Journey Complete!
Finisher #274 to complete the list
1089
Albums Rated
2.87
Average Rating
100%
Complete
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
Favorite Album
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
2010s
Favorite Decade
Grunge
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
70
5-Star Albums
84
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Atomizer
Big Black
|
5 | 2.72 | +2.28 |
|
Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
|
5 | 2.92 | +2.08 |
|
Out of Step
Minor Threat
|
5 | 2.92 | +2.08 |
|
Truth And Soul
Fishbone
|
5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
|
Meat Puppets II
Meat Puppets
|
5 | 3.02 | +1.98 |
|
Permission to Land
The Darkness
|
5 | 3.14 | +1.86 |
|
The Bones Of What You Believe
CHVRCHES
|
5 | 3.18 | +1.82 |
|
Vivid
Living Colour
|
5 | 3.2 | +1.8 |
|
The Real Thing
Faith No More
|
5 | 3.2 | +1.8 |
|
The Poet
Bobby Womack
|
5 | 3.21 | +1.79 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
|
1 | 3.77 | -2.77 |
|
Debut
Björk
|
1 | 3.37 | -2.37 |
|
The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
|
1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
|
The College Dropout
Kanye West
|
1 | 3.31 | -2.31 |
|
B-52's
The B-52's
|
1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
|
American Pie
Don McLean
|
1 | 3.28 | -2.28 |
|
Teen Dream
Beach House
|
1 | 3.27 | -2.27 |
|
Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
|
1 | 3.22 | -2.22 |
|
Thriller
Michael Jackson
|
2 | 4.22 | -2.22 |
|
Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
|
1 | 3.15 | -2.15 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Steely Dan | 4 | 4.5 |
| Kendrick Lamar | 2 | 5 |
| The Smashing Pumpkins | 2 | 5 |
| Aretha Franklin | 2 | 5 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 4.33 |
| The White Stripes | 3 | 4.33 |
| Led Zeppelin | 5 | 4 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Kraftwerk | 3 | 1 |
| Tom Waits | 5 | 1.6 |
| Björk | 4 | 1.5 |
| Everything But The Girl | 2 | 1 |
| Public Image Ltd. | 2 | 1 |
| Leonard Cohen | 5 | 1.8 |
| Paul Simon | 3 | 1.67 |
| Brian Eno | 5 | 2 |
| Goldfrapp | 2 | 1.5 |
| Robert Wyatt | 2 | 1.5 |
| Bee Gees | 2 | 1.5 |
| Grateful Dead | 2 | 1.5 |
| Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band | 2 | 1.5 |
| Belle & Sebastian | 2 | 1.5 |
| Cocteau Twins | 2 | 1.5 |
| Primal Scream | 2 | 1.5 |
| Echo And The Bunnymen | 3 | 2 |
| The Velvet Underground | 3 | 2 |
| The Fall | 3 | 2 |
| Dexys Midnight Runners | 3 | 2 |
| Simon & Garfunkel | 3 | 2 |
| My Bloody Valentine | 3 | 2 |
| Miles Davis | 4 | 2.25 |
| Morrissey | 4 | 2.25 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Kanye West | 5, 1, 4 |
| Megadeth | 2, 5 |
| The Specials | 2, 5 |
| The Kinks | 5, 3, 4, 2 |
| Neil Young | 5, 3, 2, 4 |
5-Star Albums (70)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
Absolute classic.
Possibly my favorite modern rap album (though it's ten years old?!)
I think what I love the most is the Outkast production and storytelling vibe.
15 likes
Quicksilver Messenger Service
1/5
A song I vaguely know followed by 40 minutes of what sounds like people tuning their instruments, concluded by the worst version of Happy Trails I've ever heard.
8 likes
Björk
1/5
Maybe this is Mike Patton's only appearance in this list, but I can't.
Technically, probably an amazing album. Plus one for the cover, Patton, and Rahzel.
I haaaaaaaaated it. It probably ruined my day. It ruined my mood, left me depressed and irritable and haunted.
8 likes
The Only Ones
3/5
I was in at the opening track.
I was out when the singer opened his mouth.
I was back in with "Another Girl Another Planet." Learned something today about the origin of this song.
Then they slowly lost me in mediocrity again.
7 likes
1-Star Albums (84)
All Ratings
Tracy Chapman
3/5
Enjoying most of this.
The Stranglers
2/5
Interesting first exposure the genre but a bit redundant.
Travis
2/5
Off brand Radiohead doing ballads. Not for me.
Elvis Costello
3/5
Recognized two great songs...fun album!
R.E.M.
3/5
I owned this album at one time. Perhaps selling it was an error.
The xx
2/5
Disappointed. The classic intro I know doesn't compare to the rest. Strange, low key vocals.
Erykah Badu
2/5
A keeper or two here. Not quite what I expected, only knowing her part from The Roots song. I think Andre3000 was influenced here.
Charles Mingus
2/5
Well. That was...music?
Ray Charles
2/5
Tom Waits
2/5
Some Ronnie B weirdness
Daft Punk
2/5
Good background music, repetitive though.
Miles Davis
2/5
Talent, but not for me. Songs just all sound the same.
Doves
2/5
More slow indie rock
The Police
2/5
This was all over the place. Classic songs in between terrible ones. How did I make it through life with no one ever pointing out the song Mother before? I can't believe it was real.
Lorde
3/5
Hey, an album I know and like!
Louis Prima
5/5
Fantastic, band had major talent, lots of humor, recognized songs. Several times, couldn't believe what I was hearing with the lyrics.
Talvin Singh
1/5
No. Unlistenable noises.
Badly Drawn Boy
2/5
Why does every British indie group from this era have the guitar tone of Radiohead?
A couple sparks here and there but didn't hold my interest.
Black Sabbath
4/5
I really enjoyed this. And it's actually pretty blues-based.
The Sonics
3/5
Enjoyed! Oldies with a rough edge. The one scream got a little redundant though.
Aerosmith
2/5
Actually not as good as I was hoping it to be. Rated a classic, but...meh
Muddy Waters
3/5
It was blues, enjoyed the live aspect.
The Triffids
2/5
No idea why an album like this makes the list. Random 80s theatrical dreck. Almost was comical.
Pink Floyd
4/5
I'll never be q Floyd fan but I can definitely respect this. And it does have my favorite song in theirs.
The Avalanches
4/5
Fun album, mostly instrumental samples, summery, some hip hop influence. Would listen to again.
Spacemen 3
2/5
I didn't like it, and won't listen again, but I will say I see a very, very clear line here between Pink Floyd and Smashing Pumpkins.
David Gray
1/5
Snooze. Folk with a drum machine, in the vein of every generic whiner on AOR today.
Jimi Hendrix
3/5
Cool album. Seems more of a poet than a singer.
The Pharcyde
3/5
Light, funny old school.
Sarah Vaughan
2/5
Honestly, putting aside that the genre isn't for me, I don't think she had a great voice.
I appreciated the humor where she messed up one tune, but then she completely ad-libbed a second one after admitting she didn't know the lyrics, so I'm not sure what's up with that.
Leonard Cohen
1/5
I'm having a hard time taking some of these seriously. This felt like a parody album. I have no idea who would listen to this for enjoyment but that's not me. And I can't even describe the shock when I realized this was the Leonard Cohen of Hallelujah. With synth. Singing about sex.
New Order
3/5
Pretty good, holds up and something I'd always been meaning to seek out.
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
Just flat enjoyed a lot of this. Very early alternative...sounds like Local H 10 years earlier.
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
It's not a one-hit wonder. It's a very cohesive album, couple pics I'd prefer over the single.
Metallica
4/5
I never got deep into Metallica, and I'm past the age where thrash would be casual listening, but this is a really good album. Really, really good.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
2nd Elvis album on the list. Different vibe this time, lost the upbeat indie pop vibe for something more like crooning. Nothing terrible here, but not a repeater
The Monkees
2/5
Reading the story of how this album came to be was the most interesting part and really informed my listen. The album was all over the place with Beatles-esque tunes and then absolute bad nonsense.
Super Furry Animals
2/5
Not sure why this made the list but it was alright. 90s alternative hippie genre-jumping.
Beach House
1/5
What I thought this would be and what it actually was made for disappointment.
Various Artists
3/5
A Christmas album on Christmas. Some solid standards here, in spite of whose name in on it.
Kraftwerk
1/5
2nd time I've tried them. Recognize some samples but overall repetitive and depressing and almost lampoonish.
Beatles
3/5
Not bad.
Korn
3/5
A lot of this didn't age well, but I enjoyed some of the grooves. I'd still rank this higher based on its influence to the genre.
Goldfrapp
1/5
I had heard of Goldfrapp before, and thought I enjoyed it more than this.
This was some jazz-fusionesque slightly radioheadish scat nonsense.
Brian Eno
2/5
Experimental instrumental, expected talking heads and it was not.
Fats Domino
4/5
This was great.
Rahul Dev Burman
2/5
I listened to it.
I'm not sure what else to say. Is this a notable soundtrack for world music?
DJ Shadow
3/5
Interesting history here, first album of all samples. Good background stuff.
Eurythmics
2/5
Didn't age well. A classic song + a lot of 80s new wave misses
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
2/5
Salsa, lots of salsa. Apparently the best selling salsa album ever. Ok.
Lenny Kravitz
2/5
Pavement
2/5
Atonal, early 90s indie.
Reminds me some of Nada Surf but not near the same melodic enjoyment level.
Radiohead
5/5
Absolute classic. Grabbed this recently on vinyl. May be still my favorite Radiohead album.
The Mamas & The Papas
2/5
The hits are the hits, California Dreaming by far the best track. Everything else more mellow folk with Beach Boy harmony.
Prince
3/5
Some songs not available, what was there was not what I consider Prince's best.
Talking Heads
2/5
Too experimental, repetitively syncopated melodies and percussion.
Serge Gainsbourg
2/5
Mike Patton took inspiration here, and I can see it. Very old foreign pop. It was unique, mostly spoken word, then I read about the concept and felt less good about listening.
Hugh Masekela
3/5
I can see why it's on the list. This is cohesive jazz that makes sense. Easy instrumental listen.
Talking Heads
2/5
More Talking Heads. This one was much more what I had expected from the band, an extra star for that "paper" song, but I'm not sure why this one's on the list.
Dire Straits
3/5
I enjoyed the guitar. Got slow in the middle but a solid entry.
The Doors
3/5
3 for deserving to be on the list. Was never a fan of the heavy keyboards.
The Kinks
5/5
Well, I just spent all morning discovering the Kinks and their long history through decades and genres. I hope there are more of their albums on this list. A 5.
2Pac
2/5
Doesn't hold up, and he was never comparable to Biggie. This is fine when it's 2Pac rapping, mostly, but the production isn't great, the chorus vocals aren't great, the guest features are nobodies, and some of the subject matter "oof."
The Smiths
2/5
Ugh. A star for guitar talent.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
I combined the US and UK versions because the UK version somehow left off Paint It Black which was leaps and bounds ahead of their other writing at this point. The rest of the album, "meh."
Sleater-Kinney
3/5
This would have been a 4, easily. But the constant vibrato on the vocals killed me.
The Prodigy
3/5
Solid instrumental rockish EDM
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2/5
I have not listened to this album before, though I've listened to a lot of latter day RHCP. I see the core of what they'd become is there. It's not bad, but a lot of forgettable and repetitive tracks. They got much better as they aged.
Arcade Fire
3/5
Recognized *that* song from commercials. Otherwise not much stood out. Feels like a 3 is generous.
2/5
A bunch of boring AOR hits follower by more boring non-hits.
Deerhunter
3/5
This had me moderately interested in the band. Not a bad pick, solid indie pop.
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
More 80s Curish/Smithsish stuff that felt fairly generic to me. Recognized The Killing Moon and I don't know why.
Hookworms
3/5
Wow this is a brand new album for the list. What's up with all the random British music being thrown on, though?
I can't figure out why this would make an appearance. Actually enjoyed a good amount of it, but it's not especially notable.
Christine and the Queens
2/5
That's weird. 2 days in a row of 2018 albums. Again, a weird choice for the list? French pop a la Tegan and Sara. It was fine.
Richard Thompson
4/5
Best album to come from this list in a long while. Great folk, vocals, and instrumentation. Will be returning to this.
The Byrds
3/5
Not incredibly memorable, outside the psychedelic influences and the harmonies.
Brian Wilson
2/5
Felt like a fever dream. It's going to be hard for me to see this from the right perspective I get, but I just didn't understand it. A mess of vignettes, random noises (work tools and barn animals?), layered harmonies and orchestration that's bizarre and jolting. I have loved Brian Wilson singers before, but 50 minutes was a dark trip overload. Which is weird because everything I take as dark is, I think, meant to be sunny.
Queens of the Stone Age
3/5
Slightly repetitive but some good tunes on the front half.
Nirvana
5/5
For the nostalgia, for the fact that it holds up, for the fact that track after track it's absolutely brilliant ...and I bet I haven't heard this in 10+ years.
John Coltrane
3/5
I just don't think I know how to quantify jazz albums.
James Taylor
3/5
I used to enjoy this more than I do now. Not bad folk singer/songwriter stuff, but not my style.
Robert Wyatt
1/5
God awful noise
Dr. Dre
4/5
This of course defined G funk, launched Snoop, and was a landmark album, but for my money, not as many memorable songs as 2001.
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
Absolute classic.
Possibly my favorite modern rap album (though it's ten years old?!)
I think what I love the most is the Outkast production and storytelling vibe.
Norah Jones
3/5
Interesting mix of folk, jazz, country? My wife enjoys this, I'll give it a few for staying engaging. This album would have been ahead of it's time.
Bad Company
3/5
It's not Boston's first album, but it's got hits. Short, enjoyable.
Missy Elliott
3/5
It is different from her first couple records and I'd not heard this all the way through. A bit of old school feel mixed in for sure. By the end though, a bit boring.
Neu!
1/5
More noise that doesn't go anywhere.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Solid
The Notorious B.I.G.
4/5
From my perception Life After Death was always the primary Biggie album from my youth era. I can't say I have listened to this one straight through more than a small handful of times. Sadly, I've found it doesn't hold up for a few reasons, none of which is Biggie's talent, or the production.
The content is repetitive, dated, misogynistic, and why does Puffy need to insert himself constantly? Let Biggie rap. That's all that's needed. The talent is undeniable though. Plus one star for that, back to 4.
Gene Clark
3/5
Passable Neil Young/Tom Pettyish country folk. Just surprising it came this way and that, for such quality, I've never heard of it.
Animal Collective
1/5
Sometimes I worry this list might make me hate music.
This is the worst album I've suffered through so far.
Arcade Fire
4/5
This is definitely an improvement on the debut which was on the list not very long ago. I wondered why I would get multiple albums from them but this seems like a breakthrough of sorts, certainly unique, at times catchy, with a lot of talent.
Queen
3/5
Fun, lots of guitar.
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
Loved how the songs were so seamless into one another. 45 minutes of chill dance.
David Bowie
3/5
Faaaaaame.
How was that the closer to the album? Huh.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Funk is a nice switch up.
Kraftwerk
1/5
I really, really hope this is the last Kraftwerk album.
A 22 minute lead off of...I don't even know. I thought they were forbearers to electronic music but this wasn't even that.
Incredible Bongo Band
3/5
Just felt like a really random entry until I did some research. Basically '70s TV show theme songs and covers with bongos, but there's a lot of talent in it, and it seems to be one of the most sampled albums ever, starting with Apache. This was a fun listen.
B.B. King
4/5
Oh, that voice. Good one!
Herbie Hancock
3/5
Fun jazz funk keyboards. Written as a suite of four pieces.
The Doors
3/5
I liked it more than I expected. Love Her Madly, probably my favorite Doors song.
808 State
2/5
80s, early 90s house techno. More British stuff pushed. It was fine, that's all.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
Ok, I'll squeeze this up to five. This is probably a nostalgia thing because I discovered them after this record, but for as much as I am a fan of the Pumpkins, especially Mellon Collie, followed behind by Adore, this album never latched on with me. It should have though. Every time I listen, I like it more, and wonder why I don't play it more frequently. There is some truly great rock here. Amazing guitars, dynamics, songwriting. Many things that stand out in later Pumpkins songs feel like they really started here.
The Velvet Underground
2/5
Maybe I didn't do the research on this one. I don't know who Nico is, I feel like there's a concept here but I don't know what it is. Is the Warhol tie just aesthetic? This is probably what I expected from Lou Reed? All I know is satellite of love, and there was nothing like that here.
The Fall
2/5
I feel like their attitude outweighs their talent. Pub punk, I believe?
Elvis Presley
4/5
Solid half hour of rockabilly classics
Boards of Canada
2/5
That was...ambient. necessary? Nah.
Yes
3/5
This has my dad written all over it. 9 minute progressive suites and a random 3 minute acoustic guitar solo.
Sepultura
2/5
Technically I'm sure this is impressive, but thrash was never my thing. Boring and samey.
Black Flag
2/5
The more albums I listen to, the more I realize I like what I like already. Old grump I guess.
Alanis Morissette
5/5
I don't think I'm the right audience for this album, but it sure is classic to me.
I also mentally tie it a bit to Wildflowers, in the way the singer partnered with a producer to make a mid-90s emotionally resonant classic. Yeah, she oversings, but the rough takes make it even better. Hadn't pulled this out in a very long time. Oh, and that song with Navarro and Flea makes me think of an alternate history of Alanis over Chili Peppers compositions.
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
Very solid. May return to it.
Ray Price
2/5
So this is "honkeytonk."
Solid voice, I agree.
Grant Lee Buffalo
2/5
Dated early 90s rock. Reminded me of that No Alternative album.
Queen
3/5
Better than Sheer Heart Attack. Really liked Father to Son. Didn't know Mercury didn't sing all their tunes.
Koffi Olomide
2/5
Reminded me of when I had XM and they'd do a reggae/dance channel in the summers. Or dance lessons in college. Fine as a novelty, but very same-y over an hour.
Violent Femmes
2/5
This was fine but I didn't give it a fair shake. Maybe I'll return to it. I anticipated enough quirkiness in the vocals to be enjoyable and initially felt that wasn't the case.
The Mars Volta
3/5
It's his voice. I just don't like it. I feel like if be a huge MV fan if it weren't for his voice.
Blondie
4/5
Hey, this was fun. Good tunes, not totally dated, cross between 70s punk and pop with a disco tune (which is the most dated song).
Fatboy Slim
4/5
More guitars than I'd have assumed. Fun album, especially the last track.
Baaba Maal
2/5
Ok, it's African world music now.
Mike Oldfield
2/5
Well, this was interesting. 2 25-minute suites that stopped being good 5 minutes in. Then they added growls at the 45 minute mark. Why? Also, was this where the Halloween theme came from?
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
It happened. I liked a Bruce album.
Granted, his vocals are muddled and I still am not a fan, and he lacks the hooks of Petty.
That said, there's a mood and a concept to this album that's wholely enjoyable. Very surprised.
Kraftwerk
1/5
Ok, I've tolerated a whole lot from this list, and haven't skipped a single thing. But I cannot - cannot - deal with a single more Kraftwerk album after this. Three now? For what?
Talking Heads
3/5
I probably enjoyed this Talking Heads album most, especially the final two tracks.
Bee Gees
2/5
Whole lot to mine here. Starting with, this is not the Bee Gees of disco, this is from a decade earlier. And not only that but it's their 9th album. So apparently I knew very little of the Bee Gees, which started as a child group and went from pop to folk to rock to disco and back. Then there's the fact that this album is 100% ballads. Some are good, some are very, very bad. Hot take: Robin Gibbs has the most bizarre, worst vocal approach I have ever heard. Maybe it's technically great, who knows, but to my ear it's laughably terrible on these songs. What a mixed bag overall, with a few highlights worth discovering, and a history now learned.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
I have this on vinyl. Was considered a must-own. Listened to bits here and there, didn't catch on.
Reviews here again raved. 5s across the board. I must be missing something.
So...I was, somewhat. My first listen start to finish unearthed a lot of well-known songs and sampled-songs. But it's very, very long. And many songs feel much longer than they need to be.
I will be generous with a 4.
Radiohead
3/5
Too obscure for me. A couple interesting songs, but I prefer a more standard arrangement, always did.
Elton John
2/5
Not one of his better ones.
Björk
1/5
Maybe this is Mike Patton's only appearance in this list, but I can't.
Technically, probably an amazing album. Plus one for the cover, Patton, and Rahzel.
I haaaaaaaaated it. It probably ruined my day. It ruined my mood, left me depressed and irritable and haunted.
Iggy Pop
3/5
Clearly influenced by Bowie, recognized more than a couple tunes.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
A couple more classics, but this one less good than Songs in the Key
Tom Waits
1/5
Another album of random noise, this time punctuated by a couple short instrumental interludes with actual instruments and no dead cat crying.
The Byrds
2/5
The album seemingly every band made in the late 60s. Folky, psychedelic harmonies and a song about a "triad." Not as good as the first Byrd's album I heard.
Teenage Fanclub
3/5
I enjoyed it and the melodies were great, just boring. I probably wouldn't revisit.
The Prodigy
4/5
Pretty solid EDM, better than the other.
Elvis Presley
3/5
He's got some country lyrics here, and the style has totally changed up to ballads from his older rockabilly. S'ok.
Syd Barrett
2/5
I'm going to come back to this one. It's a case study.
Nirvana
4/5
Not Nevermind, which is exactly what they were going for. More noise, less pop, but still a lot of classics here. One of my favorites, Sappy, was a b-side.
The Pogues
3/5
Hey! I knew a song or two from St Patrick's day playlists. And that's what this sounded like. Other than one tune where it sounded like the vocals simply couldn't keep up, this was pretty solid for the genre.
Malcolm McLaren
3/5
Well, this was unique. "Go round the outside." We've got world music, reggae, merangue, rap, DJ skits...was it all meant to be serious? Not a tough listen, but wouldn't revisit.
Slayer
2/5
So I finally have now heard a Slayer album. And they are thrash without the talent. Boring riffs, terrible vocals. Even Raining Blood sucked. Granted, I'm not huge on thrash, but there's a notable difference and enjoyment level between this, and say, Metallica or Megadeth.
Ramones
3/5
Enjoyable, fun, but more repetitive than I expected. In 29 minutes, I was tired of it.
Miles Davis
2/5
This wasn't as tone difficult as other jazz albums, but for as long as it was over 90 minutes, you never felt like it went anywhere. Not a single melody or follow through just random threads everywhere.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
Not bad - long though. 97% instrumental, and that vibe is so specific.
Justice
4/5
Excellent rock influenced EDM. May save some tracks.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
3/5
This album took some turns. Only 7 tracks more than one of them is not old school rap at all. There's electro in here there's a lot of r&B singing old school... I respect the innovation on here.
X-Ray Spex
2/5
'70s punk plus Pat Benatar vocals plus a saxophone. Also you can't understand a single word on the album, so that was unique. I understand the vibe but it bordered on annoying.
The Who
4/5
I dig this. 60s sound for sure, great vocals, lot of talent.
Willie Nelson
2/5
Ok but slow. All pop covers, which is a weird pick for my 1st Willie Nelson, but ok.
The Cars
4/5
Really more like 4.5 stars. This is like a greatest hits record plus a few lesser songs. Of those, you got a highly entertaining number using every random percussive instrument known to man, plus kazoos, and the last track is tremendous.
The Young Rascals
2/5
Never heard of this group. They have every trapping of late 60s hippie rock, and we'll done production. But sheesh the lyrics are trite.
The Flaming Lips
2/5
More unique than what I heard before regarding arrangements, but very bizarre in different ways.
Tom Waits
2/5
Third Waits album, first outside his experimental series, this is prior to that.
There are actual, real songs here. His voice is still intolerable, but these are standard, tuneful arrangements. That's worth a star.
Ministry
2/5
Industrial early 90s rock. There's artists in this category I love. I doubt this group will ever be one of them. They commit the worst offense possible for the genre - it's just boring.
Flamin' Groovies
3/5
Garage rock/Rolling Stones-ish blues/proto punk. Very solid, will make a return.
R.E.M.
3/5
This album bored me when I was younger. I remember it sticking out as my least favorite known REM album. I got to say listening again that feeling changed. Been there ignore land is one of my favorites. It definitely doesn't touch my top two which ironically aren't on the list at all but much better than I remember.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
1/5
A song I vaguely know followed by 40 minutes of what sounds like people tuning their instruments, concluded by the worst version of Happy Trails I've ever heard.
The Velvet Underground
2/5
This was better than the other VU album with Nico. Quieter, more melodic, slightly poppy. Then there was the Murder Mystery track where there were two people talking over each other out of each mono side for 6 minutes.
T. Rex
3/5
This was whelming. Apparently it's a radical change from their old folk sound (though multiple track still sound like folk...to give credit though, many do NOT), and it's the first "glam rock" album. Those portions were entertaining from a historical standpoint. Interesting band history, not much more to say but I especially enjoyed the last song.
N.W.A.
2/5
This didn't age well. Although I can't say I ever listened all the way through. This is way more old school than I thought it would be. Like, corny old school. But with cussing and misogyny. Did this start gangster rap? I've vague on the history but it seems right. Something 2 Dance 2 was cool though.
Manic Street Preachers
2/5
This list is just endless random British bands. I liked a couple of songs, I already forget who they reminded me of (some 90s band) but this was not a "must hear" by any stretch.
David Crosby
2/5
First one that couldn't be found on Spotify. The list of collaborators on here is crazy - SNY, Santana, lots more; maybe that's what made it significant? Good guitar here, not much else.
Goldfrapp
2/5
Ok pop. Less random than the other on the list.
Sister Sledge
4/5
I imagine this this is probably pretty classic for the genre. For what it's worth it was enjoyable.
David Bowie
3/5
The more I listened the more interested I got. I can't say this won me over totally, but it certainly engaged me enough that I think I'd like to go back and also begin exploring his discography. The story and the persona behind this are pretty interesting.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Love the vibe and many songs, but not fully consistent for how short it is.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Easy, enjoyable. Interesting that she's British singing very southern r n b. Kind of like CCR playing swamp rock from San Fran.
Miles Davis
2/5
Jazz. Sure.
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
There were beats that I enjoy, but his over-affected accent was a turn-off. And at first I was like - ah, a predecessor to ska, like the horns on every track. But then the further into the album, the more I found the horns distracting and taking away from the songs.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
Started off incredibly strong. Does not sound dated whatsoever. The jazz/hip-hop combo is awesome, my issue is the lack of variety as the album goes on.
Simon & Garfunkel
2/5
Ugh. Unbearable corny hippie BS
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
The word of the day is : energy. Atomic may be about right for the time. Wow. Respect.
Taylor Swift
2/5
So at first I was excited to see this album, because I knew it and because it was possibly the most recent album I've seen on this list. I didn't really know to expect the album either, because as far as I was aware the 1,001 stopped around 2015 and I had no idea that they added anything else. Guess there's some other things to look forward to.
Then I realized that this was evermore a not folklore. Folklore was an album that came out at the perfect time in 2020 during the pandemic. It really turn me into a Taylor Swift then, and it made me go back through her catalog, not because of the pop and country but because of the solid songwriting. Folklore was an absolute home run, amazing, quiet, intimate, powerhouse showcase.
And then I realized that this was evermore. I have no idea why evermore is on the list. It's possibly proof that folklore was lightning in a bottle, or that it was possible leftovers coming 6 months later. It's boring. I worked my way through this again after only having listened to it once, which is also interesting because it was an album I looked forward to for a long time. There's a few tracks on here that hold up, and the back half of the album finishes strong, but it's too long and too samey.
SAULT
2/5
British (again) pop album with an interesting background. The performers are unknown/unconfirmed, and the concept is akin to the BLM movement; this album being especially timely. That said, most of it didn't feel fully formed.
Carole King
5/5
Wow. A classic I didn't even know existed. A track list of hits I never realized were written by the same artist. This is amazing...shopping for it on vinyl.
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
Solid, better than the first album that was referred. A couple saved songs off this, this is a defined, classic sound.
Supergrass
3/5
It was fine, energetic, and British, so of course it made the list. Seriously though, kind of fun and quick.
2/5
Meh. Live album which reminded me of Van Halen but a decade prior.
Mudhoney
3/5
This was hit and miss. Some quick, short punky songs, some obvious grunge defining tracks, some solid instrumentals, but overall nothing that stuck with me.
The Youngbloods
3/5
Enjoyable from the start, with a few falters. Falls into some hippie cliches but at other times defies expectations and really engaging. Great vocalist. Found out after the fact that this group is a one-hit wonder - a song not on the album but that I definitely know, famously quoted/sampled by Kurt Cobain.
Randy Newman
2/5
The instrumentation, was great. The parody, was overrated. The voice, not my style. And wow was that first song jarring from the "You've Got a Friend in Me" guy.
Kanye West
5/5
I don't know what it was in 2010, but I passed on this when it came out after 1/2 a listen. And I really enjoyed Kanye's earlier albums.
Putting aside his modern day antics and terrible output, this album missed me and it shouldn't have. Production is incredible, lyrics are interesting, guests are incredible, only 1 track wears out its welcome even though many are very lengthy. I've got a couple saved new classic tracks out of it.
Country Joe & The Fish
1/5
Meh
Green Day
4/5
I used to be a huge Green Day fan. I got burnt out on them when they started sampling themselves over and over and over again. My favorite albums from them still remain the first several. With that said, I hadn't gone back to this album in a very long time. Very good, the concept doesn't fully hold up, but I respect what they were trying and I understand the arc they're going for. This may have been where I dropped off with Green Day, and I still feel that way. But a solid classic album.
Spiritualized
1/5
Ugh
Insufferable. Droning space gaze something.
R.E.M.
4/5
Another solid REM album, way better than my expectations.
Green Day
5/5
This put me on a marathon of the next 3 albums. Absolute classic.
Gotan Project
2/5
Elevator music. Pleasant. There.
MGMT
3/5
The hits were the hits for a reason.
The Electric Prunes
2/5
It was like bizarre Beatles. Dark and psychedelic, but the sound quality was incredibly poor so I couldn't get into it.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
I enjoyed the time of this album and the production. Very crisp, good vocal, warm instrumentals. That bass was a stand out. The only thing that lacked (and I get it was on purpose) were hooks, choruses. It made the tracks blur together.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Slow, grimey, great tunes. Although that first track is a rough one once I figured out the lyrical content. Also the end of Can You Hear Me Knocking goes on a bit too long.
Buck Owens
3/5
Was alright.
Songhoy Blues
3/5
Musicianship solid, great guitar riffs. Lost in translation though. From Mali - French?
Beatles
3/5
This is not the classic I expected. Random throwaways paired with well-recognized tunes extended for a very long time.
Dr. John
3/5
I expected much different, more piano New Orleans jazz, but this was entertaining.
Sebadoh
3/5
Early indie, like a Nada Surf predecessor
Sade
4/5
Fantastically produced, warm tones, expert instrumentals, and soo soo smooth.
Screaming Trees
3/5
Passable 90s alt. Frontloaded with a couple solid tunes I may return to.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
There are times I have listened to this and thought it was the perfect album. LZ were problematic for a lot of their stealing and sampling, but the talent is incredible.
Manu Chao
3/5
Entertaining, and wow - the diversity of language.
Paul Simon
1/5
Wtf is this? Lyrics are awful, musically meandering...ugh
Röyksopp
2/5
Total background
Robbie Williams
3/5
The whole album wasn't available but I do pull some other later songs of his. Solid late 90s pop/brit-rock.
Harry Nilsson
3/5
Another case of an album and artist I've never heard of...only to realize I know multiple songs very well. Enjoyed the listen.
Milton Nascimento
3/5
It was fine but I am not sure of the significance and the language barrier didn't help.
Black Sabbath
4/5
I need to listen to Black Sabbath. I missed out. Both albums so far have been fantastic, and not at all what I assumed.
Grateful Dead
2/5
Literally my first time listening to the Dead. A band I always had low on my list to check out, but never got around to. Well, now I have. Don't have much great things to say. Passable, jammy country tunes with a steel guitar or acoustic. Harmonies that don't always sound great. Tunes that just aren't for me.
Megadeth
2/5
Repeating myself...thrash is not my thing so maybe there's something to this that I don't see. But I do enjoy Megadeth's 90s output and so this felt like an odd pick over their other albums. The later 3 tracks finished strong though.
Mekons
3/5
When this was described as British pub punk, I assumed it would be similar to Irish pub punk. No, it's a very distinct genre of its own. Interesting listen.
George Jones
3/5
Another fine classic country album, short, melodic, good vocals. The last track was a pretty solid skewering of how fans treat famous people.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
I like Dusty.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Fantastic vibes.
Tom Waits
2/5
Well this got old quick. More tuneful than others I've reviewed, even the spoken word bits) but the conceit (studio recording pretending to be a live club show) grates. The hero here is the bassist. A star for him.
Beastie Boys
3/5
Kind of a revelation. They are much more than rap rock and I had no idea. Live instruments, multiple instrumentals, genre-hopping, very diverse.
4/5
Wow - this is great early punk. Tuneful, solid 2 attack vocals, decent melody, great instrumentation.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
So overbearing. At least it wasn't his "sexy" album. This list loves singers who can't sing.
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
First half of this album is stellar, from her hits to the very solid new wave covers. Don't know why she didn't have a career more resembling Madonna's.
Coldplay
3/5
Well, this was unexpected.
I like some Coldpay songs, mostly the more uptempo mid-career singles, and I turned this on counting on a slog with only one recognizable song, "Yellow", which...ugh. To my surprise, "Yellow" held up way better than I gave it credit for, plus there was "Trouble" which is superior and which I'd totally forgotten existed. Beyond that, well-crafted songs, and gorgeous production. I'd probably need to be in the right mood, but I'd return to it.
Fiona Apple
2/5
More percussive than I'd imagined. Also the vocals seemed totally disconnected from the music, which is a weird production choice. Overall, this one wasn't for me and I can't imagine there's enough historical context around it to even make the list anyway.
Yes
2/5
Very diverse prog, including classical interpretations. About on par with my expectation. Missing melody, but the technical skill is there.
Nina Simone
3/5
This sounds like classic territory, but her voice didn't sustain me throughout.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Wow. River was incredible, the whole last section of the album was excellent.
Anthrax
2/5
Thrash tires so easily. Just loud fast aggression over and over. Fine in spurts, hard for an hour. Especially when the vocals are mid.
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
Exactly as I'd expect. Strings, keyboards, pop vocals. Solid double.
Steely Dan
5/5
Excellent. I'm a convert.
Rocket From The Crypt
3/5
Not bad, 90s punk/ska/rockabilly prototypes. Adam Willard is the drummer ..
Mj Cole
1/5
My first failure. I may return to be a completionist but I can't suffer through 2 hours of the same house beat in one sitting. So redundant.
Billie Holiday
2/5
Every single track completely indistinguishable from the next. And her voice is, to be kind, not for me.
Ali Farka Touré
2/5
I never know how to review these foreign language world albums. Guitar work was solid.
Nirvana
4/5
A different side of the band, they put their hearts into reconstructing these songs in an interesting way and highlighting the music they wanted to, rather than just their hits.
The Byrds
4/5
More Byrds. This gets an extra star just for being the source of "Feel a Whole Lot Better." Good 60s tunes.
David Bowie
4/5
Challenging, sad, expansive. Lot of jazz, great drum tracks.
John Martyn
2/5
Random British folk.
Waylon Jennings
4/5
Credit where due. Simple tunes, quick album, lots of talent. Why do they fade out on guitar solos?
Deep Purple
3/5
Almost lived up to the hype
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
As described by the group, this is like eating vegetables. Solid concept, but beats you over the head with politics. Great for a listen, terrifying that it's still relevant, but not repeatable for enjoyment.
The Killers
5/5
I felt sure this would be a 5 based on personal history with this record; an actual listen left me feeling it was a 4 but I will maintain my rating based on nostalgia (which is probably wildly inconsistent with other scoring decisions).
There were many THE ALBUMS during my college tenure, but this one might have been the most played of all of them. Wore this album out with friends, it was perfect background music for a party, a card game, or a quieter Sunday morning. The Vegas synth vibes are so unique and defining. Every song such a turn from the last, but still cohesive. My recollection was that this was a non-stop 12 tracks of greatness; my revisit made me realize I don't remember the last 3 tracks on it very well at all, and there is a fall off. Strange how memory is. Regardless, there is a 7 song tear here that's unparalleled.
Brian Eno
2/5
Noises
The Modern Lovers
3/5
Felt familiar. Couple clever songs.
Lambchop
2/5
Modern easy listening? A bit beatlesesque as well. Vocals were unique.
John Grant
4/5
Sold. Quirky modern folk
LCD Soundsystem
2/5
Boring ass dance.
Underworld
1/5
2 days in a row now of stretched out awful EDM tunes. This thing was almost an hour and a half long. Ugh.
Judas Priest
3/5
I may not be up to date on the definition of heavy metal or perhaps it's progressed over 30 years. But the pop influence on this album was so undeniable that it felt like glam.
Regardless I was just happy to not have another 90 minute trance EDM slog.
John Martyn
2/5
Really? Two albums by this guy? Feels like an extension of the last one.
Fela Kuti
3/5
Enjoyed the energy for sure.
Steve Winwood
3/5
Good soft rock, early Winwood without the hits though. Why this album over others?
Rod Stewart
2/5
Rod, this was all over the place, and honestly, a bit boring. That 2nd to last hard rock track really felt out of place up against the folk-based tunes preceding it.
Buena Vista Social Club
2/5
This was fine. Very specifically Cuban, and mostly interesting for background music.
Paul Weller
3/5
May return to this, had some solid stuff. There were some killer bass lines as well.
Dead Kennedys
3/5
I respected this, but didn't like it. I could tell why it's on the list.
Supergrass
4/5
Okay, this band is growing on me. This was a pretty fun album.
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
After reading about how this record got made, it's a pretty interesting story, and the novel approach, and also pretty brave.
The thing is, it didn't translate to the songs. This was a bust.
Beatles
4/5
Songs are a bit samey, but this was solid, especially for the beach and a puzzle afternoon.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
2 for 2 on beach weekend albums. Arguments that this album hasn't aged well are largely out of proportion.
Jerry Lee Lewis
2/5
I think this guy would be weirdly unsettling even if I didn't know his background. I am not a fan of this style either, but I will give credit for pure energy.
ZZ Top
4/5
P this felt beyond it to years. A lot of talent and humor.
Suzanne Vega
1/5
What's with the multiple fonts on the cover? What's with the echoey, poor vocal production? What's with the terrible beat poetry spoken over random guitar?
Best review I saw: Enya meets Bobo Dylan. I'd only add "in a Soho coffee house." I will admit it got more cohesive toward the end.
This is one star.
Peter Frampton
4/5
You know what? I was into this. Solid rock, very entertaining.
Neil Young
5/5
Currently unavailable but I've got it covered in CD and vinyl. Absolute classic if the genre.
Raekwon
4/5
Solid but dated.
Beatles
3/5
This must be when they started to get weirder. This feels built out of random pieces. Some are straight forward, some are very odd, and Eleanor Rigby, which I'm finally hearing in context, and enjoy, is very out of place in the track order.
Nas
3/5
Nas is a great rapper but this is dated and boring.
Metallica
4/5
I don't think I really like Metallica, and their older content shows skill and style way more. But this is still a classic, and a huge crossover.
Brian Eno
2/5
This was the most boring thing I've ever subjected myself to. A star because it was ambient?
Gang Starr
4/5
Very solid old school. Where Premier came from before PRhyme. Understated beats and conscious lyrics.
3/5
Hit and miss 90s rock
Genesis
2/5
This was hard to follow along with. Kazoos and mouth noises, very weird story, and the end of Gabriel in Genesis.
Not for me.
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
This was enjoyable in parts. Like a '90s version of Billy Talent or Against Me.
Deep Purple
4/5
The other creators of heavy metal. The sound on the guitars on this album is awesome and authentic. It's not something you hear currently. Excellent stuff.
Slipknot
3/5
Corey has a fantastic singing voice and there is some melody to this album, also the drums are fantastic.
But it does feel pretty overall edgelord.
Richard Hawley
3/5
An odd album for it's time. Great vocal talent and nice for a rainy morning with coffee but the tracks blend together.
PJ Harvey
3/5
This was fine.
Thelonious Monk
2/5
Jazz with lots of drum solos
Bee Gees
1/5
This was just absolutely terrible. It is remarkable to me I how a band with seemingly no talent at all just kept making albums over and over and over. Ooof, that first song.
The Band
4/5
Just fine blues-based 60s rock. Very entertaining.
Gorillaz
4/5
Way better than I'd ever given it credit for.
Ian Dury
2/5
I don't know why this was worthy of the list. 80s punk/ska/pop with risque lyrics.
Fairport Convention
3/5
Solid traditional folk.
1/5
This was a violent assault of unending frantic insane noise. 2 drummers and 2 saxophones competing to be heard over each other. Making it through this was a miracle, though there was a slight tuneful reprieve around 24 minutes.
Massive Attack
3/5
Eric Clapton
3/5
Jeff Buckley
4/5
This had an interesting backstory as well. Of course the Leonard Cohen cover was amazing. Through the rest his talent shown even if it's not my kind of thing. Interestingly, more than anything it reminded me of Ours. Until I did a deep dive into that discography.
The La's
3/5
I have no idea what this was until I came to "There She Goes" which also didn't happen to sound like any of the other songs. With that said though it was a fun album.
Foo Fighters
4/5
Not their best, but a classic debut of talent. Lyrics lack, energy does not.
The Lemonheads
3/5
Well, when I think early '90s movies, this pretty much could have been the soundtrack to any of them. Straightforward alt jangle Pop/rock.
Tim Buckley
3/5
Bowdy, swinging, unique vocals. I'll take it.
Hole
3/5
So torn in this. While I really dislike Love and her style, this has Cobain's fingerprints al over it.
Aimee Mann
2/5
Bargain bin Sheryl Crow. Early 90s alt-country-AOR....why?
Slipknot
2/5
Cannot believe there are two albums by this band on the list.
This is not on the level of the other.
Duran Duran
3/5
Just fine, easy listen, although I was never previously into this band. Pure 80s.
The Doors
2/5
Not bad
Pantera
2/5
Not for me.
ABBA
3/5
Not bad for a Sunday. Exactly what you'd think.
The Smiths
2/5
Ok fine. 2 stars, "Light that Never Goes Out" is fine. F Morrissey.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Some classics here. Other songs go on too long.
Orbital
3/5
energetic electronic music. Certainly doesn't sound it's age.
The Stone Roses
3/5
This was fine, the opening track pretty killer. More jangle alt rock from a Brit band, similar to the Smiths. So why is it on the list when this territory is so well covered?
Kacey Musgraves
3/5
Taylor Swift-style pop-country. Not bad, except for some of the most banal lyrics ever.
Led Zeppelin
2/5
This is an inferior led Zeppelin album. In my mind it doesn't come anywhere close to I, II, or IV. I don't know how many led Zeppelin albums are going to be on this list, but it surprises me that this one is.
Prince
4/5
For a little bit, I was convinced this wasn't the classic it was made out to be. But by the end, I understood. I only wish the instrumentation was a little bit better on a couple of the tracks.
Def Leppard
4/5
What do I say about this? It's not metal, but did it claim to be? Kind of? This is pop glam. And it's pretty damn good for what it is. I have no problems with this being a fantastic example of it's genre and time.
Dr. Octagon
4/5
Production was interesting, perhaps the vocals would have caught me 25 years ago, but it did nothing today. Randomness.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
I think three is fair. The opener and the clothes are on this are absolute classics.
Everything in between is probably the most honky tonk blues I've seen the Stones go. It was an interesting listen but not repeatable.
The Who
3/5
Standard '70s concept album affair. Do I recognize this is perhaps one of the most quintessential. Still though, for my first time listening to it, I prefer their older simpler work. This had a lot of ideas, and the narrative thread was incredibly strong.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
2/5
I didn't look into the details of this album yet, but I'm making general guesses about the era. This is less good honky tonk, some of the songs were outright annoying.
The Stooges
4/5
This was almost perfect but fell off for me at the end. Classic one-two to open. What a leap from their earlier albums.
Thundercat
3/5
I wanted to give this more but it had huge stretches that bored...which is tough considering how short most songs were. The talent and musicianship is there, and it belongs on the list. The guests were shocking and entertaining. Overall, this wasn't memorable though.
Billy Joel
5/5
Stone classic.
Eagles
2/5
The kind of easy-listening, desert highway bar, car shop garage rock that's incredibly cliched and boring.
Astor Piazzolla
2/5
Talent and complexity but nothing of interest to me.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Interesting split what the electric and the acoustic folk. A lot of influence came from here, I'm sure.
Def Leppard
4/5
I have to say I'm unironically a Def Leppard fan now.
This album wasn't as good as Pyromania, I thought it was a little too long, and honestly, "pour some sugar on me" felt like an odd duck in the middle of the album. Overall though, I really appreciate what they're going for. They were the top of their genre.
Motörhead
2/5
Good sound ...one sound. It's the same song, repeated. And why the live album, and with such poor sound quality?
Killing Joke
3/5
I need to always stop and think about genre definitions when there's a UK "punk" band on the list.
Another ok album though I'm sure influential.
The B-52's
1/5
I expected this to be passibly entertaining. It was absolutely awful and grating.
Madonna
3/5
I can see why this made the list. Interesting Middle-Eastern trip hop concept.
Kelela
3/5
I almost went with 4 stars but felt it overly generous. Great voice and talent, interesting production and it feels very modern. Not to my tastes and a bit dark and unmemorable though.
Public Enemy
4/5
It's aged to some extent, but you can feel and understand the power and the importance at the time that does stretch a bit into the present.
Minutemen
4/5
Well I can see where they got their name. This album went on forever, 45 tracks. But when I got to the jackass theme song, for the first time realizing that it wasn't original, I was all in.
Steely Dan
4/5
This is really mood dependent. I've heard this before and been so into it; this time I could take it or leave it. It's a bit boring. Technical ability, for sure. Understand why it's on the list as well. A generous 4.
2/5
I can firmly say I am no Devo fan. At least it was short.
Not so much new wave as surf rock with programming.
Pulp
3/5
Not bad for 90s brit Pop rock.
The Offspring
5/5
Absolute classic. Top to bottom inspired, politically biting, aggressive, scream-along, and funny too.
Radiohead
5/5
Well that was a great weekend, back to back 90s classics for totally different reasons.
Still my favorite? Radiohead album (The Bends closely ties).
Beck
4/5
Never listened to this before. That was solid.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Similar to Teddy, but slower and more same-y. Concept was interesting,
Cat Stevens
5/5
Sure - a 5. This felt like a timeless classic, like these songs have somehow always existed. Incredible soul and production put into these tunes.
Tim Buckley
3/5
Fine, but instantly forgettable. His son's album left a much larger impression.
The Verve
3/5
Shocker, Brit Pop.
My brother had this album when I was younger, there's more than the one hit wonder on here, but not enough to justify 75 minutes.
Dennis Wilson
3/5
The least likely Beach Boy to have a solo career puts out a mid-70s album that sounds nothing like what you would think. And his songwriting skills shine.
Eminem
3/5
Tough one to rate because it was a tough one to listen to.
This didn't age well. His lyrical genius is on display, and all his creativity, and unique approach, and the production was great. But the content which seemed jokey and fictitious 20 years ago was really hard to get through.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2/5
Well, it had "Maps" on it, which was not representative of the sound. Very garagy.
The National
3/5
This album started to hit me halfway through. Great one for the season; I only regret that my only knowledge of them comes from their Taylor Swift songwriting collaborations.
The Soft Boys
2/5
This sounded like the unpublished 2nd soundtrack to Rocky Horror. An interesting addition for the era.
Joy Division
2/5
It had moments but was often tuneless.
Machito
5/5
Had me dancing with my daughter. Excellent cuban jazz
The Gun Club
3/5
If Jack Black respects it, it's worth a spin.
Morrissey
1/5
I'm so very tired of being subjected to this man. And the songs are really starting to all sound the same.
Sonic Youth
3/5
This must have influenced a ton of bands, for some reason the one that jumped to mind was Nada Surf. It was hugely long, and a bit noisy, but mostly worth a listen.
Shack
2/5
Absolute Brit Pop dreck.
George Michael
4/5
This was a surprisingly good album, minus the 15 minutes of constant "I want your sex" repetition. Recognized almost every song, couldn't believe it. Solid pop that is a bit dates but still very good.
a-ha
1/5
The song you know is the one you know for a reason.
Bob Dylan
2/5
This was a bit classic, but a bit trying.
Shuggie Otis
4/5
This lagged at the end but I'm not mad at it
Cream
4/5
Point off for Clapton being Clapton, but this is a classic.
Public Enemy
2/5
Worked for me way less so than the last Public Enemy album. Production veered toward annoying, Flavor Flav veered toward annoying, and it went on too long.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
1/5
They made this...on purpose? "Avant garde" will always sound like a cover for making noise that's indistinguishable from someone with no talent discovering an instrument. And why must these albums be so long? Scary that I can see where some other albums got inspiration from this like Tom Waits and the Minutemen. So a star because I'm learning and piecing together some music history. Otherwise, yikes.
The The
2/5
This is not what I thought going in. Again, the term "alternative" meant something totally different in the 80s. I am not getting a feel for why this made the list of "must hear."
Iggy Pop
3/5
I suppose I'm not surprised to find the full Berlin trilogy on the list.
Garbage
4/5
Surprisingly excellent, especially production.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Every song literally sounded the same but that sound is classic. Therefore, 3.
Muddy Waters
4/5
I have to imagine this is a gold standard for the genre.
David Bowie
3/5
Interesting and not what I expected. Mostly instrumental. Apparently he was inspired by Kraftwerk.
Much better than Kraftwerk.
The United States Of America
2/5
Truly psychedelic. Wow. What a wall of noise. Like a bad trip.
Alice In Chains
5/5
Never listened to an AIC album all the way through. Impressive sound, harmonies. Songwriting is unique in the grunge mold. And a lot of hits on this one.
Afrika Bambaataa
4/5
I don't know if this formally could be called go go but it's adjacent and I have gotten a lot of exposure and respect for that genre in the last few years.
Crowded House
2/5
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
Avante garde satire done in an enjoyable way. I wouldn't listen again, first time wasn't bad.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Interesting narratives and theme, assuming many of these were covers, and the collaborations were surprising. Overall not my thing though.
Van Halen
4/5
This is probably a watershed album, taking all that came before with 70s metal and glam and combining it with amazing technical skill, yet focusing on a "front man" rather than a singer. Stunned at how many of their classics came from this album, and it's all over in 30 minutes too.
De La Soul
3/5
Shame this wasn't on Spotify. Ran a little long, but seemed inventive and fun for it's time. I only know if them randomly from their 2000s output but I'd venture to say this is the better version of them.
Fairport Convention
2/5
Solid folk, listenable and melodic.
Beck
3/5
I'm going to be generous with three stars because the instrumentation was fantastic as was the production. This started out as an interesting experiment and really showed Beck's versatility, but it ended up just being boring.
Van Halen
4/5
They discovered synthesizers. Honestly out of the nine tracks six of them were really solid.
3/5
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
Very good album, in the vein of Tom Petty with a bit more new wave.
Paul Simon
2/5
I don't know what this album is supposed to be. An odd collection of short, all over the place acoustic genre songs.
Eagles
3/5
Ok, three stars for the status the album has. But I hate the Eagles.
SZA
3/5
Nothing really special that would point to being on this list. Especially so new.
Bobby Womack
5/5
Killer.
Don McLean
1/5
Why even is this? I hate and have always hated the title track, and the rest is literally nothing.
Portishead
2/5
Spy movie sad ambience. It was cool for one song, and it dragged for an album.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
So unique. Joe brought me back to the high school talent show.
The Stooges
3/5
A strong start that really took a turn. I wondered what happened and then I remembered heroin is a thing. Influential for sure.
Elbow
3/5
Very Radioheadish. Literally never heard of this band.
Germs
2/5
Speed round. This isn't for me.
Motörhead
3/5
Speed round. This was pretty solid.
Arrested Development
4/5
Pretty good, many classics.
Pere Ubu
3/5
Decent 80s new wave protopunk.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Like a goth Bowie. A lot better than the durges album.
Jimmy Smith
3/5
Very organ-inclusive jazz, enjoyable.
Marianne Faithfull
2/5
Well, I recognized the one from covers. Some of these appealed. Others not.
Tito Puente
4/5
Very solid salsa
New York Dolls
4/5
Trash felt more modern than it was.
Tony Hawk music. 4 stars.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
The songs skewed a little long but wow, was this good.
Roxy Music
2/5
70s glam, dragged.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
I must have gotten this at the wrong time of the year given the weather outside felt a total mismatch for the syncopated, light island music. Then again, the themes and lyrics also run totally counter to that lightness.
Nick Drake
4/5
Well produced, warm and beautiful folk.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
1/5
This reminded me of the Sid Barrett solo album. Just terrible, random, pieces of mental illness.
Sonic Youth
4/5
This hit something for me, somewhere between Chevelle and Nada Surf and Smashing Pumpkins. Although extremely low-fi, it had a really endearing quality to me.
Gillian Welch
2/5
I can take or leave this. The 2nd to last track was enjoyable. Overall, sparse, dark folk.
Megadeth
5/5
Ok, it sold me. Fun thrash.
Emmylou Harris
2/5
Okay, so now I've heard emmylou Harris. She sounds to me much like any other female country singer of the era.
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
I don't know how this band can deny they are a "jam band" with a straight face after 3 15 minute+ songs on this album. Talented, though not my genre.
Oasis
2/5
Every once in awhile there's an Oasis song that I really like. And everything in between is garbage. This album represents that.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
I was so ready to judge this as more boring EDM but then North American Scum came on, and I just can't fault Ronnie B. Plus a star.
Scott Walker
3/5
I can't put a genre or a label on this, but he sings well.
Gene Clark
3/5
I hear a lot of what influenced Petty here.
Q-Tip
5/5
This was one of my favorites on this list in a long time. Excellent alternate hip hop.
The Icarus Line
4/5
Albums like these are what I expected this list to be.
Hanoi Rocks
3/5
Found it to be more entertaining than expected. Solid bass.
Little Simz
4/5
Once again it really strikes me as odd that of all the offerings in this genre this list goes with the British pick. Also I would argue that her cadence is a little too similar in many songs. That said this was pretty enjoyable.
Sparks
3/5
This one was pretty far out there. Technically an early iteration of Glam Rock I suppose. And there seem to be a lot of possibly French singing. Either way many of the songs were catchy.
Can
3/5
I feel like it took me into the second song to even figure out what genre this was. Which is saying a lot because most songs were over 10 minutes. Apparently this is in the vein of kraftwerk. A lot more grooves though and atmosphere.
The Who
3/5
It was fine, but why live?
TV On The Radio
2/5
This had all kinds of random stuff in it. Some danceable grooves. Vocals not much to speak of. I didn't look these guys up but I'd guess...British?
Janet Jackson
4/5
This must be the basis for that classic 90s r&b sound. Wow.
Beastie Boys
4/5
Much of this sounds dated, but Fight For your Right still hits hard.
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
This gets four stars in its genre. It was long but it was really good. Recognized a few of the tunes
The Verve
2/5
As long as this album was, nothing stuck. A second album from a one hit wonder. Why?
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
2/5
Much of this was just annoying. Other parts seemed representative instrumentation for the time, with limited vocals.
Solange
4/5
Respect. This was a great r&b album and really surprising.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Just short of their absolute best for me but it has one of my favorite songs in "Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You."
Ryan Adams
2/5
Aside from his personal issues, this is mostly just boring.
Stunned to recognize the first song though. I had only known him by Mandy and by his 1989 cover, which admittedly was solid.
ABBA
3/5
One out of three songs here was really, really good. Interesting adaptation of their style to the 80s. The rest was standard 80s pop.
Jane's Addiction
3/5
Unlike Jane says and Been caught stealing, the majority of this leads far toward very old school Soundgarden. Which is surprising. They don't typically follow a verse chorus verse format, and there's some psychedelia involved with Navarro, but overall this didn't hit like I expected it to.
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
A couple absolute classics here, filled in by other folk psychedelia.
Boston
5/5
Bringing me straight back to high school with my first car and the mixtape I loaded up for it.
This album is non-stop classics. Five, no question.
Keith Jarrett
4/5
This was beautiful piano solo background music. No complaints.
Beastie Boys
4/5
The production on this elevated it over other Beastie boys albums, but eventually the vocals dragged this down.
Stan Getz
3/5
This is cocktail jazz. I can do cocktail jazz. There's nothing that I retained, but I can respect all the talent that goes into it.
Van Morrison
3/5
One more artist ruined in legacy by their revealing themselves as awful people.
Good album though, lots of sax and piano.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Somehow a classic. In spite of the monotone speak-singing, knowing where he was at that point in his life, this is absolute dark, somber excellence. Cover songs somehow made his own when he uses them as a personal reflection.
The Pretty Things
3/5
So this band borrowed from the Beatles, influenced the Who, basically created the idea of a concept album, and no one knows who they are?
Music was fine, production was surprising given it is from the 60s. The lyrics though...I have never heard such utter nonsense.
The Boo Radleys
2/5
Too much. No cohesion, nothing to grab but noise and repetition.
k.d. lang
3/5
This never would have appealed to me, and there's definitely only one "constant craving" on this album.
But I'll give credit for talent where it's due.
Femi Kuti
3/5
Afrobeats
The Dictators
4/5
This is revelatory. It's like a very early Pop punk album, including the childish humor.
10cc
4/5
The leadoff track made me believe my preconceptions, that this was a standard 70s Bad Company/"Life in the Fast Lane" type rock. That fell apart immediately as the album turned more and more into very unique art pop. Very good listen.
Burning Spear
3/5
Giving this the benefit of the doubt; maybe I'm not in a reggae mood today but this grated a bit. Was still fine and short.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Elvis did "fever"?
Joy Division
2/5
I don't understand this, in terms of the vocal quality.
Lou Reed
3/5
More accessible for sure.
The Zombies
3/5
A lot of 60s pop with a piano. Some was pretty good.
Sheryl Crow
2/5
This didn't hold up. She's a weaker singer than I recalled, the songs are overly long, and the best bright spots are the singles while the rest is throwaway.
Derek & The Dominos
2/5
What an appropriately titled album.
"Layla and some other stuff."
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Shocked that yet another Cohen album was on here, but this was slightly innocuous at 4am.
Rage Against The Machine
3/5
This is not quite the album that I thought it would be.
I've only ever heard the singles. I expected it to be perhaps a little more redundant, at the same time I was a little underwhelmed too.
The Cardigans
4/5
Above all, the production was fantastic. Great songs and writing, and unique. Her voice grates after a bit in a some spots.
Billy Bragg
3/5
Unique listen for sure. The concept of taking Guthrie's lyrics to new music provided some interesting perspectives, and the guests here were unique as well.
The Clash
4/5
I don't know what I expected from this. London Calling and Train in Vain are very composed songs, but much of this feels off the cuff, and purposefully a little sloppy, especially the vocals. There's a lot of pop-punk roots in these songs.
Common
2/5
Two stars for production.
Common's rhymes are terrible and annoying.
New Order
4/5
Interesting how this was almost directly following the Joy Division album. The band sure has changed. This was a solid genre album.
Sufjan Stevens
4/5
Potential here. A lot of musicality. Turn it 45° and it could be Sturgill Simpson.
The Waterboys
3/5
Really extensive Irish folk. Really. Really. Long.
The Black Crowes
4/5
I can't believe I knew so many songs on here. Real good 90s blues rock.
Death In Vegas
2/5
Even on a plane this got old.
k.d. lang
2/5
Well I'm floored. Especially after having listened to another KD Lang album. She's primarily a country artist??
Queen Latifah
3/5
Old school, clean hip hop, but redundant
David Bowie
2/5
Another Bowie album front loaded with interesting stuff and fading to instrumentals on the back end.
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
I feel like I've heard Summer Samba in many movies. Excellent soundtrack music.
Brian Eno
2/5
This is the same Eno I reviewed before with the ambient album? I didn't like this much, but it's a whole other thing and very rock/pop oriented.
Pink Floyd
3/5
I don't understand this band.
Bob Dylan
3/5
This may be the most listener friendly of Dylan's entries where his songs shine.
Deep Purple
4/5
Why is this here? Didn't I already rate an album with live versions of all these songs?
Rush
4/5
Less good than I expected, but still a classic prog 80s album.
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
This was of an era, but has a pretty classic feel. I understand it was lifted from as well.
Rod Stewart
2/5
2 albums by this mediocre dude?
Amy Winehouse
5/5
Stellar in the genre, reinvigorating a classic 60s sound with a twist.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3/5
For a super group it didn't sound like the best of any of their offerings
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
One thing I'm learning, is that I really do enjoy Elvis Costello. This was aggressive and loud and over modulated, but there's some great tunes in there.
Jungle Brothers
4/5
Wow - classic hiphop, great production, excellent lyrics, feels like it held up.
Prefab Sprout
3/5
Until the back half, I was really sold on this album. Very unique and classic sounding. Would replay
Fleet Foxes
4/5
Well my kids love that one song, so I couldn't believe this popped up.
This was pretty impressive.
Radiohead
4/5
Not the best Radiohead but this one continues to grow on me.
3/5
Not my favorite Kinks album, but the baby enjoyed a couple tunes.
Paul Simon
2/5
It has that song, and it's mindless. But I just really don't like Paul Simon.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
This is competent blues rock. It never went beyond that.
My Bloody Valentine
1/5
How can 45 minutes be so unending?
Soul II Soul
3/5
This was hit and miss but still had a classic feel. And "Back to Life" would be nothing if not for the remix.
Simon & Garfunkel
2/5
It was short. And it has Mrs Robinson and Hazy Shade.
The Kinks
4/5
Now here's some solid Kinks
Fiona Apple
4/5
I recognized several songs here and the quality is very high, but not a lot resonated or stuck with me. Still, I can recognize the significance and artistry.
Ice Cube
2/5
Lyrically it's a shame it holds up. The production does not.
Big Black
5/5
Unique, danceable, aggressive, and principled punk. I like it. Thanks Steve Albini!
2/5
It's hard to put this into words.
This doesn't belong on the list, unless the goal of the list is to give a spectrum of significant albums regardless of quality. Even if the idea was to represent rap rock, or 2000s post grunge alternative, this isn't the album to do it. Taproot, Deftones, something. Not this.
This is objectively awful. It's a whiner whining for 75 minutes, yipping like a puppy with empty and stupid insults.
With that said, it sure is nostalgic.
Devendra Banhart
2/5
Here I thought this would be easy and quick listening.
That was really, really weird.
Peter Gabriel
2/5
One classic song, one good song, and a bunch of other stuff.
William Orbit
2/5
It was ambient electronic music
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
2/5
I have no idea what to say about this. It wasn't actively terrible, but it wasn't meaningful either.
Sex Pistols
3/5
Not for me personally, but understand the influence.
Throwing Muses
2/5
Caterwauling and moaning over early alternative
Wire
4/5
This was excellent, great punk, a pioneer for sure. But I wouldn't listen regularly.
Elvis Costello
3/5
Another solid entry but it dragged too long.
Thin Lizzy
4/5
Lots of guitar solos.
Actually this was pretty solid. And I have not heard much of this band before.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Wow. Better suited for Sunday morning, but excellent.
Stereo MC's
2/5
These tracks are so cookie-cutter.
Radiohead
3/5
This is getting back to more guitar driven songs in their discography.
This one is growing on me a bit but still not classic radiohead in my mind.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
2/5
Yuck
Shivkumar Sharma
3/5
I can't dislike this. Great instrumentals. Very unique.
Depeche Mode
4/5
Nice change pace. Well produced, a couple classic songs.
Al Green
4/5
Started out strong but it's tough to beat a genre classic. Still excellent.
Randy Newman
2/5
I feel like the concept of Randy Newman is more interesting than actual Randy Newman.
The Auteurs
3/5
This was mopey, with Morriseyish vocals but not bad musically.
The Rolling Stones
2/5
Middle of the road Stones. Is this not an album band? A couple giant hits and some meddling blues rock numbers.
Merle Haggard
2/5
This is serviceable old school country I believe? Full of every cliche you would expect, except they're not sure they were cliches back then. Either way it was fine but not for me.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Her voice is incredible. And that's three albums now I've been drawn into.
Metallica
3/5
In the concept it was a good idea.
But that was a little much.
Otis Redding
5/5
I can see no reason why this shouldn't be five stars.
Simon & Garfunkel
2/5
I am not a fan.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
2/5
I don't have a lot on this. The group got popularity from influencing Paul Simon on that record, and this is all foreign a cappella.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
This was good, but the energy fell off quickly after the first couple tracks.
Carpenters
3/5
She has a great voice, and this is good songwriting. But it's just so slow and depressing.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
2/5
this was just noise.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
Some classics here but it began to sound samey. And some of the lyrical content is ridiculous.
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
Defined as folk but didn't sound like folk. Neil Young is always worth a listen.
Little Richard
4/5
'50s music just doesn't sound like anything else.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
2/5
Almost back to back here. Still a lot of noise but there are probably a lot of influential components.
1/5
This might be the most '80s album ever.
And not in a good way. It's like it went out of its way to be every corny cliche possible.
XTC
3/5
This was a surprise. After dreading yet another British 80s band, the first half of this album really roped me in. Excellent tunes and flow. Bit of a drop off though.
The Fall
2/5
Okay, now I've officially had it with the '80s '90s British groups.
This is just basic and repetitive.
Pink Floyd
3/5
It was interesting to hear this album. As the first one, And the only Sid album, It's pretty unique. It's also pretty terrible.
Le Tigre
2/5
This was just "Hey Mickie" over and over again.
More than one of the song used literal lists as lyrics.
The Flaming Lips
3/5
Modern hippie music I suppose.
Maxwell
3/5
Good Sunday neo-soul music.
George Michael
2/5
This wasn't as solid as his prior album. A couple classics, but much slower, drawn out, odder instrumentation.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
2/5
This was exactly as described. 80s indy jangle.
Simple Minds
2/5
more 80s than ever thought possible
Khaled
3/5
This album didn't exist on spotify or Youtube. So I had a harder time with it than anything on the list. I did find various songs by the artist, including an interesting cover of Lennon's "Imagine" and some that had titles which indicate they *might* be from this album.
Still not sure. All mostly foreign language but seems well representative of the genre and there is talent present. I enjoyed a listen to a few songs but would never seek it out again.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Less great than 1 and 4, but side A is stacked.
3/5
Nothing to dislike, foreign modern electronic/jazzy.
R.E.M.
3/5
Again, a fine album with a couple iffy tracks, but nothing I'd count among their best work.
Culture Club
2/5
This is of poor, cheesy, schlock quality. Feels like a middle school production and he's not that great a singer.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
This sounds like the music from someone's dreams somehow translated to real life. Indistinguishable vocals and all.
Nine Inch Nails
5/5
Dark, grimy, classic, and not cringe. This holds up on production and concept despite it's age.
Aphex Twin
3/5
This caught me on the right day. I could see this getting a bit irksome but I was in need of some mindless background ambience. Still too long.
King Crimson
3/5
Yes, that sounded like they just invented prog rock.
The Smiths
3/5
More Morrissey. Not bad though I suppose.
Leftfield
2/5
No
Finley Quaye
3/5
This was unique British pop but caught my ear a few times.
Belle & Sebastian
2/5
Mostly boring, terrible voice.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Please no more of him.
George Harrison
3/5
Waaaaay too long but what a cool recording legend. And a lot of the tunes were very good. They just needed a trim.
Skepta
2/5
British street rap.
Ok.
David Bowie
3/5
Good, not great Bowie.
Circle Jerks
3/5
The shortest album on the list?
This has to be part of a foundation. Very cool.
Sisters Of Mercy
3/5
Based on this and Prettyhatemachine, I am assuming goth originated in new wave somehow.
Tim Buckley
2/5
This was boring and I don't know why he has three albums on this list
Bauhaus
3/5
More new wave proto goth. Not as good as the last.
The Crusaders
4/5
There's a line where this could just be muzak, but it worked for me is accessible jazz.
And the title track is a classic.
Lauryn Hill
4/5
Better Neo-Soul than Badu, but very repetitive, and the songs are not as strong as I expected them to be given the reputation of this album.
Sonic Youth
3/5
This sounds exactly like I thought it would. Enjoyed the multiple vocalists.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
2/5
This album and 69 Love Songs almost broke me. Back to back near 3 hour albums seem intended to make people give up and cry.
This is the whitest album in history. Whiter than Weird Al. This is torturous, regardless of the talent level on display.
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
I liked this one! Great early alternative.
Kate Bush
3/5
Her vocals are...interesting.
Dire Straits
3/5
Not a bad debut.
The Magnetic Fields
4/5
Aside from the obvious callout which creates redundancy (how could it not), this was actually pretty cool.
It started as a 5, and then got shaky in the 2nd section, but came back. The tracks flew by, and the uniqueness, humor, and diversity of the vocals carried me through.
Hüsker Dü
4/5
P I think I expected slightly more out of Mould but much of this was very good.
Mudhoney
2/5
There's proto Nirvana in here. But it doesn't hold up
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
Is it really a talent to just masturbate with your instruments?
Scritti Politti
1/5
Garbage '80s schlock pop
Steely Dan
4/5
Steely Dan rules
Donald Fagen
2/5
So back to back with steely Dan, This solo album explorers the lesser instincts in the band. There's no bite, and the instrumentation is a bit to AM jazzy for me.
Tina Turner
3/5
In this case the classics elevate the datedness some of the tracks.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
I'll always listen to the extended version with Silver Spring on it.
Absolutely fantastic.
Booker T. & The MG's
4/5
Odd pick for the list but enjoyable instrumental organ-driven R&B.
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
Awful, drawn out baroque.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
5/5
I can't find a way to knock it. Groundbreaking stuff for the time.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
From the opening line, a classic I've not appreciated. Very, very good.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
Better than I expected. For the life of me though, I don't know why three of these are on the list.
Dolly Parton
2/5
This was just there. I forgot it as soon as it finished.
Depeche Mode
3/5
Another NIN ish techno/goth mix.
Heaven 17
1/5
If it's not historically significant, it didn't sell much, and the critics didn't like it, then why would it be on this list?
The Jesus And Mary Chain
2/5
Too lofi to be enjoyable
Tricky
1/5
Atrocious. Annoying.
Roxy Music
2/5
Too avant garde for what I anticipated. Some very weird choices, drawn out.
Pixies
4/5
Velouria.
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
Some 70s prog harmony in here as well as soul, disco, spoken word/rap/improve (which was hilariously corny) and instrumentals. Not bad.
John Prine
4/5
Heard a lot about Prine and there are some near-standards here.
Elton John
4/5
It could have been a single album, but wow.
Portishead
2/5
No thanks.
Kanye West
1/5
Going to speak to the historical context of this album and give credit for the novelty and creativity. But the more that comes out about this artist the less I can support him. He's an ignorant and potentially mentally ill racist.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
When it's good, it's very good. When it's bad, it's because of Bruce, not the band, and it's because it's overly derivative and too mushmouthed/wordy.
The Fall
2/5
Every track sounded the same
The Sugarcubes
3/5
This is the most listenable form of bjork. I didn't realize what it was until a little way in.
Justin Timberlake
4/5
Never listened all the way through. The hits are hits, there's a lot of quality, but also a bit of boy band hangover.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
2/5
Maybe in another lifetime this would have appealed. This is dated, not well.
Blood, Sweat & Tears
3/5
Perfect jazz classic 70s for the beach.
Faust
2/5
More krautrock. Ugh.
D'Angelo
2/5
Tried; couldn't get into it.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Earliest album on the list. Not a bad set.
Ray Charles
4/5
Excellent, classic entry.
Jazmine Sullivan
4/5
Skits aside, decent.
Gil Scott-Heron
3/5
Like the talent, music not my vibe.
Chicago
2/5
Expected pop, brass, jazz, big band. Didn't expect guitar masturbation
The Stooges
3/5
The least critical of the 3 Stooges I've heard
Saint Etienne
3/5
The bass guitar is the star here.
Anita Baker
4/5
This is classic territory here.
The Specials
2/5
I can't say it was "good" but it was an interesting listen.
The Cult
2/5
Enjoyable, but it felt like a purposeful ripoff of so many things.
Dirty Projectors
4/5
I am going to lean into this one and say it was great and unique and I enjoyed it. The female vocalizations were odd but mostly worked.
Nanci Griffith
3/5
As far as cut music goes, this was just fine
Youssou N'Dour
3/5
Highly enjoyable for not understanding anything. Solid percussive grooves.
Pere Ubu
1/5
I begin to get really irritated at the recommendations for 40 minutes of nonsensical noise.
The Roots
4/5
Excellent. Never listened through before and I should have. That's what this list is about. So much talent.
AC/DC
3/5
So much of this is a bit generic. But still solid.
Common
3/5
I'm all good with socially conscience or alt-rap, but Common just irritates me. That said, this is far superior to Like Water For Chocolate.
Elliott Smith
3/5
This was enjoyable but not memorable
King Crimson
2/5
Yep this is prog rock.
Joanna Newsom
3/5
Well, that was avant garde. Modern though. My only issue is the tone of her voice at times was odd.
Kings of Leon
3/5
I don't know why this guy sings so unintelligibly. I think I prefer their later output, but this was fine.
TLC
4/5
An Andre verse to boot. Good recommendation.
Dwight Yoakam
2/5
Instrumentally, this is the kind of country I can tolerate. Classic, not pop derivative.
Lyrically, this is abominable. Eww.
Todd Rundgren
2/5
This was too long. 70s adult contemporary, precursor to yacht rock. A couple gems. That last song sure didn't age well.
The Style Council
2/5
This was interesting and engaging until the second half. It went from jazz and lounge to very odd hip hop.
The Beach Boys
3/5
This took me down a Beach Boys/Brian Wilson hole for hours. Much of which was far better than this album. The band really trapped themselves between the song topics and sound they created. Both of which were highly influential, but also limited them, and clearly when they attempted something different it only failed for them. This album sees them getting political, and they are waaaay too on the nose with their lyrics. And it's so odd to hear it from them. Interesting history though.
Elastica
4/5
Actually this was really good. Good combination of punk and new wave with some electronica. I'd listen to a few of these songs again.
Steely Dan
5/5
Can't find fault with innovation in such a distinct sound.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
3/5
I don't really have anything good or bad to say about this.
Peter Tosh
3/5
Excellent reggae for lawn mowing.
The The
2/5
I don't know how but there's a song I recognized on here. The rest is exactly what I've come to expect from a British '80s post punk band.
CHIC
2/5
The production on this was pristine. The bass was amazing, in the first song obviously highly influential.
But the drop off is steep, and the songs are way too long and repetitive.
The War On Drugs
2/5
This had a quality to it, and it was enjoyable. It reminded me of Springsteen a bit. The difference is that not one single song was memorable. They all sounded the same.
Butthole Surfers
1/5
Driving with my infant daughter, she's cranky so I think "I'll put on some music, she likes music." Open to see the album of the day and push play. That didn't work out as anticipated. I think I ruined my daughter's morning and mine.
For what value does "music" like this hold? Why does noise rock exist? What talent does it demonstrate? I swear I could have reproduced this in high school with my friends in an afternoon. And this is a "must hear"? Nope.
Jimi Hendrix
3/5
Long, but mostly unique styled classic sound
Drive-By Truckers
4/5
It was long. But I finally got to dig in to this band and really enjoyed it. I want more. I also want to discover more about the concept. Redefining and defending southern culture while also sarcastically roasting it is a fine line that probably gets misinterpreted pretty regularly.
Pentangle
3/5
This is objectively good medieval chanting classical folk? I enjoyed the listen but it was almost surreal to have something like this on the list as relatively modern music.
The Beach Boys
5/5
I have to give it a 5, just for historical influence. Appreciate the re-up on the Boys so soon after the last album.
Suicide
2/5
One of the strangest albums on this list. The music is so minimalist but I suppose it's punk but also electronic. And also horror? That one 10 minute saga about the man that murdered his family with the 5 minutes of screaming will certainly be memorable. If anything I can say it was ahead of its time.
Adele
3/5
I somehow knew 75% of this album.
And even though it can be boring and overplayed AOR, The talent is there and the songs are there. And actually I like the drums on a few tracks.
Antony and the Johnsons
2/5
I don't know how to score things like this. Chamber music, very odd vocals, felt out of its time. Wouldn't listen again.
Funkadelic
5/5
This was excellent, excellent, excellent
Moby Grape
4/5
Similar to early Who. Enjoyable for exactly what it is.
2/5
Bleh.
Calexico
3/5
Entertaining, and well-named. Felt exactly like spaghetti western/Mexican music with some good orchestration.
White Denim
4/5
Not a 5 but close. Really, really enjoyed it and will come back to this band.
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
Very disjointed. Is it great? Is it terrible? Little bit of both.
Wilco
3/5
Wilco is one of those bands that I've always wanted to give a try. Now I've got two albums of theirs under my belt, and I think the right word is whelmed.
Nitin Sawhney
2/5
Interesting listen, I won't knock it too hard.
The Saints
4/5
Very good one. Here's an 80s brit band worthy of the list.
Barry Adamson
3/5
I didn't start there, but by the end of this album I realized it had a place on the list. Lounge, jazz, pop, and yes, horror create a very weird and unique atmosphere that was really creepy but left me very interested.
Nick Drake
2/5
Folk. 60s folk.
Talk Talk
2/5
Bleh.
Björk
3/5
Bjork gives a unique experience in that you cannot deny the incredible talent while also feeling uncomfortable and generally hating all of it.
Jane's Addiction
2/5
This seemed less important than their other album.
But I never expect Jane's addiction to be a wall of guitars the way this album is.
50 Cent
4/5
While gangsta rap is definitely dated, this album throws out hut after hit with fantastic layered production and a lot of talent involved. 4.5
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
2/5
Talk about unexpected. Dionne Warwick and Bruce covers, a 16 minute intro track...this was interesting. But not good.
The Zutons
3/5
Enjoyable at times but not special
Bonnie Raitt
2/5
As generic as it gets. Less country and more boring 80s synthy AOR.
Basement Jaxx
2/5
Fine. 90s DJ noise.
The Thrills
3/5
This could have been great modern/retro indie pop except that his voice is awful. One and done for me.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
I am sure I reviewed this...very solid entry and enjoyable.
FKA twigs
2/5
This was weird but not as off-putting as say, Bjork. I enjoyed some of the last couple songs, but this is outside my normal zone of listenability.
The Go-Go's
4/5
Had to keep going with some more Go Gos and Carlisle after this.
Ali Farka Touré
2/5
More random generic world music
Eels
5/5
I thought about it but I'm gonna give this a 5.
I know this album but have not returned to it in a very long time. This is engaging, melancholy, poppy, and complex. The band lost me through it's next...I dunno, 12 releases, but I was shocked and pleased to find this on the list, then again shocked and pleased at how much of the album I remembered and held up. It's so weird this ended up being the "Shrek" band too. It can be incredibly dark.
ZZ Top
4/5
The other side of ZZ, faster, more synth, more poppy but still with a groove.
Enjoyed both.
Joan Armatrading
4/5
The bass singer on Love and Affection was killer in a very entertaining way.
I have no idea who this singer is but she gets my respect. Took these songs and really made an elevated performance from each. I was pretty into this.
The Beach Boys
4/5
Classic but serviceable Beach Boys.
Solomon Burke
5/5
What this list was made for. A hidden gem. Underappreciated, phenom of a voice. I loved it.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Ambitious, but ultimately somewhat hit or miss. The hits are incredible though.
Neneh Cherry
3/5
This was very of the time. It was compared to Prince and Madonna, but there's no way it reaches those levels. The single was pretty good though.
The Blue Nile
3/5
This was Bowie meets Peter Gabriel. It didn't overstay it's welcome.
Lana Del Rey
1/5
Halfway through the album, a drum appeared in the wild and my mind was blown as I clung to the rhythm desperately amid the sea of aimless whispering, strained singing, and minimalist notes. And then it was gone.
Frank Ocean
5/5
Ok, I'll go 5. This was engaging, entertaining, and a showcase of talent. Revisited multiple songs already.
Grateful Dead
1/5
One of the worst albums on this list. Difficult to listen to, terrible aimless noodling, endless.
Peter Gabriel
2/5
I was about to say "the hits are the hits and the rest can be left behind" but this is some sort of weird berenstein bears thing where the songs I know didn't even quite sound like the songs I knew. Maybe it's just been a very long time since I heard them. Or maybe I heard the wrong version of the album?
Parliament
3/5
Really thought I'd already heard this. Seems to be the defining inspiration for 90s West coast rap.
JAY Z
5/5
This felt so improv'd, off the cuff, live. So unique for a rap album. Classic.
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
This may have been a landmark album somewhere outside the US. It sounds like something of its era. Lot of interesting positive perspectives. I'll call it serviceable.
Willie Nelson
3/5
This was...something? 30 minutes, sparse instrumentation, very short interludes, long stretches with no vocals. It wasn't until I looked this up that I understood the concept applied and that there was a narrative purpose to those choices.
It deserves a second listen. For now, 3 star placeholder.
Ghostface Killah
4/5
My first listen.
Amazing lineup for production.
This deserves more spins.
The Psychedelic Furs
3/5
This was definitely a predecessor to grunge. Which surprised me since my only knowledge was pretty in pink. Some of the songs are a little samey, but pretty good
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
My favorite part about the album was the review I read for it that called it "balls on toast."
It ultimately wasn't as bad as it started out to be, but no it wasn't good.
Girls Against Boys
4/5
An album on this list finally straight up my alley. Proto-post-hardcore from the 90s. Solid stuff.
Ute Lemper
1/5
This was so up-its-own-ass it was crazy. Cabaret is a unique genre to cover on this list but maybe not be terrible?
Miles Davis
3/5
This worked for a Sunday, and made the baby nod off. Jazz like this does all blur together though. Pleasant with talent shining, but not very memorable and very homogenous. Would not return to it.
Scott Walker
2/5
I am absolutely stunned that there's two of these albums on this list.
More bizarre crooning and genre defying.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
This was good, and a lot caught my attention, but why am I getting late career albums from an artist like this? Shouldn't I be getting the foundational work? Is it because this was her first album where she wrote most of the songs?
Alice Cooper
2/5
This was not as cool as I thought it was going to be. Tried to be a goth Beatles of the 70s from the sound of it. Knew fewer songs than I expected, too.
Steve Earle
1/5
This was so cliched, boring, tropish, awful.
The Strokes
5/5
Never been through this before. From a 20-year distance, this was pretty cool. A really big change from the grunge and post-grunge sounds that came before. Some really catchy songs.
Genesis
3/5
This is interesting only from the perspective of where they came from. I'd love to hear a later date album on the list. Otherwise, how bizarre.
Ozomatli
3/5
At first this seemed easily comparable to Ra, but as the album went on the diversity kept growing. This was really interesting, not really pigeonholed within grunge.
OutKast
5/5
A classic from one of my favorite artists that only trails off a bit at the end of a 75 minute run.
M.I.A.
2/5
This passed some time, but largely sucked
Fela Kuti
4/5
Another example of how the greatness of the music is sometimes in the story.
I can't think of another album that may have led to an artist's parent's death or a national political movement. In 2 songs. Wow. Wish I'd gotten this before the other live album.
Van Morrison
2/5
This was overly long, a slog, and all the songs sounded the same.
American Music Club
1/5
What a crock. Indie rock in the vein of Toad the Wet Sprocket, except slow, tuneless, and terrible.
Blue Cheer
2/5
Standard '60s blues with less impressive vocalist.
The Birthday Party
1/5
Loud noises.
Coldplay
4/5
This is...kinda good?
Todd Rundgren
3/5
The back half of this was more interesting than the first. The influences were all over the place but it was a pretty solid lesson
Pink Floyd
4/5
This was a mood. I wish I'd caught more of the story. Heck of a way to write an album. Lots of hits but also a lot of tracks that seemed to exist only to service the plot. The Trial then got really weird. Overall, should be experienced.
Meat Loaf
3/5
Back to back '70s rock operas. That probably shouldn't have happened because I probably would have enjoyed this more being a bit removed from The Wall.
The Afghan Whigs
4/5
Another entry for vocalists ho can't carry a tune. The reviews are bad on this and I'm shocked to see the artist on this list...but you know what? I loved it.
The Last Shadow Puppets
4/5
This was good. Like 60s spy/surf/indy rock.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
This is generically fine. A few solid ones that had me wondering if I could be a fan.
Django Django
3/5
This was interesting, background music with decent percussion
Cocteau Twins
1/5
80s Cranberries with the 80s turned to the max, and nothing that held up
Aerosmith
3/5
Carried by 2 massive singles, some random classic rock n roll in there.
The Go-Betweens
1/5
More older brit 80s crap
The Slits
2/5
Probably notable to some extent but didn't age well. Ugh, the vocalist.
CHIC
4/5
Sure, solid, actual classic disco with a history and an impact.
Everything But The Girl
1/5
Alternate lifestyle easy listening?
Joan Baez
3/5
A lot of traditionals and some folk skill combined. Very worth the short listen.
Fred Neil
2/5
A public service announcement about dolphins and a song from Seinfeld/ midnight cowboy. And not much else
Michael Jackson
4/5
I think I'm stunned. This is the first MJ album I've come across on this list. Now I'm anticipating at least one or two more.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Solid but not up there with Harvest.
Beyoncé
3/5
Somehow both better than I thought it would be, but also exactly what I thought it would be. For one, too drawn out.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
At first I thought it was a modern day album. It really could have passed for one. It's exactly what it claimed to be.
3/5
This is one of those reviews that'll be more about respect than enjoyment. I imagine this was quite an accomplishment, It's incredibly complex and references a lot of literary ideas. It feels like you don't really get music like this on such a technical level anymore. But it was too dense for my enjoyment
Jethro Tull
4/5
There's something so unique about this, and it isn't just the flute. This was refreshing and enjoyable, even a day after another intense prog album.
Dion
3/5
Classic doowop singer slows down and matures with awesome production.
Blur
2/5
I have never been much for this band. But they're British, so here they are.
Sabu
2/5
The influences are cool from a historical perspective; afro-cuban is something I got to learn about thanks to this album, but the music itself didn't do much for me. This is primarily drums/repetitive beats.
Morrissey
3/5
I can't believe I *liked* a Morrissey album. I had to shower afterwards.
Disgusting human, laughably awful and indulgent lyrics, very good melodies and music.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
This was...flamboyant. It's funny how when I was younger I confused "Pet Shop Boys" with "Beastie Boys." I may be the only person to ever do such a thing.
Pearl Jam
5/5
Classic. But what's so interesting about the album is that it isn't really grunge, and also isn't really the sound of the band moving forward. Regardless, phenomenal.
Bad Brains
4/5
My first reaction was middling; it read as hardcore and I was willing to give it a benefit for pioneering (I know Dave Grohl has high praise for this group) but in retrospect was not unique and not to my taste. But then the album continued. Funk, metal, reggae, multiple unique vocal approaches, lighter songs and then more intense ones...this is really something of an accomplishment and the talent is clear. This deserves it's place in history and on the list, no question.
Throbbing Gristle
1/5
I have no choice but to steal another review that I found on this album.
Massive banger after massive banger. Huge soaring choruses, exquisite melodies and perfectly polished pop hooks. An earworm if ever there was one.
Orange Juice
2/5
Album #48 in our "lets visit 80s British pop even if they aren't notable, talented, or revered in any way" tour.
The Cure
3/5
Extension of Joy Division, but interestingly varies from their pop output.
Solid 4 song run leading into SUCH BORING
Wild Beasts
1/5
Hot garbage, out of tune. Have we reached the point in the list where everything worthwhile is covered?
Lou Reed
4/5
The list has redeemed itself. This was great.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
This wasn't unlistenable but it was tough to get through. Instrumentation carried it.
Frank Black
3/5
I enjoy the Pixies and this was cool but too long.
Lucinda Williams
3/5
I get Tom Petty, Sheryl Crow, and the...Eels? Way better than anticipated.
2/5
I strongly dislike Blur.
Tortoise
2/5
An instrumental that went fast. Didn't sound critical to me, but ok.
Dexys Midnight Runners
1/5
I have no idea why this exists on the list.
It was 45 minutes of absolutely nothing
Adele
3/5
Ok Adele, I see you.
Supertramp
3/5
Well this is uber-70s rock. Not bad.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
Boring talent. Waaay too long an album. If this had been culled to 40 minutes, it would have earned 4 stars.
Ash
4/5
I can't believe how excited I am to see this album on this list.
I'm familiar with the group only through the soundtrack to Angus, but they're input on that is fantastic. Also, it's nice to see something in this vein represented on the list. If Ash is here, why isn't Weezer?
Björk
1/5
This has to be the last one right?
Kanye West
4/5
This was not good
The Byrds
3/5
What a strange choice, given it all reviews, note that this album was lacking its primary songwriter and that everyone else came up short for ideas.
But it's also apparently where the psychedelic folk stuff originated. Some of it was interesting, and then there were airplanes sound effects.
David Ackles
1/5
I have no idea what that was. Grandiose theater?
The Divine Comedy
2/5
Is this a serious album? Or deeply unserious? It's only thanks to this list that I now understand this builds on Scott Walker's legacy. It combines orchestra, over the top crooning, and absolutely ridiculous lyrics. The reoccurring themes that stood out to me in this 30 minutes: mostly dog and horse metaphors. This is theater farce. Is it interesting? Sure. Would I repeat it? Nope.
The Residents
1/5
I am so very tired of subjecting myself to utter nonsense. If anyone had heard me listening to this album, they would have to assume I'm an insane person.
Taylor Swift
4/5
I took the opportunity to relisten to TV instead. This is not my favorite TS album but it does have a very long list of solid songs.
Jacques Brel
2/5
Foreign language crooning, was fine?
Adam & The Ants
3/5
I actually owned an Adam Ant cd in the day. This was pure 80s, but pretty good.
Iron Butterfly
2/5
Three minutes of coolness, stretched to 17 with a bunch of other acid rock keyboards added.
The Jam
4/5
Excellent bass lines and sensibility for as dated as it is.
Destiny's Child
1/5
This album is boring and it stinks.
The Damned
4/5
Pretty solid early punk
Mott The Hoople
3/5
I don't know about glam rock but this really brushed up against Tom Petty vibes.
The Libertines
2/5
Because British punk is the greatest genre of all, right? This list thinks so.
Suede
2/5
Ugh.
The Everly Brothers
2/5
Wow is this dated. The origin of "love hurts" though.
The Yardbirds
4/5
Excellent, not much else
Roxy Music
3/5
Some of this was alright. But the 80s Brit scene playlist is wearing thin. I recognize my reviews have suffered for it, and I understand the purpose of this list is to broaden horizons. There's times where I've underappreciated influence based on my own sensibilities and modern comparisons. Maybe this is one.
Spiritualized
3/5
This worked for me today as background. It's very gazey.
Bob Dylan
4/5
I don't have an understanding for how classic this album is, but it's clearly good songwriting.
Tori Amos
5/5
Alright, I'm going to be fair on this. It was not to my tastes (completely) though there were times I was into it. That said, it's clear how different and influencing this album was in an entire genre.
Magazine
2/5
Every third album is a random British 80s post punk/pub band. And this is no better than any of the rest.
fIREHOSE
2/5
Oh yeah. This one was fine but forgettable...like immediately forgettable.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
This is chaotic, unorthodox, art rock as expected by Gabriel but kind of steering away from the commercial singles he's capable of producing. As with another recent album (Tori Amos) I would be inclined to rate this lower based on personal taste (I didn't like the album very much) but I am going to acknowledge the history here and the giant steps taken that defined a decade in music.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
4/5
Hey, this was pretty solid, and I actually knew a couple tunes. Good representation of the era.
MC Solaar
3/5
1/5
Well I am irritated my review of yesterday's album didn't stick. Also I am irritated by this album. This woman appears to have been in awful relationships. Also, this woman appears to have been awful in relationships. Dated, stale, grating, repetitive content about how terrible she and everyone around her are.
David Holmes
2/5
Boring pointless. '90s EDM.
Santana
5/5
Such a unique guitar tone. Great jams that don't overstay. Excellent
Gram Parsons
2/5
This wasn't much but the story behind was interesting. Emmylou Harris got credits wiped even though she's on every track, the cover got changed. Oh, and this is the second album on the list with a version of "Love Hurts." By logic of these being the "must hear" albums of history, does that mean that's one of the most "must hear" songs ever? And does that mean Nazareth is going to appear on the list?
Klaxons
2/5
I thought I was digging this and then I changed my mind
Elliott Smith
3/5
Second time my review vanished.
This guy has talent, a distinct sound and he can write a good tune. I can see that it works.
Japan
3/5
Fine 80s stuff.
Christina Aguilera
2/5
Holy cow there's two Aguilera albums on this list??? Why??
The Pogues
4/5
I feel bad only pulling these guys out on March 17. Good stuff.
Robert Wyatt
2/5
Well this was a rambling mess.
Laura Nyro
3/5
Pretty nice throwback that I've never heard of.
Hot Chip
2/5
This didn't achieve what I wanted. Underwhelming
The Associates
1/5
Booooooooo
4/5
Funky, fun, unique.
The Specials
5/5
Albums are always the most worthwhile when I learn something, and that was an awesome peak into music history and the origins of ska, and the blending of styles.
Nick Drake
3/5
Straightforward folk. Fine
Linkin Park
3/5
I don't know what to do with this. Unique genre blend and obviously was giant at the time but has become a little cringe with the years.
Billy Bragg
3/5
I'm weighing the arrangements and the instrumentation against the terrible voice.
This is certainly Bob Dylanesque in that regard.
Mariah Carey
2/5
I am not sure why, but I am surprised to find a Mariah album on this list. I am not sure why, but I am also surprised it's Butterfly.
I would have thought her older albums like Musicbox were more classic, or perhaps Daydream when she changed focus a bit. Or even the ubiquitous Christmas album. But it's argued that this is her magnum opus and when she fully transformed, thus the title. I dunno. I starts strong with a classic track that shows her fully engaged in a hip hop motif, and then the brakes immediately slam for multiple ballads in a row. The song with Bone Thugs is great, but so much of this crawls and sounds the same with her vocal fills. It was pointed out that this is a tale of two Mariah's and looking at the writers and production the split couldn't be more obvious. That doesn't read as a "best work." I dunno, I'm kind of "meh" about it.
Frank Zappa
3/5
1st track was best and could have been a theme song to a 70s action/cop show. It got more bizarre from there but I suppose that's the point. Pulled out every instrument in the world too. Way more listenable than I anticipated, though.
Patti Smith
2/5
This bounces from great to unlistenable and back again.
3/5
I have never heard of this band. But it was pretty good, and it fit the groove for the era.
T. Rex
4/5
If their last album was the tipping point into a new genre, this is them assuming command. This is great 70s glam.
Cee Lo Green
2/5
This sucked just like when I tried it when it came out. He's not singing, and he's not rapping.
Donovan
3/5
One classic, a solid starter, and some other stuff that says "60s."
Stephen Stills
3/5
It's a shame this was so long. I enjoyed a good amount of it in the background, perhaps obviously stated, but it's pretty comparable to Neil Young. A lot of guitars.
Amy Winehouse
4/5
I'll deduct a star because there were a couple of more annoying songs, and the subject matter was a bit one note. But this was shockingly good. I was expecting more piano but she focused on guitar. Her town is absolutely undeniable and this may be better written than her second album.
The KLF
3/5
Quintessential 90s dance. I accidentally listened to much of it at 1.5x speed.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
4/5
Wow. This probably is an album that runs hot or cold with people but I was really sucked in. Very solid stuff, unique vocals.
The Monks
2/5
Short protopunk, twas ok
Madness
3/5
This was not ska? Also, for the 3rd day in a row the album wasn't on Spotify. Not relevant but odd. Still pretty good
N.E.R.D
2/5
Started out looking forward to it, and while it is a unique blend of rock and hip-hop with impeccable production, they just aren't (or aren't yet) suited to the role. Still learning instruments, going off more vibes and energy than melody and musicianship. This was not an easy listen.
Blur
3/5
Album was pretty solid, but it's not lost on me, and surely not lost on the band, that the best song, and their biggest hit, was meant to be an ironic aping of a sound outside their norm.
TV On The Radio
2/5
Solid indy stuff, not worth a repeat listen though
The Clash
4/5
A classic of the genre and worth a second spin
Funkadelic
4/5
Wow did I learn a lot about that first track, and then the left turn hits. Great stuff.
Turbonegro
1/5
No
The Streets
1/5
After part of a listen, I have a vague recollection of hearing about "The Streets" in the mid 2000s and being told to listen to them. I don't know if I ever did then, and wiped the memory, or just shrugged it off at the time as not for me, but this is truly, truly TERRIBLE in every sense of the word. I think, more than the inane lyrics, and his awful accented singsong, is that he can't even match the beat. This has to be a put-on, someone's joke of a British "gangsta"/grime rapper. I'd give no stars if possible. This is among the worst albums on the list.
Bob Dylan
2/5
I can appreciate, but I will just never be into Bob Dylan.
Traffic
3/5
Early. Steve Winwood. This list is absolutely chock full with this type of music, but it displayed technical proficiency, talent and it was enjoyable for a quick half hour.
Love
2/5
For the most part, this is standard affair flute jazz late '60s folk inspired music. Most of the songs are really short and aside from a querky vocalist, pretty interesting.
Then you come to the end and it feels as though the band realized they were 20 minutes short of LP length. And so they laid down an arbitrarily long 18 minute groove that displays no cohesiveness or talent whatsoever. Only 15 minutes of today's album was worth my time.
AC/DC
5/5
I am not the world's biggest AC/DC fan, but sheesh, this is just non-stop classic rock songs. There is only one miss on the list, and more than 4 or 5 all timers.
Tangerine Dream
2/5
Background noise. Literally. How do you score that?
Missy Elliott
5/5
This is a classic...for its production and uniqueness. And within the album, although she touts her "rapping," I think she knows it. She brings a style and it feels largely improvised, but it's a great groove. Also, it means my man Busta made the list. Which is validating some.
Massive Attack
4/5
This is everything I don't like about Brit 90s music
Neil Young
3/5
That last piece was moving, and I feel like if I return to this more often my take would improve.
Hawkwind
2/5
In all seriousness, I don't know how one made it all the way through this slog.
Notes early Prog/space rock. Got it, sure. Why 90 minutes, live? Why this album? So long and repetitive.
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
Well this was weird. The Buckingham pieces stood out and in reading I get what they were trying to do but it doesn't mean it's a great listen.
Janis Joplin
3/5
Surprisingly, I had heard many of these songs. Quick and dirty.
Duke Ellington
3/5
I listened to the original, not the remake that's quadruple the length. It's talent and big band.
Gang Of Four
2/5
Unique sound only until it repeats 12 times in a row.
Barry Adamson
3/5
I'll admit for the novelty that this was an interesting listen with an interesting concept. Almost completely instrumental and sounding like a score to a movie that doesn't exist. Definitely not worth a re-listen, but kind of a cool concept.
Of course, there's apparently multiple albums with similar themes by the same artist on this list. Why?
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
Noise by a guy I don't like.
Kate Bush
3/5
Well that turned the theatericality up to 11. Can't say it wasn't unique.
The White Stripes
4/5
Not their best album, but also one I'd surprisingly not heard before. I'll give it a 4 based on historical impact.
John Lee Hooker
4/5
It's blues, but in the late 80s?
Unrelated, but I had no idea. This was the one bourbon one scotch one beer guy. Pretty solid.
The Mothers Of Invention
4/5
I read other reviews that said that this doesn't sound like it's time. But I have to firmly disagree, because this is the most 60 sounding album of come across. I realized it from some respects. Lampooning it, but to be honest in a lot of ways it did it better. This was a pretty entertaining album.
The Only Ones
3/5
I was in at the opening track.
I was out when the singer opened his mouth.
I was back in with "Another Girl Another Planet." Learned something today about the origin of this song.
Then they slowly lost me in mediocrity again.
Love
2/5
Forgotten as soon as it was gone
Sigur Rós
2/5
Well, I now know what a bowed guitar is. This album was everything I was afraid it would be. Icelandic dark, creepy, spacious. I'll say what I probably did for Bjork. The talent is apparent, and the sound incredibly unique, and I absolutely hated it.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Points for Cinnamon Girl and enjoying his earlier stuff for sure.
The Coral
3/5
I don't know that if I wasn't already aware, that I could have identified the decade this was made in, which is kind of cool.
The Velvet Underground
2/5
Album was like a fever dream at 3am. Spoken word, screaming jams, noise rock, and oddly dated tunes.
John Cale
2/5
This list seems to have devolved to random 60s unnotable folk, 80s British pub rock, and bunch of avante garde stuff. Guess which this is?
The Temptations
3/5
What a very odd pick for the Temptations.
I really don't understand it. Papa Was a Rolling Stone is tremendous though.
Van Morrison
2/5
I'll admit, I closed my mind to this
Tom Tom Club
3/5
A talking head spin-off it's the basis of tons of modern day samples.
I get the influence for sure, but it doesn't really hold up.
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
I don't understand why there's like three albums by this band on this list.
It's all the same shoe gaze droning to me.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
I've enjoyed every Costello album on the list but I'm beginning to wonder why they are all there.
Jack White
5/5
Absolutely fantastic classic.
Wow. Bigger fan of this than any White Stripes. Killer talent demonstrating classic rock/blues sounds.
Neil Young
2/5
Even though Harvest is an all timer in my mind, I'm starting to wonder if I don't like Neil Young.
This is mournful and intentionally not commercialized but it's just also not that great.
The Beta Band
2/5
Generic and british. Therefore a must, apparently for this list.
Neil Young
4/5
And just like that...weird to get these all in a row, and just as I was writing him off a bit, I realize he had another album akin to Harvest in him.
Goldie
1/5
When I approached this album, I thought there might be a place for it given that it was revolutionary in it genre at the time.
But screw that. I just tortured myself with nearly 2 hours of the exact same drum beat an empty nonsense. This was a terrible experience, would not recommend.
.
Slint
3/5
This is definitely proto post hardcore. That's pretty cool.
The Dandy Warhols
2/5
I feel like I should know these guys, but I didn't. Some sort of combination of hippie rock and to a bunch of other stuff. It was good for a short time but the album overstayed its welcome.
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Pairs well with the Isaac Hayes Shaft soundtrack also from this list.
Tears For Fears
4/5
This was, remarkably excellent. I know I've listened to it when I was much younger and didn't like it. Tastes change.
The White Stripes
4/5
Not as memorable as other WS/Jack White albums but still excellent
The Louvin Brothers
3/5
"In the Pines" and 10 songs that sound identical to "In the Pines."
Excellently crafted though.
Napalm Death
1/5
How is one supposed to score an album like this? It's just growling, screaming short noise bursts for 30 minutes. This was not a must-hear before I die. But now I know who Napalm Death are.
Stan Getz
4/5
And I knew a song. It must be bossa Nova for the masses. Pretty good I got to say.
Bill Evans Trio
2/5
Piano Jazz. Ok okay
Sonic Youth
3/5
This sounded exactly as I expected it to based on my 30 year old preconceptions.
A lot of music can be calming. Some music provides a release. This music is intended to cause tension and anxiety. It edges. It does not resolve. Which makes it difficult. Influential? Perhaps. Not for me.
KISS
3/5
I laughed about the idea of a Kiss album on this list. They're almost a spoof band. But they had significance and it was a fun trip.
Super Furry Animals
2/5
If beige were music
The Beau Brummels
1/5
Not only cliched but more than a bit creepy on content. Why so much of this?
Bon Jovi
3/5
I am willing to admit now after many years, that this band is just simply hair metal. Very catchy hair metal. They were never anything more.
Gary Numan
2/5
Interesting to look back at this kind of music and try to imagine their frame of minds as they thought they were creating the music of the future. There's some strong melodies in here, but it's just so weird and over the top synth that it doesn't age well at all.
The drums were cool though
Pretenders
5/5
This was great! Mix of Cranberries and Blondie in my mind. Definitely exceeded expectations and worthy of the list.
The Cure
3/5
So this was more tolerable than I expected.
I don't know what goth music is, but it was pretty tuneful overall. I think what was most interesting is how much of it was purely instrumental.
Baaba Maal
2/5
Another world music album. Long songs, fine for the experience.
The Cure
4/5
Credit where it's due, this is, so far, the seminal Cure album, where they demonstrate their value. Interesting that I got hit with them back to back to back, but this really worked for me in the back half.
M.I.A.
2/5
This gets real annoying real fast. Only saved by Paper Planes.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Excellent stuff. I can really see both sides of the love/hate Zep camps, but this is classic.
Les Rythmes Digitales
4/5
Almost like a guilty pleasure. Yes, I enjoyed this for exactly what it was.
Kings of Leon
2/5
Having heard later albums, it's like he's trying to be as unintelligible as possible. The vocals are literally lazy. It's like he was trying to pull a Bob Dylan? Either way as much as I have heard that their older stuff is better, this would seem to prove that that's not the case.
Rush
4/5
This was almost immediately improved by listening to the 40th anniversary edition covers back-to-back with the originals, but regardless this is a prog classic.
Johnny Cash
3/5
This was unique. A stand up set in the middle of 9 songs, 1 of which is repeated back to back. Worth it for the listen, but probably not essential Cash.
Sepultura
2/5
Unique influences but not my bag
Meat Puppets
5/5
Although the production on this album was some of the worst I've ever heard in my life, I can absolutely understand why an album like this is on the list. This is unique and solid songcraft and I absolutely see the historical significance.
John Lennon
2/5
I'm not the world's biggest Beatles fan, and I can't say that I know a ton about the four members personally. But I sure did learn how petty and immature Lennon was after the break up. Diss tracks, scream therapy, an adolescent's view of the world... This was kind of sad even if it was interesting.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
Very great. Classic soul for the list works for me.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
2/5
White guy blues covers. Bland but quick. Crazy the member history in this group though.
Happy Mondays
2/5
More generic British 80s glam music.
Cocteau Twins
2/5
Some weirdness here that all sounded the same.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
A new classic to me. Can't believe I've never heard this top to bottom.
Morrissey
3/5
Ok, fair is fair. The rockabilly influence was interesting
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
We miss popped up. I assumed it was something international... British maybe.
But no, this is straight up American '90s gangster rap that I have literally never heard of. Which is kind of crazy. Anyway, this was fine.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
this might get just on enthusiasm
The Band
5/5
This was cool, in a Tom Pettyish way. Light, breezy, well-crafted song writing. I really enjoyed it.
Buzzcocks
3/5
I don't have much feedback other than to say that yes this belongs on the list.
Lupe Fiasco
3/5
In an alternate history, this guy is Kanye.
Beck
5/5
Unique vibe, excellent chill album.
Skunk Anansie
4/5
So weird. It scratched an itch for so many other modern rock/post-grunge bands that I doubt I'll ever see on this list for reasons unknown, but...why this album and not any other? This is discount Lacuna Coil.
Sam Cooke
5/5
The energy in this one was amazing. It's remarkable the difference with a good live artist. I would listen to this again for sure.
Jean-Michel Jarre
2/5
Interesting from the perspective of a continuous piece of music evolving. Boring beyond that.
Small Faces
3/5
At times it felt like I was listening to Monty Python, which is a weird experience with a music album.
Apparently the back half of this is a story time concept album. It couldn't be more British if it tried. But I have to say I enjoyed it
Scissor Sisters
4/5
Unexpectedly pretty awesome. And somehow, not British.
The Black Keys
3/5
Some good tunes on here...but I don't by the concept of this making the list
Fever Ray
2/5
Background music, mostly.
Cornershop
2/5
India vibes by way of a Brit pop band that just went on way too long
Pixies
4/5
This was great! Loud, fast, catchy
The Sabres Of Paradise
1/5
What a terrible waste of time. Why are the worst albums the longest?
Big Star
1/5
Flat out terrible
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
This one was quite a change of pace from the others on the list. Much slower honestly better
The Jam
3/5
It moved seamlessly into Elvis Costello and I didn't notice.
OutKast
4/5
Didn't hold up as id imagined, especially Love Below which was overly long and has some wasted space. Random vampire love songs?
The Vines
3/5
This album sounds like a combination of Nirvana and The Beatles, In all the most derivative ways. You can almost pick out from song to song what the influence was.
There was a single track on here that I wrote enjoyed though.
Incubus
4/5
A bit shocked to see this on the list. Of all the random artists from my past that could potentially pop up, this never would have crossed my mind, especially when the more impressive artists that INFLUENCED Incubus have been left off the board.
This started rough and I was thinking even though I am not the world's biggest Incubus fan, that it hadn't held up. But it sets up a mood, and gets a groove right. By the end it was an entertaining ride and throwback.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
Yet another from Nick Cave. This one more ethereal and seemingly more of a concept that has some profundity to it. But mostly I'm just glad there's no more of him on the list.
The Replacements
3/5
This felt like a punk rock Beatles.
I could swear that I knew the replacements but I am hard-pressed recognize a single one of their songs. The vocals range from very poppy to incredibly aggressive. Was worth the listen.
Fishbone
5/5
For whatever reason this reminded me of faith no more-lite.
Fantastic, original, never heard it before. Loved the melding of genres. This is why I went through this project.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
There's criticism to be had for the vocals and the lyrics at times.
But this was and continues to be absolutely killer. I have fond memories from on fall of 96 with this album and it essentially holds up. What I most appreciate is how often the verse-chorus-verse format gets a slight spin
Dizzee Rascal
1/5
Absolute dogshit
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Some absolute classics here
The Shamen
1/5
More garbage. Described as rock, but just atmospheric electronics that are repetitive and yes, overly long.
Air
3/5
A unique pick. I have heard of the band but this is a movie soundtrack to a film I've never seen. Entertaining, mostly instrumental, obviously, and pretty moody and diverse. Wouldn't listen again though.
Minor Threat
5/5
A great one today. Short, dramatically. Influencing, and really good sounding.
I learned that the entire straight edge culture came from this band who only had one 20 minute album. Also this sounds like early offspring, so that's cool
Soundgarden
4/5
Killer voice, excellent band, still a hard listen in a stretch. Not my favorite album by them, but definitely the highest highs of their discography.
Björk
1/5
Please make it stop
Orbital
2/5
Bleeps and bloops. As far as that goes, it's pleasant.
Soft Machine
2/5
Points for uniqueness, this puts the jazz in prog...or the prog in jazz...not sure which is more prominent but I read "rock band" and that's not what happened.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
Quite a voice there. Walks a line to grating but some classic stuff here too.
Ride
3/5
This was sometimes shoegaze, but othertimes very much NOT shoegaze and leaning more toward britpop. That's a weird space to float between, and they somehow pull it off.
James Brown
3/5
This thing literally flew by. Not many of his hits, but still enjoyable. I'm not sure why this one was on the list though?
Cypress Hill
2/5
Never listened to this debut. And what a weird choice for the list. It is much more old school rap influenced than I ever would have thought this group was. It doesn't quite sound like them yet, though the lyrical content is similar.
Soft Cell
1/5
Now I know why this band is a one hit wonder...and it was a cover.
CHVRCHES
5/5
While this isn't my favorite CHVRCHES album, I am ecstatic they are on the list. Killer band.
Talking Heads
3/5
Probably the best Heads album I've heard on this list
Red Snapper
2/5
I'd argue that no one has ever heard of this band or album before. What gives with that?
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Not their best album but a solid entry
4/5
Pretty solid concept album.
Paul McCartney
4/5
Simple, quick, solid
The White Stripes
5/5
The best of the White Stripes
Fugees
5/5
I'm on a roll this weekend!!!
Sinead O'Connor
3/5
Honestly better than I expected
Ananda Shankar
3/5
Torn by this album. To start with, it takes an interesting concept of marrying West with Eastern Rock. But it seems to do that only through a couple of random cover songs that shouldn't be covered. And then the rest of it is just straight up boring. I got through it, it was listenable, and a small percentage was interesting.
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
Better than I expected it to be. But what it made me realize is that sturgill Simpson is not and should be on this list.
Marilyn Manson
3/5
There is a surprising amount of this that holds up, not that I've ever heard it all before. I never owned this album. It sure does have Trent Reznor's thumb print all over it though.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Excellent and warm
The Who
2/5
What a terrible album. Bad concept, annoying, no "there" there.
Morrissey
2/5
This album is propped up by a single good tune.
Alice Cooper
2/5
This was way more diverse than anticipated. Not just Glam Rock but blues and show tunes as well. That doesn't mean it was good though.
Holger Czukay
2/5
This was odd but not unfriendly. Tuneful base melodies accompanied by random noises and instruments improving over top. That's a choice, and it sounded amateur, and I wouldn't revisit, but not specifically hard to listen to.
Method Man
4/5
Just shy of a classic, but I have to love the fact that in a sea of bloated '90s rap albums, this came in at a tight 43 minutes.
Wilco
2/5
It's warm and tuneful but just feels like it's missing something?
Fugazi
3/5
Sounded familiar even if I've never heard it.
Everything But The Girl
1/5
Absolutely awful
Coldcut
4/5
This really grew on me. Excellent 90s throwback, great samples and DJ work.
Simply Red
3/5
80s AOR that exceeded my expectations
1/5
Well, it sure lives up to its genre.
Elis Regina
2/5
Nice voice, didn't hit me much... foreign language, old style format.
David Bowie
3/5
Lots of of Bowie on this list and this was middle of the pack
Air
4/5
On the 4th, I was expecting to be handed Springsteen, or something similar.
Instead, I got a French electronic group with their SECOND album on the list.
On top of that, I somehow knew a song pretty well.
Most shocking is, this was totally deserved. Great album overall.
Laibach
2/5
Well. Ok, this was...something.
Ice T
4/5
I am still stunned to discover the heavy metal group Ice T is associated with. Excuse my ignorance. Wow.
Also, this album was pretty solid, especially moving through many shorter vignettes.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
2/5
The most blah supergroup to ever exist
Madonna
4/5
I think Cherish is the underdog on this It's a pretty solid pop record.
The xx
3/5
This was better than anticipated. May actually listen to some of this again.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
2/5
This is the first time I can recall a pop/orchestral/classical album listed.
It's fine for background music.
2/5
Oh this was intolerable. So much meandering harmonica
Giant Sand
1/5
Buncha quiet meandering. Ugh.
Hole
3/5
Drastic improvement from recent schlock. But maybe that's where my higher scores sometimes come from: relief. She's still tuneless but when propped up by actual songwriters, it's not bad.
Britney Spears
1/5
It is absolutely ridiculous that this album is on the list. Culturally Brittany has impact. Musically there's nothing there. Especially this album. It's almost laughable how bad every part of it is. The production is so dated and weird and amateurish, the lyrics repetitive and stupid, and the vocals? Well she's trying. I suppose I have to remember it is basically a kid. I thought this would be a goof, but it was very hard to sit through.
Ravi Shankar
2/5
Appreciate the instructions and context but it's still talent I don't appreciate
Kid Rock
1/5
The best way to tackle this album is probably by highlighting another review on this site.
It was a troll review for five stars justifying the score to offset all the low/1 star rankings based on how awful a person Kid Rock is and how terribly this has aged. And even with that, the reviewer couldn't maintain the facade and admitted it was truthfully not a 5 star album, but actually much worse.
Even the trolls can't make excuses for this.
Einstürzende Neubauten
1/5
More noise.
Guns N' Roses
4/5
This is the band that rose above all the '80s hair metal Glam metal labels. But when it comes down to it, that's what they really are.
There's still a lot of talent here and a lot of classic songs. I just don't feel like it holds up as much anymore.
Jane Weaver
2/5
I don't know why this exists on the list. Not notable for anything.
The Who
5/5
Terrific, songs here I didn't even realize I knew. May be their best.
The Adverts
2/5
'80s Britt punk. I've never heard this before, but I've heard this all before.
Living Colour
5/5
A little dated but pretty awesome honestly.
Part Huey Lewis, part Faith No More/RHCP funk.
Weather Report
3/5
Jazz..for the masses. 80s motif, sounds like it should be a movie soundtrack, incredibly listenable. So does jazz have to be challenging? Is this a copout?
Dunno but I liked it.
Eminem
4/5
This holds up better that SSLP not because it is less ridiculously offensive and outdated in rhetoric, but because the quality supersedes those faults. This is his best album. At times a very difficult listen, but his talent pulls you in.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
Like 80s MGMT?
Doves
3/5
Well, this was moody and a bit long but I enjoyed a lot of it
Michael Jackson
2/5
Hits
The Darkness
5/5
I went back and forth between four and five stars on this a few times. Honestly, it represents the best of Glam and hair metal. Much more than anything in the '80s did. The talent here is pretty incredible.
Ice Cube
2/5
Rough listen. Old school gangsta that did NOT age well.
System Of A Down
3/5
Not their best album, but they are a solid act
Mylo
4/5
I did not look into this one very much. But I did really enjoy it. Excellent sampling, very accessible.
The Young Gods
2/5
I can see how this may have influenced artists I like (Mike Patton) but this was not a winner.
Wu-Tang Clan
4/5
One of those classics where I'd heard most of the songs without ever hearing the album.
I don't know why I never owned this. It also sounds more old school than I would have believed.
Public Enemy
4/5
Intense, relentless, smart, crazy sample production
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Respect.
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
This displays lots of talent and a refreshed listen after many years leaves me feeling much more positively about it
Haircut 100
3/5
What's with the new wave voice affect that happened during this time period?
The sax was clutch and this passed the time
Terence Trent D'Arby
2/5
Wishing Well and various inferior songs that are moderately catchy.
The Byrds
3/5
The byrds go country.
Tom Waits
1/5
Ugh, I forgot there was more of this garbage to come.
The Undertones
4/5
This was pretty rad, if not a little dated
GZA
5/5
This was more than excellent. A true undiscovered gem.
Os Mutantes
2/5
I can't even muster a review
Pavement
3/5
Sometimes I forget this list is supposed to be enjoyable.
Mercury Rev
2/5
a forgettable mystery. what was this?
Arcade Fire
3/5
This sounded good but they are not my type of band.
The Teardrop Explodes
2/5
How is there more of this? Seriously?
Sugar
4/5
This sounded like a Foo fighters album.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
4/5
They ran out of lyrical steam, but this was fun
Moby
2/5
Quite literally what others have said: blues sample, drum loop, synth, repeat.
UB40
1/5
Words cannot describe how boring and underwhelming this was.
Belle & Sebastian
1/5
This was, twee??
Ugh
Ryan Adams
3/5
very generic americana/rock.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
3/5
I'll give it to them. Front loaded with classics.
Nightmares On Wax
2/5
Wow, I was just stuck on an elevator for more than an hour. I couldn't get out and all I had was the Muzak in my ear.
Aerosmith
3/5
Much of this was corny and horny.
But there's a few hits in here that I really enjoyed in spite of myself.
Pulp
2/5
This became incredibly grating
Fatboy Slim
2/5
Feel like I'm getting a lot of this stuff lately. And it's all the same
Suede
2/5
At first I got my hopes up. Then it turned into the usual British pop rock slog.
John Lennon
2/5
Beatles
4/5
I need to give this a relisten. I didn't give it the attention it deserves.
The Incredible String Band
1/5
This was atrocious and horrific in so many confusing and bizarre ways. The kind of album that makes other people hearing me hear it think "what's wrong with him?"
The Isley Brothers
5/5
This was amazing, loved it, want more. Warm soul.
Metallica
2/5
Technical but repetitive. Talented but hallow.
4/5
This was fun all the way through.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
This was a quality choice
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
4/5
Hurts me to give this only a 4 but it weakens at the end after a fantastic start and a variety of classic tunes. This is not his best album and if this is his only representation on the list, it's a tragedy.
Janelle Monáe
4/5
This was epic, catchy, upbeat, energetic, theatrical.
Cheap Trick
4/5
This was before my time, yet still somehow a throwback for me. Just great rock n roll.
I've questioned the belonging of live albums on this list but this makes the case.
Joe Ely
2/5
I'm learning that the early '80s, And the late '70s leading into the early '80s was a pretty distinctive era, regardless of the music genre.
It's crazy how you can hear it even in country western. This was fine, dated though.
Joni Mitchell
2/5
Avante jazz
Too many words.
Bob Dylan
1/5
Stop this awfulness
Can
2/5
Cruising into 1001. Strong, cool start that I was feeling. Deteriorated hard. When you are adding dog noises to songs, it's time to stop.
Silver Jews
2/5
His voice bored me. Was that purposeful?
G. Love & Special Sauce
3/5
This was fun for a while, but an hour dragged.
Traffic
3/5
At least 70s brit rock is better than 80s and 90s Brit rock.
Drive Like Jehu
3/5
Respected this album for keeping it engaging while incredibly aggressive and raw. It's clear that this is the predecessor for genres to come. Not quite fully formed, sounding a bit like the harshest Nirvana.
PJ Harvey
3/5
If I knew more about this artist, I would probably appreciate it more because it seems like it is divergent from her discography. With that said, it sounded fine.
Big Star
3/5
Stunned when I hit that 70s show song. They really fall under the radar though. Average band by definition.
Faith No More
5/5
So I'm obviously stunned at the appearance of this album, especially coming 1000 in, but I'm also slightly disappointed. Angel Dust was my front runner to make my own add as a "must hear." This album makes an argument as 2nd best due to consistency and that it's such a game changer, but Patton's voice isn't fully developed here and the album was done mostly without him. Still, this is an all timer.
Kings of Leon
4/5
I can't believe how much of this album I knew. Apparently I used the vibe with it. And it does have a single mood extending across the album. I'm not sure that it holds up but in its niche it's solid
Beatles
4/5
Harmonies were excellent. Boy bandish though.
Beth Orton
2/5
This was described as folktronica...but it was just guitars. So...folk? I imagine she would have appeared at Lilith Fair.
The Hives
2/5
This is apparently a compilation album...which is weird and doesn't seem fit for this list. Aside from that, it's short, punchy, fast garage punk that had a couple highs.
The Bees
2/5
Light, interesting arrangements. Not sure why it made the list.
Bill Callahan
3/5
Traces of Lou Reed or Nick Cave, but more musicality, great arrangements, near enjoyable to be honest.
The Beta Band
2/5
This was no good
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
This was missing Young.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
2/5
I get it, it's 70s glam rock and part of what comes with it is a showman on the mic. But this was the most gratingly obnoxious frontman I've ever come across.
Stephen Stills
3/5
Great arrangements, unmemorable songs.
The Police
3/5
As described
Lightning Bolt
2/5
First "noise rock" album on this list that demonstrates talent. This was actually worth a one time listen.
Guided By Voices
2/5
This sounded like a demo. Rough production, snippets of songs, I don't get it
Jamiroquai
4/5
Gotta say, a lot of this was fun and tuneful
Astrud Gilberto
3/5
This took me to vacation. That was fun and light
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
Why did this all sound out of tune?
Johnny Cash
4/5
Wow, talent and fun. This is so unique...draws you into history with the banter, and prison announcements. Kind of crazy to hear the applause at some of the darker lyrics
Miriam Makeba
4/5
Engaging talent! Twists on covers that were unexpected. Unique sound from track to track. This is a winner.
The Rolling Stones
2/5
This album has one of my go-to covers on it.
The problem is that it's just about all covers. So it might be decent in a historical context, but why is it on this list?
Caetano Veloso
2/5
This was tuneful, listenable, and had a creepy cover.
U2
2/5
This was fine. If talent could be boring.
Iron Maiden
4/5
This is pretty cool. When I was younger this was "scary" metal and I am realizing that it's also incredibly melodic. Great vocals.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
3/5
Can't believe I knew so many of these. This was good
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
This was a collage of ideas, a tapestry of art and sound and perspective. I have to say, it probably beats out MAAD City. There's so much to digest here. Incredibly long but worth the journey.
The Human League
1/5
This was synth madness. And not in a good way.
Queen
4/5
This gets a star boost for 2 all time classic songs, but it was honestly disappointing in context because there is some middling stuff put in around the peaks.
Nico
1/5
So the first thing I saw about this album was the artist doing an interview and saying did she can't listen to this album and that it's terrible. That it was destroyed in production with too many flutes. So here I am wondering before I even listen why an album would be on this list? If not even the artist likes it. And then I turned it on, and I realized there was still a lack of self-awareness on the artist's part, because she flat out can't sing. She can't hold a note. It is absolutely terrible and I have no understanding of what significance this could possibly have that it would be on the list.
I'll say it. Rod Stewart should have stayed in Faces.
Primal Scream
2/5
I don't like this.
Primal Scream
1/5
LOL that was cursed.
I blast this band and their boring stale sound and I get hit back with a double down the next day. Sorry, not gonna make me like them any better.
Cowboy Junkies
3/5
Covers were an interesting vibe. Slow but solid.
The 13th Floor Elevators
2/5
Generic hippie stuff. I'm pretty let down by the lack of diversity in this genre, or at least as represented by this list.
Jeff Beck
3/5
Now that I'm learning some of the history with these bands (Yardbirds, Cream, Faces), I can appreciate why it might sound like a plug-and-play. If you subbed in Clapton here, I know exactly what that sound would be. I don't think that I realized that Rod Stewart had these type of credentials though. My favorite parts will probably all bass.
Abdullah Ibrahim
2/5
This is some big band jazz, at least 50% held my interest
Stereolab
2/5
I hate to keep putting meta commentary as my reviews, but frankly I'm just basically done with this sort of album being on the list. I'm in the home stretch at this point and I'm really eager to finish strong with some really good stuff. More middling British garbage isn't going to do it.
The Charlatans
2/5
This list is vindictive. I'm being punished.
Actually, it was ok, but it's discount Oasis and I'll never come across it again.
PJ Harvey
3/5
While I didn't love it, I can certainly appreciate this album. PJ has a wholely individual vibe.
Madonna
2/5
So derivitive. As someone who does kind of enjoy 80s Madonna, this is a huge falloff
LL Cool J
4/5
oOoo. This is an interesting mix of 80s/90s right during that transition. Title track is a classic.
Kate Bush
3/5
this was, after some internal debate...pretty good. unique. ballsy.
Jurassic 5
3/5
Mixed bag, love the "Lord Have Mercy"esque MC but at times crawled.
U2
4/5
This is, at least from what I'm aware of, U2s most interesting album for my tastes. It has 1 of 2 songs that I enjoy of theirs (Mysterious Ways)(the other being Hold Me, Thrill Me) and the soundscape is varied and pulled me in.
The Undertones
3/5
This was fun
Prince
3/5
This was less good than I assumed. I'm a Prince fan going way back, and his talent is undeniable...but dare I say I see him more of a singles artist?
Snoop Dogg
3/5
Some classic vibes here, and undeniable influence...but Snoop, as much of a personality as he is, always seemed a weaker rapper to me. This is dated.
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
noise. bad noise
3/5
Contrary to popular opinion, I did not think this was their best album.
Dagmar Krause
1/5
This was hard to track down, and when I did I am not even sure it was the right album or playlist. Also, this was bonkers. I'll almost consider it a day off from the list. No idea why it's there to begin with.
Roni Size
2/5
so much. too much. boring and too much.
Michael Jackson
2/5
A couple classics here so long as I'm not invoking the rule I should, but aside from that, not great. Not great. "The doggone girl," Michael?
Sonic Youth
2/5
This was....listenable.
Brian Eno
2/5
This felt like a Saturday morning album. A little abstract but poppy
Radiohead
3/5
The heights propped this up certainly. Perhaps a couple of my latter Day Radiohead favorite tunes? Overall, it runs quickly, but is inconsistent compared to my favorite albums of theirs.
Liz Phair
2/5
I can see that somewhere, this is someone's favorite album and has been for 30 years. It's not mine though.
The Temptations
3/5
This finished strong but was a mixed bag with a disappointing version of Grapevine.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
Here it is. I've been waiting and I can't believe it took so long. It's not that this is bad; she's got amazing talent and much of this is timeless. But why 3.5 hours? And why cheat? Compilations shouldn't count. So I refuse to give it better than 3 stars. But yes, I listened to most of it. It consumed my day
.
Slade
3/5
This was 80s glam a decade early. I have to give credit where it's due. They were on the cutting edge before hair metal was a thing, and it seems like many bands took from Slade. I was shocked I knew many of these songs which would be covered by later American bands.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Some classic stuff here.
It seems obvious this list is bloated, or at least bogged down by some immaterial stuff. I shouldn't have to wait 2050 albums to come around to CCR's talent.
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
There are simply too many of these albums on the list. Every song sounds the same.
Iron Maiden
3/5
Cool stuff.
Marty Robbins
4/5
Unique and perfect for this list. The voice is impeccable and the story telling is top notch
Grizzly Bear
2/5
This depressed me a bit. I wanted to like the mashup of genres but it took me days to get through.
Bert Jansch
4/5
Ok, I'll do it. 4 stars. Tight arrangements and lots of talent. Instrumental tracks were highly enjoyable
Dolly Parton
2/5
Respect to Dolly but this hit far too many religious themes.
The Kinks
2/5
A forgettable Kinks album.
Happy Mondays
2/5
Meh
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
I still sometimes think back to 8th grade when I knew little of music and confused the Beastie Boys and Pet Shop Boys. LOL.
Only 1 of these albums is necessary on this list, but this might be the one.
Digital Underground
2/5
One hit and some weird stuff
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
I'm going to steal a description because it's perfect.
This was 40 minutes of an alien invasion to a church.
Pixies
4/5
Fun, impromptu, noisy, clearly a Cobain influencer.
David Bowie
3/5
An argument for there being too many Bowie albums on the list.
Television
3/5
This surprised me. I enjoyed it
Deee-Lite
2/5
This probably would have been fun in small doses. It's soooo dated.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
2/5
This was way more "normal" than the trout album, I will give it that. But then...doesn't that defeat the purpose of it being on the list?
Michael Kiwanuka
5/5
This was beautiful. A throwback sound, excellent production, awesome voice, chill vibe.
Mike Ladd
2/5
These beats were okay, but the rhymes certainly weren't. Atrocious.
The Divine Comedy
3/5
That had to be parody...right? This is ham. Talented, over the top ham.
LTJ Bukem
1/5
Seriously? I'm in my last 5 days and I get two hours of looped bloops?
The Cramps
3/5
Hillbilly Halloween punk. A bit niche, but breezed by.
Julian Cope
1/5
Now I'm just getting pissed off. Another 2 hour slog of crap.
Venom
3/5
This grew on me based on the quality for the time and for the significance I am assuming. Still, the cliches were all there. There are so many metal songs about being metal.