Let England Shake
PJ HarveyI'm assuming that this was included on the list of albums to hear before I die just so I could understand how bad music can be. I've gotta check to see if my ears are bleeding now. Absolutely awful.
I'm assuming that this was included on the list of albums to hear before I die just so I could understand how bad music can be. I've gotta check to see if my ears are bleeding now. Absolutely awful.
Hard to think of a better debut album. True shredder!
I'm taken completely by surprise. I don't understand one word of this album, but it's one of the best recommendations so far! It's not perfect, but some of it is absolutely fabulous! First track was rough, but it picked up quickly. Great chill music.
Nothing particularly bad about this album. Also nothing I would call exceptionally good. Just some easy listening music I suppose.
I was wondering when I would get my first rap album. Expected Tupac, Dr. Dre, Snoop, Eminem, Jay-Z, NWA, Biggie, or any other of the pioneers of rap. Instead I got a no name, marginally talented, British rapper that no one has heard of. Trying not to let that effect my rating, listening to this with an open mind, it still was below average at best.
I guess I just don't understand classic rock... The album wasn't bad - it just didn't have a whole lot of variety. I had heard "Sultans of Swing" before, and when the first track started, I actually thought it was SoS, that's how alike they sounded. It's a style I suppose; just one I'm not super fond of.
The vocals are just not for me. And that’s a shame because the music is quite pleasant to listen to.
Still not a massive classic rock fan, but this album was pretty good, start to finish.
Like a much less talented Billy Joel!
Live albums are garbage. Why would I want screaming nonsense on top of my music?!?!? 3 stars because the music was good. Would have been higher if it weren’t live.
The first album randomized that I listened to more than once! The king of pop, crushing it as usual.
I just don't understand the intrigue of bands with lead singers that can't carry a tune. I'm giving this a three because musical arrangement was good. Vocals are abysmal.
Hard to think of a better debut album. True shredder!
I wasn't expecting to like this one. Didn't realize who it was! After looking them up, I felt silly but understood why the guitar had me hooked.
I get that the album as one of the first full length album in the rap/rock genre. Problem is, Kid Rock is an AWFUL rapper. Only giving it three stars because Bawitdaba is a MELTER!
I have no idea what to even think about this album. It's all over the place, some fabulous, some complete garbage. I feel like their influence must be wide though, as there are many current bands that have a similar, if more refined, sound.
I'm assuming that this was included on the list of albums to hear before I die just so I could understand how bad music can be. I've gotta check to see if my ears are bleeding now. Absolutely awful.
I prefer my vocalists to be able to sing in tune. The pitiful vocals ruin these songs for me.
I guess I'm realizing through this process that a good vocalist is important to me. Songs/melody is fine. Vocals are just terrible in some cases. Three stars for composition reasons, not vocal efforts.
Music has come a long way. This was pleasant, but boring. I've heard countless female artists list Billie as a major influence, but I was underwhelmed.
I've hated every Coldplay song that I've ever heard on the radio. Their non released stuff was good to excellent. So pleasantly surprised!
Why did I need to listen to this? It just wasn't very good. Insanely repetitive.
What a classic! Fats sure could play the piano!!!
So many classics here! Great album.
Not awful, but nothing to write home about either.
This is one of the least memorable albums I've ever heard. I won't remember one song from this more than ten minutes after the album ends.
Nothing particularly bad about this album. Also nothing I would call exceptionally good. Just some easy listening music I suppose.
Great album! Love me some MGMT!
I had only heard one Arctic Monkeys song before this, and never looked into them. Not bad. Punk rock isn't something I listen to much, so I doubt I would seek them out, but not awful music by any means.
An interesting album. Pretty unique new wave feel. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. Shame I can't rate half stars or it would probably get a 3.5.
Cobain is one of the few lead singers that I know, that can't hit notes, but is still an amazing lead. Incredible album.
Legalize it
Can't go wrong with Willie!
This album is just fun. Don't know how anyone wouldn't like it.
I know people love the who., but I just don't get it. I don't find their music enjoyable at all.
It's incredibly hard for me to like an album that has a song that says "if you don't like this album, it's not for you." Seems like a participation trophy attitude.
Not a huge classic rock guy, but I can certainly appreciate a legendary album. So many iconic songs on this one.
Willie is always a good listen although this one wasn't his best. 4 stars.
This is another one that needs half star ratings. I'm gonna give it 5 stars because it's chock full of iconic memorable melodies and arrangements. But some of the vocals are so screechy it makes my ears bleed.
I just don't see the appeal. It's not absolutely horrible, but I certainly wouldn't call it good either. A couple of decent songs, but mostly hot garbage.
I'm taken completely by surprise. I don't understand one word of this album, but it's one of the best recommendations so far! It's not perfect, but some of it is absolutely fabulous! First track was rough, but it picked up quickly. Great chill music.
A very average album. Some highs, some lows, and lots of in between. Nothing particularly bad, but nothing particularly good either.
I'm sure that this is a great album as far as Irish folk music is concerned. Problem is, Irish folk music is an unrelenting assault on my eardrums and my better senses. Maybe you have to be Irish to understand it -clearly I'm not Irish.
Can't go wrong with the silky smooth voice of Marvin Gaye!!!
Somebody is going to have to explain the who to me because I just don't get it. Nothing about their music grabs me in any way. It's not excruciating, but I don't particularly enjoy it either.
I enjoyed this album far more than I expected to. I feel like this album was probably highly influential on 80's pop.
This was just strange. No idea how to explain it.
Insanely average is the only way I can describe this one. Some spectacular lead guitar, but a lot of the melodies are all over the place. Songs that outlast their welcome as well.
Assuming this was included as a precursor to EDM. It's not terrible, but a little boring.
This album is awful. The vocals are terrible. The lyrics are juvenile. The arrangements are boring. I'm stunned that this sold one copy. The confusion is real.
If you are into punk rock, I'm sure this is fabulous. A lot of it sounded like noise to me. If your song is overwhelmed by speaker feedback, I'm probably not going to like it much, but maybe that's just me.
The queen! This isn't my favorite genre, but you can't help but appreciate and adore Aretha!
I get that his voice is an acquired taste, but if there's a better story teller, I don't know who it is.
Full transparency - I've been a huge Prince fan my whole life, so I'm pretty biased, but this is just another example of how Prince has always been ahead of his time. I believe many of these songs would be hits if they were released today and not in 1980.
The second CCR album I've been presented, and it was another pleasant surprise. Not sure I'm becoming a big fan or anything, but it's decent stuff for sure. Particularly liked the instrumental tracks near the end.
Aside from the racism, it wasn't terrible.
I had very low expectations going in. Never really liked their radio stuff. But I was pleasantly surprised. Didn't blow me away, but there are some very good tracks on this album. 3.5 stars.
I feel like I really need the book to understand why some of the albums are included. There was nothing wrong with this album, but there also wasn't anything that I found particularly compelling. Vocals are okay. Melodies are okay. Instrumentation is okay. Everything is two scoops of "just okay." Rating an awfully bland 2.5 stars.
The G.O.A.T. with one of my all time favorite albums. I could ramble on for hours about this one, and nobody wants that, so I'll just say 5 stars and leave it at that.
This one exceeded expectations. It's a little depressing in parts, but I think you are always gonna get that with country music. Her voice is not really my jam, but I can recognize it's beauty. Songs were well written.
Another pleasant surprise. Never heard of these guys, but it was a chill little album! 3.5 stars.
This one is tough to rate. There was nothing particularly awful, but I can't say that I enjoyed listening to it. A lot of music from the 60s seems a bit "all over the place" to me, and this album fits that description perfectly.
Another mediocre album. It wasn't awful, but I can't imagine I'd ever go back and listen to it again.
Had no idea what to expect here; knew absolutely nothing about the band going in. It was decent. Not life changing by any means, but mostly enjoyable. Yet another 3.5 star album imo.
While this is certainly not a preferred genre of music for me, I feel like I can appreciate talent, and these musicians are clearly talented! If you like this style, it probably doesn't get much better.
This album would have been quite enjoyable were it not for the vocals. Parts of it were downright hard to listen to because it reminded me of stepping on a cat. Shame because some of the melodies and arrangements were great.
I was wondering when I would get my first rap album. Expected Tupac, Dr. Dre, Snoop, Eminem, Jay-Z, NWA, Biggie, or any other of the pioneers of rap. Instead I got a no name, marginally talented, British rapper that no one has heard of. Trying not to let that effect my rating, listening to this with an open mind, it still was below average at best.
Nothing terribly bad about this album. Also nothing memorable about this album.
Never really got into KISS. Maybe I should have. This album was a fun listen!
Another insanely average album. Didn't turn it off, but will never listen again.
This album was nice. A chill vibe.
Live albums are still the absolute worst.
I had no idea that I was a Cars fan. I know their releases, and liked them well enough, but this whole album was stellar!
This album is iconic for so many reasons it's hard to do a comprehensive review. Let's just say that I feel like this album is a "must listen"
Like the dance scene in napoleon dynamite, I don't know what's going on here, but I think I like it!
I wasn't overly impressed. Not awful, but I've heard Amy Winehouse hype since this album came out. My first time listening, expected to be blown away. Was not blown away.
I expected this to be better than it was. Have heard that Muddy Waters is a legend and pioneer with wide reaching musical influence. Thought I would be blown away. Not bad, but not incredible either.
Otis was the man!
A couple absolute gems on this one, but overall, not a great record.
Minus a song or two, this album was hot garbage.
I get why this album is included and it's significance, but the only thing worse than a live album is a live album from prison.
I don't even remotely understand the appeal of Bowie. This album was somewhere between garbage and a waste of my time.
Interesting album that I'll never listen to again.
I forgot just how good this album is. An incredible entry from a legendary group.
As far as classical/orchestra music goes, this was fine. If you've got an elevator around, this would be right at home there.
One of the all time great albums. Easy rating here!
The only thing worse than a live album is a two hour live album.
Hot ass garbage. Who listens to this stuff?
Interesting sound. Not terrible, but I am unlikely to revisit this artist or album.
Disco shouldn't exist.
I guess this is "British Pop Punk?" Not awful, but not much memorable here either. Another middle of the road offering.
This album was better than I remembered. I feel like I should have been more into this when it was released!
Do people listen to this when they aren't on hardcore mind altering drugs? Because I tried and it sucked.
Not bad. Nothing that changed my life, but a decent effort.
Everybody knows "Love Fool" but there were a few others here that are worth knowing! Unexpectedly good album.
Early Clapton < The other Claptons.
This album was absolutely awful. Matter of fact, it may have completely ruined the saxophone sound for me.
This one was strange for me. Several songs that are incredible works of art, and several songs that are not the least bit memorable. Good album overall though. 3.75 stars?
Don't speak Spanish, but it had some jams.
I would have liked this so much more had just about anyone else been lead singer. Music was really good. Dudes voice was rough for me.
Not a lot of variety, but a fun album none the less.
There are a handful of debut albums that just blow me away. This is most certainly one of them. It's easy to understand why Eagles are one of the most popular rock bands of all time.
This was the best album that I'll never listen to again. Some really cool stuff there, but not my preferred genre.
I'm not worthy of reviewing this one.
I'm at a loss for words. I'll keep it simple. This sucked. Like a lot of suck. A whole lot.
Why? I mean there's nothing wrong with Q-Tip, but in terms of rap pioneers, I'm guessing there will be some left off this list that could easily replace this entry.
I almost had to shut this one off. It was really tough to get through. I just don't get the appeal of Bowie. Guess anything really is "art"
This was creative, interesting, and unique, but WAY TOO REPETITIVE. It made it feel like each song was 10 minutes long. Worth a listen, not worth a return.
This was an interesting combo. Big band meets psychedelic rock? It wasn't terrible, but I wasn't in love with it.
I knew Echo existed, but had never listened to anything by them. Not bad. Pretty standard 80s fare imo.
If I were an elevator, I'd love this. Not sure who thought a 10 minute opening track was a good idea though.
If you are into this type of sound, I'm sure this is fabulous. I'm not into it at all.
In my opinion, there aren't many R&B/Hip-hop albums with unskippable tracks. This is certainly one of those unicorns. A must for any collection.
Had never heard of this artist, and this album was a pleasant surprise. A couple bad tracks, but some great work overall.
This was incredibly unique, yet somehow not at all memorable. It wasn't awful, but I also have no desire to ever listen to it again.
If you think Billy Joel is just way too talented, then "shitty Billy Joel" here might be just your style!
I don't know how anyone could dislike this one. Just feel good rock!
Not particularly my cup of tea, but I'm sure it's considered good for the genre. My man needs to calm down. See a therapist or something.
If you love "Come on Eileen" then you'll probably love the rest of this album. Exceeded expectations for me honestly.
Nothing particularly awful about this album. Also completely forgettable. Generic 80s album.
I know this is blasphemy to some, but I feel like this is an average album by an average band. I'm just not impressed. My bad yo.
Because Taylor Swift is my wife's favorite artist, I've heard more of her work than I probably care to. Imo, this isn't her best work. It's good. It's chill. It's not exactly ground breaking.
R.I.P.
My problem with this album is that it makes me wish I was on a Caribbean vacation, but instead I'm at work.
I grew up in the 80s, but fell in love with the Monkees watching reruns of the television show. I bought copies of all their albums and knew all their songs. This album happens to be my favorite of theirs. A little something for everyone.
I finally ordered the book so I could find out why this list is full of mediocre albums. This was another snoozer imo.
Unique. Creative. Art. I don't know that I love the music, but I love that it's different.
Nothing awful about this album. Equally nothing noteworthy. Insanely average.
This one is tough to rate. SoaD is such a good band, but I can't stand the screaming growling vocals. If he would just sing, I think they would be one of my favorite bands.
I expected this to be more 80s hair band rock. It was a bit deeper than that imo. A pleasant surprise!
Just a rock solid early 90s rap album
I've been a rap fan forever, but never listened to much Common. After hearing this album, I'm thinking that may have been a mistake. Above average album for sure.
An album that launched a genre. And every track is outstanding without that context. Easy rating here.
Another difficult rating. I didn't hate it, but lyrics were lost on me since I don't speak the language.
This was a fun album. I had heard several songs from the record, but didn't realize they were Fatboy Slim. I'm down for it!
I get that Dylan is an icon and a master storyteller. But his voice is like a cheese grater on my nerves.
I guess I'm just not an Arcade Fire guy. Album wasn't bad in any way. Also didn't grab me in any way.
This album was very very good. Not quite five stars, but close. I don't know much about Ryan Adams, but I am interested in trying some of his other work after this. Lots of great emotional story telling in this one. Reminded me of Bob Dylan with a much better voice.
This may have been the singular most boring album I've heard. It wasn't bad music, just dull.