to often, but it gave me Brazilian Anita Baker vibes. 3/5!
Sugar
2/5
After two listens, I failed to see how the album was ""The last word in love songs," enthused NME, "and the full stop after heartbreak.""
The lyrics were interesting and sometimes poignant, but I felt no emotional connection to the music to feel like I would reach for this in sadness. I'll leave that to others who did it better, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains.
2/5
Radiohead
5/5
One of my favorite Radiohead albums. 5/5!
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
Good bluesy vibes. Due to the language difference, not sure how often I will pick this up, but enjoyed it. 3/5!
Mike Ladd
3/5
It's an interesting album. There's a couple of tracks, Airwave Hysteria, Bladerunners, and the Animist, that I liked. Not sure I'll listen a 3rd time due to the music comp not really calling to me. 3/5!
The Who
2/5
As a person who seems incapable of connecting with the music of the Who, this album eluded me as well. I like live albums, but this one didn’t connect. 2/5
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
This is a one listen album for me. Dexys Midnight Runners are just not a band I connect with much. Some great Irish vibes, but not something I’ll come back to. 2/5
XTC
4/5
Enjoyed my two listens. Some great tracks on here, "Dear God", "Grass", "That's Really Super, Supergirl", "Ballet for a Rainy Day". 4/5!
Pink Floyd
3/5
60's psychedelic rock that reminds me more of the Yardbirds than Pink Floyd. Not a bad album, but after two listens, I probably won't return to it.
3/5
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
Pretty good 50’s blues rock. Great harmonization, catchy riffs. Not my thing for all the time, but would listen again. 3/5
Tom Tom Club
4/5
Fantastic album, prefer Tina and Chris's work sans David Byrne in the Talking Heads. 4/5!
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
I'm not a big Run D.M.C fan. I know that they pioneered alot of the music I love today, but the slow drum beat, slow chopped lyrical delivery is a format that isn't for me. 3/5.
Klaxons
5/5
Really enjoyed this one. Great riffs, interesting lyrics. 5/5!
Richard Thompson
2/5
Couldn't listen more than once. This is my least favorite type of country music. Rhythm of the chords and the singing style were both not my thing. Perhaps it's a gem for fans of country, but this one wasn't for me. 2/5.
Donald Fagen
4/5
IGY got me. 4/5!
Bauhaus
2/5
After 1 listen, I’m not enjoying the almost spoken word singing and the music does nothing for me. It’s not bad enough for a one, so 2/5 it is.
Pere Ubu
1/5
Art punk album with nothing for me. Can’t connect to the music, singing or rhythm. 1/5
Scott Walker
2/5
Some good music, but I just can’t appreciate the lyrics or singing. Second Scott Walker album I’ve heard and just not my thing. 2/5.
The Dandy Warhols
2/5
Didn’t connect with this one other than Not if You Were the Last Junkie on Earth. All the other tracks had a meandering shoe gaze vibe of no tension/resolution. Singing wasn’t for me. 2/5
Steve Winwood
4/5
I really enjoyed the album. Winwood's got some good lyrics and a killer bassist for a lot of these songs. I don't love the album and I'm not sure why I needed to hear it before I die, but it brings me a higher love. 4/5!
Flamin' Groovies
4/5
Pretty good album. Liked the rendition of Louie, Louie and the 50's bluesy riffs. 4/5!
Anthrax
3/5
Appreciate the conscious lyrics, but Anthrax’s type of thrasher metal continues to be not my thing. 3/5
Django Django
3/5
The cadence of every song was very similar. Not bad, but after two listens didn’t connect. Weirdly did enjoy it, so 3/5.
David Ackles
4/5
Really enjoyed the listens. Beautiful story telling, orchestral pieces, and piano playing. Not complex, but incredibly moving. 4/5 only because it's not something I'd listen to often, but I really love that I found this album.
Björk
2/5
Some good compositions, but Bjork’s singing distracts from the music. This is the third or fourth album I’ve listened to and overall just can’t enjoy them. 2/5.
The Police
4/5
Really enjoyed this one. Simple and catchy bass lines. Some punk, ska, reggae, and jazzy elements. I really liked it, but don't absolutely love the Police, so 4/5!
R.E.M.
2/5
Early R.E.M. with some interesting lyrics, but I found the rhythm guitar to be repetitive and unengaging. 2/5.
Ms. Dynamite
2/5
I've listened to the album twice, and it's not for me. It's very generic to me, I feel no connection to the music, the singing, or the lyrics. TLC did this better a decade earlier with similar sounds and higher energy. 2/5
The Afghan Whigs
3/5
Ok album, I’ve had a long like not love thing with Afghan Whigs. Like a lot of the melodies of the songs, the singing sometimes detracts. 3/5!
David Bowie
3/5
Interesting album that will require another listen to see if I like it. 3/5 for now!
Taylor Swift
3/5
A good album, Swift’s at her best in her pop song creation in this album, but it’s not an album I would listen to unless my daughter asks. 3/5!
Deep Purple
4/5
Good solid blues rock album. 4/5!
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Not my favorite Zeppelin album, but a solid one! JPJ bass lines are great and Plant's guitar is amazing. Kashmir, Wanton Song, The Rover, Custard Pie are all great. 4/5!
American Music Club
3/5
Ok album, didn't grab me after 1 listen. Folk indie rock, which was ok, just didn't engage me. Unavailable on any streaming platform except tangentially via Youtube Music playlists. 3/5.
The Psychedelic Furs
2/5
A couple of cool sax solos, but couldn't get into it. It's not bad, but I'm not interested in giving a 3rd listen. 2/5.
The Doors
3/5
It's a pretty good blues album. L.A. Woman, Cars Hiss By My Window, The Changeling, and Riders on the Storm are good tracks. For me, this album gets a 3 because of the historical significance of the Doors, but not one I'd listen to again. 3/5
Japan
3/5
Ok New Wave album. I enjoyed the listen, but there was a lot of the same rhythm throughout the album to the point that I wasn't always sure when one song ended and another began. Might re-listen later, but 3/5 for now!
Crowded House
3/5
It’s a nice poppy album. The singing is good, the riffs are nice and poppy. Chord changes are nice. After two listens, I like, not love it. Chocolate Cake and a couple of the other singles are worth listening again, but as an overall album, this is a 3/5.
Tim Buckley
2/5
Gave it one listen. The lyrics were good, music was ok, and the singing wasn’t for me. 2/5
Stevie Wonder
5/5
One of the greatest musicians of our time. I don't love every single track, but this album has just so many beautiful songs (Sir Duke, As, I Wish, Saturn, If It's Magic, Ebony Eyes, Isn't She Lovely) that it's a timeless album. 5/5
Tom Waits
3/5
Tom Waits is a good storyteller, but his music is always an acquired taste for me. After two listens, still haven't acquired the taste. The disjointed rhythms aren't enjoyable. 3/5 just because I find the content of the songs interesting.
Aimee Mann
3/5
Good lyrics, didn't connect with the music though. Country is a hard one for me to enjoy. Mann's a talented songwriter, so maybe I'll try again another time. 3/5 for now.
KISS
2/5
Other than pioneering stadium rock, this album has nothing else going for it. KISS has never been my thing, as I find the music uninteresting. This album confirmed that they’re still not for me. 2/5
The KLF
3/5
Catchy EDM album. Gave me quintessential 90’s EDM vibes. It was catchy, but this genre of music continues to be something that I appreciate but won’t listen often to. 3/5.
The United States Of America
2/5
After a listen, it’s not for me. Folky and psychedelic, the music never pulls me in. It’s weird, but not in a way that I enjoy. 2/5.
Bee Gees
2/5
An album full of somber songs. Tough listen, and couldn’t appreciate it. 2/5
Fela Kuti
4/5
It's a good album, and I learned something about Kuti in the process. I never knew his political leanings and fight for non-military rule in Nigeria.
Music-wise, some really great afro-beat. 4/5!
Jack White
3/5
Jack White’s first solo album has a couple of catchy riffs, but it’s not enough after two listens for me to want more. He’s got talent, singing isn’t for me. 3/5
The Go-Betweens
2/5
Listened twice, and it didn't engage me. Music itself was very straight-ahead rock. Lyrics were ok. 2/5.
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
Franz Ferdinand's album sounds like a mash of White Stripes percussive music with the singing style of David Byrne in Talking Heads. It doesn't really appeal to me. Take Me Out is a solid single though. 3/5.
Tito Puente
5/5
Really great album. Great mambo music. Literally the epitome of the genre. When I think mambo, I think Tito Puentes. 5/5!
Girls Against Boys
2/5
Not for me. Gruff singing voice with not a lot of rhythm and the guitar attack is just repetitive. 2/5
Slade
3/5
Good straight ahead rock. Early Zeppelin singing style mixed with Aerosmith’s early straight ahead rhythm, Stones vibes. Band had more good tracks than just Cum on Feel the Noise. 3/5
The Divine Comedy
2/5
A couple of good lines in some of the songs, but the mix of britpop seemed like it tried to be too many things at once. A little Queen, a little Broadway themed. It did have a Scott Walker vibe as well, which I recognized once I read the article, but in the same vein as Walker, it felt rather inauthentic.
2/5.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Good album! Enjoyed Beyond Belief, Tears Before Bedtime, Shabby Doll, Man Out of Time, and Human Hands. 3/5!
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
An ok album. I've now gotten over my childhood hatred of Fleetwood and seen the light, but this album just wasn't for me. You can definitely hear that there's a lack of cohesion with where the band wanted to go. 3/5, because it's definitely not bad, but I won't listen again.
Deep Purple
3/5
After two listens, this is a like, not love for me. Deep Purple's heavy riffs that are extended to 7-9 minute tracks isn't my cup of tea. The music isn't enough to get lost in for that long. 3/5.
Doves
2/5
Didn’t enjoy this Doves album as much as Lost Souls. Every song had a very similar cadence, which made it hard for me to focus on the singing and lyrics. 2/5.
Fugees
5/5
A fantastic album. Like Fleetwood Mac, the Fugees were a power group that delivered lyrically with amazing arrangements, but burned bright for only one album. One of the best albums of the 90’s. 5/5!
Beyoncé
2/5
This album experiments with many different sounds and styles, but fails to exceed at any of them. There are good lyrics that are interrupted by spoken word interludes mid-song that feel out of place.
This album seems to be on the list because of the popularity of Beyoncé and not the content. 2/5
The Byrds
2/5
Didn’t enjoy this album as much as the Byrds Mr Tambourine Man. The synth sounds they had in Draft Morning were cool to hear and contemplate the idea of synth in the 60’s, but cool tech doesn’t always equate to great music. 2/5
Count Basie & His Orchestra
3/5
To me, Count Basie’s music feels like simply background jazz that needs vocals to complete it. Which isn’t fair to Basie, because his sound defined 40’s and 50’s jazz before the Bebop era. 3/5 for the history, but not an album I’ll be returning to.
Big Star
3/5
It's an enjoyable listen, but didn't actually find myself connecting with any songs in particular. Kind of just enjoyed the pop 70's rock as a whole. Epitome of a 3/5.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Amazing vocals that are always amazing to hear, but musically I uninteresting to me. I'm a casual fan of the Beach Boys and appreciate their contributions to pop, but won't listen again. 3/5
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
4/5
First listen it didn't click. Second listen I was blown away. 4/5 only because I can't see myself listening all the time, but a great prog rock/classical fusion live album!
The Blue Nile
3/5
A Walk Across the Rooftops and Stay are good tracks, but the overall cadence of the album is all the same. Not sure I’ll come back to this one. 3/5
Parliament
5/5
This is a pinnacle of funk. Dripping with space age sounds and other worldly beats, this album continues to take you to the mothership.
Handcuffs feels a little aged with the line about trying to keep women from leaving by keeping them barefoot and pregnant, but otherwise a masterpiece. 5/5!
Jane's Addiction
3/5
There is some good music on this album, but I remain intractable on Perry Farrell's singing style. Simply not for me, but I do love Navarro's guitar and Eric Avery's bass lines. Pigs of Zen, Mountain Song, and Jane Says are the tracks worth listening again. 3/5.
2Pac
4/5
Gave it four listens today. Hey Mama is still a great track, but I feel this isn’t the album where Pac’s lyrics really started to shine. 4/5
Christina Aguilera
2/5
This album tries to pay homage to a lot of genres, but the renditions of each don’t click with me. Aguilera has an amazing voice, but it’s not enough to get me to enjoy this album. 2/5
The Beach Boys
3/5
An okay album. Didn’t really understand why The Beach Boys needed a redemption record. As far as their harmonies, they were tight as always. Songs were all over the place. Student Demonstration Time was an interesting take on protests. All in all, a 3/5 because it was good to hear it but I won’t listen again.
The Who
4/5
I like the straight ahead rock and blues styles on this album. The lyrics about how a woman belongs to them is a bit cringy to hear, but the album overall is solid. 4/5!
Suicide
2/5
It’s an interesting album and I can appreciate the influence it made to minimalist synth pop, the slow low synth keyboard below disjointed spoken vocals isn’t for me. 2/5 because of the historical significance.
The Libertines
3/5
Gave it two listens. Can hear a lot of Ramones, Clash, Smiths, and Cure influences. It’s ok, but it wasn’t for me. 3/5
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
Inventive and catchy, doing a lot with just a few chords and rhythms.
Lauper's album is quirky and endearing. Enjoyed the two listens. 4/5!
Elvis Presley
3/5
Found this to be an underwhelming album from Presley. A lot of standard doo-wop and blues, which was okay, but not a lot of energy from him. 3/5
Red Snapper
3/5
Electronica is so hard for me to appreciate. I don't know how to connect with the genre and see it as background music. I don't think this was an album I needed to hear to expand my horizons on the genre and it seems to be late to the 90's EDM UK club explosion. 3/5
Sonic Youth
2/5
After multiple albums from this list, Sonic Youth continues to elude me. There’s just nothing that I can appreciate, which apparently says more about me, but it’s just never clicked. 2/5.
N.W.A.
2/5
Pioneers of late 80's/early 90's hip hop. Their experimentation with sounds and samples brought hip hop into the mainstream. I've never been able to fully enjoy the composition because the lyrical delivery has never clicked. Latest listen hasn't changed my opinion. Bad enough that a lot of the overly toxic masculine stuff is a large portion of the content of the album. The lyrical content is vapid, and while it portrays the stereotype of the view of uneducated people in poverty, I feel other artists showed the difficulty of poverty and problems with the black community and the police without all of the baggage. 2/5.
Songhoy Blues
4/5
Really interesting album with an interesting history behind it. 4/5 because I enjoyed the exposure to blues in Timbuktu.
The Coral
4/5
This album was fun! Nothing genre breaking in early ‘00’s rock, but a fun album. 4/5!
MC Solaar
4/5
Enjoyed the listen! Only caught about 10% of the meaning of the lyrics with my limited French, but the beats and samples were pretty great! 4/5!
PJ Harvey
3/5
After two listens, I wasn't a fan. Harvey's band sounds more punk in this effort and I couldn't connect with it. I can see why it's lauded, given the time period of 90's grunge. Highway 61 didn't need to be revisited like that. 3/5.
Sinead O'Connor
3/5
A fantastic singer, and a lot of good music on this album. 3/5 because while I appreciated the listen, I won't give it another listen.
Van Halen
3/5
Running with the Devil, Little Dreamer and Ice Cream Man are pretty definitive sounds of what Van Halen pioneered for the rock sound of the late 70’s early 80’s. Fun listen, probably won’t relisten often, given it’s not much of an album. 3/5!
The Prodigy
4/5
Coming back to this album after discarding it in high school, I rather enjoyed the electronic sounds and experimentation. Smack My Bitch Up is a weird track to re-hear in 2024, but I found myself enjoying every other track on the album. 4/5!
The Cult
4/5
It wasn’t genre changing, but I liked the straight ahead Van Halen/ Bon Jovi style. 4/5!
Otis Redding
4/5
Enjoyed the two listens. Redding’s bluesy vocals were a joy to experience. 4/5!
Björk
3/5
Björk's music is otherworldly. I continue to not be able to appreciate it. Glad I've given her catalogue a chance due to this list, but this one's a 3/5. Singing continues to not be my thing.
Queen
3/5
Queen II is a fun listen and I appreciate all of the sounds they experimented with in the album. 3/5 because I enjoy listening to Queen on occasion, but I don’t think this one will get a lot of relistens.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Mitchell's music and singing is beautiful. I'm glad I gave it two listens. The music itself is not something I'd come back to often. I greatly enjoyed Raised on Robbery though. 3/5!
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
4/5
Starts as a funk and R&B album and ends the album with three hard tracks pioneering the birth of conscious rap. The music is good, and the lyrics are fantastic. 4/5!
10cc
4/5
Really enjoyed it. Had some fun experimental beats and sounds. Led Zeppelin II vibes. 4/5!
Dr. Dre
3/5
Taking out that "Bitches ain't shit" just hasn't aged well, the album is one of the quintessential ganster albums of the 90's. Dre's production still slaps. Nothing But A "G" Thang is the only track that I really love on the album, so I can't give it anything higher than a 3/5.
Beastie Boys
3/5
Sure Shot, Root Down, Get It Together and Sabotage are great singles. The album overall tries to combine too many different sounds and styles for me, not many succeeding at, to say this is a highly loved album. 3/5 because I do like the Beasties, but in the grand scheme of pushing the genre forward, not an important album.
Ray Price
2/5
It’s a country album that doesn’t really do anything for me. The constant slow honky-tonk swing that permeates the record isn’t my thing. While I’m sure the singing was popular for its time, it wasn’t for me. 2/5
k.d. lang
2/5
It’s not for me. It’s a mix of slow country ballads, honky to k and blues that I just can’t connect with. The song construction isn’t bad, but I don’t feel connected to it. Also knowing this is from the late 80’s, it’s not exactly breaking new ground. 2/5.
Kings of Leon
3/5
Not a bad album. First Kings of Leon album where the vocals didn't bother me. Use Somebody, Crawl, Closer, and Sex On Fire are solid hits, though. 3/5!
James Brown
3/5
It’s a good live hype album. Lost Someone seems to be a song that was an experience live, but I didn’t get absorbed by the recording. It’s essentially the same blues progression with no changes for 11 minutes with 30 seconds between verses by Brown. I’m glad I finally listened to this album, but don’t think I’ll revisit it. 3/5
The Soft Boys
2/5
Listened to the original tracklist, not full extended album. Harmony singing style reminded me of the Beach Boys, and the music reminded me of the Yardbirds. Didn't click for me, 2/5.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
2/5
Second Jesus and the Mary Chain album. Didn’t enjoy the music. The fact that it Wikipaedia notes it was influential in shoegaze is not surprising. 2/5.
The Flaming Lips
4/5
Got about 1.5 listens. Flaming Lips layered harmonies and melodies on this album are really beautiful. It’s not something I would listen to often, but I think I’m starting to appreciate their music. 4/5.
The Thrills
3/5
I liked the premise of the album, but the vocal harmony and music didn't really connect with me after 1.5 listens. Run of the mill 3/5.
The Sugarcubes
4/5
After 3 listens, the album has grown on me. Bjork’s singing mixed with punk like song constructs connected. 4/5!
Goldfrapp
3/5
An interesting listen. Lot of gothic and chill vibes. Definitely got a 50's/60's sound scape to it. This is an album I might come back to later, but 3/5 for now!
M.I.A.
2/5
So I recognized Paper Planes, but even the recollection of the song as a popular single wasn’t enough to connect with. A lot of the experimental soundscapes seemed like different instruments that couldn’t improve upon a boring composition. The lyrics were forgettable and the delivery wasn’t great. 2/5.
The Killers
3/5
It's an okay, straight-ahead rock album. Singing is ok, the singles (Mr. Brightside, Somebody Told Me) are catchy enough. Not sure after two listens I'm in love with it. 3/5.
The White Stripes
3/5
The White Stripes have some good singles, but the album overall isn’t something I connect with. Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground and Fell in love with a Girl, and Expecting are the tracks that hit. 3/5
G. Love & Special Sauce
4/5
This was an interesting listen. Definitely a weird amalgam of blues and hip-hop, but it really clicked with me. 4/5!
Drive Like Jehu
2/5
The birth of long-drawn out emo-core was not something that I connected with or enjoyed. Didn't detest it, so 2/5.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
It’s a cool album of slow psychedelic rock tunes, and I enjoy most of the tracks. Reed’s singing is great. Pale Blue Eyes is my favorite song on this album. Murder Mystery is too spoken word for me. Overall a 3/5!
2/5
In fairness to this album, I only listened once. Yes' brand of prog rock has yet to click with me, and this album felt the same. Despite my trying to just become engulfed in the music, the 10-20 minute songs weren't for me. Technically good music playing and nothing else. 2/5.
N.E.R.D
4/5
It's a weird album, and I've enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Funky, R&B vibes with heavy rock. 4/5!
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
2/5
I didn't enjoy the singing nor the music. Every song was around the same slow cadence. Not for me despite my love of a good concept album. 2/5.
Q-Tip
4/5
This album is great! Q-Tip’s lyricism and production is fantastic. A hip hop album I missed when it released but love that found on this list. 4/5!
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
Weird album with prog rock vibes with sampling. Didn’t click for me. 2/5
The Byrds
2/5
Gave it a listen, and the Byrds foray into country music didn't really move me. It was a very typical country album. Very formulaic and not groundbreaking. Wasn't for me. 2/5.