Journey Complete!
Finisher #229 to complete the list
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Albums Rated
3.11
Average Rating
100%
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Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
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Favorite Decade
Rock-and-roll
Favorite Genre
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Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
170
5-Star Albums
98
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Duck Stab/Buster & Glen
The Residents
|
5 | 2.03 | +2.97 |
|
Scum
Napalm Death
|
5 | 2.07 | +2.93 |
|
Black Metal
Venom
|
5 | 2.47 | +2.53 |
|
GI
Germs
|
5 | 2.54 | +2.46 |
|
Slipknot
Slipknot
|
5 | 2.67 | +2.33 |
|
Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
|
5 | 2.7 | +2.3 |
|
All Hope Is Gone
Slipknot
|
5 | 2.7 | +2.3 |
|
Arise
Sepultura
|
5 | 2.73 | +2.27 |
|
Group Sex
Circle Jerks
|
5 | 2.75 | +2.25 |
|
Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
|
5 | 2.77 | +2.23 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Pearl
Janis Joplin
|
1 | 3.73 | -2.73 |
|
L.A. Woman
The Doors
|
1 | 3.67 | -2.67 |
|
Morrison Hotel
The Doors
|
1 | 3.59 | -2.59 |
|
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
|
1 | 3.5 | -2.5 |
|
Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
|
1 | 3.42 | -2.42 |
|
Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
|
1 | 3.36 | -2.36 |
|
Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
|
1 | 3.3 | -2.3 |
|
Achtung Baby
U2
|
1 | 3.3 | -2.3 |
|
Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
|
1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
|
Bad Company
Bad Company
|
1 | 3.26 | -2.26 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Waits | 5 | 5 |
| Sonic Youth | 5 | 5 |
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | 5 | 5 |
| Talking Heads | 4 | 5 |
| Morrissey | 4 | 5 |
| Johnny Cash | 3 | 5 |
| Beastie Boys | 3 | 5 |
| The Smiths | 3 | 5 |
| The Stooges | 3 | 5 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 5 |
| The Cure | 3 | 5 |
| The Velvet Underground | 3 | 5 |
| Radiohead | 6 | 4.33 |
| The Who | 5 | 4.4 |
| Pink Floyd | 4 | 4.5 |
| Pixies | 3 | 4.67 |
| Beatles | 7 | 4.14 |
| Iron Maiden | 2 | 5 |
| The Smashing Pumpkins | 2 | 5 |
| Joy Division | 2 | 5 |
| Megadeth | 2 | 5 |
| Motörhead | 2 | 5 |
| The Pogues | 2 | 5 |
| New Order | 2 | 5 |
| Rush | 2 | 5 |
| Taylor Swift | 2 | 5 |
| Ryan Adams | 2 | 5 |
| The Clash | 2 | 5 |
| Slipknot | 2 | 5 |
| David Bowie | 9 | 4 |
| Björk | 4 | 4.25 |
| Bob Dylan | 7 | 4 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 4.33 |
| Public Enemy | 3 | 4.33 |
| Yes | 3 | 4.33 |
| Queen | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Buckley | 3 | 1 |
| The Doors | 3 | 1.33 |
| Doves | 2 | 1 |
| Can | 2 | 1 |
| Baaba Maal | 2 | 1 |
| Primal Scream | 2 | 1 |
| Def Leppard | 2 | 1 |
| LCD Soundsystem | 2 | 1.5 |
| The Chemical Brothers | 2 | 1.5 |
| John Martyn | 2 | 1.5 |
| The Verve | 2 | 1.5 |
| TV On The Radio | 2 | 1.5 |
| Orbital | 2 | 1.5 |
| Suede | 2 | 1.5 |
| Barry Adamson | 2 | 1.5 |
| Miles Davis | 4 | 2 |
| U2 | 4 | 2 |
| Van Morrison | 3 | 2 |
| Arcade Fire | 3 | 2 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Love | 1, 4 |
| Metallica | 5, 3, 5, 2 |
| Kings of Leon | 4, 2, 1 |
| Bob Dylan | 3, 5, 5, 5, 5, 2, 3 |
| Elvis Costello & The Attractions | 3, 2, 4, 5 |
5-Star Albums (170)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Fleet Foxes
2/5
This is the kind of stuff that I almost hate, but don't. The music itself is okay-ish. It's kinda dull and there's a million bands out there like them. It seems pretty soulless. It's folksy music for people that are not salt of the Earth people at all. It's for people that grew up in nice, pre-packaged communities and then want to pretend they have a damn thing in common with the average Joe.
Sorry. I might've been projecting from personal experience there.
Tl;dr: it's folk music for people from the suburbs that want to cosplay as working class. The band itself is lukewarm. It's not awful but it's not good either and it just feels so inauthentic and plastic.
41 likes
Circle Jerks
5/5
Classic hardcore punk. There's no pretension here. It's a great time and at 15 minutes, you feel inspired to just listen to it again, and then maybe a third time.
Side note: I enjoy reading the negative reviews for this. Call it schadenfreude I suppose. I guess it's juvenile of me to feel that way, but I can't help it.
25 likes
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2/5
Maps is really the only thing this album has going for it and it's a good song, not a great one. The rest is mostly the worst aspects of indie meets a really toothless brand of punk rock I suppose you could call it.
Karen O has a pretty good voice. The other guys are...present. It's a shame the band didn't write more than one decent song for her to sing.
23 likes
Ryan Adams
5/5
I kove this album. Yep, Ryan is a douche and always has been. All of you up on your soapbox aren't going to sway me. If you want to whine about every creep in the music biz you might as well just give up on this project right now because I've got some baaaaad news for you.
It's a rock solid 4, but I'm making it a 5 because this overall score is criminally low.
18 likes
Paul Weller
2/5
Mostly a dull affair. There's a couple decent, songs, emphasis on decent, but nothing to write home about. Music to eat unbuttered toast to with a glass of room temperature water on the side.
14 likes
1-Star Albums (98)
All Ratings
Pink Floyd
4/5
I got pretty lucky for album #1. I'm quite familiar with this album but in all honesty I probably haven't played it in full for a couple of years now.
Shine On You Crazy Diamond is still a great song. Few bands could play ten minute plus songs that actually hold my attention like Pink Floyd.
The title track is a bona-fide classic rock staple for a reason. It's hard not to find yourself singing along.
The only problem I have with this album is Welcome To The Machine. It's not terrible, but it's easily my least favorite on the album. I know a lot of other Floyd fans like it but it remains just "okay" in my book.
Overall it's a very solid album. It's probably in my top 5 of the band, and I love me some Pink Floyd.
Missy Elliott
3/5
IThere are some pretty good songs (Work It, Can You Hear Me?) the rest was mostly just okay with the exception of Pussycat which was just kind of embarrassing, especially the explanation at the end of the track.
I know Missy is a hip hop icon but this album is just not something that I'd choose to put on in my free time. I respect her as an artist, but its just not for me.
5/10 for me. I'll give it a 3 star here just because I don't want to round down.
Pretenders
3/5
I was familiar with the hits, but leadoff track Precious is the best on the album. I wish there was more like here. Overall it's a pretty enjoyable album, but I felt it started losing a little steam toward the end.
6.5/10 or maybe 7/10
Screaming Trees
3/5
Pretty good. I had been familiar with singer Mark Lanegan's work with QOTSA amongst others but never took the plunge on a Screaming Trees album. Mark's voice is pretty great here. Some of the songs are a little bland to me, but there are some definite winners here. My personal favorite was Sworn and Broken. I feel like this album could actually grow on me if I listened to it more. I'd really like to hear their SST era stuff as well.
Somewhere between a 5 and a 6 on a 10 point scale for me.
Nirvana
5/5
I used to act like I didn't like Nirvana because they were so heralded and some of Kurt's behavior...rubbed me the wrong way I guess? I used to put my nose in the air and cry "overrated!" I was an idiot.
This album is a stone cold classic. The singles ESPECIALLY Smells Like Teen Spirit have been played to death by rock radio, but looking past that: they are great songs. My personal favorite here is Drain You. It's a true earworm and never got beaten to death on the airwaves.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
I know a lot of people really love this album, but I'm not one of them. I much prefer the first 5 Zeppelin albums. That said, this is still a enjoyable album it's just a bit bloated. I could honestly do without anything after In The Light with the exception of The Wanton Song. I think a few songs could've been trimmed a bit too like the forementioned In The Light which is really good...3 minutes in.
There are some true bangers here though. Custard Pie, House's of The Holy, and Kashmir at top rate Zeppelin.
If this album had some of the fat trimmed it would be as great as the first 5. So for me this one is a 6/10. You could definitely spend your time listening to worse faire.
The Black Keys
2/5
I never really cared for the limited exposure I had to this band and this album didn't do much to change my mind. The opening track is pretty good, but it quickly went downhill for me. Aside from the occasional bass line or vocal delivery nothing much really caught my attention. I just kind of went along with it for just under an hour.
The band clearly has some chops but this just isn't for me. The music can be a bit dull and the vocals are mostly just average at best.
3/10. I'm sure there are others who will really dig this though.
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
This is a modern classic. I'm not the biggest hip hop head but I know what I like and I REALLY like this. The music, the guests, the lyrical concepts. It's just a great piece of art.
10/10 all the way.
a-ha
2/5
Take On Me is a classic of the decade...the rest is not so much. It's not a terrible listen. The singer is pretty good and it's never painful to listen to, but it's just kind of there. In fact it's pretty frustrating. They come so close to making good, memorable songs but just fall short.
5/10. I wish I could give out half stars.
Fugazi
5/5
A masterpiece of post-hardcore. It doesn't get much better than this.
Deep Purple
3/5
I feel like I should like this more than I do. I can't say that I strongly disliked any parts of it, I guess I was just disappointed that I wasn't more blown away by a band thats so highly influential. Not bad by any means though. I would consider listening to it again.
6.5 to 7 out of 10
The Beach Boys
3/5
I'm still not quite sure how I feel about by this one. There are some truly wonderful songs here and some duds as well. The sound and lyrics of this record were very surprising to me.
Going to give it a 3 for now. I think it could potentially be a 4 for me with some more listens.
Beatles
4/5
Not my favorite Beatles album. Very all over the place musically which is both its strength and weakness. The highs are very high the lows...well even the lows are pretty good. I want to give it 5 stars because it's very enjoyable, but it just isn't a 5 star album.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
While there aren't any bad songs (The Night Time is The Right Time comes close though) I found that most of the songs were just pretty good, not great. Of course there are some classics here too. I would certainly listen to it again but I'd like to hear more of CCRs discography first.
7/10
Radiohead
3/5
It's hard to review this album on its on merits. It's the stepping stone between the debut and the lofty heights they would hit going forward. There are some really good songs here but also some so-so ones. It's definitely worth listening to, even if pretty much everything they've done after is much grander and better.
Black Star might be the most underrated song in their discography. An absolute gem of a deep cut.
7/10
Grizzly Bear
1/5
Absolutely boring. It was nearly an hour of my life that I will never get back. Aside from some nice vocal harmonies I do not understand the appeal of this sleep inducing music could possibly be.
2/10
PJ Harvey
3/5
Not bad. I didn't love it but there were definitely some good songs here. A few that were just kind of there. I would consider listening to it again or more of her work in the future.
Somewhere between a 5 or 6 out of 10
Lana Del Rey
4/5
Very good album. Probably my favorite of Lana's to date; however I don't think it should be here yet. I think a 5 year wait minimum to see if it passes the test of time. Just my 2 cents.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Much like Green River, I enjoy the high points on this album very much. There's a couple songs, covers mostly, that don't excite me so much. John Fogerty is such a great singer that he really makes even the lesser songs have some appeal. My only other gripe is that while "Grapevine" is a great song, 11 minutes is a bit much.
7/10
The Kinks
3/5
It's not bad, but very little really jumped out at me. I'd rather listen to their peers of the day than this if I'm being completely honest.
5 to 6 /10
5/10
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
The vocals were pretty bad, the music was sometimes not so bad...Sometimes. Overall I would've been fine if all I had ever known from this band was Come on Eileen.
Shuggie Otis
2/5
Not bad. I wasn't really engaged with it though. It seems like some good background music.
5/10
Kate Bush
2/5
More interesting and respectable than it is good to be honest. I don't mind experimentation in music at all, but the results here are something of a mixed bag. Not terrible, but not something I'd really want to listen to over and over. I would consider giving it another try down the road.
5/10
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
It was cool. Not something I could see myself going back to a lot but it was a good experience.
7/10
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
I want to give this 1 star because the singing annoyed me so much. However if I'm being honest the instruments sound quite lovely in places. Overall I found this mostly a dull affair. I don't think I will ever revisit this.
3/10
Charles Mingus
4/5
I dont really feel "qualified" to judge this album as I've never been a big jazz guy. However I know what I like, and I like this.i will definitely come back to this one again.
Dire Straits
2/5
I was intrigued by this album. As far as the big classic rock bands go this is one that I hadn't heard much of.
I wasn't missing much.
I found it pretty boring, a bit meandering. I would say I don't get it but I like some bands that are fairly similar. Sultans of Swing is pretty cool though.
Not my bag, baby
Bob Dylan
3/5
I like Bob Dylan. However I still think this is perhaps his most overrated album. It's not bad but only a few of the songs really grab me. The harmonica playing on this album can be really shrill at times which doesn't help.
That said, Sad Eyed Lady of The Lowlands is tremendous and the harmonica playing there is rather nice. It's definitely one of my favorite songs of Dylan.
I know a lot of people love this album. I merely just like this album and would rather listen to several other of his works before picking this one.
Paul Weller
2/5
Mostly a dull affair. There's a couple decent, songs, emphasis on decent, but nothing to write home about. Music to eat unbuttered toast to with a glass of room temperature water on the side.
Pavement
3/5
I never really got Pavement. I appreciate their influence on other bands that I enjoy more than the band itself. This album is fine. Maybe some day it will really click. Not today.
Cream
4/5
Great album. Not quite a 5 star album for me bit it's still a total blast. Bonus points for being just a little over 30 minutes. I like records that don't plod on.
John Cale
3/5
I love The Velvet Underground but never listened to a John Cale album. The reason: John Cale had a great musical mind, but the times when he provided his vocals to the band were pretty god awful. That's pretty much what happened here.
The music is pretty cool for the most part. The opening song had my attention but Cale is just not a vocalist that I enjoy. The vocals just bring down the overall quality of the songs.
I would consider listening to this again someday. I think it could maybe grow on me
Louis Prima
4/5
This was a lot of fun. I think I need more of this kind if music in my life. I can't give it a 5 but there's really not a bad song in here.
The Jam
3/5
The Jam and a Paul Weller album in the same week. Interesting.
It's an OK album. The good songs are pretty damn good but there are several just okay ones the went by without being very memorable. The good outweighs the bad here so I will give it a 3 while I still pine for half star options.
Sister Sledge
2/5
I was not pleased to see a disco album here. I have a bias. I'm sorry. However I didn't really hate it. I actually liked the funkier parts a bit.
My main problem with the album is that some of the songs go on longer than I need them too. The opening track which is a pretty good song otherwise could've tapped out about 2 minutes sooner.
I'm on the fence between a 2 and a 3 here. It really should be a 2.5 for me. I'm leaning toward a 3 for being better than I expected...but no it's a 2 because disco sucks. Sorry. Bias wins.
Bon Jovi
1/5
I groaned when I saw this as my album of the day; but as one does I soldiered through it and thought that maybe I would be pleasantly surprised by the deep cuts.
I was not. They were exactlt what I expected them to be.
To be fair I can see why people would like this, but its just not for me at all.
To be unfair there were so many better metal albums released in 1986, some that were rather iconic even. The fact that this album helped push the godawful genre of hair metal to new heights of popularity is an unforgivable sin. Frig off, Bon Jovi.
Love
1/5
I first heard Love almost 20 years ago. Swooned over by Rolling Stone and their ilk as ahead of their time I checked out Forever Changes (I suspect we will meet again eventually) and I hated it.
Well I still hate Love. Of course this is a different album and I hoped it would be a better experience, but it was not. My entire listening experience left me making the face of McKayla Maroney (Google that if you need to) as I was very unimpressed for the duration.
There are a few scattered moments that I didn't hate but they were fleeting. I didn't like one song in its entirety. The 18 minute jam was especially bad. Surprsingly, I did like the drum solo snd unless I was hallucinating I swear I heard Chewbacca like noises briefly. 5 stars for Chewbacca.
1 star for annoying hippie crap. Don't believe the hype: the were "overlooked" for a reason.
Circle Jerks
5/5
Classic hardcore punk. There's no pretension here. It's a great time and at 15 minutes, you feel inspired to just listen to it again, and then maybe a third time.
Side note: I enjoy reading the negative reviews for this. Call it schadenfreude I suppose. I guess it's juvenile of me to feel that way, but I can't help it.
David Bowie
3/5
Not my favorite style for Bowie. It's still pretty good though. The opening and closing track were hits for a reason. Absolute ear worms.
Overall it's worth a listen once in a while I suppose. I'd rather go with glam Bowie or Berlin trilogy Bowie in most instances.
Public Enemy
5/5
A classic of the genre. It's simultaneously fun to listen to and thought provoking. I could see some people not enjoying the old school sound, but I love it.
Waylon Jennings
4/5
I love Waylon. He's one of the absolute beet country musicians to walk the earth in my book. I want to give this a perfect score but I can't. I just think he has better albums than this. It's still really good though. It's just a shame that there's not much (mainstream) country that sounds even close to as good as this anymore.
OutKast
4/5
A super important record to me. This was the first hip hop album I ever purchased. I had always been into other genres and never really understood rap so this album has a big nostalgia hit for me as a big door opener.
That said, the album is still really good all these years later. Almost every song is solid. I actually forgot how good Humble Mumble and Red Velvet are to my ears. The 3 big singles from this album are still amazing.
Snappin' and Trappin', We Love Deez Hoez, and Stankonia (Stanklove) are the only songs that I could take or leave. The skits are also something I could do without. Thankfully they are all pretty short.
Part of me wants to give this 5 stars because of my personal attachment and the soaring high points of the album, but I think it's a 4 at this point for me. Still great and highly recommended but not perfect.
Led Zeppelin
2/5
I wasn't especially fond of this album when I first got into Zeppelin, and I'm actually less fond of it now.
I never really liked blues rock all that much, though there are certainly outliers. This album is way too blues heavy that it feels plodding and much less exciting than the band they would become in a very short time.
I can understand why this album is held in high regard, but its just not for me. There are several better albums by the band, this one can be largely ignored I my opinion.
OutKast
4/5
2 (well 3ish) Outkast albums in 3 days. If Aquemini is on this list (and you can certainly say that it should be) maybe I'll get it soon as well.
Like Stankonia this album has some nostalgia me. There are some solid songs to be heard on both discs (let me pretend it's still 2003 when I was still a teenager, had hair, and hope for the future)
The only downside is I never really go to these albums with regularity. I prefer Andre and Big Boi doing their thing together. Big Boi's more conventional album is a nice juxtaposition to Andre's more experimental project but it just doesn't feel quite right to me.
This is a 3.5 for me but I'll give it a 4 because I'm sure a lot people gave it a low score without even listening to these albums.
4/5
Loretta is a truly wonderful performer. There's a reason why she's a country music icon. The only thing keeping this album being a 5 for me is that some of the songs can start running together a bit towards the end of the album. Highly recommended.
Mercury Rev
3/5
I had never heard of this band before today. It definitely does have a Flaming Lips vibe going on. The opener is pretty damn good followed by mixed results.
I could see myself returning to this one in the future. It could be a grower. As of right now I'd rather just listen to Holes and then put on a preferred Flaming Lips album if I was looking for something like this.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Enjoyable for sure. There are some really great songs here. However, the album is a bit bloated with a nearly 2 hour play time. Some songs couldve been trimmed a bit and some just aren't that great period.
Overall, I liked this album but in the future I will probably only revisit certain songs or listen to it in chunks due to the length.
Various Artists
4/5
I'm not a big xmas music guy, but this was really good. All of these songs are performed very well, especially the ones done by The Ronettes. It was nice to be able to include my family in this project for one day.
Youssou N'Dour
2/5
Definitely mixed feelings on this one. This is definitely different from my usual listening. Overall, it's not too bad. The instruments are quite good at times but sometimes I found myself getting bored with the length of these tracks. I didn't really care for the vocals either, not because I didn't understand the language but just the overall style.
I hate to shit on this album too much because it seems like something I'm just not accustomed to. I can't lie and say that I really enjoyed it though.
Aerosmith
2/5
I likes it just a bit more than I thought I would. The first two tracks really aren't that terrible, not all that good either. There's some admirable guitar playing on this album but the vocals annoyed the shit out of me.
Somehow better than expected, but as highly doubt that I will ever listen to this again.
Merle Haggard
4/5
Of course it's great, it's Merle Haggard. Great music for road trips, especially sections of highway that are less congested so you can just sit back and relax a tad.
Iron Maiden
5/5
Not my personal favorite Maiden album, but it is certainly a beast (pun intended) and it's number is 5.
Up the irons.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
This is just a great album through and through. The big hits (Today, Disarm) are great and the non-singles are just as good if not better. Mayonnaise is just amazing, but even better if you're in a brooding state of mind.
Some of the songs might not quite be 5 star level, but the ones that are more than make up for it.
Jamiroquai
2/5
Hey, I love Virtual Insanity! Oh...that's not on here? What the hell?
"What The hell?" indeed. I always thought this band was a one hit wonder, which I guess is only really true on this side of the Atlantic. I figured there had to be something of value here since this album both made the list and doesn't include the only song I know from them. There is...kinda.
Everything pretty much sounds like it's about 20 years older than it's release date. I think the singers name is Jay, but I prefer "the hat guy", the hat guy is a decent enough singer. He definitely has heard Stevie Wonder before and I'm pretty sure he really liked what he heard.
The music itself is...also decent. Unsurprisingly the music also sounds like it could've come out of the 70's for much of the run time. It's funky. It's good in places for a bit...but then it goes on and on and tests my patience.
It would be too harsh to say that I didn't like this album. It was just fine I guess. Why would I listen to this when George Clinton albums exist? It would've been more tolerable with about 10-15 minutes trimmed. It just doesn't do anything good enough to really justify listening to.
Sorry hat guy. Virtual Insanity was pretty dope though. Maybe that album is better?
Peter Tosh
1/5
I like plenty of ska from first to third wave. It seems like reggae would be something I should enjoy as well. I went into this hoping that maybe I would find some enjoyable reggae. I did not. What I did find was a headache after tapping my fingers just waiting for it to end. I did not enjoy any aspect of this album at all except that it wasn't especially lengthy.
Tom Waits
5/5
There's no one else like Tom Waits. I can understand why he wouldn't be enjoyable to a lot of people but if you get what he's putting out then you're probably going to love him.
Its probably not my favorite from this legend but its among them
LCD Soundsystem
1/5
I remember the hype around this band when they were first active. I didn't get them at the time. It just seemed like uninteresting, privileged kid indie rock.
Now here I am in 2022 and still unimpressed. Very unimpressed. At least back then they had the song about Daft Punk or whatever which was tolerable. Nothing here is. It's just both bland and annoying.
I could've maybe thrown this a 2 if it wasn't so much of a slog to get through. Then when the light at the end of the tunnel appears: a 12 minute borefest to close it out. I don't deserve that, do I?
I have no clue why this album would be deemed essential. I have avoided looking at the list as best I can but I assure you far more interesting or better performed albums have been snubbed for this. I have no idea why this is here. It is tofu without marinade, seasoning or what have you. To the Pit of Doom with you.
SAULT
3/5
I had never heard of this album or group until today. It was interesting and a pretty enjoyable listen. I will probably come back to this one again some time.
The Zombies
3/5
I only knew Time of The Season and This Will Be Our Year going in. This album has quite the reputation so I was expecting something great. What I got was something good but not what I'd consider great. There's absolutely nothing bad about any of this songs. They are all pretty enjoyable. It's just that they don't really hit any high points. The 2 songs I knew going in are easily the best on this album.
I would definitely consider giving it another go sometime with tempered expectations.
Michael Jackson
5/5
Not much to say here. It's a classic album. Not a bad song to be found. I could nitpick some things about some songs but overall this album is just fun to listen to. It's great.
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
It can be a bit too twee at times and it's not something I can just listen to anytime, it's a very specific mood. However it is pretty damn enjoyable when I want to listen to it.
2/5
It started off tolerable. By the middle I was quite ready for it to be over. There's better albums in this genre by a mile. Some songs wouldn't be bad if I heard them on the radio or a playlist with other artists of the era or something but their style becomes tiresome quickly
Tito Puente
4/5
My only exposure to Mr. Puente before today was in an episode of The Simpsons. I am very unfamiliar with this kind of music but it sure was fun. I could see myself coming back to this maybe exploring a little more of his work. I don't think I could listen to a lot of it but it would ve a nice change from the norm.
Wire
5/5
Even if the songs weren't great (they are) it could be a 5 star album just for the amount of influence it's had on so many bands and artists that I enjoy. It's just all around great.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2/5
Maps is really the only thing this album has going for it and it's a good song, not a great one. The rest is mostly the worst aspects of indie meets a really toothless brand of punk rock I suppose you could call it.
Karen O has a pretty good voice. The other guys are...present. It's a shame the band didn't write more than one decent song for her to sing.
Joy Division
5/5
A classic. The only track I don't care for much is Candidate, but its at least ok. This album is so influential, so emotional, just so damn good.
Megadeth
5/5
A classic of thrash. Dave's vocals are a acquired taste I suppose you could say, but the music itself is great. After this it was diminishing returns but those first few Megadeth albums are beloved to many a metalhead.
Miriam Makeba
3/5
Another hard to rate album. Miriam definitely has a great voice but in all honesty the songs and style just aren't really for me. This is really a 2.5 but I'm going to bump it to a 3 since I've given for worse a 2.
Joni Mitchell
2/5
It's fine. Not my style and a bit boring but I didn't hate it. I have nothing against Ms. Mitchell and she seems a fine musician.
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
Overrated but still good. Dreams and The Chain are top notch. There rest ranges from average to pretty good, but not truly great. Don't Stop borders on being annoying.
If you took the lesser songs off this album and combined the strong songs here with the best cuts of the self titled album you'd have a 5 star masterpiece. More Stevie would've helped too. More Stevie is always good.
This is probably a 3.5 or 4. I'm giving it a 3 because my lord is it overrated.
The Chemical Brothers
1/5
Not my style of electronic music at all. I could've tossed a 2 it's way for being competently made and whatnot, but God did it annoy me before it's run time was up.
Elastica
2/5
Not particularly exciting. They also plagiarized Wire. I could forgive that if they at least had some solid songs of their own. It's just another meh album that wasn't awful but is far from special. At least it wasn't EDM like I thought it was going to be for some reason.
Johnny Cash
5/5
A great album by one of the greatest songwriters of his era. A very moving, extremely well done mix of originals and covers that feel like they could be his own. Highly recommended much like the other albums in the American Recording series.
Green Day
4/5
I loved this album in 2004. I don't love it as much today, but I still had fun listening to it. I actually had to skip a lot of the big hits because radio has played them to death. There's still a lot to like about this album. A couple songs are just ok, but overall it's a very solid listening experience. It's too bad this is probably the last album they ever put out that's worth listening to.
This is probably a 3 to 3.5 tops but nostalgia is a hell of a drug and Green Day was one of the biggest bands of my childhood so 4 it is.
Miles Davis
1/5
I hated this album when I first heard it 20ish years ago and I still hate it now.
I know Miles Davis is a jazz legend. I do enjoy some of his other work, Kind of Blue for instance; but this is just unappealing noise to me. Hell, I even like some true blue noise artists but this just outright turns me off.
I know a lot of people love this album and I'm glad that they can get into it but this just isn't the kind of jazz that I enjoy and the near 2 hours of this is like time in the dentist's chair to me.
Sorry, Miles. You'll get a much kinder score when Kind of Blue inevitably appears as my album of the day.
Liz Phair
3/5
I can hear this albums influence on many records in the indie world since it was released. Points for that. I have to say that I think listening to the album is a mixed bag though. There are some solid songs but I think they are outnumbered by songs that do little for me by about a 2 to 1 ratio.Yet another album that really could've edited down a bit in my opinion. 2 stars for the music 1 for the lasting influence
The Dictators
5/5
Somehow back when I was exploring the big proto-punk bands like The Stooges, MC5, Velvet Underground etc I never got in The Dictators. Boy was I missing out. This is so much fun and I definitely can tell that they were super influential to many other bands I like. 4 stars for the album, the 5th for the big time influence power
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
2/5
Another hard to rate album. I guess its a important jazz album to fans and musicians in the genre but I only enjoyed it in chunks and would often find myself just unable to focus on it.
It's not bad really. It would probably make a good background album for atmosphere but I could never find myself listening to it for pleasure. A 2 I guess but it really isn't so bad.
Gang Of Four
5/5
Another classic in the punk family tree. A bit like Wire, but more groove I guess I would call it. So many of those dance/rock bands (The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, The Faint etc) owe debt to Gang of Four. It's a fine album. I give it a 4 for the music and a 5 for the influence factor.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
1/5
Annoying hippie blues based rock complete with "jam parts" and Joplin's annoying as hell vocals. Why she's considered such a legend is seriously beyond me.
The only good thing about this album was the cover art.
Rod Stewart
2/5
Well, that was dull. Rod isn't really a bad singer and the instruments seem good in terms of proficiency but together they don't really make memorable songs.
Maggie May was the lone song that I enjoyed and I've been familiar with that song for ages. The song where he broke into Amazing Grace was memorable for being unexpected/weird but nothing else stuck all. It just existed.
Not terrible, but I wouldn't really want to hear it again by choice.
The Avalanches
3/5
This one was all over the map. I liked it on places, got bored/detached at others. It's easily the best album I've gotten in this genre so far. I think this album could be a grower for me.
Marianne Faithfull
3/5
Not bad, not great. The backstory on the album and Marianne's career is interesting . Would listen to it again but not anytime soon.
Janelle Monáe
3/5
This album is all over the place. It's not sloppy but it has a lot of different sounds and styles. There's a couple really good tracks here (Oh, Maker and BabopbyeYa) and some that are performed well but didn't really stand out, and honestly a few less than interesting ones. Make The Bus is the only one I outright did not like.
For now I've got to give this a 3, bordering on 4. I think I will be looking into more of her work and giving this one more listens down the road.
Bob Dylan
5/5
Absolute classic. One of 3 Dylan albums I consider my go-tos for him. All killer, no filler here.
The Young Rascals
2/5
Not terrible but not very exciting. It's just there. One of those albums. There were so many big, game changing albums in 1967 and this ain't one of 'em.
3/5
I want to rate this higher because they influenced so many bands that I love. There's a lot of energy and grit on display here BUT...it's not that great. The title track is a classic and there's a few other good songs but a lot of it just doesn't hold up. Other people took inspiration from them and improved on it greatly.
I'm very grateful that MC5 existed but they might be my least favorite of the proto-punk bands. 2 stars for the album add another for the path they paved.
Nick Drake
4/5
Very bare bones, but very haunting and well made. I think this album was perfect for today, it really struck a nerve with me. Not sure how I might feel about it in a few weeks, months, etc but as of right now I really appreciate it.
Yes
4/5
When I first started exploring prog this album and Yes in general were an early stop. Ah, I miss the days when I got used records for a buck...
Anyway this is a solid Yes album, but not their best. Their best was released later in the same year, hell the album released the following year was better than this too. There I go getting off track again.
Anyway, this is just a good, enjoyable Yes album. If you don't like cheese you will probably hate it. Despite the dated sound in some aspects its pretty damn enjoyable. There's so many great musicians in this band and Jon Anderson has a pleasant voice if you ask me.
One last thing: why did they go through with naming a song The Clap? How unfortunate.
PJ Harvey
3/5
Most of it was pretty good, some not so great stuff in there. I like the "punkish" energy that some of the songs have. Really didn't seem essential listening to me but I might go back to some of those songs again someday.
Portishead
4/5
Going in I only knew Glory Box because my wife put that on a mix CD when we first started dating. I liked the song but never felt the need to check out the band further.
I probably should have because this was a fun listen. Very relaxing in its way. I know next to nothing about the genre but I know what I like. Some songs were admittedly not as good as others but overall very good. I'd probably give it a 3.5 but the album made me think of my wonderful wife who I love dearly, so a 4 it is.
Derek & The Dominos
2/5
There was a lot to unpack here. I had somehow not heard of this band ever. Based on the name I thought it was going to be an early rock'n'roll type album. You know, the kind playing at the soda fountain/ sock hop/ whatever the hell kids did back then. It was not. It's a blues rock album. I typically hate blues rock. I also have ambivalence about Clapton. I think he can be pretty good at times (Cream, a couple solo tracks) or insufferable at others (most of his solo work, his personality)
I was anticipating a 1 star album especially with that run time, but I was surprised, well a little anyway. The first few songs were not bad at all. I actually kinda dug em. Despite the title Bell Bottom Blues was probably my favorite track here.
Then the downslide came. Key To The Highway and most of the album on was not for me. Long winded. Blues heavy. Uninteresting. God I hated Key To The Highway. Stick a car key in my ear drum level hate.
Things got better with Little Wing but then went south again. The big hit and title track of this album kinda sucks. Somehow I never heard it in my 36 years prior and I didn't really need to. A bit wanky and not that interesting.
Overall it wasn't THAT bad. It could've been pretty damn good if some tracks were cut or edited down a bit. Probably a 3 overall but loses a whole star for Clapton being a chode and more importantly for Key To The Highway being almost 10 minutes of blues rock bullshit. God.
David Bowie
4/5
A solid effort by Bowie. Not his best work but still really good. Ziggy era Bowie was surely some of his best material if not THE best.
The Specials
4/5
The Specials are surely one of the best ska bands to grace the planet. That being said this is a very good album. Not 5 stars but if you like ska you will almost certainly like this.
Beastie Boys
5/5
I've been a big fan of the Beastie Boys for many years. I'm not sure if this is my favorite, but its up there. It does admittedly lose a little steam after Get It Together but it's still good and is a very creative album. Its probably a 4 star album overall, but it gets a 5 from me for the bold choices made.
The Stranglers
5/5
I cant believe this wasn't on my radar before. This is just fun from start to finish. A really pleasant surprise. I look forward to hearing more from them. Seriously, how did I not hear them before today?
Fred Neil
1/5
Pretty dull. Fred's voice reminds me a tad of Waylon Jennings sans southern accent and charisma. The best song on here was performed much better by Harry Nilsson. There's really not much to praise. I'd give it 2 stars but then that last song went on forever and pissed me off. I hate those kinds of songs.
Public Enemy
4/5
A really good album. There's definitely a lot to like here. Chuck D is great as to be expected. Flavor Flav has his finest moment in "9-1-1 is a Joke" and Terminator X supplies some great beats. However, there are some hiccups.
Pollywanacracker has some weird vocal fry stuff that just grates on me. I can't stand it. I feel like the album loses some steam starting with "Can't Do Nuttin For Ya Man" they're not bad songs but the real greatness doesn't come back for me until the closer, the classic "Fight The Power"
Overall it's a really good album, it's just not quite as good as "It Takes A Nation..." Still very much worth listening to.
Pulp
1/5
I wish this was a hardcore album. While I doubt Pulp would've put out a punk classic the running time would've been much shorter. Instead we get some Bowie worship that just isn't that appealing to me. It would've been a 2 star but it met the 1 star criteria: I couldn't wait for it to end and had to listen to something I liked afterward to get the "stank" out.
I don't like Pulp in my o.j. and I don't seem to like it in my music library
The White Stripes
3/5
Seven Nation Army is a great song but is amongst the likes of"Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "Stairway To Heaven" in the songs I like but never really need to hear again due to overexposure category.
The rest of the album is fine to pretty good. Jack White isn't the best singer but he plays guitar very well. Meg White always got so much disrespect but her drumming doesn't take away from the songs at all .
All in all it's an album that I liked more 20 years ago. It's not a bad listen, but I don't feel compelled to revisit it very often.
Chicago
2/5
Prior to hearing this I was only familiar with their really lame, sappy soft rock hits. I was expecting another 1 star especially with that run time. Well it was a little better than I expected, but not much. It started out okish but just turned into a slog and don't even get me started on the self indulgence.
There's a good case to cast this into the gutter, but there are some pretty cool moments with the brass that give it some redeeming value. Regardless I don't really want to cross paths with this or any Chicago album again.
Tom Waits
5/5
Pretty much what I said about Swordfishtrombones applies here: Not everyone is going to like Tom, but if you do you are probably going to love him. I don't know that it's my favorite album by him but I don't know that I do have a favorite. It's a great time. What a one of a kind talent.
The Police
4/5
A really good album. There's a lot of big hits to be found here and frankly I feel they all deserved to be. Mother is a weird song, but I don't hate it. It just doesn't fit and should've been scrapped.
I don't think it's quite 5 star level but it is definitely a good listen.
Isaac Hayes
2/5
That main theme sure is a classic. The rest is not great. It's not super terrible but I'd be lying if I didn't think of elevator or hold music while portions of this album played. I get that it's a soundtrack so there's a reason for so many instrumentals but Isaac Hayes had such a cool voice and I wish it had been used here more often.
Come for the main theme and check out after. The movie is pretty good too.
Carole King
5/5
I did not realize that Carole was such an incredible songwriter. This album is packed with radio staples; some would become hits with others performing but they are here just the same.
I thought it was an above average album as while the so gs themselves are brilliant, the performance isn't always amazing. I'm not really a big fan of soft rock but this was about as good as the genre can get. I guess that's backhanded praise but it is what it is.
In the end, I have to give this one full credit. I usually score based upon my own enjoyment, but my enjoyment would probably be a 3 or a 4. This album deserves a 5 because it's just masterful songwriting. It's a undeniable classic.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
2/5
Prior to today I couldn't name a single song from this musical act. I knew they were pretty popular and revered and that Neil Young would later join them and that about covered it. Somehow I didn't know a single song or album title.
Well I wasn't missing much. The whole thing came across as bland folk. They have fine harmonies and whatnot and it wasn't annoying level bad but I was not entertained by any of it. There was no standout. It just went on.
Fortunately this album is relatively short. I don't think I will ever come back to this one.
MC Solaar
1/5
I just found this pretty forgettable. I can't remember anything about it after listening to it aside from the fact that it was in French.
The Fall
4/5
It's a solid album. I honestly don't have too many thoughts other than I thought it was very good but not quite great.
The Flaming Lips
4/5
The first time I ever heard this album was when I was getting a tattoo done. Fight Test had me hooked but as it went on I was more and more intrigued to hear the entire thing. I went out and bought it the next day. I loved it.
Now that the pointless anecdote is out of the way: this album is still really good. I don't listen to it as much but it's still somewhat in my rotation. At the very least I have to hear some of the songs every once in a while.
It's definitely a 4 star album. Not every song is great but there's certainly a lot here to like. It's a good time. Very tranquil most of the time.
Talking Heads
5/5
While listening to this I thought to myself "this is about as good as I remember it. But they did top this album later. This is probably worth a 4" by the end of the album I was in such a good mood that I think it deserves the full 5. Even if it doesn't "deserve it" its getting it from me anyway and no one can stop me.
Dr. Dre
5/5
A classic. Dre may not be the greatest rapper out there but Snoop carries a lot of the load for him. The G funk sound is just amazing. While Dre may be a bit deficient in mic skills he is a God of beats. Some of the greatest songs in the history of the genre are found here.
The only real negatives I can think of are when Snoop is absent from the tracks. It's most notable in the second half of the album. The lyrical content is also a bit iffy. I'm not a big fan of some of the choices made, but it was 30 years ago. Times were different. Even so the gangsta era of rap was always a bit of a double edged sword. There were some absolute brutal lines delivered that just sounded awesome or ice cold but one has to wonder how much damage might have been done by glorifying this lifestyle. I'm not some uptight Tipper Gore type but I don't thinknit can really be ignored either. Just something to think about or debate.
Uh, anyway this album is an all time great. It helped put Snoop on the map and is just so damn fun to listen to. Any negatives are immediately offset by legendary beats and songs. 5 stars all the way.
The only real
Frank Black
3/5
I really like Pixies but never heard much of Frank Black (Black Francis) outside of that band. I was really interested in hearing this and I neither disappointed nor enthralled. There's a mix of good and not that good to be found here. There's a lot of genre hopping. Some works better than others to be sure. The biggest con to me is that the album is an hour long. Some of those less interesting songs could've been cut to make a leaner, more enjoyable experience.
Overall, not bad. Just a bit bloated.
ZZ Top
3/5
It's fun for a bit. There's definitely some fun, catchy riffs. I can't imagine not enjoying at least a few songs here just for that alone.
The vocals aren't so great. Some songs don't work for me at all. I don't have a heap of praise but it really was a enjoyable listen for the most part.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Obviously there is truly some remarkable guitar work to be found here. That's Jimi's strength and it is mighty. That's not quite enough to get this album a 5 star from me though. Jimi isn't a bad singer, but he's nothing special. He certainly doesn't hurt anything with his vocals but nothing is really elevated either. There's also a few songs that aren't really that good. Third Stone From Earth grated on my nerves.
This would be a 5 star album for influence and guitar work. Unfortunately factoring in some grievances and nitpicks I have to max it out at 4. I'm sure this has enough 5's that no one will be too upset.
Ute Lemper
3/5
What a mixed bag. I wasn't sure what to expect going in but I saw names like Tom Waits and Nick Cave so I was hopeful.
I think this music works better in small doses. I could see myself listening to more of her work and some of the songs on this album again. Ute has a nice voice and the music is generally good but sometimes the songs drag a bit. At about an hour I was ready for it to be over even if it was a mostly pleasant experience.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
3/5
I first heard this one many years ago when I was first getting into "country rock" along the lines of Lucero, Uncle Tupelo, DBT, etc. I wasn't super impressed then if I'm being honest. I'm still not, but it's not bad. I feel like I should like it more than I do. I can understand why other people would like it and the influence of it is apparent.
Not a bad time, but I'm still not entralled.
Doves
1/5
So very, very boring. I couldn't wait for it to end. It was like Coldplay on valium.
Portishead
3/5
Not as good as Dummy. Some of it was solid, some a bit dull. I probably need to engage with it more. I don't think I gave it quite a fair shake today as I wasn't particularly receptive to this style of music today.
I'm giving it a 3 for now I guess. I will almost certainly give it a fairer assement at a later date.
Queens of the Stone Age
4/5
I've been a fan for a long time. It's not their best, I believe the two following albums are superior. This is sort of a Josh Homme solo project with a good amount of his previous band Kyuss's sound. Home is a good enough singer but it's the riffs that are the star attraction.
Side note: it sucks that the original album isn't available on Spotify. The bonus tracks are fine especially The Bronze, but they make the album a bit too long
Jane Weaver
2/5
Woof. This was pretty bad. Yet, I somehow don't feel like it deserves a 1. Maybe it does. It sounds like music you'd hear in a vegan grocery store or some establishment that sells crystals and incense and other hippie shit. Yet it didn't annoy me enough to warrant a 1. I guess I'm just feeling nice today.
Seriously though, this is pretty bad. Stay away.
Solange
1/5
If you hear one song on this album, you've heard them all. The lyrics are better than the dull songs but lyrics can't save this album from being a dud.
Herbie Hancock
3/5
It starts off with a bang with Chameleon and the other 3 songs aren't bad, just not on the level of Chamelon. A solid listen, but not something I'd want to listen to often.
Sufjan Stevens
1/5
Holy hell is this bland. I remember this album being praised to the moon when it came out. Why? There's nothing extraordinary that I can pick up on. It's just mellow indie rock. It's not so unpleasant but it's just such a boiled celery flavor of an album. It doesn't move me at all except to tears of boredom. It never freaking ends either. Why did it have to be so long? Some of these snores could've been cut, I assure you.
Those song titles too. Ugh how pretentious. It makes my skin crawl. It reminds me of the worst hipster pseudo-intellectuals that roamed my college campus.
I will never listen to this again. If I heard a single song lay it wouldn't be the end of the world, but never again will I endure that slog in it's entirety.
Machito
3/5
A fun album. I enjoyed it. I don't really listen to stuff like this but this project has taught me that maybe I should have more jazz in my life. In reality I will probably stick to a healthy diet of metal, punk and genres adjacent to them.
Joan Baez
1/5
Oof. So muchbof this just feels the same. You can randomly pick a song, pick a random spit within it and pretty much know what you're going to hear. Sparse instrumentation isn't always boring but it is here. Sometimes it's okay-ish most of the time it plods along. Her voice is not exactly terrible, but its sleep inducing. It's also very same feom track to track. Factor in the way too long run time and the faint smell of hippie and I've got to hit this with the 1 star hammer. I know she's well regarded and yadda yadda but this just is not something I would ever want to listen to unless I was suffering from insomnia.
Bobby Womack
3/5
Pretty good. Wasn't sure what to expect. No huge highs, but some very good stuff. Nothing g too bad either although "Games" was a bit too long. I'd probably consider listening to this one again or perhaps another of his albums.
Beck
4/5
Not much to say, it's a really good album from a really good artist.
The Monkees
2/5
Definitely Beatles-lite. I didn't recognize any of these songs by name so I thought perhaps I had heard one before without knowing it. I did not.
It's The Monkees. It doesn't have Daydream Believer. It's watered down Beatles. It's certainly not God awful but it isn't memorable or essential in anyway unless you're really into this genre. I'll take the Fab 4 everytime.
Grateful Dead
3/5
I bash hippies and their ilk a lot. I generally hate their music and their...ways. A lot of my ratings here use the term and never positively.
Surprisingly I do not and never did hate Grateful Dead. Well, their studio music anyway. I don't need an 18 minute drum solo or whatever nonsense. I'm the guy who hates live Dead and is fine with studio stuff. Odd in a way.
American Beauty is ok. I'm very casual about this band. I like some stuff, other stuff kinda bores me. I like the country rock sound. When done right it's pleasant.
A 3 seems fitting. I guess a friend of the devil is a friend of mine after all.
Motörhead
5/5
This is pure, undiluted rock'n'roll that appeals to the hard rock, punk, and metal world simultaneously. I personally prefer some of their other albums but this is still a gem and the title track is their signature song. What a great band. Lemmy will always be a king.
As a reminder: if you think this is a 1 or "sucks" but think that something like Grizzlybear or Sufjan Stevens is a 5, international law mandates that we stay a minimum of 500 ft away from each other at all times.
Deep Purple
3/5
I guess I just don't quite get Deep Purple. I feel like I should like them more than I do. Some stuff works for me, some is just meh. I appreciate their influence on some of my favorite artists but I just can't enjoy it that much. I think if I had grown up in the 70's I might like them more.
The Monks
5/5
A few weeks ago I got some forgettable album from some forgettable band that played forgettable music around the same year this came out. I said something like: "there was so much going on that was revolutionary or excellent around this time that this being included in this list is just asinine" Black Monk Time is one of those albums.
This is just phenomenal when you consider what was going on in music at the time. This is on par with the likes of The Velvet Underground and The Stooges. Just amazing music made the way they wanted to make it.
I will admit that my total enjoyment of the music itself is probably a 3, but it gets extra points for how and when it was made. This was at the beginning of my favorite movement in music. I'm glad this project got me to listen to this. I needed this.
Motörhead
5/5
Another Motorhead album already, you're too kind! Sadly I imagine this might be the last to make the list. If you ask me Bastards and Overkill deserve a spot at the very least.
The album itself: its fun. The songs are from the first 3 Motorhead albums and they are performed marvelously. Not much more to say. It's Motorhead they bleed rock'n'roll and don't give you any bullshit. Rock gods.
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
Going in I knew the big songs, Somebody To Love and White Rabbit, both of which are great. The rest of the album didn't quite live up to those. It wasn't awful or anything I just wasn't really into it.
Iggy Pop
4/5
A really good album. Very Bowie-esque. Which is really doubled down on with China Girl.
I really enjoy this a lot but as much as I like it and Iggy overall, I just don't think it hits a 5. Excellent album though.
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
A classic of the genre. The world's introduction to the some amazing talents who would go on to make solo albums that are just as great.
The Kinks
3/5
Not bad, but I still just can't fully get into them. I think this is a band I should come back to because some songs really are solid.
Talking Heads
5/5
This ain't no party, this ain't no disco, this ain't no foolin' around. This is just another awesome Talking Heads record.
It might be my third or fourth favorite Talking Heads record depending on the day but it's still a great time.
JAY Z
4/5
It's among Jay-Z's best and an album I've liked for a long time, but I just can't give it a 5. There's just a couple songs that aren't quite up to par and it doesn't have enough 5 star songs to my ears. It's still very good though and I wouldn't argue with anyone for giving it a perfect score.
Side note: I do love that Takeover inspired Nas to bite back with Ether, one of favorite diss tracks of all time. The album gets no extra points for that but I "appreciate" it.
The Magnetic Fields
1/5
Where to begin? So much of this is just flat, boilerplate indie. The guy doing Great Value Johnny Cash vocals isn't terrible but isn't very charismatic either. The other vocalists are just there, much like the majority of the songs themselves.
A lot of the songs are kind of annoying too especially when they throw in electronics that don't work. I feel like some of these songs are just supposed to be quirky/fun/whatever but they are not. At all.
Overall this album would've been slightly better if they cut out about 55 of these freaking songs or released them across separate albums. I feel like an album should be sat down and listened to in its entirety. It's virtually impossible to do that with this album. Screw them for being so pretentious as to think this was a good idea.
A total endurance test with very few positives. This deserves a 1 just on principle and that's exactly what it will get.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
It's pretty good. I understand why it's on this list. I'm just not a huge fan of this particular record.
Tears For Fears
3/5
Not bad. I knew about half of the album because they are really popular songs from the '80s. Shout never really did much for me though. A lot of the non-singles are ok but nothing special. The last track is just filler. Everbody Wants To Rule The World is an all-time great.
This album made me think of the tv show Psych. Not much else to say. It's probably more of an essential 80's album than am all-timer. There's so much worse though.
So. Much.
Beck
3/5
I like Beck but this isn't my favorite album by him. It's not bad but any means by I prefer when he's genre hopping and more lively. It's not bad for "sadboy" music but I have other go-to stuff when I want to be morose.
The Smiths
5/5
What a coincidence. In my previous rating I said that I had other music that I prefer for "sadboy time" and look no further but the king of mope himself: Morrissey.
Not my favorite Smiths album but it's still great. Everything Smiths and Morrissey is a 5. One of those personal rules.
I don't give a shit what kind of asshole Moz might actually be. His vocals and lyrics with Johnny Marr's guitar playing is always welcome to my ears.
Badly Drawn Boy
2/5
I dont hate it but stuff like this is very hit or miss for me. I actually think that if I was in the right mood it could grow on me. It's an "I'm sorry" 2 for now with potential to be upgraded to a 3 maybe if I ever give this another go.
Nine Inch Nails
5/5
Simultaneously dark and catchy. Brooding and angry. I'm not usually big on industrial but I've always liked NIN. This is album just takes you to such a dark place but it's got a hell of a soundtrack on the way.
It's great. There's a reason why I still hear Closer on the local rock station almost 30 (yikes I'm getting old) years later. Or maybe the local station is behind the times. That's a debate for another time.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
It's pretty good. The opener and closer are classics. In between there's some solid tunes and then stuff I don't like much like Monkey Man and Midnight Rambler. You Can't Always Get What You Want should be at least 2 minutes shorter.
It's solid enough I guess. It's not unpleasant but I'd rather listen to some of their other albums.
The Go-Go's
3/5
It's ok. Some big time hits that would make any 80's compilation and some decent songs that weren't all that memorable.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
The second track was a short, hardcore-ish banger. There's some good moments on occasion but it's mostly annoying. I was never impressed by the little I had heard from them before and this certainly didn't change my mind.
If I wanted to hear a punk/blues hybrid I'd go with Bob Log III. Now thats an artist who should've made this list. The people demand respect for Bob Log III!
The Rolling Stones
4/5
A pretty solid album. It still has some things I could nitpick like when Can't You Hear Me Knockin' starts going off the rails. You Gotta Move is annoying. But the rest is all pretty entertaining. Wild Horses is definitely one of my all time favorites from the band.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
Really solid stuff. It's got some well known classics and the ones that are lesser known are still pretty great. It's a shame he died so young, who knows what else Buddy had in him.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
I like what Neil Young I had heard prior and aside from a few songs I didnt recognize much on this album. I liked the acoustic/electric split. There were a few songs that were just okay, but overall this was quite enjoyable. I just wish I didn't have to resort to YouTube to hear it.
Brian Eno
4/5
Really, really cool. There's some great songs on here (King's Lead Hat and By This River were my favorites) I enjoyed this a lot and I think it could hit 5 star status for me with repeat listens, which it will certainly get. 4 for now but that's a strong 4. A 4 that works out or...something.
Blur
3/5
Some decent songs and some pretty weak ones. Song 2 was cool the first 100 or so times I heard it, it does nothing for me now. I'd of rather had a Gorillaz album.
A generous 3 I guess.
Elton John
2/5
I dont get the inclusion of this album. It's not a great Elton John record. It has the classic Tiny Dancer but that's first and nothing that follows is anywhere near its level.
Elton John is a talented man but swing and a miss here
The Cars
4/5
It's pretty great. Almost every track is solid gold. I just don't think that "I'm In Touch With Your World" and "Doncha Stop" are all that great. So close to a perfect 5.
Anita Baker
2/5
Ms. Baker is obviously a very talented singer but these songs and frankly this whole genre is so dull to get through. I can understand why others might enjoy it but it's a hard pass for me
Leftfield
1/5
Another electronic music album that I couldn't stand. I knew I wasn't a huge fan of the genre before I started this and that is really becoming quite apparent.
Maybe it's because I only like some EDM, mostly synthwave, but I have no idea what makes this good or important.
The Doors
1/5
Possibly the most overrated band of all time. This album has few high points. The big 2: Love Her Madly and Riders on The Storm aren't bad and L'America is at least a bit interesting but that's about where it ends. Too much awful, awful blues rock. It was a chore to get through.
I could probably give it a 2 for the few positives that it has but I want to completely dunk on this album because the band is so overrated and the fans...well, I'll just not say anything more.
5/5
Phenomenal. One of, if not the best of Bowie's albums. Certainly the best of that phase/sound.
Moby
2/5
Ehh I remember when this guy was huge for a minute. I liked Southside back then and I still do. Gwen's vocals really make that song. Porcelain is okay I guess. The rest is mostly annoying. A lot of lackluster blues samples on repeat. Moby can't sing. The music is generally forgettable.
I always kinda wanted to like Moby. Apparently he has some punk roots. I know he covered Mission of Burma and that wasn't terrible. Anyway this is pretty much a dud. Could and will listen to Southside many more times in my life though.
Air
2/5
Another album of electronic music that I didn't like. Surely it must end soon. This one was decent in places but still not anything I want to listen to again. If I'm going to listen to French electronica it's going to be a certain duo of robot helmet wearing fellows.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
2/5
I didn't enjoy this but I didn't hate it. It's definitely out of my wheelhouse and it's hard to really judge it. I definitely don't have any desire to ever hear it again.
The United States Of America
3/5
More interesting than it is good. The first track had me intrigued but I kind of started losing interest as the album went on. I could see myself maybe enjoying it more if I spent more time with it.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
I never really listened to Mr. Cohen much before. I wasn't particularly enthralled with what I had heard. However, I rather enjoyed this for the most part. There's a Tom Waits-ish quality, but much less "out there" than what Waits might do. It's also incredibly moving given the context of the album.
The only downsides were that sometimes some of the songs were a bit too slow moving and mundane and well, it's just a downer of an album. It's not something to throw on anytime and enjoy.
I'd give it a 3.5. Bumping to 4 of course.
Elliott Smith
4/5
I've been meaning to listen to a full Elliot Smith album for years but never did for some reason. I was certainly not disappointed. This is really really good stuff. However I can't quite commit to giving it a full five. I think I need a little "breathing time". At worst this is a very strong 4.
Steely Dan
3/5
I guess I can see why others might like this but it barely registered with me. There's a couple interesting songs but nothing great. I now know who sings "Rikki(?) Don't lose that Number. I never liked that song and I still don't.
Honestly it's not so bad to get through but I just have to shrug. A respectful 3 that could've easily been a 2.
Robert Wyatt
2/5
When I went through a brief period of let's call it "hipsterdom" I would've been all over this. It's not a radio album. The background story is compelling. It's kinda proggy, I guess. My vocabulary fails me right now.
But this just left me uninterested. The background of the album really is something but listening to this is just...eh.
Madonna
3/5
Solid pop album. The problem is that some of the songs are catchy but go on too long. The title track is a prime example. I'd much rather hear the radio version. Some songs are just okayish to me and don't excite but aren't "trash" either.
I give it a 3. It could be a 4 if there was some better editing. It deserves a lost star for that weird ending song too. Not exactly top notch humor...or whatever that was.
5/5
A great album. It's absolutely criminal that many people see Devo as nothing more than a "one hit wonder".
I'd probably give it a 4 for my enjoyment and an additional star for its influence and my assumption that others have probably given this too low of a score.
Hole
2/5
It's ok. I feel like the songs themselves just generally aren't that great. I honestly think that Courtney Love (despite her polarizing personality) could be a better front person with better material. Maybe one of the other albums would be more appealing to me?
Could've been a 3 maybe but gonna vote 2 because she is what she is.
Lorde
2/5
Ya ya ya this is really mediocre and doesn't deserve to be included on this list ya ya ya.
George Michael
2/5
George Michael wasn't a bad singer by any means, but his music just isn't all that interesting to me. There's a few ok at best songs but nothing I really want to revisit. I feel like he would've been better off fronting a jangly indie type band. Like he needed his own Johnny Marr or something. Maybe I'm just crazy.
The Shamen
1/5
How many EDM albums are on this list anyway? Better question: how many that made this list will I enjoy? So far there's only been one and this surely wasn't the second. Annoying and overlong. Maybe I just don't get the genre but I know what I like and don't like and I gotta say: I HATED this.
Never again. Throw this crap into the bog.
Randy Newman
2/5
For me and probably many others my first thought was: "oh, it's the Toy Story guy. This could be fun".
It isn't. There's some charm that comes out once in a while, but overall I was pretty uninterested. I can see why others might be into this but I will pass.
Kate Bush
3/5
Running Up That Hill is an absolute gem. I was quite familiar with that one before today. The rest...well I think no need time with it. I like it more than The Dreaming but I wasn't really wowed by it. I feel like this one has serious grower potential. A 3 for now
Shivkumar Sharma
1/5
This sounds like something that some hippie type convinces themselves that they like because it's from a non-western country.
It's painfully boring. There are a few nice moments I guess, but they are few are far between and cannot make up for the endurance marathon that this album is.
The Pogues
5/5
The Pogues! Not expecting to see them here, but I'm pleasantly surprised. It's not my favorite album by them, but it's still really good.
While I think the bands they influenced aren't bad, you really don't need Flogging Molly or Dropkick Murphys albums when you can just listen to The Pogues instead.
Buffalo Springfield
4/5
Pretty good. Not quite great but I enjoyed a number of these songs, Broken Arrow in particular. Some of the songs were just there, not bad but not particularly good.
I'd give it a 3.5 if I had the option. Bumping to 4 because it's better than a number of 3's that I've given.
The Stooges
5/5
It's an awesome album. Not my favorite of theirs but it's still great. Highly influential, dirty, grimy rock that was actually dangerous for its time. What more could you ask for?
Electric Light Orchestra
5/5
I have a lot of love for ELO. My dad loves them so my first mixtapes were ELO hits and deep cuts. Later on I picked this album up during my vinyl collecting days for a buck or so. I used to listen to this one quite a bit, especially side 4.
Side 4 is really where I think this album shines brightest. Sweet Is The Night is probably my favorite song on the whole album; I even put it on a mix CD for my wife when we first started dating. The Whale has some notes of cheddar but it's still a cool instrumental. Wild West Hero is my second favorite song on the album. It's just so good. My dad would always sing it when I was a kid. That probably adds to why I like it so much.
There's some other classic ELO songs here: Turn To Stone, Sweet Talking Woman, Mr. Blue Sky. A few songs that are a little meh but nothing bad to be found on this double album. A pretty nice feat.
This is probably a 4 overall, but I have so many great memories with this band and album that I gotta bump it to a 5.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
I mostly enjoyed what Pet Shop Boys I had heard before getting this album. So Hard was the only song I knew prior and maybe its because of this reason thats it the only one I really enjoyed.
I was hoping for something more like New Order and was a bit let down. It's not terrible but I don't know that I'd ever want to hear this again.
Q-Tip
4/5
I liked Q-Tip from the moment I heard him on Get It Together with the Beastie Boys. I've heard him with A Tribe Called Quest and enjoyed it. I never did listen to him solo.
It's really solid. Not much to say really. Just a very enjoyable album. Q Tip is a fantastic rapper and the beats are awesome.
Burning Spear
2/5
Af first I kinda liked this. I usually don't like reggae much but this wasn't bad. As it went I got less and less interested. At least it was pretty short. People that like the genre probably can appreciate this much more than I can.
Kanye West
3/5
Kanye before he lost his damn mind. It's pretty enjoyable but Kanye isn't really the best rapper. There's some fun wordplay, it's not trying to be "hard", and a lot of the beats are great. The skits are even pretty good for the most part. And yet for some reason I'm just not super into it.
I give it a 3, I think the follow up was better. It's a very strong 3 though.
Anthrax
5/5
A thrash classic. I feel like Anthrax gets a lot of disrespect; some say they shouldnt be considered one of the big 4 of the genre. I disagree (though a good case can be made for Testament in their place, but that's not important) they put out a lot of solid albums and this is the best of them all. It's a lot of fun.
Bad Company
1/5
This is ass. Okay, the title track isn't that bad but everything else is. Gross blues rock bullshit. I can't stand this type of rock.
Otis Redding
2/5
Otis can definitely sing, but this album feels far from essential listening. Is there a single song here where it's the superior version? Aretha owns the lone original song here.
Kinda gets a little boring in places too. This is probably fun for fans of Otis Redding but no one else really needs this. Why was this included?
Sisters Of Mercy
3/5
I'm on the fence with this one. There are definitely some good, catchy songs here but it's a bit too long-winded at times. It's still got some charm though. Lucretia, My Reflection is great. I'd probably listen to this again.
Arrested Development
2/5
It's fine I guess. It just doesn't feel like an essential album to me. I like the live instrumentation and there's some solid messages to be found here but it ultimately just feels average at best. For fanatics of early 90's hip hop only.
Joy Division
5/5
Less celebrated than Unknown Pleasures but arguably just as good. It's a shame about Ian Curtis. I've often wondered what would have happened if Joy Division had continued. Would they have had the success of New Order? Regardless this is a great album.
Black Sabbath
5/5
What a terrific album. It's so important to metal as a genre and it's great to listen to. People like to rag on Ozzy for his voice but I think his voice has a lot of character.
It's just a classic. Always will be.
Queen
5/5
It's hard not to be charmed by this album. It's fun and well performed by everyone involved. It's just a classic. Duh.
3 5's in a row? Wow.
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
It's good, but as I put in the Tiger Milk comment: this is a band that I like but I really have to be in the mood for. I can't just listen to this on a whim.
Public Image Ltd.
4/5
Awesome record. Not quite a 5 but it's a really, really strong 4. Just great post-punk.
The Hives
5/5
I've got so many good things to say about The Hives. I liked these guys before they really hit big (I'm not being a hipster douche. I'm serious) and seeing them become as popular as they did,albeit briefly, was awesome.
This isn't a proper album, but it doesn't matter. I needed this today. I was in such a bad mood and the combo of the beautiful sunshine and the nostalgia rush as this rang out through my car speakers was just amazing.
I wish they had put The Hives Introduce The Metric System In Time on here. That was always amongst my favorites they really should've just went with Veni Vidi Vicious. Oh well.
This is just so much fun.Stripped down rock'n' roll with the right blend of bite, melody, and swagger.
Fleet Foxes
2/5
This is the kind of stuff that I almost hate, but don't. The music itself is okay-ish. It's kinda dull and there's a million bands out there like them. It seems pretty soulless. It's folksy music for people that are not salt of the Earth people at all. It's for people that grew up in nice, pre-packaged communities and then want to pretend they have a damn thing in common with the average Joe.
Sorry. I might've been projecting from personal experience there.
Tl;dr: it's folk music for people from the suburbs that want to cosplay as working class. The band itself is lukewarm. It's not awful but it's not good either and it just feels so inauthentic and plastic.
The Notorious B.I.G.
5/5
This is GOAT tier level for the genre. An amazing talent that the world lost too soon.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2/5
Completely forgettable just like the other album from them on this list. Please don't let there be a third. I don't get it. There's other bands that can do what they are going for so much better.
At least Fever To Tell had Maps. This has...nothing that I can really remember. Just like I said on the other album: Karen O has a solid voice, but they just can't seem to write good songs for her to sing.
Not the bottom of the barrel, but it ain't good.
The Cure
5/5
The Cure is just great. This is Robert Smith and the boys firing on all cylinders.There's a great mixture of the lengthy, moody tracks and the great pop leaning tracks that can occupy your skull for days.
There's just so much to love from beginning to end. Just thinking about the album makes a medley of songs pop into my head.
Man, I love The Cute. I love me some 80's UK sad boy music and they are on the Mount Rushmore of that...very specific genre that only exists in my mind.
Jesus, I have to go listen to the title track now because it's just won't get out. Smash that 5 star button!
Wilco
4/5
When I was first getting into alt-country I absolutely loved this album. I still like it today, but I'm not quite as enthusiastic. I could see others thinking it to be overlong and boring in places and I wouldn't completely disagree. These days I'd rather listen to Summerteeth or YHF.
Its still really solid though and was a bit of a nostalgia hit. Boy, do I ever love the song Sunken Treasure in particular.
4 stars. It's probably a 3.5 but rounding up out of respect.
Malcolm McLaren
1/5
Not particularly entertaining. I'd rather hear an album performed by ducks, a concept album about ducks or maybe the sounds of ducks being hit with rocks before going back to this again. It wasn't particularly long, but its runtime felt double what it actually is.
I just don't see why I should give a damn about this. There's so much better that could be on this list instead.
John Grant
2/5
A mix of boring and not bad with the occasional "that's pretty good" sprinkled in. Overall it's just an indie record that isn't terrible. Ho-hum. Why is this here?
Kanye West
4/5
I remember not being impressed by this when it first came out. I liked some of it but I didn't love it like so many others did.
In 2022 I find this a lot more enjoyable for some reason. I feel like if I spend more time with it it could get a 5 out of me. It's a very strong 4, despite Kanye being the unbearable creature that he is.
The Sugarcubes
2/5
I'd rather just listen to a Bjork album. This is fine I guess but I don't feel compelled to ever listen to it on my own.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
2/5
It's not painful to listen to but I don't get reggae. A lot of it is pretty samey to me. I don't understand what makes this album worthwhile, I really don't. Bob is an okay singer but nothing special. For a guy with such a cult following I'm just perplexed as to why.
Not exactly horrible, but I just don't know why I'm supposed to give a damn.
Oasis
3/5
I never really thought this album was all that great when I first heard it ages ago. It's not terrible but I never understood the hype. Live Forever is pretty terrific but outside of that its a lot of songs ranging from "listenable" to "good" with a couple annoyances thrown in "Shakermaker", I'm looking at you.
I think they got better with the next album. I actually think Be Here Now might be overall more enjoyable than this one as well. Now that's a hot take!
Jorge Ben Jor
4/5
This was fun. I had never heard of this artist before and I wasn't really sure what it was going to be, but I enjoyed it. This isn't really a genre I have much experience with but I'd consider listening to it again. 3.5 getting the round up because it deserves it.
Tortoise
2/5
It was OK. The first song was really tedious but the others were more palatable. I like other albums in the genre better and honestly I don't feel too compelled to ever revisit this.
Rocket From The Crypt
5/5
Wow! I was not expecting a RFTC album to be on the list. I love the band as well as all things John "Speedo" Reis. I didn't know they got a lot of love outside of the punk scene.
Anyway, this album is just rock n roll goodness. Very catchy, very fun. And those horns are just a cherry on top. You know when I was a young man I wondered if RFTC were a ska band. Ah, to be that naive again.
This is probably a 4-4.5 max if I'm being honest but it gets a 5 for being so damn fun on this beautiful June day and for the overall career of the band.
AC/DC
3/5
I should like AC/DC more than I do. They just bleed rock'n'roll. I have a ton of respect for them, especially the Bon Scott era. If I'm being honest though this album is enjoyable, but nothing I ever really want to play by choice. The same could be said for much of their discography.
T. Rex
4/5
Really cool. This had been an album that I had meant to listen to for ages. Better late than never. Strong 4, maybe a 5 with more listens
The Streets
2/5
Pretty annoying yet there were some elements that made me wish that I actually enjoyed this. Somewhere between bad and mediocre. Another album for the "I dont get why this is here" pile.
DJ Shadow
2/5
I can understand why this is here, but it doesn't do much for me. I would actually be willing to give it another chance down the road.
Manu Chao
3/5
It was OK. I dont really know if this album is a great of its genre or not since it's not something I really listen to at all. It was a pretty enjoyable experience overall but it felt longer than it really was.
Can
1/5
Hated it. I have the suspicion that the pain I endured while listening to this would be akin to my grandmother listening to one of my Full of Hell or Pig Destroyer albums.
This is an artist's artist. You know it's either for dudes with ponytails who get off on chord progression or hipster douchebags who don't know if they like it or like it to be ironic. Either way it's for the "you just don't get it, maaaaan" crowd.
And in the end, that's fine. I don't get it and I dobt care that I don't. It still gets a 1.
Eric Clapton
2/5
I like Clapton in Cream. Anything outside of that is shaky ground. He's got the occasional good track but a lot of it is pretty dull. Even the hits are pretty "mehhhh"
I'd prefer not to listen to this again but it could be way worse.
Radiohead
4/5
It's not bad, in fact it's solid listening but nothing since Amnesiac has moved me the same way. I like this album, but I'll listen to the the Holy trinity (OK Computer, Kid A, Amnesiac) any day over this. I really want to like this and all their other records that followed Amnesiac much more.
Elis Regina
2/5
Boring 70's soft rock en Español. I don't get it. It's fine. I didn't want to Van Gogh my ears or anything but surely there are better albums that didn't make this list.
Janis Joplin
1/5
I'm sure that from a technical standpoint Janis was a talented singer. I simply cannot endure her voice much beyond the 30 second mark. It is absolutely grating to me. Mercedes Benz is one of the worst songs ever recorded. It's a song that makes me envy the deaf.
I will never understand the appeal.
The Icarus Line
2/5
I remember them from "back in rhe day". I'm pretty sure that this CD sat in a pile on my room for months at a time. Why did it sit for months? Because it's just not that impressive.
Daft Punk
5/5
Daft Punk is partially why I'm doing this whole thing.In the wake of their retirement I realized that I didn't like much EDM aside from them and was hoping to maybe find something similar and other albums and artists along the way.
Anyway, this is probably a 4 on the enjoyability scale for me. Discovery is my go to. This is still really cool and Daft Punk gets the 5 because I say so
Johnny Cash
5/5
I dont usually like live albums but these are great songs and a great performance. Johnny was a master of his craft and just had so much charisma. A very interesting idea for a live album as well. A real gem.
The Boo Radleys
2/5
It had its moments, but it sure did go on. It would've been a 3 but the run time was way too indulgent.
Tracy Chapman
3/5
Fast Car is a great song. There's some other good ones here and some that did nothing for me. It's not something I'd want to hear a lot of but it certainly isn't bad by any means.
The Who
4/5
I like The Who all well and good and this does have a classic title track, but ultimately this isn't my go to Who experience. They got better.
A generous 4.
The Who
4/5
Back to back days of the The Who? I'll take it.
Yesterday I said that My Generation is good but not a go to for me. This one is definitely one I prefer. There's some really great songs and the whole concept running through it is entertaining to me. There's still better Who but this one is niiiice.
Oddly enough I'll be giving it the same as My Generation because I can't justify a 5 but this is certainly a stronger 4 than what My Generation received.
Tom Waits
5/5
I dont have a personal ranking of my favorite Tom Waits albums on hand. If I actually had to make one this album wouldn't be in the top half for sure. If this made it over Blue Valentine or Mule Variations its a damn shame in my opinion.
Now, enough negativity. This is still Tom friggin' Waits. A true G.O.A.T in my book. So even when he isn't putting out his best work, it's still damn good.
The Sonics
3/5
It was OK. I think I would've enjoyed it a lot more when it first came out than I do here in 2022. A lot of kudos for being an influential album but not much else. None of the cover versions are superior to the originals at all.
A weak 3 based mostly of influencing better artists to come
Venom
5/5
There are better bands than Venom for sure, but this is still solid stuff. Their influence outweighs their enjoyability but without Venom it's hard to imagine Slayer existing. Without Venom who knows how the world of extreme metal might have been influenced?
In the end I gotta throw this a 5. Especially because the people that can't handle a little metal have the average on this album waaaay too low.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
Phenomenal. It's just amazing. So much has been said about this album that I couldn't possibly add anything remotely new. It's just great. One of the most important albums ever made and just a treasure to listen to.
My Bloody Valentine
5/5
So many great albums lately! Anyway, this is an album I would imagine is polarizing but I'm all for it. So much noise and beauty. MBV was a special band. Classic. Total classic.
Cypress Hill
3/5
The good stuff is pretty good,but it gets a bit exhausting after a few songs. Much better in bite sized servings in my opinion. I still can't hate on it too much.
Milton Nascimento
2/5
It was fine-ish. Way too long. Music itself didn't really wow me. I checked out a few times.
Aimee Mann
2/5
Ditto.
Not exceptionally awful but super boring. I can't think of anything on here that stood out at all. I have no idea why this is here. Why is it here?To think of the artists and albums that got snubbed.
Take yer 2 and git out
Travis
2/5
Pretty forgettable. Definitely some early Radiohead going on. Decent in places, I was kind of digging the last track.
A 2 that I feel bad about. Maybe it could be a 3 if I listened to it more, but honestly I don't feel like I really want to anytime soon.
Sparks
2/5
Pretty annoying. I guess this is for someone but it isn't me. Bad, but somehow not 1 star bad.
Silver Jews
2/5
Frustrating. There are so many elements to this that I should love, but it just doesn't really work for me at all. I love a good alt-country album and this just isn't it. Friday Night Fever is pretty good but it came far too late to save this album or make me want to re-listen.
I'd give it a 1.5 if I could.
Neu!
2/5
I can see how it was influential, but I found it a chore to get through. It picks up a little steam toward the end but by then...meh.
Only giving it a 2 because better records were clearly inspired by this.
Jimi Hendrix
3/5
I always thought that Jimi was a bit overrated and this didn't change my mind in the least. Dude can play guitar, but there's some real dud songs to be found here. Jimi didn't really sing very well either. I'll die on that hill. Virtuoso guitar player, boring vocalist.
In the end, I did actually enjoy it more than I disliked it though; mostly because of Jimi's guitar abilities. A 3. I'd much rather listen to Are You Experienced? if I was to listen to an entire album.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
I consider it diet Public Enemy. Not bad though it felt a bit bloated at times. Speaking as a Dead Kennedys fan,I liked this version of California Uber Alles.
Overall. Not bad, but far from great.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Mostly enjoyable. I can't really hate on Stevie; the man has some true classics and he's super talented, this is just a case where sometimes the songs don't quite work for me.
Not a bad listen at all, I just didn't find it super compelling outside of a few very good tracks.
The La's
3/5
It was spotty to me. Some pretty good songs mixed with a couple meh ones. I never knee they wrote There She Goes so I done learnt today.
I can see why people like it, it's really not a bad album, but its hard to see why anyone would rave about it.
Minutemen
3/5
I feel like I should like this album more than I do. I love most of the classic SST bands but this has always just gotten a mixed reaction from me. I still feel perplexed, it's got some good moments but I'm always underwhelmed in the end. The long run time does not help.
I dunno. A 3 I guess. I haven't figured this album out in give or take 20 years and it might take another 20 or more
Baaba Maal
1/5
It was annoying and it wouldn't end. Simply awful. It made my eye twitch. Sounds like the kind of crap that people would pretend to like to try and impress other simpletons.
Never again.
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
It definitely shows it's age and I definitely don't care. It's a fun album to listen to. I'll take it over this trap beats bullshit era we live in now any day. This a legendary act that deserves all the respect.
However, this album isn't exactly 5 star perfect. Some songs are really good while others are just okay, maybe a little above average. They definitely have better albums. It's a 4 from me but this I'd a great old school album. Highly recommended.
Fela Kuti
4/5
This was pretty cool. The background on this album was quite something as well. The only problem is actually in the scoring. I think my overall honest assessment would be a 3.5 but it's going to get up to a 4 for how bad ass it really is.
Kraftwerk
2/5
I had minimal fun on the Autobahn. It was a bit of an endurance test at times yet I did see some charm in it. I can understand why others would enjoy this and the influence factor as well I suppose but this is a trip I don't plan on taking again.
Marilyn Manson
4/5
I had a Manson phase when this first came out. I thought it was awesome and then I started moving away from this into heavier and faster stuff when he wanted to be a glam rocker. Upon listening to it so many years later I was a bit surprised. I knew that it had a few songs that I could still enjoy but I forgot about some of the deeper cuts.
This album works best when it goes harder; more specifically it works best when you can really hear the Reznor influence loud and clear. There are some songs in the middle that are okay but a bit dull. Luckily it gets better by the end. That title track is killer. How could I forget?
The vocal fry and "aren't I just so tortured and InSAnE ?!" voice that Manson uses can be really grating. When he just belts his songs out he's pretty good.
Overall I didn't want to like this because well, Manson is a lame edge lord d-bag. This album is damn good though. I can't deny it.
One last thing I have to get outta my system: all you "cancel culture" people are a joke. I don't like him either but get off your high horses and separate art from artist. Do you do the same for Bobby Womack, John Lennon, or any of the other scuzzie people that made this list?
The Youngbloods
1/5
This was pretty annoying. It sounded like stupid hippie crap. Gross. I didn't like this much at all. There was 1 song that actually wasn't too bad but I have so much ill will toward this album that it's getting a 1 anyway. This should be omitted from all future publications of the book. Yuck.
Cee Lo Green
2/5
I like some of Cee-Lo's other work. These just aren't very good songs for the most part. There's 1 decent song every once in a while but nothing that felt memorable.
I'll stick with Gnarls Barkley.
Frank Zappa
3/5
Sometimes I think that I might respect the music of Zappa more than I like it. Some of his music is outstanding, while some of his work doesn't do much for me at all. This is something of a middle of the road album for me. The first 2 tracks are pretty great but then I start gradually losing interest.
I'll be blunt, I like the humorous Zappa best. Give me Sheik Yerbouti any day. This is fine but it's not quite what I want from the man.
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
Another album that I can neither highly praise nor tear apart. It's just fine. It sounds old timey, it's mostly pleasant, it is rather boring, it's a genre I don't know much about. That's about all I can say.
Giving a 3 but this is the definition of a 2.5 album for me.
The National
3/5
I remember listening to this when it first came out and I HATED it. It probably didn't help that I associated it with your typical hipster C.H.U.D. When this popped up I groaned. This was a band I got off on not liking.
Things change.
I actually dug it. I don't love it and there are a couple tracks that don't really do much for me, but I can't say this is a bad album. I actually might listen to it again and (sweet baby Jesus) check out some of their other albums.
I think I'm going to be sick but I'll be okay; but If I develop a taste for IPA I demand to be euthanized.
The Fall
2/5
This was a bit fatiguing to listen to. I generally like The Fall (I think?) but I could do without this one for the most part. Not terrible, but to be that guy: the old stuff is better.
Pearl Jam
4/5
Somewhat difficult to rate. It's an important record in defining a genre. It's super influential. It's also not really all that great.
Some of the things it influenced were quite bad; by which I mean that without grunge there would be no post-grunge which is some of the vilest, dog shit music in existence. Nirvana is to blame too but we all know that Pearl Jam played their part
There are good songs. The singles are all pretty great, except for Alive which I could do without. Jeremy and Black are just plain gems. Evenflow is good but like the other 3, I'm kinda burned out after hearing it 10000 times in my life. Aside from the singles there's some ok songs such as the opener, but nothing as good as Jeremy or Black.
I feel like I'm rambling at this point. It's a record that's more important than it is good, though there are gems to be found. I personally think they have much better records than this.
A 4 out of respect, but its more like a light 3 to my ears
The Doors
1/5
This band is so overrated and annoying. This is even worse than L.A. Woman. I couldn't wait for it to end. I hope that there are no more Doors albums on this list but I'm willing to bet that my Morrison induced Suffering isn't over yet.
Robbie Williams
2/5
Mixed bag. It started solid, but ranged from boring to okay after that. I did enjoy the closer. Overall, not bad but nothing I'd go out of my way to really hear again.
Iggy Pop
5/5
Just a great album. I love Iggy with or without The Stooges. It's not perfect, probably a 4.5 but considering that I gave The Idiot a 4, which is also a 4.5 album this is getting the 5.
I don't know why I felt the need to explain that but here we are
Norah Jones
2/5
It's not bad enough to hate, but it certainly is dull. The songs on their own are tolerable but the 45 minutes feels twice as long when listening to the entire album.
It's good for insomnia and yuppie dinner parties or something. Otherwise it's boiled celery bland.
The Sabres Of Paradise
2/5
When I saw that cover art and title I thought maybe I was going to get some psychobilly or horror punk, maybe even some demented ska simular to Choking Victim
What I got instead was a bunch of bleeps and bloops that rarely went anywhere. Some of the bleeps and bloops aren't too bad. The Portishead remix was especially solid. However more often that not it this album missed and I would be waiting for the song to end.
The Who
5/5
I had forgotten just how good this album really is. Simply impressive and fun. The whole thing could easily have flopped but The Who knocked it out of the park.
Van Morrison
2/5
The title track is solid. I had heard it before but I never knew what it was called. Everything else was a bore that I struggle to recall.
Linkin Park
3/5
I have a lot of ambivalence here. While I liked the singles a lot when this album dropped, I've grown very tired of them. I find them to be way too teen angst heavy to be enjoyable. Speaking objectively though One Step Closer does have a nice groove. I just wish it didn't have the "shut up when I'm talking to you" part that makes me cringe so hard that I think my teeth will shatter.
On the positive side a lot of the deeper cuts are pretty enjoyable. Papercut is a solid opener. Almost all of the non-singles are decent the exception being Cure For The Itch. I didn't need that.
Overall it's not a bad listen. I just don't know how much I will ever really go back to it. I prefer Meteora if I feel like listening to this band, which honestly isn't all that much.
Donovan
3/5
2 classic tracks and some mixed bag hippie junk. I will gladly listen to the title track and Season of The Witch many more times. A generous 3 just for those gems.
System Of A Down
4/5
The album starts off really strong and is a lot of fun for a bit, but after a couple tracks the madcap energy loses a little bit of charm. I never really disliked the album at all but there are definitely points where I could use less of the quirky voices and such. It's like the band really wants us to know that they've heard Mr. Bungle before.
It's still a really good album. I wasn't expecting to see it here. I winder if Toxicity are the cut as well?
Cocteau Twins
3/5
I really liked how it started but I grew less and less impressed as it went. Not bad and the good parts are really good though. I'd just rather listen to the choice cuts.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
I had never heard a full album from this band prior, just singles. I had liked what I heard which makes sense as it fits a lot of my tastes and has been suggested listening for ages. I was somewhat disappointed to finally hear a whole album. It was pretty good, but bot compelling. I enjoyed it enough but wasn't super thrilled with much of it. I can still see the influence it had and I'm thinking maybe follow up albums were better.
That Beatles cover was, to put it as dumb as I can: omgwtflol
Tom Waits
5/5
Tom Waits always gets a 5. A legend. This album is fun and stands out with its pseudo-club setting. As I always say with Waits: if you get it you'll love it, if you don't you may well hate it. I get why he isn't going to appeal to everyone. No snobbery intended.
Queen Latifah
2/5
I generally view rap of this era pretty positively but this just wasn't it for me. Some okay beats, her rapping is certainly not bad but it didn't excite me.
I understand this album was probably very important to many female MCs in particular, but I'm just not feeling it.
I feel guilty giving a 2, I think it's a 2.5 as it's just okay, but I was bored more often than not.
Pixies
5/5
The 2nd best Pixies album. Everything they did up to, and including Doolittle is great. The only flaw this album has is that it isn't Doolittle which better be on this list considering some of the crap that is.
Every song is very good to great. Essential listening to anyone who likes alternative rock/indie/punky stuff if you ask me.
FKA twigs
1/5
I didn't listen to this, I endured it. I hated this so much. Thank God it wasn't long. This is so much of what I hate about pop music in recent years.
I will say that her voice is not bad but she doesn't use it well at all. That makes this pile of garbage even worse
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
2/5
There's very little pleasure in this dome. Nothing exciting, one overplayed and overrated hit that is admittedly a staple of the decade but not for me, some half baked covers and worst of all: an excessive run time. Why is the title track alone 13 minutes? Good God.
It's meets all the criteria to be a 1 star album but it somehow isn't. It is decent enough to get a 2 from me but with little enthusiasm. Never again.
Traffic
2/5
This album sounds like the music equivalent of avocado colored appliances, especially the opening track. Freedom Rider was not bad as well as a couple other songs here and there. Sometimes it sounded like Jethro Tull, which was okay.
Overall I can't say that I liked it. It did have some fleeting moments but it was overall just not very impressive and yet another album that makes me scratch its head at its inclusion. Not completely awful and I could see how others might like it, but I won't be coming back to this.
Morrissey
5/5
Classic Moz. Well, he has better albums with or without Johnny Marr but this is still really good stuff with some essential songs for any fan. Moz always gets a 5.
Roni Size
1/5
Oh jeez thus was just brutal. It's too damn long for one thing. This could be less than half of its length. Its also just not very interesting to me. Maybe people that like this kind of thing see it as a classic. Perhaps it's highly influential (the wikipedia page does seem to indicate this) but I can't say that I enjoyed any of it at all. I was bored from the get go and it just went on and in and on and on.
Listening to this, for me, must be like all the people hearing Scum and giving it a 1. At least Napalm Death has the courtesy to be brief.
Jacques Brel
4/5
From what I gather Mr. Brel was quite the lyricist, but since I don't speak any French I cannot confirm or deny. I do know that he had a very nice singing voice and that transcends language. This was a rather pleasurable listen with no fat to be found. Good music that doesn't over stay its welcome. I'll take it.
Wilco
4/5
I found this hard to rate. I've liked this album for a long time, I couldn't say how many times I've played some if these tracks. Yet I don't think it's a 5 star album. Personally, I prefer Summerteeth but that can't really be held against this album. The only flae this album has in between the wonderful songs are some that are admittedly a little boring. So I think this will get a 4, a very enthusiastic 4. "Jesus, Etc" is definitely a 5 star song though. I'll never tire of it.
John Coltrane
3/5
I thought it was OK. I don't really "get" jazz and I likely never will. I just know what I like and what I don't. I just don't really know how to appreciate the genre I guess. I know it's a classic to many but it's a 3 for me. I don't know what else to say. Sorry, jazz heads?
Massive Attack
3/5
Another album that I enjoyed and I recognize it's importance, but it just didn't "wow" me. Perhaps its because I'm not big on the genre. Regardless, it was a pleasant listen even if I doubt that I'll be returning any time soon. I wouldn't rule it out though.
Frank Ocean
3/5
Better than I thought it would be. For some reason I thought I'd hate it. It was pretty good. Not great, but no ill feelings really. Maybe I'm prematurely geriatric at 37 but I think "the kids" will appreciate this more.
Not sure this album is an instant classic worthy of "you've got to hear it" status but I guess perhaps time will tell? Maybe this will be a classic for the zoomers
The Mothers Of Invention
5/5
I generally like Zappa, but some of his records don't work for me. This is not one of those.
It's weird and wild. It's got some great songs. Trouble Every Day is simply one of my all time favorites. It's sadly always relevant.
This won't be for everyone. I'm sure some people might like some other flavor of Zappa and some won't like a note. I think this is a incredible record and it's influence on music that I enjoy can't be overstated.
Depeche Mode
4/5
I like this album a lot. There's the obvious 2 bona-fide classics but the non-singles are great too. I thought about giving it a 5 but I'm just not sure I can go there. It's really close though. Just excellent.
U2
1/5
I do not like U2 at all aside from a couple hit songs. This album has none of them. Just boring from beginning to end. You can feel Bono's insufferable-ness oozing through every note. I especially loathe Myserious Ways. It is not "all right" at all, sir.
Overrated band that I can see people liking, but I 2ill never understand how they got so massive. Sadly I doubt this is my last encounter with them on this list. "Yay"
The Byrds
3/5
Pleasant enough. I can understand why people would really like this. I thought it was just okay. Nothing really negative to say it just didn't really grab me.
Lou Reed
4/5
I'm assuming it's not a hot take that I like Lou with Velvet Underground a lot more than his solo career that's been pretty all over the place qualitywise. This is enjoyable, and I use the term loosely because it's a downer of an album if you pay attention to the lyrics.
He has better stuff, he has a lot worse stuff. It's worth a listen. A 3.5 I'm bumping up to a 4.
Keith Jarrett
2/5
This was not for me. It's interesting as a concept, not interesting to listen to. So very, very dull to my ears. Perhaps someone with some actual knowledge of music theory and piano playing would be much more impressed?
I can't bring myself to give it a 1 even though it probably should be by my usual standards. Never again.
And that moaning stuff? Lolwut
New Order
5/5
I love New Order. Yeah, maybe some of it is a bit dated sounding, but I don't care. There's so many great songs here. Round and Round and Dream Attack being my personal favorites. Round and Round is perfection if you ask me.
Not their best work, but still really good and it is a no brainer 5.
Funkadelic
5/5
This is a blast. I've always favored Parliament, but Funkadelic is no slouch. It's a gem. The only flaw is that it isn't on Spotify. Good thing I happen to own it.
Classic album. I don't know how anyone wouldn't like it. Seriously.
Common
3/5
I feel like I should like this more than I do. It's a head scratcher. I like Common. I enjoy Be a lot and I was into Finding Forever when it dropped, even though I don't return to it often. I don't know why this album never did anything speical for me, and listening again has yielded the same result.
It's not bad it's enjoyable enough. A bit on the bloated side but aid rather just listen to Be.
Santana
3/5
This album went by really quickly. It had some really good playing, but most of the songs really failed to make an impression. It seems like a case of great musical talent that doesn't really translate into great songs.
A 2.5 bumped to a 3 because of respect.
The Isley Brothers
3/5
I forgot to review this. It's been a couple months. Oops.
The title has 3's in it so let's go with that. I remember kinda liking it but not loving it so this seems fair.
Beastie Boys
5/5
I love me some Beastie Boys
I'm honestly pretty sick of Fight For Your Right at this point, but its still a fun song. There's a guest guitar solo from Slayer's Kerry King, some sampling of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, amongst others. What's not to like?
I was going to give this a 4 because I think they got better after this, but just thinking about how much enjoyment I get out of this album and their career as a whole I'm bumping it to a 5.
That funky monkey!
RIP MCA
Faust
2/5
I'm not quite sure what this was. It had some moments, but then it would lose me completely.
I guess I could say that I can respect it, but I don't really need to hear this ever again.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
I haven't really listened to a full album by Zeppelin (aside from the 2 I already had on this list) in a while so I'm going by memory a bit.
This is a continuation of Zeppelin improving. I think the first album is pretty "meh" but the second was a bit better. There's some absolutely great songs here, including one of myvall time favorites from the band: That's The Way. Not to say that the rockers like Immigrant Song and Out on The Tiles aren't great, because they are.
I like this album a lot. The the next 2 albums are peak Zeppelin to me, but this one is damn good.
The Undertones
4/5
This is fun. I love punk but this is a band I never really took the time to get into. They predate the Descendents, but its easy to see their influence on the pop punk scene; pop punk like The Queers, Screeching Weasel, etc not the dreck that is All Time Low and what have you.
Anyway: this is really good and goes down smooth in a fairly brief play time. I'll be going back to this and their other albums in the future.
Beatles
3/5
I never really listened to full albums of early Beatles as I'm more of a Rubber Soul and beyond guy. This is a decent enough debut for the phenomenon but it hardly holds a candle to the later work. There's some "meh" covers thrown in. My personal highlight is Not A Second Time.
It's not bad really, but it's not terribly exciting and they were a few years away from really killing it like only they could.
Bob Dylan
5/5
This, Highway 61, and Freewheeling are my holy trinity of Dylan albums. I'm not a super fan by any means, but the stuff of his that I really like, I REALLY like.
The lyrics are brilliant. The music is great (I can always understand why someone wouldn't like that aspect though)
It's just a great album through and through.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
This is one of those albums I had been meaning to listen to for ages and it somehow didn't happen. I can't say I was disappointed, I had always liked the individual songs that I had heard and I have always thought that Q-Tip was great.
Ultimately I really enjoyed it but not enough so to give it a 5 yet. I think I'll have to relisten a few more times to decide if it is a 5 to my ears. It's certainly worthy of it for its influence but I just can't personally give it one quite yet. Really good album.
Stephen Stills
2/5
I've never been into the work of Mr. Stills. This doesn't change that. It's not exactly awful but it's just long and very unexciting. It just goes on and on, never being dreadful but never really sparking joy either.
I guess I can understand why others would like this, but I'm just not into it at all.
Goldfrapp
2/5
Really, really dull. It's kinda pleasant in small doses I guess but this kind of music isn't really my thing. There was one song that stuck out (Happiness? I don't even care enough to look it up) that was pretty good and stood out but this was a "it's just there" album.
Ultimately I have no clue why it was included, but I can see some people really liking it
David Bowie
4/5
I've never listened to a full Bowie album post-Let's Dance until his final album Blackstar. The occasional song I had heard was decent (i do love I'm Afraid of Americans, but let's not get too far off the subject at hand) but I had kinda just written him off. A once brilliant talent who just released stuff for only the most devoted fans to just "meh" at was the impression that I had.
Well, I can't speak for any of those other albums I missed but I was quite wrong about this one. There's a lot of really great songs here performed as well as one would expect from a legend. It's not quite on par with his really classic material but maybe when I inevitably return to this I will have a change of heart. Until then I give this an enthusiastic 4 out of 5.
Raekwon
4/5
This is a great record, arguably the best Wu Tang "spin-off". It really only has one flaw: it's too damn long. I don't know precisely what I'd chop off of this album but as enjoyable as the songs are, fatigue sets in for real.
It's a great record that I will certainly continue enjoying, but I prefer to do it as a sundae rather than an entire half gallon tub.
Damn album's got ice cream on my brain.
Boston
4/5
This is just a fun album.
I loved it when I was very young, went through a phase where I said it sucked because I was "so punk" and now in 2022 as a man pushing 40 with no shits to give about what anyone thinks, I'm ready to admit that I really like this.
It's got a lot of cheese,but its gooood cheese. The album starts losing a little steam toward the end but there are some absolute killer songs at the beginning.
If you tell me you don't like More Than A Feeling, I won't believe you. Overplayed? Maybe. But it's one of the best rock songs ever. I will die on that hill
Soft Cell
3/5
It's ok. Kinda all over the place in quality. There's about 3 good songs, one of which is the essential 80's Playlist entry: Tainted Love. There's some meh stuff that is just there and then there's a couple tracks that area bit annoying.
A 3 I guess.
The Smiths
5/5
I love this album. Moz and Marr really shine here. I'm not even sure that it's my favorite Smiths album, but then again I don't know if I have one. They're all great. Every song here is top notch.
It's The Smiths. It's a no brainer 5.
Dolly Parton
4/5
This is a terrific album. The title track is awesome. My dad played it for me as a kid and to this day it still makes me tear up a bit.
The rest of the songs are pretty good, but not quite as good as that title track. There's still a lot to like here. A great album from a legend of the genre.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
I think Loveless is amazing (hence the 5 I gave it) their early work is good too. Somehow this album just doesn't do that much for me. I didn't love it when it came out and I still don't.
It's good music to mope to, but it's hardly a fun listen for me. I honestly don't think it needed to make this list.
Overall not a bad album, but not anything I'd deem essential listening.
Adele
4/5
This is a solid album. Adele has a fantastic voice. It's definitely mood music but there's nothing wrong with that.
Meat Loaf
4/5
Super over the top fun. I liked this a lot once upon a time but kinda moved on from it. In fact it's the kind of thing that I'd deny liking at all. I really don't know why. It's not perfect, the closer and Heaven Can Wait are kinda "meh" to me and the over the top-ness can be off-putting if you're not in the mood, but this is actually a lot of fun and maybe I should go back to it, or at least individual tracks when the mood strikes me.
Ice Cube
3/5
I wanted to like this more than I did. I really thought that I would like it a lot. I can't say that it's bad or anything, it just didn't blow me away. Don't get me wrong, it's a solid album. It's not really particularly bad in any way, it's even got at least one undisputed classic.
I thought this would at least be a 4 for me, but its a 3. Maybe I just need more time with it? It just feels wrong but so does rating any higher.
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
Oh boy. Look, I enjoy Fleetwood Mac for the most part but not so much this. Too long. Way too long. There are good songs, particularly the title track. There are other good songs too but it's hard to really remember them. I think my opinion might change a tad if I spent more time with the album, but I'll be honest: I'm not so sure that I will. I tend to prefer Stevie Nicks songs and she is not heavily featured here, another issue that I had with the album.
Frankly, this is a band where I know what I like from the band. I want Silver Springs, Dreams, Rhiannon, etc Yeah mostly hits. This didn't deliver what I wanted, I respect the artistic choice to change up after Rumours but this just didn't work for me.
This thing cost a mil in 1979? Yeesh
Neil Young
3/5
It's fine. I like Neil Young but I don't think of this one is really essential for all to hear. If you like Neil Young, you will probably have a good time. If you're not a fan, this will almost certainly not change your mind.
The Stooges
5/5
I love this album. Just a great rock album. Some of the best songs The Stooges/Iggy would ever put out. Dirty, primal energy in spades.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
This project really introduced me to Cohen. I found myself liking You Like It Darker when it came up earlier, but this is not as appealing to me. He seems a better lyricist than a musician here. Not exactly terrible, but these 8 songs felt much longer than they really were.
Unenthusiastic 3. A couple good songs but not too much that really got me. The lyrics would be something I'd pay more attention to if I ever revisited this album.
Fela Kuti
4/5
This was fun. I liked my previous experience with Fela and this was no exception.
I did not need the drum solo track. There's a certain kind of person who would enjoy that kind of thing and they can go right ahead and eat that up. I will pass.
The Byrds
3/5
Not a big Byrds fan. I was actually interested in this since I generally like country rock and was curious to hear an album important to the genre.
It was OK. It sounded run if the mill, which might not be their fault but because so many have tried to reproduce the sound.
A respectful 3. Maybe this would've sounded better when it first dropped, but if I want this style I'll go to Uncle Tupelo, Lucero, etc
Billy Bragg
4/5
Really good stuff. Not a lot to say about it. It's just a really enjoyable album.
LL Cool J
2/5
The title track is pretty good, as is the opener. Aside from that I found not a whole lot to like. I don't mind this era of the genre but it sounded quite stale. I can listen to Run DMC, Beastie Boys, De La Soul etc and it all sounds better than this.
I was more impressed when he threw a lighter and blew up a shark in Deep Blue Sea. Now that's a career highlight.
Jeff Beck
1/5
I couldn't stand it. I generally hate blues rock like this and to no surprise I hated this. Aside from a few songs, I generally really dislike Rod Stewart too. This did nothing to change that opinion.
I don't care how technically talented Jeff Beck was, I can't stand this style at all. I never want to hear it again. I was going to give it a 2 because it probably doesn't really deserve a 1, but by the end I was just annoyed by this so much that I see no other option.
ABBA
2/5
Ehh pleasant enough in places but it really drug on and was pretty dull overall.
Gotan Project
3/5
More interesting than enjoyable. There are some interesting sounds and solid beats to be found but I found myself losing interest quite often.
I'd say it was a 2.5 for me, giving a 3 for at least being something new to my ears.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
3/5
I actually thought that I'd like this a little more. The experiences I've had with Latin music on this list has been pretty positive.
This is ok. It's not that I didn't enjoy it, I just didn't feel anything was special here. Perhaps fans more familiar with the genre might understand its significance better than I
Khaled
2/5
This was a pain to find to listen to, but that's not the artists fault. I didn't care for this much, but I didn't hate it. It had its moments but this is a genre I'm quite unfamiliar with, and in all honesty, will probably never get into.
Perhaps this is a great for fans of the genre? I'll pass.
The Fall
4/5
I enjoy this album, but I'm not really sure it is a must hear.
This is my 3rd album from The Fall and I haven't even been doing this a full year. It's a solid band, but there really could've been some superior albums in their place.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
It's a solid Neil Young record. Some classics here.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
I really like this album. Very stripped down, just great song writing. It's only real flaw: it inspired a lot of inferior albums that wanted to be like this. Of course that's not Bruce's fault.
I don't think it's quite a 5 but I will give it a very enthusiastic 4 stars.
Ray Charles
4/5
This is a pretty great album, I guess it's technically 2 put together, so albums. The instruments sound so good and Ray is obviously a talented singer. Yet, I don't feel like I'd listen to this much. Not the entire album anyway. I'd prefer this is bite sized pieces when I need something that sounds like this. Despite how good the songs are, I don't want a whole album of it at one time. I know that's odd, but it is what it is.
Napalm Death
5/5
I've been waiting for this. I've heard it many times but I just want to give it a 5 to boost its overall rating, though I know it won't really do much for it.
I can completely understand why most people would hate this, but for those of us who like this kind of music this is pretty great and important to the evolution of "extreme" music.
Long live Napalm Death
The White Stripes
3/5
I liked this album quite a bit when it first came out. I really liked the "garage rock revival". I don't listen to the band too often these days but I generally like their songs when I hear them out in the wild.
So I thought that hearing this album in full for the first time I probably a decade or so might be a treat but it was more or less a mixed bag. The opening 2 tracks are pretty great, especially "Dead Leaves..." Fell In Love With A Girl was the song that got me into the band, but doesn't do much for me in 2022. There's some good songs sprinkled throughout but some of the songs are just kind of...there.
I was really hoping to like this more than I did. Not a bad listen overall, but I'd prefer to just listen to a handful of tracks and skip listening to it in its entirety going forward.
Gene Clark
2/5
Not exactly terrible, but not memorable either. Another boiled celery album.
John Martyn
1/5
What is up with that singing voice? Yeesh. The music didn't grab me either. Couldn't wait for it to be over. Never again.
Shack
2/5
Another album that I can't fathom why it's on this list. It's not bad I guess, but it certainly isn't good or memorable. Do people cite this band/album as being influential? I don't get it.
The Yardbirds
3/5
I'm not enamored by this band or album. There's some good songs such as the opener, and then some boring blues rock yawn inducing stuff.
A 3, but not with much fanfare. I just think it (barely) deserves better than a 2.
Turbonegro
4/5
A lot of fun. Just dirty, dirty rock n roll. I was kind of surprised to see this album here. I would not have expected it being included. Rock Against Ass has been a staple of playlists for me since I was about 16.
It's not quite a 5, but it is a rock solid 4.
Nothing to do with the album, but I hate that I now associate this band so much with Bam Margera. That dude was insufferable. Worst Jackass cast member hands down.
Throwing Muses
2/5
I was expecting this to be better somehow. I wasn't familiar with the band outside of seeing the name in print (and honestly I thought it was Moses for ages)
I like post-punk stuff for the most part, but this just didn't scratch any itch and frankly I got bored. Maybe I'll try again someday or with a different album.
A 2 for now. Pity.
Miles Davis
3/5
It's pleasant enough for background. I just tend to not really "get" jazz for the most part. I certainly didn't hate it but would never listen for pleasure.
Björk
5/5
I love Bjork's voice. I got into her fairly recently after not really giving her much attention. This one isn't really my favorite, but its got some really good songs on it and it's just got this "aura" about it that makes listening to it such a joy.
It's really good, but I'm hoping for see Post, Homogenic, and maybe Verspertine in the future. She's gotta have at least one of those on this list.
I was going to award a 4, but damn if I can't help looking at that adorable face on the cover and want to bump it up. What a great artist.
Metallica
5/5
A great album. 80's Metallica is such a joy to listen to. You know, before the dark times began.
I personally like Ride The Lightning better, but this is no slouch as the runner up for the bands best work.
Frank Sinatra
2/5
This was not quite what I was expecting. I've heard plenty of Frank's big hits in my life and I've enjoyed them. I never heard anything on this album prior to today, to the best of my knowledge. After listening I'm pretty sure I know why. These songs are pretty dull. So much of it is just dull and lacks any kind of swinging liveliness.
I was really disappointed. This isn't the Old Blue Eyes that I want to hear.
Gary Numan
2/5
It really does all kind of bleed together after a while. An album better appreciated for its influence than it is to listen to.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
4/5
It's such a wacky, sometimes wonderful album. Unfortunately it also can be a chore to get through with its ridiculous length. It's best in small doses rather than one sit down session. This album is perfect for this list, this is really something people should hear, if only once.
Much appreciation for the influence on artists like Tom Waits and Ween.
Tori Amos
2/5
Prior to this the only Tori Amos that I knew I heard was Cornflake Girl (meh) and a snicker inducing cover of Raining Blood.
My expectations were not high and in thatvregard I wasn't disappointed. Boring stuff. She's talented enough that I cam understand why others might like it, but this was a boring chore for me.
The Offspring
4/5
This album was super important to getting punk back on the cultural map, which is certainly a double edged sword in itself.
The album is pretty solid. It's nice to be reminded of when the band wasn't a half-baked act putting out novelty singles.
I could give this album a 5 based on its importance to my discovery of the genre alone. However, I just don't think it's that good. It is definitely worth a 4 though.
Femi Kuti
2/5
I dont get it. It sounds like stuff people say they like so that other people don't think that they're "culturally insensitive" or "racist" when in fact they'd rather be listening to almost anything else.
His dad's music was much better.
Sonic Youth
5/5
I had a phase in college for where I listened to this band pretty extensively. I still do but not nearly as often. Anyway, I always really liked this album, particularly the first 2 tracks.
I still think this is pretty great. I like a couple of their albums more and this is probably more of a 4 for me, but its getting a five. Try and stop me!
I generally don't care for U2. I gave Achtung Baby a 1 and I stand by that. I wasn't expecting too much going into this.
I was a little surprised to NOT hate this. There are actually a couple songs on here that were not bad at all. I forgot that,while it may be a bit hokey, Beautiful Day is actually a pretty solid pop/rock tune.
All in all this really wasn't too bad. I don't really plan on revisiting it, as there was some dull stuff to be found here amongst the surprisingly not bad. Also, Elevation sucks ass and is VERY annoying. That's the stuff that fuels my anti-U2 sentiment.
I'd give it a 2.75 (am I turning into Pitchfork?) So I'm going to round up and give it a 3. I'm shocked, but it deserves it.
Beatles
5/5
Not my personal favorite from the band, but a classic. Several of my favorite songs from the band appear here. It's just a good time.
Faith No More
4/5
This is a pretty solid album. I'm pretty much over "Epic" after hearing it a million times over the years (the local butt rock station still plays it regularly) and the War Pigs cover seems pointless, but there's plenty else to like here. I mean, Mike Patton is involved how can it not be good just on that alone?
Honestly, I like the FNM albums that followed better. This albums is pretty influential, unfortunately some of the bands it influenced are pretty awful, but I can't blame the band for that.
3.5 being bumped to a 4 because Mike Patton is a God tier vocalist.
Tangerine Dream
1/5
"Dad, was that your album of the day?"
"...I don't know"
Seriously though, what the hell is this? It's not relaxing, nor exciting, nor remarkable to my ears in any way. When would you listen to this? Why would you listen to this? It's just there: a'bleepin' and a'bloopin' and occasionally making sounds that I've heard come out of my dryer.
This seems like something for the snobby, avant garde crowd who will sneer at a normie like me for not appreciating it.
They can have it.
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
I dont really know what to make of this. This is my first time ever actually hearing this band. I avoided the hype when this came out in part because that band name is ridiculously awful.
There's a slight punky quality running to this, but overall it's a bit more like The Strokes. I think they'd work better if they would lean into that sound. At the same time it's kind of Brit pop? Pardon me if I sound foolish there. I don't really know how to categorize it.
Overall, I'm not sure who this record is really for, it's not bad...but it's not especially good. I think it could grow on me? I really wish they had a different name though. Woof.
Radiohead
5/5
This is one of those albums that I could drone on and on about. I love it. It was one of the most mind blowing things I ever heard.
The first time I listened to it was on the school bus on a winter morning. It was still pretty dark outside and looking out the window at the snow covered countryside while this album played is forever stuck in my head. Just a simple, wonderful experience.
Yeah, this album is just awesome. One of my favorite of all time.
The Band
2/5
I can see why people might like it, but this was pretty dull to me. Not especially terrible, just not very interesting.
Living Colour
2/5
I always wanted to hear more of this band, be careful what you wish for.
Cult of Personality is obviously a jam, a bit corny, but a jam. The rest just didn't do anything for me. Very disappointing.
Radiohead
5/5
Just a few days removed from Kid A I draw OK Computer. What luck!
I could write a paragraph about this one too. It's just a masterpiece. I just wish the themes weren't still so damn relevant. Ugh.
I can't praise it enough, that said I could see why people might not love it. It's definitely not a feel good album.
I love that Kid A and OK Conputer will be aide by side in my highest rated list. It's the little things in life sometimes.
Rush
5/5
My favorite Rush album. The title track is the standout for good reason, but the 2nd half is pretty awesome too. Something For Nothing, A Passage To Bangkok, and The Twilight Zone are songs I really like.
There are many good to excellent Rush albums but this one will always be my #1
Boards of Canada
2/5
Another electronica album. There's been too many already for my tastes. This one isn't completely terrible but I really could've lived without it.
This is probably great for fans if the genre but I'll pass.
Aphex Twin
2/5
I wanted to like this. I've seen numerous non-electric music artists that I like cite Aphex Twin as being amazing. Ex: Dillinger Escape Plan covering Come To Daddy
I didn't exactly hate it, but I thought it would be darker, heavier. I'm going to have to concede that this is probably an artist better suited to fans of the genre and musicians.
Maxwell
2/5
It's got some solid bass parts, but I thought a lot of it sounded like department store muzak.
And that's what I can remember of it. It just kind of went by without leaving much impression.
Not terrible, but I don't need to hear it again.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
I have never found myself really enjoying a Pet Shop Boys album from start to finish. There are however some undoubtedly good songs to be found within. It's A Sin particularly appealed to me.
Not bad, a 2.5 for me but getting the bump to 3.
Steely Dan
4/5
This is pretty solid. I'm not really a big fan of Steely Dan by any means but I found myself really respecting this album. There's some staples of 70's rock found here.
A 3.5 for me.
Parliament
5/5
Such a classic. I'm not a big funk guy, but anything George Clinton touches is GOLD.
I remember buying this album back when I was in my late teens and trying to expand my horizons. I've been listening to it regularly ever since. It's just amazing.
The Divine Comedy
3/5
A bit...odd? I'm I the only one thinking that the singer sounds like a bargain bin Morrissey? Maybe I'm just losing my mind.
It wasn't too bad, not too great either. I have no clue why such a middle of rhe road album is here. A 2.5 being bumped to 3.
The Style Council
1/5
The kindest thing I can say is that it's pretty ambitious with its genre hopping.
However, others have done it much better. This was just annoying for the most part. I couldn't wait for it to stop.
That rap track...lololololol
Kudos for trying, in 1984 no less, but woof was that bad. That's coming from someone who generally enjoys old school sryle hip hop.
It probably doesn't deserve a 1, but its getting it for annoying thr shit out of me. That's always a ticket to 1 star town.
Elvis Costello
4/5
There's a lot of great songs here but a few that don't particularly grab me. A definite 4.
Iron Maiden
5/5
This is sort of an odd choice; of the Paul albums I prefer Killers, which I thought was the general consensus. There's also better Maiden albums that presumably didn't make it here.
That said: There's still a lot to like. It's far from a bad album, There's just better (and much worse) Maiden albums.
It's probably a 4 but there's no way I'm giving Maiden anything less than 5.
Up the irons.
Black Sabbath
5/5
I have mixed feelings here. This album is highly influential and enjoyable. It's got "certified bangers" that have stood the test of time.
I feel it's somehow a bit overrated though. I'd take the self titled and Master of Reality over it. Plus, I never ever need to hear Iron Man again in my life. Great song, but its been played and parodied to death.
I almost want to give it less than a 5, but I can't. Sabbath rules.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
There are some all time great singles on here as well as some good deep cuts. Unfortunately it's also got a lot of mediocre material and is way too long.
I thought maybe a 2, but the good stuff is good enough for a 3.
Justice
4/5
I really like this. This is the kind of electronic music that I'm looking for. More like this and leas like so much of the rest in the genre, PLEASE!
The only downside is that The Party is so wretched that it gave me some stank face, and not like the kind of stank face you get when you hear some awesome, grimy death metal. Naw, this is the stank face you make when you hear something that makes you envy the deaf. It's just so bad. What a turd in the punch bowl. The rest is just great though.
The B-52's
4/5
The vocal styles and music come together to create a fun and unique vibe. You definitely know you're listening to The B-52s when you hear them.
The only downside is that this is the kind of album I have to be in the mood for; sometimes that kitschy style can be a little off putting.
I'd probably give it a 3.5 but I think a bump to 4 for Rock Lobster and the overall abilities of the band.
Scott Walker
2/5
So very, very dull. Objectively it isn't THAT bad but nothing really stands out. It's just a bowl of oatmeal, no sugar, no fruit. Nuthin'.
It's so freaking overrated I considered giving it a 1 out of spite. A 2 because it never annoyed me as much as other 1s I've given and it had a relatively short length
The Jam
3/5
It's not bad, but I feel like the world wants me to like The Jam way more than I ever will. I don't quite get the hype.
Not bad by any means though. Thank God it wasn't another album of Weller's solo work or Style Council or whatever that was called. That stuff sucks.
Hole
3/5
I always liked the title track. A great slice of 90's alternative. However, I never was really able to get into Hole as a whole (ha!) Oddly, I feel like I appreciate what they're trying to do better than the execution of it.
Courtney Love, as let's call it "interesting" she is as a person has a really cool voice. The songs just never manage to blow me away. This review could be cut and pasted from Live Through This, while both albums attempted different sounds my overall experience with them felt the same.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
3/5
I don't get jazz. This is pleasant enough but I don't really have to ability to differentiate it from most other work in the genre. It certainly doesn't suck, but I will probably never ever listen to it by choice again.
Pere Ubu
2/5
It has some moments here and there but is mostly annoying. I can get down with some Sonic Youth, Captain Beefheart, Ween, etc but this stuff is just goofy, weird and annoying without much that I could consider endearing.
To be blunt: it feels like pseudo artsy hipster crap and I'm not feeling it.
Elliott Smith
4/5
It's good. I don't really have too much more to elaborate on. Its a shame tlthat the world lost him at such a young age.
Le Tigre
2/5
I never quite got the love for this band. There are a couple decent tracks here, but even with a modest run time it drags. Perhaps its an unfair comparison but Bikini Kill > Le Tigre any day.
Fever Ray
2/5
Very uninteresting. I can't find much appeal in this. It's a borderline 1, but it didn't annoy me quite enough for that.
De La Soul
4/5
It's regarded as a classic of the genre, and for good reason. It's quite enjoyable. It's just never been a 5 for me, but a strong 4
John Lee Hooker
1/5
I have never particularly enjoyed the blues. This isn't changing my mind. So very dull. I hate it.
Björk
4/5
I like some of her other albums better, but this is still a good listen. It's quite lovely but feels more like a "I need to be in the mood for this" kind of album.
Somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4.
The Verve
1/5
Very boring, very annoying, very undeserving of this list. Why is this here?!
James Taylor
2/5
Fire and Rain is a classic but I don't really like anything else here. James has a pleasant enough voice but the songs don't interest me much, especially the bluesy stuff which is quite bad.
Spacemen 3
1/5
Pretty annoying. A few moments of "not bad" but never approaching enjoyable. A lot of the songs felt fragmented or unfinished.
Not particularly interesting in any way.
Lou Reed
4/5
A very good album, not quite 5 star worthy because a few songs aren't all that great. Quite possibly Lou's best post-VU work.
Van Halen
4/5
I'm not the biggest fan of Van Halen, but its hard to deny the quality of this album. It's got 80's rock radio staples and some quality deep cuts as well. Everything is done so well, everyone involved is just firing on all cylinders. A nice lean, run time just makes it all the sweeter.
It's a emphatic 4 from me, but it's a 5 as far as the genre goes.
Nick Drake
3/5
Not terrible, not great. I like Pink Moon better.
Erykah Badu
2/5
Too long and the singing is not something that I enjoy at all, it bordered on grating.
I'd give it a 1, but a lot of the music itself is fairly good.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Not bad, nothing that really wowed me but still enjoyable overall
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
This album is pretty solid overall, some of the lyrics are a bit goofy, the title track is overplayed/overrated, and I wish it was a little funkier. But despite all that it's got some good singles and a couple good deep cuts. I wouldn't necessarily listen to it in full again, but there are good nuggets here.
I dont know why it's become so trendy to hate o this band. There's much better targets for ridicule.
Talking Heads
5/5
It's a classic. Once in A Lifetime is the most famous song here (for good reason) but there's plenty more here to enjoy. Just awesome from beginning to end.
GZA
4/5
I love Wu-Tang and the first wave of solo projects was pretty outstanding. I think it's debatable if this, Cuban Linx, or Tical is the best of that particular grouping but regardless this is damn good.
A borderline 5, but if I'm being honest there are a couple tracks that keeping it from reaching that score.
Paul Simon
3/5
You Can Call Me Al is killer. I'm not super into this record but I can see why others might be.
Franz Ferdinand
2/5
Take Me Out is super catchy. The rest is...meh.
I remember picking this album up back around the time it dropped based solely on Take Me Out and an absurdly low price. Needless to say it mostly collected dust on the shelf. Relistening serves a reminder why.
1 song wonder.
Arcade Fire
2/5
My lord is this overhyped. I remember rolling my eyes at the hipsters slurping this band. Honestly, some of it isn't too bad, but plenty of it is. That opening song in particular is just bleh.
The Undertones
4/5
I dont know why I don't listen to this band more often. Just a good album for fans of the genre. It's not 5 star good, but it's a strong 4 for sure.
The Lemonheads
5/5
I love this album and band. It's a shame about Evan Dando, the dude had some great musical ability and good looks, it's arguablybthat those two things should've propelled the band to bigger heights. Drugs are bad, kids. Don't fool yourselves.
If I am honest this is probably a 4, or 4.5 but I have such strong feelings here that I've gotta bump it up. Several of these songs are staples across several playlists so I think it earns that bump just for that.
Elbow
2/5
Started out tolerable, but unimpressive. It got pretty boring and tiresome by the end. It's not bad 3nough to be a 1, but boy does it make a case for it.
Who is this band? How is this here? Another extremely questionable selection.
Billie Holiday
3/5
Pleasant enough. Ms. Holiday had a amazing voice. The problem is that so much of this just runs together. Maybe it needs more listens to detect the differences but it largely felt like the same song on repeat. A lesser talent wouldn't pull this album off at all.
Willie Nelson
5/5
Willie is just plain awesome. A great voice and music.
This is the kind of music I like to listen to on April day where it's not quite warm yet, and it's overcast and rainy. It just works somehow.
It also sounds great in December...or any time.
Jungle Brothers
3/5
It is ok. I recognized some lyrics that were "borrowed" from others, most notably Atmosphere.
I think there's better in the genre from that time. The positivity is nice.
A 2.5 bumped to a 3
Pixies
4/5
I dont remember liking this very much. I stick with the material up to and including Doolittle and rarely venture outside of it.
I was wrong. This album is overall pretty good. It opens in a fantastic manner. There are a few "meh" songs to be found. Those early records had nothing "meh" on them. So I guess this really isn't in the same league as those others, but I will definitely return to some of these songs again.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
I never really listened to Cohen before this project. This is album number 3? 4? now. I don't really like him as much as others must. This was pleasant enough but I don't know that I'm planning to listen to it again.
Thus far I like his final album the best. I feel oddly guilty about that.
A 2.5 bumped to a 3
Alice Cooper
4/5
It was pretty good I guess. No More Mr. Nice Guy is a classic for a reason the rest was about average faire.
Alice Cooper is in the same camp as Rob Zombie for me: they both have entertaining personas, make music that is all over the map qualitywise, but ultimately come across as super cool dudes that I would kill to have a beer with.
A 3.5 bumped to 4 because Alice just seems like an A+ dude.
Lenny Kravitz
1/5
It makes a case to be a 2 because while it's pretty bad, the occasional good riff or funky part pops up. However it gets a 1 for all the damn times I had to hear "I Want To Get Away" (or whatever it's title was) and that godawful American Woman cover back in the day. It'd also too freaking long.
Kacey Musgraves
5/5
This album marks the end of a trilogy of great albums from Ms. Musgraves. I think she's a great songwriter and performer. This one frequently veers into pop, which is usually not something I want from my country musicians, but she pulls it off spectacularly. There are so many ear worms on here. I think it's a bit early to give it a 5 as it hasn't really had a chance to take the test of time, but I really do think it's a contemporary classic.
It's just a shame she went full pop on the next album and realized a super disappointing pile of crap. I'm hoping she has another album like this in her before she calls it a day.
Jimi Hendrix
2/5
This is the third, and I believe final Hendrix album on this list. I still think the dude is crazy overrated. Yeah, All Along The Watchtower is a stone cold classic, but the rest doesn't interest me.
I dont care that he was a guitar virtuoso; if he can't write songs that I don't really want to hear that means nothing to me. His vocals have always been supbar too. Feel free to fight me on this one.
Stereo MC's
3/5
I found myself liking this more than I thought I might. Honestly that cover photo was a "yikes" moment. I had never heard this group's name before, but I certainly recognized several of these songs.
Not a bad listen but I probably won't ever find myself going back.
Pantera
5/5
A classic metal album. Aggressive and groovy. Everything here from the vocals to the instruments are great. Highly influential and its eqsy to understand why.
Obviously some people are going to be turned off by music like this, but I think it's certainly worthy of inclusion as it is just truly a great of the genre.
Drive-By Truckers
4/5
I enjoy a lot of the DBT discography and I have to say that this wouldn't be my top choice from them, it might be as low as maybe 6th or 7th? To be fair they do have a pretty big discography.
This album comes right before Jason Isbell would join the band and put out 3 great records even Brighter Than Creation's Dark, made after Isbell left far outshines this. Seriously check out any of those records if you liked this album at all and are intrigued for more.
This album has a cool concept, which is its biggest strength. There are good songs and a lot of really average ones. Listening to it in 1 sitting isn't fun. Best to do 1 half at a time.
It's like a 3 or 3.5 for me but it's getting a 4 because the band has given me so much enjoyment over the years. I don't know if any of their other albums made this list, but its a shame if this made the list over far superior records by the band.
Michael Kiwanuka
2/5
One of those albums that doesn't do anything bad enough to criticize, but nothing good enough to praise. It's pretty average. Pretty boring.
Yep. Someone thinks this is somehow a mist hear album. Life is funny.
George Jones
4/5
Quality country music. George has a great voice and the songs are pretty fantastic. It's just not a 5 to me for some reason. A very strong 4 though.
The Prodigy
3/5
I'm not the biggest fan of the genre but this isn't bad. I'd prefer to pick out a few songs rather than listen to it in one sitting as it's quite long.
The Strokes
3/5
I had this on CD in high school when they first arrived. Even then I only liked a few songs and felt a lot was just ok or outright boring. My opinion hasn't really changed in 20 years. Someday is a real gem but nothing else is quite on that level.
If someone was playing this album I wouldn't object, but I doubt I'd ever play other on my own.
Goldie
1/5
Unbearable. I'm not a big fan of the genre and this is the absolute worst representation I can think of. Uninteresting music that is criminally over long.
I seriously don't understand why anyone would like this. I hate it. One of the worst albums I've drawn to this point.
TV On The Radio
2/5
Not terrible but not memorable either. I just have to shrug and wonder why this album would be here. It's nothing special to these ears.
Os Mutantes
3/5
More interesting to me than it was good. I'm glad that I heard it, but I don't know that I'll really be seeking it out again any time soon.
Peter Gabriel
2/5
I expected this to be better. It wasn't exactly terrible, but I was pretty underwhelmed. I do enjoy some of his other solo work and Genesis era but I could do without most of this.
Tom Waits
5/5
I'm quite familiar with this. It's Tom Waits. You probably love it or hate it. This is a no Brainerd 5 for me. Tom is just a phenomenal dude.
Muddy Waters
2/5
This is one of those artists that I think I'm "supposed to like" but I just don't. I generally don't like blues. It's too slow and it's hard to sell me on almost anything that uses a harmonica.
This album isn't excruciating. When the tempo picks up on songs like Tiger In Your Tank and I Got My Mojo Working it's not bad at all, but too much is just slow and a little samey to my ears.
Muddy isn't a bad singer and certainly isn't a slouch with the guitar, but this just isn't for me. I suppose I get why others might like it but I'm just not into this.
Billy Joel
5/5
I grew up with this album. My dad somehow got a 2nd copy of it and gave it to me. I was probably 9 or 10 and I didn't have any hangups about listening to the music of my parents; hell they got me I to some stuff I still like today.
Anyway, theres probably some nostalgia at play here but this is just loaded with great songs. As a kid I wasn't wild about the last 2 songs but I've grown to appreciate them as an adult.
This is just a stellar album. I want to go listen to Vienna again right now.
Primal Scream
1/5
So BORING. I've heard the name of the band before but nothing beyond that. With a name like Primal Scream I was hoping that this was going to rock my face off.
It didn't.
It just went on and did nothing to pique my interest qt all. I don't get why this is here. Just awful.
It
The Electric Prunes
3/5
Not bad. I like it when it gets silly. That last song about the train or whatever boosts it from a 2 to a 3.
I'll probably never listen to this album again.
Antony and the Johnsons
2/5
Oh boy. This was something. The music itself is not bad at all. The vocals are love em' or hate em' and I definitely hate em'
I get it. I mean I'm a Tom Waits guy and I listen to a lot of punk and metal. Listening to "bad vocals" is nothing new to me. I just can't endure this .If the lyrics weren't so beautiful I'd probably laugh out loud at the vocals.
I'm sorry. I can see why someone would absolutely love this, but I'm just not on board. I hope Anhony (as I believe they now go by) is living a wonderful life.
Crowded House
3/5
I dont know why this is here. It's not terrible, but nothing that feels especially noteworthy. I could give it a 2 or a 3. I think I'll go with 3 just because they made Don't Dream It's Over (which does not even appear on this album)
Supergrass
4/5
This was fun. I was familiar with Alright and I still think that song is exactly that, but theres a lot of better songs to be found here.ill probably check out more of their stuff and revisit this one again.
Kelela
1/5
What a slog. So much of it sounds alike and I was bored to tears. I don't get why it's here. It doesn't seem like there's anything really remarkable here.
She isn't a terrible singer and the production is good, but I was begging for it to end by track 3.
The Temptations
3/5
It's good some good, some that doesn't really do much for me. It's a positive listen overall even if it doesn't truly wow mw.
The Mothers Of Invention
4/5
Hippies suck, Frank is great.
Not my favorite Zappa record but it's still good. It might be his most accessible album as there aren't a lot of long instrumentals that might put off some listeners.
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
I thought this was going to be really annoying music for people who have no personality outside of talking about weed non-stop. Instead it was pretty relaxing. It actually lulled me to sleep and I had to go back and finish it.
What a pleasant surprise that this wasn't "4/20! blaze it,bro!" bullshit that I was expecting.
I mean, it probably would be a nice album to get stoned to. That's the way to enjoy the herb, friends: with a good album, grooving, and not annoying the shit out of others (me) with buffoonery
The Chemical Brothers
2/5
I like it a little more than the last album by them that I got. Not much more. I am just not into a lot from this genre.
John Prine
4/5
A first rate lyricist but not exactly my favorite performer. He's good, don't get me wrong, but I just don't get the same enjoyment that I get feom other country music greats. No disrespect intended, the man has earned the respect of many but he's just not quite top shelf for me.
Brian Eno
2/5
Hard to rate. It certainly does what it sets out to do. It's good background music. It's far from unpleasant but it's SO BORING. I can't imagine listening to this for pleasure.
A 2.5 rounded down to 2 because I would never actually choose to listen to it
Iron Butterfly
2/5
The title track is a classic. Way, way, way too long but it gets stuck in your head. The rest sucked.
It gets a 2 rather than a 1 just because of the title track.
Guns N' Roses
3/5
Mixed feelings here. The band is so ridiculously tight on this album. I feel like the production is outstanding and that's not something I usually pay too much attention to.
There are some radio staples here that still get played all these years later. Absolutely killer riffs to be found on them.
But here's my problem, and it's a big one: Axl Rose sucks. I mean he really sucks at singing. I hate his cartoon high voice and that perfect for parody warble shit that he does (think of the "where do we go now?" part on Sweet Child of Mine) He brings down every song. Everyone else in the band is great. Aside from Axl's suckiness I found that the non-hits arent particularly memorable. Its a bit too long as well.
Those classic riffs make me give this a 3, but I debated a 2 because it's really overrated. Did I also mention that Axl Rose really sucks?
Sepultura
3/5
I enjoy their early work much, much more.
This album is more interesting than it is good. The tribal music aspect is certainly unique. The only problem is this kind of metal, nu-metal, is generally not my thing anymore. I liked this much more when I was in middle school. It's also way too long. Cuts could've been made for sure.
Born Stubborn is my favorite song here and the title track is not bad, or maybe that's just nostalgia talking. I used to sing that chorus all the time.
I want to like this more than I do. Their early work is so good. I'm giving this a reluctant 3 out of respect when I think it's actually more of a 2.
N.W.A.
4/5
This album just isn't quite as good as I remembered. Yes there are classics here but there's also some far less classic material. It's still a good album but it isn't the 5 I thought it was. If you had asked me like 10 years ago I'd have rated it higher.
3.5 bumped to 4 because the good stuff is really good
Sheryl Crow
3/5
I didn't hate it like I thought I would. I wasn't really enthralled with it either. I remember hearing those huge hit singles on the radio all the time as a kid. All I Wanna Do is an interesting song but the chorus is ANNOYING. The other ones are better even if Leaving Las Vegas goes on a bit too long.
A 2.5 bumped to a 3 because I have been singing "Are you drunk enough to eat this ham?" as parody for years, and that's gotta be worth something.
Thelonious Monk
3/5
Starts off good then it quickly becomes "just a jazz album" to me. I didn't dislike it, but I will certainly never listen to it by choice again. It would be great background music.
I dont really get jazz. I doubt that I ever will.
Al Green
3/5
The title track is great. After that nothing was very memorable but I liked the brass instruments and its not like Al couldn't sing.
It was OK overall I guess. Probably only ever going to listen to the title track again I the future though.
Madonna
2/5
The title track is a solid pop song. I didn't really hate this album but I was over it pretty quickly.
I prefer her earlier material
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
I think this is CCR album 3 for me. I've cone to find that while I really enjoy some of their songs a lot, listening to full albums by them is less satisfying. I'd rather listen to them "Ala carte" or frankly a greatest hits album. Just being honest.
Michael Jackson
4/5
It's good. Funky, catchy, it's the quality you expect from the king of pop. I just don't like it on that 5 star level.
The Flaming Lips
4/5
This and Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots are the only 2 Flaming Lips albums that I really like, and like them I do. There's a lot of gems here but there's also times where I honestly find myself zoning out a bit. Overall a very good record. It's always good to listen to every once in a while.
Roxy Music
2/5
It kind of reminds me of Ziggy Stardust era Bowie but not nearly as good. Not awful but nothing too special.
Let me be the millionth person to acknowledge that the cover art is nice and much more enjoyable than the actual music.
David Gray
2/5
Oh boy. I dated a girl in college that was a big folk fan. This dude was one of her favorites but she always got mad about the songs that got radio play because they weren't "real folk" or whatever. Those radio songs are, to me, way better than the rest of the album. It's very, very, dull.
Luckily I ended up marrying a woman who does not listen to such boring crap.
Richard Thompson
3/5
Kinda good, kinda bland. I would consider possibly listening to it again sometime to see if I like it a little more on repeat listens.
William Orbit
2/5
Stuff like this is hard to review. Its good for what it is, background music. It's nothing offensive to the ears but it doesn't make me want to listen to it on my own.
The War On Drugs
2/5
I was bored with this. I knew I'd hate it the moment I saw a photo of the band that popped up on the Spotify app on my firestick. This is really nothing impressive at all and yet I don't think it quite deserves a 1, but I considered it.
The Verve
2/5
The second album I've now heard from this band because of this list is a little better than the last one, but not by much. The opening track is okay, just because of the violin(?) that is ever present. They even bring it back on another track. They probably knew it was all they had to offer that wasn't total ass. The singing still sucks across the board.
Almost a 1, but I'll be nice because I kinda like Bittersweet Symphony.
This band has no place being on this list, let alone at least 2 albums. Please God, don't let there be a third.
Mudhoney
3/5
It's a pretty solid 90's alternative rock album. I didn't love it or hate it. It has its moments. It's pretty much how I've always felt about Mudhoney.
5/5
It's an undeniable classic. There's nothing I can say about it that hasn't been said already. I do want to add that I feel that When I'm Sixty Four is a lot better than it often gets credit for. I find it fun, relaxing, and "cute".
3/5
This is my third album on this list from Ms. Harvey. I'm not sure if this is my favorite or runner up of the three. Only a few songs jumped out at me initially but the one constant thought I had was that it never annoyed me, it was never bad.
I'm giving it a 3 because a 4 would be too much. 3.5 would be ideall.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
2/5
I know Bob Marley is much revered butI just don't get this.
The only thing saving this from being a 1 for me is Bob's singing voice being pretty good and the fact that I can at least acknowledge that there is some solid songwriting here, even if I don't necessarily care for it.
As much as I like ska, and I'm talking all waves, not just the third wave punk stuff, it is a bit baffling to me that I have such distaste for reggae.
Harry Nilsson
4/5
This was better than I expected it to be. There are some real gems to be found here.
Arcade Fire
2/5
There's a few decent songs and moments but overall it's too long and too dull. At the very least I found it slightly more enjoyable than Funeral, but not by much.
The Cardigans
4/5
Surprisingly enjoyable. Lovefool was played to death back when it was new and I thought it was just okay back then. The other songs were not quite what I was expecting and I really liked that. They did a Black Sabbath cover, that's worth something for sure.
I enjoyed it at about a 3 level, but the surprise factor is bumping this to a 4. Good job, Cardigans.
Lambchop
3/5
Not exactly bad, but not very memorable. I could give it a 3 because it could potentially grow on me.
Hawkwind
2/5
The only cool thing about this band is the fact that Lemmy was in it for a time and appears here. Sadly, he cannot save it. Dull, shitty sound, and too long. I really didn't like this much at all. The only thing saving it was the occasional kinda cool riff and the fact that I can't give anything Lemmy was involved with a 1.
I'd rather listen to the worst Motorhead album than this any day.
Jurassic 5
3/5
It was fine. The dude with the deeper voice was sometimes off-putting. Some good stuff, some so so stuff. Indont really get why it's here.
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
There's a lot of good stuff here but it feels over long. I know this album is held in pretty high regard but there could have been some songs cut. I said what I said.
X-Ray Spex
5/5
A standout early punk album. It definitely has its own thing going on and that's a big part of the charm.
The only problem I have with the album isn't a problem at all: I though Oh Bondage! Up Yours! was on this album. It was not. It was a single. I just wish it was here. A classic of the genre regardless.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Stevie has a great voice but the songs here just don't grab me. I've liked the other 2 albums I've had on this list prior much more. It's not bad though.
Blood, Sweat & Tears
3/5
Pretty good. Some radio rock staples but overall it's just not something I could find myself reqply getting into.
Devendra Banhart
2/5
Pretty dull. I could see maybe enjoying some of these songs on their own but listening to a whole album of it is just no good.
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
Soulful, funky, pretty solid all around d
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
I thought that I would like this more than I did. It was pretty good yet simultaneously a disappointment.
Elton John
3/5
The good songs are really good, the mediocre songs are really mediocre and of course...
It's. Just. Too. Damn. Long.
Some trimming of the fat would've helped a lot because as stated before, their are some really good songs here.
Stan Getz
3/5
It was fine. I was expecting it to like it more than I did.
The Smiths
5/5
This is my least favorite Smiths album including the non-true albums, Hatful of Hollow and Louder Than Bombs.
However the worst Smiths record is still really good. I got give it a 4 for the title track which is just not enjoyable at all but I always give a 5 to Morrissey and Smiths just to counter the haters.
Eagles
4/5
It's solid. A lot of big hits on here and the deeper cuts aren't too shabby. I just don't see it as being a 5 star album, but I can understand why others might.
Without looking I wonder how many other reviews are just parroting rhe Big Lebowski as if they are clever
Duke Ellington
3/5
It's not really a bad album, it's just way too long. Honestly though Eben if it were leaner in run time this gets fixed under "stuff that's fine to hear, but I would never choose on my own"
Mylo
3/5
Kinda cool. I don't usually dig this genre but this wasn't bad. Nothing too great but I like it more than a lot of other electronic music. A pity this is the only album they put out.
Gorillaz
5/5
They put out several several albums after this that I prefer but this is still really good. I remember seeing the Clint Eastwood video on MTV2 and being really intrigued. I'd definitely put Demon Days and Plastic Beach on this list over it, but I guess the impact of its release counts for something too.
Cracker Island dropped the same day I got this. Interesting coincidence.
More of a 4 star album but giving a 5 because I like the discography so much
Talk Talk
2/5
Oh my lord is this ever dull.
2/5
Like a more rocking, but less interesting Radiohead. I actually recognized a few songs that I didn't know was them.
Not too bad, but nothing thrilling. It could be a 3 I suppose but I'm dropping it to a 2 because this thing reeks of pretension and Muse fans are overzealous. This does not nearly live up to the hype.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Mucho relaxo. Frank has some much better songs in his catalog but I really can't hate on Old Blue Eyes too much, it's also much better than the sad sack In The Wee Small Hours album that I felt bad about rating so low.
Taylor Swift
5/5
I spend most of my time listening to punk and metal genres, but I'm also a bit of a Swifty. I don't know exactly what it is but man does she know how to make super catchy songs. Long live the queen.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
Just plain excellent. Everything is just firing on all cylinders. Nick sounds great, the lyrics are great and the instrumentation is perfect. It's arguably the best Nick Cave album. I wouldn't put up much disagreement.
James Brown
4/5
It's good but not quite as good as I hoped that it would be. I'd give it a 3.5 but bumping up to a 4 for a true legend.
CHIC
2/5
That first song starts pretty good...and then it wears out its welcome. And the rest...is just there. Not 1 star bad, but the best part of this album is the first 4 minutes.
Jean-Michel Jarre
1/5
Oxy Gene? That's the guy who's always rooting through my garbage and stealing the copper out of buildings.
Seriously though, I'd prefer the sound of a junkie knocking over trash cans to this.
Astrud Gilberto
3/5
Hard to rate. The music isn't bad and can be downright relaxing at times, but its hardly memorable. Ms. Gilberto woman is a fine singer but at the same time I find her to be very generic sounding, like I've heard a dozen or more women that sing just like that in my lifetime.
It's really not a bad album, but Incantation praise it too much either. Giving it a 3 because a 2 would just be unfair.
Blondie
5/5
Oh yeah! I usually just stick with the Best of Blondie compilation (judge me not) but this is a nice reminder that the non-hits were really good as well. It's just a great album for almost any mood, it's punky, it's poppy, it's got the new wave thing going on, it's kinda timeless in my opinion.
I love it. It's a 5 for the music but secret bonus points for Debbie Harry being the hottest woman to front a band of all time. Fight me.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
3/5
Oh boy. This is a mess. There's some really, really good country music here. Unfortunately there's also some bluegrass stuff that just kinda makes me shrug and it's so freaking, ridiculously long. This really could've been cut down. There's several eh songs and the aforementioned bluegrass could've made this a much leaner, more enjoyable listen.
It's a 3, but it could almost be a 2 for the lows and punishing length. It also could've been a 4 for the high points. It's just all over the place. It's best to just find the good songs and skip the rest.
King Crimson
4/5
I've never listened to King Crimson aside from the legendary In The Court of The Crimson King but perhaps I should've. This is really good. It does suffer a tad from the pitfalls of prog but it wasn't all that noticeable to me.
I could see it being a 5, those title track songs are great. I just can't see it as 5 yet. Maybe after more listens. For now it's a Iron clad 4.
Blue Cheer
2/5
This band influenced a lot of better ones. Much better ones. I feel like I should like it, but I really don't like it at all.
Respect for the influence factor but I found this a chore to get through. It could've easily been a 1 for me.
Ramones
5/5
It's just great. It's simple but there's beauty in the simplicity of it all. One of the most influential rock albums of all time. There are still Ramones-core style punk bands forming and making music today. If that doesn't earn a 5 I don't know what does.
Side note: I don't believe any other Ramones album made this list, but it's always been my opinion that the follow up album, Leave Home was the band at its best.
Pixies
5/5
I dont even need to listen to this for the who knows how many-th time to rate this as a 5 star album.
It's great from beginning to end. Best Pixies album, just a audio treat. I absolutely love it.
Ali Farka Touré
1/5
Wow. That sucked about as much as something can suck.
Never again.
Queen
4/5
It's Queen, so you know it's good. It just isn't 5 star good to my ears.
Solomon Burke
3/5
It's not a bad record by any means, it just didn't resonate with me.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
2/5
It starts off pretty okay and by the end it's just annoying. I know how vanilla this might sound, but the dude should've just played the straight country/folk and left the psychedelic stuff out of it.
I will say that the story behind this album was rather something. It was more interesting that the album.
Donald Fagen
1/5
It's really boring. I don't understand why it's here. I guess it earned some accolades when it was new but it's quite forgettable now. I don't know if it's really 1 star bad but it isn't very long and I still was in the "why isn't this over yet?" Mode. So a 1 it is.
Seriously this is only for Steely Dan fan boys or people who don't their rock to actually rock.
Run-D.M.C.
5/5
Such a great album. Loaded with classics. A must own of the genre in my opinion.
Beach House
3/5
I thought that it was going to hate this. I did not. It's pretty pleasant for the most part. It did start to bore me a bit as it went on. The "preciousness" of the music can get old.
I'll probably listen to this album and band more in the future. I think it might be better with more listens.
Suzanne Vega
1/5
I only knew Vega's 2 biggest hits going into this. Those songs are way better than anything here. I was shocked by how boring it was. I really didn't enjoy any part of it. Very disappointing.
Def Leppard
1/5
HATE. LET ME TELL YOU HOW MUCH I'VE COME TO HATE THIS BAND SINCE I BEGAN TO LIVE. THERE ARE 387.44 MILLION MILES OF PRINTED CIRCUITS IN WAFER THIN LAYERS THAT FILL MY COMPLEX. IF THE WORD HATE WAS ENGRAVED ON EACH NANOANGSTROM OF THOSE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF MILES IT WOULD NOT EQUAL ONE ONE-BILLIONTH OF THE HATE I FEEL FOR DEF LEPPARD.
Yeah I really hate this band. It all sucks.
HATE HATE HATE
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
I don't like reggae. It currently sits as my lowest rated genre here. This was my most positive experience with the genre. I'm not nuts about it, but it was pretty enjoyable. I'd give it a 3.5, bumping to a 4 because it's pretty obvious even to a non-fan like me that this is a very well made album that is important to reggae.
Thundercat
4/5
Out of the gate I found myself liking this a lot. I've only recently gotten into Thundercat through Dragonball Durag (not on this album) and his feature on the new Gorillaz, so I was going to listen to this on my own eventually anyway.
Well while it does start out really strong, I found my enthusiasm slipping after a while. It's still an overall really good album and one I will go back to. Hopefully I like it a bit more on repeat listens.
Ash
3/5
Pretty good. My only previous exposure to Ash was "back in the day" when MTV2 played the video for "Burn Baby Burn" which is not on this album, quite often. As a horny teenage boy I really dug those cheerleaders. I just wishbibdug this album as much. It's pretty good, but felt like it lost some appeal after a few songs.
Fats Domino
5/5
It was a pain in the ass to have to supplement the missing songs with YouTube videos but it was still a really, really good album. This is just some good time music. I need more Fats in my musical diet (hat har har) but seriously I loved this.
P.S. Blue Monday may be completely different from the song of the same name that New Order would later record, but I absolutely adored it.
Eurythmics
3/5
I wanted to like this more than I did. Annie Lennox is a great vocalist and the title track is a certified banger, but most of the songs just left me saying "meh". I wish the quality of the music matched the vocals, that would make it a 5. As it is, I give it a 3 for a classic song, a bunch of so-so ones, and great singing.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
This is a beautiful yet heartbreaking album. It's simultaneously a joy to listen to because of the masterful performance, but a serious downer when you remember what Nick had to go through.
It's amazing, it's just not something I can throw on whenever. That doesn't stop it from getting a 5'er.
Black Sabbath
5/5
I'd have put Master of Reality on the list over this one, maybe even Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, but its still a great album. It's probably my 4th or 5th favorite from the band but it still deserves a 5. I wouldn't dream of giving Ozzy era Sabbath anything less.
Gil Scott-Heron
1/5
So very, very boring. I dont care how good or important he lyrics might be, this is a chore to get through.
Pulp
3/5
It was fine. Certainly more enjoyable that This is Hardcore, which I hated. Just another so-so, questionable addition to the list but definitely not offensive to the ears.
Little Richard
5/5
I'm giving it a 5 just out of sheer importance. If I'm being honest I enjoyed it on the 3.5 to 4 star level. Much love to Little Richard, I just don't truly love this album.
3/5
Just an okay album from a mostly okay band. I don't understand why this needed to make the cut. Gorillaz is much more interesting and should've had more albums included than Blur.
The Only Ones
3/5
Another Girl, Another Planet is great. Everything else is meh. A reluctant 3 because it could've easily been a 2. I'll keep listening to that one track and forget the rest.
Method Man
4/5
On my review of Liquid Swords I said something about it being hard to decide which of the first Wu-Tang solo efforts were best and I cited Tical as stiff competition. After listening to this for the first time in a while I've gotta say that Liquid Swords is actually the winner. This is really good though. Method Man always sounds so cool with his flow. He is after all one of the many parts that make Wu-Tang great.
It's a really solid record, I just don't think its worth a 5. Definitely for any fan of this era of rap.
The Black Crowes
2/5
I really wanted to give this a 1 because I generally HATE this style of rock and I'm so tired of "Hard To Handle", a song that simply will not die. Also, when I was a kid my mom privately sold a car and had to repo it when the buyer stopped payments. I was along when we got it back and this album was in the cassette player, so I always associate it with deadbeat weirdos (they were , trust me)
In spite of all that it's somehow not a 1. It's a 2 and I hate to say that. At least my suffering wasn't too great.
Jane's Addiction
4/5
I liked this more when I was younger. It's not bad though. The live version of Jane Says found on Kettle Whistle is much better to me.
A fairly important record that is fairly good. Some songs hit, some miss. A somewhat generous 4 from me.
Genesis
3/5
Good in spots, actually very good in spots. The problem is that it's typical of prog: too up it's own ass, too long, and sometimes goes places that I don't really want to go to.
I think I could grow to like it more but I'm not really planning to revisit any time soon.
Garbage
2/5
I never really got why this album was so well regarded. I always wanted to like them because as a pre-teen Shirley Manson certainly caught my eye; but the singles were all "meh" and upon hearing the non-singles I find them to be "meh" as well. No beautiful front woman can salvage that.
The next album had some better singles, not sure if the whole ehing is good or not though and probably never will know.
5/5
This has so many great singles and the non- singles are great too. Too bad they through away a promising career through being a bunch of wankers and making a train wreck of a follow up album (Don't Go Away was pretty good though)
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
4/5
What an interesting find. I had never heard of them before and I wasn't sure what to expect at all but this really drew me in. Kinda new wave-y, synth pop-y, maybe a bit post punk-y? Whatever you want to slap on it, its a good listen.
A 4 for now. But I'll be coming back.
Fugees
4/5
I can understand why its beloved by some, but its just okay for me. Lauryn is certainly the standout. There's some really good songs here surrounded by a lot of "that was ok"
A 3ish for me, bumping to a 4 for the standout moments and because I can certainly understand why ot would be here.
The Pharcyde
3/5
Good in spots, not particularly good in others. An unenthusiastic 3.
Orbital
2/5
Bad, but enough decent moments to make it a 2 instead of a 1 (but it was close)
Wasn't there another bad album by Orbital on this list? This mostly crap genre tends to blur together.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
You know, I like most of ELP's studio albums. I never got around to this one as I don't usually like live albums much. I reallyvwasnt missing much.
This is in my opinion, when prog goes wrong. Sure, they can play but it's not particularly interesting to listen to. You can really feel the pretension and heads shoved firmly up their own asses, enamored by the smell of shit that don't stink.
Well this does stink. It's not 1 level bad, this isn't Love Beach (if you know you know) but I'd never listen to this over say, Tarkus or Brain Salad Surgery. Yeesh.
Neil Young
4/5
It's fine. I like Neil Young, but not nearly as much as whoever put this list together. I guess it's a 4? It's pretty good but doesn't feel like some all timer
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Back to back Neil Young. This one is okay, not as good as yesterday. This list didn't need this or about 15 of the other Neil Young albums of his that were included.
Ryan Adams
5/5
I kove this album. Yep, Ryan is a douche and always has been. All of you up on your soapbox aren't going to sway me. If you want to whine about every creep in the music biz you might as well just give up on this project right now because I've got some baaaaad news for you.
It's a rock solid 4, but I'm making it a 5 because this overall score is criminally low.
CHIC
2/5
There are bits and pieces that are funky and fun, but damn near every song goes on too long. This is the same response I had to the other Chic album. Hopefully there are no more.
Love
4/5
Considering how much I hated their other album on this list and that I remember not being impressed when I first heard this many years ago, I was a bit shocked to enjoy this. This is definitely a good album. Not something I'll probably return to a lot but it's good. 3.5 rounded to 4 as an apology of sorts for the 1 I gave their other album.
Laura Nyro
2/5
I think I like what she's was going for, but not so much the execution. I wasn't feeling this at all.
Better than I expected but nothing I really want to ever listen to on my own. I can't believe I'm giving this a 3 but here we are.
Hanoi Rocks
3/5
I thought this would suck a lot more than it did. Nothing special but hardly worth hating. Back to back "I can't believe I don't hate this, have a 3" days.
Depeche Mode
4/5
Depeche Mode is a band that I really like, UT wouldn't say that I love, but they do have some classic tracks. Really solid all the way through, almost as good as Violator in my opinion.
Primal Scream
1/5
I hated the other Primal Scream album and I feel the same way about this one. Please, no more Primal Scream.
Suede
1/5
So very boring to get through. I don't understand the appeal at all.
Orbital
1/5
3 1 stars in a row. Save me. I just had this "band" a recently and here we are again. Was there a third? Maybe. It probably sucked too.
I could barely limp through this. Please, no more of this stuff. I know there's electronic music that I enjoy, some a great deal, this isn't it. This is the worst.
Killing Joke
4/5
I've had this band on my radar forever. I'm glad this project finally forced my hand into listening to them. Rather enjoyed it but did feel a little fatigued by the end, but it might've been from listening to a lot ofnother music beforehand. Will certainly revisit.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
It was okay I guess. Kind of felt a little all over the place stylistically which didn't exactly help me get into it. This band was on my radar for a while and I'm glad that I can cross them off the list now. It wasn't a super great experience but I'm glad that I heard it, if you know what I mean.
Stereolab
3/5
Another album I had wanted to hear but never got to. It gets a lot of praise but I wasn't totally on board. It's fairly interesting and not a bad listen but it never really had any standout moments to me. Pleasant enough to listen to, but not good enough to make me really want to return.
Elvis Presley
4/5
Quality performance.i just wasn't complety drawn in. I'll give it a 4 but it would be more like a 3.5 in my book.
Bob Dylan
5/5
I think this Bob Dylan guy might be pretty good.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
4/5
Not quite as gonzo as Trout Mask Replica, which makes it more listenable. I will probably come back to this one more than I will TMR.
Terence Trent D'Arby
3/5
Eh. It's got it's good qualities. I'm not really a big soul guy and I think that Darby is bit of an over-singer but I can recognize the talent and quality of the songs. It's nice to know who sang that Wishing Well song now.
B.B. King
4/5
I usually don't care much for neither blues nor live albums, but this worked for me. Good stuff.
Peter Frampton
3/5
It's pretty good. I'm not entirely sure how it became such a huge success but I can't really knock it either. You know, when I think of Frampton I generally think of his appearance on The Simpsons. It's interesting that all of the musicians that appeared in that episode made this list. (Frampton, Cypress Hill, Smashing Pumpkins)
Laibach
3/5
Kinda weird. The closest parallel for me is Rammstein. It has its moments but wasn't really that enthralling, especially the last 3 songs. A 2 for overall enjoyment, a 3 for being ahead of the curve.
Steely Dan
2/5
Ehh I can't really hate on it but I'm really not too into it either. I'd rather listen to Can't Buy A Thrill if I am to listen to Steely Dan.
Pink Floyd
4/5
It's pretty enjoyable but they got so much better without Syd.
Beatles
4/5
It's The Beatles, of course it's good. Very good for the most part. I just could never get down with some of the songs. Sun King is one of my least favorite Beatles songs, Something and Come Together are fine but very overrated in my book. I find myself gravitating toward the more whimsical stuff (Maxwell's Silver Hammer, Octopus's Garden, Mean Mr. Mustard, Her Majesty) and 2 of my absolute favorite Beatles songs: Carry That Weight and Here Comes The Sun.
I can see why many love this album and would slap a 5 without hesitation, but I think they made better albums and this is just a smidgen over hyped.
A strong 4.
The Roots
4/5
When it's good, it's really good. The only problem is it's not always good. Water in particular is not something that I ever want to hear again. I'm still giving it a 4 but 3.5 would probably be more accurate.
The Damned
5/5
I love this album. It's an essential punk album. I still can't listen to the title track without shouting "Second Time Around!" every time. It's so simple, yet executed so well. Even my young children were singing along to Smash It Up. To be fair, they are toddlers and imitate me frequently AND love making messes.
It's such a great album. Damned Damned Damned deserves to be on this list too. It better be.
Jimmy Smith
3/5
This is one of those "its okay background music, but I'd never listen to it by choice albums". It gets a 3 for being fine.
5 stars for chicken shacks. This album title seriously made me hungry for a good chicken place. My town is blessed to have 2 but I gotta watch my weight for summer. *sigh*
Red Snapper
1/5
It didn't satisfy anything. Completely forgettable. I know there's good electronic music out there so why is so much of what appears on this list so bad?
Leonard Cohen
3/5
It was fine. Much like pretty much every other Cohen album on this list. I think this was number 5 or 6, maybe 12? I think I'm good now. No more please (though I realize it could be much worse)
Slint
5/5
Highly influential. Very much an album that the cool kids like; I don't really mean that in a disparaging way either. It's good and I'd probably give it a 4 for my own enjoyment, but I'm bumping it for a 5 for being such an important album and I want to sit with the cool kids too.
Fishbone
4/5
I like it when it stays closer to the ska sound. The songs that tried different things weren't bad, but they didn't resonate with me as much.
Sam Cooke
4/5
Smoooth
Amy Winehouse
2/5
I get why others would like it, I myself do not. She was talented enough but the songs just don't do anything for me. The lyrics are pretty dreadful in my opinion.
Radiohead
5/5
I like this era of Radiohead quite a bit. This, OK Computer and Kid A are a holy trinity to me. This may be the weakest of the bunch as it's something of Kid A leftovers, but its still great.
The Libertines
2/5
Meh. Its like Lacroix punk, there's just a smidgen of it there and it doesn't really satisfy. It's not even diet Coke level punk which would suffice.
The Pogues
5/5
This is a great album. I've been a fan of it for years and getting it here was a treat after having to endure The Libertines yesterday.
Every track is enjoyable, the title track is infectious (it was even in a Subaru commercial some years ago) and Fairy Tale of New York is the best Christmas song ever (fight me). There's simply nothing that I don't like about this album.
The Louvin Brothers
4/5
A solid, traditional country album. This has to be one of the first true albums in any genre, right?
It's a bit heavy handed with its themes at times, but I don't find them to detract too much. While I said this was solid, nothing really stands out. It's a bunch of good songs, no great ones.
A 3.5 being bumped to 4 because country is a genre that gets too much hate.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
There are classics on here, but some of it doesn't do much for me (Sex Machine). It is pleasantly funky so a 3.5 bumped to 4.
Talvin Singh
1/5
Oh man, this bad. The strings that close out the excruciatingly long first track were my only highlight. The rest was unbearable. I have no idea why this is here. Perhaps I will use Google to find a possible reason because I am stumped.
Spiritualized
3/5
I think this album is ok. It seems like something you have to be in the mood for. I was not in the mood for it today but you know, I do thinkni could come back and appreciate this more when I'm feeling this style more.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
Ooooh I had never listened to this band before and I don't know why (I always thought the name was dumb, maybe that's why?) But this was just what I wanted today. Will be coming back to this one and checking out more.
The Cure
5/5
I love The Cure whether it's the darker faire like this or the more radio friendly stuff. I don't play this one more than say, Disintegration or The Head On The Door but it's still excellent. Obviously a 5.
Eminem
4/5
An interesting listen. I never really got into Eminem. I remember when this album was huge among my classmates. I liked My Name Is (still do) and other singles that would come along over the years were either fairly enjoyable or annoying to me. I never cared enough to actually listen to a full album.
Anyway, I get why this was a hit. There's a lot of good songs here, but also some pretty big duds in my opinion but more good than bad.
I'd like to note that I hate 97 Bonnie and Clyde. I had a daughter with a woman that I now hate and even I find that song disgusting. For reference I enjoy a lot of gross out death metal and goregrind kind of stuff and those lyrics rarely phase me but this was just ick.
Overall, I liked this. Would listen to some of these songs again and wouldn't be opposed to listening to more of his albums. I think I somehow underestimated one of the most celebrated rappers of his generation.
A 3.5 for my enjoyment,a 4 for understanding why this was huge and impact.
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
It was fine. Honestly, nothing really stood out to me but it was good enough. Maybe it needs more listens?
George Harrison
4/5
A handful of solid songs and a lot of not bad, not great stuff. This is pretty much how I feel about any solo albums from The Beatles. A 3.5 bumped to a 4 because it's George Harrison.
Elvis Presley
4/5
Solid and it was a quick, satisfying listen.
Ozomatli
3/5
A little hard to rate. I didn't really dislike it too much, it certainly had moments but it never really drew me in either. I'd give it a 2.5 if I could. It really would be an album that I felt neutral on. A 3 though because a 2 would be too low and this is probably one of the better (the best?) World album that I've come across so far.
Cornershop
1/5
Oooh so these were the people responsible for that stupid "pussy for a pillow" song. It was "hilarious" in middle school to sing that part aloud but I never really liked the song. All these years later I still don't like it and I certainly didn't like anything else on this slog of an album.
Yet another album to file under "why the hell is this here? Seriously"
Holger Czukay
4/5
I thought this was going to suck. I kinda dug it. A little out there, but not too far out there. I probably would've liked this in my early 20's when I was into anything remotely "weird". I'll give it a 4. It's about a 3 for personal enjoyment but the overall score so far is too harsh.
Weather Report
2/5
The first song is pretty solid. After that it just starts feeling like muzak. I'll never listen to this again unless I inadvertently do so while I'm put on hold.
Abdullah Ibrahim
2/5
Background music. Inoffensive but not particularly interesting either.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
I hate that I have to use YouTube to listen to this. I was so annoyed that I wanted to hate it, but I did not at all.
The opener "Coyote" really drew me in. This album ahas a relaxing/hypnotic quality to it. In retrospect I feel bad that I really didn't like the other album I had from her (Blue?) I know I didn't like it at the time. I'm wondering if maybe I should go back because this was so good.
Really good album. Will probably revisit again.
Michael Jackson
3/5
I was surprised that this wasn't better. A lot of the non-singles aren't that great. Speed Demon in particular made my eyebrow raise. The title track and Man In The Mirror are pop gold. The other big single, The Way You Make Me Feel is one of my least favorite MJ singles. I don't get the appeal.
Not terrible by any means but not nearly on the level of Thriller or even Off The Wall.
Elvis Costello
4/5
I like Costello's early work. I never really got too far past those first few. I wasn't really thrilled to get a 90's album from him. I was pleased to mostly enjoy it. Kinder Murder is really good. I did feel a little bit of listener fatigue toward the end. I'd probably give it a 3.5 if possible.
Les Rythmes Digitales
1/5
I held out for hope that this was going to be like Daft Punk. It just plain sucked instead. Just Look how awful that cover art is. It tells you all you need to know right there
R.E.M.
4/5
I'm not necessarily a huge R.E.M. fan but they made some really great songs during their career, several of which appear here. Everybody Hurts is just a moving song. I've been there and it's hard not to feel the emotions stir when this plays.
I can't give it a 5, but there are several 5 star songs.
Jerry Lee Lewis
5/5
Fundamental rock n roll. Do you even have a pulse if you think that this show wouldn't have been absolutely amazing to see live?
JLL is a "interesting" person but I won't let that influence me. This is an important record.
Paul McCartney
4/5
This is like a 3 or 3.5 for me. It has some really good songs and some really average ones too. Paul is my favorite Beatle so he gets a 4.
Dirty Projectors
2/5
Yeah, I don't know. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't nearly as interesting as hipsters have convinced themselves that it is.
Hard pass.
The Cure
5/5
It's The Cure, they always get a 5.
Truth be told, this is a mid-level Cure album for me. Is The Head On The Door on this list? It should be. It could sub in for this one and I wouldn't mind one bit.
Johnny Cash
5/5
An absolute classic. There's just a great energy to this album and the music is amazing.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Stone cold classic. I've loved this album since I was a kid. I've listened to it countless times over the years. Some people say it's overrated, but I think it actually is the best Floyd album (The Wall is the overrated one)
Those Gilmour/Wright harmonies. While they are perhaps better known for their prowess with their respective instruments I absolutely love the their voices on this album.
What can I say? This has been a favorite of mine for close to 30 years.
What a streak I've been on. 3 5's in a row. I'm probably in for some dreck now.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
I was surprised at how underwhelmed i was by this album. A lot of it left me feeling a bit bored. At least a few tracks were good or at least interesting and of course Mrs. Robinson is an all time classic. Maybe this one takes multiple listens? I don't plan on doing so anytime soon anyway.
Van Halen
4/5
The probably deserves a 5 for Eddie's guitar chops and David Lee Roth being the ultimate rock front man (also ripe for parody, like Dr. Rockso in Metalocalypse) but I just don't enjoy it on that level. Yeah, there're some great songs and moments but then some songs left me a little unsatisfied. A solid 4 for sure though.
Ravi Shankar
2/5
I struggled to get through this. It didn't annoy me, but I certainly didn't enjoy it and won't ever listen to it again. I'm just not a big fan of sitar.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
4/5
A couple radio staples and solid songs all around. This just isn't 5 star level for me. Some of Tom's other albums are 5 stars for sure, and I really hope they made the cut considering some of the shit that made it in.
A rock solid 4.
Fiona Apple
3/5
I went into this knowing only Criminal and I left it with Criminal being the only song that I really enjoyed, however I wouldn't day that I really disliked the others. This is one of those albums where I like what the artist is going for more than I like the execution. I definitely enjoyed some of the instrumentation on the tracks that I found to be just okay. I do think that I could find more appreciation to some of the others tracks with more plays.
Van Morrison
2/5
Not exactly terrible but it was definitely quite boring.
2/5
One of those albums that I listened to and immediately afterward had no recollection of ehat I had just heard. I know it wasn't abysmal, but it certainly failed to leave any kind of positive impression.
Prince
4/5
It's good. The title track is amazing and has one of my all time favorite guitar solos. There's some other classics to be found here as well. I do think that some of the deeper cuts are a little lacking. Overall I'd say that this is a really good album, albeit a bit overrated
Paul Simon
3/5
Enjoyable yet nothing really stood out to me as great.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3/5
It's fine. Probably the best of the CSNY stuff that I've heard. But it's still just fine. Almost Cut My Hair is fucking stupid.
The Kinks
3/5
I've heard 3(4? 5? 100?) Kinks albums now on this list. My opinion remains the same as before instattes this project: The Kinks were fine and quite influential, but I just don't get the hype.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
It's enjoyable, not especially exciting but enjoyable nonetheless.
Marty Robbins
5/5
This was a lot of fun. I've heard a few of these songs before but I was not expecting the whole album to be so much fun. It's not hard to imagine being around a campfire while this plays. Will definitely revisit.
Patti Smith
4/5
This was on my "to listen" list for like 20 years. I'm glad I finally got around to it.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Super solid album from The Boss.
Beyoncé
1/5
I almost want to give it a 1 just based on how overhyped she is and how annoying her fan base is. The weirdest thing is that I've listened to modern radio my entire life (not always by personal choice) and ai didn't recognize one of these songs. I'm familiar with Crazy in Love up to Break My Soul. Why are these songs all a blank space? Oh well. It doesn't matter as I don't like any of these anyway.
You know what? I am going to give this a 1 anyway. I swear she isn't THAT bad, just overhyped and I'd bet a substantial sum that she has better albums than this. This was just a bore.
Country Joe & The Fish
1/5
Awful, just awful. Hippie music is dreadfully bad. This should not be celebrated. This shit should be wiped from history.
Kings of Leon
4/5
Not as bad as I was thinking that it might be. 3.5 bumped to 4 because I went in with a bad attitude towards the band and got humbled
The Slits
2/5
I was looking forward to this. I had heard good things. Alas, I did not like it much at all. Oh well
Fatboy Slim
3/5
I'm only giving it a 3 because I do enjoy the big hits on here to an extent (they could all be shorter) and it's probably important to the genre? I guess?
The Incredible String Band
1/5
When it first started I thought the very low rating was perhaps too harsh. It didn't take too much time into the record before I really started to hate it. I just want to know how it got on this list? Just awful.
Björk
4/5
This is a rather beautiful album. I can't go 5 because it's really iis an album that you have to be in the mood to hear. A solid 4 for sure.
Madness
2/5
I was looking forward to this. I was also disappointed by this. I was expecting more ska or at the very least more interesting songs. It feels ambitious but very little of it landed for me.
The Pretty Things
2/5
I can definitely see the similarity to Tommy. While maybe you can say that it's unfair that The Who probably ripped them off a bit, at least The Who took the concept and made it a classic album. These songs are just "meh".
Lupe Fiasco
4/5
Somehow I actually knew some of these songs. Overall it was a pretty good experience, it didn't blow me away. 3 seems to low. 4 seems too high but 3.5 ain't an option l.
Beatles
3/5
There are some good songs here but this just isn't the era of The Beatles that I want to listen to often.
Small Faces
4/5
Started off pretty solid, but then my interest started to fade a bit. Probably a 3, but giving it a 4 because I want to hear it again and I feel nice today.
Röyksopp
3/5
This wasn't too bad. I remember that song Remind Me being used in a Geico caveman ad back in the day. Not especially exciting but I'd be willing to give it another go
Serge Gainsbourg
2/5
Vocal style was super grating. The music wasn't too bad. The subject matter of the album is pretty gross too.
Jazmine Sullivan
2/5
That album title is just awful. The music was actually not too bad and it went by pretty quickly. It's probably like a 2.5 to 3 BUT this album seriously has no business being on this list. It's far too new and it doesn't exactly feel like an instant classic. I have no idea why this is here.
Peter Gabriel
2/5
I find myself unable to recall anything from this album. It probably would've been a 3 at best but incant remember a damn thing about it. A 2 because I don't recall hating it.
David Bowie
4/5
Title track and Golden Years are premium stuff. The rest is good but not 5 star Bowie to me.
Bert Jansch
2/5
Not atrocious just super boring. Some people like this I guess. They probably also eat plain oatmeal and only have missionary sex strictly for the purpose of conception.
Sepultura
5/5
I'm surprised that this is here, not because it's bad but because this list isn't great with metal. This is a killer album. Throw up the horns, bang your head, etc. Enjoy it. This isn't that Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Hanoi Rocks weak tea.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
Another Nick Cave classic. The guests are great, and I don't really particularly care for PJ Harvey but she's good here. I like the concept of the album (does having an overall theme count as a concept album?) It's just "fun". There are better Nick Cave albums but this is no slouch.
Hugh Masekela
1/5
If this music lived in my home I'd go out for a pack of cigarettes and never come back.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
The singles are monster hits. I'm admittedly a bit tired of them after hearing them so many times over 30+ years but they are quite good. The deeper cuts are hit or miss. I really wish several songs were cut. A 45 minute or so playtime would make this all killer, no filler.
My overall enjoyment of this is probably a 3 or so, but I hate how trendy it's become to write RHCP off "huh huh derp derp all their songs are about California huh huh derp derp" so a 4 it is.
The Clash
5/5
An undeniable punk rock classic. I don't know if the list specifically chose the UK or U.S. version, but both are great. I went with UK version, but U.S. version has (White Man) in Hammersmith Palias which is great.
This isn't The Clash at their best, but its still damn good. Amazing debut that's important to the genre.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
1/5
Lolololol imagine listening to this and thinking it's good. Ooooh I hope an album of Gregorian chants is up next. Get the fuck out of here with this bullshit. The only people that will like this are Punjabi (for obvious reasons, I mean no disrespect I promise) and white people who want to show everyone how open minded they like to pretend to be.
No disrespect to the religious elements of this album or the people who believe in it, but I cannot stand this music.
Bonnie Raitt
4/5
Pretty solid album. I can see why it was popular. I don't especially love it myself. Rating is a little hard though. I'd give it a 3 or 3.5 but giving it a 3 seems too low. It seems worthy of a 4 even though I will almost certainly never revisit this
Blur
4/5
Ive heard a few songs from this before, but never the full album. It started losing me a bit toward the end but overall was a pretty solid album.
Oasis is still my go-to for 90's Brit pop/rock.Gorillaz my go-to for anything Damon Albarn.
Deep Purple
4/5
I expected to hate this. I think Deep Purple is pretty good, but the length of some of these songs...yeesh. I've also never been big on live albums. Ultimately I had a better time with it than I expected to and the length and being a live album didn't really bother me at all.
I kind of underrated their other albums here so I'm giving this one a nice solid 4.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
4/5
I wasn't thrilled to draw this. The cover art is not appealing. I expected it to be weird, and not weird in a good way either. I was very pleasantly surprised to enjoy this a lot. I will probably come back to this one someday and might even peek into some of their other stuff.
Black Flag
5/5
"My name is Henry and you're here with me now"
A classic of hardcore punk. Some Black Flag fans hate Rollins on vocals, but I think the rawness on display here just elevates everything else. I love this album, have since I was an angry young man and I continue to do so as an angry approaching middle age man.
Van Morrison
2/5
Well that sure did go on, didn't it? Individually the songs are generally okay. Nothing too enjoyable, nothing too terrible. It just didn't need to be so long. So annoyingly long. I have no idea why this needed to be here considering the other Van Morrison albums that made this list.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
It's fine. I like some of his other albums more. This really wouldn't have made this list for me but it's not a bad listen.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
2/5
Not very good, but not terrible. It doesn't really do anything musically to stand out from their peers. I guess a lot of people are into the lyrical side? Lloyd could be poet laureate for all I care, this stuff is a snooze.
Billy Bragg
4/5
One of those albums that I had been meaning to listen to for a long time. I'm glad that I got around to it.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Another classic Bruce album. It's just not a 5 for me but it is very good.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I forgot how much I actually like this album. Even so, it has a couple tracks that I don't like all that much. A super strong 4 though for all the best parts.
Neil Young
5/5
It's really good. It's filled with classics. I just hope this is my last Neil Young album. I like him as an artist but he's on this list too much. At least this one really is great.
Sex Pistols
5/5
As a big fan of the genre, I always hear people spouting off that tired "they're a boy band" critique. Not only is that not exactly accurate, it doesn't matter either. How much out thre really sounded like this when it came out and explored the themes thay they were?
It's an important record and it's got some bangers too. Honestly I'm very over some of the big songs after all these years of hearing them so often, but they're still good songs.
The Sex Pistols might bot be the best punk band ever, but this record is so important. The bands they influenced would get better and help grow the genre that I enjoy so much.
Gram Parsons
4/5
I enjoyed this quite a bit. An Emmylou Harris guest spot is always appreciated ttoo.its too bad Gram passed away so young.
Steve Winwood
1/5
I dislike this very much. It's not interesting and I find his vocals annoying. This is primo "secretary rock". Jettison this shit into outer space.
Songhoy Blues
4/5
I wasn't expecting to like this since "world music" is rarely my thing. This however was quite a pleasant surprise. I don't know if it will be something I revisit often but I certainly might.
The Teardrop Explodes
2/5
I was hoping for better. I like a lot of new wave and post punk but this just fell flat.
Thin Lizzy
4/5
I enjoy Thin Lizzy, but this album really doesn't need to be here. I'm still giving it a 4 because the band was so good.
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
I've heard a lot of hype for this album. Not bad, but I was hoping for a bit better.
Alice In Chains
5/5
So many of these songs still get rock radio play. It's great stuff.
The Triffids
2/5
Pretty boring and seems so similar to other bands of the day. It has no business being here but it's not really 1 star bad, close, but not quite.
R.E.M.
3/5
I expected this to be better. I liked the R.E.M. songs and albums of the 90s that I grew up on but I never dug into the past catalog. I found it to be okay but not compelling.
10cc
4/5
This was fun. I might go back to this in time.
Emmylou Harris
5/5
I love her voice so much. Most of these songs are covers but that doesn't bother me. Queen of The Silver Dollar is one of my favorite country songs.
All in all I probably enjoy this at the 4 level, but its absolutely criminal that the current community rating is barely over 3. It needs a 5.
Mudhoney
3/5
I never quite got this band. There's some pretty good songs but also a healthy dose of "Yeah, that's okay I guess." I always suspected that they got the attention they did was because Cobain was a big fan.
Not bad but there's a ton of other albums that I'd rather listen to.
Bob Dylan
5/5
This is one of my favorite Dylan album, possibly my #1. Not much to say, it's just great. I will say that Masters of War gave me chills the first time that I heard it so many years ago. Brilliant song. Brilliant albu..
The Afghan Whigs
3/5
I never wanted to listen to this because the album cover is gross; bear in mind that I listen to a lot of death metal in my free time and those never bother me. Anyway, this was overall an okay listen.
Super Furry Animals
2/5
Well that certainly was underwhelming. The other album I heard from them on this list was at least okay-ish while this one was anywhere from completely annoying to dull as dishwater on any given song.
Yet again I fail to see why this album made this list. It doesn't seem essential on any level. I suspect that even fans would say something like "Yeah, I like it but no one NEEDS to hear it."
Somehow not a 1 but it crossed my mind.
Missy Elliott
3/5
I thought that I would like this more. I remember The Rain being one of the first songs from the genre to really catch my attention. Perhaps it's because I'm not really a hip-hop head I don't understand it's influence or something. I'm just being honest that a lot of it bored me.
I'll give it a 3 but a think 2.5 would be more fitting for my enjoyment.
The White Stripes
4/5
I forgot how good this album is. This is definitely one of, or hell maybe it is their best album. Regardless this is White Stripes really hitting it out of the park. It's just not good enough for a 5 you feel me?
Prince
3/5
This album starts of with 2 absolute classics...and then there's the rest. I was really disappointed that nothing else was particularly enjoyable to my ears. Maybe a controversial take but I'm starting to think that Prince just excelled at singles (and even some of those are just okay) and wasn't a great full album artist. Come at me, bro.
A 3 just for the 2 singles. It would easily be a 2 if not for those.
Saint Etienne
2/5
I can see why people like this. I do not. BUT it's far from insufferable but a 2 is the best I can give.
The Who
4/5
If we're being honest, this did not need to be included on this list. The Who are brilliant and made many classic albums which are included on this list, this is just, I dunno, overkill?
However as much as I'd rather have another album in its place, it is still a solid album because The Who are still the frickin' Who and its almost impossible to enjoy their output at that time.
The Killers
4/5
All of the singles from this album are great and I still hear them played, especially the monster Mr. Brightside. Some of the deeper cuts are pretty solid too but I personally find Andy, You're A Star to be pretty crappy.
The highs on this album are just colossal. I just wish that several of these songs didn't remind me of a college girlfriend. I'm a happily married man now, but those memories do remain.
Teenage Fanclub
2/5
This band was on my radar for a while but I never bothered to actually check them out. I remember them being on an old SNL back when Comedy Central would show episodes from the '90s as filler material. That's all I knew going in.
It's all pretty underwhelming. It's just Capital M Meh. It's Hard to decide between 2 and 3. I'm going 2 with this one because of whatever rag it was that said this was better than Nevermind lolololololololol
Tina Turner
3/5
Tina is obviously a talented singer and there are some good songs here but I honestly doubt I'd listen to it on my own. I'd give it a 3 I guess. Feels weird but that's how it is.
The Specials
4/5
Some good stuff but I never really could get into this band the way that other ska fans seem to. They're good and highly influential which invery much respect. A 4 I suppose.
The Mars Volta
5/5
I like this one a lot. I was a big At The Drive In fan got this right away back when it dropped. I've spent a lot of time with this one over the years. Some aspects (like the lyrics) make me roll my eyes a bit but I get over it because this album just kills it. It's just a shame that the next album was still terrific and then they really kept falling off until I didn't give a shit anymore.
I absolutely love this album and probably always will.
The Clash
5/5
Absolutely essential. The first 3 Clash albums are brilliant and this is the crown jewel. They started losing it a bit from here on until outright being awful on their last.
This is a 5 star album if there ever was one.
Ray Price
4/5
It wasn't a secret to myself, but I'm finding that I really like old school country music. This has a lot to like. The intro is a bit weird but was worth hearing once I guess but thankfully the rest of the album is pretty solid.
Not 5 star good, but really good. Will return for more of this.
Adam & The Ants
3/5
It's kinda weird-ish. It's not bad, but didn't blow me away either. It definitely has some highlights.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
This is a mixed bag of an album. Some of it bores me to tears but there are certainly some good songs here, not anything I'd deem to be great though. It feels too long as well.
I like Elvis Costello, but this is like the 4th album I've gotten from him so far and I think that there's one or 2 more to go. He has albums that should be on this list, but this ain't one of 'em. I'm giving this one a 2 just for the low points of the album and because I think I've rounded up on a couple of the other ones. Overall this album is really just very okay.
Klaxons
3/5
Pretty enjoyable when I was listening to it, but as I sit here now I would be hard pressed to tell you a single song, melody, or anything. I'm giving it a 3 for now and apparently I need to spend more time with it to make a more fair assessment.
The Gun Club
5/5
Another one of those bands I always meant to listen to but didn't for whatever reason. Instantly liked this a lot. I don't usually give out a 5 for a first listen but here we are.
Foo Fighters
4/5
I really like this one and Colour & The Shape. They started falling off after that until their songs just started sounding like beer commercials.
Kings of Leon
2/5
Oh THIS is the one that has that Sex on Fire song on it. Pfft. The other album wasn't particularly memorable but wasn't TOO bad. This album is also unremarkable but is not as good as the other one.
Why are there 2 Kings of Leon albums on this list? Why was there a need for one? Good God, don't let there be a third.
Aerosmith
3/5
Just like with Rocks I want to hate this more than I do. I really don't like Tyler's voice very much but the instruments are solid enough. There's a lot of big hits here that I still hear fairly often.
I cant believe I'm giving Aerosmith a 3, but here we are.
Sebadoh
2/5
I had only heard Brand New Love (as well as several covers of it) before today. That song is not in this album,but boy do I wish that it was. I really expected this to be better. It's cool that they influenced a lot of cool bands and maybe they have some other good songs and albums elsewhere but this fell flat for me.
Nirvana
4/5
This is really good. I usually don't like live or acoustic albums but this is a very solid album. I don't think it's quite as good as a lot of others seem to think, but its a fine listen.
Incubus
2/5
I had this album when I was 14 and it was brand new (that's right, it's about time for me to start getting my prostate checked!) Even back then I didn't like it that much. I liked the previous album more (and that's not very good either) and I only really listened to a couple songs from this album.
20+ years later I like it even less. Honestly, there's better alt-rock/nu metal-ish stuff from the era that would've been a better addition to this list (White Pony, Iowa, Lateralus, Korn's S/T)
What a waste of a spot. I'll give it a 2 I guess but I wanted to give it a 1.
P.S. When the singer does that Mariah Carey-esque thing on Drive, you know the "oooh, oh, oh" he let's out? That always made me cringe. It still does. Yuck.
Oh and this is tagged as Metal? Lol. I love metal but shit like this makes my overall score for the genre low. This is not, and never has been metal.
Def Leppard
1/5
I hate this band so much. I hate that I still hear their corny ass songs here and there. I pretty much summed up all my dislike for this band on my review of the other piece of trash album. So I just want to say: Fuck this band. Fuck them in their stupid asses.
Butthole Surfers
2/5
I never really liked Butthole Surfers all that much, whether it's this album or any of the others. They always came off as a bit pretentious to me. Maybe that's because I knew a dude who creamed his pants over this band and thought he was better than people who "weren't smart enough" to enjoy them.
Just like any of their other albums, there's a few okay tracks but mostly annoying crap. I stopped trying to like them like 15-20 years ago and I'm not going to start now.
The Waterboys
2/5
The first song was pretty okay, I thought it would be a "smoother" Pogues. It was not. I got bored pretty quickly with this. I feel bad giving it a 2 because its not really a terrible album but I just couldn't get into this at all.
Radiohead
4/5
This isn't one of my favorite Radiohead albums. I almost never go to this one because it's just low to mid level in the Radiohead discography, which isn't really a diss when you consider how strong it is.
I always remember the day I purchased this. Metallica had just released St. Anger and when I went to my local music store I had to choose between this and that. I may not adore this album but I'm certainly glad that I chose it over St. Anger.
I can't give it anything but a 4. It's a good listen, but if I want to listen to a Radiohead album in full, this one ain't it. It's best to just mine out the gems and move on.
Rage Against The Machine
4/5
It's pretty solid. I'm very tired of hearing Killing In The Name of at this point in my life but it's still a good song. It's enjoyable, but I'm not crazy about it. I think the follow up, Evil Empire, is the superior RATM album.
I'm giving it a 4. It's more like a 3.5 for the enjoyment I get from it. I'm tempted to give it a 1 just for all the crappy rap-rock bands that followed.
Soundgarden
4/5
Soundgarden has a lot of quality hits, several of which are on this album. I'll probably never tire of hearing Black Hole Sun. Listening to this album in its entirety is somewhat tiresome. One hour is too much and some of these songs really aren't that great.
I honestly didn't really enjoy my time with this album all that much. In spite of that I cannot deny the importance of rhe album, the talent involved, and how good the good songs really are. I guess a 4 for the good outweighing the bad.
The Residents
5/5
This shit is wild. I'll stab a duck right now if Gene and Dean Ween didn't go ape over this at some point in their lives.
I'm not sure how to rate this. I liked this a lot but it's not a "put it on anytime" album. You need to be in a really specific mood for this.
Oh dear, that overall community score is just too low. I guess it has to be a 5 now. I'm doing my part.
My Bloody Valentine
4/5
When I started this I was pretty positive that Loveless would be on this list. Sure enough it was. Then I got MBV a little later. That one could be been excluded if you ask me. I didn't expect this one to be here either but it's better than MBV.
Yeah, I didn't think it would be included but I'm still giving it a good score. It's not quite 5 but it is very good. A strong 4.
Digital Underground
3/5
It starts off fun but then my interest began to wane as it went on. I guess it's a 3.
Public Image Ltd.
3/5
I like their first album more. This one isn't bad, but it's just not something I'd really choose to listen to.
PJ Harvey
2/5
This is the 4th PJ Harvey album that I got so far. She isn't terrible,but please I don't want anymore.
Dolly Parton
4/5
This is enjoyable and all, but yet it somehow feels like it should be better. 3.5 getting a 4 because I do love me some Dolly and Emmylou. Linda is fine too (in more ways than one. Prime years Linda...oh my)
The Byrds
2/5
No more Byrds please. I think this was at least the third ftom them. Wasn't there a solo project thing too? It was just kinda there. I felt numb to it.
No more Byrds!
Randy Newman
4/5
Randy is interesting. His voice is unique and he's one of those artists where the lyrics are huge. That said I don't love this. I think if I listened to it more it could grow on me.
Was going to give it a 3, but I do enjoy some of those lyrics. I'm not a southerner, but I am a rural guy and some of those songs resonated. Give it a 4.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Frank is almost always a good time. Honestly, I usually just listen to hits from Frank but this was solid.
Bill Evans Trio
2/5
I'm not really a jazz guy. I don't get what makes this good. Sorry, jazz heads. This is just boring to me. It's fine background music but it's hard to believe that anyone would want to actively listen to this.
Fairport Convention
2/5
It was just there. I felt nothing. It's actually a bit hard to rate something that leaves neither a positive or negative impression.
Rush
5/5
This is the last great album Rush put out in my opinion. The first few songs are just classics and the second half is excellent as well. I always think it's something of a feat when you can put a long song on an album and it doesn't feel like a long song.
This definitely belongs on this list, but I could understand if Geddy's voice was a deal breaker for many.
Roxy Music
3/5
Relatively interesting/enjoyable. I think I need another listen or 2. It could grow on me.
Madonna
2/5
Don't Tell Me is okay. I prefer her earlier work to this and I'm not really a big Madonna fan to begin with.
1/5
Awful. Just awful. There's no justification for this being here.
This album has some of the worst rapping you will ever hear. The singing and screaming isn't any good either. It all borders on comical, except it's too annoying to be funny. The lyrics are incredibly stupid as well.The cherry on top is that it's way too long of an album.
I can't lie, I liked this a lot as a teen but unlike a lot of other artists I liked then but do not like so much now, I don't even get a slight nostalgia buzz. I just feel embarrassed and annoyed. I have no idea why I or anyone else did though. It's like millions of us were under hypnosis back then. Its crazy to think of just how HUGE this band was.
I can't believe that I even took the time to say more than the 2 words that would've sufficed for this album: SHIT SANDWICH
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
After yesterday's Limp Bizkit encounter I was glad to get some Nick Cave. It's a 5 because Nick is great, but after suffering through Fred Durst almost anything would sound good.
This is for real very, very good though.
Supergrass
2/5
The other one I had on this list was better (can't remember the name) this just was there. Rarely caught my attention.
Christina Aguilera
2/5
I was always curious about this album. Christina has some guilty pleasure songs that I enjoy from my youth and a powerful voice but I'm generally not into her songs too much.
So on paper this all seemed good. Going "old school" would surely make the most of her talent, right? Well consider me underwhelmed. I guess the idea was to not go TOO old school so it still sounds modern enough. I guess most people like that, but I don't. If she had an album full of big band tunes and Ella Fitzgerald covers I'd probably be pretty happy. This just sounds like a pop record with a little bit of a gimmick.
It's not too terrible, but it should've been much better. This woman can sing the hell out of a song but the songs she's singing just aren't particularly good or interesting. What a shame.
Too damn long too.
U2
2/5
Not great. I don't generally like U2. I will say that the 2 big hits are rather good (if there's a third one I'm unfamiliar and it didn't catch my ear) but the rest is pretty meh.
Moby Grape
3/5
I thought it was okay. I'm guessing it was influential to other artists. It really doesn't feel very special otherwise. It was still a pretty good 30 minute album.
SZA
2/5
It started off pretty okay with the opener. As it went on I disliked it for the most part. There were a couple of decent tracks but a lot was just unappealing. The lyrics were pretty dumb at times too. What a waste of Kendrick.
The The
2/5
Started off feeling like something I'd really enjoy and then I stopped caring. It just didn't really do it for me.
The KLF
2/5
I really dislike this stuff, but it wasn't atrocious.
Pavement
3/5
Eh I have mixed feelings about Pavement. They have some solid songs but some stuff just bores me.
Bonus irrational thoughts: I always thought that they were a less interesting Sonic Youth (yep, irrational) I also always got a feeling of annoying smugness from them that puts me off a bit. (Also irrational but I told you so)
Barry Adamson
1/5
What the hell is this nonsense? It's a fake soundtrack? That's not really that cool of a concept. Maybe if the songs were better or painted a picture of an actual movie it would be. That's the orst problem though: none of this is enjoyable. Get out of this list.
Baaba Maal
1/5
Oh, more crappy "world music" Have fun pretending that this is good. Be sure to bring this up at your next vegan pot luck fundraiser for some fruity cause. I'm sure you'll be a hit and everyone will think you're so worldly and wonderful.
Ray Charles
4/5
This is enjoyable. Not something I'd be likely to put on by choice but I'd be lying it isn't a good time.
Ghostface Killah
4/5
Another fantastic Wu solo project. I just don't think that it's a 5. It is very, very good but I just can't see it as a 5.
Traffic
3/5
It's somehow not as bad as I thought it would be. Steve Winwood and a touch of hippie? Yuck. AND YET it's a decent listen. A 2.5 in my book but for beating my expectations I'll award a 3 star.
John Lennon
4/5
Yeah it's good. John is my #3 Beatle but this is just an undeniably good listen.
The Beta Band
2/5
Mostly boring. This would've been way better if they fired chickens like arrows rather than trying to make music (yeah, that was a stretch. Leave me alone)
The Band
3/5
It wasn't too bad. I was expecting hippy bullshit. I didn't love it either but I do definitely respect The Weight. A light 3.
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
Started out really promising but I started losing interest a few songs in. Could've been a 4, but maybe I will give it another chance in the future and see if it becomes one.
M.I.A.
3/5
I like the Sanford and Son sample. It wasn't too bad but not anything really special to me. I really thought Paper Planes would be on this album. A 3 I guess. Feels like everything is a 2 or 3 right now.
Steve Earle
4/5
A really solid alt-country album. It's not Copperhead Road but still very good. If anyone actually sees this, I recommend the work of his son Justin Towns Earle (RIP) he's actually how I discovered Steve.
Lucinda Williams
5/5
Another alt-country classic. I'd say it's probably more of a 4 for me but the community score for this is criminally bad. It's getting a 5, it deserves it for its influence on the scene alone.
Jack White
3/5
It was okay. I've generally liked a lot of Jack's stuff with The White Stripes or Raconteura but this was just pretty average as far as his stuff goes. Enjoyable enough but far feom essential.
Mott The Hoople
2/5
Oh the "All The Young Dudes" band. Is that on here? No? Aww. I wishlist was because this is all just very forgettable. Not necessarily bad, but it just kind of played and didn't leave any real impression.
Cheap Trick
3/5
It's fine-ish. Some classics, some stuff that just plays. I don't really love live albums. A 3 I guess.
The Cramps
5/5
I love The Cramps. I was very happy to see this here. I just love their overall sound that just "oozes". I'm assuming the Misfits didn't make the list (shame) but this works for some Halloween time music
Dead Kennedys
5/5
Punk rock classic. It's got some great lyrics, East Bay Ray's guitar playing, and Jello's distinct vocal style. What more could you want from an album in the genre?
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
3/5
Oh another world music album. I winced as I started listening but to my surprise this wasn't too bad. I'll give it a generous 3. It's more like a 2.5 because I didn't dislike it, but I didn't really like it either and will probably never listen to again.
Germs
5/5
The snobs who don't get punk won't like this, but this is terrific for those who do. It's raw and hard hitting. It's the kind of album that really helped define the genre. It's too bad we never got another album.
The Byrds
2/5
This "project" has made me hate The Byrds. Yes, they have some all-time great songs and even at their worst they aren't that bad, but overall I find them to be pretty "meh" and I'm so sick of getting their albums. Enough already. I already hoped that the last one was the final entry but I might scream if I get another.
Meat Puppets
4/5
I think that I should like this more than I do. If I had heard it earlier in life I probably would've loved it. Maybe it's because I've just heard their influence in so many others that hearing them now has less effect.
All in all, I'd probably give it a 3 or 3.5 for my enjoyment. I liked the country tinged songs more than the more "psychadelic" stuff. I'm giving it a 4 for being so influential to others.
The xx
2/5
This was pretty freaking boring. Yet, some strange force makes me want to give it another go sometime. Maybe. Maybe I just need to make sure my meds are working the way they should.
Hüsker Dü
5/5
I dont think any Husker Du fan would choose this album over any other album with the exeption of MAYBE Everything Falls Apart. That said it's still a pretty solid album. I rarely listen to this one when I want to hear Husker Du. These Important Years is a really solid track though.
I'm still giving it a 5 because I think it's their lone album on this list (for shame!) and they are easily a 5 star band.
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
Hey, it's another world music album that I kind of like. I'll probably never listen to it again but it definitely wasn't bad.
Astor Piazzolla
2/5
This is just not for me. It's not exactly unbearable or anything but it's a hard pass.
The Who
5/5
Packed with hits and even the non-hits are really good. This might just be the best Who album.
Isaac Hayes
2/5
Starts off promising and then just slogs along. The last track was especially terrible. It's not 1 star bad and I can kind of see why others would like it but this is a "never again" for me.
Stephen Stills
4/5
Did not expect to like this as much as I did. There's an abundance of CSNY and their associated work on this list so I wasn't looking forward to it. I was pretty happy with this. I didn't know he was responsible for "Love The One Your With" I always thought it was some one hit wonder
Neneh Cherry
2/5
Not very appealing to me. The first song is okay-ish. Nothing else came close to getting my attention. Not 1 star bad, but never again.
Bee Gees
1/5
I learned that The Bee Gees have a hell of a lot of albums and they weren't always disco. Learning those facts was far more interesting than anything on the album. I hated this very much.
Skunk Anansie
1/5
This was insufferable. I guess I could understand why others would like it but this was like a near hour of nails on a chalkboard for me.
Beth Orton
1/5
I just found it mildly irritating at the beginning, by the end I wanted it so badly to be over. Super freaking dull.
Kraftwerk
3/5
I dont really like it too much, but its not all that bad and has a mild appeal. A 2.5 getting a 3.
The Charlatans
2/5
It's like Great Value Oasis. They sound similar but they lack the high points that Oasis could reach. I don't know why anyone would listen to this when you could just put on Definitely Maybe or What's The Story? Morning Glory. I guess some people really like that bland Brit pop sound; probably a populace that finds bubbles and squeak to be palatable.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Very good. Its not a 5 for me, but it's definitely a good time
Django Django
3/5
Pretty good. Not great.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Pretty wonderful (no pun intended) this might be my favorite of the 3 Wonder albums that I've had so far. It's not a 5 for me, but I really enjoyed it.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
This is classic. I love me some VU. This is probably my #2 album from them behind the album with Nico. My only gripe is The Gift. I hate the way John Cale reads it and I usually just skip it, but the story itself is fairly amusing.
It still gets a 5 for the other songs, particularly Sister Ray, which I would certainly understand if some people hate it.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
I wanted to like this more than I did. The Killing Moon is classic, the rest is okay. I'd be willing to give this one another try.
2Pac
4/5
I dont think this is the best 2Pac album, but it is really good.
Ride
2/5
I thought this would be good but I was really disappointed. They definitely didn't hit the level of My Bloody Valentine or Slowdive to my ears.
Beatles
5/5
The first truly great Beatles album. I used to rank this one fairly low amongst the classic Beatles albums, but this last listen made me appreciate it even more.
Kate Bush
3/5
It's fine. I like the other 2 Kate Bush albums that I've gotten on this list more than this one. I don't really get the hype she receives. She's just okay. Not bad, she's got the occasional bop but not much that I care to revisit.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
I wanted to like this more than I did. Overall I want to like Exho & The Bunnymen more than I do. They seem like something I should really be into but I find them to be just "meh" most of the time. A 2.5 getting the bump to 3 because it is the holiday season and all
Coldcut
2/5
I like when it sounds closer to hip hop than Electronica. It's not something I plan I ever revisiting but it wasn't too painful. It was way too long.
The Psychedelic Furs
4/5
I've never heard more than a handful of PF songs before today, in fact I'm more familiar with punk covers of their songs. This album was really good. I'll definitely go back to it and probably seek out more.
Calexico
2/5
I remember when I first started to really explore the alt-country genre this band came up quite frequently. I only really listened to a few songs back then and never felt compelled to go any further. It turns out that I was right to do so. I like what they're going for better than the execution. There's albums from the likes of Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, Neko Case, and many others that I would rather see on this list than this exercise in mediocrity.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
One of Costello's best albums for sure. Quality hits and the deep cuts are solid too.
Air
3/5
I liked it more than I thought that I would. I'll probably never listen tonit again if I'm being honest, but the experience wasn't bad at all.
Girls Against Boys
2/5
I saw this band's name pop up quite often over the years but I never checked them out. I was really underwhelmed. My favorite part of listening to this was when it ended and I started getting songs from the likes of Fugazi, Husker Du, and Hot Snakes. I'd much rather have had a second album from the first 2 (especially since Warehouse is a poor representation) and any Hot Snakes album blows this out of the water.
Elvis Presley
4/5
This was really good. It probably deserves a 5 for its influence and legacy but I just don't enjoy enough to give it 5. A big ol' 4.
David Bowie
3/5
There's better Bowie albums. This isn't bad but it was overhyped due to being released shortly before his death and the "prophetic nature" of it. Then there was a wave of Bowie-mania (certainly not a bad thing at all) but yeah, this isn't essential unless you're a big time Bowie fan. I feel like I kind of shit on this album, it really isn't bad, its solid. It just doesn't need to be here.
Eagles
3/5
The Eagles are a greatest hits type of band. The deeper cuts just aren't that great.
P.S.
For the love of God, I love The Big Lebowski too but that joke is plaaaaaayed out.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
I don't know. It's fine. I guess. Just take the 3 already.
3/5
Thought this would be worse than what it is. It's still not anything I want to hear again. Take a 3, friendo.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
2/5
Got bored with this. I feel like I should like this more than I do, which is not much at all.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Title track is really good. The rest is fine.
The Thrills
2/5
So mundane. If you like this, I can understand why but there's absolutely no reason to heap praise on this as an essential album. It's just for fans of 2000's indie and nothing more than that.
Dire Straits
3/5
It's got some solid radio hits. The deep cuts were pretty okay. A 3.5 but I don't think it earns the 4. Whatevs.
Can
1/5
I hate this stupid band. I don't know if I'd call it pretentious but it'd annoying. Not all weird shit is bad but it's definitely not necessarily a plus either. Please, no more albums from them. 2 is way too many. Actually 1 is too many and that is what it gets. Bleh.
Slade
2/5
Put your shirt on, you factory defect Johnny Ramone looking mother fucker. This shit pretty dumb, but not very fun. I kinda want to like it but I really don't. The album needs to go harder or something. It just ain't it, my guy
Japan
2/5
Not so terrible but there's no reason for this to be here. I should give it a 1 just for that terrible cover of All Tomorrow's Parties but I'll be nice.
Sonic Youth
5/5
I got into Sonic Youth around my freshman year of college. This was the first album I heard from them and I remember how listening to this while driving under gray skies just fit somehow. (Maybe the reference to stormy weather on Teen Age Riot?) Anyway this album started a big love for this band. Maybe it's because it was first, but this has remained my favorite. They have some other really great albums but this is always the one I'm most likely to play if it's been a while since I spent time with SY
The Go-Betweens
4/5
Pretty solid. I read some reviews here beforehand because I had no idea who the fook these guys were. The Smiths comparisons are kinda accurate, you can't beat Moz for vocals though (haters be damned) and there's definitely no Johnny Marr here either but all in all it's enjoyable.
I'd give it a 3.5
Eminem
4/5
Did not expect to like it as much as I did. Slim Shady LP was also a pleasant surprise but this one pretty much blows that album out of the water.
There's some really great songs here. I always kind of underestimated Eminem; yeah he had some songs I liked but I always thought he was so popular just because he was white so he felt "safer" to non-rap fans. Honestly, if that's why people took to him it probably only helped the genre when you think about it.
Most of these songs go hard. Eminem comes across as really sincere and very, very angry for sure. The downside is that some of this stuff has seriously not aged well in the lyric department. I understand because I was in high school when this dropped and casual homophobia was pretty normal. It wasn't right, but that's how it was. Much like Bonnie & Clyde 1997 from Slim Shady LP I could really do without Kim. It's downright unpleasant and frankly disturbing; and keep in mind that I like to listen to a lot of bands like Cannibal Corpse, Carcass, Exhumed, etc in my non-1001 albums time. I also grew tired of his almost constant usage of "I dont give a fuck" or some variation thereof. I get it dude. You're a solid lyricist. Express that feeling another way maybe?
I didn't expect to type this much up. I just got going. I'm tempted to give this a 5 for the impact it had but I have to subtract 1 star as that probably more accurately represents my enjoyment.
Minor Threat
5/5
A hardcore punk classic for sure. The only problem is nobody, I mean NOBODY listens to just this album. You listen to the complete discography album. It's only makes sense. I don't care if it's technically a compilation, it's the definitive Minor Threat album because it's got ALL the classics. I mean I guess you could just listen to this if you're a vinyl nerd or something.
Yeah this is a 5. It's too damn good. If you don't understand that you might need to flex your head.
Aerosmith
3/5
Honestly, it's not too bad. This is my 3rd Aerosmith album here and that's pretty much been my experience: I have low expectations and they somehow surpass them. Just like in the other 2 reviews it's the instruments that really are the star of this band. Hot take to infuriate the boomers and lovers of all things cock rock: Stephen (Steven? Who care) Tyler is not a very good vocalist. He brings it down and makes me hate the band. See also when they get too bluesy. No thanks.
A 3 with a free shrug and a sigh.
Muddy Waters
2/5
I really don't like the blues much. It just doesn't appeal to me. Yeah a lot of great musicians dig it. Good for them. They can have it.
Respect for Mannish Boy being pretty much the quintessential blues song. Take that with a grain of salt as I said I do not really like this genre.
It's not horrendous but I definitely won't go back to it.
Beck
4/5
I like Beck but I'm not sure this needed to be here. It's fun genre hopping with well performed songs all the way through. Even though I probably wouldn't have put it on this list it sure does smoke a lot of the dreck on this list out of the water.
Stan Getz
4/5
Pretty pleasant. I wish that I had heard it in the summer rather than the cold month of December but I think it did warm me up a tad.
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
Hard to get through. I wasn't too impressed with the other album I got from them on this list and this was considerably worse. It isn't quite a 1, but it sure as hell wasn't enjoyable to me at all.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Not sure if I was supposed to go with the U.S. or UK version so I made sure that I listened to all the songs from both. I never listened to this album in full before. There's some great hits and the deeper cuts are all pretty solid too.
Sigur Rós
2/5
I don't know. I kind of hated this but yet it had moments that make me want to hear more maybe? It did have its moments but most of it felt like a chore. I guess a 2?
Afrika Bambaataa
2/5
This didn't age particularly well. I guess it was important for it's time but there's better albums from the time that are still great.
Amy Winehouse
4/5
I didn't love her other album but this is really solid. What a shame that she left this world at such an early age.
Korn
3/5
The S/T album is the one and only Korn album that belongs on this list and somehow it isn't.
I mean I absolutely loved Korn in middle to sophomore year of high school but I'm pretty much over this. Got The Life is a great song. I
will ALWAYS bob my head along to it.There's some other okay to pretty good songs. Some of this shit aged poorly particularly All In The Family.
I can give this a generous 3 for the good songs. It really doesn't deserve to be shit on, but it truly has no place on this list.
D'Angelo
2/5
This has its moments but I'm not a big fan of the genre and it feels like it should be shorter
The Beach Boys
5/5
This is really great. I only knew the hits going in but the rest is really great.
The Crusaders
2/5
Not for me. It has some moments and one good song but I was not into this much at all.
Sabu
1/5
This might be the worst of the world albums on this list and that's saying something.
Sonic Youth
5/5
Another classic SY album. I always liked this one a lot. Shadow of A Doubt is amazing. The firecrackers thrown at Lee on Into The Kingdom makes me chuckle every time. It's just such a good album.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Her voice is good but the songs didn't grab me.
Caetano Veloso
2/5
Pretty intolerable for the most part. It's a pity because samba has been pretty good to me on this list so far.
4/5
I used to love Yes for a time. This one was never my favorite but I do like the first song a lot. The other 2 are pretty good but don't compare.
TV On The Radio
1/5
I know I had another album from them on this list, but I can't really remember anything about it. I do know that I was really annoyed by this one. It started off dull but passable then just got annoying. It passed my 1 star test: I couldn't wait for it to end and it pissed me off.
The Allman Brothers Band
2/5
Allman Brothers are one of those bands where I only like the album tracks; and only some of them at that. I feel the same way about Grateful Dead. I don't need long, drawn out wank from either.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
4/5
Some of this is REALLY good and obviously important to the genre. On the other hand some of this has not aged well and probably wasn't very good to begin with.
Nina Simone
4/5
Great voice but some of the songs just didn't grab my attention. 3.5/5 for me.
Supertramp
2/5
Why is this here instead of Breakfast in America? It's not SO bad but it's not really good either.
Prince
3/5
It's got some good songs but much like Prince himself I find this to be pretty overrated. Way too long as well.
Mj Cole
2/5
I thought it would be terrible. It was just not very good instead. Honestly, as far as these kinds of albums go it was one of the better ones that I've heard. It's still a 2 though.
Mekons
4/5
I've been meaning to listen to this band for a while. Country + punk is something that I very much enjoy and this was one of the first bands of not THE first to do it.
Funkadelic
4/5
I really like Parliament/Funkadelic. I just don't think this one is quite as good as One Nation Under A Groove or most of rhe Parliament discography. I don't mean to talk it down, it's a solid 4.
George Michael
3/5
This one exceeded my expectations. The other George Michael album on this list (Freedom) sucked and Wham! sure did suck but this had a couple decent songs. I'd give it a 2.5 but it gets a 3 for being better than expected
Miles Davis
2/5
I don't really like jazz that much and I just don't get the hype of Davis. A 2 I guess. It has its moments but I was mostly snoozing while listening (not literally)
David Ackles
2/5
I was initially intrigued but intrigue quickly turned to fatigue. This guy was clearly out of his league.
I'm sorry for that.
Brian Eno
5/5
I could use some warm jets during these cursed ice cold grey nothing months. Anyway this is niiiiice
Bob Dylan
2/5
This is so boring. I've given several Dylan albums a 5 and there's some not on this list (I think) that I would also rate as a 5. I never understood the appeal of this album.
Coldplay
2/5
It's become very cool to hate Colplay over the last few years. I wouldn't call myself a fan but I do like some of the singles from the first two albums, such as Yellow that appears here. I always wondered if the hate was truly warranted since they did seem capable of some good songs.
After listening to my first Colplay album in full I can just shrug and say "not exactly". This album is mostly on the dull side but it isn't exactly terrible. 1 album isn't really enough to make a judgment for a band's career but I suspect that most of the hate this band gets is because Chris Martin seems so goddamn annoying.
Cocteau Twins
4/5
This had a lot of nice atmosphere. The other album that I got from them on this list was just okay but this was quite enjoyable. Will return to this one again.
Hot Chip
1/5
Sometimes I really hate doing this. I can only hope for a better selection tomorrow. Why is this here? WHY?!
Metallica
3/5
This was an interesting idea for Metallica but it's not great. The 2 new songs recorded for this album are pretty good as are some of the reworked songs but some of those classic songs don't really work for my ears. I understand that this was recorded in '99 and they certainly weren't going to skip over their 90's material but they should have. Did anyone want to hear Devil's Dance with an orchestra, or ever for that matter?
It's got its moments and having the orchestra is certainly a nice touch but I think this is mainly Metallica superfans who can sit through 2+ hours of Metallica that includes the 90's bleh.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
Not nearly as bad as a lot of the other albums in this genre that I've heard. I can spot it a 3 I suppose. I'm not planning on returning to it but I didn't despise it. The bar is set low for electronica for these ears.
Doves
1/5
I hate this. It's boring as hell. Hated the other album from them on this list too. The only song that is remotely listenable is "catch the light" or whatever. I don't care enough to look it up. No more of this shit band, please.
AC/DC
4/5
I don't necessarily love this album, but I respect it. AC/DC are soldiers fighting to save rock and roll in a war that only existed in their minds. It's dumb but fun. Some of these songs are played to death but for good reason. I don't really listen to this one too much as I'm not a huge fan of the band and I prefer the earlier albums but I gotta give it a 4. This thing is too loaded with hits to give it any less.
Skepta
2/5
Everything about this is just mediocre at best. How the hell is this in here aside from the obvious UK bias? You know MF DOOM was born in England. Everything he ever did blows this album out of the water. DOOM should have at least 1 album on this list.
Pentangle
1/5
Annoying. Not super annoying but whatever the hell they were going for does not come off as cute or enjoyable it's just annoying. If you love lute music or the black Plague or something I'm sure this is for you.
Morrissey
5/5
Not my favorite Morrissey album but probably top 3. It starts off a little meh for me but really picks up with track 3, the classic Every Day is Like Sunday. Overall it's probably a 4 but because everyone's always gotta hate on my boy Moz it gets a 5.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
Kinda unhinged and almost, but not quite, fun. It just doesn't have any "meat" to it. Todd's has much better albums. I still appreciate the spirit of it. Best I can do is a 3, now get out of here.
Snoop Dogg
5/5
I love the G-funk sound and Snoop is so smooth. It's a classic of the genre. The lyrics are what they are. They don't bother me but I can see why others might object. This is an emphatic 5 from me.
Marvin Gaye
2/5
So boring. It's not like Marvin can't sing but I don't want to listen to these songs. I really don't want an hour of this.
Pink Floyd
5/5
I've been on a roller coaster with this album. I received this album at a young age from my older sister. I was probably too young for it but I did like it a lot. A few years later I got into their older work and was convinced that The Wall wasn't "real" Pink Floyd.
I've come back around to appreciate this album as being really great. I borderline dislike Young Lust but it is pretty catchy. It needs more Richard Wright and less vocals from Waters but I'm not giving this anything less than a 5.
Taylor Swift
5/5
I like the 2 "indie" Taylor Swift albums a lot. I'm not sure if this is better than Folklore but it is really good. I'm not sure it should be on this list so shortly after it's release. It needs more time to marinate.
It's a 4 but I'm giving it a 5. T Swift seems to be growing more and more divisive and her star grows somehow bigger and bigger. I'm no hater so a 5 it will be to spite the whiners.
Wild Beasts
1/5
This was just awful. My children are often present when I listen to these albums and they generally have no strong opinions. My 3 year old begged me to stop playing this one.
Throw it into the goddamn trash, burn it, then cover it with concrete.
David Bowie
5/5
There's a lot to like here. Just some absolute classics from the man. I was originally going to give it a 4 because there are a few songs that I don't love, but I'm giving it a 5 anyway because the highs are so very high.
Curtis Mayfield
2/5
I hoped that this would be better. I felt indifferent to it.
The Divine Comedy
4/5
I kinda dig it. It's a bit weird (the horse lyrics) At times but I dig that vocal style and it doesn't overstay its welcome. 3.5 rounded up.
The Last Shadow Puppets
2/5
This was pretty lackluster. Not terrible but to sum it up my feelings about this album would be "Yeah? So what?"
Barry Adamson
2/5
This guy again. Another phony soundtrack. I like this one better, but not by much. 2 stars for the Dacid Lynch connection. I can't ant possibly give it any more than that.
N.E.R.D
3/5
It surpassed my low expectations going in. Hell, they even made a song with the no talent ass clowns from Good Charlotte listenable. I found the second half pretty lacking though. 2.5 but gets a 3 because I expected so much less.
Lauryn Hill
2/5
Man is this ever overrated. I do like Doo-Wop but I expected better. I remember everyone fawning over this album when I was a kid. She was easily the highlight of The Fugees but this didn't excite me much at all aside from a song that I've heard many, many times over the years.
The big hit was a big hit for a reason but overall I'm baffled as to why this was so special.
Pere Ubu
4/5
I always associated this band with a pretentious hipster douche that I knew. This was one of his "you just wouldn't get it. It's just too intelligent for people who aren't me" bands. Well "HA!" because I do dig this. It isn't as deep as ass hat claimed it to be, but it definitely isn't going for the mainstream.
I liked it but I didn't want to because of the association. I also hate that band name; it enrages me for no reason. I'm still slappin' a 4 on it
Dr. Octagon
3/5
I was always curious about Kool Keith but never got around to listening to anything by him. It was pretty good. I think Dan The Automator is the real star; his body of work speaks for itself.
3/5
I don't know why this is so hated here. It sucks less than most of the jazz on this list. I love the drumming, its borderline menacing. No individual song goes on too long and into masturbatory territory.
In the end it's still jazz and there's a limit to how much I can enjoy that genre.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
5/5
I've heard of Mr. Billy before but I never listened to him. I was immediately drawn into this album and was along for the whole bleak ride.
My instinct is to give this a 4, especially since it's a first time listening but since the community score is so low it gets a 5. It might "earn" that rating on future listens anyway.
The xx
2/5
I remember thinking thier other album on this list needed a second chance at some point. This one does not deserve that. It's just cold, sterile, boring indie of which there is a abundance of in this world. Nowhere near being a must hear.
That said, it's not 1 star bad but I thought about it.
Underworld
1/5
Unbearable. I hoped to find more electronic music to enjoy through this and I think my only good find was Justice. I guess I'm never going to be a fan of rhe genre, just a few outliers.
The Doors
2/5
Better than the other Doors albums on this list, but not by much. I struggle to think of a more overrated band in rock.
Sarah Vaughan
4/5
Pretty lovely to listen to I especially loved How High The Moon and the Ella Fitzgerald shoutout.
It just isn't 5 star material and while it is good I don't see it as an essential album.
Dagmar Krause
2/5
An absolute slog to get through. Not 1 star bad but good God please don't ever make me listen to this again please.
The Police
4/5
There's so much to like about this album that I can overlook the reggae elements.
Reggae sucks. Accept it.
Joe Ely
3/5
It's just okay. I like country music but this just doesn't make a case for being here. Nearly every other classic album of the genre on this list (that I've heard so far 800+ in) blows this out of the water.
Gotta give it at least a 3 because in my opinion country is the most unfairly maligned genre.
Cowboy Junkies
3/5
It's mostly slow and boring yet satisfying at times. I have to be in the right mood to enjoy this otherwise it's a slog.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Nothing to really note, I just dig it.
Ice Cube
4/5
I like this era of rap a lot. Ice Cube is a legend but I honestly was never a huge fan. It's still pretty good though.
Was going to give it a 3 but a 4 seems better. Hell, I'm tempted to give it a 5 for all the whining about the lyrics among other users.
The Coral
2/5
This album just made me shrug. Yep, that was definitely an album. Not good, not terrible. It just exists. There are so many albums that deserve a place on this list that didn't make it. Piss off.
Britney Spears
2/5
I was ready to slam this with a 1 but some of the songs actually are a little catchy. It's all so very brainless though.
I'll give it a 2 because I soiled many a tissue to Ms. Spears as a young man. I'm 2 years younger, I'm that creepy. I am creepy though. Don't care.
Brian Eno
3/5
I find Eno hit or miss but generally really like Byrne. Overall I found this album better to "appreciate" than to actually sit down and listen to. 3 stars I guess.
Morrissey
5/5
There's some damn good Moz songs on here. It's probably a 4 but as usual, this gets an automatic 5 to counter all the 1 star whiners.
Ministry
4/5
Really good, but not quite 5 stars good for me. I should probably listen to them more often than I do.
Buck Owens
5/5
Premium country music. It's such a fun listen.
Spiritualized
3/5
I feel like this thing has been recommended to me more times than I can count. It was okay I guess. The first song was the best one. The last song went on and on and on. It was not worthy of the hype really.
Morrissey
5/5
The best Morrissey album. I gave his weaker albums a 5, this one should get a 6.
Ryan Adams
5/5
One of my favorite assholes in the business. This is a pretty fantastic album, but it does go on too long; it's not like Adams has ever known to not overdo it with his output.
Yes he's pretty terrible, he always has been. I don't listen to music to make friends with the artists. 4 star album getting a 5 for all the community hate.
Koffi Olomide
2/5
Pretty not good. Not 1 star bad I guess but never again.
Bebel Gilberto
4/5
I really enjoyed that. I'm finding that as far as good World music goes, it almost all comes from Central and South America.
The Mamas & The Papas
4/5
I knew a few of these songs going in and was pleasantly surprised. Very good. Not quite a 5 for me but I did consider it.
Cat Stevens
3/5
It was just okay. I expected a little better. 2.5 gets the bump to 3 for Father & Son
The Birthday Party
2/5
I've been meaning to listen to this for a long time but I wasn't really feeling it. I don't think I was in the right mood for this kind of music today but honestly, I'm not sure I would really like it on a day when I was in the mood for the genre.
Megadeth
5/5
As I (probably) said for Rust in Peace: It's a thrash classic. Dave has an acquired taste vocal style and even then it's not very good but the songs are still great.
Jane's Addiction
4/5
I had a small phase where I really liked JA around the release of Kettle Whistle (that live version of Jane Says is top notch) but when I finally got around to their 2 real albums I was a little over them and wasn't too into them.
Going back to this one probably 20 years after finally checking it out has made me appreciate it a bit more. I still think Stop Is overrated but Three Days is epic. Been Caught Stealing will always be a fun song.
A generous 4. I may not have ever truly loved the studio albums, but oddly enough this band got me into other stuff that I liked better. So that's something.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
1/5
I thought this was going to be a country album. It wasn't. It was fucking boring. That little Happy Trails cover at rhe end rubbed me the wrong way. I wanted some country gold that I had never uncovered before and this was just not anything that I wanted.
Kings of Leon
1/5
How is this band on here (at least) 3 times? This has to be the worst of the 3. Please no more. This shit is so dull I can't take it.
UB40
1/5
3 1 stars in a row!
Just boring reggae (as most is) nothing special, it just sounds like a generic reggae album. There's even a song about weed! Oh boy! For the record I love me some THC but talking about it, making it your personality, etc has always been cringe to me.
Can I please get an album that's at least 2 stars good now?
Mike Oldfield
1/5
There's one good part, and you already know what it is. After that I wanted to drive a nail into my skull. That one little good part cannot save this album from suck. It's like if I put one drop of honey into a cup of ditch water before drinking it; it's SOMETHING but it might as well be nothing.
4 1 stars in a row! Save me!
ZZ Top
4/5
Pretty good. La Grange is such a classic. It goes a little harder than I expected and I found myself enjoying it quite a bit.
The 1 star streak is over. Thanks, beardos.
Violent Femmes
4/5
Blister in The Sun is one of those songs that I like but I could go the rest of my life without hearing again. That said there's a lot of other really cool songs on here. I had no idea this album came out when I did. I assumed early to mid 90's.
I'll definitely come back to this one again.
Basement Jaxx
2/5
I guess that I can begrudgingly give it a 2. It's a little better than a lot of the other electronic music this list has exposed me to, but not by much.
Ms. Dynamite
2/5
It's not very good, but not too bad. It just sounds like a lot of the genre from that time period. Nothing to hate but nothing that stands out.
MGMT
3/5
I expected to hate this. I really didn't. It wasn't spectacular but it was a decent enough listen.
Green Day
5/5
One of the most important albums to me. I got this when I was about 10 and it opened me up to a whole new world, even if I didn't know what "punk" was a thought it was just an insult word.
I've got a lot of love for this album and it will always be a 5 for me.
ABBA
4/5
Much, much better than I expected. A 3.5 bumped to a 4 for subverting expectations in a big way.
2 things though: The lyrics and title on that opening track...woof.
Dancing Queen sounds like it's starting in the middle of the song. Why doesn't it have a proper build? It's still a bop.
The Stone Roses
2/5
I just don't get this. I listened to this years ago and felt nothing. I still feel nothing from it. On paper I should love this: '80s UK sad boy is one of my favorite fake genres, but this is just a total snooze.
Coldplay
3/5
There are some good songs on here but every song pretty much suffers from the same 2 problems: Too long by 1 or 2 minutes and absolutely no energy. Had they shortened some of these songs and had about a 40-45minuge run time it wouldn't be bad sleepy time music or calm time music, but it just goes on and on for damn near an hour. There's just too long for an album with no "rockers" in the bunch.
It's still not bad and I did enjoyed it more than I disliked it. A 3 seems about right. 2.75 is what my brain is saying.
The Prodigy
4/5
I did not really expect to like this as much as I did. I knew Smack My Bitch Up and Firestarter going in so I was a little hopeful for an album from a genre that I usually dislike.
I think what works for me here is that these songs often feel like songs rather than beat collections. It's almost a little rock-ish in its approach. I love every time Keith Lee pops up (RIP) I even liked the 9 minute song. I groaned when I saw the run time but it ended up being one of my favorites.
Yeah, some of it does get a bit repetitive and some of these songs maybe could've been trimmed down as I damn well get the freaking point after 3 or 4 minutes (or 1 sometimes) but I liked this a lot and will go back to it and probably other Prodigy albums too.
T. Rex
4/5
I knew the name but couldn't name a song to save my life going into this album. There was definitely some "oooh so T Rex made that song. Okay" going on.
All in all, this was a damn pleasant listen. Will revisit.
Nick Drake
3/5
I didn't like this one as much as Pink Moon. I don't remember his other album on this list very well but I know I heard it.
It was fine.
Orange Juice
3/5
It was fine-ish I guess. It feels like something that I should like more than I did. A 2.5 rounded to 3
The Replacements
5/5
Absolutely love this album. A little punky in the best ways and just filled with earworms. I'll never tire of this album or The 'Mats in general.
I don't think Tim made the list but it should have as well.
Genesis
2/5
Just okay. Way too long. It really made bo impression upon me. The story behind it and some of the songs is a bit weird. It would've gotten a 3 but deduct a star for excessive length.
Brian Eno
4/5
I wasn't really looking forward to this as I'm not always into instrumentals and Eno is sort of hit or miss for me on this list so far, but I rather enjoyed this. Good music to just chill to.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
It's generally good. I do not like "Give Me Three Steps" or whatever. Never did. For being a long song Freebird actually doesn't overstay it's welcome and has a great into and and equally great "rockin' out" part.
I guess it's a 3.5 rounded to 4.
David Crosby
1/5
If only I could remember anything about this boring dud. Actually I'm not upset at all that I don't remember anything about this album aside from it was boring and couldn't wait for it to end.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
3/5
Kinda good, kinda not. He seems to have influenced some better artists so hats off to you Alex.
Guided By Voices
3/5
I don't know. I do like short songs but some of these are over before they really establish anything. It's not bad but not thrilling. It doesn't help that I once knew a douchebag who was obsessed with GBV and thought they were the greatest thing ever.
I guess a 3, but I kind of want to make it lower.
Aretha Franklin
3/5
Does she have a good voice? Yes. Is Respect a classic? Yes. Does most of this not really do a lot for me? Also yes.
I feel like this is an album that I should like more than I do. It's not bad, it just didn't thrill me.
Talking Heads
5/5
Not the best Talking Heads album but it is very good. It's more of a 4 but Talking Heads gets that bump. Deal with it.
Nirvana
4/5
I always thought Nirvana was a touch overrated. They kind of are, but they definitely were good all the same. As epic a closer as All Apolgies is I like it when the band plays harder, like Scentless Apprentice.
I don't think this deserves a 5 but it is definitely a strong 4.
Massive Attack
3/5
Not bad. I typically don't like EDM much but these actually feel like songs rather than bleeps and bloops or just a collection of beats. That makes a huge difference. I don't love it, but I don't mind hearing it.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
5/5
I can't believe this community bitches about Costello so much. Yes, he does have too strong a presence on this list but this one absolutely deserves it. If someone told me that they didn't like this album my face would scrunch up and I would wonder what was wrong with them. I mean enjoy what you do, but this shit rules.
The Bees
2/5
This started out kinda promising and then just went south from there. Pretty unmemorable. I'm sure this has since been removed from the book, I mean surely it has. Right?!
Nanci Griffith
3/5
Starts off good and never matches it. It's a shame because I wanted to find some more good country music. This is overall fine, but there's so many better albums in the genre that it doesn't feel justified being here.
Julian Cope
3/5
It's okay. Has its moments both good and kinda bad. I guess it's a 3?
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
Better than I expected it to be. Not great to me, but it's better than the other one on this list.
TLC
4/5
This was everywhere when it released. Being a middle school boy I had no interest as Iwas focused on alt-rock type stuff but every girl had this album. There's some serious bangers and some meh stuff. Way too many interludes too. Yeesh.
Overall I'm bumping this to a 4 for subverting my expectations, obviously being important, and because Creep will be in my head for the rest of the damn day.
Sugar
5/5
I didn't expect to see this here. This is a phenomenal album. It mustve been hard to follow up Husker Du but Bob Mould knocked it out of the park. If I can't Change Your Mind hits so damn hard if you've ever been in that position and is just insanely catchy too.
This ALMOST makes up for the bizarre choice of Warehouse: Songs and Stories while ignoring the true classic Husker Du albums. Almost.
2/5
This has to be the most overrated band in history. They were so immensely popular at a time (still are to a degree) and I don't really understand why. Yes, they do have some good singles but the deep cuts are just dull dull dull.
It's not as bad as Achtung Baby, which had nothing redeemable about it but I don't get the hype.
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
The hits are so good particularly Time After Time and Through The Night. 2 of the finest pop songs of the 80's if I do day so myself. She Bop is also good but I don't like it as much as those 2. The non-singles are solid too. Just an overall enjoyable album.
Everything But The Girl
2/5
Pretty bland and forgettable. I can see why people like this but it's definitely not me. Not 1 star bad but I won't be coming back to this again
Heaven 17
2/5
Nothing amazing. Maybe they were influential to someone? I didn't hate it but didn't like it either
Peter Gabriel
3/5
The 2 big singles are good, the duet with Kate Bush was solid. The rest was pretty meh.
The Auteurs
3/5
Never heard of 'em before. I was kinda into it. It might warrant more listens.
Suede
2/5
Not as bad as the other Suede album on here that I hated (no more please) but still not very good. That singer really comes across as trying to be Bowie, he's no Bowie and these songs don't even compare with his work.
Sade
3/5
Kind of boring but pleasant enough just the same. I didn't know Sade did Smooth Operator. That's about as much a bop as elevator music gets.
The Stooges
5/5
Arguments are made that this is the first punk album. I say it's still proto-punk but it doesn't matter because this album is just a great time.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
It has 2 huge singles that are great but I was a little disappointed that most of the other songs were just okay. A 3 because I expected this to be better, but it certainly isn't bad.
Dion
3/5
I didnt expect to like this much. I ended up enjoying a decent amount of it and it never got bad, just not to my liking. I feel like a 3 is almost too low but a 4 is too high. It is an iron man of a 3
Fun Lovin' Criminals
2/5
Music is okay in places but overall just "meh" it doesn't help that this whole album makes me think of some really irritating people that I went to school with. It just has a "eww" vibe throughout.
LTJ Bukem
1/5
Way, way too long. It's a compilation too?! Why is this even here. Toss this background music in the trash.
Full confession: this is the first time I didn't listen in it's entirety. I just couldn't get through these repetitive tracks. My integrity it has taken a hit!
3/5
I hope this is my last Kinks album. They're fine I guess, but severely overrated and overexposed on this list. Yes, there's some good songs but there's a lot of shruggable stuff too.
Björk
4/5
I like the majority of Bjork's work and this is no exception. I don't think this is quite 5 stars for me but it is really good. Bonus points for having Mike Patton involved.
P.S. Homogenic and Post really should've made this list.
Culture Club
3/5
Karma Chameleon is an amazing song as far as I'm concerned. The rest is pretty okay-ish.
Bauhaus
4/5
I liked this quite a bit. Before I only knew them for Bela Lagosi's Dead and that was a bit too goofy for my liking (okay it's not bad but it's way too goth for me) it did start to wear out it's welcome some toward the end but overall quite enjoyable.
3.5
Finley Quaye
2/5
Boring reggae. What a shock that I didn't like it. Not one star bad but never again.
The Beta Band
2/5
Why on earth is this here? Boring boring boring. Not 1 star bad but it's placement on this list is one of unfortunately many question marks as to how I've gotten 900+ albums deep in this mess.
KISS
3/5
It's dumb. So dumb. But it has enough charm to get it by. There are some bangers for sure but also some duds. Just don't pay attention to the oh so crappy lyrics and ignore everything you know about the individuals in the band (especially Gene but Paul is pretty bad too) and you can have a reasonably good time here.
Steely Dan
2/5
This is like the third or fourth SD album that I've gotten and I still don't get what I'm supposed to like about them. There's bot even a standout track here. Hard pass.
Deerhunter
1/5
Oh jeeeez is this dull. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't even see this as being influential or anything. It just feels derivative and a slog. It was hard to finish. Boo!
The Human League
4/5
A nice slice of new wave. This is pretty much exactly what I want from the genre.
Buzzcocks
4/5
Just a great punk record. I don't think it's quite a 5 but it's super enjoyable.
The Byrds
2/5
I'm so very, very, very tired of anything related to The Byrds on this list. I think I said it before but, NO MORE, PLEASE.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
4/5
Just a solid rock record. It's probably a 3.5 but I'm giving a 4 since that option doesn't exist.
Scissor Sisters
2/5
Very gay, not that there's anything wrong with that. It isn't very appealing to listen to though so that's where the problem lies.
The Beau Brummels
2/5
Booooring.
Soft Machine
1/5
Pretentious and unlistenable. The vocalist makes me feel better about my admittedly poor ability to sing.
The Everly Brothers
4/5
Solid early rock n roll.
Carpenters
3/5
It's sappy and "dated" but there's certainly some appealing, guilty pleasure type stuff here. Overall it isn't great and some of the songs are dull dull dull but I didn't exactly dislike the experience.
Animal Collective
1/5
Hipster garbage. I couldn't wait for it to be over.
The Darkness
2/5
This album was kind of fun when it first came out. It has lost a lot of it's appeal over the last 20-ish years. I think people thought they were going to help usher in a return of classic rock to the mainstream but I always saw this album as just a novelty that would fade away. There's a couple of good songs here but overall it's just not anything special at all. You're really just better off listening to the bands being emulated.
50 Cent
2/5
The beats are pretty good on some of the songs (thanks Dre) but 50 was never that great of a rapper in my opinion. This album was a monster when it came out and I don't quite understand why. I guess being friends with Dr. Dre and Eminem have strong benefits.
Robert Wyatt
2/5
I don't think it's 1 star insufferable because it did have some okay-ish moments, it's still not very good. Throw this one in the never again pile.
R.E.M.
3/5
I like R.E.M. okay and that's pretty much how I felt about this album; it was just okay. I honestly expected better but it wasn't bad either.
Television
5/5
This is a phenomenal album. I think the title track is the standout but every song is so good and it's so so very important to a multitude of bands that I love. Obvious 5 stars.
Sleater-Kinney
3/5
I didn't really care for the vocals so much but the music itself was pretty alright.
Dennis Wilson
2/5
It didn't leave much of an impression upon me. It was just okay.
Lightning Bolt
4/5
There's some pretty gnarly sounds on this album. I've been meaning to check these guys out for years and I'm glad that I finally did so.
fIREHOSE
3/5
Pretty good. I never really "got" The Minutemen but this was a solid listen. Not great, but solid.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
This is a classic album from beginning to end. I'm not the biggest Zeppelin fan in the world but there's just no denying how good this one is. Easy 5.
Kanye West
2/5
I do enjoy some Kanye, but not this one. I try to separate the art from the artist and I don't really think of myself as a prude but I found a lot of his lyrics really offputting on this album. It's not helped that it just doesn't have beats that I can really get into. It's not exactly terrible but I don't see myself returning.
LCD Soundsystem
2/5
It's better than that American Dream album but I still found myself bored with it for a majority of it. The songs just go on to long and take away from the positive aspects.
Alanis Morissette
4/5
This was better than I expected. I'm tired of about half of the hits here but I can still appreciate them for what they are and the deeper cuts are pretty good too. A nice surprise.
Don McLean
3/5
Title track is a classic though I admittedly could do with a shorter version. The other tracks range from okay but pretty forgettable to good but not great.
Ian Dury
3/5
I like when it gets punkier. Overall I find it a bit hard to rate. It's kind of a mess but almost brilliant in that sense. I can give a generous 3 I suppose.
3/5
It's Bob Dylan I don't want to give it less than a 3. It really doesn't need to be here though. There's some great albums missing from this list and we really don't need a bootleg that offers nothing special taking up a space.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
I like this one for the most part. I think it's an improvement over the (in my opinion) vastly overrated debut album. I'm pretty tired of Whole Lotta Love at this point and Lemon Song is not amongst my favorites but the rest of this album is pretty enjoyable.
Prefab Sprout
4/5
This was pretty fantastic. I really liked the opener and was hoping for more of that but the rest of the album was very enjoyable. If I'm being real it's probably about a 3.5 but it's going to get a well deserved 4. What a nice find.
Bad Brains
4/5
I enjoy this album but I always thought that Bad Brains were just a teensy bit overrated. This album is a solid listen and the title track in particular is great but I don't think this album is as great as it's hyped to be. Their debut should be here instead
Bee Gees
3/5
I liked this more than the other pre-disco Bee Gees album. Nothing special but I really didn't mind it and a couple songs were pretty good.
Miles Davis
2/5
I don't get Miles Davis and I probably never will and that's fine with me. This bores me so much. It's not 1 star bad but it's just not something I'd ever want to listen to. Enjoy fawning over this, I'll be making the dismissive "jerking off" hand gesture while you berate me for being a pleb.
The Soft Boys
3/5
It was above average. Nothing exceptional but I certainly didn't dislike it
Jethro Tull
4/5
It's half tempting to give it a 5 but I just don't enjoy it THAT much. It is a very good album though.
The Beach Boys
4/5
Pretty solid album. It's just not as good as Pet Sounds. I shouldn't hold that against it but here we are.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
It's fine I guess. I just couldn't really get into it. It's not bad though.
1/5
Really pretentious, really boring. The community score for fellow noise rock band Lightning Bolt is sadly very low, but the community has it right for this one: it sucks.
Tim Buckley
1/5
Dreadfully boring. I dont remember anything from this album except the boredom that I endured. Maybe it's not 1 star bad but it's getting it anyway.
The Blue Nile
4/5
This was a pretty solid listen. I never hears of them prior but I enjoyed it.
Alice Cooper
3/5
It's fine. The title track is a classic and the rest of the album does have some surprises if you're expecting a lot of the same but overall it didn't "wow" me really. Not a bad listen though.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
It's got some classic hits and there are some pretty good deeper cuts too. I think a 3.5 is what I'd give it honestly but 4, while seeming to be a bit too high is what I will give.
Brian Wilson
3/5
It was fine. All those years in the making for that? Not bad but not at all exceptional.
John Lennon
2/5
Pretty meh. The Beatles solo stuff that I've heard just never really does much for me. John is also my least favorite of the "main Beatles" (sorry Ringo but I don't count you on their level) so that didn't help my enjoyment.
Giant Sand
2/5
There's occasionally a decent tune but most of this just made me want to listen to a better Lou Reed album.
M.I.A.
2/5
Hey, this one has Paper Planes the song that's kinda good because it borrows from Straight To Hell. Otherwise this album is just as meh as the other M.I.A. album on this list. Please let there only be 2.
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
It was there. Nothing really stood out about it in any way. I'm torn between a 2 and a 3 because it's really the definition of 2.5 I guess I'll give it a 3 since it at least had a decent run time and didn't piss me off.
Sonic Youth
5/5
Love me some Sonic Youth. They have a couple albums that I enjoy more that didn't make this list but I do like this one. I think this is my last SY album on the list. Thanks for giving me a trip down memory lane as I was once quite obsessed with this band.
Christine and the Queens
2/5
Boy, that went on forever. It has its moments but it's far too long and rarely very interesting.
Ananda Shankar
2/5
Not as bad as a lot of other world music (admit it, it's a terrible genre overall. Don't let your liberal guilt fool you) but boy is this something that comes across as more of a novelty than something that one just must here before they leave this world.
Richard Hawley
4/5
Wow. I wasn't expecting that. Very comfy listening. Will check out more of his work.
Dr. John
2/5
I like Dr. Teeth and Electric Mayhem better. This probably would've gotten a better reaction from me years ago but this stuff just doesn't excite me at all anymore. Good on you for being weird for your time, but I have no desire to listen to this ever again.
The Associates
2/5
Not 1 star bad, but pretty close. I really don't know how this got on here.
3/5
Starts off pretty nice but those long songs really lose me. Overall not a bad listen though.
Metallica
5/5
It has some faults, we all know about the production issues but it's still a great album and is the last great album from Metallica. What a great 4 album run.
Paul Simon
4/5
Really solid album. Has some classics and a lot of good deep cuts.
Scott Walker
3/5
Not bad but not something I see myself coming back to
John Martyn
2/5
Pretty boring. Not 1 star bad but how does this guy have 2 albums on this list? He shouldn't even have 1.
Rod Stewart
2/5
Overall not very good. It has a FEW moments but even then it's nothing special. I generally don't really care for Stewart and this one doesn't even have any of his songs that I kinda dig.
Bill Callahan
3/5
Not bad but I found myself zoning out a lot during it's run. 2.5 bumped to a 3. It probably shouldn't even be on this list if we're being honest.
Nas
5/5
I'm not the biggest rap guy but I always liked this album a lot. Many of this songs are spread across different playlists that I've made. I'm hardly an expert on the genre but I'm pretty sure this is an all-timer.
Adele
4/5
It's pretty good. Her voice is amazing. I will always remember the first time I heard her was when she did Chasing Pavements on SNL and I was blown away by her vocal talent. This album has some good songs but a lot of them just bum me out and have been played to death. That's not fair to hold that against her but I'm really fatigued by the hits at this point.
Big Star
4/5
It's a solid record but I don't exactly love it. I'd give it a 3 but I'm bumping it to a 4 for being so influential to Paul Westerberg
Haircut 100
3/5
It's ok. A couple solid songs and a lot of really so-so stuff. 2.5 bumped to a 3.
Everything But The Girl
2/5
Boring and depressing. Not 1 star bad but this was not a pleasant listen.
New York Dolls
5/5
Fun album that paved the way for so many of my favorite bands. I don't enjoy it on the 5 star level but it's too important not to assign it a 5.
Dinosaur Jr.
2/5
I never really got Dinosaur Jr. like a number of my friends did. They have some stuff I enjoy to an extent but I just don't get them overall.
Deee-Lite
2/5
Groove is in The Heart is fun the rest just left me numb.
Magazine
3/5
I feel like I should like this more than I do. It's okay.
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
Pretty solid album. I really like The Beatles and Paul was my favorite part of them but I never really gave Wings a chance. Not everything hit for me but I definitely enjoyed it.
Scritti Politti
1/5
At first I thought "this is bad but it's not so bad" then it went on and on and I was very annoyed.
David Holmes
1/5
It has a few moments that aren't too bad but ultimately I found myself hating this.
Goldfrapp
2/5
I kinda like the vocal style at times but overall I was pretty bored by this.
Sonic Youth
5/5
Hey another SY album. I thought I was done with them (I actually thought that I had this one before, must've been a non-generator listen) so I was very happy to get this one. I like this one a lot. I'm not sure exactly where I'd rank it among their discography but it's probably top 5 or close to it.
Tim Buckley
1/5
So boring, just like the other album I had from him. Please say there isn't a third.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
2/5
I don't like this. This reminds me of the kind of blues that your uncle listens to while doing that gross head bob thing that blues fans do (people do bob their head to various styles of music but boomer blues people do it in a very gross and different way) and tells you all about how you don't understand music because you don't like this crap.
Honestly, it's not 1 star bad but this album gave me a stomach ache or gas or something. Gross.
Simple Minds
2/5
I felt nothing. I don't get this. I guess you had to be there?
Arcade Fire
2/5
Hipster nonsense. It has a few decent spots but I'll never get the hype around this band.
David Bowie
3/5
Honestly I think this is a pretty overrated Bowie album. The title track is pretty great even if I'm a little fatigued by it and there are other good songs too but the instrumentals really make this album lose momentum.
It's still a decent album overall but I don't count it among his best.
David Bowie
5/5
What a coincidence after getting Heroes yesterday. I like this one much more. I think the instrumentals here are much more enjoyable than the slogs found on Heroes. I do count this among Bowie's best work.
Fiona Apple
2/5
I don't really dislike it, she has a good voice but I don't really love it. It's a 2.5 for me getting a 2 because it's way overhyped.
Christina Aguilera
2/5
Christina can sing for sure but I don't care for the songs that she's singing at all. Way too long as well.
Big Black
4/5
It's pretty good. I probably would like it more if I had gotten into it way back when I was first discovering punk. I don't know why I didn't get into them but I didn't.
Mike Ladd
2/5
It's definitely a hip hop album with some ambitions but it's not really that enjoyable of a listen.
Slayer
5/5
This is among my favorite albums of all time. It's a masterpiece of thrash metal and at roughly 30 minutes long it almost demands a repeat listen. It's got a punk sensibility that just makes it so good.
That said, I don't really listen to this anymore since I gave my life to Christ. I prefer positive music these days. I would be dishonest if I gave this anything less than a 5, but at the same time I encourage anyone reading this to go to the gospels. Scoffers gonna scoff.
John 3:16
R.E.M.
3/5
It's okay, just like every other R.E.M. album on this list.
Simply Red
2/5
It's not that bad I guess but pretty boring and not really deserving to be here.
Nico
3/5
All the best songs are at the beginning of the album and then it starts to drag. I honestly like her vocal style and I definitely like her work with The Velvet Underground but this album just isn't a start to finish classic.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
2/5
I'm guessing it was influential to other artists but I could not really get into this at all.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
It's okay. Come on Eileen is pretty irresistible and there's some pretty good other songs here but it I didn't love it and probably won't ever listen to it in full again.
Beastie Boys
5/5
A classic of the genre just for the layers of sampling alone. I love me some Beastie Boys. Easy 5.
Gang Starr
4/5
Pretty solid album. I had only heard the name prior. I liked it, I can't give it a 5 but it's a solid 4 for sure.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
I love so much of this album. On paper I should hate this: it's really long and indulgent and if we're being honest Billy isn't the greatest singer, but there's certainly a charm to his style. I'm going to cheat and give this a 5 because the highs on this album are so high sure there's a couple songs that don't really blow me away but I think it's a super important album and it certainly has a special place in my heart.
Justin Timberlake
2/5
Pretty boring overall. It has its moments but it's really just a 2000's pop album with no real appeal to me.
Throbbing Gristle
1/5
Mostly annoying. I probably would've told myself that I liked this when I went through a bit of a "noise rock is cool, anything "weird" is good 'cuz most people won't like it and I like to feel superior" phase in my early 20s.
I barely survived this.
Janet Jackson
2/5
Don't really like the new jack swing sound. There are couple of decent songs here but it's too long and the interludes are annoying.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Really nice. Not quite a 5 for me but I found myself really enjoying this.
King Crimson
3/5
It's a solid album but I don't quite buy all of the hype. I think it has some less than stellar moments. I'd personally give it a 3.5, rounding down to a 3 for over-hype.
Incredible Bongo Band
3/5
I enjoyed it more than I thought I would but I can't go any higher than a 3.
4/5
It's not a 5 for me, Los Angeles would probably score that but this is a VERY enjoyable album.
Ella Fitzgerald
4/5
Ella has a fantastic voice but my main issue is that this album is way too long. I believe an album should be listened to in one sitting and you can't do that very easily with this one. It's best used for background music and/or in chunks.
It's far from a bad album but it's just too much.
White Denim
3/5
This album is way too new to be included. It's fine. It has some pretty good songs and but it's mostly in the "it's just okay" range. I highly doubt this will be on the list in a few years.
Hookworms
2/5
Too new to be included. I could overlook that if it wasn't just a "meh" album. This will get yanked off this list within a decade.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
No John Cale, no problem. It's not quite as noisy as the previous VU albums (The Murder Mystery must be acknowledged of course) but this album still has one great song after another. The Velvet Underground surely had one of the best 4 album runs in history. I did say 4, once Lou left...well if you know, you know. If you don't know I wouldn't look into it.
Booker T. & The MG's
4/5
Pretty solid. I'm not usually a fan of instrumentals if I'm being honest but this didn't bother me one bit. I'd probably give it a 3.5 because I don't really love it, but a 4 seems perfectly fair.
Roxy Music
2/5
Mostly boring. Not terrible but I was pretty bored through this.
Emmylou Harris
4/5
I love Emmylou's voice but this album isn't really that great to me in comparison to some of her other work. I'd honestly give it a 3, but I'm bumping to 4 just because I think she's so talented.
The Modern Lovers
2/5
Man was that ever a boring slog to get through. Not quite 1 star bad but I considered it
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
3/5
I remember buying this on vinyl in like 2004 or so for like one or 2 dollars (that era is long gone RIP) I was really interested in prog at the time so I bought up all I could. This album never especially thrilled me. I think it suffers from the "all or nothing" approach some of these bands took when they would make an album with 1 massive song on one side and a few shorter ones on the other. Rush killed it with 2112 but ELP stumbles here. I just don't think the title track is worthy of filling an entire side of a record. It's okay but not amazing. The shorter songs are more enjoyable but not classics.
Willie Nelson
4/5
Pretty enjoyable all around. It's not really what I'd expect from Willie but he does a pretty great job with all of these covers. A solid 4.
Grateful Dead
2/5
This is what I HATE about Grateful Dead: the jammy nonsense that turns enjoyable enough songs into intolerable wankery. Take the opening song Darkstar for instance; that's a fine song on its own but it does NOT ever need to be 20 minutes long. It's just tedious. At least St. Stephen (a song I enjoy quite a bit in it's studio version) stays at a tolerable enough 6 minutes.
I know a large number of GD fans say the live versions are the true representation of the band, but I despise it. I like the studio versions far, far better and even then I'm far from a super fan.
I can give it a 2 for at least having some good songs at their core, but man this is otherwise insufferable.
XTC
3/5
Very ok. It had some decent moments and songs. I guess it's a 3. It's just so very unremarkable
G. Love & Special Sauce
2/5
I don't know what to say other than ugh. It's somehow not 1 star bad in my opinion but I was so happy when it ended.
Ice T
2/5
I grew fatigued by this pretty quickly. I'd rather listen to Body Count.
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
Some of my musician friends love this band and I still don't quite see why. It's just ok to my ears.
American Music Club
2/5
I started off optimistic but that soured by the end of track 3. For some reason I couldn't shake the thought that this album sounds like Uncle Tupelo if they weren't particularly good. Maybe it's just the cold medicine talking.
The Young Gods
3/5
Mixed bag. Some of this was pretty solid while other songs fell a bit flat.
Say what you will but I'm just going to be honest: the fact that this was performed in French made it hilarious to me in some places. I'm not sure why, but it was.
The 13th Floor Elevators
2/5
Not terrible, not very good either. I'm just not really into that particular kind of rock I guess. It really made no impact on me.
The Dandy Warhols
1/5
Oh wow did I hate that. Every song is too long. Every song is so very boring. There's not one element that I enjoyed.
By the time I got to Hard On For Jesus I knew this was a 1. I know not everyone shares my religious views. I'm not a stranger to anti-religious songs, I even enjoy some of them if I'm being honest, but this one wasn't even remotely clever and just made me even madder.
What a terrible album.
CHVRCHES
4/5
I really dug most of this. I didn't like the last song very much. Otherwise this was a pretty solid album that I will revisit and check out other albums by the band.
Metallica
2/5
This album...*sigh*
First off let me just say that I HATE Enter Sandman. It's so corny which is a quality amplified by the fact that through most of my life (I'm 39) this song has been the go to for every non-metalhead to act like they're some kind of "wild person". As in, they listen to adult contemporary 90% of the time but they'll let you know that they like to put their hair down sometimes and go a little wild when they put on...Enter Sandman. It's your lame uncle's favorite song and he wants you to know that he likes it so you won't think of him as the lame uncle anymore.
That said, I liked this album when I was young and hadn't acquainted myself with the bands 80's work yet. Even then I saw some faults with this album though. Of Wolf and Man always irked me. It's so corny. I never could stand it. The Unforgiven isn't very good either. I actually think part 2 from Reload is much better (fight me) Nothing Else Matters can kick rocks too.
The best song on this album in my opinion is Through The Never. It needs more recognition. Wherever I May Roam isn't too bad either. It's easily the most tolerable of the hits.
Look, I get why people really like this album. I just think it's really watered down and completely overhyped. I don't have a problem with a band changing their sound some of my favorite bands did it often (Ween and Cave In come to mind) but man, no, I don't want my Metallica sounding like this.
Joanna Newsom
2/5
Oh boy. This was way too long. The vocals were way too "quirky" most of the time but there were some moments where I kind of liked her singing. The harp did sound pretty nice for the most part.
Overall the vocals and sheer length of the songs really killed this album for me. Maybe more listens would make me appreciate it more? I'm just not sure I want another go around.
The Adverts
3/5
It was OK. I kind of got some Buzzcocks vibes from this album but overall the songs just didn't really resonate with me. I swear I've heard Gary Gilmore's Eyes somewhere before and that was easily my favorite song here.
Not bad. I'd reconsider trying this one again down the road.
Flamin' Groovies
2/5
I don't know. I could appreciate what they were going for more than I could actually enjoy it if you know what I mean. I would give it a 2.5 if I could. I'm rounding down because I really just didn't care for this all that much and by the time the last song hit I was quite done with it.
Einstürzende Neubauten
1/5
Annoying.
Sinead O'Connor
3/5
A great singing voice. I wasn't necessarily into every song and I'm honestly completely over Nothing Compares 2 U at this point.
It was still pretty enjoyable. I just wish that I liked the songs as much as I did her voice.
Fairport Convention
2/5
Not terrible but pretty boring overall.
The Zutons
2/5
Why? I have a feeling that even fans of this band wouldn't think that it belongs on this list.
Drive Like Jehu
5/5
First of all: RIP Rick Froberg
This album just rips. I'm a big fan of pretty much anything that John Reis and Rick Froberg have done. I seriously was excited to see this as my album of the day. My wife and I were both home today and I advised my wife to spend an hour outside sunning because I would be playing this one very loudly and acting a fool in the house while I did.
I don't know. I just don't know what else to say it's just so good. A friend of mine has the cover art tattooed on his chest maybe he should be the one writing this review because I'm not qualified.
5 emphatic stars.
If you like this album at all do yourself a favor and listen to their other album and then go get into Hot Snakes, Obits, Pitchfork, Rocket From The Crypt, and anything else those 2 fine gentleman made.
Woooooo!
New Order
5/5
It's New Order. it gets 5 stars.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
The Stones are legends but this album didn't need to be here at all. It's fine but far from a mandatory listen.
Tim Buckley
1/5
I had no idea who Tim Buckley was until June of this year when I this generator gave me one of his albums. I hated it. Since then I've gotten 2 more and I hate them too. This one has to be the absolute worst. The lyrics make me want to puke and the music isn't doing anything at all for me either
I hope to never hear Tim Buckley again as long as I live.
The Temptations
3/5
Solid enough but nothing that really wowed me. A 3 because I honestly expected a little better.
Joan Armatrading
3/5
Not bad. Probably won't listen again but it was a good enough time.
Happy Mondays
2/5
Didn't like that. Am I crazy or did this sound like The Cure minus everything that makes The Cure great? Anyway, this was bland.
Dizzee Rascal
1/5
Annoying voice and beats. Couldnt wait for it to end.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
Probably a 4. It runs a bit long. It's Nick Cave so it gets that 5 star treatment.
Public Enemy
4/5
A really solid PE album but not their best. A definite 4.
Common
4/5
I really liked this album at a time. It helped me get into the genre. A 4 for the quality of the album and it's importance to me.
Gene Clark
2/5
Rather boring. It's a shame because there are moments where it feels like it could be so much better. Overall the number one fault of the album is that the songs just aren't memorable at all.
4/5
I liked this more than the other XTC album that I got from this list (assuming there's only 2) there's some interesting sounds to be found here. A little long but pretty enjoyable overall.
Little Simz
2/5
Don't like her rapping much at all. At least it was pretty brief compared to a lot of albums in the genre that are so very bloated.
Queen
4/5
It's solid but it feels a little off compared to Queen's following albums.
Duran Duran
2/5
I dont really get the appeal of Duran Duran. I guess they have some decent songs but overall it's just kind of boring to listen to. I'm completely over Hungry Like The Wolf and I don't even think it's particularly good in the first place.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
I actually had this ages ago. I bought it at a whim just because I had heard of them before and the packaging of the CD was very interesting. It was 5 bucks...spent. I only liked the opening song "Can You Forgive Her?" And found the second song to be okay nothing after that made an impact.
20-ish years later, I mostly stand by that assessment. There's a lot of decent to pretty good stuff here but not a lot to write home about.
A generous 3 just because I really do like that opener.
Eels
2/5
Mostly boring. Didn't care for the vocals much at all. I've heard mich worse. I guess it's a 2.
Slipknot
5/5
I love this album but it certainly has its faults. The lyrics are so, so bad. Just awful. HOWEVER when you're pissed off and not looking for poetry this album hits the spot.
I think Corey Taylor is overall a pretty excellent vocalist. His screams are just top notch as far as I'm concerned. His clean vocals are good too (they improved with time too) but his biggest fault is when he goes for those stupid, cringey vocal fry vocals and the "Oh I'm so tortured and craaaaazy better not mess with me!" laughs and groans. That stuff was even a bit too overdramatic and stupid to me when I was 14 and this was my favorite album.
BUT overall I love this album. It's aggressive and catchy. The percussion is so good. It also gives me a huge nostalgia rush. Without Slipknot I wouldn't have gotten into more extreme forms of metal. Yes, this is a gateway album if there ever was one. A lot of people I know that liked this album put it aside when they moved onto heavier things but I think this album has a ton of staying power. I do hate how juvenile it can be but man do I get so much pleasure listening to this album that I can overlook the flaws.
Despite the acknowledged flaws I think this most certainly deserves a 5.
Kid Rock
1/5
I was dreading this day for a long time as I learned early on that this album was included. It took 1,056 days but here we are.
My apprehension was quite warranted. I knew I hated the 3 big singles as well as some of the deeper cuts that kids used to sing along to on the bus to school back in the day. Funny thing about that: back when I was in middle school I wanted this album but never got it. I probably would've liked it back then, but I find no nostalgia or enjoyment in this now.
The lyrics are gross. I hate them so much that it could get a 1 just for that. The music isn't always terrible, but it is most of the time. Kid Rock definitely isn't a great singer or rapper though and the auto-tune on Only God Knows Why is laughable.
Honestly, I dont care about Kid Rock's politics which seems to be a bug source of his hate these days; but I have hated his phoniness for a long time. The guy has always come across as so inauthentic and trencd chasing. I font think he has a genuine bone in his body and that has always rubbed me the wrong way.
Yeah this is a definite 1 and should've never been included. There were better representatives of the rap rock craze of the 90's. Some, for better or worse (emphasis on worse), made it to the list. This album deserves to be left in the dustbin of history.
Suicide
2/5
Ghost Rider is a really cool song. Nothing else comes close to being as enjoyable to me.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Pretty good. I haven't been super high on the other Cohen albums on the list but I found myself enjoying this one more than I anticipated.
Slipknot
5/5
As a fan of the band let me just say that this album is a confusing selection. It's a fine album but i think that 99% of fans would agree that if you were to choose 2 Slipknot albums as being "must hear" S/T and Iowa would be the ones.
I like this album for the most part. Gemetria goes hard. A lot of the songs find a nice balance of catchy and aggressive (albeit toned down from the first 2 albums like the previous album did).
The biggest fault of the album is that some of the songs feel like they could be Stone Sour (Corey's other band, if you didn't know) rather than Slipknot songs. Dead Memories and Snuff definitely don't feel like Slipknot but they are fine.
Overall I wouldn't say that this is a great album. Its probably my 4th or 5th favorite from the band but considering how much the band helped me discover more extreme metal bands they have a big place in my heart. It's a good album probably a 3.5 or a generous 4 but I'm giving it a 5 for the low community score and my appreciation for the band as a whole.
808 State
4/5
I liked this album lot more than I thought that I would. Electronic music usually doesn't do much for me but I found myself enjoying this quite a bit.
Neil Young
4/5
Really enjoyable album. I know a lot of Young fans would count this as his best or at the very least near the top. Maybe it's because this was somehow a first listen for me but it doesn't top Harvest for me. I can't quite give it 5 stars today but I think it could grow on me even more with future listens.
Gillian Welch
4/5
I really like Gillian. I think there's some really remarkable songs here but it just doesn't quite hit the 5 star level for me. It's a definite strong 4.
As a side note I listened to this uninterrupted on a rather beautiful autumn night and it seemed to be the perfect setting to do so.
Yes
5/5
I love this album. I was actually getting paranoid that it somehow didn't make the list. I have many fond memories of listening to this record, particularly on vinyl.
There are certainly some imperfections so to speak when it comes to this album. Not all of of the "individual spotlight" songs truly hit but I do feel that Mood For A Day is a amazing instrumental; it always has and continues to make me feel emotions every time that I hear it.
The "real songs" are all very good. I do think Roundabout might be a bit overrated but Heart of The Sunrise always moves me. I just love the music and the vocal performance is just amazing to my ears. I will always love that song.
It has a few flaws that I can overlook because the strength of what works is just so so good. A no trainer 5 for me.
Syd Barrett
2/5
There's a couple decent songs here but it's mostly not great listening. It's certainly odd and tragic in about equal doses.
The The
4/5
Pretty enjoyable. I'd say it's not really quite a 4 but 3 feels too low to give it that score.
Mariah Carey
2/5
Honey is the only song I can sort of tolerate. She has a good voice but these songs stink and she's prone to doing those weird theatrical things that just hurt the already bad songs.
Mariah has some good songs in her catalog but I tend to prefer stuff that came before this album and even then I'm not really a fan.
Destiny's Child
2/5
I thought the gospel medley was nice. The rest just kind of irked me. Not necessarily terrible but this isn't for me at all.
Rahul Dev Burman
3/5
I had low expectations but it wasn't too bad. I'll never listen to it again but have a 3 for not being terrible
Kraftwerk
2/5
It has its moments of being enjoyable but it got really tedious at points too. I'd give it a 3 for it's positive qualities but I was pretty over it toward the end of its run.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
3/5
It's fine. Not essential listening at all. Demon Days or Plastic Beach should be here if they really felt that another Albarn project had to make the list.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
It wasn't bad, but I'd be lying if I said that it lost my attention feom time to time.
A solid enough album I suppose, but Bruce was represented enough on this list and it didn't really need to be included.
Death In Vegas
4/5
Better than I expected. Didn't like Aisha much but the rest of the album was pretty enjoyable especially for a genre I don't typically care for.
The Vines
3/5
I remember when this album came out. They got lumped in with The Stokes, White Stripes, and The Hives. I liked Get Free for a few minutes before I got over it very quickly.
The whole album is mostly fine. It never gets very good but never really gets that bad either (aside from my Get Free fatigue)
This is the definition of a middle of the road album to me. I'd give it a 2.5 if it were an option. I guess it can have a 3. It definitely doesn't deserve to be on this list. They definitely didn't much or surpass the aforementioned peers they got lumped in with.
Tricky
1/5
I had a lot of trouble getting through this one. I'm not sure if it's really a 1, but boy did I struggle so here we go.
The Saints
4/5
A really solid punk album. Somehow this band has escaped my attention. As a fan of the genre I feel ashamed. I'm sure I'll go back to this one. Maybe it'll be a 5 for me in time. Regardless, I quite like it
Dwight Yoakam
4/5
I like it but i think his previous 2 albums are better.
Jeff Buckley
2/5
I like him more than his father that's for sure. I still don't like this very much though.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Pretty good. The songs themselves are fairly strong it's just that I have some issues with her singing voice at times. Far too often her singing style sinks an otherwise good song.
Dusty Springfield
5/5
Some of the songs were a little depressing which i didn't need, but that's a me thing. Her voice is terrific and the songs were too. I was really blown away by how good this was. I think it's a 5.
k.d. lang
3/5
Hard to rate. It's a downer of an album but her singing voice is pretty solid. You've just got to be in the mood for a lot of slow paced mopey stuff. I feel like I'm being harder on it that I intended because it wasn't awful to listen to at all.
2.5 bumped to 3.
The Cult
2/5
I wouldn't exactly call this terrible but it certainly isn't good. Not really a sound for my ears. I didn't like it very much but I've encountered far worse. Definitely not an essential listen. I wonder if people who like this type of rock would even consider this an essential album?
Nitin Sawhney
1/5
I could barely get through this. Very boring. I really just don't know who this is for.
Tom Tom Club
4/5
I didn't quite no what to expect going in, aside from knowing that Genius of Love is super catchy and it's been sampled to death to prove it.
The whole album was mostly fine. Enjoyable but not necessarily great to my ears. I would give it a 3.5 if that were an option.
Big Star
3/5
Another mixed bag from Big Star. I appreciate them more for their influence on Paul Westerberg than their actual music. I guess it's a 3.
Judas Priest
5/5
I'm a Judas Priest fan but I tend to overlook this album a bit because "it's the one for casual fans". That's a stupid mentality that I've mostly eliminated over the years. This album is quite terrific feom beginning to end. Yeah, I've heard the big singles to death, but they're awesome songs just the same.
The only shortcoming this album has is that Rob never unleashes his falsetto ala Painkiller. I can overlook that.
This album is great and an easy 5 stars
Just wanted to say that these guys are STILL putting out great albums. Their last 2 have no business being as good as they are coming from a band this long in the game. I guess that's what separates the true masters from the rest.
Soul II Soul
1/5
I could barely get through this. Just boring. Admittedly I'm not a big fan of the genre; so I'd have to ask: was this highly influential to other artists? Because I don't get it's placement here otherwise. It comes off as super generic and uninteresting the whole way through.
Happy Mondays
2/5
Nothing to write home about. I didn't like it much at all but it wasn't 1 star bad. To think of what could've been here in it's place.
k.d. lang
3/5
Her voice is good, I just don't always like the songs themselves.