918
Albums Rated
3.54
Average Rating
84%
Complete
171 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
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Rating Timeline
Average rating over time
Ratings by Decade
Which era do you prefer?
Activity by Day
When do you listen?
Taste Profile
2020s
Favorite Decade
Britpop
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Generous
Rater Style
143
5-Star Albums
8
1-Star Albums
Taste Analysis
Genre Preferences
Ratings by genre
Origin Preferences
Ratings by country
Rating Style
You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heaux Tales | 5 | 2.68 | +2.32 |
| Movies | 5 | 2.7 | +2.3 |
| Alien Lanes | 5 | 2.75 | +2.25 |
| Yeezus | 5 | 2.77 | +2.23 |
| Songs The Lord Taught Us | 5 | 2.84 | +2.16 |
| Second Toughest In The Infants | 5 | 2.86 | +2.14 |
| Giant Steps | 5 | 2.88 | +2.12 |
| Ctrl | 5 | 2.91 | +2.09 |
| Swordfishtrombones | 5 | 2.95 | +2.05 |
| Sheet Music | 5 | 2.96 | +2.04 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appetite For Destruction | 1 | 3.74 | -2.74 |
| Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers | 1 | 3.39 | -2.39 |
| Only By The Night | 1 | 3.23 | -2.23 |
| 461 Ocean Boulevard | 1 | 3.12 | -2.12 |
| Your Arsenal | 1 | 3.05 | -2.05 |
| Vauxhall And I | 1 | 2.96 | -1.96 |
| At San Quentin | 2 | 3.8 | -1.8 |
| Brothers | 2 | 3.58 | -1.58 |
| Tusk | 2 | 3.46 | -1.46 |
| All Directions | 2 | 3.46 | -1.46 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Radiohead | 5 | 5 |
| Beatles | 6 | 4.83 |
| David Bowie | 7 | 4.57 |
| Brian Eno | 5 | 4.6 |
| Miles Davis | 4 | 4.75 |
| Led Zeppelin | 4 | 4.75 |
| Bob Dylan | 7 | 4.29 |
| Michael Jackson | 3 | 4.67 |
| Jimi Hendrix | 3 | 4.67 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 4.67 |
| Yeah Yeah Yeahs | 2 | 5 |
| Kendrick Lamar | 2 | 5 |
| Aretha Franklin | 2 | 5 |
| Iggy Pop | 2 | 5 |
| Stephen Stills | 2 | 5 |
| Joy Division | 2 | 5 |
| The Rolling Stones | 6 | 4.17 |
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | 5 | 4.2 |
| Nick Drake | 3 | 4.33 |
| Pink Floyd | 3 | 4.33 |
| The Cure | 3 | 4.33 |
| Kanye West | 3 | 4.33 |
| Yes | 3 | 4.33 |
| The Stooges | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Morrissey | 4 | 1.5 |
| Kings of Leon | 3 | 1.67 |
| Tim Buckley | 3 | 2 |
5-Star Albums (143)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Destiny's Child
2/5
This is a weird one. Obviously it was a big album at the time, and Destiny’s Child benefits in hindsight from Beyoncé’s place in culture, but there is some really really cringey early 2000s culture on this album. From the opening, the soundtrack tie in to Charlie’s Angels with name drops for the actresses, it seems like this is the definition of commercialized nonsense.
I was kind of shocked by Nasty Girl, which weirdly embodies the early 2000s puritanical/slut-shaming culture of America and is absolute cringe, especially coming after Independent Women, Survivor, AND Bootylicious. It’s a really weird dichotomy of culture.
Overall it's just incoherent as an album. There's no overarching theme or message. It bounces back and forth between female empowerment, slut-shaming/pick-me attitudes, lusting after a man ("Spotted me my baby's father" lol), and back to female independence - and that's barely even halfway through the album! I guess its an important listen for the cultural context and place in Beyonce's history, but woof, other than some catchy singles I did not like it.
52 likes
Eric Clapton
1/5
Fuck Eric Clapton and his anti-vaxx shit. This album of mediocre tunes doesn’t make me reevaluate my distaste for him.
20 likes
The Black Keys
2/5
Don't get me wrong, I like the Black Keys. They have some killer singles but I just don't know that they have a single album that holds together as a "great" piece of work. It all ends up being kind of derivative and overlong in the end. I feel like sometime this list mistakes "you must listen to this ALBUM before you die" with "Hey this was popular during 20xx, or had a couple hits on it" with importance.
Overall, yeah it's got some pretty good stuff, but would I tell someone they HAVE TO HEAR THIS IMPORTANT PIECE OF WORK? absolutely not. Its a specific genre and vibe, and The Black Keys do it well, but I think others have done it better.
9 likes
OutKast
5/5
It’s overstuffed and definitely bloated, but the sheer creativity and ideas explored really rivals The White Album. While I think I prefer Speakerboxxx, both “albums” have so many rich ideas and interesting sounds.
5 likes
The National
5/5
I used to listen to this album and Boxer back to back on road trips to and from college in the Midwest. I also have a distinct memory of listening to this album on an 18 hour train ride from Italy to Germany after missing a flight and needing to rush back to meet my girlfriend, who was flying in to visit me at the end of a study abroad program. I don’t know how it would be listening to this for the first time, probably comes off as nicely orchestrated existential whining from a baritone voiced white dude, but that was really a vibe for me during my mid-twenties. I usually reserve 5 star ratings for albums that really blow me away, or are personal favorites that I can listen to over and over (clearly this album falls into the later category).
4 likes
1-Star Albums (8)
All Ratings
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Great start to this listening project. Both enjoyable to listen to with some touches of experimentation throughout. 3/5 Stars
Nick Drake
4/5
Used to listen to this album a lot in high school/college. Interesting dynamic and backstory to the album, overall the nostalgia for it pushes it to 4/5 stars for me.
Neil Young
4/5
Radiohead
5/5
Rush
3/5
Thelonious Monk
5/5
Sabu
3/5
Overall I enjoyed listening to it, but by the second song my wife made me turn it off the Sonos and listen with headphones
The Prodigy
4/5
ARE YOU READY FOR THE MATRIX? The album goes on a bit long, but if you are in the mood for 90s industrial/goth/techno nostalgia, it absolutely slaps.
The Roots
3/5
Jimmy Smith
3/5
Foo Fighters
5/5
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
1/5
Some decent songs, but Tom Petty’s voice is super annoying
Blondie
4/5
Really enjoyable, even outside the hits.
Minor Threat
4/5
I never listened to Minor Threat in High School even though I was into punk rock - if I did this album probably would have changed my life.
Thin Lizzy
2/5
It was good and energetic, but I always have a problem with live albums. No matter the production, the vocal performances are always lacking or pack a lot of “pop” from the microphones.
Cee Lo Green
3/5
David Bowie
5/5
Classic.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
2/5
Excellent production/samples, but lyrics really showing their age
Moby
3/5
Sounds like the late 90s electronic, but pretty great use of old blues samples.
Michael Jackson
4/5
Loses one star for the cringe inducing outro on “the girl is mine”. Otherwise amazing album.
Morrissey
1/5
Pretty solid production and signs, I just hate Morrissey
Fleetwood Mac
2/5
Really disconnected and uneven - really long as well
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Pretty fucking dreary, but solid songs
Eric Clapton
1/5
Fuck Eric Clapton and his anti-vaxx shit. This album of mediocre tunes doesn’t make me reevaluate my distaste for him.
Tracy Chapman
5/5
There are times when you hear an album for the first time, and it fits a piece of your pop culture understanding perfectly. In this case, its the entire 90’s coffee shop folk vibe, I had no idea it came from this one album. Also, I don’t think I had ever heard “Fast Car” prior to today, which is a shame because its an absolute gem.
Brian Eno
5/5
Great album, love this creative period from Eno
Gang Starr
3/5
The Band
4/5
The Isley Brothers
5/5
Great album, sad that the only streaming version I found had a bunch of weird bonus tracks (I recommend only listening to the original track listing). That Lady and Summer Breeze are obvious highlights.
Can
2/5
Woof. I was really excited to listen to Can after hearing them referenced so heavily. Album starts out great, but holy shit I was not ready for the 17 minute ambient “experimental” clusterfuck, which the album never really recovers from.
10cc
5/5
I loved this, it was a really fun listen and reminded me of some of my favorite bands. Also it was a treat finding out that “worst band in the world” was the sample used in J Dilla’s “Workinonit”
Various Artists
3/5
It’s a fine Christmas album, but only a few tracks are the “definitive” versions that I would include on a playlist
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
A good reggae album, but it kind of one more for the entire album.
David Holmes
3/5
It was pretty cool and had some real vibes, but I had it on in the background and nothing necessarily jumped out at me.
Ice T
4/5
Weather Report
3/5
Jungle Brothers
3/5
Black Sabbath
4/5
Reminded me of the sound/looseness of the Stooges second album. Standouts were the longer medley tracks, really groovy/heavy listen
Hole
3/5
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
I really loved “This Years Model” in part because it had such a consistent sound - I was a little hesitant on this album but overall I liked it for a lot of the same reasons. “I want you” and “Blue Chair” are highlights
Tom Waits
5/5
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
Little Simz
5/5
Sister Sledge
4/5
Fun times!
Love
3/5
Al Green
5/5
Billie Holiday
2/5
I was a little shocked by her voice, might be something that grows on me with repeated listens but I just couldn’t get into it today
Megadeth
2/5
It gets a little boring and repetitive by the end
Buzzcocks
3/5
It’s fine, but never mind
Guns N' Roses
1/5
One good thing about this project is that it has forced me to confirm things I’ve thought for a long time, in this case it’s that I really don’t fucking like GunzNroses. The backing music is fine I guess, but pretty repetitive. After a few songs you’ve basically heard all of their tricks and flashes. Then there is Axel Rose, who continues to amaze me at how overrated he is as a vocalist. I find it sounds like listening to a baby wailing and posturing as a tough guy who fucks.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
The Clash
4/5
I generally like the Clash and this album is no exception. There is something undeniably fun about their vibe
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
5/5
I love the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and this album has always been a favorite. Always love a relisten
Lauryn Hill
3/5
Just didn’t hit for me. It’s always a challenge when an album comes in at 60+ minutes
Fugazi
4/5
Fuck, what a banger. Really enjoyed the “jammy” parts
Khaled
2/5
I’m surprised an album that made 1001 albums would be so hard to find. Not available at all on Apple Music, and the YouTube link was to some random user’s video playlist. I guess the music was fine, but kind of a head scratcher on why this was included.
Fleet Foxes
3/5
It’s fine. There are a lot of good elements, but overall it just doesn’t come together for me and is never greater than the sum of its parts.
5/5
A+ 10/10 absolute banger. The only negative are the two interlude type songs, but as a whole it really works together. Excluding those two interludes, any of these songs would be a top 10 hit.
2Pac
3/5
It’s fine I guess. Not a lot of variation with the backing tracks, and I couldn’t really focus on the lyrics to connect with them.
Boston
3/5
Impressive that it was one guy recording most of the instruments, the sound is energetic and fun but the style doesn’t vary too much. Some great guitar parts and some fun early synth work, but overall a little repetitive.
Def Leppard
2/5
Ends up just kind of boring and cringey. The production is too quality, but a lot of the songs lack cohesive bridge sections and the lyrics are subpar
Janis Joplin
3/5
Hit or miss. Mercedes Benz was a real throwaway track.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
I think this is their most focused output, and coming off of White Light/White Heat it’s surprisingly mellow.
Janelle Monáe
4/5
What a tour de force of creativity. Definitely going to add this to regular rotation. Only downside is weird/bad mixing in a handful of songs.
Beyoncé
3/5
Man, the opener has not aged well. The messaging of “it’s hard being pretty because people don’t care what you THINK” is a little oblivious and self -obsessed. Coupled with the following intro on “Haunted” with the refrain “people all over the world working 9-5 just to stay alive” seems completely disconnected and out of touch, with a follow up line of “probably won’t make no money off this, oh well” like, thanks so much Beyoncé for being so selfless to bless us with this without considering making money (even though it obviously would be a smash hit).
Luckily those are the only real down points, Haunted turns into a great track and everything after is pretty great. Shocking frank about sex, love, and relationships and superstar production.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Extra long album, but no fat to be found.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Banger after banger, so many classic riffs and songs.
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
Lambchop
3/5
It didn’t really grab me, but musically it was fine. Don’t know if I would go back and Re listen but I can see the appeal
Ray Charles
3/5
It didn’t really grab me, but musically it was fine. Don’t know if I would go back and Re listen but I can see the appeal
The Damned
3/5
Has some interesting ideas but the mixing is terrible on several tracks
Cream
3/5
I was honestly going to give this a chance even though I fucking hate Eric Clapton. It starts out pretty good with Strange Brew and Sunshine of your love, but nothing else on the album really pops.
Beach House
4/5
The Who
5/5
Portishead
5/5
It’s always amazing to here such a vibe, consistent throughout a piece of work like this, that encapsulates an entire time period and genre.
OutKast
5/5
It’s overstuffed and definitely bloated, but the sheer creativity and ideas explored really rivals The White Album. While I think I prefer Speakerboxxx, both “albums” have so many rich ideas and interesting sounds.
Cocteau Twins
3/5
Bobby Womack
4/5
Pink Floyd
3/5
It’s a solid album, but ends up a pretty tedious listen. Masterful performances, but the length and drama require a specific mood.
Prince
4/5
A real banger of an album. While side 1 doesn’t ever really match the energy of the opener, it’s still rock solid. The only misstep on the album is “Darling Nikki”, which is both just kind of a bad song and the mixing was terrible.
Le Tigre
4/5
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Willie Nelson
3/5
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
Kicks balls and slaps titties. Hits for days, and its one of the rare albums where skit/field recordings add to the narrative.
Les Rythmes Digitales
4/5
Astrud Gilberto
3/5
T. Rex
4/5
CHIC
4/5
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Metallica
4/5
I’m not super into thrash metal, and some of the songs go on a little long, but there are some super interesting ideas and dynamic shifts that took me by surprise. Prime example was the middle section in “Master of Puppets”, just really compelling and epic guitar moves.
Alice Cooper
3/5
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
3/5
Competent blues played by a bunch of white British dudes
B.B. King
3/5
It’s great, but loses a lot of Re listen potential since it’s a live album
The Replacements
3/5
James Taylor
3/5
The Jesus And Mary Chain
3/5
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Ute Lemper
2/5
Ash
3/5
The Cure
5/5
It’s long and kind of slow, but the overall atmosphere is so singular and well executed. Also “Love Song” would get almost any album to at least 4 stars.
Iron Maiden
3/5
The Smiths
3/5
It’s fine. The music is good, but I really can’t stand Morrissey.
The Icarus Line
2/5
I might need to Re-llisten, but nothing on here connected with me.
M.I.A.
4/5
Pretty great, solid bangers throughout. Main detractor is the super annoying “Mango Pickle Down River”
Can
4/5
Neil Young
3/5
Hole
3/5
Not as good as live through this, but solid
Little Richard
3/5
Brian Eno
5/5
The Fall
4/5
The music was great and there was something charmingly off kilter about the vocals
Coldplay
4/5
Crowded House
3/5
Mariah Carey
2/5
I was between a 2 and 3, but honestly it was just too repetitive for my taste. Almost every song just has too much of Mariah Carey’s humming/display of vocal range. Like, “OOooOoooWahHooOoOoOoo you get a twoOoOooooo”
Janet Jackson
3/5
Interesting sound (although definitely “of the time”), somewhat of a concept album that’s connected by a bunch of interludes. Overall it’s an interesting cohesive listen, but the amount and frequency of interludes weakens it’s appeal for relistens.
Ozomatli
2/5
Primal Scream
4/5
3/5
Willie Nelson
4/5
FKA twigs
3/5
Torn between 3 and 4 on this one. “Two Weeks” is an obvious highlight, but I felt like I was maybe missing the moment or impact that this had. It’s a prime example of mid-2010 pop, but I don’t know if it’s the best example of the period (although maybe it helped define the genre-sound at the time).
Alanis Morissette
4/5
Queen
5/5
The National
5/5
I used to listen to this album and Boxer back to back on road trips to and from college in the Midwest. I also have a distinct memory of listening to this album on an 18 hour train ride from Italy to Germany after missing a flight and needing to rush back to meet my girlfriend, who was flying in to visit me at the end of a study abroad program. I don’t know how it would be listening to this for the first time, probably comes off as nicely orchestrated existential whining from a baritone voiced white dude, but that was really a vibe for me during my mid-twenties. I usually reserve 5 star ratings for albums that really blow me away, or are personal favorites that I can listen to over and over (clearly this album falls into the later category).
The Magnetic Fields
3/5
It’s amazing how hard it is to block off 3 HOURS during a workday to listen to music. I respect the concept and overall think it’s successful, but in reality there is probably 1-2 albums of great songs, with a lot of experimentation and filler.
Ryan Adams
2/5
A couple good singles, but it’s hard to listen back without ignoring the context of his shtiness as a person.
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
Kacey Musgraves
4/5
Beastie Boys
3/5
My Bloody Valentine
5/5
It is a distinct piece of art from beginning to end, an immaculate singular mood.
CHIC
4/5
Good vibes good times
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
John Coltrane
5/5
Arcade Fire
4/5
Supergrass
3/5
Cypress Hill
3/5
It’s a little tedious, the first three songs all revolve around gangster posturing about killing people, the rest didn’t really hold my attention. Solid beats though.
Paul Weller
2/5
Doves
4/5
The Byrds
3/5
Fairport Convention
3/5
Slayer
2/5
Boring and monotonous
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
Miles Davis
5/5
Talk Talk
4/5
Taylor Swift
2/5
The Pogues
3/5
Pavement
3/5
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
3/5
Cheap Trick
2/5
Points deducted for being a live album, I feel like it’s always an annoying negative and would just rather listen to the studio version of these songs.
Pulp
5/5
Crass and perverse Brit pop, A+ listen, absolutely kicks balls
Beatles
5/5
This is my favorite Beatles album, even though “Run for your life” is a little cringy in today’s context, the whole album kicks balls and slaps titties.
Common
4/5
The production is top notch
Cat Stevens
3/5
Black Flag
2/5
It might be an important artifact, but overall just didn’t age well and didn’t connect with me
AC/DC
3/5
Beatles
5/5
The Verve
3/5
R.E.M.
3/5
The Flying Burrito Brothers
3/5
The Pogues
2/5
Faith No More
2/5
I guess this is an important album as it seems like a prototype for a lot of nu-metal bands that came in the mid-late 90’s. Not my cup of tea though.
Radiohead
5/5
This is one of my favorite albums of all time, no way to be objective. I still remember being in my freshman year of college hearing the announcement that they were releasing a new album in 10 days, for whatever price you wanted to pay. I can’t remember if I paid $0 just for the memory, but I eventually bought a CD copy.
Aside from the unique (at the time) release strategy, this album kicks balls and slaps titties. Each song is unique in style and sound, but they work amazingly well together on the album.
Tina Turner
4/5
So many bangers on this album, only suffers from a few cover songs that are only so-so
The Go-Betweens
3/5
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3/5
Some great songs, but some real weak points and overall doesn’t feel as cohesive as some other CSN (excluding Y) albums
Solomon Burke
3/5
Belle & Sebastian
5/5
This is another high school classic for me. It’s a great listen straight through, the only weak point is “The Boy done wrong again” but in the context of the album it works.
Lenny Kravitz
3/5
I was in between a 3 and 4 star ranking, and I think the 10 tracks of the official album are a 4 star, but there isn’t a good indication (other than Wikipedia) that the last three tracks are “CD bonus” tracks, and the quality is a real step down.
Bob Dylan
5/5
Bobby D is a legend for a reason. Kicks balls and slaps titties.
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
Overall the album is good, but it seemed like the recording/mixing on the horns was distorted at times. There were also some kind of weird hippy/spiritual sections, but overall cohesive listen.
SAULT
4/5
Queen
3/5
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
It’s a little long and definitely not LCD’s best album, and there is still a sour taste in my mouth after the whole retirement controversy.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
3/5
Motörhead
2/5
Justice
4/5
New Order
4/5
Robbie Williams
4/5
Really sounds like pop Oasis, so pretty good
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
3/5
Count Basie & His Orchestra
3/5
Songhoy Blues
3/5
Parliament
3/5
The Afghan Whigs
3/5
Alice Cooper
3/5
It’s fine, but if you can listen to this on a speaker system vs. headphones. Really bizarre mixing/panning choices, for example on “Elected” the vocals are pushed all the way to the left channel, while the drums are squished hard to the right.
Donovan
3/5
Massive Attack
3/5
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Soft Cell
3/5
Fiona Apple
3/5
Suzanne Vega
2/5
Paul Simon
4/5
TV On The Radio
5/5
This was a major album for me during my college years. Listening to it again, it’s amazing mix of cacophony and subtle timbres. “Love Dog” is still one of my favorite songs, the mix of heavy drums and love-lorn cooing is a perfect combination.
Jeff Buckley
5/5
Voice of an angel
Madonna
3/5
Kraftwerk
3/5
This was interesting as a historical listen, but there were some really rudimentary electronic experimentation moments that maybe don’t hold up as well. Also much less exciting than Can
Travis
3/5
R.E.M.
3/5
John Prine
3/5
The Jam
4/5
This one grew on me. I really appreciated recognizing some of the bands The Jam has influenced (Bloc Party), and were influenced by (The Beatles). Would return.
Brian Eno
5/5
I absolutely love Brian Eno's early solo albums. So many great songs on this album, and the sounds and experimentation work so well.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
4/5
Really lovely album. Loses 1 star due to the fact they have a traffic siren on one song, which limits when I would want to put this on (it freaks me out during car listens, and is annoying at home). But overall some absolutely charming tunes.
Jethro Tull
3/5
The 13th Floor Elevators
3/5
Manu Chao
4/5
A lot of the sounds remind me of early Gorillaz. Lots of great tracks and a great vibe overall.
Paul Simon
4/5
Burning Spear
3/5
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Absolute ball kicking titty slapping rock n roll
Fairport Convention
4/5
I don’t know, there is something about the overall sound that I really liked. Parts of it reminded me of the looseness of the first Velvet Underground album, which has that sort of heroin haziness to it, most notably on “A Sailor’s Life”, which is an absolute banger.
Orange Juice
4/5
Something about this album resonated with me. The lead singer's voice is a bit goofy and like Morrissey but I found it more charming and less annoying. Really enjoyable listen.
R.E.M.
3/5
John Lee Hooker
2/5
I don't know, the backing music has some good moments but overall wasn't into his voice on a lot of tracks - too much moaning/slurring through songs. It was almost bearable until "Rockin' Chair", which I found really tested my patience.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
The Avalanches
4/5
Pretty sweet grooves and vibes. Definitely will relisten/put this in regular rotation.
The Soft Boys
3/5
This one had some elements I really liked and definitely an interesting listen to hear where subsequent bands were influenced. I think the main downside was the lyrics and subject matter, just didn't connect.
The Smiths
3/5
Van Halen
3/5
Stevie Wonder
4/5
It's definitely an impressive album and has some amazing hits, but it definitely starts to drag on during the second disc. At almost 2 hours, its a real commitment to listen all the way through, and can be a bit of a struggle.
The Temptations
2/5
I found a lot of the covers underwhelming, they really pale in comparison to the original/better known versions.
Abdullah Ibrahim
3/5
The Temptations
2/5
I guess I only really like The Temptations singles, their albums have been pretty underwhelming overall (this was my second album from them this week).
Bad Company
4/5
Metallica
4/5
Neu!
3/5
Miles Davis
5/5
Christine and the Queens
3/5
Michael Jackson
5/5
So many hits, the appeal is undeniable. Even less well known tracks like "Dirty Diana" really kick balls. The overall cohesiveness to the record is impressive.
Deep Purple
3/5
Stan Getz
3/5
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
T. Rex
4/5
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
Elastica
3/5
Tom Waits
3/5
It's a fine, if somewhat middling, effort from Tom Waits. But with so many other albums he has released that I think are more important, this one just seems average.
Morrissey
1/5
Honestly if this was anyone else, it would be a decent album. But I absolutely despise Morrissey, and this album doesn't do much to change my opinion.
The B-52's
2/5
Not my cup of tea, and overall their style and sound feels like a bit of a joke.
Nico
3/5
It's such a singular sound that it limit the times and environments you would want to listen to it in.
Jane's Addiction
3/5
When they're on, like on the single "Ain't no right", it's good. But there are too few moments like this on the album, so overall you have to be into their sound and Perry Farrell's voice can get annoying pretty quickly. I think it's just not for me, but I can understand why it was important/other people like it/why it is on the list.
Dr. Dre
4/5
It's an undeniable classic that had significant impact on culture, and the production is impeccable. That being said, there are still a few issues. It seems like several songs include extended outros that are mostly shit talking Easy E, and several skits about fucking or "DEEEEEZZZ NUTZZZZ".
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
It has some issues, like the extended intro telling the audience that there will be a recording happening and that they will be using lyric sheets, and the extended outro of “Willow Weep for Me”, but I feel edified having listened to it.
Lou Reed
5/5
I loved this album in college, and Re listening only reminded me why. It’s hilarious, rollicking, and just a great groovy glam time.
Miriam Makeba
3/5
Manic Street Preachers
5/5
Shit man, this was really great. Reminds me of the best aspects of Radiohead around The Bends and Ok Computer, just awesome instrumentation and sound. I'll have to relisten, but what a treat that will be.
Dr. John
3/5
Metallica
3/5
Heaven 17
3/5
Herbie Hancock
5/5
5/5
Absolute classic. Totally kicks balls and slaps titties.
Hanoi Rocks
3/5
Arcade Fire
5/5
Immediately on the opening song, there is the overriding sense of joy that carries through the entire album. It really is a stunning work from start to finish and is clearly deserving of the praise it initially earned, and its inclusion on this list.
Green Day
4/5
This album dropped when I was a freshman in highschool, and with a lot of things from that time period I was interested in, I was expecting to cringe while relistening to this. I'm happy to report that wasn't the case, this album still holds up and was pretty ambitious for the time. While I think I prefer other rock operas, Green Day tried something new and found a format that really worked for them.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
There is so much material (maybe too much, at over an hour it's a lot to really listen to in one sitting) that it's hard not to rate it highly. Not my favorite Stone's album, but still a great listen.
Bob Dylan
5/5
Led Zeppelin
4/5
It's definitely a great album with some essential material ("Trampled Under Foot", "Kashmir"), but as an album listen it's too long. Since its a double album, it does have some logical breaks which helps out. I think this comes from the history, it seems like they had enough material for 1.5 records so they added in b-sides/outtakes from earlier recording sessions. All of the songs hold up, but its definitely overstuffed.
Public Enemy
3/5
Really inventive use of samples, solid listen.
Bert Jansch
2/5
Kind of mediocre, there are a lot of solo acoustic folk singer albums from this time period and I don’t know what is supposed to elevate this one.
The Who
4/5
All in all it's pretty ridiculous, but the original ambition and really solidly launching the idea of a Rock Opera had so much impact on rock music. I love when bands take big swings like this, and overall it really works.
Motörhead
3/5
Bob Dylan
5/5
Might be my favorite Bob Dylan album, which says a lot because he has so many classic, influential albums. It really does have a loose unique feel to it, and while it's long, that looseness makes it a great hang out album. Even if you put it on in the background, every now and then some lyrics will just jump out and hit you at the right moment. Truly an album that I would recommend everyone listen to before they die.
3/5
The Hives
2/5
Overall a fine collection of songs - I'm just a little confused as to why this compilation would be on the list rather than a full album. Maybe the band had more of an impact outside of the US, but other than "Hate to say I told you so" I don't think I've heard any of these other songs - which are supposed to be their big hit singles!
The Beach Boys
5/5
This is a perfect album. It has long been one of my favorites (my wife and I had our first dance to "God Only Knows"), and it is still so singular and grand in its sound. It doesn't try hard to be deep (although the alternate version of "I know there's an answer" is straight up about tripping on acid), there is such an earnest innocence on the edge of adulthood that instantly hits a nostalgic nerve.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
It's got some great all-American songs, but some real weak points, like Darlington County and Workin' on the Highway.
The Smiths
2/5
Some good music, but Morrissey still sucks. Its unfortunate for the rest of the band that they are consistently dragged down by an officious asshat.
Nanci Griffith
3/5
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
The War On Drugs
3/5
It runs pretty long, and is pretty clearly derivative of a specific 80's sound.
Pretenders
3/5
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Pentangle
4/5
The vocals are a little corny, this album is emblematic of a distinct style of 1960's folk singing. However, the music is really well done, the playing is great, and it has a real charm to it.
Beastie Boys
4/5
Loved the overall sound and music - the vocals for the Beastie Boys are always a little muddled. But based on vibes alone it was a great listen.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Probably my favorite Stones album from this period, "Gimme Shelter" alone elevates this to classic status.
X-Ray Spex
4/5
It's really compelling. For some reason the track listing on Apple Music is shuffled from what is shown on Wikipedia.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
I know that this is an important and influential album and should definitely be included on this list; everyone should endure the experience at least once (like the album Free Jazz or The Shape of Jazz to Come). It's a creative and artistic expression, but just not one I like in the least. Its so fucking long and unless I knew the history that apparently these were extremely practiced songs, it sounds like someone gave instruments to complete novices, told them to play, and pressed record.
Baaba Maal
3/5
I appreciate hearing these albums and being exposed to a different sound than I'm used to. Overall though, I struggle to see myself registering to albums that are in a foreign language over again, and struggle to connect with them in a way that I don't for English language or even instrumental focused albums.
Femi Kuti
4/5
Björk
5/5
Really lovely soundscape
Talvin Singh
3/5
I guess it was interesting? Definitely feels like “world music” so sure, I’m happy I heard it before I died.
Lou Reed
3/5
Overall there is just something I like about Lou Reed, even if it's depressing he has a sense of humor in his music. I would have given this 4 stars, but the song "The Kids" loses a star for the sounds of children crying. It takes something with depressing subject matter, and makes it basically unlistenable, which kind of ruins the album on relisten. Still, "Berlin", "Lady Day", "How do you think it feels", and "Caroline Says II" are all great Lou Reed songs.
Slint
4/5
Definitely glad I listened. It's interesting, I really like the overall sound and definitely want to listen again.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
Air
4/5
Elton John
4/5
A lot of classics, but kind of overstuffed.
The Birthday Party
4/5
I really like Nick Cave, but this was the first time I’ve listened to The Birthday Party. It was pretty fun, but had a few weak spots.
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
The Zombies
5/5
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
Steely Dan
4/5
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
It's an all right listen, but not my favorite Costello album. It definitely has some interesting sounds and ideas, but overall didn't really ever "wow" me
Harry Nilsson
4/5
Jeff Beck
3/5
ABBA
3/5
It's mostly lighthearted fun, obviously "Dancing Queen" is an absolute banger. But definitely weird in modern times with the song "When I kissed the teacher"
The Human League
3/5
Its interesting as a cultural artifact of the early 1980s and early synth pop.
Gorillaz
5/5
One of my favorites from my teenage years, I have so many memories tied to this album.
Steve Winwood
4/5
It’s kind of goofy sounding now, but overall impressive from a “one man in the studio” perspective and pretty enjoyable throughout
The Go-Go's
3/5
Frank Ocean
5/5
It has some stunningly beautiful moments and a great vibe throughout.
Terence Trent D'Arby
3/5
Todd Rundgren
4/5
I was a little distracted and its a little long, but overall a lot of the ideas are bonkers or fun in a good way. At times it sounds like how I wish Captain Beefheart sounded.
Kelela
3/5
Eagles
3/5
JAY Z
3/5
The production is great and overall the flow works well - however some of the lyrics and themes have aged poorly.
3/5
Emmylou Harris
3/5
The Cure
4/5
Adele
4/5
Marty Robbins
3/5
It seems like this is the definitive example of a specific genre/type of music, so definitely agree on its inclusion on this list. It's pretty great, but such a specific vibe and mood.
Kanye West
5/5
woof - what a time to review a Kanye West album. Trying to keep current events out of my revaluation of this album, so bear with me.
I loved this album when it was released. I loved his previously album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, and this was the polar opposite. For a few months after its release, I would regularly blare this as soon as I woke up (sorry neighbors) while getting ready for work. Lyrically it's a fascinating dissection of racism in society and specifically the fashion industry/business world, deeply problematic in its misogyny, and utterly hilarious at times. There is a great podcast series (Dissect) that covers each track, the musical and lyrical content in depth, but some quick thoughts on each track as I re-listen.
On Sight - Instantly establishes the worldview of this album. The sample cut-in is perfect, letting you know immediately what could have been, but clearly defining that this ISN'T what you are going to get.
Black Skinhead - (so ironic in light of recent events) This is an absolute hype song. I have this on about 10 different running playlists.
I am a God - "HURRY UP WITH MY DAMN CROISSANTS". TBH the screaming does get a little old.
New Slaves - The ending of this song gets me every time. The sample is so epic and triumphant. Probably the most interesting song lyrically, commenting on the racism in the fashion industry.
Hold My Liquor - Start of a series of tracks with really problematic misogynistic lyrics, but the focus is more on the Yeezy character's issues with alcohol (as the title implies). The production is still so interesting, with the woozy beats and scattered vocal samples, breaking midway through with Justin Vernon's part and some amazing sounding guitar lines.
I'm in it - Honestly this song innovates in how misogynistic and grotesque some of the lines are "put my fist in her like a civil rights sign", and the sweet and sour sauce line. It's kind of funny for how extreme.
Blood on the Leaves - I know the use of Nina Simone's sample is controversial, but the production is absolutely top notch. The lyrical content, beating a dead horse, is extreme and misogynistic. It paints a portrait of men having affairs without any judgement or critical thought of the man's role in the affair.
Guilt Trip - In the context of this album, this song is almost a ballad. Some surprisingly vulnerable lyrics.
Send it up - Some people might find the backing track annoying, but like a lot of the sonic choices on the album, I love it. It's like a demented air-raid siren. I find a lot of Kanye's lyrics hilarious, such as "She said can you get my friends in the club? I said can you get my Benz in the club? if not treat your friends like my Benz park they ass outside until the evening' ends"
Bound 2 - Absolute banger. My wife doesn't like a lot of this album, but loves this song. Another example of absolutely hilarious Kanye lines
"when a real ***** holds you down you supposed to drown"
"one good girl is worth a thousand bitches" think about it!
"I wanna fuck you hard on the sink, after that give you something to drink"
When the second chorus kicks in, it takes everything to a higher level.
The Stranglers
4/5
Roxy Music
4/5
Bob Dylan
4/5
Iggy Pop
5/5
This is one of my favorite albums - I went through a period where I mildly obsessed with David Bowie's Berlin Trilogy, which this album is a precursor. China Girl is absolutely fucking epic. I knew Nightclubbing from the Trainspotting soundtrack, but only grew to love it more when I got into this album. I can't be objective in my assessment since I have loved this album for years, but I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
David Bowie
3/5
Shack
3/5
Syd Barrett
2/5
Surprisingly not my cup of tea. I just felt like the loose feel created a vibe of being at a drug dealers house, smoking joint and then having to suffer through him playing you his songs.
Jerry Lee Lewis
2/5
This was a weird one due to Apple Music missing tracks on this album. No real way to find them within the service. So the album I listened to was only 22 minutes. As most live albums, it was filled with annoying crowd noise.
Johnny Cash
4/5
One of the few live albums I enjoy. Cash's interplay with the crowd and songs are just fun, and it seems like he cares about the men he is playing to.
Killing Joke
4/5
David Bowie
4/5
Derek & The Dominos
2/5
The music is fine enough, but goddamn this is a long album and on a personal level Eric Clapton fucking sucks.
Sonic Youth
4/5
Jane Weaver
4/5
Really torn on my rating for this one. I liked it, it was kind of a kaleidoscope of sounds and influences from the 2000's and 2010's. I heard a lot of touches of Wilco, TV on the Radio, Beach House, and even older influences like Kraftwerk and Can. But I was stumped by the seeming lack of cultural impact - there is no wikipedia page for the album, I can't find a broad ranges of reviews, and can't find it on lists of best albums of the year. How did it end up in the 1001 albums to hear before you die?
Public Enemy
3/5
The Notorious B.I.G.
3/5
Definitely an essential listen for the cultural impact and classic jams. My complaints are only due to the culture of rap records at the time, skits really annoy me for the most part, and the album is overly long.
Nirvana
4/5
I respect what Kurt Cobain wanted to achieve with this album, and despite Steve Albini's comments after its release, I think they achieved it. Some absolute classic Nirvana tracks like Heart Shaped Box and All Apologies, the rougher/harder sound is captivating even if you haven't heard Nevermind.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
5/5
This was a huge album for me in high school. It was great to re-listen as a part of this project, and the album holds up completely. The raw aggressive sound is still unique among rock albums, the guitar sounds are fascinating and Karen O's vocals are captivating. Maps is still a certified banger.
Iggy Pop
5/5
Wow, this album came up only a few weeks after The Idiot. I love both of these albums, I was really obsessed with this period in Iggy Pop and David Bowie's careers. I go back and forth between which album I love more, this one is definitely more "Rock" oriented. Lust for Life, Passenger, and Tonight are my top tracks.
The Cars
4/5
I was surprised by this album. Beyond the singles, the other songs were either good to great without a lot of annoyance. “Moving in Stereo” and “All Mixed Up” stood out. Definitely going to listen again.
Dolly Parton
3/5
Nina Simone
5/5
Van Halen
3/5
The Strokes
4/5
Van Morrison
4/5
Beck
4/5
3/5
Sounds almost like a lost David Bowie album. Overall fine, I guess it was an important album historically because it had some hits in the UK?
Drive Like Jehu
3/5
This would be a 3.5 for me, but it is mostly one-note sonically. There are moments that really grabbed me, and it was mostly when the band slowed down, or quieted down from the mostly loud dynamic.
Alice In Chains
3/5
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
It kicks balls, but this is an album that could definitely benefit from remixing/remastering in a modern context. The several songs on the version available for streaming includes "stereo" mixing style from the 60's, which just pans some instruments hard left or right, which on headphones is one of the worst listening experiences.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
So many classic songs. This formula worked so well that they re-recorded this album several more times.
Red Snapper
3/5
A pretty solid album and indicative of the time period. You can draw a line of influence from Massive Attack, through this Red Snapper album, to a lot of subsequent great British electronic music.
Fishbone
3/5
David Bowie
5/5
Bill Callahan
3/5
This is a weird one. Serene music with a strange vocal styling, I think it would take repeated listens to judge if it was above a 3 star. While the music is beautifully played, I’m not sure that this is a unique or important work that needs to be on this list.
Mercury Rev
4/5
I had no idea there was a "twin" album to The Soft Bulletin. While there are a lot of similarities in the sonic textures, Mercury Rev create something original and interesting throughout the album. Really engaging material, definitely will re-listen
Spiritualized
4/5
Adele
5/5
An impeccable pop album.
Kanye West
3/5
Overall I agree that this is an important cultural album, it launched Kanye into stardom and redefined hip-hop at the time of its release. Looking back, it has its faults: the album is overlong and includes annoying skits that balloon the run time. Absolute classic tracks though, and definitely deserves to be included on this list.
It's hard to not let current news impact your listening to an album, Kanye's recent Nazi shit is unforgivable. But I still try to separate the art from the artist, and keep the time frame in mind when listening to these albums.
Queen
4/5
I mean it's Queen, so it's hard not to love. I think the only thing holding back 5 stars is the lack of their well known hits, it's definitely a deep cut collection. But its a lot of fun, with masterful musicianship and fun sonic experimentation.
Gotan Project
3/5
Kind of one note on style, but sure, I'm glad I listened to it.
Emmylou Harris
2/5
By the second song, I was ready to rate this as a 2 star album. I get that maybe it had some impact at the time, apparently it won the Grammy for Best contemporary folk album, but it seemed like a pretty average folk album and didn't do anything interesting.
Marvin Gaye
5/5
Marvin Gaye died years before I was born, but goddamn if he didn't just make sweet sonic love to my ears.
Rod Stewart
3/5
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Its a great introduction to The Rolling Stones, but due to the amount of covers it seems slight compared to the rest of their discography.
Barry Adamson
3/5
Pretty solid listen. I didn't realize the connection with the Bad Seeds at first, but overall an interesting sound.
Napalm Death
1/5
What an innovative use of sound as torture! I get that this album might be important as an example or the pinnacle of a genre, but this genre is absolute trash.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
Arguably their definitive album, although you could also say that Californication really distilled their style better. Its really long and kind of cringy, but has an undeniable vibe and appeal.
Radiohead
5/5
I've always had an affinity for this album. When it was released, I think Amnesiac was generally regarded as a lesser album than Kid A, but there is a warmness to these songs that I think is missing from Kid A. Maybe its the red album cover.
I love Life in a Glass House, but so many of the songs rank in my top Radiohead tracks.
The Waterboys
3/5
Orbital
3/5
The Black Keys
2/5
Don't get me wrong, I like the Black Keys. They have some killer singles but I just don't know that they have a single album that holds together as a "great" piece of work. It all ends up being kind of derivative and overlong in the end. I feel like sometime this list mistakes "you must listen to this ALBUM before you die" with "Hey this was popular during 20xx, or had a couple hits on it" with importance.
Overall, yeah it's got some pretty good stuff, but would I tell someone they HAVE TO HEAR THIS IMPORTANT PIECE OF WORK? absolutely not. Its a specific genre and vibe, and The Black Keys do it well, but I think others have done it better.
Charles Mingus
5/5
Yes
4/5
System Of A Down
4/5
Really great debut album. It's definitely less polished than Toxicity, but the band's unique sound is impressive. My only complaint is that I didn't realize this before, but the guitar riff from Spiders was reused on their next album.
Ice Cube
3/5
It's fine - definitely a worthwhile listen for the impact it had, and its sad how the LA riots and race issues at the time are still relevant and a prevalent today. Some great tracks like "It was a good day" and "Check Yo Self". I liked the production, but just didn't feel a connection to it.
Tom Waits
5/5
Another personal favorite. Tom Waits was able to create something unique and entertaining with this album, and it marked a new direction for his music that went on into weirder and wilder years.
Circle Jerks
3/5
Clearly an influential album - wasn't my favorite but I can see the merit. At least it was only 15 minutes!
Sade
5/5
I love Sade - this album sounds so fucking effortless and cool, like their natural state is pure vibes.
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
I always like Danger Mouse's production - even if it has a similar sonic quality regardless of the artist he is working with. It's like a director working with different actors, the films might share visual qualities but the performances are where the talent can craft something unique and interesting. I've never heard Michael Kiwanuka before, but this album is a fantastic introduction. The songwriting is exceptional, and paired with Danger Mouse's signature production the album shines.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Interesting listen, definitely a different sound than I've ever heard from Leonard Cohen. I'll probably give it a re-listen at some point, there are a lot of details, like the background singes, that I really like.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Led Zeppelin is one of those rare legacy bands that really had a run of perfect albums. With a greater emphasis on "acoustic" songs, III is a fantastic sonic exploration.
Depeche Mode
4/5
Overall a great album and really a pinnacle of 80's pop/rock. I remember when the 2006 releases came out, I was in a Sam Goody and saw the album - I had heard of Depeche Mode but never given them a listen. I was struck by the album artwork and listened to a few tracks on the demo station. I don't think I ended up buying the album, and it's probably for the best. I don't think I would have appreciated it at that point.
But now, in my mid-30s I really enjoy that sound and vibe. While I prefer New Order, there are some really great tracks on this album and its definitely worth the listen.
The Police
3/5
It's fine, I guess the Police just don't really do it for me. Obviously an important cultural album, but I won't be revisiting anytime soon.
Talking Heads
3/5
I prefer Remain in Light, but will probably give this another listen.
Destiny's Child
2/5
This is a weird one. Obviously it was a big album at the time, and Destiny’s Child benefits in hindsight from Beyoncé’s place in culture, but there is some really really cringey early 2000s culture on this album. From the opening, the soundtrack tie in to Charlie’s Angels with name drops for the actresses, it seems like this is the definition of commercialized nonsense.
I was kind of shocked by Nasty Girl, which weirdly embodies the early 2000s puritanical/slut-shaming culture of America and is absolute cringe, especially coming after Independent Women, Survivor, AND Bootylicious. It’s a really weird dichotomy of culture.
Overall it's just incoherent as an album. There's no overarching theme or message. It bounces back and forth between female empowerment, slut-shaming/pick-me attitudes, lusting after a man ("Spotted me my baby's father" lol), and back to female independence - and that's barely even halfway through the album! I guess its an important listen for the cultural context and place in Beyonce's history, but woof, other than some catchy singles I did not like it.
Fugees
3/5
The Young Rascals
3/5
Starts with an absolute banger, I was convinced if they could keep it up I would give this album 5 stars. That quickly dissipated as soon as the bizarre, extreme panning kicked in on the second track. Really disorienting on headphones. I could barely focus on the song due to how uncomfortable it made my ears feel. Overall it's a fine listen, some decent singles that are indicative of the period. I feel like there are plenty of examples of the "sound" of this time period on this list though.
The Flaming Lips
5/5
This is another nostalgia album for me. This is practically a perfect album (along with Pet Sounds) to listen to while on psychedelic drugs. And even if you haven't taken any drugs, it really holds up!
The production and experimentation is top level, but still so accessible.
Nirvana
5/5
Sugar
3/5
Anita Baker
3/5
Everything But The Girl
3/5
Shuggie Otis
4/5
It's got a great vibe to it, but it lacked something as compelling as Strawberry Letter 23.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
Lana Del Rey
4/5
I'm a little torn on this ranking. I definitely this its worthwhile to include a Lana Del Rey album on this list, but I'm not sure if this one is the best selection, and I think more than one is probably overkill. It would be between this and "Norman Fucking Rockwell" (no idea if that is also included on this list).
Overall pretty good, if low-key, album. White Dress is a really good song, and is emblematic of one of several Lana Del Rey vocal style that does a good job setting up the album.
Turbonegro
3/5
Starts off promising, but by the end I was a bit fatigued due to the sameness of a lot of the tracks. I liked the sound overall, just got a little tired/bored by the end.
Beatles
5/5
I love The Beatles and it's amazing how even their early straightforward albums were still so good. This album includes some of their early songwriting breakthroughs, like "All My Loving" and "All I've Got to Do", and even George Harrison's first original contribution "Don't Bother Me".
It's a fantastic album, but the current version available is a terrible headphone listen. The "stereo" mixing on these albums was literally just "its push the vocals to the right channel, and the instruments to the left". I did find that use the "Spatialize Stereo" feature with my AirPods made it much more listenable. I really hope they do a proper full remix of this album like they've done with Abbey Road, Sgt. Pepper's, and Revolver.
I would recommend listening to this on speakers, or find the mono version if possible.
George Harrison
5/5
I agree with the assessment that this is probably the best post-Beatles solo album from the group (although I personally love McCartney by Paul McCartney). The only real downside is the length, which can be tiring if you aren't in a good spot to settle in for the full album. For the first two discs there isn't a single skip, every song is beautifully recorded and a joy to listen to (I guess you could argue against including 2 versions of "Isn't it a Pity").
I'm torn on disc 3. It was included as a "free" disc with the rest of the album, and is just a collection of loose jams - albeit jams with some absolutely amazing musicians. The real miss is "It's Johnny's Birthday", although it's just a brief interlude. Overall, I don't think it takes away from the album as a whole.
Beastie Boys
3/5
David Bowie
5/5
Another one of my personal favorites. I love the different era's of David Bowie, but on some of his early album there are a few tracks that don't really hang together - that isn't the case here. While the whole album has a "sound", each track is remarkably different and fun. Key tracks are "Changes" and "Life on Mars?", but I also love "Oh! You pretty things" and "Andy Warhol".
Teenage Fanclub
3/5
Started off pretty compelling with "The Concept" but didn't really hold my attention. It seemed to encapsulate an early indie sound, I was surprised it was released in 1991. Can definitely hear the influence on subsequent bands (according to Wikipedia Death Cab for Cutie was heavily influenced by it, and yeah, that tracks). Overall happy I listened to it before I die.
Jean-Michel Jarre
4/5
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
5/5
This is one of my favorite albums of all time. I got really into this album in college, it has such a consistent tightly wound sound, and overflowing with energy. The Attractions go hard throughout the entire affair, but maybe the best exemplified on “Lipstick Vogue”. Costello’s lyrics are visceral and biting.
Air
3/5
The Rolling Stones
4/5
It's a good album, and definitely feels like the Stones coming into their own. It doesn't have the same level of impact as The Beatles or Beach Boys albums at the time, and lacks as many distinct hits as either band had. But overall enjoyable, and The Rolling Stones are clearly an important band.
KISS
2/5
God this album sucks. Its arguable that its an important album since KISS is technically a hugely popular band, so it gets 2 stars (my rating for things I don't like a but am open to argument for inclusion). I don't have any reason to hate KISS, which would push this more towards 1 star, but honestly it's just kind of silly and embarrassing. By track 3, I was already tired of listening to it.
Garbage
3/5
Definitely not a garbage album! Really solid production, and a lot of the sounds are familiar in the sense of the influence that this album had.
Iron Maiden
3/5
James Brown
3/5
The Beau Brummels
3/5
This was really enjoyable. It definitely speaks to a specific time period of popular music from the 60's, when "psychedelic experimentation" was all the rage. Definitely some quality songs, and I think that I would definitely pick this album to include over some other selections I've already listened to.
Jazmine Sullivan
5/5
Really compelling concept album/EP - some of it can seem light-hearted and silly ("Put it down"), but great production and writing throughout. It seems like a more complete and thoughtful piece of art than a lot of other albums on this list, and considering ititss technically an EP it doesn't overstay its welcome or stretch out unnecessarily. I really loved some of the production, notable cuts like "Lost One" and "The Other Side".
The Charlatans
4/5
It starts off as typical brit-pop but has some nice experimentation, especially later in the album. The majority of the songs sound a lot like Oasis, but to The Charlatans credit, its like if Oasis stopped writing the same few songs over and over and actually tried something different.
Nick Drake
5/5
Nick Drake has that rare quality of making something unique seem familiar. I loved this album in college, so it has a special place in my musical heart. But I think the appeal is undeniable, there are so many delightful songs on this album ("At the Chime of a City Clock", "One of These Things First")
Faust
4/5
I really liked this one - I guess I generally like Krautrock? Will definitely re-listen soon.
While some songs are repetitive (a key factor of the style), I was really taken with the sounds on some tracks, like "Jennifer" and "Giggy Smile".
Joe Ely
3/5
Not bad for a country album - some really nice instrumentation and the lyrics were fairly interesting/clever.
Steely Dan
4/5
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
3/5
The Shamen
3/5
Grant Lee Buffalo
4/5
There are some really strong songs and great highs on this album. I think the main thing holding back a 5 star review is a few weaker songs in the back half, but some really interesting and delightful sounds throughout. "Fuzzy" and "The Shining Hour" are key tracks for me.
The Black Crowes
2/5
Eh, I guess it's fine if this floats your boat. The entire time I just felt like I've heard all of these songs before, performed better by better bands. Even "She Talks to Angels" just came off as a "Wild Horses" tribute. It all comes off like these guys put on the costume of "Blues Rock Band", kind of like an early Greta Van Fleet.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
3/5
The Specials
5/5
There is something really intriguing about the moment in time, the disaffection captured in the sound of The Specials. When I put on the album and pulled up the Wikipedia page about the album, I expected to hate it since The Specials are described as a "British ska revival band", and my only reference point for ska music is the mid-90s era, which I think is mostly trash. However, I was taken in by the sound, loved the bass lines and entire vibe.
Underworld
5/5
I FEEL LIKE I TOOK ACID AT A RAVE AND WOKE IP NAKED ON THE NEIGHBORS LAWN. BUT LIKE, IN A GOOD WAY.
The Youngbloods
3/5
Brian Wilson
3/5
It's a brilliant example of symphonic pop, and there isn't really much that comes close to the exuberant highs on the album; but there is always a part of me (and so many fans) that wonders what could have been if this album was completed in 1967. The music itself is really beautiful, but there is a certain sadness listening to it. I think its best summed up by the different versions of "Good Vibrations" - while this version is fine and sounds so close to the original, the noticeable differences just make it feel off.
I also listened to The Smile Sessions, which was released after this and is compiled from the original recordings but uses this album as a template. I think there are trade offs between the two, but think I prefer the original recordings.
The Associates
3/5
Blood, Sweat & Tears
3/5
Kate Bush
4/5
This was pretty gnarly it a great way. Super out there, but really engaging.
Kate Bush
4/5
It must be my lucky week, back to back Kate Bush albums. I really liked "The Dreaming" and the weird, left-field experimentation.
Overall fantastic album - even without the recent exposure from Stranger Things, this whole album is back to back bangers with two exceptions. The only real weak points were "Waking the Witch" and "Hello Earth", the latter being just a little weird and spacey while the former was just a bit abrasive to consider amongst the rest of the album.
Beatles
4/5
While this is a well-regarded Beatles album, it doesn't rate as highly for me as their other late-period albums (Rubber Soul through Let It Be). There are so many great songs, yet the album's overall feel is a bit of a miss-mash and has some definite skips. I think basically all of the Beatles albums deserve to be on this list (they had such a huge cultural impact that it seems shortsighted to skip any of their records), but I'm much more likely to reach for Abbey Road or Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Deep Purple
3/5
Röyksopp
5/5
Definite relisten potential. Smooth grooves that are great to put on, let your mind drift off or focus on a particular task. Prior to listening to the album, I think my only exposure to Röyksopp was "Remind Me", which is a killer down-tempo track. I really liked "She's So" and "So Easy" but honestly the whole album is a treat.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
5/5
What a whimsical enjoyable listen. The only real misfire was "Pigtail", but still, when considered as a whole piece, the album is great.
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
Pretty sweet rave tunes
The Style Council
3/5
Bad Brains
3/5
The Rolling Stones
4/5
This is the beginning of The Rolling Stones "classic" period (Beggar's Banquet, Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers, Exile), while these are classic albums with some of their best known songs, I feel like they don't all reach the 5 star mark. Outside of the hits the songs are still good, but do they really come together for something exceptional?
Wire
4/5
Fats Domino
3/5
Good to listen to historically. Weird note, I couldn't actually find this album on Apple Music. I put together a playlist based on the full Imperial recordings compilation, with a few tracks coming from other compilations/albums. A little weird that it lacks wide availability but is considered an essential listen!
Ramones
3/5
Spacemen 3
3/5
Fela Kuti
4/5
Definitely deserves inclusion - it seems like an excellent example of afrobeat. I think what elevates it for me is the energy that is pervasive throughout the recording. Long jams over excellent grooves - I plan on putting this on frequently just to zone out and work.
Flamin' Groovies
4/5
There are some silly sounding moments where put on accents almost sound like parody, but overall a solid album. It's interesting that Mick Jagger apparently thought this album better captured the classic blues/rock and roll sound than Sticky Fingers. Key tracks "Yesterday's Numbers" and "Whiskey Woman"
The Slits
4/5
I really enjoyed it and will definitely put this on regular rotation. While there are some additional sound effects, I really love the simple instrumental setup (guitar, bass, drums) throughout, and The Slits make the most of it. Great blend of punk aesthetic and reggae sonics.
Tortoise
3/5
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
I always kind of dread R&B albums from the 90s through late 00s, it seems like every single one is padded out and stretched to over an hour. Just a personal complaint.
Overall this album is fine, it's not really my cup of tea and I didn't feel like there were any significant standouts. It makes sense to include it on this list since it won the Mercury Prize, but now that I can say I've heard this before I die, I don't think I'll return to listen again.
Country Joe & The Fish
3/5
Elvis Presley
3/5
3/5
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
Definitely something different from what I'm used to. Great exposure to an enjoyable album.
Green Day
4/5
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
I generally like Nick Cave a lot, and this project is a great way to get exposure to some of his albums that I've overlooked. This is no exception, and I really like the sound of this record - like the soundtrack to a western musical about murderous cowboys.
Throwing Muses
3/5
Supergrass
4/5
"We're Not Supposed To" is a little obnoxious, but otherwise this is a strong, punky album.
Robert Wyatt
3/5
Pretty fascinating but pretty dark. It's kind of an intense listen and a commitment to go from front to back. It's not my favorite, and I can't really imagine going back for another listen, but it was still captivating and was overall impessive.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
3/5
A good example for folk/bluegrass - the loose quality of the pre-take conversations really gives you an idea of how these traditional songs can be played with a relatively unpracticed group.
Mylo
4/5
The overall sound of this album seems like a nice mix of Daft Punk's "Homework" and "Discovery".
Its a genuinely interesting, solid listen and I'll definitely revisit it.
Sonic Youth
3/5
The The
4/5
I really liked this one. I previously heard "This is the day" on a tv show and liked it, but didn't realize it was on this album. Its a really fantastic track.
Overall a solid synth/80s album, with some surprising textures and sounds, but overall pretty catchy.
Amy Winehouse
2/5
I'm not sure if Amy Winehouse's second album is included on this list, but I'm assuming it is because it was a bigger record. I don't know that both of her records deserve to be on this list - and this one didn't seem as impressive as Back to Black.
Bon Jovi
3/5
Joan Armatrading
3/5
The Doors
3/5
I generally like The Doors. This album has some great tracks, and I think it's good exposure. But were The Doors all that important in the history of rock music? I'm not so sure, there was a lot of cultural notoriety that came from Jim Morrison's personality (and shitty behaviour).
Probably decent to include at least one Doors album on this list, but I'm not sure if this is the one I would pick.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Starts out really strong. "Wheels of Confusion" almost seems a little slow and rudimentary as it begins, but really gets you into the groove and by the coda at the end, is straight up kicking balls.
Overall my main criticism of the album is that the music is kind of basic. The piano part on "Changes" and the guitar/music for "Tomorrow's Dream" sound almost embarrassingly basic. I don't think it really detracts from the impact of the album, but it makes me question if this is really an "essential" album outside of Black Sabbath's cultural notoriety.
I liked this album despite its simplicity. It was a fun listen and had some really solid moments.
Morrissey
2/5
I find Morrissey unbearable to listen to. "Everyday is like Sunday" is a redeeming song, but I prefer almost anyone else singing it. It doesn't help that he has proven himself to be a fatuous twat.
Michael Jackson
5/5
Great album. The one-two punch on "Don't stop 'til you get enough" and "Rock with You" are hard to top, and I think during the back half of the album the energy dips/the songs don't meet the same highs. But overall, its a great listen all the way through, and the production is incredible.
Kings of Leon
1/5
This album epitomizes my criticism of this list. Just because an album had a few hits and was popular for a moment, does that make it an essential listen? What broader impact did Kings of Leon have on music, did they have any real impact at all?
Overall an extremely forgettable album of boring pop-rock. Beyond that, the lyrics are cringe-inducing and awful. The entire song "17" written in 2008 should be a big enough red flag, but there are so many painfully unsexy attempts are risque lyrics. I end the review with one of those
"Home-boy's so proud, He finally got the video proof
The night vision shows, She was only ducking the truth
It's heavy, I know
The black cat with the gift down below
A choke and a gag, She spit up an' came back for more, oh ahh ahh"
ugh, gross. No one should come back to this album for more.
The Young Gods
3/5
Fine I guess? I still struggle with albums that aren't in English. I wish the Wikipedia article included more context or information about why this was an important record other than just "it is usually referred to as their masterpiece and was included on the 1,001 albums to listen to before you die"
Girls Against Boys
4/5
Overall liked this album. The sound reminds me of Kyuss or early Queens of the Stone Age - which is a sound I really vibe with. Definite re-listen.
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
A real vibe. The fact the this is a soundtrack is crazy, as it doesn’t feel like it requires context to another medium (a film). Super tight production and A+ grooves.
Genesis
3/5
Overall overblown and overstuffed concept album, but an interesting listen (I didn't really follow the story that well, but read the summary on Wikipedia...it's a lot). The music is pretty tight and varied, but there is just so much of it on this double album.
Koffi Olomide
3/5
I don't know if I've ever heard Congolese music before, so it was interesting to get exposure to. I'm taking this lists assessment that this is one of the "essential" examples of the genre, and overall its a nice vibe.
George Michael
4/5
Pretty stellar album, and being one of the best-selling albums of all time, I think it definitely deserves inclusion on this list.
There are some dated sounds/lyrics, which might be keeping me from giving this 5 stars (For real "I want Your Sex, Pt 1 & 2" is a ridiculous song, with some borderline cringe lyrics, but somehow it hangs together and ends in a joyous fashion) Still really strong album.
Guided By Voices
5/5
Definitely lo-fi and even somewhat abrasive sound. I feel like Guided by Voices sounds like 50 other bands that I like, and I'm a sucker for lo-fi rock records. There is something charming about it.
It's all at once familiar but unique, I feel like like this was a blueprint for the entire Elephant 6 collective.
Venom
3/5
The Adverts
3/5
Kanye West
5/5
Especially in Kanye West's case, it's hard to separate the art from the artist. This album is a testament to why it's so hard for people to accept Kanye's (most) recent fall from grace. It showcases a stunning ability to curate sounds to serve a conceptually deep work, touching on a wide range of personal (and personality) and cultural issues. It is a gargantuan achievement that stands the test of time.
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
In all honesty, I zoned out while listening to this. Nice instrumental grooves; I'm assuming this is included on the list for either 1) being one of the first successful examples of this style 2) holding an influential status in the music community. It tends to drag a little bit near the end, but a pretty solid listen.
Deerhunter
3/5
I generally like Deerhunter - this album was pretty solid. I'm not sure if it belongs on this list though, I feel like they are a band that hugely benefitted from the music-blog cultural influence of the 2000's and 2010's
I know this was praised as one of the best albums of 2010, but one of my main criticisms of this list is that maybe some years just don't produce amazing, must listen albums.
Soul II Soul
3/5
It definitely has the sound of Club Classics. The sound is a little dated, but overall pretty enjoyable jams.
Elliott Smith
4/5
Elliott Smith manages to make a unique sound. Overall it's a somewhat quiet album, but enjoyable.
fIREHOSE
2/5
Overall it’s not “bad” but I really didn’t vibe with this. Honestly I couldn’t wait for it to be over halfway through, and was bored by most of the songs.
Buck Owens
2/5
Overall it’s not “bad” but I really didn’t vibe with this. Honestly I couldn’t wait for it to be over halfway through, and was bored by most of the songs.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
Fatboy Slim
3/5
Seems to encapsulate the mid-90s Big Beat style. Overall enjoyable and inventive. I liked the opening song a lot, but some of the rest was kind of mid, like “The Weekend Starts Here” which just seems like an extended radio promo.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
4/5
It definitely has a singular vibe - I can see that this would get old to some people, but I really like it. I'm a big fan of Danger Mouse's production (I wonder how many albums he has produced on this list), and more than anything I think it's an interesting album from his body of work.
The Fall
4/5
I really dig the sound of this album, and it carries throughout the whole record. Not every song hits or works, but more often than not I enjoyed listening and will probably revisit. "Barmy" and "L.A." are highlights.
Randy Newman
3/5
Woof - this is a real "statement" album. Without reading Wikipedia or understanding that this is a critique of Southern culture, one might mistake the lyrics for something else. I'm not sure what to think about the use of the n-word in a modern context, while it's used as criticism of racism, it's still just awkward to have a white singer use it somewhat flippantly.
Lorde
3/5
A nice pop album with some interesting textures. There are some cringey, pulled from a teen diary lyrics, but overall it works. Not something I'll probably revisit, but a fair inclusion in this list.
Tom Waits
3/5
I like Tom Waits generally, and this has his undeniable weirdo charm. It's not my favorite of his extensive catalog - I think the faux-live jazz club setting is an interesting conceit but hurts its relistenability.
Overall, I think Tom Waits is an important figure in music history, and this album is a good example of his early period for anyone interested in cultural edification.
The Offspring
3/5
I usually tended towards Pennywise and Rancid in high school, but this is still a good (potentially one of the best) example of early-mid 90s SoCal Punk that became popular. The singles from this album are still great, and it really captures the sound of the time (that soundtracked so so so so many teen movies).
ZZ Top
3/5
The Who
3/5
A decent live album - I tried to only listen to the original track listing so I'm not sure if all of the included banter was on the original record (they mention they will play songs that don't come up).
I guess its fine to include, but I still think there are too many live albums included on this list.
Butthole Surfers
3/5
Uh, yeah it's something. The album reminds me of Captain Beefheart in some ways, but it's a fairly unique listen in its own right.
Badly Drawn Boy
3/5
Tim Buckley
2/5
Not really sure why this album is included. I'm not super familiar with Tim Buckley's catalog, but this was pretty mid. The lyrics are pretty horned up and a little awkward at times. The music is fine and serviceable but nothing on this record really grabbed me.
The Stooges
5/5
This is another personal all-time favorite. The raw energy on this album, recorded "live in studio", is almost unmatched in rock history. "Dirt" is probably my favorite track on this album, although all fo the tracks are killer.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Interesting piece - it definitely captures the defining sounds of the mid-80s, Phil Collins-esque pop-rock. It was enjoyable even though it didn't give me much to motivate a re-listen in the future, and I think it makes sense to include on this list as an example of a time and genre.
3/5
I still don't like live albums, but this was a decent listen. I don't really know anything about the MC5 but it seems like they put on a killer show. In terms of this being an essential listen - I don't have any objection to hearing it once, but that was probably enough for me.
Bee Gees
3/5
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
It totally makes sense as an essential listen. I think that "California Dreamin'" especially, but the entire album, helped create a distinctive sound for pop music during the 1960s and soundtracked the cultural shift of the hippie era.
Pavement
3/5
This completely makes sense to include, as it was an influential indie record in the early 90s that went on to significantly shape the sound of other bands/records of the decade.
The Dandy Warhols
4/5
I enjoyed this album - I have a soft spot for this type of sound, so I think it will definitely get a few more listens at the very least.
Prince
4/5
The album starts with a weird juxtaposition with the bare, minimal opening track, followed by the upbeat and overstuffed Play in the Sunshine, but the final few passages of the latter demonstrate some really interesting and lovely shifts in tone.
Housequake was a little jarring, with Prince’s alter ego “Camille” being introduced for the first time. This was one of the few tracks I was iffy on.
"If I Was Your Girlfriend" is absolutely fascinating. There are some dated sounds on the track, but Prince uses his pitch-shifted vocals to amazing effect. The track kind of goes off the rails at the end.
From there onwards, it's all a little overwhelming with SO many ideas here, most of which work really well. I think there is so much material it almost demands additional listens to really appreciate.
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
Honestly, reading the quotes about each song on this record from the band, why even bother? It seems like they have a grudge against their audience and fans. I was mostly fine with this record until the last song, which I'm torn about. The groove is nice, but the incessant wailing is annoying and just reminds you that this band seems to really hate you.
Youssou N'Dour
3/5
Some genuinely exciting music and grooves - I really liked the grooves of the tracks (especially "Pitche Mi"). The instrumentation is great, and Youssou N'Dour has an emotive yearning in his vocal tone.
Haircut 100
4/5
Wow, this came as a huge surprise. From the opening track, I was hooked. This sounds like a great example of early 80s music, and the grooves, horns, and vocals are really fun. Surprising that the original group really only recorded one album together, and that it was included on this list.
I generally skip any bonus tracks and try to just listen to the original album, but for this, I was thrilled to get some extra content to keep the party going. "Nobody's Fool (12' Version)" and "October is Orange (Day 1 & 2)" truly are bonuses in every sense of the word.
Pere Ubu
4/5
Holy fucking shit, this album kicks balls. I was originally going to give it 5 stars, but I’m torn because “Sentimental Journey” was the only low point that I thought didn’t come together. Everything else about the sound of the album is fantastic.
Scissor Sisters
4/5
Solid listen - I’m not sure if it belongs on this list but it was an enjoyable album and I think I’ll give it a few more listens at the very least. The cover of “Comfortably Numb” was maybe the only miss, but other than that I like the throwback, Elton John-like vibes.
Radiohead
5/5
This is a personal favorite, but even outside of that I think it deserves 5 stars. The music is beautifully textured, the lyrics are a detailed rendering of late 90s existential angst.
Germs
3/5
A good example of a genre, and a pioneering album that is important in the development of that genre. Didn’t really do much for me beyond that.
Miles Davis
5/5
Miles Davis wouldn’t give a fuck what you think about his album. Dense and abrasive, this is a monumental album in the development of jazz and modern music. I love this album, the extended jams are given space to evolve throughout each track - as a miracle of studio editing I can’t really tell where the cuts are. It takes you on an adventure!
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
It’s a solid album, and has plenty of excellent tracks. But I think Paul McCartney is graded on a curve against his entire output, and this isn’t as singularly impressive as any Beatles album, or doesn’t have the unique consistency and Lo-fi experimentation of his first solo album (which I found to be an absolute delight as a document of an amazingly talented artist fucking around).
Moby Grape
3/5
The Triffids
3/5
Norah Jones
3/5
I remember this being a massively popular record, and the Wikipedia page confirms this (diamond status). Do I agree it should be on this list? Sure, but beyond the two more popular tracks ("Come away with me" and "Don't know why") there isn't much on this album that I would come back to - I think it is too singular of a vibe/tempo throughout to keep me interested, and it doesn't speak to me personally.
The xx
5/5
The xx bring you into their world - mostly quiet and whispered thoughts and desires. Somewhat unique at the time, they allowed space and silence into their songs instead of overstuffing the production. Especially in the late 2000s, it's impressive that they created such a unique sound, really unlike anything else before it or at the time.
Talking Heads
4/5
Impressive debut. Psycho Killer is a stone-cold classic, but I think their subsequent albums (and the film Stop Making Sense) are more important and had a significant impact on culture. Some early tracks are more forgettable, but the back half of the album really brings the album to a satisfying conclusion.
Scott Walker
4/5
It's immediately compelling. Overall enjoyable, it has a 60’s grooviness to several tracks, and lush instrumentation throughout. I personally enjoyed it, and it seems like this album and/or Scott Walker was influential to subsequent artists (Radiohead, Nick Cave), so I guess it has a important cultural relevance/context.
The United States Of America
3/5
Interesting example of 60s studio experimentation with electronics.
The Byrds
4/5
5D (Fifth Dimension) is a strong start to the album. I really liked the vocal melody and the guitar solo on the outro. The next few tracks were fine enough, and had a pretty chill vibe. I really liked “I see You” and “What’s Happening”, two examples of the songwriting talent that David Crosby would go on to develop in subsequent years. The only weak points on the album were the cover songs, and the ending track due to the annoying plane noises.
Ice Cube
4/5
The production is excellent, and overall, it's an incredibly cohesive album. I really hate sketches on rap albums, but these are brief enough to overlook.
For me, it just lacks a personal appeal to relisten or become a regular listen.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
2/5
I guess this was influential to some artists that are more recognizable, but honestly this was just a depressing listen. Written during a 6 month stay at a mental institution following a violent mental breakdown, these recordings were intended by the artist to be demos, but ended up getting released. I guess it offers some insight and history, but I feel the impact was solely on its influence of others, rather than it being something tangible; honestly I just struggle to accept that this is somehow an essential listen.
Sonic Youth
3/5
Thundercat
4/5
Thundercat is a ridiculously talented musician, I’m not sure if his songwriting instincts are always there, but he never stays on one idea too long, and does really explore different sounds and styles. Overall its a fun, if silly, record.
Big Black
3/5
Some interesting ideas, but a little repetitive and too abrasive to be worth revisiting.
John Lennon
3/5
I think out of the three main songwriters of The Beatles, I enjoy John Lennon's solo material the least. He was still a talented songwriter at this point in his career, and there are some classic songs on this album. However, it is extremely self-pitying and self-obsessed.
Meat Puppets
3/5
It’s a pretty interesting solid record. I prefer the cover versions of “Plateau” and “Lake of Fire” by Nirvana, but the rest of the album was surprisingly enjoyable.
PJ Harvey
5/5
This was a great listen. It’s dark and distinct, really benefits from the raw production. Even the cover of “Highway 61” was great, I usually balk when covers are included on albums but PJ really pulled it off.
Elbow
5/5
I had never heard this album before, which is surprising because apparently several songs were features on shows that I watched in college. It’s almost specifically targeted at my tastes, I’m definitely going to relisten and wouldn’t be surprised if this made it into my most listened to albums of 2024 (its too late to make it to 2023).
Originally I was thinking a 4 star rating, but as the album went on I found myself digging every song.
Devendra Banhart
2/5
No offense to Devendra Barnhart, but I didn’t find anything particularly revelatory on this album. Don’t get me wrong, its fine and has some enjoyable moments, and I might be unfair in evaluating albums from 2000 onwards more harshly, but I don’t think this is an essential listen before you die.
Missy Elliott
3/5
It’s a good album, and I think Missy Elliot deserves inclusion on this list. My only complaint, is that 80% of the songs start with “THIS IS A MISSY ELLIOT EXCLUSIVE”, I don’t get it.
New York Dolls
4/5
Solid record, enjoyed listening to it and will probably relisten. That is a plus considering it’s influential place in music history.
Hugh Masekela
3/5
Sure.
Blur
5/5
I have a real affinity for pasty white Brit-pop bands, and this is one of the all time great Brit-pop albums of the 90s. This album is overflowing with great material, “Girls and boys”, “End of a Century”, “Parklife”, “London Loves”, “Clover Over Dover”, and the true gem “This is a low”.
New Order
4/5
Generally I prefer New Orders singles. This album still has some great tracks, and excels at a “vibe”. I think I’ll revisit, but my top 5 star New Order album is just a playlist of their best singles.
Elis Regina
3/5
Pretty enjoyable considering I don't speak the language.
3/5
In the future, I’ll tell my children that this is the reason Bin Laden attacked America.
This is a strange document of pre-9/11 American zeitgeist, and is a key piece of Gen X history. Honestly the music isn't terrible, it doesn't age well considering Fred Durst is one of the most annoying vocals in popular music history (like if a snotty skateboarder in a 90s movie was given a microphone). But somehow, Limp Bizkit straddled the intersection of Rock and HIp-Hop culture, and embodied the late 90s/early 2000s excess in American culture.
I had a lot of weird thought listening to this, trying to reconcile its popularity at the time. I was only in 6th grade at the time, I remember this having a ton of hits, Limp Bizkit were all over MTV, Fred Durst was considered a tastemaker and could bless an album and have it become a massive hit (Staind, Puddle of Mudd, etc.).
Is this album good? No. But I think the basis for inclusion on this list has to consider history and cultural impact, and this album (I think one is enough to get the idea of Limp Bizkit) deserves a spot.
Stephen Stills
5/5
I'm torn on my ranking for this album; while I really enjoyed it, it is pretty fucking long. I like that the original album was broken up thematically by side; it means that the vibe consistently changes up and doesn't feel stale. And the overwhelming amount of material, and good material at that, is pretty mindblowing.
Overall it's a real groovy scene, man. I can put this album on any old Saturday and just vibe out. Straight through or shuffled I think it would be a great time. Fuck it, five stars.
3/5
Pretty decent all around. I think I prefer Sly & the Family Stone for this genre, but overall a good listen
The Verve
3/5
It's a decent listen - there are catchy, heartfelt tracks throughout. I think I prefer Spiritualized for this genre/sound but to each their own. I think it's a little curious/lazy to have two songs back to back with almost the same line (you come in on your own, you leave on your own).
Joni Mitchell
3/5
The Killers
4/5
This was a huge album in my middle-high school years, so it carries some nostalgia points. I think the fact that Mr. Brightside has been in the UK charts consistently since it was released almost 20 years ago (fuck) makes it worthy of inclusion, and the fact that this is just a strong debut album that really captures the early 2000s era only strengthens the case.
Seriously, the first 5 tracks are an amazing run of catchy, fun songs. And the back half of the album still has some A+ bangers, “Andy, You’re a Star”, “On Top”, and “Change your mind”. I think there is an argument that the last 3 songs on the album don’t match the quality, and are even just a lesser retread of the ground covered earlier on the album. I think The Killers still pull it off though, and it leaves you with a really solid debut album, with one of the biggest songs of the 2000s.
MC Solaar
3/5
It is interesting as an example of hip-hop coming from outside the US, and the sound and style are similar to US 90s rappers being assimilated in other countries. I guess I'm happy I now have exposure to this, but not understanding any of the lyrics limits its impact and personal importance. I can't fault the album for my own limitation in language though, and the beats are tight.
George Michael
4/5
Based on Wikipedia, I was ready for a dour album full of ballads and a slog to get through, but that's anything but the case. It displays an impressive range of songwriting from George Michael, and I don't think there is really a bad song on the album. There are some surprising sounds and textures, with some jazzier numbers popping up. It is definitely less fun than Faith, but still contains one of the best 90s club tracks in "Freedom '90"
Nick Drake
4/5
I (like a lot of mid-Millenials) got into Nick Drake in high school/college, so I have some real nostalgia for this album. Overall, it's still a great listen. The orchestration brings some really nice textures to the songs, and Nick Drake's mellow, melancholy vocals go down easy.
The White Stripes
5/5
Straight up masterpiece. I didn't get into this album until a few years after its release, but it is an achievement of a singular creative vision. The production is raw but brilliant, there is something to be said about limiting your tools to push creativity. The backstory about recording it in 2 weeks, not using any computers or recording equipment from before 1963, is intriguing and doesn't negatively impact the results in any way, but probably enhanced the output. It doesn't sound dated.
Obviously "Seven Nation Army" is the standout cut from the album, but every song is fantastic and is a showcase of songwriting talent.
Throbbing Gristle
2/5
I generally give the benefit of the doubt to this list for pioneering albums ahead of their time. I guess this was one of the pioneering "Industrial" albums, but Jesus Christ, it is hard to get through. It is experimental in the most aggravating sense.
Judas Priest
3/5
Santana
3/5
There are some quality jams. "Oye Como Va" was the only song I was really familiar with prior to listening. The overall flow of the album was good, but nothing really stuck out to make me want to come back to frequently. Nice grooves though.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
This might just be an Apple Music issue, but I find it infuriating that a supposedly "essential" album isn't available to listen to. Apparently this was never released properly in the US, until maybe 1997 on a CD reissue that featured different songs?
I was able to piece this together (I think, who fucking knows) from two other releases. It's good, there are some classic singles, and overall I think Dusty Springfield is an important piece of music history.
Arcade Fire
3/5
This is a solid album. I'm not sure how many Arcade Fire albums should be included on a list of essential listens though; I think you get the idea from their debut (which definitely deserve inclusion on the list) and their third album (which won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 2011).
With that in mind, is Neon Bible really adding that much to someone's experience? Personally, I like this album more than The Suburbs, so I would recommend it over that album, but for historical context, I think listening to the Album of the Year from 2011 is more edifying. Anyway, still a solid listen and a great album from one of the biggest bands of the 2000-2010s.
I try to separate the art from the artist, so I haven't tried to reflect on the allegations of sexual misconduct by Win Butler. Based on the fact that Arcade Fire is still a festival headliner, I think most people haven't considered it either.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Elvis is definitely an essential listen, and this is a pretty solid album. Really enjoyed "Fever".
Pantera
3/5
I probably would have found this more appealing in High School when I was into heavy metal bands of the time (mid-2000s). It’s definitely an important album from the genre, but I’m at a point in my life and music tastes where it doesn’t really do anything for me.
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
Rufus Wainwright is clearly a talented songwriter, and tends to be somewhat of a chameleon troubadour, aping different styles as he sees fit. I particularly like the Radiohead, OK Computer era “Go or Go Ahead”.
It is a solid listen, if overlong.
Aerosmith
3/5
It’s silly polished horned up rock n roll. Aerosmith is interesting in how long their popularity stretched, and they refined and reformed their sound several times. This album, at the height of the glam metal era, is a great example of the genre while avoiding being annoying. I find a lot of other bands of that era (Motely Cru, Poison, etc.) more cringey and annoying, but Aerosmith doesn’t ever get on my nerves.
There are some fun instrumental excursions between songs, and overall the album doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Muddy Waters
4/5
Whenever I want a stereotypical “Blues” album, I now know to just put this on. Completely kicks balls.
D'Angelo
4/5
Pretty excellent. Overall distinct sound, and really seemed like this defined (although maybe defied some conventions) of the mid-90s R&B sound. Overall enjoyed listening, will probably revisit, but I don’t know that this will make it into regular rotation/personal favorite territory.
Love
3/5
It has some catchy sounds, and it’s definitely emblematic of the late 60s psychedelic genre. Nothing really hit me that hard though, so its one of the many “nice to have listened to, not not returning” albums on this list.
Oasis
4/5
Oasis (at least on their first two albums) really had something special. My only real criticism of this album (and Oasis in general), is that the songs kind of all blend together and are a bit too similar. Overall its a great album, and helps explain Oasis’s relevance in music history, but their follow up (you know the one) is an overall better album and more important.
Muddy Waters
3/5
As the first “Live Blues Album” as Wikipedia mentions, I guess it’s important. It’s a solid performance with a lot of energy, and apparently influential in its “electric blues” sound to have a notable impact on Led Zeppelin and Jimmy Hendrix. I just don’t like most live albums, but overall this was a decent listen and didn’t have too much annoying crowd noise.
Elton John
3/5
A surprising “meh” overall. “Tiny Dancer” is the obvious standout, and that song alone should be heard in your lifetime. But the rest of the album doesn’t really pay off. Apparently this was the third album that Elton John released in 1971, and maybe the well was just running dry by that point.
5/5
Yes, this album isn't for everyone, but it is for me. The opening (and title) track is an adventure, with some beautiful textures and vocal harmonies in part 3. The two other songs aren't as impressive from a structural view, but are often just as exciting. Overall a great prog-rock album, with a lot of value to unearth on repeated listens.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
It is a very distinct genre and style, but definitely an important album in the context of music history. I prefer Daft Punk’s output from the late 90s, but this has some absolute jams.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Really interesting production, I definitely get the “atmospheric” vibe that Wikipedia mentioned. It’s a really good Bob Dylan album, I’m not sure it’s an essential Bob Dylan album (he has like, 10 other albums that are probably more important to music history).
I really love the sound of the record though, and will probably give it a few more listens (even though it’s way too fucking long).
Metallica
3/5
I also note that I generally don’t like live albums that much, but this one at least justifies itself as an interesting experience and a different take on Metallica’s catalogue. Overall I think it’s a decent inclusion on this list, but goddamn it is a full on undertaking, clocking in at over 2 hours. While bit can get exhausting and a little repetitious, there are enough exciting moments with the pummeling songs and orchestration that I think makes it worth a listen.
This album came at a point in their career where they were fully out of thrash metal, but a weakness is the over reliance on Metallica’s recent (at the time) albums, which were probably a low point for them - 7 out of 21 tracks come from Load and Reload, while only 6 tracks come from their first 4 albums that are considered “prime” Metallica (there are actually no songs from their first album, which is a shame). I would have appreciated a few more tracks from their early period.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
2/5
I couldn’t really find any information from Wikipedia on why this was important, and it didn’t seem like the contemporary reviews were anything above average. The beats are fine, it seems indicative of a mid-90s style of rap/hip-hop with some early fusion with rock (which, let’s face it, didn’t really end well). There were some weird stylistic shifts that just didn’t gel with the rest of the record “We have all the time in the world”, its a solid and sweet track, but just really doesn’t fit with the rest of the record.
Overall just kind of confused on why this was included on the list, even if I didn’t hate it. There are decent moments, but nothing exceptional.
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
It’s a bit long, but I found myself enjoying most of the tracks. I think there is enough material here to revisit at least a few times. It definitely exemplifies late 90s electronic music and provides some good historical context.
The Monks
3/5
Another weird one that wasn't available on Apple Music. I was able to find a Youtube playlist uploaded by a random user with all of the songs on the album, but this is a frustrating situation for an "essential" listen.
Interesting for the time period, and apparently influential. There are some weird sounds but catchy moments as well.
Fela Kuti
4/5
Reading the Wikipedia article about this album and Fela Kuti was a trip. It is crazy to think that this album inspired the government to raid Fela Kuti's commune and beat the shit out of him (and kill his mother). Also crazy, that he married 27 women a year after.
But its easy to get distracted by these details, this is an important album from a musician that essentially create their own genre. Definitely important in musical history, it's also got some great grooves.
I generally only review the original album tracks and skip any CD/reissue bonus material - it's funny in cases where the album consists of only two tracks. These are some jams though, so settle in. Some people might find the repetitive and extended grooves boring, but there is so much going on, and the rhythms draw you in its almost impossible not to move your body.
The Boo Radleys
5/5
Mind blowing that this came out in '93 - while it doesn't sound "modern", it sounds like at the earliest, it would have been mid-2000s.
The use of the "studio-as-an-instrument" throughout this album is breathtaking. There are so many seemingly disparate sounds and styles, unrestrained noise rock elements that are joyously melded together with solid songwriting. I was a little skeptical that this would be anything but a 3 star "sure, I guess it is a good listen and some people probably love it, but I won't revisit". That quickly changed with "Upon 9th and Fairchild", the noisy feedback heavy guitar, paired with the reggae/dub drum and basslines really grabbed my attention. From that point the rest of the album maintained it through a really great combination of sonic textures.
Big Star
4/5
I don't know how to rate this one, honestly, it's kind of bizarre. Definitely worth reading the Wikipedia page, although I think it gives a false expectation, I didn't find it "shambling wreck of an album" or "the slow, sinking sound of a band falling apart" according to some critics. But is it unfinished - is it the vision the band had originally?
There is some really compelling material, and the overall sound of the record sounds more modern (alt-roc from the 90s-2000s) than the early 70s. The first few songs are pretty solid rock tracks and the cover of "Femme Fatale" is decent. But I think "Holocaust" is a great example of why this record is important, the music is sparse but has so many subtle details that are genuinely beautiful - it reminds me of a great Radiohead song and I'm really surprised it was recorded in the 70s.
It's not all winners, "Kanga Roo" is a little too messy and all over the place (The cowbell that comes in near the end of the song is a little overpowering), and is an example of what I think the weak point of the album is - some tracks just sound like loose recordings and unfinished ideas. But I think there is enough compelling material to include on the list (again, it's just kind of fascinating even as an unpolished product), and there is something that I connected with that makes me want to revisit it at some point.
The Sugarcubes
3/5
Interesting enough. Bjork shines through as a real start even early in her career. Really annoying vocals from the male singer start to drag on the project - but overall, I think it's a fine inclusion on this list. "Birthday" is a great track.
Super Furry Animals
4/5
Definitely ambitious. I don't think there is anything particularly bad, or that the band doesn't pull off, but personally there were a few songs that were just "fine". There were some definite highlights, especially "Presidential Suite" and "It's Not the End of the World?" that make me think I'll give this album a few more listens, some of the material that didn't hit me the first time might just be growers.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
A surprisingly challenging album - only because the vibe is so consistent from song to song. It is a document of a man working through complex feelings on divorce, so it's kind of like someone running a conversation in their head over and over and over and over and over... you get the idea.
The music and beats are fairly compelling, even though, as mentioned, they are very similar throughout. There are definitely some good songs here that I enjoyed, but again, it all kind of blends together. Maybe it's just the subject matter, but I can't see myself coming back to this album in the future (unless I get divorced, but hoping that doesn't happen).
Joni Mitchell
5/5
Joni Mitchell is a brilliant songwriter, and these deeply personal songs about her relationships might not translate to everyone, the album is an amazing product. Also, “A Case of You” is a top ten all time great songs.
Calexico
4/5
Solid inclusion on the list. It has a distinct vibe throughout that I think several indie rock bands of the era would end up exploring, but overall enjoyed it.
Missy Elliott
3/5
Solid production and was an innovative/influencial album of the time period. Great inclusion for this list, but nothing really stuck out to me to make me want to revisit.
Tim Buckley
2/5
I had one previous Tim Buckley album, which was from his late-sex funk(?) period, and was underwhelmned. I was hopeful coming into this, but overall it doesn't sound all that different from the many, many, many, late 60s albums that I've listened to on this list. At the end of the day, I guess I don't fully understand or agree that Tim Buckley was an important artist - I feel like his reappraisal comes from the fact that his son had a much more important career (reverse nepotism in a way).
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
3/5
Some interesting ideas and exploration into world music by a British guy. There were some stellar moments, but probably won't return to it (especially difficult since this album wasn't available on Apple Music).
5/5
I never really got into U2 in highschool (mid-2000s) - I think by that time Bono's reputation as kind of a blowhard "activist" was farely cemented. And there was the infamous Vertigo line translating to "one, two, three, fourteen!" but I digress.
I don't know if I ever listened to this album, although I was familiar with it as one of their major records. Reading through the Wikipedia, I noted 1) this shit wasn't actually recorded in Joshua Tree, or in America at all 2) this was a dissection of the "myth" of American, by an Irish band.
Well, they did a great fucking job. What a fantastic first three track run - and although the rest of the album doesn't reach the same heights, they coast down smoothly and maintain a high quality bar. I get why this is considered one of the best rock albums of all time.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
A decent listen (unfortunately I had a busy day when I tried to listen, and wasn't able to full focus). "The Killing Moon" is the obvious standout track, but I am biased because I really liked Donnie Darko in highschool.
The rest of the album was solid, with some catchy tracks and an interesting sound. I think I will revisit, so 4 stars.
Daft Punk
5/5
Well I've listened to this album a bunch, it is a 5 star personal favorite.
Even with personal favorite albums, I still relisten when they come up in this project and try to reflect on why they are meaningful to me. Most of the time, these are albums that were important to me in Highschool or College, which I expect is the case for most people.
With Daft Punk, though, I didn't fully get into their music until Random Access Memories came out, which was after I graduated college and moved several states away to start my first full-time job. My friend (who was already a Daft Punk fan) and I would hang out on his porch in the summer, drinking and listening to their whole catalog, but this album and Alive '97 stick out in my memory. There is something raw and exciting in the tracks, which are minimalistic and primitive in comparison to the electronic music that was popular at the time (2013-2014). It's also bittersweet revisiting this album, and realizing that it was a decade ago instead of just a few years. Time comes for us all, and with most 5-star nostalgic albums, it's about the feelings.
Bob Dylan
4/5
The album that Bob Dylan blew up. Absolutely essential listen to understanding music history, specifically in the 1960s and the continued evolution of folk music and it's popularity with hippies. Three absolutely essential tracks (you know the ones), but I'm also partial to "Girl from the North Country", both this version and the version on Nashville Skyline.
I think it's a great album, and I'll listen to it from time to time, but I think it doesn't quite reach 5 stars for me.
Astor Piazzolla
3/5
A good listen to get exposure to a genre I'm really not familiar with (tango). Nothing objectionable, but it doesn't really light a fire in my heart or feet.
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
I usually hate live albums, but for bands like The Allman Brothers Band, it really is the best representation of what they have to offer musically. While this is a fantastic live album, I totally get why it wouldn't be for everyone. Even in its original format, it is looooong, and with only 7 tracks, that gives you an idea on some of the extended jams. But it shows off the bands skills, and is a rip roaring good time.
I enjoy it a lot, but I definitely have to be in the right mood.
1/5
I have respect for Ornette Coleman for innovating in jazz, even if Free Jazz as a style isn't really for me. But an album of covers, done in a "hardcore" or "trash core" or whatever style, is absolutely revolting.
John Zorn and his accomplices certainly prove that they can play fast, and play all of the notes (FUCKING ALL OF THE NOTES DON'T TEST ME, could be an alternate title). But for an album that blazes through so many notes, it is shocking one-note in effect. You are left with the impression that you just got aurally gang banged, and not in a fun way.
27 minutes in—please, dear God, make it stop. What have I done to deserve such a punishment?
In a sick way, this has made me appreciate Youtube ads. What used to be minor annoyances are now sweet relief from a seemingly unending assault.
I hate music now.
Patti Smith
4/5
It's definitely an important album. Its influence and place in history earn it at least 3 stars. Overall, even though the music is "simple" (intentionally), it has an infectious energy and movement. There are some great tracks to revisit.
Isaac Hayes
5/5
Above all, the music slaps and you get treated to extended jams of tight grooves. One of the highlights is the composition of the band and the added orchestral touches, it is a consistent sound throughout the album, and is perfectly balanced for the music.
“Walk on by” (apparently a cover?) is a stunner. 12 minutes fly by. The extended jam has some great interplay between all of the musicians.
“Hyperbolicsyllabicssesquedalymistic” - what a mouthful. It’s a bit of a sonic shift when the track opens, but is still solid despite the silliness of the title. Toward the middle/end of the track, the band settles into another delightful extended jam that really brings it home in its final crescendos.
“One Woman” slows things down for, at first, what seems like a heartfelt love song, but is actually about a man torn over his infidelity. I can’t really connect, but the music is sweet and the backing vocals are on point.
“By the time I Get to Phoenix” let the man speak - he needs 8:45 to set up the song he wants to sing, which is going to be another 10 minutes of a fucking sick cover song. I get that it might be divisive or controversial to have such a long intro/setup, but overall the song comes together beautifully.
Morrissey
2/5
Still hate Morrissey. There are a few tracks that rise above the rest, but overall just a bitchy album.
MGMT
4/5
I remember this time period pretty well, this album came out in my Freshman year of college, and really blew up my Sophomore year. I'm usually hesitant on more recent albums that are included on this list, but I think MGMT's Oracular Spectacular 1) explains the music and vibe of the era, a good example of the "indie sleaze" 2) has three really big singles from the time and 3) the rest of the album is pretty solid, and has some really fun adventurous moments.
While it wasn't a huge album for me personally, I really like the songs at the time, and it harkens back to a formative time in my youth.
Frank Zappa
4/5
An interesting album - I've wanted to listen to this album, and get more exposure to Frank Zappa's catalogue for awhile. Enjoyable and I'll revisit, there were some moments though that strained my enjoyment (mostly parts of "Gumbo Variations".
Dolly Parton
3/5
Dolly is a great song-writer, and “Coat of Many Colors” might be one of the best examples of her song-writing abilities. The album is enjoyable, and is a good example of country music of the era. It isn’t really my favorite style, but makes sense to include on this list and was a great opportunity for exposure to something I probably wouldn’t have come across on my own.
Tori Amos
4/5
This was a pretty interesting album - I can understand where the comparisons to Kate Bush come from, but I think Tori Amos carves out enough of an original sound to make this a unique artistic statement.
I’m giving this 4 stars because I liked it and want to revisit at some point. But I should note it was raining today, and my cat died yesterday, so I might have been more susceptible to this kind of emotional dramatic music.
Louis Prima
3/5
Solid for a musical history lesson.
Dead Kennedys
4/5
I was between 3 and 4 starts for this. Definitely an important album, and I think "California Uber Alles" and "Holiday in Cambodia" are what pushes it past 3 stars for me.
Jane's Addiction
3/5
"Jane Says" is a pretty solid track, but I didn't find the rest of the music very compelling, mostly due to the fact I find Perry Farrell's voice pretty annoying. But they were an influential band, so getting some exposure to them through this list is fine.
The Crusaders
3/5
“Street Life” is a solid opening track and sets the vibe, but overall the eat of the album just kind of went by without much of an impression. Decent listen.
Ian Dury
4/5
Pretty charming album, the opening track really sold me. I feel like I want to come back to this one, and it seems like it had a clear influence on a bunch of subsequent artists.
Def Leppard
3/5
Not too bad for the genre (just not personally my favorite) and there are some surprising and intriguing moments. Definitely makes sense to include on the list at least from a historical perspective.
Silver Jews
4/5
Maybe I was just in the right mood, or I'm a sucker for early 2000s indie records. There was something really charming about this album, and I want to remember to revisit it down the line.
Peter Tosh
3/5
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It's reggae
Blue Cheer
4/5
Pretty solid for proto-metal, was a fun listen.
Cyndi Lauper
3/5
Solid bops, there were a few tracks that I was iffy on but overall solid listen for this project
Billy Bragg
4/5
I was a little skeptical going into it, but ended up enjoying this way more than I would have thought. Really fun album, good/funny lyrics, and a strong vibe throughout. Also, shoutout for a strong pro-union message.
a-ha
4/5
This was some sweet prime 80s synth pop. Overall I enjoyed a lot of the tracks, and "Take On Me" is a classic.
Roxy Music
5/5
I really like Brian Eno’s solo material, but never really listened to Roxy Music. I remember seeing the album cover and thinking it looked a little trashy ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Anyways, man can these freaks really rock. Loved it, the vibes were A+
SZA
5/5
Some immediate thoughts while listening:
Female Frank Ocean
Perfectly sums up mid-2010 millennial dating/hook-up/Tinder vibes
For any hot mess "in their feelings"
As a mid-30 year old man, this is just old enough for me to have some nostalgia for the era, where I too was in my feelings.
Carpenters
3/5
Simply Red
2/5
Seemed like a generic 80s album. I guess it was a big seller at the time, but I don’t think I recognized a single song.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
3/5
Interesting enough from a cultural edification perspective. It has some exciting moments, but my first listen it didn't really pull me in fully.
Steely Dan
4/5
Second Steely Dan album I've had come up on this list (which has been chronological so far), I have to admit that I really dig Steely Dan.
While I don't think there is anything as immediate as "Do it again" or "Dirty Work" from their debut album, this is a really solid, groovy album that continues to maintain their jazzy, lounge rock vibe.
DJ Shadow
4/5
Super solid beats. Can definitely trace the influences. Its pretty long but overall a good listen, will revisit in the future.
The Lemonheads
3/5
I guess this is what early 90s college radio would sound like.
The Beach Boys
4/5
Really solid with some fantastic tracks. Definitely shows the roadmap to Pet Sounds.
Only real criticism is the last “interview” track.
Screaming Trees
3/5
Some decent and fun sonic moments, but nothing really jumped out beyond the mid-90s grunge/alt-rock tunes.
Eminem
3/5
Definitely an essential listen. I (like many millennials) listened to this album way too much as a kid. However, I don't have a particular nostalgia or soft spot for this record. Eminem is a cultural touchstone, so the inclusion of this album makes sense. Honestly, while the lyrics haven't agred well, they weren't as bad as I remember. Sure, there is some fucked up shit, but that was kind of the point.
Keith Jarrett
5/5
I listened to a podcast (Cautionary Tales) about this album and how circumstances almost conspired to prevent it from happening. But despite somewhat dire conditions, Keith Jarrett overcame these to give an astounding performance, and the recording went on to become one of the best-selling Jazz records of all time, so I think this definitely deserves at least the 3-star, makes sense on this list rating.
I think this gets elevated though considering the circumstances, which make this a singular, fascinating document of a performance. While I mostly don't like live albums, there really wouldn't have been any other way that this could have gone, since the performance was improvised, and the artist was reacting in real time to the specific conditions of the night. This is one important album that really shines once you have the additional context.
Malcolm McLaren
3/5
Some interesting ideas incorporating african influences and hip-hop on... an early 80s British album? Interesting from a historical perspective, it didn't wow me or offend me.
Traffic
4/5
Solid tunes played exceptionally well. Lots of great grooves, and some interesting folky moments.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Frank Sinatra clearly belongs on this list, and this album was a solid listen. It’s a distinct vibe, but generally captures what I think of when I think “Frank Sinatra”.
Sinead O'Connor
3/5
I find this kind of music (maybe its just early 90s "alternative") pretty bland. The clear highlight here is the cover of "Nothing Compares 2 U", which is a fine cover of a great Prince track (I kind of prefer the original, but this is a case where I like both versions of the track). Does that make the entire album an essential listen? Debatable, but I don't find anything here particularly objectionable.
Lupe Fiasco
3/5
If I had been more into rap music in Highschool, this could have been a major nostalgia album for me. This is the first time I listened to this, and overall it was just fine. It's a good example of mid-2000s rap, but overall I find that period a kind of awkward transition period in the genre, from still trying to make "albums" vs. making singles and/or mixtapes.
This definitely fits with the Kanye West/Kid Cudi influence of the time period, and shares in the excesses of the period (a super long "Intro" song, and an even longer (12 minutes!) "Outro" song that rehashes the idea of shouting out all of your friends and influences, that I feel like I've heard from a bunch of other artists. It really hinders the prospect of listening to this album multiple times.
Rage Against The Machine
4/5
If you are a neo-liberal, capitalist shill, you better be ready to have your titties slapped and balls kicked by the righteous rage and fury.
This is an iconic album. You might not agree with the politics, but there is truth in the message that was undeniable at the time, and has (unfortunately) continued to have impact through today.
The Cramps
5/5
Did not expect to like this album as much as I did. I guess this is termed as "psycho-billy" instead of Rockabilly, and honestly I don't know that you need to listen to any other examples of the genre. This is it. They nailed it, and the album is a consistent sound that kicks balls.
R.E.M.
4/5
Some pretty major songs from R.E.M's catalogue ("Orange Crush", "Stand"), and honestly it fucking rules. They have a distinct sound of late-80s college/Alt rock (maybe the most distinct), and just have some great songs throughout the album. It has a real vibe that you have to be in the right mood for, but I think I can count myself an R.E.M fan.
The Specials
4/5
A great continuation of the sound and vibe from their debut. I have a soft spot for 80's British ska/reggae, and this hits the mark.
The Mars Volta
5/5
This album (and Frances the Mute) were huge for me in high school, so it’s a 5 star nostalgia trip.
I started listening to The Mars Volta again last year because they went on tour, so this was already in recent rotation. But I think, beyond even nostalgia, this is an excellent piece of music that showcases an interesting point of view and unique creativity. It’s progressive in the best ways, offering interesting exploration while maintaining surprisingly catchy songs. Other people might be turned off by the excess, but I find it fascinating.
Coldplay
4/5
Parachutes and A Rush Of Blood To The Head are the albums that really made Coldplay important, even if they eventually devolved into parodies of themselves. This album is made up of great songs, with several classic singles. Even with the "Radiohead ripoff" criticisms, they proved that they had the chops to be considered one of the great early 2000s bands with this record.
One note while listening, it's impressive how much effect they wring out of a relatively simple setup with seemingly minimal overdubs. This might make me sound old, but it was nice listening to an album by a band that sounds like a band.
The Dictators
3/5
I guess this was influential, which is the only reason I can see it being included on this list. Nothing really jumped out at me as interesting, but when it was first released there might not have been anything else like it. Fine for one listen, but nothing to return for.
Dr. Octagon
3/5
Pretty good production and beats, but the weird samples of porn dialogue detract from relistening to this on any occasion, and honestly it’s a little long and the vibe is a little monotonous. Again, the porn dialogue interstitials, especially "A Visit to the Gynecologyst", I feel like this doesn't add anything to the album.
Jack White
2/5
Listen, I like a lot of Jack White’s music, and this album is pretty decent. But I have serious questions of why this was included on a list of albums you NEED to listen to. My 2 star ratings are reserved for albums like this, where I don’t agree that it crosses the hurdle for inclusion.
I think this list has a problem with its periodic revisions. There seems to be a need to include X amount of music from the past few years every time they revise it. Does this album help anyone understand the history of music or music culture generally? Does anyone look back, just over a decade, and think, “Yeah, that first Jack White solo album was MAJOR?” Nah.
The Teardrop Explodes
4/5
Reminded me a lot of Echo & the Bunnymen, and lo-and-behold, they originally had members from that band in their lineup. Overall I dig this era and sound coming out of Britain/Liverpool.
The Clash
5/5
The Clash kick balls and slap titties with the best of them. This is an iconic album that definitely deserves inclusion on this list.
Grizzly Bear
4/5
I was in college when this album came out, and I really love the song "Two Weeks", which is the song most people will know from the album. But I think the better mission statement for the album is "Southern Point", the opening track that really captures the excitement and adventure of the music on this album. This is a rare recent (oh shit nevermind, 15 year old) album that I think makes sense on this list. It captures the peak of indie/blog bands (while the music is fantastic, Pitchfork probably deserves a lot of credit for its success and reach) in the late 2000s-early 2010s.
But getting back to what matters, the music on this album is fantastic. It's detailed and lush, and while it has a consistent vibe, each song carves a unique space. To quote the Pitchfork review "it is compositionally and sonically airtight, every moment sounding tweaked, labored over." I think what I like most is the sense of adventure and exploration in each song, there is always a surprising shift that ends up elevating each track, taking you somewhere away from where you started.
N.E.R.D
2/5
I was surprised to see this album on the list, I vaguely remember this being kind of a flop at the time. The only notable track was "She Wants to Move", which didn't blow up the charts, so I wasn't sure what to expect.
Overall I'm left a little confused as to the inclusion. The music is, fine, but the lyrics are a particular weak spot. There is a creepy tone to the singing and lyrics of "Backseat Love", and the line "Her ass is a spaceship I want to ride" on "She Wants to Move" was cringe at the time, and has only worsened with age.
Overall it comes off as an album from some talented producers who made an album out of boredom without anything interesting to say.
Brian Eno
3/5
This is exactly the type of album that belongs on this list. It's influential and experimental, and a good listen for contextual reasons. There are a few songs that I would return to, but overall this album is more of an "interesting experiment" than repeated listen.
Miles Davis
4/5
It's hard to imagine in 2024, but when this was released it was something new an different than "mainstream" jazz at the time. Its a great jazz record, even if its not my favorite style of jazz, or my favorite Miles Davis album. It has a lot of great material to come back to.
Mudhoney
3/5
Aerosmith
3/5
The Blue Nile
3/5
Some pretty interesting ideas and production, it has moments that reminded me of 80s Bowie.
Sepultura
3/5
Totally fine as an example of the genre. Personally, didn’t spark an overwhelming reaction.
Gene Clark
4/5
Solid listen, really strong songs. Giving this 4 stars since I plan to revisit.
I’m a little torn on the inclusion since the Wikipedia page said it was a flop when released, so much so that the record company deleted it from the catalogue shortly after release. So why was this an important album? Just because some indie folk hipsters rediscovered this in 2009?
Understand that this is a confusing review, but I try to factor in the historical or cultural importance to ratings, but my overall enjoyment of the album overrides that.
ABBA
2/5
This is by no means a bad album, the music is good and the production is great - there are some interesting and fun turns within the songs and album. But I fail to see why this was included in the list of essential albums to hear before you die. The album lacks any of ABBA’s big hits, and in that context it’s just a collection of fine songs, but nothing exceptional. Apparently it was one of the first albums to be digitally recorded and mixed, while that is an interesting historical anecdote, it doesn’t really help to elevate the material here.
Nothing against ABBA, I just question the inclusion.
Django Django
2/5
I torn on this rating. I usually give 4 stars for albums that I like and want to revisit, but I usually give 2 stars to albums that I don't think merit inclusion on this list.
The music is good, and reminds me of earlier efforts from Hot Chip and other mid-to-late 2000s bands, but is it ground breaking? Does it say anything particularly interesting? Did it end up inspiring other bands? What impact has this minor indie album from 2012, which was nominated but did not win the Mercury Prize, had on music broadly?
Maybe I'm just harsher on albums from the past 10-20 years that get included on this list, but I don't see this as being particularly exceptional even if I liked the music.
The Gun Club
3/5
Pere Ubu
4/5
Some wacky shit, but I dig it. I feel like I can hear a lot of ideas that influenced bands that I love.
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
Definitely makes for an interesting listen, and the additional context from Wikipedia (the artists final album, the final mix approved a few months before his death), is helpful to understand the importance of being included on this list.
As with most foreign language albums, I struggle to connect with this beyond the overall vibe and feeling. But regardless, it was a good listen.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Definite classic, and important in musical history as an early concept album, driving forward the idea of the album as a cohesive, singular work.
Magazine
4/5
Really interesting sounds and vibes. Apparently influential, pre-new wave but solidly post-punk.
Donald Fagen
3/5
Torn between a 3 and 4 star, I feel like there was just something missing from the album to really make me want to return.
Overall great listen, I've found that I really like Steely Dan's first two records (which Donald Fagen was a part of), and this definitely has that Steely vibe. The opener is super catchy and sets a great mood.
Kings of Leon
2/5
I was trying to come into this album with an open mind, I really didn't like the previous Kings of Leon album I was served from this list, but there has to be something redeemable about the band, maybe from their early years (and especially their debut album). Overall though, I think my criticism of this album can be summed up by my reaction to the singers voice. It sounds like he is constantly putting on an accent, or vocal style, and trying to imitate something, but also rarely ever fully committing to the bit. It sounds self-conscious a lot of the time.
The band has moments where they are convincing sprinkled throughout the album, but the overall impression is a thin imitation of better classic rock bands.
The Byrds
3/5
Queens of the Stone Age
4/5
I really like QOTSA and this album is a fantastic introduction to the band. However, after reviewing Wikipedia, apparently this is their only album that is included on this list - it makes me wonder if I agree with the inclusion of this album over others (arguably more impactful) in their catalog.
But that is a quibble with the author of the list, and this album is undeniably good.
Radiohead
5/5
I couldn't give this album less than 5 stars, it was huge for me in my highschool/college (and still today) years so I have too many memories tied to it to come at it objectively.
Even so, its a monumental record, and definitely important from a music history/culture stand point. Radiohead were that big, and have had that big of an influence on so many of their records, and this was a huge left turn that reverberated through culture. The music is phenomenal and detailed, and heart-wrenching at times.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
I think its an important album from a music/cultural history perspective. It definitely characterizes the bloated album run-time of the early to mid-2000s (77 minutes!).
Simple Minds
3/5
Pretty solid, distinctly 80s sound. It kind of washed over me and was a little in distinct. I could pick up notes of Roxy Music, overall enjoyable listen but didn’t leave me with much to return to.
Carole King
4/5
Extremely solid - definitely deserves inclusion on this list for the impact on music history, but this is also just a solid collection of early 70s singer-songwriter/Laurel Canyon vibes. Besides the classic “It’s Too Late” there are a bunch of great tracks throughout the album. Definitely worth a revisit, adding to the Sonos library for frequent spins.
Kate Bush
3/5
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Richard Thompson
3/5
John Cale
4/5
I started really digging this album from the jump, and already by the third track I’m expecting to give it 4-stars. It has a little bit of a goofy vibe, which is the reason I’m hesistatant to give it 5 stars, but overall it's really charming. Love the instrumentation and sound.
Some of the vocals and vibe remind me a lot of Brian Eno’s solo work, which I love.
Sigur Rós
5/5
Sigur Rós is such an interesting band to have had such immense international success - the music sounds like a photograph of Icelandic landscapes. I’ve only listened to () in college, and haven’t listened to the band (outside of their inclusion in movies/tv shows) in a long time, so this was a great album to reintroduce them. Maybe they are using cheap tricks to come to it, but the album has such a great, consistent, vibe throughout its 71 minutes. Even though its a long album, and it can sometimes pass into the background of whatever you are doing, its beautifully orchestrated and performed.
Cornershop
3/5
Some elements, like the third track “Butter the Soul” remind me a bit of the Gorillaz debut album. Mixing some heavy, late 90s style beats and other sounds/samples, it has some interesting grooves.
Overall though, it’s a little scattershot, going back and forth between sample heavy, groove based tracks (“What is Happening?”), and more Brit-pop adjacent tracks. I guess it had a hit song, and a few tracks were used in commercials, but outside of historical context, I didn’t find much here that grabbed me.
Madonna
4/5
A really solid, cohesive album. The background available on Wikipedia is really interesting in understanding the importance of this album, outside of its massive commercial success. It was a turning point for Madonna, who is historical and cultural contexts, is an essential figure in music. Obviously "Like a Prayer" is a standout, but there are plenty of great tracks here (I really liked the production and sound of "Till Death Do Us Part", even though the subject matter, and actual history from Madonna's life, is pretty heavy).
The Modern Lovers
3/5
While nothing really grabbed me, it has some important historical value as a listen and definite influential in context to other groups that came after The Modern Lovers.
Gram Parsons
4/5
I generally don’t go for “country” style albums, but this had a surprising number of tracks that I vibed with due to the strong song-writing. “I Can’t Dance”, “Brass Buttons”, and “$1,000 Wedding” are a great three track run, and even the fake “live” recording aspect of “Cash On the Barrelhead/Hickory Wind” didn’t really get on my nerves.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
Surprising that this was Aretha Franklin’s first breakout hit, and her 10th album. “Respect” is the obvious highlight, as well as the title track, but overall it’s probably as close to a perfect album as anything else on this list. It has a cohesive feel throughout, and the songs/performances are perfectly matched.
Van Morrison
3/5
Known as on of the greatest live albums of all time… it didn’t change my feeling about live albums in general; which is I would rather be listening to the studio albums.
Overall this is fine, it’s a collection of good Van Morrison tracks and some solid covers, but it’s still limited in appeal.
Japan
2/5
It's pretty middling in terms of an album you have to hear before you die. Overall, I felt like the ideas here were explored in more interesting ways or pulled off better by other bands. Maybe Japan were early in the New Wave movement, but I can't really tell why this is considered essential listening.
Elvis Costello
3/5
This is a fine Elvis Costello album. I think Costello is an important artist, and while I’m sure several of his albums deserve inclusion on this list (Definitely This Year’s Model), I’m not so sure about this one. Billed as a reunion of The Attractions (only partially true), it’s a decent collection of songs. It has a fairly cohesive sound, but there doesn’t seem to be as much of a consistent through-line, and it goes on for a little too long.
I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt and rate it 3 stars, but I’m sure it could be argued that there are better Elvis Costello albums that should have been included on this list, or just better albums by other bands (since apparently Costello has 6 albums included on this list).
Tim Buckley
2/5
Kind of mid. I’ve had a few other Tim Buckley albums so far and haven’t found much to like.
The Cardigans
3/5
Not bad! Beyond “Lovefool”, there were some solid catchy songs, and the overall sound is something comparable to Belle and Sebastians mid-2000s work, so somewhat innovative for the mid-90s!
Bonnie Raitt
3/5
Skepta
3/5
I dug it. I don't listen to a lot of rap music, but Grime has always been an interesting genre, and I think the UK perspective is interesting. Don't know if I'll give it a relisten, but it was a fun learning experience.
ZZ Top
3/5
Decent southern rock, a good example of the genre.
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
Some classic beats and hits - clearly an influencial album for the genre. Not really my style, and I don't think there is anything that made me want to revisit this record in particular.
"Dumb Girl" is an unfortunate relic of the time, but overall its good for historical context.
The Pretty Things
4/5
Some cool songs, and noteworthy for being one of the first "rock operas". It's undermined by some god awful mixing, which isn't the fault of the band for what is currently available on streaming services. It would be great to get a decent remix/remaster.
Genesis
5/5
Listen, it can be a little theatric, bordering on silly at times, but the music is so overwhelmingly good that I'm definitely going to revisit.
The opener has a sweet little guitar line that sticks with you, "I know what I like (in your wardrobe)" has a fantastic chorus, the exploratory "jam" section of "Firth of Fifth", it all adds up to a banging album.
Sam Cooke
3/5
It's fine - a live record from a talented artist - but doesn't change my feelings about live albums in general.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
5/5
Almost instantly thought this would be a 4 start album, but as it progressed it definitely crossed over to 5 stars. It impeccably captures a post-punk 80s vibe, and has some phenomenal guitar work. ”Spellbound” is a phenomenal opener and summarizes the highlights of the album, but there are so many great tracks to revisit.
Pink Floyd
5/5
One hundred percent. Absolutely deserves to be on this list and is an essential album.
4/5
Lucinda Williams
3/5
Jacques Brel
3/5
A little tough to embrace a prime example of “chanson”, which according to Wikipedia are lyric driven songs, when you don’t speak the language. So for me, it was just listening to some decent music with a Frenchman ranting over it. I can't penalize the album just because I didn't understand the words.
Ride
4/5
Solid vibes - will relisten. Also, loved the album artwork.
Neil Young
5/5
Neil Young is a major figure in music history, and this album, even though its quiet and folky at times, kicks balls and slaps It perfectly captures the late 60s, Laurel/Topanga Canyon music scene and culture.
I first heard this in college and have always loved the opening tracks, but the record is strong from front to back. And it includes the ball kicking classic "Southern Man".
Even if you don’t like Neil Young’s voice, its an important album, from an important figure, from an important time in history.
The Residents
3/5
I couldn’t really tell from the Wikipedia page why this was an essential listen, other than it was one of the group’s more successful releases.it seems like it was potentially early uses of electronic music and effects, which is guess is good for exposure to music history?
Not worth a revisit, but interesting enough I guess.
LL Cool J
3/5
Pretty solid beats, and a historically significant album. Just not really my jam.
Mike Oldfield
3/5
Overall pretty interesting, especially since there is a connection to "The Exorcist". The music is pretty adventurous, and another note, I've seen interviews with Matthew Berry where he talks about how influential this album was on him.
I probably won't relisten because both tracks have parts that I didn't really mesh with. Near the end of part 1, the introduction to each instrument was a little hokey, and on part 2, I just found the "Caveman" vocals to be annoying after awhile.
Rahul Dev Burman
3/5
Interesting entry - an essential album that is a soundtrack to a movie I haven't (and probably won't) see.
The "Title Music" track really grabbed me, it seemed like a really great start, but the rest of the album seemed to be closely tied to the movie (which again, haven't seen).
Overall an interesting listening experience from an accomplished film composer, but nothing more.
Joy Division
5/5
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I've always been tepid on Bruce Springsteen. I totally get his place in music history, and I really like some of his songs/albums. But with any major artist, the obsessive fandom really turns me off.
This is a collection of decent demos.
Marilyn Manson
3/5
Marilyn Manson is an interesting figure in music history, and more broadly in public life in the mid-90s. Often blamed for moral degeneration among the youth, and for school-shootings/murders/etc. you would hope the music is more interesting than it ends up being. There are some catchy and interesting songs on this album, but they are packed in between so many mid-tier, repetitive ideas, and it goes on for so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so long.
An important listen in context of history, and "Beautiful People" was a bright spot, but I can't imagine wanting to put this album on in the future.
Eels
3/5
Taylor Swift
3/5
In 2014 Taylor Swift was already a hugely popular musician, with prior crossover hits ("I knew you were trouble"), but this album launched her into the stratosphere. It was inescapable at the time, proven out by the 6 huge singles released from the album (almost 50% of the standard edition).
This was the album that really solidified T Swift as a pop culture icon (for better or worse). Personally, I like several of the tracks, but my opinion of Taylor Swift has soured in recent years so I'm unlikely to revisit this album outside of a project like this.
For reference, listened to the original, standard version of the album instead of "Taylor's version"
Listen, I know U2 is an Irish band, but this album is the sound of pre-9/11 America. The opening tracks have such a naive “rock music can save the world feel” to them. It takes you back to a time where U2 could say, with a straight face, that they are “re-applying for the job ... of best band in the world.” To that end it is probably the perfect last gasp for Gen-X to feel relevant again. It sounds exactly like the album a couple of rich, popular musicians that fell off on their last few albums would make trying to recapture the magic of their youth.
A lot of this came off as trying to hard. I listened to The Joshua Tree earlier in this project, and can admit that album slaps and deserved inclusion on the list. To me personally, some of these songs are fine when I’m in the right mood. But for some reason, this just sounded so forced as an attempt to reclaim former glory that it was kind of sad. And even sadder, it worked at the time, and U2 regained relevance, subjecting us to another decade plus of them being a part of the culture (and subjected eveeryone to getting a “free” album delivered to their iPhone that they didn’t ask for, IYKYK)
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
I loved getting high in Highschool and listening to this album. It was a mainstay for me during that time period when I was getting into 60s folk and psychedelia. So subjectively, it is a 5 for me.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
I was first introduced to this album during a Jazz Appreciation class in college (god I miss college). It’s a jazz classic, and honestly just a good time through and through.
GZA
4/5
A part of the incredible string of solo albums from the Wu Tang Clan following their debut. The RZA was locked in with amazing production, and it exists within the shared universe of Wu Tang.
808 State
3/5
The Fall
4/5
I really dig the vibe - it has a raw “live in studio” feel to it that few bands can really pull off. Definite revisit
The KLF
4/5
The KLF seems more like an art project than an important musical act. So much of its importance is wrapped up in its actions outside of its music.
The music on this record isn't bad, and arguably served as a good example of aci-dhouse in the late 80s/early 90s. I enjoyed most of it, but on the fence whether or not I'll revisit.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen, what can be said that hasn’t already? An important figure in music history (and still a big act), this is one of the his defining albums and definitely deserves inclusion on this list.
Personally Springsteen is hit or miss. I didn’t really care for Nebraska (came up a few weeks ago in this project), but Bron to Run has an energy and vibe to it that is undeniable. The title track is the best song on the album, but “Thunder Road” and “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” really kick things off and set the stage for a great listen.
I’ll probably revisit, so this earns a 4 star rating.
Gary Numan
3/5
Decent listen. A lot of the sounds here remind me of David Bowie's Berlin trilogy, and there were some fun moments. It was a little repetitive, both in soundscapes and musical motifs, but "Cars" is a classic.
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
I remember hearing Dinosaur Jr. mentioned as an influence by bands I listened to in High School - and I definitely hear that influence on this record. This probably would have changed my life if I had listened to it back then.
I still really liked the album, "Freak Scene" and "No Bones" are killer opening tracks, and the rest of the album is enjoyable (except for maybe the last track).
4/5
I always get annoyed when albums aren't available on Apple Music. The link to me to the album, but every track was greyed out/unavailable. I ended up spending $10 to buy the digital album, which is always a risk. Luckily this was an enjoyable album that I'll probably revisit, even though its a little over the top and ultimately more silly than substantive.
Some scattered thoughts after the initial listen.
"River of Orchids" is a stunning album opener, "I'd Like That" sounds like a lost Paul McCartney song, "Easter Theatre" has a middle section that is stunning (and carries on the McCartney vibes).
"Knights In Shining Karma", "Frivolous Tongiht", and "Greenman" aren't as immediately rewarding, but continue irreverant experimentation with orchestral textures.
"Your Dictionary" and "Fruit Nut" are both silly, funny songs.
"I Can't Own Her" is a solid ballad.
" Harvest Festival" is another decent track, while the close "The Last Balloon" is a killer way to end things.
Solid overall, its a really interesting vibe and sonic experience. I'm a big fan of the Beatles and didn't find the McCartney sounding vocals and influences offputting.
The Undertones
4/5
Pretty solid album of early british punk rock. Will definitely revisit.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
It's a fine Neil Young album, interesting mix of acoustic and electric tracks. The standouts are the two versions of "Hey Hey My My" and "My My Hey Hey", the electric version was clearly influential on the grunge scene that came up in the early 90s. But personally, this isn't one of my essential Neil Young albums.
Goldfrapp
4/5
The music is really good - it reminds me of some of the more whimsical moments from The Beatles. "Happiness" was a highlight, and I'll probably revisit down the line.
Gang Of Four
4/5
Really solid album, clearly influential post-punk, and raw catchy tracks throughout m. Definitely will revisit
Sonic Youth
4/5
Some really interesting, creative jams. The music is brilliant and noisy. I need to revisit (and probably several times), but “Disappearer” really grabbed my attention.
The Stone Roses
4/5
Talking Heads
5/5
I fell in love with this album in High-school/College, and its always been a favorite. It is top tier, interesting, funky music from the 80s that holds up through today. I don't know if its on the list, but do yourself a favor and watch the film Stop Making Sense. I don't really care for live albums/concert films, but its transcendent.
Mekons
3/5
Megadeth
3/5
Not a huge metal fan, but this was fine overall. I probably prefer Metallica on any given day, but this was clearly influential.
Antony and the Johnsons
4/5
Anohni has a beautiful and distinctive voice, and the music back her is perfectly matched.
I only listened to this album a couple of times before, but “Fistful of Love” was always a favorite song of mine. The entire album is really beautiful and a distinctive mood.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
I'm hit or miss on Bill Corgan's voice, it can veer into whiny too easily. But the music on this record is really solid, and "Disarm" and "Cherub Rock" are great tracks, and there are some really phenomenal and surprising musical turns in certain songs such as "Geek U.S.A" and "Silverfuck".
Like a lot of 90s albums, it can overstay its welcome clocking in at over an hour, and while the vibe is almost too consistent, you really lock in at a certain point.
Arrested Development
3/5
Some interesting production ideas, and reading the Wikipedia helped provide some context around the importance/influence of the album. Not really my cup of tea though.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3/5
The Divine Comedy
4/5
It is pretty silly, but I found it charming. And it delivers on the title.
Finley Quaye
3/5
This was a pretty interesting listen, the production is really interesting in contrast to the vocals/style. Overall glad I listened, probably won't revisit.
The Who
3/5
I generally like The Who, and this contains "My Generation", which is an absolute classic. As an album it was solid, but nothing jumped out as super special.
The Psychedelic Furs
3/5
Beatles
5/5
5 stars no contest one of the greatest albums ever put to tape do yourself a favor buy some airpods max and listen to the 2019 mix version shit sounds so delicious
It’s peerless in execution I mean throw a rock and you’ll hit solid fucking gold I mean “Something” alone would justify 5 stars it is possible the greatest love song ever written just ask Frank Sinatra
And don’t get me started on the fucking medley it is so jam packed with phenomenal ideas and melodies I can’t fucking even
The Thrills
4/5
Nothing like a bunch of Irish kids singing about California, with the western instrumentation (frequent banjo/acoustic guitar twang), and a vocal affect to really set the mood.
Getting over the outrageous inauthenticity, the music is chill and catchy, capturing the sunny, indie, California vibe that was big in 2003. The vocals "accent" sometimes veers towards parody, but there are many classic european bands (cough, the Rolling Stones, cough) that have similarly ripped a silly accent and managed to pull it off.
Erykah Badu
3/5
Solid listen, not really my bag but Erykah Badu has an important place in music history/culture.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Cultural staple from the 60s - but not really my jam. I find John Fogerty’s voice/affectation to be kind of annoying.
Tricky
4/5
Phenomenal production - and surprising turns throughout (Like "Black Steel"). Definitely deserves a revisit.
Death In Vegas
3/5
Ultimately I'm only left with a vague impression - it mostly drifted into background music. I have to agree more with the Pitchfork review (which gave it a 3.9), not a lot memorable. But I didn't hate it, so I'll give my standard 3 star rating.
Bauhaus
4/5
Enjoyed this one, I'm a fan of the style and sound and will revisit again.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Nick Cave is a brilliant songwriter, and his partnership with Warren Ellis has created several captivating albums. This one shouldn’t work as well as it does, the first album written after the death of Cave’s song, dealing with mortality, grief, and loss. While it’s slow and meditative, the music is still dynamic and grabs your attention. It doesn’t hit the 5 star mark, because it is a deliberate listen, but definitely worthwhile to revisit.
4/5
Solid listen, and great exposure to something different. Kind of a crazy backstory with the composer/artist dying right as the album was released, but the music stands in its own. It’s not a genre or style that I would typically listen to repeatedly, but I feel like it’s compelling enough to revisit.
OutKast
4/5
Clearly a cultural staple of southern rap, it’s got some phenomenal tracks. It’s a little long (as with a lot of rap albums from the late 90s), and some of the material doesn’t age well, but it’s a classic.
Sisters Of Mercy
3/5
Definitely some cool tracks here, but overall not really my style. Interesting listen from a cultural context.
Aerosmith
3/5
Clearly talented musicians and have earned a place in music culture and history, but outside of the singles nothing really grabbed my attention on this album. I'm not a huge Aerosmith fan and this album didn't change that.
Richard Hawley
4/5
A charming collection of ballads. It's a light record, but tracks like "Hotel Room" are really sweet. Is it an absolutely essential listen? I don't know, but I enjoyed it enough to revisit.
Kings of Leon
2/5
What to make of this, the third(!) Kings of Leon album I’ve listened to because of this project.
What. The. Fuck.
Seriously, THREE of their albums are so important that you MUST listen to before you die? Give me a break.
Besides the uninspired rip-offs (The Strokes), I mostly could not tell what the lead singer was saying most of the time. He has a grating voice, and it’s not aided by whatever weird affect he decided to adopt.
I just don’t agree that Kings of Leon, outside of being kind of popular in the mid-2000s, will have a lasting impact on music culture.
Soft Machine
4/5
This is my first Soft Machine album. I tried to prepare myself mentally for a 73 minute, 4 song album.
At its best, it reminds me of jazz/prog rock albums that I like. At its worst it floated by in the background while I worked. The album can go off the rails, like in the first 8 (who's counting) minutes of "Moon in June", but even that track still has some legit jams. I guess I'm a sucker for this type of music, but there is enough interesting material to revisit.
Mike Ladd
3/5
Korn
3/5
Trip down memory lane, I was a little young when this came out, but ended up getting this album in Middle/High School. It's kind of an embarrassing period for pop culture, and just culture generally (really represented by the anti-gay slurs in "All in the Family" with an appearance from Fred Durst). But that doesn't mean it's not important from understanding music history and culture, and this is a good summary of late 90s nu-metal.
Prince
3/5
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
I'm not as big of a fan of Neil Youngs grungey era, but it was clearly influential on the development of the genre. Solid listen.
The Prodigy
3/5
Classic 90s rave send up. Classic tracks "Smack My Bitch Up" and "Firestarter". It can be a little one-note and repetitive, but that's kind of the point.
Ray Price
4/5
Surprising how much I enjoyed this album. There is a kind of purity to it; from the cheesy but earnest introduction to the consistent vibe throughout every track. This is an old school, prime country record. I really loved “Sittin’ and Thinkin’”, but basically every track here is enjoyable. The only reason it doesn’t hit 5 stars is due to how distinct it is, I’d really have to be in the right mood to relisten. But it’s a great reference point for a classic sound.
Paul McCartney
5/5
I got into this album a few years ago, and I swear it was because of this list. But apparently not, instead its number 740 for me.
This is a phenomenal record, not from a technical standpoint (lol), but from its intimate nature. It sounds like hanging out with Paul McCartnery while he works out some ideas, playing around with his home recording equipment. WHile there are some really loose tidbits, there are some excellent songs here, like "Everynight" and "Maybe I'm Amazed".
Overall it's a vibe and feeling of comfort.
Gene Clark
3/5
Basement Jaxx
3/5
Stereo MC's
3/5
Instant reaction "Oh shit this is that one song!".
Interesting for the time, it reminds me a little bit of the first Gorillaz album (which obviously came way after this), mixed with some Beck.
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
The record settles in and chills out, but the music is so solid and interesting.
Tito Puente
3/5
Good example of Latin jazz. Solid listen for exposure.
Duke Ellington
3/5
Solid example of the genre. I don’t think it gains anything from being a live performance, other than capturing that moment in time, and it limits the appeal of a relisten.
Sebadoh
3/5
Some decent tracks,but nothing really jumped out as overly impressive.
The Mothers Of Invention
4/5
Pretty inventive and interesting; probably deserves a relisten. Some of the interstitial bits with random dialogue might limit the appeal, but overall it feels like a singular piece of music.
The Cult
3/5
Not a cult I'm interested in joining. Overall I guess its a decent example of the genre (Glam-Metal? Hair Metal?), just not really my jam.
Deep Purple
4/5
Obvious classic of “Smoke on the Water”, I was surprised treading the Wikipedia to learn about the backstory. I think the “Live” process of recording definitely benefited the final product, and it was a solid listen.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
3/5
Beatles
5/5
Arguably, every Beatles album should be on this list (and might be, I haven't gotten through everything), but especially all of the studio albums post-Rubber Soul are essential listens; not only because the songs and records were popular, but because they had such a monumental impact on music culture, but also on how music was produced and recorded.
This is absolutely a contender within The Beatles catalog for their best album. While the group explores their individual personalities more, they are still a cohesive creative force, unlike later albums that were more collections of individual contributions. While Sgt. Pepper's is probably the best example of how their studio experimentation changed the music industry, this album was the start of that journey.
Do yourself a favor and listen to the 2022 mix. Every detail is clear and crisp, while preserving the original sound.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
3/5
I was going to give this album 1 star, but Frankie said RELAX, DON'T DO IT...
All joking aside, its fine. It seems like it was a "You had to be there" album, but it was a fine listen. Not too many compelling reasons to revisit the full album, although I found several tracks near the end pretty solid ("The Power of Love", "The Only Star in Heaven")
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
Not really my jam - but a good listen from a historical perspective.
Kid Rock
3/5
Addressing the biggest thing here: Kid Rock is a dumb piece of shit. His current public persona as an ignorant MAGA moron is inexcusable, and he constantly reminds you of how dumb he is everytime he opens his mouth.
ALL THAT ASIDE, I'm giving this three stars. For my personal rating system, 3 stars represents that an album was a good listen for historical/cultural edification. Similar to Limp Bizkit, this album helps frame a time period (America specific) in the late 90's, and contributed/defined the "nu-metal" genre. Is it a good genre? No. But was it important to understand the culture/music trends at the time? Yes.
Additionally, this album kicked off his career and (somehow) lasting popularity. He got a lot of mileage out of the "red-neck pimp" persona, and some of the songs, while cringey in retrospect, are still bangers. It goes on too long (which was typical of albums in the late 90s CD era), and is really repetitive, but it has some legitimate grooves.
Snoop Dogg
3/5
Culturally relevant - outside of the hits, its not really my style, but a good listen regardless.
Johnny Cash
2/5
I generally like Johnny Cash, but I feel like this album is a step down from Live at Folsom Prison. I was surprised, at 35 minutes, it felt like most of this album was stage banter instead of songs (which really limits the re-listen potential), and it doesn't help that they play San Quentin twice.
I tend to give this list the benefit of the doubt even when a live album comes up, and this might have been a hit for Johnny Cash (weirdly), but I feel like this is honestly a pretty sub-par live album.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
3/5
Tough finding this one on streaming - I think I found the right album on Youtube.
INteresting from a historical perspective, both in the early folk recording, and in the introduciton/monologue on most songs giving some context.
Elvis Presley
4/5
Elvis clearly belongs on this list, and as his debut, it really hits. I always find "Blue Moon" such an interesting sound, and the other songs are pretty solid and exemplify the time period.
Bee Gees
4/5
Overall I dug it - there was a lot of material here so a re-listen is necessary, but dug the vibes.
Wilco
4/5
I like Wilco a lot, and this album is great even though it is long. You can pick up on some of their early experimentation with noise rock that they perfected on Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.
While I like this album, it’s not as essential as other albums by Wilco, and isn’t one of my go to Wilco albums
Ray Charles
5/5
Really phenomenal example of the genre and the artist.
Einstürzende Neubauten
3/5
I imagine this is pretty low ranked, while it was a challenging listen at times, I think it makes sense in context of this list. I feel like I can trace this album through to bands I like (Liars comes to mind), and so it was a good one-off listen.
The The
4/5
Solid listen, not as memorable as their debut (also on this list), but overall enjoyable and probably worth revisiting.
Joy Division
5/5
This is absolutely a milestone in modern music history and culture. I love this album, I've recently gotten more into both Joy Division and New Order and not only recognize the cultural influence and importance, but love the sound of this record.
Mudhoney
3/5
k.d. lang
3/5
The Vines
3/5
I was waffling on giving this two stars. It's not that I particularly dislike the album and band, I remember when this came out it was my middle-school/high-school time when I started getting into rock music generally. But my initial thoughts were "really? was this album that influential to warrant inclusion on this list?"
Reading a bit more on Wikipedia, for both this album and the band, I guess it makes sense. They were a key part of the "Garage-rock revival" of the early 2000s, one of the many "the" bands, but are also mentioned as a key influence on the Arctic Monkeys and Tame Impala.
So overall, 3 stars, makes sense to include.
Van Morrison
4/5
A seminal album that definitely deserves to be included on this list. Overall I like the vibe of the album, and "The Way Young Lovers Do" is a highlight.
Van Morrison's vocal style and singing can be hit or miss for me, and that personal preference is the only thing keeping it from 5 stars.
Hot Chip
4/5
CHVRCHES
3/5
Great example of millennial 2010s indie-synth pop. It has a lot of the hallmarks of the genre conventions (“oh ah ah oh ah ah” vocal loops/samples, rhythmic templates, synced bass lines), which get stretched a little thin and repeated across several songs. It’s essentially the sonic equivalent of “millennial grey”
Primal Scream
4/5
It had some really interesting and gripping moments, but some of it just disappeared into the background. Definitely worth a relisten.
Slipknot
3/5
This brought back a lot of memories - as a raging middle-schooler in rural Indiana, I felt that it spoke to me at the time.
It is probably one of the better examples of late 90s metal (or even nu-metal) conventions, and serves as a guidepoint for where the culture was. I feel like Slipknot was the most extreme and hardest example of metal at the time, and really did put other contemporaries (such as Limp Bizkit) to shame.
Unless you are a metalhead, its not really an enjoyable listen.
Supertramp
5/5
I guess I have a soft spot for early-70s British prog rock.
I really enjoyed the album, there are moments on "School" that immediately grabbed me, and I loved "Hide in your shell".
The whole album is great, and will probably enter frequent rotation.
Dagmar Krause
3/5
Had a tough time finding (which was noted), I eventually found a Youtube upload, so I think I listened to the album.
It was fine.
Jorge Ben Jor
4/5
I always struggle with albums that are recorded in foreign (to me) languages, but there are some great melodies and captivating sounds on this album.
Common
4/5
Solid listen, although like a lot of hip-hop albums from the time period its a little long at 78 minutes.
In hindsight, it's clear why this is an essential listen; it captures the energy and spirit of top-tier producers/musicians (Questlove, J Dilla, D'Angelo) in their prime. The lyrics match the music in quality, and overall it will be rewarding to revisit.
David Bowie
5/5
I love David Bowie's Berlin period, including the Iggy Pop albums he helped write/produce. There is something so exciting hearing an artist exploring new sounds, and this album is essentially the initial experimentations that he would expand on "Heroes". While this album lacks more of Brian Eno's presence, and is missing the amazing work by Robert Fripp, it's still phenomenal and kind of amazing that it got released. Considering how big of a start David Bowie was, releasing an experimental electro influenced album with half of the tracklist as instrumentals, in addition to the fact that he didn't tour this album, is kind of crazy looking back.
I go back and forth between my favorite albums from this era, but it's all fascinating material. "Sound and Vision" is an obvious highlight, but I still love "Always Crashing in the Same Car" and "Be My Wife".
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Solid reggae album, and Bob Marley's presence in pop culture is undeniable.
Animal Collective
4/5
This took me right back to college. I remember the hype around this album, and there are some definite classics from the era ("My Girls" and "Summertime Clothes"), but generally just the indie/freak psychedelic rise in that era. I feel like this, and its influence on millennials during this era, marked the transition from indie-sleeze to the EDM/drug focused 2010s.
I enjoy the album and the weirdness, but it was never one of my absolute favorites of the era.
The Yardbirds
4/5
Solid
The Who
3/5
Some good tracks, but outside some of their well known songs ("I Can See For Miles"), it doesn't reach the levels of their other more notable albums. Definitely important from a historical perspective, and solid listen.
Mj Cole
3/5
Good example of the genre, and some good beats.
Linkin Park
4/5
This is it, the peak of late 90s/early 2000s nu-metal, the last gasp of millennial innocence before 9/11 and the peak of American illusions.
I was entering middle school when I first heard this album, and to say it was major is an understatement. It was inescapable for an angsty 12-13 year-old. While there is definitely nostalgia, it doesn't hold as much sway as other albums that I would grow to love in my high-school/college years. But it's undeniably one of my favorites from the period, and I think it ranks above peers like Limp Bizkit or Korn (which have appeared on this list for me), which I think are good for exposure, but not more than 3 stars. This deserves a slightly higher rank than both of those.
Hawkwind
3/5
It’s a long ride, but overall pretty interesting. Not sure if I’ll revisit, it is a big commitment and I think I got the gist of it.
Stan Getz
4/5
Solid listen, and maybe the defining album of the style/genre. It's something that I think you have to be in the mood for, but when the mood strikes, you probably can't do better.
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
Just from the opening notes, you know it should be included. Great for exposure on music history and a solid listen.
Frank Black
3/5
Interesting listen. Frank Black is a hugely talented songwriter, but this just didn't hit for me, and by "Pie in the Sky" I was more than ready for it to be over.
The Monkees
3/5
God, how would it feel to release your album a week before The Beatles dropped Sgt. Pepper? It exists as time capsule both of the pre-Pepper era, and the late 60s pop sound. Overall decent listen, but nothing jaw-dropping.
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
Listen, as a white man who grew up in Indiana, this album isn't really "for me", but I remember when it came out and I have the same reaction now; it is an undeniable masterpiece of production, story-telling, and artistry.
Like other great pieces of art, it can be appreciated casually and is pleasing on the surface, but there exist so many layers to peel back, and depths to explore. It feels like one of the most complete artistic statements in the last 10 years.
Gil Scott-Heron
3/5
This album came up the day after I had "To Pimp A Butterfly" by Kendrick Lamar, which has clear influences from Gil Scott-Heron. It's interesting to listen to, especially "H2Ogate Blues" in context of modern day America, where so many of the same issues are still present/have come back around.
Funkadelic
4/5
Really liked this, it starts off strong and mystical and keeps you locked in. 100% a relisten, the final three tracks didn’t grab me as hard as the first part of the album, but might grow on me.
I was really surprised by “You and Your Folks, Me and My Folks”, definitely a highlight.
Dire Straits
3/5
Clearly important and had some substantial hits. And overall, it seems to be a good summary of where popular mid-80s rock music was, decidedly dad-rock.
It was a decent listen but just not for me. I don’t really care for the Bob Dylan/Tom Petty imitation voice.
Isaac Hayes
4/5
Klaxons
3/5
John Grant
3/5
Interesting album, not really my favorite but it was interesting to hear where Father John Misty picked up his schtick.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
3/5
Not really for me, but I can see where this would have been influential or had an impact during the time.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Johnny Cash
4/5
There is something truly transcendent about Johnny Cash's cover of "Hurt", and it alone would be worthy to include on this list.
I think there is a fascinating coincidence of an artist recording their final albums shortly before passing (Blackstar by David Bowie is another example). Here, near the end of his life, Johnny Cash's aged, weary vocals are something to behold.
Chicago
3/5
Solid listen, I find Chicago's music fun (with the exception of "Free Form Guitar"), and "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" is a classic.
Brian Eno
5/5
This album is a great example of the genius and creativity of Brian Eno, and why he is one of the greatest thinkers and innovators in music. It really says something that this was a first-of-its-kind record, and still stands as one of the best examples of the genre.
Elvis Costello
4/5
"This Year's Model" is one of my all-time favorite albums, I first got into it in college, and as typical, listened to other key Elvis Costello albums, including "My Aim Is True".
I think at the time, I didn't care as much for the album since it lacks the distinctive sound on This Year's Model, but with the distance of time (longer than I care to admit), it really shines. Elvis Costello is a great song-writer, and its evident from his debut. There are some great tracks here, it just doesn't reach the heights of his follow-up.
The Undertones
3/5
Aimee Mann
3/5
Solid listen, just didn't really connect with it.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Björk
3/5
Beck
3/5
I remember this came out in high school, I can't remember if I bought this or not, but like most Beck albums, it was kind of a second or third tier album for me. I liked a lot of the songs ("e-pro", "Girl", "Black Tambourine"), but I never felt a strong connection to the lyrics or songs. Beck is a notable artist from the mid-90s through 2010s, and should probably have a few albums included (Odelay, and maybe Morning Phase, which notably won album of the year over Beyonce), not sure if this is one of his most important although apparently its his best selling.
The Stooges
3/5
While its definitely an important album in music history, and has some great tracks, lets be honest "We Will Fall" is straight up filler.
Definitely should listen for cultural edification, but I prefer other albums by Iggy and The Stooges over this one.
Baaba Maal
3/5
Definitely an interesting listen and exposure to a genre/style I'm not familiar with.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
Kind of floated by in the background; it wasn’t as immediate as Loveless
Liz Phair
4/5
I dug it - the early 90s indie-rock vibes are solid, and the songs are all well written and some are pretty funny/insightful - especially the apparently eternal truths about men and women dating ("Fuck and Run" seemed oddly relevant even though it was written in a pre-dating app world).
The Byrds
3/5
This meets my criteria for 3 stars exactly. Its an album that is important in the history of music, specifically the development of folk-rock and the popularity in the early/mid 60s, but one that I personally find lacking. Its made up of a lot of covers, and I typically prefer the originals.
Grateful Dead
4/5
You either love or hate the Grateful Dead. While I usually don't like live albums, this is a band whose legacy is primarily related to their live performances. This was a solid example of their live sound and performance, and a good listen when you are in the mood for 20+ minute jams.
Sex Pistols
3/5
Culturally important for sure, the songs are all fine enough and catchy, but this wasn't a life-changing album for me, and I don't anticipate revisiting.
Cocteau Twins
3/5
Solid listen, I prefer “Heaven or Las Vegas” but this was a good time. Trailblazers of “dream-pop”
Doves
4/5
A great listen. It was a little hazy, I think the description from Wikipedia as "after-hours" is a great descriptor, but there were many moments that grabbed my attention in a way that I knew I wanted to revisit.
The music is layered and feels lived in, with great dynamics.
Scritti Politti
3/5
Fine listen, but not really my style. Exemplifies mid-80s pop aesthetics.
Happy Mondays
4/5
There is a real mad, untamed energy about the Happy Mondays. I was familiar with the band from the movie 24 Hour Party people, and have only heard a few songs before. Overall I dig it, and I think there is enough worth revisiting here.
Grateful Dead
5/5
Classic Dead studio album, this was the first Grateful Dead album I listened to and loved it. The vibes are good.
The Jam
3/5
It was a fine listen, but nothing really grabbed me to make me want or expect to revisit. I might come back to it later, but nothing compells me.
Prefab Sprout
4/5
Interesting listen, overall enjoyed it. It benefits from starting off with “Faron Young”, which is a weird but charming mix of styles. Will revisit.
Sonic Youth
4/5
Some really interesting detours throughout each song, brimming with creativity and you can hear the influence throughout the next 30 years of alt-rock music.
Justin Timberlake
4/5
Firmly established Justin Timberlake as a solo artist outside of his role in NSYNC, which is something other members of the group were never able to achieve. It also marked the transition from pop to R&B, and established the template for his future albums.
The production is top notch, and came at a time when The Neptunes were at the peak of their powers. While in hindsight there are some problematic aspects of how the album and singles were marketed - grossly dragging Britney Spear's reputation through the mud, this album could be viewed as auditory revenge-porn, but that is a separate discussion - the songs themselves are stellar.
Nirvana
5/5
An iconic album that really set the stage for the decade. This album kicked-off the “grunge” era, which took over culture for the better part of the 90s. Definitely important from a historical/cultural context.
Outside of the cultural impact, the actual music is great. It holds up even 35 (ish) years later, even outside of the singles, other songs on the album have come back into the culture (“Something’s in the way” being featured in The Batman 30 years after the albums release).
Leftfield
3/5
Interesting listen, historically I get the importance. Overall enjoyable but nothing really grabbed me, probably won't revist.
Electric Light Orchestra
5/5
I have a soft spot for this kind of audacious 70s rock music. An overstuffed double album, the first half would have been a classic in its own right, and does feel like a complete song cycle, ending with the wonderful “Stepping Out”, but then you are lead into the second half by the “Concerto for a Rainy Day”, a sweet small song cycle that ends with “Mr. Blue Sky”, arguably ELO’s best track.
The rest of the album is just as enjoyable as anything that came before it, and explores enough new and interesting sounds to make the long run time worth it.
Goldie
4/5
"Timeless" is a perfect description for the album, it encapsulates a particular style of music and would be the go to example for anyone interested or wasn't familiar with drum and bass.
I think I'll need to revisit to fully appreciate, but overall a good listen.
Robert Wyatt
3/5
Kind of interesting, I didn't really enjoy Robery Wyatt's voice but could see how it could grow on me. The songs are all good, and musically its interesting.
PJ Harvey
3/5
Iron Butterfly
3/5
The standout here is obvious, and its a fun, if silly, jam. I remember a friend in high school telling me about the song, that the band was so drunk/stoned while trying to sing "In the garden of Eden" it became "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida".
Definitely a record to hear before you die, but doesn't really connect for more than the one-off listen.
The Byrds
4/5
Really enjoyable, quick listen. There were a few misfires (CTA with the weird transmission, "alien" voice), but overall will revisit, especially "Have you seen her face"
Otis Redding
3/5
Really solid listen and an essential artist - however, the composition of the album being covers (or songs made more famous by other artists' covers) makes it less likely I'll revisit.
Suicide
3/5
Interesting listen, and I can see how it was innovative/influential at the time. But there isn't a lot that resonates here, its a bit monotonous, and the vocals are hit or miss.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
I really dug this album, experimental without being alienating or sacrificing melody, its really apporachable and has some great songwriting.
Orbital
4/5
I liked it, goes a little long and has some dated moments, but some really good jams and textures.
Massive Attack
3/5
Interesting listen and a genre defining album, just didn't really hit for me.
Public Enemy
4/5
Really solid production and interesting, politically concious lyrics. Not typically something I'd revisit a lot, but this had some great grooves and I found myself vibing to it frequently.
Goldfrapp
5/5
My hot take: This is just as interesting and experimental as anything on Kid A, which came out around the same time and is considered a landmark album.
The musical is whimsical and experimental, but the immediate impression I got from "You're Lovely Head" was luxurious. The textures throughout are lush, and it mixes orchestration and electronic elements seamlessly.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Immaculate. Probably peak Zeppelin, so if there is one of their albums to listen to before you die, this is it (although I know they have other albums on this list).
Every song on the album is top tier, but obviously "Stairway to Heaven" is essential.
Mott The Hoople
4/5
I have a soft spot for Bowie era 70s glam rock, so this really hits. I didn't find any one track immediately gripping, but this vibe and style is one I can return to over and over again.
Coldcut
3/5
Interseting listen (although I had to go to a Youtube rip of the album since it wasn't available on Apple Music).
k.d. lang
4/5
Not somethign I would normally revisit, but the songwriting and production is really strong - outside of the historical/cultural importance.
Soundgarden
3/5
Clearly deserves to be on this list due to historical and cultural impact, but a quote from the Wikipedia article really stuck with me and summarizes my criticism "we didn't really want to argue over what should be cut" - it really shows. Too much of the album sounds the same, and paring it down would have helped. By song 12 I thought I was almost done, but the last 3 songs drag on for another 15 minutes. And its a shame, because "Half" is actually an interesting detour, bringing to mind some of Zeppelin's more adventurous explorations.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Considering the circumstances around the album, it is an interesting listen - bu I didn't find anything particularly gripping that I want to revisit.
Dire Straits
4/5
Decent listen and a distinct vibe.
Slipknot
3/5
From a certain perspective, the sustained heaviness is impressive. For the most part it is unrelenting aggressive churn.
Incubus
5/5
This is another nostalglia, high school album for me. While "Morning View" is probably their best album, this and "S.C.I.E.N.C.E" are tied for second, and this has their first big hits with "Pardon Me" and "Drive".
Incubus always bordered on the edge of cringey with their freshman dormroom ideas, which definitely seem pretty deep if you just started smoking weed, but its at least trying. And for some people (like highschool me in small town Indiana), it was a good introduction to start questioning ideas in early adolescence.
M.I.A.
3/5
Sure - I guess M.I.A was big enough/interesting enough to warrant two albums on this list. The mid-2000s were an interesting transition period, and this probably exemplifies the emerging aesthetic - although her follow-up is arguably more demostrative and important.
Britney Spears
3/5
Wow, I remember when I was 10 and Britney took the world by storm. Definitely an essential listen from a historical perspective, it provides a great summary of pop music at the turn of the century.
Maxwell
4/5
Really strong, cohesive, and vibey album.
Incredible Bongo Band
3/5
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
Really interesting listen. Not as immediate as “Everything Must Go”, but by track 2 I was into it. Definite relisten.
De La Soul
3/5
Really nice beats - the uplifting funky vibe makes it a good listen. I don't know that anything really jumped out as a relisten, cleary an important piece of music culture and history.
George Jones
4/5
Solid mid-70s country album - it had a good vibe throughout and I can see myself coming back to it.
The Kinks
5/5
A thoroughly charming, forward-thinking album. An early "concept album", The Kinks focus on their britishness and bring a delightful listen.
Dennis Wilson
5/5
Love this album. I could imagine listening to this in 1977, just on repeat on the turntable, blissed out after smoking a joint, and loving every minute of it.
It has that beautiful, late 70s Steely Dan vibe, but also moments of greater intensity (like the horns coming in at the end of “Time”). There are also some beautiful, truly haunting moments. It’s just a gorgeous collection of songs.
David Gray
4/5
Its a really solid listen - and clearly was a starting point for similar artists to follow in its footsteps.
I'm familiar with the songs featured in Scrubs and Garden State, but it has an incredibly consistent vibe that carries a lot of charm.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
This is an interesting inclusion and listen, just for the vast amount of material included. It is somewhat intimidating and almost impossible to digest in a single sitting - but I don’t know if any of the material really compells me to revisit.
The recording quality and performances are excellent, and I didn’t realize that box sets like this existed in 1959 - but I guess it makes sense. Here you have a top tier performer recording a vast catalogue from a famous popular songwriter. We take it for granted sometimes that access to music is just a click of a button away, but having a collection was really something back then (and even until 20 years ago).
Holger Czukay
5/5
Based on the Wikipedia, this was not at all what I expected. I've recently gotten really into Can (mostly due to this project!), and this really hit the spot. From the opening sounds on "Cool in the Pool", I was locked in. I expect to revisit this one many times.
Sepultura
3/5
Interesting listen - I probably would have liked this more in middle/high school (when I listened to Slipknot and other metal adjacent bands). I applaud their incorporation of indigenous Brazilian elements, its always interesting when bands get outside of their comfort zone from a place of genuine experimentation.
Portishead
4/5
Really moody and interesting - Portishead dowsn't always come together for me, and really has to be when the moody is right. But definitely a solid album that I'll revisit.
Hüsker Dü
4/5
It starts out with a cacophony of driving rock music, and doesn’t let up. I don’t think this is a great sounding record from a produciton standpoint, but I was really drawn in by the songs. I agree with Bob Mould's quote from Wikipedia, this would have been stronger as a pared back single album. But it definitely struck a chord with me, and there is plenty of great material to revisit.
Waylon Jennings
4/5
I dug the vibes - it was a nice short listen, with some solid songs and sounds.
Hookworms
2/5
This is a weird one - I did some additional digging and apparently it was included in the 2018 edition of the book - which is also the year the album was released. It was also the year the band imploded, driven by (now retracted) allegations against the lead singer and primary songwriter.
It hits at a problem I have with some of the recent editions of the list, they often include albums that are too recent to make a clear call about. This is fine, even interesting music at times. But it’s also by a minor UK indie band that likely won’t have much of a lasting impact on music culture and history.
Two stars is my personal rating system’s way of saying “I somewhat disagree on the inclusion”
The Beta Band
4/5
I enjoyed this a lot - I'd only heard of the Beta Band in passing references (High Fidelity), but I found this album engaging and will revisit.
David Crosby
5/5
One surprise from this project is how much I like CSN (cooler response to CSNY) and their related outputs. This is a really great album, and just looking at the credits there are just so many important, talented people involved, that it's not hard to appreciate the greatness here, even if it sounds "loose" and "casual".
There are so many great moments, but right now I'm captivated by the etheral pedal steel coming in toward the end of "Laughing" and wouldn't you know it, Jerry Garcia. And i think that is really indicative of the album - it has so many guest appearances by great musicians, and the function more as cameos than features, just adding great textures to the music.
PJ Harvey
5/5
Really compelling album - definite revisit.
White Denim
4/5
This was a surprising album - I hadn't heard of White Denim before, even though this was during my prime music years.
It reminds me a lot of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard (even though they came after) in terms of the vibe, jams, and overall musical interest. Definitely marking it to revisit, but I don't know that it reaches the 5 star tier.
John Martyn
3/5
I didn't have a strong reaction to any of the music - maybe due to the low-key vibes - but can see where this was influential.
Elliott Smith
4/5
I think Elliot Smith absolutely deserves inclusion on this list. I wasn't as familiar with this album, but it continues the sound/style from XO (which I'm more familiar with), and overall is a great example of his style.
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
Good production and evocative of the time in early-mid 90s hip-hop. It has some problematic songs, primarily “Da Bichez”, while claiming to not be misogynistic, it’s hard to argue through a modern perspective that it isn’t.
Overall interesting for exposure, but nothing really grabbed me more than other hip-hop albums from this era that I’ve listened to through this list.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
It is a decent listen, but I find the history (there is a super cringe story in the Wikipedia background) and context to be a little much. If you needed Bruce Springsteen to come out with an album to deal with your feelings post-9/11, to each their own, but it has a sort of naive "music can save the world" sentiment that I think has been proven (over and over more recently) to be false.
Todd Rundgren
4/5
An overwhelming amount of material - a lot of it is great, especially side 1. However, some of the loose experimentation doesn't really hold up or seem worth revisiting, and even some of the loose band recordings on side 4 push the limits on relistenability.
However, Side 1 is so killer, and there is so much creative energy, that I'll definitely revisit.
The Kinks
4/5
I really enjoy The Kinks - this has some great songs on it, but never reaches the compelling level of "The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society" or "Lola and the Powerman 5000".
Still a great listen though.
The Everly Brothers
3/5
A fine example of pop from 1960
Rush
4/5
I appreciate the audacious experimentation of the opening track, it’s a fun album overall. It seems like this is really the beginning of their Prog-rock adventures that the band became known for.
Definitely need to be in the mood for it, but it’s a solid album when that mood strikes.
The Saints
4/5
Engaging and energetic - can hear their influence in a lot of bands (especially The Strokes in the vocals). The Saints create a compelling intensity that they sustain throughout, and the instrumentation is exciting and an interest meld with the addition of horns.
I liked it, planning to revisit.
Billy Joel
4/5
The songs, the sounds, all top tier. While "The Piano Man" (the song) is probably the most essential Billy Joel album, this would probaby be the essential album. There are so many great, classic songs on the album, it's hard to argue it isn't an essential listen from a formative arist of the late 70s.
While I can imagine coming back to this album, Billy Joel just doesn't reach that top 5 star rating for me. He has some great songs, but just isn't one of my favorites. This would be a perfect contender for 4.5 stars, if the rating system allowed for it.
Super Furry Animals
4/5
Fun listen - will revisit
King Crimson
5/5
Absolutely everything its cracked up to be - the music is expansive and exploratory, eminating with power and proficiency.
Small Faces
4/5
It’s pretty interesting, and overall a solid listen. The heavy effects and psychedelia are pretty interesting. I was a little cooler on the back half, “concept” song cycle and narration, but overall I think it all held together.
LTJ Bukem
3/5
Shoutout to this reviewer (https://1001albumsgenerator.com/shares/66b98e7ab22633436a3fc079) who linked the full Youtube rips (copied below for reference)
CD1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZK_0dgj43s
CD2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYqDVqYSTxs
Apart from the difficulty in finding this album (the Apple Music link doesn't match the Wikipedia track list, also contains two "continuous mix" tracks that look to be identical in length), it was an ok listen. Interesting exposure to something different, but not much compelling to revisit.
Big Star
4/5
I wasn't overwhelmed by this album, but the back half definitely piqued my interest and made me want to revisit - "Give me another chance" "Try again" and "Sunrise" all really hit for me.
Dexys Midnight Runners
4/5
So many of the songs have at least one (if not more) moments of endearing melody that catches my attention. Really enjoyable and will revisit.
Fiona Apple
5/5
Part of me wants to be a contrarian to the immediate critical consensus, as this was called the defining album of the #metoo era. But that's unfair to the album itself, which is a unique artistic expression.
It's a really singular vision and listen - I can't really imagine coming back to listen to an individual track on the album, or honestly revisiting frequently. I have a similar reaction though to Kendrick Lamar's "To Pimp a Butterfly", while its not "for me", I can recognize and appreciate the overwhelming creativity that runs through the recording, and its the fact that it is such a singular statement and achievement that warrants at least one listen in your lifetime.
The Libertines
3/5
Fine listen, not necessarily something I'm compelled to revisit. Important historically as an exampel of the early 2000s garage rock revival from the UK end.
The Beta Band
3/5
I really enjoyed "Hereos to Zeros" (which came up previously on this list), but I didn't have an overwhelming reaction to this material. Some interesting ideas in terms of sampling, but I don't know, nothing really stuck out to me.
Tangerine Dream
4/5
Overall really interesting and worth a revisit (no pun intended on the note below). It's a bit airy, so its easy to zone out and miss some details, but it really fits in the cosmic vein of Pink Floyd and other spacey music from the early 70s.
BEWARE: The "Phaedra Revisited" album that is linked to on Apple Music is NOT THE ORIGINAL ALBUM. I found the original recordings under "In Search of Hades: The Virgin Recordings 1973-1979", the first 4 tracks.
Beck
3/5
This is probably the Beck album to include on this list (and maybe Morning Phase since it won Album of the Year), but there is something fundamentally...bland? about Beck and I never really find myself connecting with his songs or lyrics. I think my favorite album from him is "Modern Guilt", which is probably more due to Dangermouse's production.
I like some of the hits ("Devil's Haircut", "New Polution", "Where its at"), but again, nothing I really connect with or would seek out. If it came up on my streaming radio station, totally fine, but I don't think I'd ever put this on intentionally.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
A really interesting sonic pallette and a delightful blend of sounds/samples. The vibes are correct and I expect to revisit.
Saint Etienne
3/5
Pleasant enough
Pink Floyd
5/5
Hell yeah - this album is a classic for a reason. The production, song-writing, and overriding concept make for a truly phenomenal experience. I pity anyone that died before this album came out, for they could not listen to it before they died.
Yes
4/5
Have to be in the right mood - but great music with an adventurous angle.
American Music Club
3/5
Sure.
This didn't wow me, and its always a little disappointing when an album isn't available on a streaming service (I found an Youtube playlist with the album here https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUohHmj0S8O4AN4YgKVmQOMEX942Xs1C&si=GtlYwP-AS3uTAKLA)
Paul Simon
3/5
Paul Simon solo has always been hit or miss for me, and this one was mostly a miss. It's fine, and there are some interesting and catchy tunes, but fewer and far between than I hoped.
Paul Simon is still an essential artist, and this might be one of his best solo albums that people should hear for musical context, but it's a 3 star for me.
The Darkness
3/5
Thre is an earnestness to the band, they clearly loved the era of 70s-80s rock and roll. Where bands like Greta Van Fleet rip off, The Darkness is inspired.
It definitely fits a mood, and I'm torn since I'm not sure that this is "essential" listening, but it is indicative of the rock and roll revival of the early 2000s (albeit the hair-metal influences of the 80s didn't really take on) that guided Millenial culture. I feel like every millenial my age could do a passible, drunken rendition of "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" at Karaoke.
3/5
The Stooges
5/5
Hugely influential and important for a record that sounds like 💩
I love Iggy Pop from this era, even though I prefer "Fun House", this album kicks balls and slaps titties.
I love the history behind this type of album, and the controversy around the "remixed" version that Iggy Pop oversaw himself. Luckily, both versions are available on streaming services, and I recommend listening to both.
Q-Tip
3/5
Laura Nyro
4/5
Overall really charming and I think deserves a revisit. I’ve never heard of Laura Nyro before, but clearly influenced a lot of artists that followed.
Deee-Lite
3/5
The Cure
4/5
Definitely a shade darker than even Disintegration, but really interesting listen.
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
Always something interesting with Zappa - there are some fun songs early on, but the extended "musique concrete" section at the end reduces the likelyhood of revisiting.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
Big noise - really hits the shoegaze vibe perfectly, and was a solid listen.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
Caetano Veloso
3/5
Madness
4/5
It's a shame this isn't available on Apple Music (apparently it wasn't released in the US), but I found this really enjoyable.
4/5
I love Liars, but I would recommend listening to "Drum's Not Dead" as an essential album over this.
It is an interesting example of a complete left-turn for a band that was a part of the early 2000s NY-rock revival, but I think they went on to do better, more impactful things. You can start to hear the ideas that they would explore on Drum's Not Dead, most notably on "We Fenced Other Gardens...", but the album is more chaotic and disjointed.
Still, I like the band and revisit this album every now and then.
Digital Underground
3/5
Dion
4/5
Lush production, definitely where Father John Misty would pull sounds/influence from.
While not overwhelming in catchiness, there is something about it I want to return to
Peter Frampton
3/5
I’m old enough to have watched “I love the 70s” on VH1, and how they featured a segment about this album. Apparently EVERYONE had this record, it was iconic for the culture and time period.
I don’t know, it’s pretty good. I’ve just never been a fan of live albums.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
4/5
Afrika Bambaataa
3/5
Happy Mondays
3/5
The Incredible String Band
3/5
Interesting listen, but really didn't do much for me. The songs were a little slow and lacked any hook to draw me in.
Stephen Stills
5/5
Another great Stills album - I never really listened to his music much before but have found a lot to enjoy out of this project (both solo and under CSN).
Culture Club
3/5
Interesting look back, but nothing jaw dropping.
The La's
3/5
Noted from Wikipedia, apparently this had a Velvet Underground like impact on British rock music, where everyone that bought the album started a band.
It didn’t do much for me, but was a decent listen.