Journey Complete!
Finisher #234 to complete the list
1089
Albums Rated
3.3
Average Rating
100%
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The xx
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Rating Timeline
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Ratings by Decade
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Taste Profile
2010s
Favorite Decade
Shoegaze
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US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
154
5-Star Albums
7
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| São Paulo Confessions | 5 | 2.83 | +2.17 |
| Kick Out The Jams (Live) | 5 | 2.91 | +2.09 |
| Psychocandy | 5 | 2.94 | +2.06 |
| Spiderland | 5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
| Sister | 5 | 3.02 | +1.98 |
| Bandwagonesque | 5 | 3.05 | +1.95 |
| Underwater Moonlight | 5 | 3.05 | +1.95 |
| The Colour Of Spring | 5 | 3.07 | +1.93 |
| Berlin | 5 | 3.1 | +1.9 |
| Another Green World | 5 | 3.12 | +1.88 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jagged Little Pill | 2 | 3.72 | -1.72 |
| Pictures At An Exhibition | 1 | 2.65 | -1.65 |
| Aladdin Sane | 2 | 3.62 | -1.62 |
| Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room | 1 | 2.6 | -1.6 |
| Licensed To Ill | 2 | 3.56 | -1.56 |
| 1984 | 2 | 3.51 | -1.51 |
| That's The Way Of The World | 2 | 3.5 | -1.5 |
| On The Beach | 2 | 3.47 | -1.47 |
| Black Metal | 1 | 2.46 | -1.46 |
| Aqualung | 2 | 3.44 | -1.44 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Beatles | 7 | 4.43 |
| Bob Dylan | 7 | 4.43 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 5 |
| Stevie Wonder | 4 | 4.5 |
| Miles Davis | 4 | 4.5 |
| The Doors | 3 | 4.67 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 4.67 |
| Arcade Fire | 3 | 4.67 |
| Jimi Hendrix | 3 | 4.67 |
| The Clash | 2 | 5 |
| Oasis | 2 | 5 |
| Lou Reed | 2 | 5 |
| Joy Division | 2 | 5 |
| The Jam | 2 | 5 |
| Kendrick Lamar | 2 | 5 |
| Fela Kuti | 2 | 5 |
| Radiohead | 6 | 4.17 |
| Led Zeppelin | 5 | 4.2 |
| Sonic Youth | 5 | 4.2 |
| R.E.M. | 4 | 4.25 |
| Pink Floyd | 4 | 4.25 |
| David Bowie | 9 | 3.89 |
| The Rolling Stones | 6 | 4 |
| The Velvet Underground | 3 | 4.33 |
| Nick Drake | 3 | 4.33 |
| The Smiths | 3 | 4.33 |
| Simon & Garfunkel | 3 | 4.33 |
| Kanye West | 3 | 4.33 |
| My Bloody Valentine | 3 | 4.33 |
| Pixies | 3 | 4.33 |
| Prince | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Emerson, Lake & Palmer | 2 | 1.5 |
| Morrissey | 4 | 2.25 |
Controversial Artists
Artists you rate inconsistently
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Pulp | 2, 5 |
| The Cure | 2, 2, 5 |
| Metallica | 5, 5, 2, 3 |
| Peter Gabriel | 5, 2, 4 |
| Bruce Springsteen | 5, 2, 5, 3, 4 |
5-Star Albums (154)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
The Libertines
4/5
Was a fan of the libertines when I was a teenager, proably one of the best U.K. bands from the 00’s Indie scene until the Arctic Monkeys came along. So this is rating has a personal bias to it, a soild 4 star album in my eyes.
As a side note I seen everyone is jumping on the Wikipedia sentence that in 2005 this was voted the 3rd most overrated album of all time. Thought it was worst sharing the results of that poll here of that poll for context:
1 Nirvana - Nevermind
2 Coldplay - X&Y
3 The Libertines - The Libertines
4 Oasis - Definitely Maybe
5 U2 - Joshua Tree
6 Radiohead - OK Computer
7 The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
8 The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds
9 Sex Pistols - Never Mind The Bollocks
10 The Smiths - The Queen Is Dead
Apart from X&Y I’d say that list is full of great albums, overrated maybe, but still great none of the less.
35 likes
Queens of the Stone Age
5/5
I love QOTSA. I would rate songs for the deaf, like clockwork and r rated above this album though. It’s a shame they are not on the list. But in there absence their debut is getting a 5. So much sex and swagger to this.
10 likes
Justin Timberlake
2/5
Sit down with my morning coffee to enjoy today’s album, then let out a massive sigh when I see Iv got to sit through an hour of Justin Timberlake.
9 likes
Oasis
5/5
Totally biased review as I love 90’s Oasis. And this is my favourite Oasis album and live forever one of my favourite songs. This album is so raw and generation defining so many great songs (mostly influenced/ripped off from British bands bands before them but hey it’s a fine line between influences and copying) , the only dud in my opinion is Digsy’s Dinner. A solid 5 star album which might upset some pretentious music snobs.
8 likes
Nine Inch Nails
5/5
Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails is not just an album, but a sonic journey into the depths of despair and self-destruction.
Recorded in the infamous house where Sharon Tate was murdered, the album reflects the haunting and violent atmosphere of its location. The music is a blend of industrial, rock, and ambient elements, creating a diverse and dynamic soundscape that ranges from aggressive and distorted to calm and melancholic.
The lyrics are raw and honest, expressing the inner turmoil and pain of the protagonist, who spirals down from anger and addiction to depression and suicide.
The album features some of the band's most iconic songs, such as Closer, a twisted love song that samples a heartbeat and a whip, and Hurt, a poignant and powerful ballad that was later covered by Johnny Cash.
Downward Spiral is a masterpiece of musical artistry and emotional intensity, and deserves a full 5 stars.
6 likes
1-Star Albums (7)
All Ratings
Michael Jackson
3/5
Classic disco tunes. Really upbeat great party album. Slows down second half, not a fan of the slower ballad. 3/5
The Stooges
3/5
Solid debut album. 1969 and be your dog both brilliant starts to the album, we will fall very long and a bit dull. Album picks up again with no fun. Not sure about real cool time, little Ann nice way to finish the album. Overall love the vibe of the album.
Alanis Morissette
2/5
A few good songs, but rest of the album drags a little. Can see why it’s on the list but wouldn’t listen to the full album again.
3/5
First 3 songs are huge, not a fan of U2 but this is a great album. Can see why it’s on the list, the impact it had on U2 and music at the time.
Grizzly Bear
4/5
First time Iv heard of this band and album. Love the great chill out but complex sound. An album I would put on again.
Wilco
4/5
Great album. One you can listen to again and again. Worthy of being on the list.
Beastie Boys
2/5
Can see why this is on the list due to its impact and influence, but not for me, think it sounds really dated now. Not an album I’d choose to listen to again.
Jeff Beck
4/5
Great British Blues album. A few covers on the album but I don’t think it should be marked down for that.
Sebadoh
2/5
Not a band or album I have heard of. Wasn’t sure to begin with on this album. But by the end it did grow on me, a few more listens and I might give a higher score but doubt I’ll get time to go back to this one. I think that will be the case with a lot of these earlier American indie rock records.
Fats Domino
4/5
Classic rock n roll. Songs still sound great today.
The Young Rascals
3/5
Another band Iv never listened to before. Enjoyable 60s pop, would listen to again, but wouldn’t say anything outstanding after a first listen.
John Coltrane
5/5
Jazz masterpiece.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
4/5
Probably the first salsa album Iv fully listened too, really enjoyed it, an album I’ll come back to again and again I think. Random comment but the babies on the album cover reminds me of ready to die by Biggie Smalls.
Rush
4/5
First album Iv listened to by fully Rush, and I really enjoyed it. Classic 70s rock sound can see the influence Rush had on heavy rock/metal music that followed. 20 minute song to start the album was very tempting to skip but worth the effort of listening to the full song. An album I think I will come back to in the future, but possibly skipping the first song.
Common
3/5
Not a massive rap/hip hop fan, so I am not familiar with Common or this album. I am familiar with Kanye West though and can hear his great production on this album. I enjoyed the album, not sure if it’s an all time great album or one I would go back to though.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
3/5
Always thought early 80’s hip hop was a bit cheesy, this does sound a bit dated now, but enjoyed it much more than I expected. Can see the influence it had and the lyrics are still relevant in 2021. Scorpio great track reminds me of daft punk.
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
One of my favourite bands/albums as a teenager. This isn’t a album I come back to these days. Really enjoyed listening back, still sounds a brilliant album. Contemplated not giving full marks because it’s not an album I come back to, (Maybe because I prefer less aggressive music now I’m in my 30s), but to not disappoint a 14 year old me it gets the full 5.
Dwight Yoakam
1/5
First country album on my list and the first 1 star review, just not the music for me.
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
Great sounding 60s record, love the harmonies. California Dreaming a classic
The Youngbloods
3/5
Good album, but not real stand out songs.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
What a voice
Venom
1/5
I don’t mind some metal but this album really isn’t for me.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Big fan of VU first album. First time listening to this, really enjoyed it too, though is a harder listen, very experimental some of the songs are a bit messy. But can see massive the influence VU had on music.
System Of A Down
3/5
My 14 year old self loved toxicity, don’t think Iv ever heard this album before. Given Iv grown to hate Nu-Metal I Enjoyed this album much more than I thought Or probably should, great heavy guitars and drums, vocals not so much. Would I listen to this album again? Probably not, I’d put on toxicity given I have the nostalgic connection to it.
D'Angelo
3/5
Having never actually listened to D’Angelo before I enjoyed this as a first listen, nice easy listening groves and beats. Peak 90s RnB but maybe sounding a bit dated now.
ZZ Top
4/5
Great band and probably my favourite Zz Top album.
Miriam Makeba
2/5
Can see why it’s on the list, but not really music I would choose to listen too.
Elvis Presley
4/5
Never heard this album before. Great performer, great album would listen to again.
SZA
2/5
Not for me
Adam & The Ants
3/5
Steely Dan
3/5
Laura Nyro
3/5
An artist Iv never heard of, enjoyed the album
Baaba Maal
2/5
Not familiar with much world music, this has good beats and very upbeat. But not for me, I’m probably just not cultured enough to appreciate this fully. Wouldn’t listen again but can see why it’s on the list.
Buffalo Springfield
4/5
First time listening to this album, really enjoyed it. Not all songs but some great ones on there. Would listen to again.
Air
2/5
Good atmospheric album, never seen or heard of the film, if I had I might have enjoyed it more.
Sade
3/5
The Dictators
2/5
If I was 14 in 1975 I’m sure I’d love this album. Can’t say I enjoyed in now, but can see the influence it had on later punk bands.
Willie Nelson
2/5
Another country album I couldn’t really get into. Can appreciate why it would be on the list though
Richard Hawley
3/5
Enjoyable album
The Sugarcubes
3/5
Really enjoyed this. Vaguely familiar with bjorks solo work, but first time listening to The sugar Cubes, will listen again.
Funkadelic
4/5
Love this album, maybe being harsh but just misses out on a 5 because of the two 10 minute songs dragging on a little.
U2
2/5
One of U2 better albums, I prefer the songs on Joshua Tree, can see why this is on the list, but wouldn’t chose to listen to it.
Sugar
2/5
Enjoyable but very 90s alt rock, which is to my taste. Almost 30 years on I wouldn’t say it’s an album you need to listen to, unless this is the music you are into.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Great album, very emotional.
Elvis Presley
3/5
The King, does sound very dated now and he didn’t write any of the songs, but deserves to be in this list.
Various Artists
4/5
4 stars since it’s Christmas
fIREHOSE
4/5
New band to me, really enjoyed this one, will listen to again.
Meat Loaf
5/5
Over the top and so cheesy but I love it. Probably a bias as my parents used to sing along to this in the car.
Lorde
3/5
Sigur Rós
5/5
Familiar with a couple of Sigur Rios songs but first time listening to this album, wow, so atmospheric absolutely a masterpiece. Can see me listening to this a lot this year.
Gary Numan
3/5
Great 80’s. Sound
Nick Drake
5/5
First time Iv heard of Nick Drake. Wow so simple so intimate and emotional, brilliant. I can see this becoming a go to album for me.
Portishead
4/5
First time listening to this album, I’m a big fan of Dummy, I don’t think this is quite as good, but still a very good album.
The Flaming Lips
4/5
Iv never really got into the flaming lips, I think it’s the vocals that initially put me off. After the first listen I can clearly see why this album is on the list, I just don’t enjoy it as much as other indie albums for the same era. So I made a bit more effort and gave it a couple of more listens today and wow so glad I did. Musically and lyrically this is brilliant. Not quite a master piece but a solid 4 stars, will continue to listen to this album going forward
Alice In Chains
3/5
First time listening to this album in full. Very dark and heavy grunge album. Enjoyable and deserves to be on the list but don’t think it’s one I would come back to, more likely to play Nirvana or Pearl Jam.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
Really enjoyed this, but did feel the songs were a bit on the long side, the single edits are more palatable for the casual listen.
Radiohead
4/5
I see this as the gateway album into Radiohead. Their most accessible album and a great album on its own merit, but just doesn’t quiet match up to the genius of OK Computer and Kid A.
Blur
4/5
Up there with the best britpop albums an absolute classic. Just misses out on 5 stars due to my personal preference of preferring oasis, and the verve.
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
Great 60s American Psychedelic Rock record.
ZZ Top
4/5
Love ZZ Top, I do prefer their earlier more raw blues albums, but this one is so much fun and has so many hits, so can’t not give 4 stars.
The Beau Brummels
3/5
Never heard of this band before, really enjoyed the album, sounds a lot like Dylan. One I could listen to again.
Jethro Tull
2/5
Can see why this is on the list. But not for me, a lot of flute…
Otis Redding
4/5
Great singer, lovely album, mostly covers but makes them his own, just misses out on 5 stars. I think this might become by go to Soul album.
Mudhoney
3/5
Based on the original 6 track album. I really enjoyed this very raw lots of energy, can see the influence it had on nirvana and the grunge scene. Just not one I’d rush back to due to my music tastes. Would have loved this as a teenager.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Can see why this is on the list great song writing, a few great songs, Suzanne, so long Marianne, but found the rest a bit dull though.
Iggy Pop
4/5
Sounds more like a Bowie album than an Iggy Pop album, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, really enjoyed this, don’t think it’s as good as lust for life but still very good.
The Cure
2/5
Can see why it’s on the list, but just couldn’t get into it. Very dul
The Clash
5/5
I prefer London Calling, but this is still one of the greatest punk albums ever. A solid 5 star album.
Lauryn Hill
5/5
A masterpiece. Hip-Hop, RnB, Soul just brilliant, an album that has lasted and will continue the last the test of time and will influence many more to come. 5 Stars.
Herbie Hancock
3/5
I like Jazz, I like Funk and I like this. First song Chameleon a brilliant grove, maybe does get a bit tiresome after that. Chameleon a 4, but the rest of the album just a 3. An album I think I’ll come back to, but more likely to listen to a jazz classic over this.
Steely Dan
3/5
My Dad’s a huge eagles fan and has played them to death. This album sounds too much like them for me to really enjoy or get into. Can see why it’s on the list and I didn’t not enjoy it, but not an album I’d come back to.
The Doors
5/5
Love the doors and love this album, great blues album, riders on the storm such a great song. I should listen to this album more as always usually go for the doors debut.
Oasis
5/5
Totally biased review as I love 90’s Oasis. And this is my favourite Oasis album and live forever one of my favourite songs. This album is so raw and generation defining so many great songs (mostly influenced/ripped off from British bands bands before them but hey it’s a fine line between influences and copying) , the only dud in my opinion is Digsy’s Dinner. A solid 5 star album which might upset some pretentious music snobs.
Fairport Convention
3/5
Orbital
3/5
Not really into techno these days, never heard of this Dj or album before, quiet enjoyable would listen to again.
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
Not an album Iv heard of, found this enjoyable no idea what the lyrics mean but does have a good grove to it.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
I think this is the first time listening to this album in full. I was already a fan of the yeah yeah yeahs, having the album it’s a Blitz and familiar with the song maps. Really enjoyed this album it’s a lot rawer than it’s a blitz and full of energy. One I will add to my rotation. Also learned today my wife seen the Yeah Yeahs Yeahs at a festival in 2006, didn’t think she was into them, she wasn’t…
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
I see these album as one of the standard ones my parents like, it’s not bad but lacks something that just makes it sound dull to me, not sure what it is exactly On paper a mix of the Beatles and prog rock sounds great . Can see why it’s on the list and I didn’t mind it, but wouldn’t be an album I’d Iv rave about. Maybe it does just sound very dated now.
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
Iv only ever heard Manic’s hits before which I really like but have never done a deeper dive into a full album. This is a great 90’s British rock album. Makes me think I have under estimated how good this band is. From what I have read about the Manics I will be doing a deeper dive into their earlier albums.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Great album, but just doesn’t reach the highs of led zeppelin II and IV.
The Fall
4/5
The first time listening to the fall. And wow these are the albums we love on this list, not a huge post punk fan so the vocal style does take a bit of getting used to, but feel this is just one of those albums you can keep coming back to and getting so much more from each time. Interesting that this music is the in thing for so many new bands in the U.K. at the moment, (As seen this week with Yard Act debut album getting no2 in the charts) the Fall clearly a huge influence for all these bands.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
My favourite Led Zep album, got to be up there as the best hard rock album ever. A masterpiece
The La's
4/5
One of the great British 90’s albums, that sounds like it’s from the 60’s. There she goes is a masterpiece. A solid 4 star album.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
Remember when this came out, listening in my mates bedroom. We would have been 10, his Dad was into his dance music. Still sounds class today.
Love
3/5
Great 60’s album.
Al Green
3/5
Great voice, first song is the highlight. Good soul album.
Manu Chao
3/5
Enjoyable
Bonnie Raitt
3/5
Easy listening album, great vocals, gets a 3.
Julian Cope
2/5
One I may have to come back to to fully appreciate
R.E.M.
4/5
Great album, great band which I think are actually very underrated in the U.K..
Elbow
3/5
Never been Into elbow, so went into this expecting this to be a 2, but actually enjoyed this. Not sure if it’s one I’ll come back to, but deserves a 3.
Germs
2/5
First time Iv heard of Germs, loud and in your face, can see the influence this album had on music I listened to as a teenager. Can’t say it’s an album I enjoy listening to now, but probably deserves its place on the list.
Eminem
3/5
Very dark, very over the top , very shocking and very funny. I loved this when I was 12, probably more because I shouldn’t have been listening to it. Listening back you could say it’s not aged well, but is it anymore shocking than when it came out. Marshall Mathers is far superior but a great debut.
Pulp
2/5
I really like different class, but this album didn’t do much for me, maybe needs a few more listens but nothing really stood out.
Teenage Fanclub
5/5
Great band and great album. What a year 1991 was for music. This is one of the many great albums that came out that year, and over 30 years later it still sounds great. Great 90’s indie rock mixed with some 60’s. Given I’m Scottish this is maybe a biased voted but I believe this to be a solid 5 star album.
Neil Young
5/5
First time listening to a Neil Young a album in full and this is brilliant.
Eagles
3/5
My Dads favourite band, therefore Iv heard take it easy and peaceful easy feeling far to many times to enjoy them. Wasn’t as familiar with the other songs on the album, it’s not bad very easy listening.
R.E.M.
5/5
Hard to believe this album came out in 1983, sounds so much ahead of its time. Can see the influence it had on alternative rock bands.
Sonic Youth
5/5
First time listening to this album, absolutely love it, the guitars sound so good throughout, maybe not as good as Daydream Nation but this is still a masterpiece. One of those albums I just had to replay after the first listen, and makes this project worthwhile finding these gems.
Nirvana
5/5
Been a big Nirvana fan since I was 14 and there greatest hits album came out in 2002. Love this album it was always getting 5 stars, the version of All Apologies is brilliant and so are the covers, In my opinion the man who sold the world is better than the original.
4/5
I really like Muse. Seen them live twice, this is a really good album, love the singles, the rest of the songs are ok. I do prefer Absolution to this album, but as a muse fan I’d rate this 4 stars. Can see why it’s been removed from the newer editions of the book, as it’s not an album
I’d be telling people who have never heard of muse to go listen to, but my own personal preference is I really like this.
Björk
3/5
This was interesting and experimental, some songs worked others didn’t. Really glad I listened but would I listen again probably not.
Badly Drawn Boy
4/5
Really enjoyed this, great atmosphere and mood to it.
The Zombies
4/5
First time listening to this album, Iv heard a couple of Zombie songs before. Really enjoyed this, one of the better 60’s albums and I’d say very underrated compared to Sgt. Pepper, and Pet sounds, but maybe just isn’t quiet as good, though maybe my bias of knowing those records much better.
Paul Weller
4/5
Really enjoyed this
Drive-By Truckers
2/5
I don’t like country music, so not off to a great start. A couple of ok songs on this. And the idea of the album isn’t bad, but it’s just far to long for me to ever consider a second listen. Can see why some people would like this, and it’s different enough to not get a 1.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
Good dance album, great start then slows down a bit, maybe gets a little repetitive
Black Sabbath
5/5
First time listening to this album, I am familiar with masters of reality and paranoid and this is just as good, really enjoyed this even the dramatic step change with changes and FX in the middle. I have been swaying all day between a 4 and a 5, but after my 3rd listen today I believe this is a 5 star album, it’s such a melodic, dynamic and diverse album one I’m going to keep coming back to.
Paul Simon
3/5
Very good soft sounding album, easy listening with some very nice songs. But doesn’t reach the heights of his best work.
Lou Reed
5/5
First time listening to this album, I’m a fan of transformer and the VU albums. Wow this was a bleak and haunting masterpiece. Great story telling throughout the album.
The Cure
2/5
The cure just seem a band I can’t get into. This album didn’t do anything for me, kinda get why it’s on the list though.
Neil Young
2/5
This was ok, but didn’t really do much for me, not one I’d come back to.
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
Enjoyable mix of African and blues music, no idea what the lyrics mean.
Don McLean
2/5
Apart from American pie, thought this was a bit dull. Not one I’d stick on again.
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
A great 80’s pop record. Enjoyed this a lot more than I was expecting too, or maybe should. Feels like a right guilty pleasure album.
Fugees
5/5
One of the all time great hip hop albums. Lauryn Hill is the stand out in this masterpiece.
Napalm Death
1/5
A Painful listen, one I wouldn’t do again or recommend anyone else I know try. One positive is the songs are very short. I kinda get why it’s in the book from pioneering grindcore, but maybe some genres should have never been pioneered…
The xx
5/5
One of my all time favourite records, so a totally biased 5 stars. My go to album when on a plane, headphones in, eyes shut, blast this and chill the fuck out.
Arcade Fire
5/5
Love this album another one of my all time favourites. Rebellion (lies) is one of my all time favourite songs.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
Was lucky enough to see the Red Hot Chilli Peppers at T in the park 2006 one of my all time favourite live performances.
This is one of these albums I really like, from Around the World to Californication is brilliant, with Otherside being one of my favourite songs, but the second half is such a let down I usually never get to the end of the album, which is a shame as the album ends on road tripping which is a great song. The mastering on this album is also very poor, these two points make it hard to give this album full marks, but a very good 4 star album that is one of my personal favourites.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
3/5
One Iv never heard of before, very weird and wonderful, glad I listened to this, but don’t it will make my frequent rotation, maybe for background music when I’m working.
George Michael
3/5
Enjoyable listen a great voice
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
Only listened to the greatest hits from the Gershwin Song book as per the Spotify link, Great voice and great songs can see me revisiting this.
5/5
First time listening to MC5, and Iv had this on repeat all day. This is one of the best live albums Iv ever heard. Brilliant and can see the influence this band had on punk music that was to follow. The mix of blues and garage rock and the raw aggression and high energy makes it a five star album in my book.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Always a toss up between this and Exile on Main Street for my favourite Stones album. I think sticky fingers just edges it, fewer songs make it more impactful as every song is great. Can’t you hear me knocking is one of my all time favourite stones songs. This is one of the all time great rock and roll albums a five star masterpiece.
Suede
4/5
My pointless Suede fact is the bassist’s younger brother is Richard Osman from the U.K. game show Pointless….
Suede is one of the Brit Pop bands Iv only ever heard of a couple of songs from. Really enjoyed this album can see the Smiths influence on them, Animal Nitrate is the stand out song. A great debut and makes me want to check out their other albums.
5/5
I know the kinks hits, but first time listening to this album. This is a masterpiece brilliant musical story telling through out the album, up there with the best concept albums.
Joy Division
5/5
The first time listening to this album, I’m a big fan of unknown pleasures. Not sure why Iv not listened to this before now…
This is another masterpiece so haunting still over 40 years later, it sounds as if it could of been released in 2022. The drums and Peter Hook’s bass line just send shivers down your spine, add in Ian’s vocals and lyrics and you have a tragic 5 star masterpiece.
Living Colour
2/5
Never heard this before. Found this interesting at times it sounds ahead of its time and other times it’s very 80’s rock. The vocals just reminded me of all the rubbish hard rock/Nu metal that was around in the 00’s, that put me off it. Really isn’t an album I’ll come back to, but appreciate why it’s on the list.
Cat Stevens
5/5
This is actually my first time listening to a Cat Stevens album, this was very good really enjoyed it somewhere between a 4 and a 5, then, 2nd last track father and son, wow straight into the five star album bucket. What a song and what an album, this is a must listen to Folk album…
Billy Bragg
3/5
The Smiths
4/5
I’m a big fan of the Queen is Dead, first time listening to this album, it’s also very good but just not as good as their best work.
Standard caveat everyone has to make now when praising the Smiths…”Just a shame Morrissey turned out to be a complete arse.”
Ash
3/5
Im familiar with Ash’s hits but first time listening to this album. A very 90’s teenage sounding album. Can see the teenage fan club influence along with the 1977 punk reference.
Enjoyable and I would of loved this If I owned this as a teenager, but it does now sound like an album for teenagers made by teenagers. Good album but not as good as the bands that influenced them.
Tom Waits
3/5
First time listening to a Tom Waits album, this is fun weird and wonderful album that makes me want to listen again.
Laibach
2/5
Can see the influence they had on Rammstein. The reworked songs are interesting but overall this album wasn’t for me.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
One of Stevie Wonders masterpieces. Brilliant album.
The Human League
3/5
The sound of the 80’s
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
A soild American rock album. Special mention to American girl the song the strokes ripped off when writing last night.
Elton John
5/5
Elton John’s masterpiece.
You could argue there is a couple of duds on this album, Jamaica jerk of and Roy Rodgers specifically plus the album is a little on the long side. But these issues can easily be forgotten given how good the rest of the album is, the hits are brilliant and the other less well know. songs are also great. 5 stars.
Solomon Burke
4/5
Iv never heard of Solomon Burke before but I have heard cry to me before from dirty dancing. I’m a fan of Sam Cooke and Otis Reading so was always going to enjoy this. A great soul album one I’ll add to my rotation.
Tom Waits
4/5
My second Tom Waits album after Bone Machine last week. Enjoyed this one even more still really weird and experimental but more melodic in parts. Great album just a couple of songs that were a bit too strange for me stops this getting a 5.
Beatles
5/5
My first Beatles album 142 albums in.
Rubber Soul is their first masterpiece. Some all time great songs on here, in my life, say the word, drive my car, Norwegian wood.
There are a couple of arguments not to give this a 5.
1. The Beatles albums that follow are better.
2. Run for you life is a terrible song. Even worse given Lennons history with his first wife.
1. Its not Rubber Souls fault that the Beatles went on to surpass it. If another band wrote this album argument 1. wouldn’t hold.
2. One bad song at the end of this album that can be skipped is outweighed by the other 13 brilliant songs.
This album was so influential in 1965, Wikipedia states it influenced The Beach Boys, Velvet Underground, the Rolling Stones, The Who and The Kinks this is clearly an important album not only in the Beatles career but in the history of pop and rock music.
Given the importance of this, that some of the greatest albums in history were soon to follow and influenced by this album, this fully deserves 5 stars.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Great band, great album good old fashioned rock n roll on this album.
Joan Baez
2/5
I get why this is on the list and it’s a really important folk album, but I just can’t get on board with her voice not one I’d come back to.
Beatles
4/5
It took me till my 142nd album to get a Beatles one and then I get my second on my 145th… Like buses…
Insert standard pretentious “I tend to only listen to post Rubber Soul Beatles albums” comment
This is one of the great pop records and the first of all original material for the Beatles, one of their best pre Rubber Soul.
Shows the versatility and the progression of the Beatles’ song writing that the same band would go on to record Revolver two years later and the previous year their first two albums were made up 40% of covers.
Joy Division
5/5
Love this album, one of the greatest debuts of all time. So ahead of its time it can still give you chills over 40 years later. An absolute masterpiece.
Sonic Youth
4/5
Great band and great album. Not their best but maybe their most accessible. Iconic album cover too.
Slint
5/5
One of those cult albums Iv heard of but never got round to listening to.
Can see what a big influence this album had on bands like Mogawi, feels like it invented the whole post rock genre.
A brilliant atmospheric masterpiece that takes a few listens to really get, but keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through.
Slipknot
3/5
The biggest metal band of my generation, one I never really got into when I was a teenager even though I liked heavier music back then. They were both too weird but also too well known. The band everyone asked if you liked when you said you were into metal.
I’m not much of a metal head these days. But I did enjoy this more than I expected this morning, not sure if I’d rush back to it, or start requesting slipknot at parties anytime soon though…
Amy Winehouse
3/5
The Byrds
2/5
Maybe a bad day or just too many 60’s albums but this didn’t do much for me.
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
Some great songs on here, but just feels like something is missing compared to the Beatles albums.
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
Great instrumental album, the song green onions is iconic and the covers are good too. Maybe slightly repetitive by the end.
Dr. John
3/5
Very interesting Psychedelic album. Hard to believe this came out in the 60’s sounds a lot like Tom waits. Maybe a little dated now.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
A great easy listening hip hop album
The Kinks
5/5
Love the Kinks and I believe this is their best album. Their true masterpiece.
Queens of the Stone Age
5/5
I love QOTSA. I would rate songs for the deaf, like clockwork and r rated above this album though. It’s a shame they are not on the list. But in there absence their debut is getting a 5. So much sex and swagger to this.
The Jam
5/5
Love the jam and Paul weller
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Finally got round to listening to this on Apple Music. Good album deserves to be on the list, but not sure Neil Youngs voice is well suited on this album. Glad I listened but would rate other NY and CH albums higher.
Roxy Music
4/5
First time listening to a Roxy music album. Really enjoyed this good mix of catchy and weird songs and a mix of types of music, I assumed this was an 80’s album even more impressive it came out in 1974 clearly ahead of its time.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
5/5
First time listening to Siouxise and the Banshees, loved this album ,really starts with a bang, dark and melodic with great female vocals gives it a right badass feel. Been swaying between and 4 and a 5 all day, but this really is an album I’ll listen to a lot now, so due to personal taste this gets 5 stars.
808 State
2/5
Yeah this album wasn’t for me, a bit dated now and maybe not helped I’m listening to this at 8am.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
First time listening to a Sly album, this one is very good, so much funk and grove but also so dark. This album has clearly been sampled a lot and inspired so much of the hip-hop music that was to follow so many years later. A great dark funk album
Jane's Addiction
3/5
Janes addiction are one of those bands Iv heard of but never got round to listening too. This album does sound like a cross over between 80’s hair metal to the 90’s alternative rock that was to follow. Clearly a hugely influential album for 90’s rock music.
Buzzcocks
3/5
Good melodic punk album
Sabu
2/5
Didn’t mind this but got a little repetitive by the end
Little Simz
4/5
Have listened to a couple of Little Simz songs and never really got the hype, I am not really into British Hip Hop so wasn’t really expecting much from this. But to my surprise I really enjoyed this. Great backing beats and her vocals really flow. Also a pleasant surprise for Michael Kiwanuka to feature at the end of the album.
Deerhunter
3/5
Was expecting to enjoy this a lot more, but by the end of the album I felt it so Indie it just becomes a bit dull. One I might need to come back to again to fully appreciate.
Alice Cooper
3/5
Enjoyed this one more than I expected, maybe my pre conceptions of Alice Cooper were wrong. But this is a good rock album.
Adele
3/5
This is a good album and totally deserves to be on the list, couple of great songs on it, rolling in the deep and set fire to the rain would be two of my favourites from Adele. But due to my own personal preferences this really isn’t an album I’d choose to listen to. Therefore only gets 3 stars.
Hole
3/5
This is a good album, but hard to put aside the personal opinions of Love
Roni Size
2/5
Not a huge drum and bass fan. Unless you are I think you will find this album too long and too repetitive.
Soundgarden
4/5
One of the great 90’s rock albums.
Bob Dylan
5/5
Dylan’s comeback masterpiece, the bar that all Dylan albums following this were compared to and that other artists comeback albums are compared to.
The Doors
4/5
Great album, loved the mix of psychedelic and blues. Though I think this album just falls short of the masterpiece status of their debut and LA women.
Cee Lo Green
2/5
Expectations were low but was pleasantly surprised. Timbland being on here just reminds me of the terrible songs that were on in the clubs all the time I was at uni. Not an album I’ll be rushing back too.
Pretenders
4/5
Really enjoyed this
Green Day
4/5
Green day write brilliant songs for teenagers. But when you grow up they just feel like a nostalgic band. I had international super hits when I was younger so familiar with a lot of these songs. It is one of the best pop punk albums. But not music I’d listen to now Iv grown up.
James Brown
4/5
Love James Brown a great live album. But I did find the crowd noise a little annoying so loses a star for that.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
A couple of really good songs on this, but some of this album dragged a little
The Band
4/5
A great folk rock album, really enjoyed this.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Miles Davis
4/5
One of those albums I can appreciate is a masterpiece but don’t get much personal enjoyment out of it. Prefer miles more accessible music.
Megadeth
3/5
Not a huge thrash metal fan, but appreciate this is very good.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
An absolute rock masterpiece, ramble on is probably my favourite led zeppelin song.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Familiar with S&G’s more famous work, First time listening to this album, and really enjoyed it, brilliant folk album.
M.I.A.
3/5
Was expecting this album to sound more like paper planes so was pleasantly surprised. A great sound but maybe got a little repetitive by the end.
Björk
3/5
Really good album
Pere Ubu
3/5
This is the weirdest album Iv had on this list in a while. I surprisingly enjoyed this. So great moments on the album but also some of this is unlistenable. Can see this being very influential on future experimental bands. Not sure I enjoyed it enough to make my regular rotation though.
Os Mutantes
3/5
Interesting album
The Verve
4/5
I’m a huge fan of urban hymns not sure why Iv never listened to this before, it’s also brilliant history the stand out song, but the rest of the album just not quiet the same level of urban hymns.
Burning Spear
4/5
Enjoyed this
Talking Heads
4/5
Great band, great album
Frank Sinatra
2/5
Found this just a bit dull
Keith Jarrett
5/5
Have never heard of this concert or Keith Jarret, really enjoyed this on first listen, then after listening about the story of the live show and this was improvised blew me away, this really is a masterpiece and deserves the full 5 stars.
Kid Rock
1/5
Back in 2000 I was 12 and into WWF and a fan of the Undertaker so enjoyed Kid Rock as he did the theme song for American badass. I am now 34 and realise both WWF and Kid Rock are both absolutely shite. This is the worst album Iv had on the list so far.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
3/5
Good album probably contains their best songs
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
Freak Scene brilliant song, rest of the album good, but really found the song don’t hard to listen to.
The Offspring
3/5
Similar to dookie, this album influenced the music of my youth. A good nostalgic listen, but not music I’d listen to as a proper grown up…
The Hives
4/5
Found it a bit strange a compilation album is on the list, but ignoring that some great songs here, really love the energy and the sound of the Hives.
The National
4/5
One of the great indie albums of 2010’s
Eagles
3/5
My dads favourite band so Heard the songs to death on the first half of this album. Not as familiar with the second half so enjoyed that a little more.
The Who
3/5
A few great songs on this, my generation and the kids are alright, the ox, the rest of the album isn’t anything special compared to other 60’s music. The who did go on to make greater music once they got their own sound.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
First time listening to this album, I guess a lot of people will overlook this album and just listen to innervisions or songs in the key of life. I don’t think this is quite the masterpiece of those two albums but still worth your time
Shivkumar Sharma
3/5
Enjoyable and interesting music, definitely worthy of the list.
Kanye West
4/5
As unlikeable as Kanye is, he is a genius, this is a great album, maybe slightly on the long side.
Blur
4/5
Probably my favourite Blur album, love song 2 since the days I used to play FIFA 98 Road to the World Cup.
Minutemen
4/5
Never heard of this band or artist before. When I seen 43 songs on the list I wasn’t looking forward to getting through the album, but really enjoyed this such a different punk album, and even though the songs are short they blend well together. A must listen but maybe just a bit long will stop me going back to it as frequently as other albums.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Classic 60’s album, great voice deserves to be on the list.
The Fall
4/5
My second fall album, really enjoyed this probably more accessible than there other albums.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
A 90’s alt rock masterpiece, get the vocals are not everyone’s taste. But personally I’m a fan and believe this is smashing pumpkins best album.
Rush
5/5
Rush’s prog rock masterpiece
My Bloody Valentine
5/5
The ultimate shoegaze masterpiece. Such a great album one of my favourites. Can see why it’s not to everyone’s tastes but that’s what art is all about. An album that takes time and effort to enjoy but once you get it you can’t stop coming back to it.
Rahul Dev Burman
3/5
Wasn’t sure when I first seen this album, but was enjoyable and glad Iv listened to it, probably deserves to be on the list.
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
Didn’t enjoy this one
Metallica
5/5
One of my favourite albums in my youth. Up there with the best metal albums and helped inspire more mainstream metal.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
Some brilliant songs on this album, but it’s also a bit all over the place in parts. Some of the rap style songs are a bit cringe now too.
Scott Walker
2/5
Can see why this is on the list, but didn’t do anything for me, sounds very dated.
Gorillaz
4/5
One of the great albums of the 00’s
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Another great album from Stevie
Gene Clark
2/5
I love the opening Wikipedia statement about this album…
“No Other is the fourth solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Gene Clark. Released in September 1974,[A] it was largely ignored or lambasted by critics and was a commercial failure; the studio time and cost were seen as excessive and indulgent. The record label, Asylum Records, did not promote the album, and by 1976 had deleted it from their catalog. Clark never recovered from the failure of the album.”
Not really a country fan so this album wasn’t for me
Marianne Faithfull
2/5
Gave this a couple of listens but didn’t do much for me.
Amy Winehouse
3/5
Not that familiar with this album compared to back in black, for that reason I enjoyed it, and feel it’s maybe a bit underrated. Worth a listen.
Abdullah Ibrahim
3/5
Enjoyable jazz album
Louis Prima
4/5
Really enjoyed this great 50’s album from King Louie himself.
Johnny Cash
4/5
A brilliant cover and end of the career album. Hurt is one of those covers that blows the original out the water Cash makes it his song. When the man comes around is also a brilliant song. Such a raw album deserves to be on the list.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Brilliant debut, mental to think this came out in 1970. Maybe being harsh but misses out on five stars because better sabbath albums were to come as paranoid and vol 4 are just better in my opinion. But this totally deserves its place on the list.
Coldplay
3/5
With Coldplay’s success they became the new U2, the band that it became cool to hate. I agree they are overrated and there latest music has been all garbage, but this is a great album along with their other early stuff and should be on the list. Sadly Chris Martin is just as annoying as Bono though.
The Undertones
3/5
Love teenage kicks, first time having a deeper dive into a undertones album. This is good but maybe gets a bit repetitive
Boston
4/5
Enjoyed this a lot more than I was expecting, cheesy dad rock, but the best of it.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Up there with the best reggae albums Iv heard
Steve Earle
2/5
I really don’t like country music.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Enjoyable
Metallica
5/5
Metallicas thrash metal masterpiece. Personally I prefer the black album but this hits harder and is a 5 star album.
Big Star
2/5
This one didn’t do much for me.
The Beach Boys
5/5
A 60’s pop masterpiece, one of the truly ground breaking albums of its time.
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
I read this album is no longer in the latest version of the book, this is an absolute travesty… one of the all time great rap albums the story telling through the album along with some huge bangers makes this a 5 star masterpiece.
The Soft Boys
5/5
Never heard of the soft boys before. This album is brilliant can see the VU influence on some of the songs. I love finding these albums Iv never heard and were never commercial success but influenced so much of the music I listen too.
2/5
This album is so 80’s recognise a few songs from it. Enjoyable but won’t be getting played again anytime soon.
Beth Orton
2/5
First song was good, rest of the album just blended into one.
Frank Zappa
5/5
My first Zappa album and I absolutely loved this. One of the best jazz fusion albums Iv heard.
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
My Bloody Valentine
4/5
This is a great debut from MBV, can see them experimenting a lot on this album, a sound that they would go on to master on loveless.
The Isley Brothers
3/5
Great funk album really enjoyed this.
Air
3/5
My second album by air, much more enjoyable gab the first and recognised a few songs from it. Good chilled dance album.
Hawkwind
2/5
This didn’t do much for me too weird but can see why it’s on the list.
The Cramps
4/5
One of those albums Iv never heard of, looked at the album cover and read the bio and was expecting to give this a 2. Couldn’t be more wrong such a fun garage rock/ punk album really enjoyed this. One I’ll list to again.
Aerosmith
3/5
Little Richard
4/5
One of those all time great rock n roll records.
The Pretty Things
3/5
Glad I listened but I couldn’t seem to get into this one as much as other rock operas such as Tommy, Arthur or Berlin. Not one I’d come back to.
Beastie Boys
4/5
Having previously had license to III I wasn’t expecting much from this. But this is much better, the sampling clearly set a high bar for future hip hop records.
Prefab Sprout
2/5
Good enough 80’s album but didn’t do too much for me really.
Merle Haggard
2/5
Nope really don’t like country music. Not for me.
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
First time listening to this album, and this really is brilliant. A funk/soundtrack masterpiece.
Linkin Park
3/5
I bought this album back in 2000 when I was 12, this was probably the peak of nu metal. Sadly I kept listening to this genre for way to long into my teenage years. Listening back as a 34 year old man, this music really does nothing for me. Agree it should be on the list and an extra star for nostalgic reasons. But happy to keep Nu metal in the late 90’s early 00’s where it belongs.
Elliott Smith
3/5
Someone Iv never heard before. Good album
Parliament
3/5
Good funky album
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Great album really enjoyed this, and the concept of it being recorded live.
Magazine
3/5
Decent album, glad I listened but not sure it will make my regular rotation.
Gang Starr
3/5
Enjoyed this, good 90’s hip hop that isn’t too intense full on gangster rap.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Another brilliant funk/soul album from sly & the family stone.
Adele
2/5
Given 21 is on the list, I don’t agree that 25 needs to be on the list too. This is just a more boring version of 21.
The Notorious B.I.G.
5/5
At its best this album is untouchable, but the skirts are just so cringe now it’s really hard not to skip them(but dated skirts are just expected on 90’s rap albums). And I don’t think they are enough not to give this album 5 stars as it really is hip hop masterpiece. Up there with the greatest rap albums of all time, from the greatest rapper of all time.
Peter Frampton
2/5
This was ok, feels like a filler album to make the list up to 1001 though.
Neil Young
4/5
Enjoyed this one of NY’s better albums.
Caetano Veloso
3/5
Enjoyable Brazilian album.
Radiohead
5/5
Love Radiohead, I really got into them over lockdown. But I still believe they are a band to enjoy by yourself, anyone sticking Radiohead on at a party should be immediately removed.
This is one of those Legendary albums, The example of a band taking an artistic risk, changing its sound ad reinvesting itself.
Took me a while and some effort to get into this and I used to always prefer OK Computer, but in recent years I appreciate this album so much more now. I would rank this on a par now with OK Computer, two absolute masterpieces.
Steely Dan
3/5
Musically this album is great, but it just has too much dad rock vibes it makes it feel like a guilty pleasure to enjoy.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Great band and great album,
Queen
3/5
Grew up with parents being big into queen, but never heard this album before. Probably due to my parents only having the 3 greatest hits albums on cd. This albums feels different to the queen I know, a lot heavier, and more prof rock. It’s good and probably should be on the list, but no where as good as the best heavy rock bands of the early 70’s, led zep, black sab. Queen went on to become Queen in later albums.
The Only Ones
4/5
This is good, from a band iv never heard of. Recognised the song another girl another planet from the blink 182 cover. Good mix of punk and pop can see me coming back to this and having the potential to make my wider rotation.
Thin Lizzy
3/5
A good live album, a lot of hits I’m sure any thin lizzy fan would enjoy this.
5/5
Taken me a few days to digest this album, but Iv come to the conclusion this is an absolute masterpiece, no idea what any of the vocals mean but the whole ambience of the album is absolutely brilliant, some of the later songs reminded me of billie ellish, feel this must of be some sort of influence therefore still sounds so fresh in 2022.
Michael Jackson
4/5
Not a Michael Jackson fan, but this is a really good album, with some absolute classic songs. Off the wall, Thriller then Bad you can see why Michael Jackson was the biggest act on the planet with that run of three albums.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
Familiar with pet shop boys bigger hits? But nothing on this album, was ok but nothing special
Roxy Music
3/5
Enjoyed this great debut album deserves its place on the list.
The Who
5/5
The Who’s masterpiece, this one has aged much better than Tommy in my opinion, don’t think there is a bad song on this album, and there are 3 all time great songs on there too.
King Crimson
5/5
One of the true prog rock masterpieces, brilliant album.
Cream
5/5
This is brilliant up there with the best rock from the 60’s cream is by far the best thing Clapton was involved in and this is their best album. 5 stars.
Björk
2/5
After run of 3 absolute classic 60’s rock records, this couldn’t be more different. Not sure it was enjoyable but can appreciate the artistry here. Glad I listened but wouldn’t be rushing back, deserves to be on the list, but this music can feel like a chore
Donald Fagen
2/5
Cool album cover, that’s where the coolness of this album ends.
Tori Amos
2/5
Meh
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Classic songs
Madonna
3/5
Classic 80’s pop
Donovan
4/5
Really enjoyed this mix of folk and psychedelic music, lots of brilliant catchy songs. Though a few forgettable songs stops this getting a 5.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
This album is brilliant, first time listening to it, more familiar with Hendrix debut, really enjoyed the experimental tracks. A real 60’s rock masterpiece.
Goldfrapp
2/5
This isn’t bad but not very memorable
Elvis Costello
3/5
Enjoyable but some of the songs on this album just sound so dated, especially given this came out in 1977
Missy Elliott
4/5
One of the all time great female rap albums
Talking Heads
4/5
Really enjoyed this,
Travis
4/5
A basis review being Scottish this is an album everyone I know owned. Personally I love this album but isn’t one I’d tell people they need to listen to before they die.
Haircut 100
2/5
This is just too 80’s for me, not to my taste.
Pink Floyd
5/5
This is an absolute rock masterpiece not a bad song on here. A true 5 star album, probably my second favourite Pink Floyd album, just after Dark Side of the Moon, and much more underrated.
Nina Simone
4/5
Brilliant album, what a voice.
Genesis
2/5
My parents are fans of Phil Collins genesis but I am less familiar with Peter Gabriel Genesis. Found this just a bit bloated and over the top. Can see why it’s on the list, but not my taste at all.
Bad Company
3/5
Enjoyable but very standard classic rock album. Not sure just sounds all a bit polished to me, big Dad rock vibes.
The Byrds
4/5
Yes a 60’s album that more than deserves to be on the list. So real catchy and interesting songs on here, really an American band that could keep up with the British Invasion at the time. One of those Iv been wrestling with giving a 5 but just can’t because of the song mind gardens just go right through me I can’t listen. Maybe harsh compared to my other ratings but a song that bad is enough for me to not see this as a masterpiece.
Shuggie Otis
3/5
Enjoyed starts great but did tail off
Astor Piazzolla
3/5
This was different but didn’t really capture me the same way other instrumental albums have. Glad it’s on the list but not my personal taste.
Deep Purple
4/5
This is a great rock album, smoke on the water an all time classic. Up there with the best of 70’s hard rock.
N.W.A.
4/5
A ground breaking classic rap album, the birth of gfunk and west coast hip hop. This really is a ground breaking album and the messages on police brutality and racism is still relevant today, but other themes of the album have not dated well at all. Makes some of the album feel a bit cringe to listen to now. Still more than deserves to be on the lists.
k.d. lang
2/5
Not for me
Culture Club
2/5
Soild 80’s pop but not to my taste
The Smiths
5/5
Interesting to see how everyone else rates this album today of all days now she is dead…
This is an indie masterpiece one of the most influential albums on British music from the 80’s really led the way for Indie bands to follows.
This album is so good, I don’t even feel the need to say how much of dick Morrsey is…
Brian Eno
4/5
First time listening to a Brian Eno solo album, this is one of those weird and wonderful albums, really feeling the Velvet Underground influence. First 4 songs are brilliant but A couple of the songs, Driving me backwards & Dead finks don’t talk are just
too weird for me and stops this getting full marks.
The Crusaders
2/5
Didn’t mind this but was just a bit samey background music. didn’t do much for me.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Spiritualized
5/5
Wow I had never heard of this band before. This album really is something special, a real sonic & emotional experience such a mix of genres but still seems to work so well. A true masterpiece, I know I will be listening to this a lot in the future and doing a deeper dive into Spiritualized other albums.
MGMT
3/5
A good late 00’s album I remember how big MGMT became when this came out. The 3 singles were huge great songs, rest of the album is ok.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
One of my all time favourite albums. This is just soo good, the peak of mainstream rock music.
Beach House
4/5
Only heard a couple of beach house songs never given this album a full listen before. This is really good love the dream pop vibes, will be added to my rotation.
The Sonics
4/5
Interesting album, great album and garage rock, interesting that all the covers have better versions but this still somehow works very well as an album.
Jean-Michel Jarre
3/5
Found this an interesting album different and impressive this came out in the 70’s clearly ahead of its time and influential on electronic music.
Thelonious Monk
4/5
My first time listening to Monk. This is a great jazz album really enjoyed it.
Lenny Kravitz
3/5
Only really heard his hits before. Enjoyed this more than I was expecting great debut and probably deserves its place on the list.
Beatles
5/5
At time of writing this review Abbey Road is the highest rated album on this website. (and if you ever scroll far enough down the reviews and bother to read this, it will most likely still be the highest rated album at time of reading)
Personally I prefer Revolver but that doesn’t stop this being a masterpiece and deserving of the accolade of one of the greatest albums of all time, even if it’s only my second favourite Beatles album.
So many great songs on the album and an album everyone can appreciate. What isn’t to like, though my wife does hate octopus’s garden, she probably has a point.
5 Stars
Kate Bush
4/5
Went into this expecting to hate it, actually enjoyed a lot of it, impressed that KB produced this all herself. Really weird and wonderful album glad it was on the list.
Sister Sledge
4/5
Great disco album
Santana
4/5
This is a great guitar album good mix of Latin and rock music. Really enjoyed this.
Paul Simon
4/5
Really great rock/ pop album mixing with African music, this really works. Obviously a bit of controversy about this album can see both sides of the argument so I won’t judge.
Cheap Trick
3/5
Enjoyable live album if not a little messy at times. Recognise a few songs that other bands had covered
Carole King
5/5
First time listening to this record and recognise so many of the songs, clearly a classic Iv never heard given the amount of covers of these great songs. A masterpiece
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
Great post punk album, really enjoyed this more than the later echo albums Iv heard.
5/5
All time great album.
Television
5/5
I only came across television a couple of years ago. Since then this has become one of my all time favourite albums. A masterpiece
Jacques Brel
3/5
Great singer, enjoyable I’m sure even more if you can speak French.
David Bowie
4/5
I never knew this album existed, so was surprised with how good it was. It’s probably since been overshadowed since black star was released. That and the use of the heroes album cover is probably why I have missed it in Bowie discovery. That was a mistake.
Supergrass
4/5
Great 90’s Brit pop album. A very underrated band in my opinion.
Le Tigre
3/5
A band or album Iv never heard of, really enjoyed this good punk/new wave album.
Funkadelic
3/5
Good funk album.
Radiohead
3/5
Can’t say this isn’t a good album, but I tend to by pass it when listening to Radiohead’s discography. Not sure it can ever get out of Kid A’s shadow. Deserves to be on the list, but I would rank it behind, Kid A, In Rainbows, OK computer and even the bends. Maybe my fault for not giving it as much time as the other albums.
Milton Nascimento
3/5
Enjoyable
Jazmine Sullivan
2/5
Probably being harsh because this album is so recent, and I think this is a good album, not no idea why it makes the list over so many other great albums the last couple of years
The Triffids
2/5
Rubbish 80’s rock, not sure why this made the list. But not quiet bad enough for the bottom rating.
The Black Keys
5/5
Biased Review as this is a all time top 5 favourite album for me, from one of my favourite bands. Such a great album and great vibe to it. This album really got me back into rock music after a few years of being into chart and dance music
Randy Newman
3/5
Interesting to hear this guys songs that are not for Pixar films. Glad i listened.
Slipknot
2/5
A few good songs on this but just too heavy for me
Songhoy Blues
3/5
Really good just wish I knew what the lyrics meant
Radiohead
5/5
After OK computer and Kid A this is Radioheads 3rd masterpiece. This is probably more accessible and enjoyable than Kid A. Much more upbeat almost to the point it’s almost acceptable to play at a party…
AC/DC
4/5
Is there a more critically acclaimed band that has never changed their sound than AC/DC? Not that there is anything bad with having a sound that works and not changing it, this album is good, but really is carried by its title track. I would rank back in black head and shoulders above this album.
Van Halen
2/5
Cheesy 80’s hair metal, very dated.
Sam Cooke
4/5
Love Sam Cooke, this is a really good live album.
The United States Of America
4/5
Never heard of this band before, good psychedelic album maybe a bit too experimental for me at points but glad I listened.
Everything But The Girl
2/5
A few good songs but not a huge fan of this music
John Martyn
4/5
Never heard of John Martyn before, but really enjoyed this, good mix of folk, jazz and even some blues near the end, an album I’m going to come back to.
Kraftwerk
3/5
Ground breaking electro album, amazing this came out in 1977, personally though I do find it very repetitive.
Sepultura
4/5
Up there with the best metal albums Iv heard, was close to giving this 5 stars, but it’s just a little on the long side and maybe just too intense for my tastes. But a brilliant album none the less.
Dion
2/5
Not for me, a bit dull
Dire Straits
3/5
Musically you can’t complain but like a lot of dad rock records this is just missing something. Sultanas of swing the stand out song.
Destiny's Child
2/5
First 3 songs are bangers, rest of the album very average.
John Cale
3/5
This is an interesting album but also a bit forgettable. Deserve to be on the list but can’t see me rushing back to to.
Run-D.M.C.
2/5
Really influential but just sounds so dated now
Public Enemy
3/5
A lot of the themes in this album are still relevant 30 years on quiet sad. Very good early hip hop album.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
Great sound track
Super Furry Animals
2/5
Just didn’t click with this
Judas Priest
3/5
Influential 80’s metal album, better metal albums would come off the back of this, and does sound a bit dated and cheesy now.
Beatles
3/5
If there is a Beatles album that could be removed from the list it’s probably this one, still a good album but too many covers and with their debut and hard days night already on the list I’m not sure what this album adds. Maybe harsh as if this was an album by another 60’s group I’d be singing its praises. But the Beatles already have 6 other albums on the list so I’m measuring it against those other albums.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Great soul album, great voice
The Magnetic Fields
3/5
This is an interesting and different album but just far too long. Felt a bit of an effort to get through pick the 12 best songs and this becomes a great album.
The Kinks
3/5
Good album but the kinks have better
The Who
4/5
A classic album but one that probably has not lasted the test of time and does sound a bit dated now. Not quiet a masterpiece but worth a listen none the less.
Lightning Bolt
4/5
Really enjoyed this
R.E.M.
5/5
This is REM’s 90’s masterpiece. Great album so many great songs. REM are such a great band and very underrated in the U.K. in my opinion.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
4/5
Up there with the best synth pop albums Iv heard even more impressive it came out really early 80’s. This just missed out on a five due to being on the long side, and personal preference I’m unlikely to listen back to this album as 80’s synth pop just isn’t my thing.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Enjoyable but a bit boring.
Tears For Fears
5/5
An 80’s pop masterpiece.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Big fan of pet sounds but first time hearing this album, it’s good but doesn’t quiet match up to pet sounds. Can see the later songs leading building up to it. Good album and worthy of the list.
Orbital
2/5
This was ok but forgettable
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
Didn’t do much for me
Radiohead
3/5
I tend to overlook this album when listening to Radiohead discovery. This is a good album and most likely deserves its place on the list. It just happened to be in the shadows of the other Radiohead true masterpieces. And I would still even prefer the Bends and Amenesica to this. But an average radio head album is still a very good album.
JAY Z
5/5
Jay-Z’s Comeback masterpiece. This is one of those albums just click. Up there with the best hip hop albums
Soul II Soul
2/5
Sounds very dated now
Taylor Swift
4/5
Wouldn’t normally listen to Taylor swift but you really can’t fault this as a brilliant pop album. Just misses out on five stars due to my personal taste im not rushing to listen to this again , and maybe unfairly feels it’s To fresh to pass the all time classics tests to put it at the same level as say Thriller.
Eels
4/5
Don’t think I’ve ever listened to eels before. Enjoyed this really good 90’s alternative rock, good variations through out the album gets it’s the 4 stars.
Portishead
5/5
Love this album. Such a great sound and atmosphere to this album up there with my all time’s favourites. Absolute masterpiece up there with the greatest debut albums.
The Sabres Of Paradise
3/5
Experimental techno this was certainly interesting and different , glad I listen but not sure I’ll rush back.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3/5
This is a good album. Enjoy the folk rock and the harmonies But don’t know something just isn’t there that makes me want to add to my rotation. For that reason it misses out on the 4 stars.
a-ha
2/5
80’s rubbish, maybe being harsh but not my thing. Take on me saves the album getting a 1.
Motörhead
4/5
This is some real good old heavy rock. Only heard ace of spades off this before which is a total classic. This album and Motörhead clearly influenced a lot of thrash metal that would follow. Really good album did come close to full stars but some of the lyrics so just let it down from being a true masterpiece.
Method Man
4/5
First time listening to any wu tang clan solo albums. Though I do remember the method man from the know your roles song he did for The Rock, and his his appearance on ready to die.
I’m not a huge hip hop fan but do have some time for some of the really good stuff. This would fall into that category, real good dark vibe to the beats, and great flow, deserves to be on this list.
Queen
5/5
Grew up with my parents playing Queens greatest hits to death. But this is the first time Iv actually listened to this album in full. was surprised how diverse it was, good mix of metal, prog rock and pop. With a few absolute classics best friend and obviously bohemian rapsidy.
The car song is a bit stupid but rest of the album really holds up.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
Never heard of Todd Rundgen before this starts out nice pop record. Intro then breaks into the second part of the record, it’s gets a tiny bit more interesting after that, part 3 gets even better. Enjoyed the change up in this album but overall found it a bit long. Glad Iv listened and agree with should be on the list but wouldn’t make my regular rotation, so this just misses out on 4 stars.
Maxwell
2/5
Is it possible for an album to be too smooth? If so this is an example of one, so smooth I kinda forgot I was listening almost a forgettable album,
Ice Cube
3/5
Soild 90’s west cost rap. The messages on racism and police brutality are still relevant in 2022, sadly the misogynist view of women certainly hasn’t aged well and makes a lot of the songs hard to listen to.
Leonard Cohen
5/5
This was a real wow album for me. One of the things I love about this generator as I would never bother to listen to this otherwise.
I’d never clicked with LC before listening to this today. The whole vibe and themes of life and death given his own circumstances when he made this album just work, and his distinct vocals just fit with the atmosphere of the album.
An absolutely beautiful masterpiece that you should listen to before you die. It’s the least you can do given Leonard put the effort in to create this masterpiece just before he died.
Tricky
3/5
Good trio hop rap album 💿
Fela Kuti
5/5
Yes these are the albums that make this project worth while.
Iv never heard of Fela Kuti before, this is the best African album Iv heard and one of the best live albums. You just can’t help but dance to these songs, the energy is brilliant. And ginger baker on the drums just tops this off, a live album masterpiece.
Arcade Fire
4/5
As a big arcade fire fan I played this a lot when it first came out, but to be honest since suburbs I have only listened to this a handful of times apart from the main hits (no cars go, my body is a cage). Was really good to listen back to this it really is a great album, but just doesn’t quite match up to Funeral or Suburbs, and I would probably rank reflector above it too. But that’s just my personal opinion, great band great album just not their masterpiece, maybe harsh but a solid 4 star album.
Such a shame Win Butler turned out to be a sex pest.
The Streets
2/5
I really don’t like the streets, but can appreciate this was an important 00’s album so it gets more than 1 star
Mercury Rev
3/5
Never heard of Mercury Rev before sound slot like the flaming lips, good album just didn’t wow me
Sonic Youth
5/5
In recent years Iv really come to really appreciate and love Sonic Youth. This is their double album masterpiece. Takes a while to appreciate but once you do it will become an all time favourite.
Ian Dury
3/5
Good old cockney rock n roll.
Wild Beasts
2/5
Never heard of wild beasts before. Can’t say I really clicked with this album. Similar to other more recent albums not sure why this is on the list over under albums around the same time.
Pixies
5/5
One of the Great alternative rock masterpieces. So influential on the 90’s bands that would follow Nirvana and Radiohead to name a few. Not only that it’s just such a great listen and mix of music.
The Cars
4/5
First time listening to this album and I know much more cars songs than I expected also enjoyed this more than I thought I would, a good mix of classic rock/new wave a sort of stepping stone towards the 80’s new wave that would follow this album. More than worthy of being on the list.
Steve Winwood
2/5
Dull 80’s rock, sounds a bit like Phil Collins.
Black Flag
3/5
Clearly a very influential hardcore punk album. Love the explosive energy, but after a few songs it all just sounds a bit samey. Maybe if I was still an angry teenager I’d love this.
Jurassic 5
3/5
Enjoyable upbeat hip hop can’t help but dance listening to this. Deserves its place on the list.
Tim Buckley
3/5
Great mix of folk music. Deserves its place on the list
De La Soul
4/5
First listen of this and frustrating it had to be through YouTube, even so very impressed feels like such an influential hip hop album. Hopefully can come back to this a rerate if they ever get it on streaming services.
Kraftwerk
2/5
Get how influential this is for electronic music, but personally it got a bit boring and was a slog come the end.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Great album from one of the all time great bands, with some absolute classic songs, paint it black, under my
Thumb. But a hard one for me to rate,
Some will see this as a masterpiece but I see it more as the point when the stones started to get to great, they would go on to make better albums, that unprecedented 4 album run from Beggars Banquet to Exile on Main Street, all of which top this album. Also in comparison to other masterpieces realised in 1966, pet sounds, revolver, blond on blond this album is just not quiet at that level.
Maybe harsh if the stones didn’t have better albums and this wasn’t released in 1966 it might have got the full 5 stars.
Sufjan Stevens
3/5
First time listening to Sufjan Stevens given I was 17 when this album came out that is a surprise to me. Maybe Iv been living under a rock or he wasn’t that big in the U.K.
On first listen this one kinda just got lost in the background. A few more and Iv started to appreciated it a lot more. But still not fully clicked with me. But has now intrigued me to want to listen again, so this may be re rated in the future.
Red Snapper
2/5
Interesting electronic album, not interesting enough to make me want to listen again.
The Cardigans
4/5
Only ever heard the cardigans hits, ie love fool from this album. This album is really good great 90s pop rock, deserves it’s place on the list. And personal enjoyment levels earns it 4 stars.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
Loved this, obviously heard of Janis Joplin before but not Big Brother and the Holding Company. This album is right up my street great mix of blues rock and psychedelic. The album doesn’t have the greatest production but I think that along with Joplins vocals gives it a much more raw feel.
Scott Walker
3/5
This was better than Scott 2 that I listened to previously. Bit don’t know still didn’t really click with this album.
Cocteau Twins
4/5
First time listening to Treasure but was actually listening to Heaven or Las Vegas earlier in the week (my own choice not through this project)
This is a beautiful album one you can really get lost in. Maybe being harsh but heaven or Las Vegas does feel the more
Complete album, which is stopping me giving treasure the full 5 stars. But more than deserves it’s place on the list and will be added to my regular rotation, just falls slightly short of the perfect album status.
Miles Davis
4/5
I’d class myself as a casual jazz fan, probably about 4/5 jazz albums Iv listened to frequently. My all time favourite being kinda blue. So I was excited to see this on the list.
Enjoyed this, nice short songs easy to appreciate, much less of a challenge than bitches brew, but can tell this is a few years before kind of blue where miles would truly hone his craft. Great jazz album worth a list will be added to my rotation list, just not quite masterpiece level.
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
I remember the hype when this album came out, wasn’t convinced at the time but safe to say Arctic Monkeys have went on to be one of the Brest British bands over the last 20 years. I do prefer AM to this album though.
The Mars Volta
3/5
Never heard of the Mars volta before. This was a good modern prog rock album. Deserved place on the list,
Cypress Hill
3/5
Good rap album, such a great flow and doesn’t sound as cringe as some of the other gangsta rap albums from the 90’s. Love I can just kill a man and the RATM cover of it.
The Strokes
5/5
The album that changed 00’s music and culture for the better, one of my all time favourite bands, this is a perfect album. One of my all time favourites.
Emmylou Harris
2/5
Don’t like country. So this album isn’t for me.
Brian Eno
3/5
This deserves its place on the list for ambient music, but isn’t something I can see myself listening to again. Glad I tried it though
John Lee Hooker
3/5
Good blues album deserves its place on the list, and one I might come back to.
Massive Attack
4/5
Great early trip hop album. Clearly influential to what was to follow in the genre. But I prefer Mezzanine.
Fiona Apple
4/5
Love Fiona Apples’s voice and how these songs different in style but blend together.more than worthy of the list and my regular rotation.
Billy Joel
5/5
Such a great album. So many great songs that merge so well together. Billy Joel’s masterpiece.
Elastica
3/5
Good female rock album enjoyed this
David Bowie
5/5
I would rank Hunky Dory and ziggy star dust above Low, but this is still a masterpiece more experimental so won’t be for everyone, but can see the influence this had on post punk bands like joy division. Such a great pairing Bowie and Eno.
The Shamen
2/5
The sound of the 90’s started off well but after a full album i was a bit sick of this.
Bob Dylan
4/5
This is a great album with some of Dylan’s best songs, my favourite from his early work. Bit not quite the masterpiece that would come in 1965 and 1966.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
I can tell this is a good album, just hasn’t quite clicked with me yet. One I may come back to at a later point, but for now I can appreciate it is worth it’s place on the list.
Ray Charles
3/5
Enjoyed this interesting album with different takes on songs. Worth your time and effort.
TV On The Radio
4/5
Only ever heard a few TV on the radio songs all of which I liked, so was good to do a deeper dive into this album. This really is a great album love the vocals and the sonic differences between songs, instantly added to my frequent rotation.
The Byrds
3/5
Good 60’s folk rock album, worthy inclusion on the list, but too many covers to really be considered an all time great album but enjoyable takes on the Dylan songs, similar scores to the Beatles early albums.
Weather Report
3/5
Not a great fan of this sort of jazz fusion, but birdland is a stand out song. Glad I listened worth list entry but won’t make my rotation.
Stan Getz
4/5
First time listening to Charlie Byrd or Stan Getz, loved this great easy going jazz album, will be added to my jazz rotation.
Van Morrison
4/5
This is a beautiful folk album, great mix of music and Van really shows off his voice on this one, and the songs just blend so well together.
Just a shame he turned into a Covid denying nutter.
The Pharcyde
3/5
Interesting rap album that doesn’t take itself too seriously, great beats and flow but nonsense lyrics, this would have been a huge hit with high school kids at the time.
Black Sabbath
5/5
Absolute beast of an album, hard to believe this came out in 1970, feels so ahead of it’s time, a heavy metal masterpiece and Sabbaths best album in my opinion.
George Harrison
4/5
Great album with some stand out songs. I don’t think it’s slightly on the long side though, cut it back to a single album for five stars
Neneh Cherry
3/5
Seems a mix of classic 80’s sound and more influential 90s hip hop. Good catchy album worthy of the list, but slightly dated sound stops it getting more than a 3.
Q-Tip
4/5
Loved this great mix of beats and lyrical flow, top tier hip hop.
Bad Brains
3/5
Soild punk album with a good mix of met and some reggae. Hadn’t listen to bad brains before but this deserves a place on the list.
The White Stripes
4/5
Great album one of the best straightforward are rock albums from the 00’s
Patti Smith
5/5
Jesus died for somebody's sins but not mine.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
This one didn’t do anything for me. Can see why it’s on the list. But it was very dull.
Faith No More
3/5
Like a mix of the RHCP and Nu metal, not really my cup of tea but impressive it came out in the 80’s given it clearly had a lot on influence on late 90s early 00’s nu metal. So deserves its place on the list.
Cocteau Twins
5/5
Love this album, a beautiful atmospheric masterpiece
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
Springsteen’s masterpiece, a perfect storytelling rock album. His vocals might not be for everyone but they really add to the impact of the music.
Skunk Anansie
3/5
Never heard of the band or album before. Good solid 90’s rock record.
Iggy Pop
5/5
My favourite Iggy album as it sounds more Iggy pop compared to the idiot which I feel is more a Bowie album, and probably due to the link to train spotting. Plus the passenger is one of my favourite songs.
Probably personal choice more than a true masterpiece but this gets the full 5 stars.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
5/5
Totally basis review as it’s a Scottish band but also love this album, love the distorted guitars the shoegaze sound and the vocals.
Bob Dylan
5/5
Not only my personal favourite Dylan album, but one of my favourite double albums. An absolute masterpiece.
Kate Bush
3/5
Some great songs and some weird songs very interesting album worth a listen at least once.
Michael Kiwanuka
5/5
Had this on repeat when it first came out. One of my favourite albums over lockdown. Already part of my frequent rotation not sure if I’ll give it the same rating in 5 years time but for now this is a 5 star album in my book.
Nas
5/5
The greatest hip hop album of all time. Almost 30 years on and it still hits as hard today. A masterpiece.
Happy Mondays
4/5
Great album, kinda feel the happy Mondays are a bit underrated these days vs the stone roses. Not sure why
Ramones
4/5
Obviously one of the most iconic punk records, with huge influence on music that would follow and Blitzkrieg Bop is up there with the greatest punk songs, but personally feel the rest of the album is a bit samey and listening back in 2023 does just feel a little dated, a great album but just doesn’t tick my personal enjoyment box for the full 5 stars. But an album everyone should listen to, and a solid 4 stars.
Dirty Projectors
2/5
Band and album Iv never heard of. Feels like one of those albums that too indie to be enjoyable.
The Temptations
3/5
Enjoyed this
John Prine
2/5
Get some of the lyrics are good and funny, but don’t like country
Pavement
3/5
Get this album should be on the list, but personally I just can’t seem to get into pavement, a lot of this just feels like a bit of a drag to me to listen too. A handful of enjoyable songs but album itself is pretty forgettable.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Don’t like country music but I do have time for Johnny Cash. First time listening to this album, my initial thought when getting this album was why does this need to be on the list along with folksom prison As this album is less famous. But id day more entertaining than the Folksom prison album given the songs are much more upbeat.
Big Black
3/5
Sadly not on Spotify so had to listen through YouTube with adverts which didn’t give the best listening experience, but found this an interesting and exciting album, one to rerate if it ever comes on Spotify
David Bowie
5/5
My personal favourite Bowie album, changes, life on Mars queen bitch some of his best songs. Beautiful album.
Gang Of Four
4/5
Only recently come across Gang of Four, love this album, such an accessible and danceable post punk album, close to giving this a 5, but maybe just slightly repetitive come the end of the album.
The Birthday Party
3/5
Seeing the album cover and the low average score I expected to hate this. I didn’t found it interesting and atmospheric but very angry. Will I listen again probably not, but I’m glad I gave it a chance and I do believe there is a place for albums like this on the list.
Dire Straits
3/5
A Classic dad rock album. This actually starts really strong but tails off the second half of the album.
Incubus
2/5
Average generic Nu metal album in my opinion. Can see this dropping off future lists. Wouldn’t have minded this when I was 12 never a band I was into in those days only song i really recognise is drive. & miss you, I have a feeling my wife is a fan of those songs.
Hanoi Rocks
2/5
Feels a very average 80s hair metal album, not sure why it’s on the list.
The Pogues
2/5
Yeah not sure about this one, couple to good songs, but comes across a bit like drunk Irish music, not sure if it needs to be on the list. I’m sure others will love it though.
The The
3/5
Soild 80’s album, interesting but something missing for this ti make my frequent rotation.
Morrissey
3/5
Always liked the smiths but hated morrissey so was expecting to hate this frustratingly it’s pretty good, won’t make my regular rotation so 3 stars
Country Joe & The Fish
2/5
Thought when I first seen this was so I need to listen to another 60’s psychedelic rock album, enjoyed this in parts, hard to say if it deserves to be on the list. Won’t be rushing back.
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
All time great hip hop album, an absolute masterpiece
The Replacements
4/5
Never listened to the replacements before, really enjoyed this, feels like one of those bridge albums between 70’s punk and 90’s alt rock, almost got the full 5 stars, but probably being overly harsh but Gary’s got a boner stops this being a true masterpiece
Todd Rundgren
4/5
My second Todd Rundgren album this one is a lot more memorable, weird and wonderful can really see the influence this album had on tame impala. Just a bit too weird in places for the full 5 stars.
New Order
4/5
Never been huge into new order, but really love Joy Divison. This is a great album where new order sound like new order. The song Elegia is a real stand out for me. Made me look out the full 17 minute version. Gets this album 4 stars rather than 3.
Arrested Development
3/5
Alice Cooper
4/5
Enjoyed this a lot more than I expected, everyone knows the title track, but some great songs and was really caught off guard by and enjoyed the west side story cover. This really is a great 70’s heavy rock album so much better than the opening song.
Can
4/5
Really enjoyed this feels so ahead of it’s time.
Kraftwerk
3/5
Solid electronic album, kraftwerk so ahead of their time. Deserves its place on the list.
Soild blues rock album, great vocals by Mr Stewart.
Turbonegro
2/5
Forgettable punk rock, not sure it deserves its place on the list.
Tim Buckley
4/5
Wasn’t expecting much from this seeing some of the top reviews, but I was surprised really enjoyed this great funky blues sound, vocals can get a bit weird but adds to the album, added to my frequent rotation. Cheesey horny lyrics stop it being a true masterpiece
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Classic album, well deserved place on the list. Don’t know something missing for me for this to get the full 5 stars though.
Fishbone
2/5
Interesting album that’s a bit all over the place, not one I’ll rush back to,
Stereolab
3/5
Never heard of stereolab before, this is as an interesting album, enjoyed this but the French vocals were a bit annoying stops this getting anything more than a 3.
Beck
4/5
This is my first time listening to a Beck album. Great 90’s alt rock album, enjoyed how different this sounds and feels very ahead of it’s time.
Talking Heads
5/5
Talking heads’ masterpiece, one of the best albums of the 80’s
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
This isn’t a bad album, but feel it’s a bit mediocre to be included on this list given the boss already has 4 other albums on here, all of which are much better than this. Feel like this is one which can drop off the list. One of those probably being overly harsh because I’m comparing to his other albums which is a very high bar.
The Go-Betweens
3/5
Enjoyed this indie with a hint of soft rock, enjoyable album, I think it deserves it’s place on the list. Didn’t think I’d heard of the go-between but I do recognise some of the singles from the album.
Eurythmics
3/5
Very 80’s sounding feels this album is carried by its title song, but that’s probably enough for it to make the list.
George Jones
2/5
Another country album that I’ll be overlay harsh on due to not enjoying the genre. Can appreciate these albums need to be included on the list, but wont be listening to this one again.
Flamin' Groovies
4/5
This was right up my street Great take on blues rock, I even enjoyed the extra bonus tracks.
Metallica
2/5
I like Metallica, Iv already given the black album and master of puppets 5 stars already through this project. But I’m not sure this album needs to be on the list, yeah it’s enjoyable and abut different but I’d rather listen to the original studio albums. Also 2 hours is far too long for an album, appreciate a 2 hour concert is something different. Probably being overly harsh here because Iv already given 2 of their other albums full marks, but the best songs from this live album are on those 2 albums. So this only gets a 2.
Nirvana
5/5
Was obsessed with Nirvana when I was a teenager. Probably still one of my favourite bands now, though don’t tend to listen to them that often, so good to back over this masterpiece, what a follow up to Nevermind and a complete u turn of any attempt to go more mainstream. Given what was to happen all apologies is one of the most chilling album closers of all time.
Pearl Jam
5/5
Yet another one of the absolute brilliant albums that came out in 1991. This is just an around great heavy rock album and one of the best from the 90’s. Eddie Vedder’s vocals are just outstanding a masterpiece.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
Harder, gritter, darker and better (well in my opinion) than Born to Run, this is Springsteens best album, brilliant. His second masterpiece.
Pulp
5/5
A Brit pop masterpiece up there with the best albums of the 90’s.
Terence Trent D'Arby
3/5
Never heard of TTD before listening to this, good album deserves to be on the list, but just not to my personal taste to make it 4 stars.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
1/5
Nope really didn’t enjoy this one, don’t need to hear a shitty keyboard version of classical songs. Gave me a headache. Trying to think of reasons for this needing to be on the list to avoid giving it 1 star. Some folk must like it but I really didn’t.
Harry Nilsson
4/5
Never heard of Nilsson before, being a fan of the Beatles this was a pleasant surprise, really good album, deserves to be on the list and will make my frequent rotation.
Aerosmith
2/5
Very over sexed middle of the road outdated glam rock. Not a great album but a few catchy songs gets it 2 stars.
Richard Thompson
4/5
Never heard of this album or Richard or Linda before (until I realised Richard was in fairport connection) but was immediately drawn in by the album cover. Really enjoyed this great folk album, will be added to my rotation. Just short of the full 5 stars.
Cornershop
2/5
Obviously has the hit song, but not convinced the rest of the album holds up, hence does it really deserve it’s place on the list?
Coldplay
3/5
My 500th album and it’s bloody Coldplay…
All things aside this is actually a good album, early Coldplay is actually really good, i would say this album is their peak. The problem being more recently they have released absolute gash music , and Chris Martin is one of the most annoying people on the planet, plus they have become one of the biggest bands in the world makes them very easy to hate.
But ignoring the Coldplay hate, this album alone deserves to be on the list. But it would never make my regular rotation so 3 stars it is.
ABBA
3/5
So last night my wife was randomly listening to the Mamma Mia sound track, so we both found it hilarious I randomly got ABBA’s album today.
Anyways this album is a total guilty pleasure really enjoyable danceable pop, really deserves its place on the list with so many absolutely classic songs, just not my personal taste that I’d listen to it frequently or be requesting it at parties. So a soild 3 stars.
Johnny Cash
3/5
Classic album deserves to be on the list, but after getting it earlier in this competition I prefer at San Quentin to this.
Radiohead
5/5
Absolute masterpiece. For years I believed this was Radioheads peak, but I have a lot more time for Kid A these days. But given OK computer is slightly more accessible for traditional rock music fans and should be listened to before venturing into KID A. I think this is still their best album, but my opinion might change again tomorrow…
5 star album no doubts about it, one of the best from the 90’s.
Fiona Apple
5/5
One of the stand out albums of the last couple of years, definitely deserves its place on the list. Is it a masterpiece only time will tell, but for now it feels harsh not to give this the full 5 stars.
Skepta
2/5
Familiar with skepta but first time listening to this album. I’m not a fan of grime/U.K. rap with a couple of exceptions. So this one really didn’t do much for me.
The Police
3/5
Good solid new wave album, well deserving of its place on the list. Message in a bottle the stand out song. On any other day the low point.
4/5
Let out a sigh when I seen it was a prog rock album this morning, but pleasantly surprised with how good this album is.
Over the top at times but brilliant. Up there with the best prog rock albums, but not quiet as good as the best, so jsut misses out on the full 5 stars, probably more due to myself not being a massive prog rock fan.
Barry Adamson
3/5
An instrumental soundtrack to a movie that doesn’t exist. On the face of it it seems a pointless pretentious idea. funny I actually enjoyed this. Wouldn’t rush to listen to again but glad I listened to it once.
The Damned
3/5
This is a really good punk album, great mix of different styles through out the album, very talented musicians.
Jimmy Smith
4/5
Really good jazz album, added to my rotation.
Beatles
5/5
My favourite Beatles album, and one of my all time favourite albums of all time, absolutely brilliant and so influential. Masterpiece.
Billie Holiday
2/5
Agree this album probably should be on the list, but I’m really not a fan of Billie Holiday’s voice on this album, so not an enjoyable album for me or one I’ll come back to.
The Stone Roses
5/5
The madchester album you need to listen to before you die, absolute masterpiece.
The Who
3/5
Maybe being a little harsh as in rates the expanded version, very good live album deserves its place on the list, but a lot of covers, missing some of the Who’s best songs, and felt the start and end of the album much better than the middle. So doesn’t quiet make the 4 stars mark for me.
The Mothers Of Invention
4/5
A parody album shouldn’t be this good, Frank Zappa is a genius, anyone attempting a parody of Stg Pepper would need to be for it to work and this does. Not an accessible album but worth a few listens to get it. A few parts just a bit too odd for my taste to give this full marks.
The Louvin Brothers
2/5
Nope this album was a total drag, i get its probably important for country music being a very early album, but not for me.
Screaming Trees
2/5
Good grunge album not sure it’s anything brilliant though would rather have the QOTSA albums on the list Mark was involved in over this.
Hüsker Dü
3/5
Pop punk meets REM alt rock. Enjoyable album but just on the long side, I can see the influence this would of had on pop punk bands of the 90s/00s. But the album is too long and a bit repetitive with a couple of stand out songs.
Raekwon
2/5
Soild 90s rap album, just a bit long for me to fully enjoy. Would rather just listen to some Wu Tang.
Marvin Gaye
5/5
Marvin Gayes masterpiece. Just an absolute beautiful album, which sadly a lot of the themes are still true today, over 50 years later.
Moby
4/5
I had completely forgotten about this album, so good and so many recognisable songs and love the blues samples. Added back to my rotation.
Wilco
4/5
First time listening to this album, I’m a fan of Yankee foxtrot hotel so was looking forward to this album, and it did not disappoint, great sounding album with great songs. My only gripe would be the usual it’s just too long an album.
Pantera
3/5
Soild 90s metal album, that should be in the list, clearly influenced a lot of the metal I listened to as a teenager, I am now a grown man so will not be adding this to my frequent rotation.
The Verve
5/5
One of my favourite 90’s albums, so completely biased review but absolutely love this album, all the singles from this album are outstanding. A britpop masterpiece.
Randy Newman
3/5
Feels like I’m listening to a Disney soundtrack,
Public Enemy
5/5
The peak of 80s hip hop. Even today this still holds up against some of the best hip hop albums and has aged a lot better than a lot of 80’s/90’s hip hop including NWA in my opinion maybe due to political rap being more relevant than gangster rap. A true Hip Hop Groundbreaking masterpiece.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
Pictures At An Exhibition is one of the handful of albums Iv given 1 star. So when I seen another ELP album this morning I let out a big sigh.
And the first song backed up my first conclusion another album of listening to computer game keyboard sounds. To be fair the album did get better as it went on and some of the shorter songs were enjoyable. But not enough to convert me.
Green Day
3/5
I was 16 when this album came out, and a big fan of Greenday, especially Dookie, and for some reason I just hated this album. Probably that hipster thing of hating how popular greenday became with casual fans and being that guy who kept raving about their older stuff.
Listening back as a more mature adult, this album is better than my 16 year old self gave it credit for. Probably deserves its place on the list, but won’t be making my frequent rotation anytime soon.
Nanci Griffith
2/5
Another country album
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
Finally an Elivs Costello album I really enjoyed, great sounding album added to my permanent rotation and deserves its place on this list.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
The start of the stones incredible 4 album run, this album is great but probably the weakest of those 4 albums, hence doesn’t quite get the full marks when compared to sticky fingers or Exile on Main Street
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
2/5
Hard to give this a fair review given it’s not on Spotify and had to listen to YouTube adverts, not an experience I’ll be rushing back to re listen. Maybe rerate one day it’s on a streaming service I have a subscription to.
2Pac
3/5
Not a huge 2Pac fan, but this is one of his best, and a plus it’s a lot shorter than all eyes on me. Which is a plus in my eyes. Deserves to be on the list.
New Order
2/5
I love Joy Division and some earlier new order, but this album didn’t do anything for me.
David Gray
3/5
One of those albums everyone had Ann’s knew at the time, for that reason deserves to be on the list. Musically it’s a bit dull though.
Ghostface Killah
3/5
Soild hip hop album
Slayer
3/5
100 miles per hour groundbreaking metal album, deserving of being on the list, but have to deduct a star for angel of death, feel uneasy listening to that song.
Lucinda Williams
2/5
Can see why this is on the list, but too country for my tastes.
Janelle Monáe
5/5
I recognise the album cover but don’t think Iv ever heard Janelle Monae before, no idea how I missed this album, it’s absolutely brilliant such a beautiful mix of different styles of song that all just flow together on the album. I will be listening to this a lot this year. A modern day masterpiece.
Beyoncé
3/5
Sexy and powerful album, solid 2010’s pop album.
The B-52's
2/5
Having only heard love shack before wasn’t expecting much from this album, so I was pleasantly surprised, still became a drag near the end though. Not one I’ll be rushing back to.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Mr smooth’s break up album, I liked this and deserving of being on the list. But come the end of it dragged a bit. Not quiet making my rotation list, might come back to it if I ever get a divorce.
Paul McCartney
2/5
Meh already enough Beatles and McCartney on the list, think we could of given this one a miss.
Elis Regina
3/5
Yep no idea what she was singing but great voice great music, an album that deserves to be on the list.
Love
4/5
Yeah great album, up there with the best of the 60’s but something about it didn’t blow me away, hence not quiet a masterpiece in my eyes.
The Black Crowes
4/5
This album is right up my street surprised iv never come across it before, good old fashioned blues rock n roll from the 90’s. Added to my rotation.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Great 50’s album, Sinatras best.
Grateful Dead
2/5
Enjoyed parts of this, but the long songs did my head in. Wondering if there are more accessible Greatful Deas albums
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Great emotional album, interesting to see if this remains on the list in years to come especially over Skeleton Tree
Simple Minds
3/5
Yep great 80’s album and true 80’s sound deserving of its place on the list.
Fairport Convention
3/5
Really good British folk album, worth its place on the list.
Hot Chip
3/5
Soild 2010s electronic album, deserves its place on this list.
Serge Gainsbourg
4/5
Wow very interesting French album, subject matter maybe a bit off, but musically this is brilliant wouldn’t believe this came out in 1971 way ahead of it’s time. Fact I don’t understand any of the lyrics probably helps with the enjoyment here.
CHIC
3/5
Great disco album
Miles Davis
5/5
Wasn’t sure about listening to another Jazz fusion album, as although I respect bitches brew personally I find it a really hard listen. This was much more accessible, great album feels parts of the guitar on the second song remind me a bit of mogawi so clearly years ahead of it’s time, this is now probably my second favourite miles Davis album after kind of blue.
The Auteurs
3/5
Never heard of this band or album before, but I like it like a darker britpop band, reminds me a bit of suede. Deserves to be on the list.
OutKast
3/5
I like OutKast but not an album I’m that familiar apart from the obvious hit songs. Was unsure when I seen the length of this given I’m not a fan of double albums, but this is actually an interesting concept two debut solo albums released as a double album. It flows really well and most of the album is a hit, therefore deserves to be on the list, but still too long for me to this this anything above a 3.
Cowboy Junkies
3/5
When I seen alt country I was expecting much, but enjoyed this a lot more than I expected, really liked their take on the covers of blue moon and sweet Jane. Really good vibe throughout the album, though that same vibe could get lost as background music. Deserves to be on the list.
The Go-Go's
3/5
Soild 80s album
Fleet Foxes
4/5
Modern day folk classic, such a beautiful sounding album.
AC/DC
5/5
Is there a better no nonsense hard rock album than this? Yeah all the songs sound the same but this is absolutely 5 stars of songs sounding the same.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
3/5
Peak 80’s with some massive hits on this album, including a few decent covers. Deserves its place on the list, doesn’t quiet make my regular rotation though.
Grant Lee Buffalo
4/5
Didn’t expect much from this album from the album cover, buts it’s brilliant great album deserving of its place on the list and now added to my rotation.
Fela Kuti
5/5
My second Fela Kuti album and this one is another masterpiece, I love how a protest album can have such a great vibe to it.
Mental to think how brave it must of been to release this album and the consequences he then faced due to speaking out. The least I can do is give him the full 5 stars.
The Afghan Whigs
2/5
Meh this album disappointed me, just felt like another generic 90’s alt rock record with cringe lyrics, not sure how it’s made this list.
Steely Dan
3/5
Classic Dad rock, deserves to be on the list, yes would I chose to listen to this no.
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
This will be another bias review for a Scottish band I like, brilliant indie pop album, I’m more familiar with their second and third albums, but this is still great.
Saint Etienne
2/5
I’d didn’t hate this album, but wasn’t exactly wowed either just became background music really.
Ananda Shankar
2/5
Interesting album with interesting Indian style covers of 60’s classics. Worthy place on this list? Guess it’s something different, will I listen again probably not.
Fever Ray
3/5
Wasn’t aware of this album, but having watched the tv series Vikings I recognised the first song instantly. Enjoyed this more than I expected and did recognise a few off the album. Good album deserves its place on the list.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
2/5
2 hours of country no thank you.
Ray Price
2/5
Another country album I really just had no time for.
CHVRCHES
3/5
I’m not a massive CHVRCHES fan, obviously recognise the hits and listening back to this album it is very good album, and probably deserves its place on this list.
The Icarus Line
4/5
Surprised Iv never come across this band or album before. This is right up my street. Straight into my rotation.
Tom Waits
4/5
Another interesting album from Tom, very experimental and weird, I enjoyed it.
Underworld
4/5
Only ever heard underworlds key hits, really enjoyed this album great mix of dance and ambient songs. Up their with the best techno Iv heard.
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
Right up my street this one, a few songs go on a bit much but overall brilliant live album.
Beck
3/5
Yeah catchy album, I liked this, good album on the list.
David Bowie
4/5
This is a brilliant final bow out for any artist. Been considering the full 5 stars for a few days now. But it just isn’t quiet their when comparing this to peak Bowie, therefore just misses out, maybe if I come back in a few years I’d rerate this one.
Leftfield
4/5
Up there with the best house albums Iv heard loved the mix on music on this added to my rotation
William Orbit
3/5
Yeah enjoyed this one, deserves its place on the list.
Suede
3/5
Solid underrated brit pop album, glad to see it on the list.
PJ Harvey
4/5
My first PJ Harvey album to come across on this list, really enjoyed this, raw female punk energy. Added to my rotation.
PJ Harvey
3/5
I had dry yesterday so back to pack PJ Harvey albums. Highlighted how different this album is, this was an interesting album, not sure I enjoyed it as much as dry, but glad i listened and it deserves its place on the list.
Sonic Youth
3/5
I love sonic youth, and I agree this album should be on the list, but it’s not one of my favourite, day dream nation, sister and goo would rank ahead of it. Still on its own merit it’s a worthy 3 star album.
Suicide
3/5
Started off loving this album, but really tailed off after the first few songs got a bit too weird to really enjoy. Clearly desveres it’s place on the list, but doesn’t make my regular rotation.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
4/5
Yeah one of the classic British blues records, well deserving of its place on the list, but just falls short for me of a masterpiece, no idea why just don’t completely click with it.
Earth, Wind & Fire
2/5
Good disco album, I prefer earth wind and fires other hits, not sure it quiet merits it’s place on this list.
Pixies
4/5
Brilliant alt rock album, but personally I prefer Doolittle, so not quiet the full marks from me.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
4/5
Never heard of this band before, but right up my street, straight into the regular rotation.
David Bowie
3/5
Not a Bowie album I listened to before, enjoyed this more than expected. Deserves its place on the list, but if I’m listening to Bowie I’m probably less likely to come back to this album.
Jungle Brothers
3/5
Enjoyed this, very underrated hip hop album, maybe just a little dated now for me to add to my rotation, but worthy place on this list, and easier to listen to than the dates gangster rap.
Kate Bush
3/5
Musically this is a really good album. Not a massive Kate Bush fan but can see why this should be on the list.
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
Great 00’s indie dance album, deserves its place on the list. Already part of my regular rotation so maybe a bias 4 stars here.
Prince
5/5
A true masterpiece. Up their with the all time great albums.
The Byrds
2/5
Meh think there is enough Byrds albums in the list we don’t need this one.
Scissor Sisters
3/5
A blast from the recent past.. forgot about this album and band really, but their hits are instantly remembered and the album is actually really good. Deserves to be on this list.
Tim Buckley
3/5
Good folk album clearly influenced by the drugs of the time
Dennis Wilson
4/5
Really enjoyed this, wasn’t aware of Denis solo work, the extended CD was too long but will add the original album to my permanent rotation
Duran Duran
3/5
Soild 80a album, deserves its place on the list, but not my personal taste
Les Rythmes Digitales
2/5
Not a bad dance album, but it’s pretty forgettable not sure about it’s place on this list.
Supergrass
3/5
I enjoyed this album, but do question if we need 2 super grass albums on the list if we already have I am coco. Don’t think we need this one, but for my personal taste this gets 3 stars
Count Basie & His Orchestra
3/5
This is a good big band record deserves its place ion the list, but personally not music I’m that into
The Undertones
3/5
Good album, but I prefer the undertones other one
5/5
I prefer definitely maybe, but this one probably had a bigger mainstream impact, the songs are now ingrained in U.K. culture. Huge album for the 90’s needs to be 5 stars.
Tina Turner
2/5
Tina has a great voice but everything else about this album is lacking and a bit dull.
Lana Del Rey
2/5
I listen to this album day it came out, hadn’t felt the need to listen to it again until now, it’s not a bad album but LDR has better, don’t think this one should be on the list.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
Yes, first time listening to this Peter Gabriel album, and I think this is the best output from anyone related to Genesis I have heard and I’ll include the Genesis albums in that.
Maybe because I’m more a post punk and new wave fan, but this is right up my street. Going to give this the full 5 stars.
2/5
This ain’t a bad album, but Blur have better albums on this list, I don’t think this one needs to be here.
Although this does mean they get one over on Oasis with their 3 albums vs Oasis’s 2 albums on the list. But a 2-2 draw would of be a fairer result, in-line with their other Brit pop contemporaries Pulp, Suede and the Verve.
Thundercat
3/5
First time actually listening to this album, a lot of tame impla vibes from this, enjoyed it, I’d say it deserves its place on the list. But not one I’ll rush back too.
OutKast
5/5
I remember 12 year old me seeing the ms Jackson video on MTV and then going to Woolworths to buy this album. Re listening 20 years on this feels like a true hip hop masterpiece.
George Michael
3/5
George Michael isn’t my personal taste, but this is an album that deserves to be on the list.
Bob Dylan
5/5
Yeah this is up there with Dylan’s best, love how this album is split down the middle and shows his transformation from folk to rock. His first masterpiece.
Peter Gabriel
2/5
Having had Peter Gabriel III eariler in the week this one disappoints, a reasonable debut solo album with the great solbury hill, but album is a little over the place, good, but I don’t think we need 3 Peter Gabriel solo albums on the list.
Pentangle
3/5
A nice folk album, not really to my taste but can appreciate why this is on the list.
Barry Adamson
3/5
Atmospheric, weird, and even scary at points, this album was a real rollercoaster. I really enjoyed it but clearly won’t be to everyone’s tastes. But I deffo think this deserves to be on the list.
Calexico
2/5
Hated parts of this, enjoyed other parts of this, I’ll have forgotten about this album come next week…
The Clash
5/5
Absolute masterpiece, this is what double albums should be. One of the very best
Sex Pistols
5/5
The classic punk album, 100% should be on this list, they sound good on this album but notoriously terrible musicians so if anything it’s more impressive how good this album sounds.
There are better punk albums in my eyes (direct contrast from London calling which was yesterdays album) but none have Influenced as much as this album is. Therefore I have to give this the full 5 stars.
Erykah Badu
3/5
Never heard of this album or Erykah Badu before but my knowledge of RnB neo-soul is very limited so probably not a surprised. Really enjoyed this great voice and fear funky vibe throughout. Deserves to be on the list.
Yes
3/5
Cheesy, geeky prog rock. Not for me, but can’t question their talent, deserves to be on the list
The War On Drugs
3/5
This album is already in my regular rotation only because it’s a recent album I like, it’s good and I agree it should be on the list, but of albums Iv enjoyed in the last few years it’s just a bit samey for it to be more than a 3 star album. It’s not one I openly recommend to people.
SAULT
3/5
Another album I’m familiar with from its recent release. Good blend of different styles and soil beats throughout deserves to have its place on the list.
The Pogues
3/5
Soild Irish folk/punk album, deserves its place on the list.
Astrud Gilberto
2/5
Given this one a few listens but just blends into background music, sorry just not one that’s clicked with me.
Primal Scream
4/5
The sound of the 90’s absolutely a classic album.
The Band
4/5
Not bad for a backing band. Struggling with this rating some absolute classic songs which I enjoyed but also got a bit too cheesy harmony at points it reminded me of the eagles. So been swaying for the last few days between a 3 & 4. It’s an important early rock album with a good mix of music and a couple of key great songs edges it to a 4 star album.
Muddy Waters
5/5
Been sitting on this album for a few days before giving my final rating, and I can’t stop stop listening to this, I’m a blues fan so obviously this ticks all my boxes, a come back album from a man who’s prime was before the album era, does that then make this his best album? I’m still to get live at Newport, so I will defer that decision. But in the meantime I’ll put it out there this is one of the best blues albums Iv heard, so that deserves 5 stars in my book.
50 Cent
2/5
Meh never been a huge 50 cent fan, not sure why this is on the list. Wonder if it’s dropped off on more recent versions of the book. I see it’s credited with reviving gangster rap. Come 2003 I don’t think gangster rap was needing to come back.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkels finest work, such a classic album.
The Specials
2/5
I get why the specials debut should be on the list, given that is I don’t think this needs to be.
David Bowie
3/5
This album starts so strong, but then kinda fades away. Don’t get more wrong it’s a really good album, and should be on this list. But because it’s Bowie and he has so many albums on the list, I’m rating this harder than it should. So just misses out on the 4 stars due to it being lower down my Bowie favourite album list, which automatically makes it overrated.
Gotan Project
2/5
Nope jsut didn’t click with this. Could of died without hearing French Nu-Jazz
T. Rex
4/5
Love T.Rex, this isn’t an album Iv given as much time as EW, so really enjoyed it today, added into my regular rotation. One of glams rocks best.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
So smooth and sexy
The Boo Radleys
2/5
On paper this ticks a lot of boxes for me, shoegaze, britpop noise pop. But just feels a bit of a mess jumping between styles and jsut didn’t click after a few days of trying, better albums for each of these categories so not sure this needs to be on the list.
Tangerine Dream
2/5
This didn’t do much for me at all, can see it would be influential given the year it came out, but not one I’ll come back to
The Beach Boys
4/5
Not familiar with this album, but really enjoyed it, different from pet sounds, but second best beach boys album Iv heard
Mike Oldfield
4/5
The haunting theme from the exorcist. Impressive Mike was 19 and played all
The instruments on this album. Instrumental prog rock really isn’t my thing but this gets 4 stars on pure talent alone.
Ice Cube
3/5
A classic rap album that hasn’t dated well in terms of misogyny and also the beats sound a bit dated now too. Deserves to be on the list, but won’t be rushing back.
Madonna
2/5
Meh
k.d. lang
2/5
Constant craving is a great song, was a real boost at the end of the album, pitty you had to go through the whole album to get to it. Rest wasn’t my cup of tea.
Tito Puente
4/5
A real good fun album, can’t help but smile and dance listening to this. Added to my rotation
Iron Maiden
4/5
Classic metal album deserves its place on the list, this starts so strong and is one of maidens best, but a couple of dud songs near the end stops it getting full marks
Can
3/5
I really enjoyed the start of this album, but the last few songs were just too weird for me, painfully long that I won’t be rushing back to this, can see it’s influenced a lot of people hence deserves to be on the list.
The Rolling Stones
2/5
I like the Rolling Stones and personally enjoyed listening to this album, but it shouldn’t on this list, it’s a covers album with no stand out hits,
Common
3/5
Really good hip hop album like the jazz influence, feels ahead of it’s time, but also already dated with homophobia. Worth place on this list.
Guns N' Roses
5/5
Absolute massive rock album, GNR are still dineing out on this debut, it’s that good they still can.
Iron Maiden
2/5
Maiden have much better albums than this that I’ll rate highly on this list. The Number of the beast and power slave. Therefore this one really doesn’t need to be here,
But appreciate die hard Maiden fans will enjoy this one.
Dolly Parton
2/5
Dolly Parton is a legend, but I don’t like country music
Mike Ladd
2/5
Given this one a few listens, but really not doing it for me.
Kanye West
4/5
Kanyes last great album. Now he’s a complete nutter i think it will remain his last great album. Deserves to be on the list if you can separate the art from the artist.
Orange Juice
4/5
Being Scottish and a fan of VU this ticks a lot of boxes for me. Already on my permanent rotation. But think there is a bit of a lull in the middle of the album, so doesn’t quiet get full marks from me.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Really enjoyed this, up there with the best Reggie albums Iv heard, such a feel good sound.
John Grant
3/5
Never heard of album or artist. Found this interesting on first listen; one I’ll Need to come back to.
Ice T
3/5
Iv not listened to much Ice T apart from his big hits. Enjoyed this more than I was expecting but my bar was pretty low, some of the beats are a bit date vs modern hip hop. Somewhere between a 2 and 3,
Simply Red
2/5
Such a meh album, and how I felt when I seen a simply red album this morning. Nothing offensive but such dull music I don’t know why it deserves to be on the list.
My Bloody Valentine
4/5
Great comeback album from the shoegaze kings. Really enjoy this album, but it just isn’t as good or as important as loveless. Hence only 4 not 5 stars
Peter Gabriel
4/5
Classic album of high quality deserves to be on the list, but I personally prefer Peter Gabriel III, this one just a verge too pop for my personal taste so it just misses out on the full marks
Gillian Welch
3/5
Sighed when I seen an alt country album from 2001, but pleasantly surprised with this one. Deserves to be on the list, but just not enough to add to my personal rotation
Liz Phair
4/5
This album ticks a lot of boxes, sounds way ahead of it’s time, hence clearly very influential on the bedroom pop we hear in the 2020’s, good concept themes, and a comparison to a Rolling Stones classic album. More than deserving of being on the list.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
This is a great album deserves to be on the list and i like smashing pumpkins, but Jesus it’s just too long for me, hence I prefer Siamese Dream.
The 13th Floor Elevators
4/5
Classic early Psychedelic album, up their with the best of the 60’s has its flaws but more than deserves to be on the list.
M.I.A.
2/5
Was surprised to see one M.I.A album on the list, never mind two. Meh not surprised if this is removed in later iterations of the book.
The Libertines
4/5
Was a fan of the libertines when I was a teenager, proably one of the best U.K. bands from the 00’s Indie scene until the Arctic Monkeys came along. So this is rating has a personal bias to it, a soild 4 star album in my eyes.
As a side note I seen everyone is jumping on the Wikipedia sentence that in 2005 this was voted the 3rd most overrated album of all time. Thought it was worst sharing the results of that poll here of that poll for context:
1 Nirvana - Nevermind
2 Coldplay - X&Y
3 The Libertines - The Libertines
4 Oasis - Definitely Maybe
5 U2 - Joshua Tree
6 Radiohead - OK Computer
7 The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
8 The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds
9 Sex Pistols - Never Mind The Bollocks
10 The Smiths - The Queen Is Dead
Apart from X&Y I’d say that list is full of great albums, overrated maybe, but still great none of the less.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
A pet shop boys albums that deserves to be on the list, not really my personal taste but can respect this is a good album.
Nightmares On Wax
2/5
Boos mix of styles but kinda just blends into pleasant background music
Tom Tom Club
3/5
Nice talking heads side project, enjoyed this worthy of this list.
The Style Council
3/5
Great album and such a switch for Paul weller from the Jam, the rap song in the middle really lets this album down though and loses it a star, 3 stars should be on the list but won’t be on my regular rotation
The Stooges
4/5
Great album, so much raw energy, I prefer fun house, but this is added to my frequent rotation now.
Kings of Leon
2/5
The KoL album that’s cool to hate. I don’t think this album is as bad as people make out, it is just cursed given how over played sex on fire and use somebody were at the time. This album did make KoL the biggest band in the world for a short period of time but in my opinion they have never recovered since, their first 3 albums are much better and personally don’t think this one should be on the list on years to come.
Tom Waits
3/5
You can smell and see the smoke of the jazz bar on this album, really cool concept and live jazz bar vibes. But Tom does go on a bit for some of the songs, hence I prefer his earlier albums or his more experimental later stuff. Deserves to be on the list though.
Spacemen 3
3/5
Really good shoegaze album, reminded me of spirtized then I realised the connection
The Kinks
3/5
Good album classic songs but the kinks would go on to make better albums
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
Great hip hop album, just dwarfed by some of the other monster albums that came out around the same time
Blood, Sweat & Tears
2/5
Very few albums can mix jazz and rock well, this isn’t one of them just a bit all over the place
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
Yep solid folk rock album, worth a listen
White Denim
4/5
Really enjoyed this, a band Iv never heard of, will be doing a deeper into their other albums when I get time.
Joe Ely
2/5
Another meh and slightly corny country album.
The Cult
4/5
Hadn’t listened to much of the cult before, pleasantly surprised by this one, up their with the best hard rock albums I’ve heard.
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
Nice easy listening background music.
B.B. King
4/5
Yes this ticks all the boxes, blues legend, great live album. Brilliant great energy and just a fun album.
Deep Purple
2/5
Meh, not sure this live album needs to be on the list, agree machine head deserves to be here, but not a live version of a lot of the same songs.
Janet Jackson
2/5
Meh dated 80’s pop music trying to be edgy, not for me.
The KLF
3/5
Not on Spotify so listened on YouTube, enjoyed this good dance album
2/5
Parts of this was good, parts all over the place, not sure I’ll be back.
Gil Scott-Heron
3/5
Wasn’t on Spotify so had to listen through YouTube music, with adverts which really ruins the experience. Liked the vibe of this album, on I’ll comeback to if it ever appears on Spotify
The Saints
4/5
Never heard of the saints, but this is a soild punk album, deserves to be on the list. Love the raw energy while still keeping it together musically. Added to my frequent rotation.
Khaled
2/5
Meh, the cover of imagine killed any hope I had for this album,
The Divine Comedy
2/5
This one just didn’t click with me at all.
Gene Clark
2/5
There are too many byrds albums on the list. No need for a solo album too.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
Loved this album when it came out I was at uni. Not one Iv listened to much recently though I really liked Yeah Yeah Yeahs most recent album (Cool it down), so I still listen to them frequently, but tend to stick on Fever to tell over this one. Was great listening back to this today, one I’ll need to keep playing more frequently. Great band.
Minor Threat
3/5
Brilliant hardcore punk album. This influenced a lot of the music of my youth.
Circle Jerks
3/5
Back to back hardcore punk albums with Minor Threat yesterday. This album is also very good, impressive something so raw fast and short manages to hold together so well. Deserves to be on the list.l 15 mins is probably the ideal length of such an intense album.
Eric Clapton
3/5
Covers of black music, by a racist man, hard to give this a high vote. But ignoring that it does flow well and have a good chilled vibe. So probably does deserve to be on the list. If you can separate the art from artist.
Talking Heads
3/5
Love talking heads. And can’t argue against their debut being on the list, but they have a few better albums than this one that I tend to go back to more
Aphex Twin
4/5
Really enjoyed this album, added to my frequent rotation, especially for when I’m working, ideal background music.
Ravi Shankar
3/5
Interesting and different album, deserves to be on the list, would I come back to it, probably not
The Mothers Of Invention
4/5
Such a rediculous debut album. Wonder what people thought first listening to this in 1966. 100% an album you need to listen to before you die. Won’t be for everyone, and some of it is just a bit too strange that it’s not quiet a masterpiece in my eyes.
Brian Eno
4/5
Brilliant, first Brian Eno solo album Iv properly enjoyed not just appreciated. Added to my frequent rotation.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
My 700th album, this is a treat. Love led zep, and this album is great, but just a bit on the long side of my liking, hence I tend to go back to earlier albums more than this one. Still more than deserving of being on the list. And one I’ll come back every now and again given it’s more musically varied than their earlier stuff.
Chicago
4/5
Parts of this are brilliant, others the prog rock guitar groans do my head in.
I couldn’t get through free form guitar without skipping, but enjoyed the rest of this album.
Fred Neil
2/5
Fred Neil is an album that showcases the talent and versatility of Fred Neil, a pioneer of the folk-rock genre. The album features a mix of original songs and covers, all performed with Neil’s deep and expressive voice and guitar. The album has a warm and intimate feel, as if Neil is singing to you in your living room.
The highlight of the album is “Everybody’s Talkin’”, a song that was later covered by Harry Nilsson and became a hit. The song is a catchy and upbeat tune that contrasts with Neil’s melancholic lyrics about wanting to escape from the noise and troubles of the world. Neil’s version is more subtle and nuanced than Nilsson’s, and it captures the essence of his style.
However, the album also has some flaws that prevent it from being a masterpiece. Some of the songs are too long and repetitive, such as “Faretheewell (Fred’s Tune)” and “That’s the Bag I’m In”. Some of the covers are not very original or memorable, such as “Sweet Cocaine” and “Green Rocky Road”. The album also lacks some diversity and variety, as most of the songs have a similar mood and tempo.
Overall, Fred Neil is an album that deserves recognition and appreciation for its influence and quality, but it is not for everyone. It is an album that you might enjoy if you are a fan of folk-rock music or Fred Neil’s voice, but it might bore you if you are looking for something more exciting or innovative. I would give it 2 out of 5 stars.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
5/5
I’m a believer with the majority on Reddit there are far too many Elvis Costello albums on this list.
But along with Armed Forces this album deserves to be on the list. I would go as far to say it’s his masterpiece, takes influence from the past and makes an album that sounds so ahead of its time, brilliant. I’d these were the only 2 albums on the list he wouldn’t get anywhere near the hate
Motörhead
2/5
The biggest problem I have with the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die list is that it has too many albums from the same artists. I have a bigger problem when live albums of the same artists are also included. I think this album is redundant, because it does not add anything new to the band’s discography. The songs are basically the same as the studio versions, except for some minor variations in tempo and vocals. The sound quality is also not very good, and the crowd noise is sometimes annoying.
I have already rated Ace of Spades 4 stars out of 5, because it is a classic heavy metal album with catchy riffs and lyrics. But this album does not deserve more than 2 stars out of 5, because it is just a repetition of what they have already done before.
1/5
I was curious to listen to this album, as I had heard that John Zorn was a talented and innovative saxophonist and composer. However, I was very disappointed by what I heard. The album is a tribute to Ornette Coleman, a pioneer of free jazz, but it does not do justice to his legacy. Instead, it is a chaotic and noisy mess that tries to combine free jazz with hardcore punk, thrashcore and grindcore.
The album consists of 17 tracks, all composed by Coleman, but performed in a very brief and intense style by Zorn and his band. The tracks range from 1 to 4 minutes in length, but they feel much longer due to the lack of structure, melody and harmony. The saxophones are constantly screeching, squealing and clashing in stereo, while the bass and drums provide a frenetic and erratic rhythm. The music is so loud and abrasive that it gave me a headache after listening to it.
I understand that Zorn wanted to experiment with different genres and challenge the conventions of jazz, but I think he went too far with this album. It is not enjoyable or accessible to listen to, and it does not capture the spirit or the beauty of Coleman's music. Even more frustrating that Coleman himself doesn’t have an album on the list! It is an insult to both jazz and punk fans, and a waste of time and money. I would not recommend this album to anyone, unless they want to torture themselves or their enemies.
I give it 1 star out of 5. (Lost an extra star due to this being picked over an actual Coleman album)
Ute Lemper
3/5
This album is worth a listen for fans of cabaret, chanson, and art pop. It showcases Lemper's talent and versatility as a singer and interpreter of songs. It is also a tribute to the legacy of Kurt Weill and his influence on modern music.
However, the album is not too my personal taste. I felt that some of the songs were too similar to each other and lacked variety. I appreciate the artistic value of the album, but I won't be listening to it again anytime soon.
I would give this album 3 out of 5 stars. It is an important album that deserves more attention and appreciation than it has received, but it is not for everyone.
Sonic Youth
4/5
Before starting this project, I was not very familiar with sonic youth, but after listening to their albums, I have become a bit of a fan.
My favourite album is sister, which I think is their masterpiece. I have also explored their 90s albums like goo and dirty, but I never listened to their earlier works like EVOL. So I was curious to hear how they sounded before they became more popular and polished.
EVOL is a dark and twisted album that blends noise and pop in a unique way. It sounds like the soundtrack to a nightmare, full of distorted guitars, eerie vocals, and creepy lyrics. The album is inspired by various aspects of American culture, such as Marilyn Monroe, Charles Manson, The Great Gatsby, and Alfred Hitchcock. It also shows the influence of the West Coast punk scene, where sonic youth recorded the album with SST Records.
Some of the songs that stand out for me are “Tom Violence”, which opens the album with a menacing riff and a catchy chorus; “Expressway to Yr Skull”, which is a 7-minute epic that builds up to a chaotic climax; and “Shadow of a Doubt”, which is a haunting ballad that features Kim Gordon whispering over a sparse melody. I also like the instrumental tracks “In the Kingdom #19” and “Marilyn Moore”, which add some variety and texture to the album.
EVOL is not as flawless or consistent as sister or daydream nation, but it is still a great album that deserves to be heard. It shows sonic youth experimenting with their sound and style, and creating something original and influential. It is one of the best albums of the 80s, and one of the 1001 albums to listen to before you die.
I give it 4 stars out of 5.
Coldcut
3/5
Another album not on Spotify so had to listen on YouTube which doesn’t give the full experience, I enjoyed this good dance album using samples one I’d come back to if it was available on streaming, so would agree this deserves to be on the list.
Anthrax
3/5
Among the Living is the third studio album by American thrash metal band Anthrax, released in 1987. The album is considered one of the band's best works, as well as one of the most influential albums in the genre. It features some of the band's most popular songs, such as "Caught in a Mosh", "I Am the Law", and "Indians".
The album showcases Anthrax's signature style of fast, aggressive, and catchy riffs, combined with humorous and socially conscious lyrics. The band also experiments with different influences, such as hardcore punk, rap, and horror movies. The album is praised for its production, musicianship, and songwriting, as well as its energy and attitude.
However, not everyone may enjoy this album, especially if they prefer other thrash metal bands such as Metallica. Some may find the album too noisy, chaotic, or silly. Some may also dislike the vocals of Joey Belladonna, who has a more melodic and clean voice than other thrash metal singers. Some may also prefer the darker and more serious themes of other thrash metal albums.
Among the Living is an important and worth listening to album for any fan of thrash metal or heavy metal in general. It is a classic and influential album that showcases Anthrax's, but personally I’d listen to Metallica over this if given the choice, and I’m not a big enough metal head to come back to this one.
Youssou N'Dour
3/5
Really enjoyed the vibe of this album, it blends traditional African rhythms with modern synthesizers and electric guitars, creating a vibrant and energetic sound that showcases N’Dour’s powerful voice. It is clearly an album of artistic merit and cultural significance, hence more than deserves its place on the list.
But this isn’t an album that I’m going to listen to frequently due to my own personal taste, so I give this album 3 out of 5.
The Prodigy
3/5
I enjoyed listening to this today and appreciate how important this album was to the UK dance scene at the time.
Despite its undeniable quality and importance, Music for the Jilted Generation is not a flawless album. Some of the tracks are too long or repetitive, the overall album is also too long for my personal preference and some of the samples are dated or clichéd.
The album also suffers from comparison with its follow-up, The Fat of the Land (1997), which I consider as the group’s masterpiece and one of the greatest albums of all time.
Therefore, while Music for the Jilted Generation is a remarkable album that deserves respect and admiration, it is not an album that I would listen to frequently or enjoy as much as The Fat of the Land. For that reason, I would give it 3 stars out of 5.
However, I would still recommend it to anyone who is interested in electronic music or in the history of British culture in the 1990s.
Animal Collective
4/5
Never really gave Animal collective much of a listen before this. This album really ticks a lot of boxes for me in terms of style its experimental nature and psychedelic influences. Really enjoyed it and one I’ll come back to more frequently.
Basement Jaxx
3/5
Was really into this album and the follow up when it came out, good to listen back today, wouldn’t be one I’ll revisit frequently much better dance albums out their, but for personal reasons
I’m glad it’s within the book 1001 albums before I die, and I got the chance to listen to it again today.
Arcade Fire
5/5
Arcade Fire is one of my favourite bands, and The Suburbs is their third album. The album’s concept was inspired by the childhood of Win and William Butler, who grew up in a suburb of Houston, Texas
The album features 16 tracks that vary in style and mood, but share a common theme of longing for something more. Some of the songs that stand out to me are “The Suburbs”, which is a catchy and poignant reflection on growing up in the suburbs; “Ready to Start”, which is a fast-paced and energetic anthem of rebellion; “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)”, which is a synth-pop dance track that expresses the desire to escape from the monotony of the sprawl; and “We Used to Wait”, which is a piano-driven ballad that contrasts the past and present modes of communication. The songs are richly orchestrated with strings, horns, keyboards, guitars, drums, and vocals. The band also uses various instruments such as accordions, harps, mandolins, xylophones, and percussions to create a diverse and layered sound.
The album is a masterpiece of musical storytelling, as it captures the emotions and experiences of living in the suburbs. It is also a commentary on the social and cultural changes that have occurred in the past decades.
The album resonates with me on a personal level. I listen to this album frequently, as it never fails to move me or make me think.
The Suburbs is my second favourite Arcade Fire album, after Funeral. It’s really close between this and Funeral, but Funeral just pips it on run time, and the fact it came first.
I still think this is an absolute beauty of an album and one I would give a full 5 stars rating.
Sinead O'Connor
4/5
This album was a pleasant surprise for me, as I only knew O'Connor from her hit cover of Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U", which is one of those rare cases where the cover surpasses the original.
But this album is much more than that. It is a haunting and atmospheric example of alternative rock, with some hard-hitting songs that touch on personal and social issues. O'Connor sings about her miscarriages in "Three Babies", and about racism and police brutality in Britain in "Black Boys on Mopeds".
O'Connor's voice is powerful and emotional, and the music is often sparse and simple, creating a contrast between the intensity of her vocals and the simplicity of the arrangements. The album shows O'Connor's courage and honesty as a singer-songwriter, and her ability to create beautiful and memorable melodies.
This album is not an easy listen, but it is a rewarding one. It is one of the best alternative rock albums of the 90s, and I would give it 4 stars out of 5.
David Ackles
3/5
This is a cult classic that deserves more attention. David Ackles delivers a performance of songs that explore the diverse aspects of American life, from the rural to the urban, from the past to the present. The album is rich in lyrical and musical details, and features the production of Bernie Taupin and the orchestration of Robert Kirby.
However, the album does not appeal to my taste, (or a lot of others I suspect). It is more of a musical journey that requires patience and attention. Glad it’s on the list but not one I’ll come back to. 3/5.
Metallica
3/5
Metallica’s …And Justice For All is their fourth and most ambitious album. It features some of their longest and most complex songs, such as Blackened, One, Harvester Of Sorrow, and the title track. The album explores themes of injustice, corruption, and oppression with a dark, heavy, and technical sound.
However, the album also suffers from some flaws, such as the poor production quality, the absence of bass guitar, and the tediousness of some tracks.
This album is often underrated in Metallica’s discography, as it is sandwiched between two classics: Master Of Puppets and the Black Album. It is a great example of progressive thrash metal and deserves more recognition, but it is not as accessible or enjoyable as their other works. I appreciate the album for its ambition and intensity, but I prefer to listen to their more balanced and dynamic albums. Therefore, I give it a solid 3 stars out of 5.
Neu!
4/5
I have never heard of this band before, but being a fan of post-rock bands like Sigur Rós and Mogwai, I quickly saw this as a big influence on their sound. The album is divided into two distinct halves, each showcasing a different side of the band’s experimental style.
The first half of the album is more ambient and melodic, with soothing synths, piano, and guitar creating a dreamy atmosphere. The opening track “Isi” is a perfect example of this, with its hypnotic rhythm and ethereal sounds. The second track “Seeland” is a slow and somber piece, with mournful guitar lines and sparse percussion. The third track “Leb’ Wohl” is a farewell song, with spoken vocals over waves and piano.
The second half of the album is more aggressive and energetic, with distorted guitars, fast drums, and punk vocals. The fourth track “Hero” is a proto-punk anthem, with Klaus Dinger screaming over a wall of noise. The fifth track “E-Musik” is a 10-minute groove, with a catchy bass line and funky guitar riffs. The sixth track “After Eight” is a reprise of “Hero”, but even more chaotic and wild.
I love the contrast between the two halves of the album, as it shows the versatility and creativity of the band. However, I prefer the first half more, as it is more relaxing and immersive. I think this is a hugely influential and important album in the history of rock music, as it paved the way for genres like post-rock, ambient, punk, and new wave.
It deserves to be in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die1, but it isn’t quite a masterpiece in every part. Some tracks are too long or repetitive, and some vocals are too harsh or unintelligible. I would give it a solid 4/5 rating, and recommend it to anyone who likes experimental and adventurous music.
The Cure
5/5
Disintegration by the Cure is a gothic rock masterpiece that explores the themes of depression, betrayal, and love. The album captures the dark and gloomy mood of Robert Smith, the lead singer and songwriter. The music is haunting and hypnotic, with layers of guitars, keyboards, and drums creating a rich and complex sound. The vocals are emotional and expressive, conveying the pain and despair of the lyrics.
I have listened to some of the Cure's previous albums, but I never really understood their appeal until I heard Disintegration. This album blew me away with its depth and intensity. It made me feel things that I had never felt before. It made me want to revisit their other albums and appreciate them in a new light. Disintegration is not just an album, it's an experience. It's a journey into the dark side of the human soul. It's a masterpiece that deserves five stars.
The Electric Prunes
3/5
Another band Iv never heard of before today.
I enjoyed this album for its catchy melodies, fuzzy guitars, organ solos, and vocal effects. It has a lot of charm and personality, and it captures the spirit of the 60s. However, I also found some of the songs to be too formulaic or silly. I think there are other psychedelic rock albums that are more innovative and memorable than this one.
I would give this album a 3/5 rating. It is a worthwhile listen for fans of psychedelic rock, but it is not a masterpiece or a must-have. It is a fun and lively album, but it also has some flaws and limitations.
Depeche Mode
4/5
Violator is the first Depeche Mode album that I have listened to, and I was blown away by it.
The album has a dark and captivating atmosphere, with lyrics that are powerful and provocative. The production is also superb, blending electronic and rock elements in a unique and innovative way. The album reminded me of The Cure’s Disintegration (probably because I reviewed it yesterday), which I also loved and gave a perfect score. Violator may not be flawless, but it is definitely one of the best albums of the 80s (even though it came out in 1990). I would give it a 4 out of 5, one I’ll be coming back to.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
2/5
I remember the songs Scooby Snacks and Fun Lovin’ Criminal from my youth. They were not my favourites back then, but they had a catchy vibe.
However, listening to the whole album now, I now realise how bad it is. I have no idea how it ended up in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
Rap rock is a genre that has not aged well, and this album is one of the worst examples I have listened to recently. The lyrics are cheesy, the music is bland and the vocals are annoying. The only redeeming quality is that it is not too long, so it does not torture you for too long. It barely deserves two stars out of five.
Ray Charles
3/5
Really soild album from one of the early pioneers of popular music. Charles showcases a unique blend of blues, jazz soul and gospel. But in comparison to modern music this does feel a bit dated now. One that’s worth a listen but won’t be making my frequent rotation list.
Dead Kennedys
2/5
I had high hopes for this album, as I am a fan of punk rock. However, I was disappointed by the lack of originality and creativity in this debut album by the Dead Kennedys. The songs sound like a poor imitation of the Sex Pistols. The music is fast and loud, but also monotonous and repetitive. The vocals are shrill and annoying, and the production is poor and amateurish. The only song that stands out is “California Über Alles”, which is a catchy and sarcastic satire of the hippie culture and the political situation in California. The rest of the album is forgettable and boring, and the final track, a cover of “Viva Las Vegas”, is a terrible way to end the album. It is a mockery of the original song, with distorted vocals, distorted guitars, and distorted lyrics. I would not recommend this album to anyone, unless they are a hardcore fan of the Dead Kennedys or punk rock in general. I give it 2 out of 5 stars.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
This is a good Neil Young album and important as it’s his first with his backing band crazy horse. The album showcases Young’s distinctive guitar style, blending folk, rock, and country influences. The songs are catchy and anthemic, but also have a raw and spontaneous edge, reflecting Young’s personal and artistic struggles at the time. The album contains some of his most iconic tracks, such as Cinnamon Girl, Down by the River, and Cowgirl in the Sand. Enjoyable listen but he has better albums and this wouldn’t be his masterpiece by any means. 3 stars out of 5.
Django Django
4/5
Django Django is a band that deserves more attention.
Their self-titled debut album, released in 2012, is a refreshing and original mix of genres and influences, from surf rock to synth-pop, from folk to funk. The album showcases the band’s talent for crafting memorable melodies, intricate rhythms, and playful lyrics, while also experimenting with different sounds and textures. The album is full of surprises and twists, such as the spaghetti western-inspired “Hail Bop”, the hypnotic and groovy “Waveforms”, the quirky and catchy “Default”, and the epic and atmospheric “Skies Over Cairo”. The album also features some more subdued and introspective moments, such as the tender and harmonious “Hand of Man”, the dreamy and nostalgic “Love’s Dart”, and the elegant and refined “Silver Rays”. The album is a cohesive and coherent whole, with each song complementing and enhancing the others. The band’s production is also impressive, as they manage to create a rich and diverse sonic landscape with minimal instrumentation and equipment.
The album is a testament to the band’s creativity, versatility, and originality, and a delight for the ears of any music lover. Django Django is an album that I will keep coming back to, and I give it 4 stars out of 5
Frank Black
3/5
As a Pixies fan, I was curious to check out Frank Black’s solo work. Teenager of the Year is his second solo album, released in 1994, and it features 22 tracks of eclectic rock music. The album title and cover immediately put me off but apparently they are inspired by a magazine contest that Black won when he was a teenager.
The album has some great songs, such as Headache, Speedy Marie, and Freedom Rock, that showcase Black’s distinctive vocals, witty lyrics, and catchy melodies. However, it also has some filler tracks, such as Fazer Eyes, The Hostess with the Mostest, and Superabound, that drag down the overall quality and coherence of the album. The album could have benefited from some editing and trimming, as it feels too long and uneven at times.
Teenager of the Year is a good album, but not a great one. It has some flashes of brilliance, but also some dull moments. It is not as memorable or consistent as the Pixies’ albums, which I stick to in the future.
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
Bitch where you when I was walkin'?
Now I run the game got the whole world talkin', King Kunta
With To Pimp a Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar has created a modern day masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of hip-hop. The album is a musical and lyrical tour de force, exploring the complex realities of African American life and culture in the 21st century.
He combines diverse influences, from jazz and funk to spoken word and soul, to craft a rich and innovative sound that showcases his poetic prowess and social consciousness. The album tackles themes such as racism, oppression, self-love, depression, and redemption, with honesty, courage, and creativity.
In addition, the album features some stunning singles, such as “King Kunta”, “Alright”, “u”, and “The Blacker the Berry”, which are up there with Kendrick’s best. For instance, “King Kunta” is a powerful homage to his roots and influences, while “u” is a heartbreaking confession of his inner struggles and guilt.
To Pimp a Butterfly is not just an album, it is a cultural phenomenon that will resonate with generations to come. It is a work of art that deserves to be studied and celebrated for its artistic excellence and its profound message. This album is a masterpiece that earns 5 stars. Thank God for Rap.
Stan Getz
4/5
This album is a brilliant fusion of jazz and bossa nova, showcasing the best of both musical worlds. It features some of the most iconic songs of the genre, such as "The Girl from Ipanema", "Desafinado", and "Corcovado", which are recognisable as have been covered by many artists over the years. I can see why the album was a huge commercial success, becoming one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time.
The performances are flawless, creating a smooth and elegant sound that blends the coolness of jazz with the warmth of Brazilian rhythms. This album is a masterpiece of jazz and world music, and a landmark in the history of bossa nova. An album Iv now added to my frequent rotation list, I give it 4 stars out of 5.
New York Dolls
4/5
New York Dolls is a landmark album that paved the way for punk rock and glam rock, blending raw energy, catchy hooks, and outrageous style. I would describe it as The Rolling Stones meets Punk meets Glam Rock.
This album was ahead of its time and influenced many bands and artists that followed, such as the Sex Pistols, the Ramones, Kiss, or Guns N’ Roses. It challenged the trend of musical sophistication and virtuosity in popular music, particularly progressive rock, and embraced a more simple and direct approach.
A classic and deserves a lot of respect for its originality, influence, and impact. It is is a cracker of an album, that comes out the traps fighting, mixing glam rock with what would become to be known as punk music.
Though stand alone It’s not a perfect album with a few filler tracks in there. But the album is a must-listen for any fan of punk or rock music. I give it 4 stars out of 5.
The Last Shadow Puppets
2/5
This isn't a bad album, but I'm not sure why it is in the book. It would make more sense if the book was called 1001 Albums to Listen to from the 00s.
It is strange to have only one Arctic Monkeys album on the list, but also include a Last Shadow Puppets album. I would prefer AM, Favourite Worst Nightmare, and Humbug over this album. For that reason, I can only give this album two stars.
Mekons
3/5
I was skeptical when I heard this was a punk country album, but I was pleasantly surprised by how creative and innovative it was. It must have been a groundbreaking album when it came out in 1985.
The lyrics are strong and deal with the dark realities of war and oppression. However, some of the country elements feel a bit cheesy and out of place. This is an album worth listening to at least once, but I don't think I'll revisit it often. I give it three stars out of five.
Röyksopp
2/5
This album begins with a bang, featuring two of Röyksopp’s most iconic songs, “Eple” and “Poor Leno”. However, the rest of the tracks fail to maintain the same level of excitement and innovation, and end up sounding like generic ambient music. While the album is not bad as a background soundtrack, I don’t consider it an album you should listen to before you die.
Mott The Hoople
2/5
There is already too many Bowie albums
On the list, therefore we don’t need albums from cheap imitation's either.
Talk Talk
5/5
I’m a fan of Spirt of Eden so was excited to see a Talk Talk album this morning but then at the same time disappointed to find out Spirit of Eden isn’t on the list.
This is a more accessible album than Spirit of Eden, as it still retains some of the 80s synth-pop elements of their previous work. However, it also explores more complex and diverse musical styles, such as jazz, art pop and ambient. The album is beautifully produced, with a rich and layered sound that reflects Talk Talk’s experimental approach and artistic vision. The Colour of Spring is a sonic stepping stone that transcends the boundaries of genre and time.
Stand alone this album is a soild 4 stars out of 5, but because the spirit of Eden followed this and it’s not on the list, I’m going to give this album the full 5 stars to make up for that injustice.
The Yardbirds
4/5
No Clapton, No problem.
This album is a great showcase of the Yardbirds' blues and psychedelic rock sound, with Jeff Beck's guitar work being the highlight. The songs are catchy, energetic and diverse, ranging from hard rockers like "Over Under Sideways Down" and "Happenings Ten Years Time Ago" to mellow ballads like "Turn into Earth" and "Ever Since the World Began".
The album is not flawless, as some tracks are less memorable than others, and the production is a bit dated by today's standards. However, it is still a very enjoyable and influential album that deserves recognition as one of the best of the 60s. I give it 4 stars out of 5.
Wire
5/5
An absolute cult punk classic, this album is up there with the best from 1977, which says a lot given the level of music that came out that year. To name a few, Marquee Moon, Never Mind the Bollocks, Rumours, Low, The Clash, The Stranger, Lust for Life, are some of the albums that make 1977 one of the best years in music in my opinion.
The songs are short but impactful. You need to listen to the album to appreciate them. Songs in isolation are not long enough, but together in the album they just flow. This is impressive given the rawness of the music.
This album is a five-star punk masterpiece and so underrated. More people need to hear this album.
The Doors
5/5
The Doors’ self-titled debut album is a sonic journey that captures the essence of the sixties. Even though I was not born in that era, I can imagine the psychedelic atmosphere, the rebellious spirit, and the poetic expression that defined it.
This album is a masterpiece that showcases the Doors’ unique blend of rock, blues, and jazz, as well as the charismatic vocals and lyrics of Jim Morrison. It is hard to believe that this was their first album, as it contains some of their most iconic songs, such as “Light My Fire”, “Break On Through”, and “The End”. I think this album is one of the greatest debut albums of all time, and one of those must albums have for anyone’s record collection. 5 stars.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
I have to admit that I'm not a big fan of Leonard Cohen, except for his final album You Want It Darker, which I think is a masterpiece. So when I heard that I'm Your Man had a lot of synthesizers in it, I didn’t have high hopes.
However, I was surprised to find that I actually enjoyed some of the songs on this album, especially the ones where Cohen's deep voice and witty lyrics creates a dark and moody atmosphere. Unfortunately, the album also has some flaws, such as the cheesy backing vocals and the almost cheap sounding backing tracks.
I think this album is worth a listen, but I can understand why some people will hate it. I give it 3 stars out of 5.
2/5
Another country album that I didn’t enjoy. I do feel a bit sorry for poor Loretta though, sounds like she’s been with a lot of terrible men.
Snoop Dogg
3/5
One of the classic west coast gangsta rap albums, Snoop Dogg’s debut album Doggystyle showcases his smooth flow and distinctive voice over the funky beats produced by Dr. Dre. The album is not quite up to the same standard as Dre’s The Chronic, but it is still a landmark in hip-hop history.
The album features some of the most memorable tracks of the genre, such as Gin and Juice, Who Am I (What’s My Name)?, and Murder Was the Case.
However, the album also suffers from some of the common flaws of 90s rap albums, such as outdated and misogynistic lyrics, and cringey and unnecessary skits. Some of the songs are hard to listen to in the present day, as they glorify violence, drugs, and sexism.
Overall, I believe this album is worth a listen and should be appreciated for its historical and musical significance and its beats that still sound fresh 30 years on, but it should also be critically challenged for some of its problematic messages. I give it 3 stars out of 5
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
This is the best Dinosaur Jr album I have ever heard. I have listened to some of their other albums, given that I’m a fan of a lot of similar indie noise rock groups (Pixies, Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, Nirvana). It’s surprising I haven’t spent more time with Dinosaur Jr.
This album hits the brief of being abrasive and noisy raw emotion but with catchy melodies.
Great album that fits the mould of a 4 star album that will make my frequent rotation list.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Exile on Main St. is a stunning double album that showcases the Rolling Stones’ musical diversity and creativity. It is a rock and roll masterpiece that features elements of blues, country, soul and gospel. The album is one of their best works, as it captures their raw and authentic sound, their rebellious and eclectic spirit, with lyrical themes of exile, alienation and survival.
Personally, I prefer Sticky Fingers to this album, as I think it is more concise and focused plus more hits always helps.
However, that does not take away anything from the greatness of Exile on Main St., which deserves a full 5 stars rating.
The Charlatans
4/5
I want to start this review by giving the lead singer Tim Burgess a special shout out. Anyone enjoying this project should also check out Tim’s twitter listening parties (you can reply a lot of them on his website), something he started during Covid lockdowns and what got me back into listening to full albums, which then lead to me starting this project.
Anyways on to the review….
The Charlatans are one of the underrated bands from the Britpop era. To me, Telling Stories is a captivating and energetic album that showcases their musical talent and diversity. However, I can appreciate that those who do not like Britpop might think this is very average or bland. Musically, I was impressed by this album. The standout track was their biggest hit, One to Another, which has a catchy chorus and a powerful guitar riff.
This album is already in my frequent rotation of Britpop albums, so I might be biased. I give it 4 stars out of 5.
Nirvana
5/5
Nevermind is more than just an album, it is a cultural phenomenon. Nirvana captured the spirit of a generation with their raw, powerful, and honest music. I have been a fan of Nirvana since I was a teenager, and I still admire their courage and creativity to this day. This album is timeless, it sounds as fresh and relevant as ever. Every song is a classic, from the iconic Smells Like Teen Spirit to the haunting Something in the Way. Nevermind is the masterpiece of alternative rock, and one of my all-time favourite albums.
I couldn’t not give this 5 stars.
John Lennon
4/5
Imagine is an album that deserves to be heard, not just for its iconic title track, but for its range of emotions and musical styles. Lennon explores his personal and political views, his love and his anger, his hope and his despair. The songs are honest, raw, and sometimes controversial. Jealous Guy and I Don’t Want to Be a Soldier are haunting and vulnerable, while Give Me Some Truth and How Do You Sleep? are biting and sarcastic. The latter song is a harsh attack on his former bandmate Paul McCartney, which may seem unfair, but also reflects Lennon’s inner turmoil.
The album is not perfect, nor is it Lennon’s best work, which he achieved with the Beatles. It sometimes borders on being too self-indulgent or preachy, but it also has moments of beauty and brilliance. It is a snapshot of a complex and fascinating artist. 4 stars out of 5.
Talvin Singh
2/5
OK is an album that blends Indian and electronic music, but it failed to impress me. I found the fusion of genres a bit dull, and the tracks lacked coherence and melody.
I don’t think I will ever listen to this album again, as I am not a fan of either Indian or electronic music. This album might appeal to some listeners who enjoy experimental and eclectic sounds, but it was not my cup of tea. 2 stars.
Brian Wilson
4/5
Smile is the long-awaited almost mythical follow-up to Pet Sounds. It showcases Brian Wilson's musical genius and emotional turmoil. The poor man suffered a mental breakdown during the recording process, which delayed the release for decades. Listening to this album is a way of honoring his artistic vision and personal struggle.
Compared to Pet Sounds, Smile is less cohesive and more experimental, but also more ambitious and adventurous. It features some of the most beautiful and complex songs ever written, such as "Good Vibrations", "Surf's Up", and "Heroes and Villains". It is an artistic statement that deserves a place in the history of music, even if it is not as flawless as its predecessor. I give it 4 stars out of 5.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
Darkland is an album that I often listen to, so this review may be biased.
I think this is a brilliant example of Scottish noise pop. The album has a captivating and immersive quality, and some of the songs, such as April Skies and Happy When It Rains, are really outstanding.
However, I do think that this album is not as good as Psychocandy, their debut album even though both sound very different. I prefer the live drums of Bobby Gillespie over the drum machine used here, and I also like the more abrasive and noisy sound of their first album. This album is still a great melodic album, but not their masterpiece. I give it 4 stars out of 5.
The Fall
3/5
This is my third Fall album and I think it’s a good one, but not as good as their later albums that I enjoyed more. This album sounds a bit more messy and raw, which might appeal to some fans of the post-punk genre.
I wonder if this album is essential to listen to, considering that there are other albums by The Fall on the list of albums to listen to before you die. However, I was impressed by the fact that this album was recorded in just one day, which shows the talent and creativity of the band also live at the witch trials is a great name for an album. I would give this album 3 stars out of 5.
Elvis Costello
2/5
I recently gave this years model 5 stars. I don’t think this album lives up to that masterpiece or even armed forces which I gave 4 stars. It’s not a bad album but given those two are already on the list, I don’t think this needs to be here. Hence 2 stars.
Genesis
3/5
Through my parents I grew up listening to Phil Collins Genesis, which made me dislike their pop rock style. However, I find their earlier prog rock albums more interesting, and I am a big fan of Peter Gabriel’s solo work. His latest album i/o was finally released yesterday, id highly recommend it to anyone who likes his music, hopefully makes futures cuts of the 1001 list.
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway is one of Peter Gabriel’s last albums with Genesis, and it is a very ambitious and creative project, in my opinion his best with the group. It is a double album that tells the story of Rael, a young man who goes on a surreal adventure in New York City, facing various challenges and temptations. The album explores themes such as identity, sexuality, religion, and society, using a variety of musical genres and styles.
However, I have some issues with the album that prevent it from being a favoruite. First of all, I think the album is too long and repetitive, and it could have been edited down to a single album or a shorter double album. Some of the songs are filler and do not add much to the story or the music. For example, songs like The Waiting Room, The Light Dies Down on Broadway, and The Colony of Slippermen are boring and unnecessary, and they drag the album down.
Secondly, I think the album is too typical and clichéd of the prog rock genre. The album relies heavily on the keyboards, which sound dated and cheesy, and create a bland and monotonous atmosphere. The album also uses a lot of common tropes and devices of the genre, such as complex and obscure lyrics, long and indulgent instrumental sections, and obscure and pretentious references. I feel this sort of album just gives fans of Star Trek a big hard on.
Therefore, I would give the album a solid 3 stars out of 5, and I would say that it is an album that you should listen to before you die, but will only really enjoy if you are interested in the history and evolution of Genesis and Peter Gabriel, or if you are a fan of prog rock and concept albums. However, I prefer Peter Gabriel’s solo work.
Throbbing Gristle
3/5
At time of writing, this album has the second lowest rating on the website, very quickly I realise why. This is very far from mainstream music, I’m sure a lot of low score reviews will say this isn’t music.
My view is this album is a challenging but rewarding listen, as it showcases the experimental nature and the wide-ranging sound of Throbbing Gristle.
Some of the songs are more accessible, like “AB/7A”, which has a catchy groove and a hypnotic vocal. Some of the songs are more difficult, like “Home Time”, which features a distorted voice and a chaotic noise collage. But the album is different and genre-defining, as it inspired many artists in the industrial and electronic music scenes, such as Nine Inch Nails. I appreciate the adventurousness and the innovation of this album, but I don’t think I will revisit it often.
It deserves to be in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, as it is a landmark of the industrial genre and a unique musical expression. I give it three stars out of five, mostly for its originality and influence.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
This album is the second masterpiece from the Velvet Underground, and I personally enjoy it more than their debut album with Nico, even though I appreciate is more historically significant.
The songs on this album are beautifully written and have a more accessible sound, with mellow and reflective melodies and lyrics. Some of my favourite songs are “Pale Blue Eyes”, “What Goes On”, “Beginning to See the Light”, and “The Murder Mystery”. The last song adds a bit of experimental flair to the album, with its split channels and overlapping vocals. This album showcases the talent and versatility of Lou Reed, and I give it the full five stars.
Aimee Mann
2/5
First song got my attention, rest of the album is very mediocre 90s pop rock with a country twang, not one for me.
John Martyn
2/5
I had listened to Solid Air before through this project, and I loved it, so I was excited to hear One World based on how much I enjoyed that album.
However, this one just doesn't hit the same way for me. I'm not sure why, but it doesn't have the same jazz atmosphere throughout and feels a bit more middle of the road. It's not an album that I'll come back to, but as a positive it did make me listen to Solid Air again today. 2 stars.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Just a Great fun American rock album, with some great songs, starts off great, but last couple of songs being I’m more instrumental drags the album down from a masterpiece in my eyes. Great band though almost underrated in the UK vs the other 60s greats.
Bob Dylan
5/5
Highway 61 Revisited is not only my second favourite Bob Dylan album, after Blonde on Blonde, but also one of the most influential albums of all time.
It marks Dylan's transition from acoustic folk to electric rock, and showcases his brilliant and poetic lyrics. The album opens with the iconic "Like a Rolling Stone", a six-minute anthem of alienation and liberation, and closes with the epic "Desolation Row", a surreal and haunting portrait of a dystopian society. The songs in between are equally stunning, featuring memorable characters, stories, and melodies.
Highway 61 Revisited is a masterpiece of 60s rock and songwriting, and a testament to Dylan's genius and vision.
Malcolm McLaren
2/5
Can see why this would have been an important album for British Hip Hop, but don’t think it makes for an enjoyable listen, all a bit all over the place, not one I’ll rush back too.
Daft Punk
5/5
Love daft punk, this is a great album, with some great songs and a great flow. but I’d rank discovery and even random access memory’s over it. But they are not on the list, so like queens of the Stone Age, I’m going to give this album the full 5 stars on the basis of Daft Punk have a number of albums deserving of this list that have missed out. Ranking on this album below id give it 4 stars.
Bauhaus
2/5
Given this one a few gos, I don’t hate it, but really just getting a poor man’s Joy division from to it, going for the same vibe but doesn’t produced the same level of production so just doesn’t work as well. Not one I’d be recommending to people hence doesn’t make the criteria of deserving being on the list.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
One of the very few exceptions I’ll
Make to a long album, this is Stevie’s true masterpiece. It’s just filled to the brim of brilliance. One of the best of all time.
Emmylou Harris
2/5
A country music album of covers, didn’t have high hopes for this one. Emmylou does have a nice voice, but this won’t convert me to be a country fan.
The Police
3/5
Good album, probably Police best, and one you should take your time to listen too, but it’s not great, and I feel Police are one of those groups who have a number of great singles spread over a few of their albums. But if you need to listen to one police album it should be this one. But won’t be making my frequent rotation list anytime soon.
Christina Aguilera
2/5
Easy for music snobs to slate this album. It was huge at the time and clearly influenced a lot of female pop stars, and marked a huge change in Christina’s image. It’s also very well produced. But still isn’t my cup of tea and not sure it’s really an album you need to listen to in 2023
Tom Waits
4/5
Really enjoyed this, first time listening and to be honest was wondering if this list needed another Tom Waits album, but this sits neatly between his early piano based albums and when he started being more experimental. This makes for a great but not perfect album of jazz blues and story telling.
Roxy Music
4/5
Brian Enos last album with Roxy Music, it’s a good one, the right side of prog rock and art rock. Maybe not the easiest listen but an album than can open up after a while.
Butthole Surfers
3/5
Was expecting to hate this album, given the name of the band and the low rating on this sight, pleasantly surprised, I enjoyed a lot of the noise aspects of this album, actually holds together pretty well, given this is different to all the Brit pop and 60s rock/pop bloating this list, I believe this deserves its place on the list, just not quiet up to the standards of Sonic Youth or Pixies in making noise rock. 3 stars.
Justice
4/5
Played this album to death when I was at Uni, love it still and listening to it today just takes me back to those clubbing days, up there with the best of electro house. Added back to my permanent rotation.
Pink Floyd
5/5
The Dark Side of the Moon is not just a rock album, it is an epic musical journey that explores the human condition in all its facets.
From the existential angst of Time to the soulful lament of The Great Gig in the Sky, this album is a sonic masterpiece that showcases the band’s creativity and innovation.
I love to listen to it on high-quality speakers or headphones, as it reveals new details and nuances every time. It may not appeal to everyone, but for me, it is the perfect album to unwind with after a long day. I like to turn off the lights, pour myself a glass of whisky, and immerse myself in the sounds and emotions of this classic album, 5 stars.
The Avalanches
3/5
Great album, recognised a couple of songs, great example of modern sampling and probably influenced a lot of hip hop that followed, just got a little repetitive so not one I’ll add to my rotation, but an album you should listen to.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
Another Elivs Costello album and this one does not need to be on the list, not a terrible album, but come on the man has enough already, give someone else a chance,
Grateful Dead
2/5
Meh never really got the appeal of the grateful dead. This album hasn’t helped that.
David Bowie
2/5
A poor man’s Ziggy Pop, which doesn’t make this a bad album, but given the amount of Bowie albums already on the list, this one can be skipped.
Nico
2/5
I can tolerate Nicos vocals on the VU album, but a whole album of her and the flute, string arrangement is awful. Reading she was discontent with the flute added by the producer without her permission makes me respect her a little more. Overall not one I’ll rush back to, but enough not to give the 1 star rating.
Pink Floyd
4/5
The Wall is one of the most influential concept albums ever made. It tells the story of Pink, a rock star who isolates himself from the world behind a wall of alienation and trauma. The album is a musical and lyrical journey that explores themes of abandonment, oppression, madness, and self-destruction. The Wall is also a reflection of Pink Floyd’s own history, as the band members struggled with personal and professional issues during the recording process.
The album features some of the band’s most iconic songs, such as “Another Brick in the Wall,”, “Hey You”, and “Comfortably Numb”.
However, the album is not without its flaws. I think The Wall is too long, too pretentious, and too self-indulgent, and just doesn’t live up to their previous masterpieces, Wish You Were Here and The Dark Side of the Moon.
Despite these criticisms, The Wall remains a landmark in the history of rock music, and a testament to Pink Floyd’s artistic vision and ambition. I give it a solid 4 stars out of 5
Deee-Lite
3/5
Grove is in the heart does carry this album, but the rest of it really is a good fun 90s dance album, glad I listened but not one I’ll come back to regularly.
Sepultura
3/5
Arise is a solid thrash metal album that showcases Sepultura's evolution from their death metal roots. It features influences from hardcore punk, industrial metal, and tribal drumming, creating a diverse and powerful sound.
However, compared to their later masterpiece Roots, Arise falls a bit short in terms of originality and variety. Some of the songs sound too similar and lack the memorable hooks and riffs that make Roots stand out.
Arise is still a great album that deserves a listen from any metal fan and to be within the book, but it is not the best representation of Sepultura's creativity and innovation.
Meat Puppets
3/5
Like the majority of people I heard about the meat puppets through the nirvana unplugged album. But this was the first time I have actually got round to listening to them. Good scuzzy punk album. Glad Iv now listened will I come back, maybe time will tell, for now it’s just a 3 out of 5.
The Zutons
4/5
Another 00’s group I’ll give a bias rating too because I’m a big fan of the Zutons and think they are very underrated. Not an album I’d recommend to everyone but one I enjoy myself and always come back to, so 4 stars.
The Young Gods
3/5
A group and album Iv never heard of, this was interesting both in soundscape and French vocals. Glad I listened and deserves its place on the list, but not sure I’ll be rushing back.
Incredible Bongo Band
3/5
Enjoyed this, never heard of the group or album before but some parts of songs are so recognisable they have clearly been sampled. Glad I listened but not one I’ll add to my frequent rotation.
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
Mediocre 90’s punk rock, didn’t do anything for me.
Nick Drake
4/5
I discovered Nick Drake through this project, Pink Moon has become one of my favourite albums, this his debut is also really good and a beautiful/sad album, but not quite his masterpiece.
TLC
3/5
Enjoyed this much more than I expected didnt think TLC had much more than their big singles. This is a top 90’s female hip hop album, with a couple of annoying skits as standard. Not one I’ll add to my rotation, but worthy of its place on the list.
Waylon Jennings
3/5
Nothing disappoints me more than seeing another country album on this list each morning, even more so if it contains the words honky tonk.
With this album I had low expectations, given that I didn’t completely hate it. A couple of songs actually grew on me. So I’d put this down as if you like country you should listen to this, so sneaks a 3 just…
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
3/5
“ Described as "one of the most harrowing documents of pain and confusion ever made", the album was recorded after Spence had spent six months in Bellevue Hospital. Spence had been committed to Bellevue following a delusion-driven attempt to attack Moby Grape bandmates Don Stevenson and Jerry Miller with a fire axe.”
Sounds like an album I need to listen to…
Having read a bit more about Skip I do pitty him, drummer of Jefferson airplane and co-founder of Moby Grape he had the world at his feet but the quote by his biographer really sums it up.
“neither died young nor had a chance to find his way out."
As expected the album itself is pretty miserable, it is full of haunting and melancholic moments, such as the opening track “Little Hands”, where Spence sings “I feel like a little old man” over a sparse guitar, or the eerie “Weighted Down (The Prison Song)”, where he laments “I’m weighted down by sorrow/I’m weighted down by fear”. Some songs are more upbeat and catchy, such as the country-tinged “Cripple Creek” or the bluesy “Diana”, but they still have a sense of sadness and loneliness underneath. The album ends with the haunting “Grey/Afro”, a 10-minute instrumental that features Spence playing a distorted guitar over a drum machine, creating a hypnotic and unsettling soundscape, this song feels so ahead of its time and is the highlight of the album.
Overall the album is just a bit too country for my tastes. But still intriguing. One of those I’m glad Iv taken the time to listen, but won’t be a regular, so 3/5.
David Bowie
4/5
Not a Bowie album I’m familiar with but Station to Station is a transitional album for David Bowie, bridging the gap between his soul, glam, and experimental phases. It is also one of his most unswerving and accomplished records, with no filler in its six tracks.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this album, even though I'm not very familiar with it. It showcases Bowie's versatility and creativity, as well as his troubled state of mind at the time.
It may not be his absolute masterpiece, but it is definitely up there with his best. Will be added to my rotation.
Kelela
2/5
A recent album that Iv never actually heard of. Probably just isn’t my type of music but this really did nothing for me. Not sure why it’s on the list, I’d bet it’s removed in future versions of the book.
Christina Aguilera
2/5
Was surprised to see dirty on the list even more shocked to see this album. Very different to dirty but more just a throwback to older music, remember the hits at the time but don’t think this has stood the test of time.
Morrissey
2/5
Meh this album has a few good points but then gets rather dull. Not sure we need this Morrissey album on the list, giveb3 smiths albums are on the list and 4 solo albums a few could be cut. This being one of them
Elliott Smith
5/5
First time listening to this album, and wow it is beautiful and painful at the same time, you really feel Elliott’s pain and emotions.
I appreciated him before from songs I had heard but sitting listening to this now I feel I get it. This is his masterpiece. Such a talent. Five stars.
Koffi Olomide
2/5
This was an upbeat good world/disco album, was swaying between and 2 or a 3, but the fact the man raped a 15 year old dancer sways any good feels I was going to give him, fair play to anyone separating the art from the artist, always harder to do when you know about the artist before embracing the art.
Queen Latifah
3/5
Good 80’s hip hop album, but really does just feel dated now, has not lasted the test of time well, but was clearly influential. So probably earns its place on the list to get a 3 star rating.
Ryan Adams
2/5
I’m not that familiar with Ryan Adams music, just that he covered wonderwall and is a massive dickhead. So didn’t go into this with high expectations, music alone I was pleasantly surprised. Enjoyable album, but would I recommend folk listen to it before they die? Doubt it.
Iron Butterfly
3/5
Soild 60s rock album, deserves its place on the list. Actually enjoyed the other songs more than there big hit which I think just drags a little at 17 mins long. And
That is hat drags this album from a 4 down to a 3.
Einstürzende Neubauten
3/5
Always enjoy these interesting industrial noise albums to a certain extent. This one can be added to the pile of glad I listened but won’t be rushing back.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
Always seen Dexy Midnight Runners as a one hit wonder, but this album proves they were more than that.
Holger Czukay
3/5
Strange different and influential, ticks a lot of boxes for an album to be included on this list.
4/5
I had never heard of X before this morning.
After a couple of listens I’m under the opinion that Wild gift is a punk rock gem. The album is full of energy, passion, and originality, thanks to the distinctive vocals of Exene Cervenka and the rockabilly-inspired guitar of Billy Zoom. The songs are catchy, fast, and diverse, exploring themes of love, desperation, and rebellion.
Some of the Punk Purists might argue that this is not punk, but I think it’s a refreshing and innovative take on the genre that expands its boundaries and possibilities.
This is one of those albums that I will listen to over and over again, and I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
4/5
This album seems to have a lot of negativity on this site. So I didn’t have high hopes, but went in with an open mind.
The opening scream was immediately off putting. But after that the album really picks up and to be honest a mix between punk/psychedelic/blues is right up my street. Really enjoyed this album. So raw but so many hooks to keep you going but yeah some of the lyrics are a bit immature. Overall I think this is a
Great album which is now added to my frequent rotation. Reminds me a lot of black pistol fire, who must of been influenced by this. 4 stars out of 5.
Happy Mondays
2/5
I Really enjoyed pills and thrills, this one just isn’t as good, and therefore probably doesn’t need to be on the list.
The Roots
3/5
Never heard of the roots before, so wasn’t sure what to expect going into this. But this really is a great hip hop album that was pushing the boundaries of its time. Just a bit on the long side but apart from
That a great album and deserves to be on the list.
Digital Underground
2/5
Really dated hip hop, not sure why this needs to be on the list.
Bob Dylan
3/5
A Bob Dylan album I’m not familiar with, given this came out late 90s for a man who was in his peak in the 60’s I didn’t have high hopes. Funnily though I recognise a few songs off this album, one probably thanks to Adele.
This is actually a really good album and would mark a return to form for Dylan. I’m sure at the time it would have be marketed as his best since blood on the tracks.
Glad I listened and this deserves to be on the list, will I come back to it? Probably not I’m more likely to stick on classic Dylan.
King Crimson
3/5
Soild prog rock album, first song is epic, but think the album struggles a little in the middle. Glad I listened and deserves to be on the list, but don’t think it will be an album I return too.
Robbie Williams
2/5
Wasn’t expecting a Robbie album to be on the list, everyone’s mum in the UK in the 90’s probably bought this album. So it probably has some merit. To be fair the singles from the album are strong, old before I die, angels, let me entertain you.
But the rest of the album is generic pop/rock filler. So I can’t agree with the statement that you should listen to this album before you die, so 2 out of 5.
Miles Davis
5/5
Not only my favourite jazz album, but one of my overall favourite albums of all time.
I just love how an album can be so assessable and sophisticated at the same time. Brilliant soothing back ground music, but sit down and critically listen and you are in for a treat of musical layers of beauty and emotion.
An absolute masterpiece in every sense of the word. 5 stars
Afrika Bambaataa
2/5
One of those probably groundbreaking at the time, but sounds so dated now.
Megadeth
3/5
Mega riffs cheesy lyrics and vocals, classic 80s metal. I don’t think this lives up to rust in peace, but good to have another metal album on the list for something different.
The Thrills
3/5
Completely forgot about this album till it popped up today, enjoyed listening back as it was a favourite of mine back in 2003. Was good to hear it back and probably a little bias in my view it should be on the list, but won’t make my frequent rotation again.
The Byrds
2/5
Iv been look warm to a couple of byrds albums on the list, I believe they have far too many albums. This is the worst one yet. Probably due to my dislike of country music.
I guess country fans would like this and it is different to their other albums on the list, therefore just makes 2 stars.
Prince
3/5
Great funk album clearly
Ahead of its time and influenced so much music after it, but in my opinion
this is just not in the same league as purple rain or sign o’ the times. Which are my
Prince go to albums. I think the songs are just a little too long and self indulgent at times.
Taylor Swift
3/5
Don’t know why this album is on the list over folklore. When folklore came out I was so impressed with it and how much I enjoyed a Taylor swift album, when this came out I gave it one listen thought it sounded very similar to folklore and never came back to it. To be fair if they came out in a different order I might have the complete opposite view.
So I tried to listen with a open mind today, this is a good singer songwriter album, makes my think of Bon iver as a obvious comparison, does it deserve to be on the list, I think considering this and folklore together as two similar albums, yes one of them should most likely be included.
The Teardrop Explodes
3/5
Interesting 80’s post punk album Iv never heard of, just a bit too much 80’s keyboards for my personal preference. But it did come out at the start of the 80’s so il give them leeway and suggest this is an album you should listen to before you die, but I won’t be rushing back.
The Prodigy
4/5
Gutted I got this Sunday morning and not a Friday night. Going to hold of reviewing this until the appropriate moment.
Absolute classic dance album from the 90’s, not quite a masterpiece but really does stand out as a great album,
Def Leppard
3/5
Up there with the best hair metal albums. I’m not a massive fan of hair metal so not one I’ll come back to.
Goldie
2/5
Took me a while to click Goldie is the same Goldie who was a bit of a Z list celebrity back in the 00’s, shocked he actually had an album that made the list.
After listening to the album, I’m still shocked this album is on the list.
Sheryl Crow
3/5
Yep Iv give it to Sheryl this is a catch 90’s rock album, deserves to be listened to before you die. Not one I’ll be adding to my frequent rotation though.
The Monkees
2/5
Interesting Monkees album that doesn’t contain any of their big hits but is the album where they had creative control. If this came out early 60’s I think it would be a comfortable 3 star albums, but given it comes out the same time as stg pepper it’s going to be compared to it, and very quickly feels very dated for late 60’s. Therefore I can’t agree that this album deserves to be on the list.
Nine Inch Nails
5/5
Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails is not just an album, but a sonic journey into the depths of despair and self-destruction.
Recorded in the infamous house where Sharon Tate was murdered, the album reflects the haunting and violent atmosphere of its location. The music is a blend of industrial, rock, and ambient elements, creating a diverse and dynamic soundscape that ranges from aggressive and distorted to calm and melancholic.
The lyrics are raw and honest, expressing the inner turmoil and pain of the protagonist, who spirals down from anger and addiction to depression and suicide.
The album features some of the band's most iconic songs, such as Closer, a twisted love song that samples a heartbeat and a whip, and Hurt, a poignant and powerful ballad that was later covered by Johnny Cash.
Downward Spiral is a masterpiece of musical artistry and emotional intensity, and deserves a full 5 stars.
Soft Machine
2/5
Nope not a fan of most jazz fusion albums Iv tried, a prog rock one is just painful to my ears.
Silver Jews
2/5
Nope really didn’t get this album. Or why it made the list.
Queen
3/5
This isn’t in the same league as night at the opera, but after a couple of listens I appreciate this is a good fun over the top rock album. Killler Queen the obvious stand out, but rest of the album holds up well and the production quality is outstanding for the time. Deserves its place on the list, but not a personal favourite of mine.
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
Interesting and challenging album, glad I listened but not one ill come back to.
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
Up there with the best U.K. indie albums of the 00’s. Probably doesn’t get the credit it deserves due to how overplayed take me out was at the time. Really good to come back to this album today and appreciate it. Franz Ferdinand a very underrated Scottish band in my opinion.
GZA
5/5
I have to admit Iv not listened to much Wu Tang Clan solo output before starting this project so this is another new one to me today.
Another Wu tang solo album by name only given appearance from all the other members on the album. This another very high standard rap album, probably one of their best I heard. Feels like this stands up against the best of 90’s rap.
Love the atmosphere throughout the album, it has a dark, gritty, and cinematic sound that reflects the harsh realities of life in New York, which reminds me a lot of my favourite rap album illmatic.
The album features crisp and intricate production, with samples from kung-fu movies and soul music, and GZA delivers razor-sharp and witty rhymes on topics ranging from chess to crime.
Really enjoyed this and going to suggest
this is a 90’s rap masterpiece, it’s aged better than the Chronic, (also big plus for not having any skits!) and should be held on a par with Ilmatic so gets the full 5 stars from me.
Korn
3/5
I grew up with freak on the leash constantly shown on Kerrange and Scuzz music tv channels.
Listening back now just confirms my view that NuMetal really is just angry music for teenagers. Hasn’t dated well and now as a man with a wife and kids in his mid 30s, I really struggle to relate to it. The album is far too long, repetitive and chaotic. It’s made worse by appearances from Fred durst and Ice cube.
I listened downward spiral last week, which I rated highly and in comparison this album just isn’t anywhere near that level of focus and atmosphere.
Follow the leader is probably one of the best Nu metal albums and a pioneer in the genre but let’s face it, it’s not up against much stiff competition. Just scrapes 3 stars given its genre defining and freak on a leash.
Joan Armatrading
5/5
I’m aware of Joan Armstrong but never actually listened to her music intentionally. Ie only just realised it was her song sang love and affection today.
Great album, hard to believe this came out in the 70’s sounds like it could be a modern singer song writer album. The music is rich and varied, featuring Armatrading’s guitar playing and vocals, as well as contributions from other musicians such as Dave Mattacks, Dave Pegg, and B. J. Cole. The album incorporates elements of folk, rock, blues, and soul, creating a unique and original sound that is both timeless and modern. The album also demonstrates Armatrading’s ability to experiment and innovate, as she uses different instruments and arrangements, such as the saxophone on “Like Fire” and the strings on “Love and Affection”.
In conclusion, Joan Armatrading is a classic and masterpiece album that deserves to be in every music lover’s collection. It is a testament to Armatrading’s skill and creativity as a singer-songwriter and guitarist, and a reflection of her personality and spirit as a woman and an artist.
Immediately added to my permanent rotation. 5 stars.
Garbage
3/5
Soild 90’s alternate rock, worth its place on the list but not an album I’ll rush back to.
X-Ray Spex
3/5
Interesting female punk album, not one I immediately connected with but grew after a few listens.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
3/5
Had no idea what to expect here with such a strange band name, the first song reminded a lot of primal scream. The rest of the album is varied and interesting without completely loving this album, I found it interesting and makes me want to go back for more.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Just a timeless classic swing album from Ol Blue Eyes. Musically in the wee small hours is better, but this is still a great album of the genre and deserves to be on the list and in my frequent rotation when I’m in the mood for a bit of swing.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
Great 80’s post punk album, dark and moody, so right up my street. Don’t know if this is more sonically experimental, or I’m just in a better mood today but I think I prefer this over
Ocean rain and crocodiles. Think I’ll
Need to go back and re listen to the other two. Though I don’t think there needs to be 3 echo and the bunnymen albums on the list, if I had to keep one it would be this one.
Gram Parsons
2/5
Can see why country music fans would appreciate this, but I’m not one of them.
Tortoise
3/5
Good post rock album, but not one that really encapsulated me. Agree should be on the list, but don’t think I’ll be coming back to this the same way I do a mogwai or sigar Rios album.
Anita Baker
2/5
Very middle of the road 80’s soul, not sure why this needs to be on the list.
Robert Wyatt
2/5
Nope found this one a pretty painful listen, prog rock is hard for me at the best of times, but the vocals on this make it a bit unbearable.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Been sitting on this album for a week now, to get time to give it a proper listen it deserves.
This is the best Nick Cave album Iv heard, the first half is perfection 5 stars, slows down a lot in the second half but it’s beautiful, to rate that part separately I’d give it 4 stars, taking the album as a hole it’s just too long in my personal opinion for
Full marks, so a very high 4 stars and a new favourite Nick Cave album for me, though more likely to listen to the first half more than the second in the future.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Great 60s rock album, but just a little too long for my personal preference I prefer Hendrix other 2 albums over this one. Still more than worthy of being on the list. And one I come back to now and again.
Pere Ubu
4/5
This reminded me of a a weirder harsher and uglier version Television? Oh boy sign me up.
Not a perfect album (like Marquee Moon) but one I’ll be coming back to.
Devendra Banhart
3/5
Wasn’t sure on first listen, but second I got it more, great folk album good voice, just quite my personal taste to come back to this frequently but deserves its place on the list.
Jerry Lee Lewis
4/5
Ignoring the fact Jerry Lee Lewis was an Incestious Pedophile.
This is an outstanding live rock n roll album, one of the very best. I normally moan that albums are too long, this is one of the very few albums Iv got to say is just too short.
It only has 8 songs, which is 1 number less than the unfortunate women who were married to Jerry Lee Lewis. And is only 22 mins long, 22 was the age Jerry Lee Lewis was when he bigamously married his 13 year old first cousin.
4 stars
UB40
3/5
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
One of the greatest debuts of all time. Years ahead of its time, a true cultural change moment album.
Björk
3/5
First day listening to this wasn’t in the mood and ready to give it two stars, today I was more in the mood and ready to appreciate the atmospheric feel and sound scale to the album, which changes my view to yes there is room for one more Bjork album on the list, 3 stars
Heaven 17
2/5
Early 80’s so need to give them some credit, but sounds very dated now.
Sparks
3/5
Don’t think Iv ever actually listened to sparks before, this reminds me a lot of the current in the moment band the last dinner party. Really good a theoretical deserves to be on the list.
Femi Kuti
3/5
I initially thought I was listening to a Fela Kuti album and thought it wasn’t as good as the other two albums he had on the list, turns out it’s Femi who is his son. This is still an enjoyable album and worth listening too. But won’t be adding to my frequent rotation.
American Music Club
3/5
Started off thinking I was going to hate this but it grew on me as we went through it, always hard to rate the albums only on YouTube as I don’t get the full experience and not one I’ll comeback to as it’s not on Spotify. But gets the benefit of the doubt and 3 stars
The Beta Band
2/5
Very average indie rock album, not sure why it’s on the list.
John Lennon
4/5
Very raw album, probably Lennons best, it’s not a masterpiece as has some flaws, like the man himself, but still a classic.
Massive Attack
2/5
Nice enough chill album, but not in the same league as massive attacks other albums, so doesn’t need to be on the list.
Death In Vegas
4/5
Enjoyed this, especially the guest appearances from Bobby Gilipse, iggy pop and Jim Ried added to the overall album sound, added to my list.
Prince
5/5
Personally prefer purple rain, but this is still a masterpiece and one of the best ever double albums, just a sprawling musical journey, Prince was a genius.
Primal Scream
3/5
Good album enjoyed it, but not in the same league as screamadlica
James Taylor
3/5
Soild folk rock albums deserves to be on the list.
The Specials
3/5
Good British ska album, but not my cup of tea.
Marilyn Manson
2/5
I have no problem separating the art from the artist, but in this case they are both a piece of shit.
I think it’s Trent Reznor production that saves this from 1 star, but this really is just poor man’s downwards spiral.
The Residents
1/5
860 albums in and I think this one was the closest Iv been to just switching it off. Really didn’t get this album at all was painful to get to the end I never want to relive that again 1 star.
Van Morrison
3/5
I’m not a fan of live albums or double albums. So straight away I’m needing convinced with this one.
Actually as far as live albums go this is pretty good, I still think it’s too long though, but enjoyed this blues covers too. Too long to add to my frequent rotation but deserves to be on the list.
Japan
3/5
Sounds like a standard 80’s album but came out in 79, so got to give them credit of being early pioneers of the sound. Duran Duran clearly influenced by Japan? Deserves to be on the list, but not my
Personal taste.
Giant Sand
3/5
Musically really enjoyed this, the vocals though just cross the line of being Lou Reed inspired to sounding like a tribute act. Due to that makes me jsut want to listen to a Lou Reed album instead, so won’t make my frequent rotation.
Jane Weaver
3/5
Never heard of Jane Weaver before, really liked this album, feels like a peak of modern phydellic pop, not sure enough to make my frequent rotation but one I want to come back to at some point, so I’m glad it’s made the list.
MC Solaar
3/5
Wasn’t expecting to enjoy a French rap album this much, no idea what the lyrics mean but it’s got great beats and flow.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Springsteen’s most accessible album, with some of his biggest hits on their, but this just isn’t in the same league as born to
Run or darkness on the edge of town in terms of a complete album, I agree it’s worth its place on the list though.
The Flaming Lips
4/5
Great album, always between this and soft bulletin what is FLs best album, I really can’t choose, so they both deserve a 4/5.
Pavement
3/5
Pavement are just one of those bands that I can appreciate the music, but the vocals just make it almost unlistenable for me. Which stops me ever wanting to come back to these albums, but I do agree it’s an important album in terms of 90’s alternative music, and deserves to be on the list, just not my 90’s alt band of choice.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
3/5
Enjoyed this album, but no more than a blur or gorillas album which I have given 4, so by default makes this a 3.
Billy Bragg
4/5
When I first encountered “Mermaid Avenue,” I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. However, as the music enveloped me, I found myself pleasantly surprised.
The artists did an exceptional job of weaving Woody Guthrie’s poignant lyrics into beautiful songs. It’s more than just an album; it’s a heartfelt homage to a folk legend.
The album boasts a captivating mix of musical styles throughout. From soulful ballads to foot-tapping tunes, each track carries its weight. Listening to “Mermaid Avenue” feels like embarking on a musical journey—one that deserves a spot on this list.
Hugh Masekela
4/5
Great jazz album, added to my collection, just a little long for me to put up there with my favourite Jazz albums, got a bit bored by the end of the album.
Jamiroquai
2/5
Used to enjoy Jamiroquai when I was a kid in the 90’s, but I also enjoyed the Godzilla film they did the hit song for, looking back now, both were a bit shit.
Ride
3/5
Band Iv never heard of, this is a good shoegaze/brit pop album, but also very forgettable if not paying attention.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
When I seen this albums my initial thought was we didn’t need another fat boy slim album on the list. But actually enjoyed listening to this today, pretty good album, will I come back to it, probably not but glad it’s on the list.
Dr. Dre
4/5
One of the classic 90 rap albums that seems to have aged worse than the rest. Gfunk beats save this, but the skits and the over the top lyrics hinder this album from still being seen as a masterpiece. Still can’t give this lower than a 4 despite its flaws.
The xx
4/5
The XX are one of my favourite bands, and this is my second favourite album by them, so personally glad to see this on the list today. But not sure if it’s an album that’s really in the same league as their debut, so can’t give it the full 5 stars.
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
Good guitar album, not one I’ll rush back to though.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
Good 60s pop album, nothing outstanding but solid album I think earns its place on the list.
The Darkness
2/5
Cringed when I seen this Album today. If I want to listen to this style of music I’ll stick to the 70s, not a tribute band from the 00’s. To be fair though it is a good fun listen if you just accept it for what it is. But not an album you need to listen to before you die.
Super Furry Animals
2/5
I’m a fan of britpop to a certain extent, but this one does nothing for me.
Bert Jansch
2/5
This did nothing for me. Just sounds like very dated folk music
Neil Young
4/5
I’m glad he’s back on Spotify I can now
Appreciate this album today than having to use YouTube. Personally I prefer harvest but this is still a great album, deserves to be on the list, and one of his best.
Drive Like Jehu
4/5
When the first song hit, I honestly thought I wasn’t in the mood for this album today. However, I was quickly won over by the sheer complexity of “Yank Crime.” It’s an album that grabs you and refuses to let go.
The levels of aggression and intricacy in this album are remarkable. It’s like a rollercoaster ride through a musical maze. The influence it had on emo music in the 2000s is evident, but unlike the emo we all got tired of, “Yank Crime” feels fresh and invigorating.
In some ways, it reminds me of Slint’s “Spiderland.” Both albums keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering what unexpected turn the music will take next. Drive Like Jehu’s raw energy and unconventional song structures make this album a standout in the post-hardcore genre.
My only gripe is it’s just too long and you do feel exhausted by the end, 4 stars.
The Vines
3/5
This is right up my street, 00’s rock clearly inspired by Nirvana. Arguement this comes across as a poor nirvana tribute act, I can see that but also think it’s got its own sound and merits to deserve to be on the list. Not sure how likely I will come back to it though so a 3 stars for now.
Suzanne Vega
3/5
Never heard of Suzanne Vega before, but I liked this, really good singer song writer album good voice and music. Deserves to be on the list.
The White Stripes
3/5
Good album, don’t think it’s on a par with elephant, but still different enough to be considered for the list.
Spiritualized
4/5
Certainly! Here's an improved version of your review for the album "Lazer Guided Melodies" by Spiritualized:
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**Review of "Lazer Guided Melodies" by Spiritualized**
"Lazer Guided Melodies" is an intriguing album that treads a fine line between Britpop sensibilities and cosmic exploration. While it doesn't quite reach the celestial heights of "Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space," it still manages to carve out its own distinct space.
The album's sonic landscape oscillates between dreamy, ethereal passages and moments of gritty guitar-driven energy. Tracks like "Shine a Light" and "Run" showcase Spiritualized's ability to create hypnotic soundscapes that linger in the mind long after the music stops.
However, it's impossible to ignore the shadow cast by the monumental "Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space." The latter remains a masterpiece, and "Lazer Guided Melodies" occasionally feels like it's standing in its predecessor's shadow. Yet, if we set aside direct comparisons, this album reveals its own merits.
The personal preference factor comes into play here. While "Lazer Guided Melodies" may not dominate my playlist as frequently as "Ladies and Gentlemen," it still finds its way into rotation. Its quieter moments, such as "Symphony Space," evoke a sense of introspection, while the more upbeat tracks inject vitality into the overall experience.
In summary, "Lazer Guided Melodies" deserves recognition for its unique blend of Britpop influences and cosmic aspirations. It may not soar as high as its predecessor, but it remains a captivating journey through space and sound.
This is an intriguing album that treads a fine line between Britpop sensibilities and cosmic exploration. While it doesn't quite reach the celestial heights of "Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space," it still manages to carve out its own distinct space.
The album's sonic landscape oscillates between dreamy, ethereal passages and moments of gritty guitar-driven energy. Tracks like "Shine a Light" and "Run" showcase Spiritualized's ability to create hypnotic soundscapes that linger in the mind long after the music stops.
However, it's impossible to ignore the shadow cast by the monumental "Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space." The latter remains a masterpiece, and "Lazer Guided Melodies" occasionally feels like it's standing in its predecessor's shadow. Yet, if we set aside direct comparisons, this album reveals its own merits.
The personal preference factor comes into play here. While "Lazer Guided Melodies" may not dominate my playlist as frequently as "Ladies and Gentlemen," it still finds its way into rotation. Its quieter moments, such as "Symphony Space," evoke a sense of introspection, while the more upbeat tracks inject vitality into the overall experience.
In summary, "Lazer Guided Melodies" deserves recognition for its unique blend of Britpop influences and cosmic aspirations. It may not soar as high as its predecessor, but it remains a captivating journey through space and sound. 4 stars.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Sorry this is one of the Leonard Cohen albums I don’t think needs to be on the list, just a bit dull for me.
Dagmar Krause
2/5
Listened to on YouTube so not really getting the proper experience, the music itself sounds like it came out decades before 1988, which makes sense when you read about the album, hard to rate when I don’t understand German, but I did think the album went on a bit long.
Belle & Sebastian
5/5
Another Scottish album I have a big bias towards. In my opinion this is an indie pop masterpiece, clever lyrics catchy melodies. Not a bad song on it.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
Three key points make this a 5 star masterpiece you should listened to before you die.
1. Light years ahead of its time.
2. Arguably the most influential album of all time.
3. A commercial flop.
"Everyone who bought one of those 30,000 copies started a band!” Brian Eno
Lambchop
2/5
This album feels just a bit all over the place, enjoyable in parts, sonically enjoyable in parts more so the chamber pop sound, than the country parts. Been swaying between a 2 and a 3 with this one, but although I did enjoy parts of the album, not convinced you really need to hear it better you die or I’ll be recommending it to anyone, so only the 2 stars.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
3/5
Bold putting an extra long cover version of a full half of an album. I don’t think it’s the best cover of who do you love either. Overall this is a good jam/ psychedelic album, deserves to be on the list, but there are better examples of this music already in the book.
Dolly Parton
3/5
Wouldn’t be my type of music, but got to give it to Dolly she is a legend and should
Be in the book.
Bon Jovi
3/5
One of the classic hair metal albums, cheesey and not my cup of tea, but can’t argue it’s not an influential album that should be on the list.
Finley Quaye
2/5
This feels a very average British reggae album, not sure why it’s on the list.
Joni Mitchell
5/5
A beautiful masterpiece, one of those albums you just have to sit down and appreciate the lyrics.
Violent Femmes
4/5
Great American punk alternative album, think it’s ahead of its time and clearly highly influenced by Lou reed, which makes it right up my street. Added to my frequent rotation,
Bill Evans Trio
4/5
Great live jazz album, one you can just sit back and chill too, added to my frequent rotation.
Michael Jackson
5/5
Separating the Art from the Artist this is an absolute pop masterpiece.
Yeah there are a couple of duds on the album, (I’m
Looking at you Paul McCartney) but that can be forgiven for how massive the rest of the album is.
Won’t be to everyone’s tastes but you can’t deny Thriller is Era and genre defining.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
Found this one just a bit droll, not sure why it’s on the list.
CHIC
3/5
Good disco album, deserves to be on the list.
This album clearly inspired Coldplay to make similar bland music, and Chris Martin to be as irritating as Bono.
Marty Robbins
3/5
I don’t like country music, but this one took me by surprised, good story telling
Scritti Politti
2/5
Sorry maybe needed to spend more time with this, but just got middle of the road 80’s music from first listen, almost a poor man’s MJ that I can’t be bothered coming back to this.
Carpenters
3/5
Classic 70’s rock album,
Jane's Addiction
3/5
Great late 80’s early 90’s rock album,
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
Great comeback album from a great band. Already within my regular rotation so obviously had a bit of bias coming into this one.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
This took a couple of listens but the more I listen the more I’m falling in love with this album, lyrically and musically it’s so impressive, this is a hidden Gem to me anyway, given Iv only really listened to blue before. 4 stars for now might come back and give it 5 later.
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
Layla alone holds this album up, rest is very generic blues rock and album on the long side, but Lyla makes it worthy of the list.
Blue Cheer
4/5
Enjoyed this a clear influence for heavy metal music. Rating this higher due to how early it came out obviously has its flaws, but impressive for the 60’s
Beatles
4/5
Great album with some
Of the Beatles best songs on it, but it’s just too long for me to give this full marks. Half the album of the best songs and it’s arguably the Beatles best album, but that’s maybe just my bias against double albums.
The Stooges
5/5
This is my favourite stooges album, just has so much swagger about it, while keeping the intensity of their earlier emetic albums. Personal preference but I’m giving this full marks.
The Coral
3/5
I believe the Coral to be one of the better bands from the 00’s, and pretty underrated, this is a good indie rock album and deserves its place on the list, has its flaws though and not one I really come back to.
Morrissey
2/5
There is far too much Morrissey on the list we didn’t need this one too.
2/5
This one just didn’t click for me, feels a bit all over the place.
Killing Joke
4/5
Really enjoyed this mix of post punk and industrial music, feels like this was pushing boundries at its time.
The Psychedelic Furs
3/5
Good album with a mix of post punk and pop, but just felt a bit samey throughout, not one I’ll come back to I suspect.
Rod Stewart
2/5
Not a bad album, but just a bit middle of the road really, don’t think we need two Rod solo albums on the list, so this one gets downrated.
Foo Fighters
3/5
Colour and Shape should be on this list, their debut should not. Foo Fighters are a very average band but hard not to like due to Dave Ghrol being a great guy. A star rating represents the foo fighters overall not just this album which would be 2 stars.
Van Halen
4/5
Some good old sexy hard rock, this album doesn’t hold back the punches in a great 35 mins, clearly kicked off the whole hair metal scene, though I’m not sure that’s a good thing…
The Slits
3/5
One of those album that influenced better albums, therefore probably deserves to be on the list for that reason alone
The Adverts
3/5
Yep this is a good British punk album agree it deserves to be on the list, but nothing really stand out vs the clash of sex pistols that I’m likely to come back to it.
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
Was a bit miffed when I seen a Rufus Wainright album on the list this morning, but after listening to it I was pleasantly surprised again. This wasn’t what I was expecting, reminded me a bit of a laidback Radiohead album. I enjoyed it, maybe not enough to come
Back to but one I’m glad I listened to today.
Tracy Chapman
4/5
Great singer song writer album. The three singles are absolute classics. With fast car one of the best songs ever written. The rest of the album does get a bit repetitive though musically and lyrically, hence doesn’t get the full 5 stars.
David Crosby
3/5
Enjoyed this lots of interesting guest musicians, and good instrumental songs.
Stephen Stills
3/5
Good album enjoyed this, good easy listening soft rock, it is a bit long and I’m
Not sure anything was memorable enough for me to come back to though
DJ Shadow
3/5
Great example of a samples album, clearly influenced a lot of hip hop.
Antony and the Johnsons
2/5
Nope sorry these vocals just grate on me too much, I just can’t get past them to appreciate the rest of the album,
5/5
This has previously been seen as one of the greatest albums ever written. I do agree it’s a bit overrated in that context, it’s not even the Beatles greatest album in my opinion. But it’s arguably one of the most important albums ever written. For that reason I still consider this a masterpiece. It’s flows so well and some absolute stand out songs on their own too. Plus it finishes with a day in the life. Another 5 star album for the Fab Four.
Blondie
5/5
Yep this is a pop rock masterpiece, contains their biggest hits and the albu starts with a bang and doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Brian Eno
3/5
Good interesting album, deserves to be on the list, but not one I’ll be rushing back to, I’d rather just listen to talking heads.
Charles Mingus
4/5
I’m familiar and a big fan of Mingus Ah Um, which should be on this list! But first time listening to this album, this is different a bit more experimental Jazz, but I still enjoyed it, personally I prefer bebop jazz, to the experimental side of it. But this one had a nice mix of the two, added to my rotation.
Sleater-Kinney
3/5
Good girl punk band, never heard of them before hits hard, but does get a bit samey, so don’t think I’ll rush back to it.
Everything But The Girl
3/5
Good album liked the chilled vibe and the vocals, not sure I’ll revisit it though,
Elvis Presley
3/5
One of the greatest performer / artists ever, but this album is pretty average. Still worth being on the list because it’s Elvis.
Justin Timberlake
2/5
Sit down with my morning coffee to enjoy today’s album, then let out a massive sigh when I see Iv got to sit through an hour of Justin Timberlake.
The Blue Nile
2/5
Really cool child pop album, but not as good as hats. So probably doesn’t need to be on this list.
Buck Owens
2/5
I really don’t like country, but I didn’t hate this album. Will I put myself through it again, nope. Not sure I can even given it 3 stars, I appreciate it’s an important country album, but I’d of died happy having skipped this album.
Ryan Adams
2/5
The second Ryan Adams album Iv come across on the list, that is two too many.
This one being 90 minutes long too. To be fair it’s an inoffensive album, that stops it getting 1 star.
Shame Ryan himself wasn’t as inoffensive himself and not a Fucking Nonce.
Ministry
3/5
Yep this is a good industrial metal album, should be on the list, I do recognise some of the music from the game command the conquer I played as a teenager. It’s just not my sort of music I choose to listen to so won’t make my frequent rotation.
Crowded House
3/5
Good old American 90s pop rock. Inoffensive middle of the road, couple of big hits. All in probably deserves to be on the list.
Peter Tosh
2/5
Not a huge Reggie fan, this was enjoyable but not sure why I’d listen to this over a wailers album, or if I needed to listen to this before I die.
Sisters Of Mercy
3/5
Very 80’s very gothic, enjoyed this, probably worth at least one listen, but can’t see me coming back to it.
Van Morrison
3/5
Yeah this is a good album, great mix of folk and jazz, deserves its place on the list.
Bee Gees
2/5
When I see a Bee Gees album this morning, I was expecting a fun disco album, not this. Didnt realise they had a 60’s sound, I feel it’s inferior to other 60’s album, so not convinced about its place on this list.
The Killers
4/5
Absolutely loves this album and the Killers when this came out. It’s great to listen back but can see its flaws now. Still giving it a soild 4 out of 5 though.
Solange
2/5
Didn’t realise she was Beyoncé’s sister. She has a great voice and the album tells a good story, but can’t say it was very memorable or made me want to rush back to listen again. Think we need more from modern albums to deserve a place on this list.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
2/5
This one just slipped into the background, so much I forgot the album was on. I’ll forget this album come next week.
2/5
I was 12 when Limp Bizkit’s album ‘Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water’ was released, and it became an instant hit among my classmates and me.
Looking back, it seems we were the target audience for Fred Durst’s sweary angst-filled anthems.
However, much like the questionable fashion trends of the early 2000s—flame-adorned shirts, baggy skater jeans, excessive hair gel, and overpowering Jupe aftershave—
Limp Bizkit’s music hasn’t aged gracefully. It stands as a relic of a bygone era, lacking the timeless quality that defines truly classic albums.
While there’s a certain charm in revisiting my teenage youth, this album feels more like a fleeting fad than a lasting legacy. I give it 2 stars for its nostalgic value but find it hard to recommend for fresh listening, so shouldn’t be on this list,
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
Didn’t realise the Dandy Warhols were American, always thought they were British.
This is a good shoegaze/britpop album, enjoyed it, just drags a bit in places for me to want to add to my frequent rotation
Stephen Stills
2/5
Ok guitar music, not sure we need this album on the list though, given the other stills projects are covered
2/5
So much better punk albums than this, don’t think it requires to be on the list, also the worst cover of I can’t get no satisfaction Iv ever heard.
Madonna
2/5
Could have good songs on this one, probably Madonna’s last decent album, do you need to listen to it before you die? I don’t think so.
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
Just couldn’t get into this one, no matter how hard I tried. I think it was the vocals that I just couldn’t stand.
Traffic
3/5
Good 60s rock album, enjoyed the instrumental tracks, glad this was on the list.
The Beta Band
3/5
Never heard of the beta band before, good album interesting parts also good background music, glad I listened but not convinced I’ll revisit,
Mj Cole
2/5
Not a bad album, just too long, not sure it needs to be in the list.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
This is one of the great Jazz albums, exactly what I want from a. Jazz album, accessible enough for dinner music, whole complex enough to sit down and really listen to, a masterpiece.
KISS
2/5
This album starts so strong but then never lives up to the first song. I get it’s a big album in terms of hair metal but really does just feel a bit cheesy now and not edgy at all. Not convinced with this being on the list.
Slade
3/5
Just a good fun glam rock album, deserves to be on the list.
The Stranglers
3/5
One of the great punk albums from 1977, different from the others which make it worthy of this list.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
Feels like a more experimental public enemy, but can see why folk see it as a poor man’s public enemy. I’m on the fence with this album, but think it’s worth at least 1 listen.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
Soild album deserves its place on the list but not as good as JuJu though so won’t be getting added to my frequent rotation.
R.E.M.
3/5
Another good album from REM, deserves to be on the list, but not quiet in the same league as mumour or automatic for the people.
The Lemonheads
3/5
Soild 90’s alt rock album that doesn’t outstay its welcome, pretty inoffensive which I think makes it easier to recommend to a wider audience hence should be listened to before you die.
But not interesting enough for my personal taste.
Soft Cell
2/5
This album is completely carried by tainted love, rest of the album isn’t great at all. So I can’t say this is an album you need to listen to before you die, save yourself 45 minutes of your life and just listen to tainted love.
Mudhoney
2/5
Very forgettable grunge album, not sure I’ll remember it in a weeks time.
Kings of Leon
4/5
This is my favourite KoL album, I think KoL early albums are very underrated, this is clearly offset by how overrated sex on fire and use somebody are, I can see why they get a lot of hate.
But I think this is the one album you should listen to to get what KoL were about before having a go at arena rock, it’s not a masterpiece but a soild 4/5 album.
Hole
4/5
Yep got to give it to Courtney Love this is a great album, classic 90’s alt rock.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
2/5
He certainly rambles, not for me
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
Absolute hip hop masterpiece, huge ar the time and has aged well too, so much better than the west coast gangster rap from the same era.
Willie Nelson
2/5
Over this project I have given poor scores to country albums and albums containing a lot of covers, so poor Willie didn’t have much chance here.
Deep Purple
4/5
Having only listened to machine head before, this one came as a bit of a pleasant surprise, didn’t realise how much Deep Purple influenced metal at this stage. Great album deserves to be on the list.
4/5
Loved this album, straight into my frequent rotation.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Great album, different from the Springsteens other albums on the list that it deserves its place also.
Jeff Buckley
5/5
The perfect 90’s rock album, such a tragedy this was the only album we got from Jeff Buckley.
The Everly Brothers
4/5
A really good retro pop album, enjoyed this for what it is. Obviously can’t stand up to classic albums from 1965 onwards, but still good for its time, and makes my frequent rotation.
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
Always a going to be a hard task to follow Rumours. This is a great attempt at such a different album, one that deserves to be listened to, it’s just little all over the place for my liking, on top of the fact I’m not a fan of double albums.
Bee Gees
2/5
My second Bee Gees album on the list, and my second disappointment, where are the disco tunes?
G. Love & Special Sauce
2/5
Nope this is poor, sounds like the worst of 90’s music.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
Wow this album is a mess, it’s too long, it’s too strange, I had to listen to it on YouTube, at times I didn’t know when the adverts stopped and the music started.
But there were parts of the album I really enjoyed, it’s different, it’s influential and it’s pretentious.
Overall my summary would be you need to listen to this at least once, it will be a chore and good chance you will hate it, but this challenge and life would be boring if we all just liked mainstream rock, so get outside your comfort zone.
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
Great 80s hip hop album, with some absolute classics, desveres to be on the list, but just sounds too dated to be more than 1 listen.
Moby Grape
3/5
Soild 60’s rock album, good mix of psychedelic and country rock, worst at least 1 listen.
The Gun Club
4/5
Really enjoyed this. Post punk and blues, brilliant.
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
Prefer the sex pistols, this just doesn’t have the same impact for me, but it’s a similar mess. Not one I’d recommend
Kanye West
5/5
Kayne’s masterpiece, the one album I can forgive how much of a dickhead he is and just enjoy.
I honestly believe this is Hip Hop’s equivalent of Dark Side of the Moon, just a shame Kayne is a bigger twat than Roger Waters.
Stereo MC's
3/5
Enjoyed this more than I expected.
Glad I listened.
Shack
2/5
Very average 90’s Brit pop not sure why this needs to be on the list given how well Brit pop is already represented
Norah Jones
2/5
Completely forgot about this album, she’s got a nice voice and nice songs, but can see why it’s so easy forgettable, nothing memorable.
Throwing Muses
2/5
Iv given this one a few tries but yeah just can’t see why this should be on the list, didn’t seem to click with me at all.
N.E.R.D
3/5
Yeah ok this is actually pretty good, worth its place on the list.
Ozomatli
2/5
Took me a while to get round to listening to this on YouTube music, pretty disappointed when I finally did, sounds so much older than 2004 don’t think it’s aged very well, appreciate a mix of different music styles but the hip hop and lyrics feel very dated.
Fugazi
4/5
Loved this, clearly influenced a lot of the alternative rock music I like. It’s not a
Perfect album but seems groundbreaking, 4 stars.
Bobby Womack
3/5
Surprised how something so smooth can be soo cheesey at the same time.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
4/5
Really enjoyed this one, maybe more than I should, yeah the lyrics are a bit cheesy and crass but it’s really just a good fun album, clearly influenced a lot of punk, and even some hair metal.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Not Nick Caves best album, but still more than worthy of this list.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Back to back Nick Cave, can be a bit tiresome, but this is probably his best album, so I’ll let him off.
The Associates
2/5
This album was just a bit of a mess parts of it were good, but not enough for me to believe this deserves to be on this list.
5/5
My 1001th album, and it’s a cracker, probably my favourite PJ Harvey album, very accessible but also brilliant. Love Thom York appearance on this too.
The Jam
5/5
Brilliant album, one of the Jams best have to give it full marks.
Public Enemy
3/5
Another great album from public enemy that more than deserves to be on this list, but really isn’t in the same league as their masterpiece “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back”
Given this also came in 1991 it maybe hasn’t dated as well as the low end theory. So good album, but not a classic.
Britney Spears
2/5
The big hits of the time on this album, but also a lot of dross filler, don’t think this needs to be on the list.
The Bees
2/5
Never heard of the Bees before, and I’ll have most likely forgotten about them again come tomorrow.
The Monks
4/5
Frustrating I had to listen to this through YouTube, as I really enjoyed this so impressive it came out in 1966, clearly a massive proto punk album. Not a perfect album but clearly influenced so many of those albums that would follow, 4 stars.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
If the list was 1001 albums to listen while on drugs, I’d give this 5 stars.
The Smiths
4/5
Another great album by the smiths, just not as good as the queen is dead in my opinon.
Boards of Canada
3/5
Enjoyed this, laid back electro sound, but not sure I’ll ever come back to it,
Baaba Maal
3/5
One of the better world music album, not idea what he’s singing about but the music and vocals just flow so well together I can enjoy the music with out knowing what it means,
Klaxons
3/5
Loved this album when it came out, one of th indie bands Iv completely forgot about. Probably don’t get the same credit as bloc party, but maybe they should.
Pink Floyd
3/5
I think if you take into account this came out in 1967 and not 1973, it’s an impressive psychedelic album ahead of its time, but compared to DSOTM it feels very dated very soon. But I think there is an argument for this being included on the list.
Beck
2/5
Found this all just a bit of a drone and depressing, not for me.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
2/5
Meh just not my cup of tea.
Paul Simon
3/5
Great song written, lovely folk pop album, deserves to be on the list, but I’d rank this below Graceland, bookends and bridge over troubled water, so less likely to come back to it.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
4/5
Much more accessible than the trout album, actually really enjoyed this one, a few of the instrumental songs went on a bit, but the rest was right up my street.
U2
3/5
I always think of U2 as an 80’s Coldplay, both annoying as fuck, but both had good early albums, this being one of them.
Madness
3/5
Always thought I didn’t like madness due to the baggy trosuers song. This album was much better than I expected, worthy of this list.
Big Star
4/5
Really enjoyed this album, can see how it’s influenced so many bands I love. A good mix of music, but doesn’t feel a perfect album but would influence as few, added
To my frequent rotation, 4 stars for now, maybe bump up to 5 over time.
LL Cool J
2/5
This just feels very dated now, so
Much so you could happily skip this album before you did.
The Temptations
3/5
Soild Motown funk album, there versions of through the grapevine is disappointing though. Maybe just highlights how good Marvin Gaye is though.
Good album worthy of the list, not sure I’d be rushing back to this one though.
Depeche Mode
3/5
I do rate Depeche Mode above most 80’s bands, they just seem to have an atmospheric sounds to them that outweighs the dates 80’s synth sound.
10cc
3/5
Iv only ever heard dreadlock holiday by 10cc therefore I assumed they were a Reggie/ska band.
Therefore this album was a pleasant surprise. Don’t get me wrong the albums all over the place with a million different ideas, but it’s worth a listen at least once so gets 3 stars from me.
The Incredible String Band
2/5
This album reminds me of ending up at an after party full of pretentious drugged up wankers with acoustic guitars playing weird music that I just don’t understand. I’m glad when it’s time to leave.
Dr. Octagon
2/5
Enjoyed the beats hated the vocals/lyrics, honestly couldn’t recommend this to anyone.
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
Could have fold me by telling me this was a Thom York solo album. I enjoyed parts, some of it was irritating, would i recommend to listen to this before you die? I don’t think so.
Mylo
4/5
Surprised how much I enjoyed this album today, probably a mix of my bias towards Scottish Artists, and ideal Sunday morning tunes.
It certainly didn’t destroy rock and roll, but made my Sunday morning, added
To my frequent rotation.
Hookworms
3/5
I hadn’t heard of this band before, which always intrigues me with the more recent albums. After reading about the band I have a feeling the allegations stopped them really breaking through.
Putting that aside this is a really
Good album, good mix of indie dance rock, which I’m glad I listened to, not sure it will be one I’ll come back to
Though, but time will tell.
Def Leppard
3/5
When I seen a second Def Leppard album on the list my initial thoughts were do we really need this along with Hysteria.
After listening I think we do. Ignoring the fact it’s overblown over the top and just don’t take it too seriously, this was a real good fun album. You can see how it help bring metal/hard rock to the mainstream.
It’s not in the same league as Hysteria, but still well worth a listen.
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
Really don’t need 3 DMR albums on this list, gave this a couple of listens but really didn’t do anything for me.
Nick Drake
4/5
This is my 1,031 album, as I near the end of this project it’s a great reminder of one of my favourite discovery’s near the start of this project, Nick Drake and Pink Moon.
This album is also brilliant so will be added to my frequent rotation, just doesn’t hit an almost as has hard emotional as that first time listening to Pink Moon.
Dizzee Rascal
4/5
Not a massive fan of grime but always made the expectation for Dizzie, this is a great album and ahead of its time,
Doves
2/5
This was semi interesting, but just really droned on too much for me, then a few more catchy songs at the end didn’t seem to fit in with the rest of the album. Wouldn’t recommend
Machito
4/5
This was a pleasant surprised, Cuban Jazz isn’t something I’m familiar with, but this went straight into my frequent rotation, just a good fun album
Joanna Newsom
2/5
Took me a few days to realise this was on Amazon music, then I quickly realised this wasn’t for me.
Small Faces
2/5
I have this one a few tries, but nope just didn’t seem to click and got progressively worse’s
Eminem
3/5
12 year old me got this album for Christmas from Santa, I then asked my unsuspecting parents if I could put it on, it was switched off very quickly and I was only allowed to listen to this album in my room and to make sure my 7 year old brother didn’t hear it.
This is a good album, but far too over the top to enjoy these days
Lou Reed
5/5
Lou Reed & David Bowie is just a brilliant partnership as shown in this album. Many consider this Lou Reeds Masterpiece, I actually prefer Berlin, but this one is much more accessible and still deserving of 5 stars.
Bill Callahan
3/5
An album I’d never heard of before, and not being a fan of country I didn’t have high hopes, but was again pleasantly surprised, I enjoyed this very much, will I come back to it, not totally sure, but glad Iv come across this album and believe it deserves its place on the list.
XTC
2/5
Found this one a bit annoying.
Goldfrapp
2/5
All just got a bit too weird
Syd Barrett
3/5
Did I enjoy listening to this album? Not really, but I still think it’s an important album, the issues Barret was facing are laid bare in this album making it a hard listen, but one any Pink Floyd fan should give time to.
Brian Eno
5/5
This album really does just let you into the world of Brian Eno, it’s the great midway point between his rock music and ambient music that would follow, I think this bridge makes it his masterpiece. An album that would clearly influence so many more masterpieces to come.
The White Stripes
5/5
This really is one of the great rock albums from the 00’s, really should be seen as a classic, that can compete with the best from the 60/70s. Yeah seven nation army has been played to death, but haven’t all great songs.
FKA twigs
4/5
First time listening to this album really enjoyed it, reminded me a bit of a more modern portishead/massive attack, with the chilled out heavy base, added to my frequent rotation.
ABBA
3/5
Enjoyed this so much more than I expected, a lot of abba sings I’d never heard of. Really good album deserves to be on the list, would I add it to my frequent rotation probably not only due to personal taste.
LTJ Bukem
2/5
Not bad but just a bit repetitive, I as worried when I seen this was 3 hours long on Spotify, thankfully the last 2 songs were just the album on a continuous mix. Can’t say id recommend this album.
The Waterboys
4/5
Another most likely biased review due to this being a Scottish band, but I really enjoyed this based on disc1 alone. I don’t think disk 2 was in the orginal album so I’ll just ignore it and save my usual moan about it being too long. Love the upbeat vibe with this one, just a great feel good album. Added to my frequent rotation.
Mariah Carey
2/5
Yeah she’s a great singer, but my god these songs are dull, though that’s probably my view of most 90’s RnB
3/5
Been sitting on this album for over a week now, as until now I wasn’t in the mood to listen to an album on YouTube. It’s sad this album isn’t on any other streaming sites, as this is actually pretty good. Ok maybe a bit too beatlesque but still worth a listen and worthy of this list.
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
A nice 50s jazz album, glad I listened, her voice gets a little draining come
The end though, think that stops me giving it a 4.
Jack White
4/5
I got elephants last week, and been listening to Jack Whites new album ‘No Name’ a lot already this week, so I feel Iv overdone Mr White before seeing this album this morning.
Ignoring that it was good to hear his debut again, I really like this album. But it’s hard to rank in terms of this list, it obviously sits behind the white stripes albums, but due to personal taste it’s already in my frequent rotation,
Christine and the Queens
3/5
This is a good modern pop album, just not really my personal taste, but worth a listen
T. Rex
5/5
This is a glamrock masterpiece,
T-Rex finest work.
Traffic
3/5
This is a good 60’s rock album, but isn’t much more than that, worth a listen once but I won’t be rushing back
Lupe Fiasco
2/5
A good rap album, in the guise of a Kanye album, no surprise he’s involved in this, but also a bit forgettable, not sure I’ll remember it come next week.
Kacey Musgraves
3/5
Never heard of Kacey before, I suspect she might be more popular in the US than the U.K. when I seen this was country pop i sighed.
Though pleasantly surprised after 1 listen, her vocals are good, and it’s actually works her mixing country with pop. An album worth listening to at least one, and I’m sure this would be more popular in the U.K. if folk heard it.
Beastie Boys
4/5
This is my 3rd Beastie Boys album, I wasn’t a fan of Licenced to III (2 stars), but really enjoyed Paul’s Boutique (4 stars). Was expecting this to be more along the lines of Licensed, but thankfully I was wrong.
This album is a brilliant mix of hip hop jazz and rock, and I think it still sounds incredible today. Loved the song with Q-Tip and also got big RATM vibes from heart attack man. I might go as far as to say I enjoyed this more than PB, but I think that’s just an excuse to revisit that album and see.
4/5
Spent all day trying to listen to this with my 3 yr old in the house. Turns out she hates the sound of the harmonica so this album didn’t stay on for long… thankfully she’s not rating this or it would get 1 star.
Now she’s in bed in getting to enjoy this album, I am a fan of Dylan but not a massive fan of live albums. But I did enjoy this, feels like it’s an important album being both a bootleg and showing the impact of Dylan moving from folk to rock music live and the crowd’s reaction.
Both these points make this an album you should listen to before you die, but it’s not as enjoyable to listen to as Dylan’s best studio albums, so will always be below them in my ranking. But still an album I’d have to recommend, for the points mentioned above.
The The
3/5
The the are one of the better 80’s bands in my books, but still a bit 80’s really.
Pixies
4/5
I’m a massive fan of Dolittle, and also enjoy surfs Rosa. But this was actually the first time listening to this album today. This one is also great but just doesn’t quiet match up to their first two albums, but it’s the pixies and they are still head and shoulders above most bands.
Girls Against Boys
3/5
I do like post hardcore so I enjoyed this, but just not sure ill come back to it,
Janis Joplin
5/5
One of those brilliant and tragic albums only released after her death. What a talent. Ok not all the songs are hers but she makes them hers with that voice and swagger. One of my all tine favourite female vocalists.
David Holmes
2/5
Never heard of this before and come next week I’ll have forgotten all about it. Didn’t hate this, some of it was pretty cool, but found the James Bond song very cheesy. Can’t see why this needs to be on the list.
Missy Elliott
2/5
The main issue I have with this list is too many artists have multiple albums on the list that don’t deserve them. If we weeded this out there could be a much more diverse list.
This is a prime example, don’t get me wrong Missy Elliot deserves to be on the list, but this album isn’t in the same league as under construction, so isn’t required. Don’t get me wrong in its own right it’s a good album, but we don’t need two Missy Elliot albums. So because I’m comparing this to under construction (which I rated 4) it only gets a 2. If under construction wasn’t on the list, this would probably get a 3.
Rod Stewart
3/5
I would say this is Rods best solo album, but isn’t as good as the faces or the Jeff beck album, but still more than worthy of this list.
Robert Wyatt
2/5
Nope this is just pretentious nonsense. The vocals and the percussion just went right through me.
Faust
2/5
Nope just didn’t enjoy this, too weird.
Kings of Leon
3/5
I do like early Kings of Leon, but I don’t think we need both this and their superior 2nd album on the list. But this album is already in my rotation, so I’ll give it a 3 anyway
PJ Harvey
3/5
Another really good album from PJ Harvey, deserves to be on the list, but I think it just gets a bit weird in the middle for me to listen to this again vs her other albums
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
2/5
I didn’t hate this album, but it just didn’t click with me either.
Yes
2/5
I’m not a massive prog rock fan, so more than 1 yes album on this list is too much for me.
Supertramp
2/5
Just too prog rock and Pink Floyd lite for my taste. I prefer their more commercial stuff.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
I do love Led Zeppelin but I think this album is carried by the immigrant song. Which probably carries it to a 3, but if I was to remove one LedZep album from
The list it would be this one.
TV On The Radio
2/5
I really liked dear science, not as keen on this one. Doesn’t need to be on the list given Dear Science is the superior album.
Manic Street Preachers
5/5
An emotional and disturbing masterpiece, this is the manics best work, but can be such a hard listen knowing what happened to Richey, he was going through these horrific themes himself, which sadly does give authenticity to the art.
Ms. Dynamite
2/5
Always thought this album was a bit SH-II-TEEE.
Listening back now it’s not as bad as I remember, apart from her big hit which just does my head in. Still not an album I’d be recommending to anyone.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
A classic rock and roll album that just needs to be on this list.
Elton John
3/5
This album is carried by tiny dancer, but to be honest I think that’s enough for this to make the list.
Guided By Voices
3/5
Raw and edgy or just poor production? I’m not to sure to be honest.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Probably the best opening and closing tracks on a stones album, but in between doesn’t quiet match up to sticky fingers or exile on Main Street. That’s why this is the stones 3rd best album, still more than worth of this list though.
Frank Ocean
5/5
A modern day RnB masterpiece, though shocked this is now 12 years old, maybe no longer modern day. With Blonde being 8 years old too now, we really need another album Frank!
Morrissey
2/5
Another fine example of their being far too just Morrissey on this list.
The Smiths albums and maybe one solo album would have been plenty thank you.
Doves
2/5
This isn’t a bad album but really baffles me that there are two doves albums on this list, (only 1 arctic Monkeys and 1 strokes album) one Doves album would have been more than enough.
The Who
2/5
Out of the 5 who albums on the list, I think we can do without this one. The adverts just come across a bit lame now. I can see for miles is a great song but the rest of the album doesn’t match up to it.
Aerosmith
3/5
This is the best output Iv heard from Aerosmith, a really good hard rock album. One that deserves to be on this list. Not quite sure it makes my frequent rotation for now.
Muddy Waters
4/5
Some classic blues from the master of them. Brilliant album, a great live album but I still prefer the studio format.
Duke Ellington
3/5
Had muddy waters at Newport yesterday, so good to get a direct
Comparison to another live album,
This is good, but has the pitfalls of what I don’t like about love albums. The CD version is also far too long. But more than worthy of this list
The Modern Lovers
3/5
Big velvet underground vibes on this album, which isn’t a bad thing. Good album can see how it influenced a lot of the punk music that would quickly follow, worthy of this list, will I come back to it, I’m not so sure.