Journey in Progress
Discovering music one album at a time
633
Albums Rated
3.94
Avg Rating
155
5-Star Albums
58%
Complete
456 albums remaining
Rating Speed
3
Per Week
1464
Days Active
Reviews
612
Written
97%
Review Rate
vs Global
0.7
Avg Diff
3.94
Avg Rating
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How you rate albums
Rating Timeline
Average rating over time
Ratings by Decade
Which era do you prefer?
Activity by Day
When do you listen?
Taste Profile
2010s
Favorite Decade
Post-punk
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Generous
Rater Style
3
1-Star Albums
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Ratings by genre
Origin Preferences
Ratings by country
Rating Style
You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junkyard | 5 | 2.15 | +2.85 |
| Dub Housing | 5 | 2.36 | +2.64 |
| The Modern Dance | 5 | 2.48 | +2.52 |
| Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby | 5 | 2.65 | +2.35 |
| Bubble And Scrape | 5 | 2.65 | +2.35 |
| Atomizer | 5 | 2.72 | +2.28 |
| Medúlla | 5 | 2.72 | +2.28 |
| Nixon | 5 | 2.76 | +2.24 |
| Olympia 64 | 5 | 2.77 | +2.23 |
| Southern Rock Opera | 5 | 2.82 | +2.18 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| I’m a Lonesome Fugitive | 1 | 2.85 | -1.85 |
| Catch A Fire | 2 | 3.64 | -1.64 |
| Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room | 1 | 2.6 | -1.6 |
| Boy In Da Corner | 1 | 2.57 | -1.57 |
| The Band | 2 | 3.37 | -1.37 |
| Step In The Arena | 2 | 3.17 | -1.17 |
| Honky Tonk Heroes | 2 | 3.14 | -1.14 |
| Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde | 2 | 3.13 | -1.13 |
| Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor | 2 | 3.13 | -1.13 |
| Fishscale | 2 | 3.06 | -1.06 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums and high weighted score
| Artist | Albums | Avg | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Bowie | 5 | 5 | 4.25 |
| Sonic Youth | 4 | 5 | 4.14 |
| Radiohead | 5 | 4.6 | 4 |
| Miles Davis | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Beatles | 5 | 4.4 | 3.88 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 4.67 | 3.83 |
| Johnny Cash | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| The Smiths | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| Pixies | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| Nirvana | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| Amy Winehouse | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| Siouxsie And The Banshees | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| Wilco | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| Pere Ubu | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| The Stooges | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| Lou Reed | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| Joy Division | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| Bruce Springsteen | 4 | 4.25 | 3.71 |
| Tom Waits | 4 | 4.25 | 3.71 |
| Bob Dylan | 6 | 4 | 3.67 |
| Beastie Boys | 3 | 4.33 | 3.67 |
| The Doors | 3 | 4.33 | 3.67 |
| The Who | 5 | 4 | 3.63 |
5-Star Albums (155)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Supertramp
3/5
I tried. I promise I tried, but couldn’t find any that interest me in this album
9 likes
Faith No More
5/5
One of the most creative, sharp, and all-over-the-place works of metal from late 80s. It changed how this genre was understood back then and influenced a big deal go bands. Faith no more is one of those seminal bands (with Jane’s Addiction and Pixies) that shaped during late 80s what was to be defined as alternative music in the 90s. There was nothing like it. Some might say that they stole from the chili peppers, I don’t think so. Although they had some funk rock on their DNA, the peppers lacked the versatility, attitude that Faith had. They just released Mother’s Milk and we’re trying to build their style. That would come on 91 with Blood Sugar Sex Magic. (In this fight I’m totally team Faith no more) Well, super happy I got to listen this great record!
7 likes
The Smiths
5/5
The Smiths reached perfection with this album. A collection of killer melancholic, romantic, Victorian songs from start to finish. It’s not an exaggeration to say that these songs have been the soundtrack of part of my life. Morrisey is at his best here, let alone Johnny Marr (deeply love his guitar with the capo on Bigmouth strikes again)
This is the album for the black parade…
7 likes
Gram Parsons
4/5
I am not a country fan but I think I have developed some appreciation for Gram Parsons, what he represents and all the lore surrounding him: what’s true, what’s not, the times he delighted his audience, the times he embarrassed himself.
Grievous Angel is a great album, full of energy, heart, and passion. The voices arrangements are charming and the instrumentation is outstanding. In general, it’s a unpretentious record that doesn’t take a lot of time from your life and makes you happy.
6 likes
Alice In Chains
5/5
One of the best 90s albums, but not for everyone, though. Angry, depressing, anxious. With really dark themes of addiction and self destruction, Dirt is a journey not meant for bright days. Memorable songs such as Them Bones, Rooster, and Would, these songs are still banged on rock radio today, and have inspired generations of new bands. To me, this is a time travel to the first time I listened to it. I remember Dam the river and down in a hole coming out of my headphones while walking to school. I don’t think there’s a lot more to say that has not need said before. Legendary
5 likes
1-Star Albums (3)
All Ratings
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
For some reason, it makes me feel optimistic. Think it is the fact that I am hearing someone that is singing his heart out…
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3/5
Such a powerful voice! Janis smashed my speakers!
Wire
5/5
21 wonderful songs in 35 minutes… What an amazing journey!
Carole King
3/5
Sweet and lovely. Think that some of these song will stay in my folk playlist
The Band
2/5
The Saints
5/5
Loved this record! It's an energetic time travel to the late 70’s. Some of these song made my playlists
Lambchop
5/5
A sweet surprise. A candid voice singing delicious songs. Loved the guitar tune and chorus. I am adding some of these songs to my personal playlists now!
The Specials
2/5
Not a lot to add for this one. Enjoyed the first two tracks but that’s all…
Queen
5/5
This album is the favorite of a person that played a crucial role in my past. Listening to these songs after all these years unpacks profound memories. Freddie’s voice is sublime. Love of my life, You’re my best friend are songs that will ever live in the collective conscience, let alone Bohemian Rhapsody… It is a fascinating trip, a piece of art.
The Undertones
4/5
It's a great album! Fun to listen to and catchy tunes... Loved the guitar and harmonies!
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Majestic! I know it is dumb to admit it, but subconsciously Sinatra’s music takes me to a peaceful place. It makes me feel protected and optimistic. It’s like being a child… being a child watching the Looney Tunes in a Saturday morning. I think it’s maybe because reminds me of my dad…
Germs
4/5
Explosive! These guys are from California but sound like a DC band. Loved the voices and the aggressive snare sound
Black Sabbath
4/5
What can be said about this cocaine-fueled journey that has not been said before? After all these years, it still feels alive and kicking. The drums are solid and maniac; the guitars accentuate the paranoia coming from Ozzy’s voice. The bass is there, haunting the listener all along the album like an anima after a ouija session is over. A master piece created by perturbed musicians
Pearl Jam
5/5
This is one of the most important albums of my life. If time travel exists, it should be this album. I still remember when I listened to Black for the very first time. I was going through a depressive episode and feeling unable to get out of it. This is also the first album I analyzed with my daughter; I went song by song, read the background of the recording sessions, all the lyrics and their multiple interpretations. It was an attempt to pass the torch to the next generation. It was a father-daughter ritual.... I loved this record...
Gary Numan
4/5
I thought this one was a boring album, but must confess that I was wrong. Mr Newman knows how to write hypnotic and catchy tunes.
The Young Gods
3/5
The guy in this record gargles with motor oil, and it's pissed about it. Something new to add to my Halloween playlist.
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
What a twisted psychedelia!
Sometimes hilarious, sometimes clever. I enjoyed some songs , but don’t know what to do with the last two tracks…
Public Enemy
4/5
Hip hop is not my thing, but I’ve heard about Public Enemy in the past. Never listened anything from them before… After the first round, must confess that this album is all killer no filler! Excellent content, clean delivery, enjoyable, engaging… a big surprise! Adding some classic rap to my music mix, for sure
Ray Charles
3/5
This is a good handful of songs. It helped Charles to popularize his name. Excellent orchestra and sound. I cannot hear a lot of his “get the road Jack” R&B in this thou… Enjoyable, for sure
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
R.E.M.
4/5
This band started its career with the right foot. I had listened to this record before this challenge, but had forgotten the jewels in it. “Perfect Circle” is a magical experience, “Pilgrimage” is astonishing, and what to say about “sitting still”? Love this!!
10cc
3/5
Another album that is part of the rock ecosystem from the 70s. Not outstanding, not deplorable. Just another one…
Spiritualized
3/5
Ethereal!
Various Artists
3/5
Got this on Dec 24th. Perfect timing! Enjoyable album - nothing special about it, but sets the Xmas mood
Van Morrison
4/5
This album was a pleasant experience. It’s tonalities and timbres got me in a soothed mood right from the beginning. I had never listened to Van Morrison before, maybe did not have the interest or was not ripe enough for it. Now I want to go down the rabbit hole of his music
The Kinks
4/5
Before this record, I thought The Kinks were some kind of "one hit wonder", but this work changed my mind. These guys know how to write an earworm, for sure.
This is a fun album - Short songs with poppy melodies. I liked the first half more than the second one (there is where my favorites are: Picture Book and Big Sky).
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Feel like a monochromatic hippie with my acoustic guitar selling incense nearby a retirement house
M.I.A.
2/5
Maybe a little bit innovative for '07, but must confess that the beat kind of oversaturated me. I don't know but I was exhausted of it by track 4. I liked her references to Pixies and The Clash in the coolest songs of the record, and also the Iron Maiden typography on the cover; however, in general terms, think that I do not feel as positive to it as I wanted. I tried, but did not happen
Johnny Cash
5/5
Wonderful piece! The setlist, the energy, and the way how Johnny and his audience interacts make this album perfect. It’s like a modern ritual. Even the cover shows some type of intimacy: Johnny looking at you from above with his sweat dripping. I love it
The Pharcyde
2/5
Fun album - not my type of jam, thou - but can’t deny these guys know how to enjoy themselves. Although I do not think I’ll listen to these songs again, I get why this is on the list and the influence on things yet to come.
James Taylor
4/5
The timbres and textures are outstanding. The combination of James’s voice, the mix, and the omnipresent ambient noise makes this record a warm experience. It brings some kind of intimacy. A refuge. I can definitely see The Black Keys covering some of these songs. Love it!
Fela Kuti
4/5
Frenetic and contagious. This one was a chant for freedom and art. I will always applaud meaningful art! Sorry to see the aftermath caused by this album. Death and war is the language of tyranny
OutKast
4/5
This is a long album! It demands time from the listener with his over 2 hrs/ 40 songs. Luckily, are easy-to-listen songs; actually, I am loving some of them from the very first listen. I only knew the singles, but ignored some of the gems hidden in those two records.
This is good work! I see why is here
Supergrass
4/5
This one screams rock and roll!
It’s hard to believe that a band of kids would come up with this record. It is a collection of catchy songs with an excellent production. It keeps its promise and never feels slow or boring.
Don’t know why Supergrass was not one of the big examples of the 90s Britpop movement, they definitely had the rockstar material and songs to back up such statement!
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
Feel like a disco astronaut on psychedelics imagining life in the year 2030
LCD Soundsystem
5/5
Surprisingly enjoyable - Definitely a great album. Seems to me that it's my gateway to LCD Sounsystem
Beatles
5/5
My favorite album from The Beatles. I still remember the first time I listened to Eleanor Rigby when I was a kid. It is a masterpiece that changed what was considered pop music. All excellent tracks - no filler at all. Even Yellow Submarine flows perfectly while listening the entire record. Happy to live a life where this exists.
Moby
4/5
A mystical experience. I remember when this came out and you could hear Moby everywhere. The first half of this record is solid. Love how Moby sample gospel vocals and a Piano track over tasty loops. I think that a good portion of the second half could be cut…
My all time favs are Porcelain and Why Does My Heart Feels So Bad.
The Young Rascals
3/5
Had low expectations toward this one, but ended satisfied with some of the songs. Maybe is the harmony or chord sequence, don’t know what is, but it has something particular.
Nice listening!
Elliott Smith
5/5
I am definitely biased with everything related to Elliott Smith. This album, though not my favorite in his discography, is fantastic. The production sounds different than the Either Or's -more distortion, faster songs- but it still feels personal, vivid, a piece of his self from him to us.
I love it. It grows in me with every listen.
Blur
3/5
I get that this record is pivotal in their career, but it’s hard for me to get it. Beetlebum is one of my fav Blur’s songs definitely and think that there are other hidden gems in the album. I will give it another listen and see how it grows in me.
Rocket From The Crypt
4/5
Nice discovery here! Steady side A. Connected with most of the songs. Side B is a different story.
Made some research on the band and looks like the guys were real characters, hosted raffles during concerts, used gigantic spin wheels on stage to decide set lists, played kids shows… fun stuff
I will definitely include some of these songs to my playlists
Tito Puente
3/5
Good example of Caribbean music
Blondie
5/5
With this album, Blondie refined its formula for producing perfect pop songs. It is catchy and flows smoothly. Loved the harmonies and textures. Legendary!
Pink Floyd
4/5
Engaging and exiting album! Wish you were here is one of the most beautiful songs in history.
The Zombies
4/5
This was my first time listening the zombie’s music and was a blast. They had everything: rhythm, groove, depth…
The album flows smoothly and most of the songs has its own personality. Cannot complain at all!
Merle Haggard
1/5
Not for me. It’s like listening the same boring song 20 times.
Slayer
4/5
Explosive!
Peter Frampton
4/5
It is a great record filled with anthemic songs to sing out loud, at least that’s what you can tell by the people in that concert. In my case, I think I may need to listen to those songs often to let them grow on me.
Sufjan Stevens
4/5
I am gladly surprised by this album. I had Chicago on my radar before, but now can go back and listen to at least 3 or 4 more songs from this album. Charming and nostalgic. Loved the voices, strings, and horns. It is a shame It’s so long!
New Order
4/5
This is the type of New Order I like!
Supertramp
3/5
I tried. I promise I tried, but couldn’t find any that interest me in this album
Isaac Hayes
4/5
“Now get the fudge out of my house”
Miles Davis
5/5
This album was the first work of jazz that I appreciated. It is so involving and revolutionary. With it, Miles changed history.
Rod Stewart
4/5
Feel like a post-hippie on his way to start a mandolin course
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Gladly surprised! I am still bouncing on my office chair in front of an excel spreadsheet…
Ian Dury
3/5
No sire, not for me.
Alice Cooper
5/5
Alice Cooper’s magnus opus. An outstanding compilation of songs that does not disappoint the listener. The histrionic Hello Hurray starts the fantastic trip impeccably, several bangers follow, finally closing with the I Love The Dead (one of my favorite in the record)
This is a seminal record that made history, not only in the glam rock, but in the 70s scene
Sonic Youth
5/5
Seminal album from one of the most intriguing bands in the last 40 years. I remember fondly discovering this work during my teenager years, listening to Teenage Riot and Silver Rocket nonstop, talking to my friends about it. No wonder why it is here!
OutKast
4/5
I’m not a hip hop person, but not going to lie, this one has catchy tunes. Wish it’d be shorter, thou...
Public Enemy
3/5
Enjoyed part of the tracks. Songs with a revolutionary message packaged with lots of energy. I can see why this album is here.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
Fun album! It seems that I love the classic 50s-rock music formula. Short and sweet songs dealing with naive topics. Yes sir, I enjoyed it.
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
Definitely loved the first five tracks. I was hypnotized by the guitars, lyrics, and the beat. After the song wit Aerosmith, it started to sound a little bit repetitive. Overall, I would say that this is a great gateway between rock and rap. Will listen to these songs I the future, for sure
Super Furry Animals
5/5
This album has been a wonderful surprise! I did not have this band on my radar - maybe I’d heard the name some years ago - but it caught me from the very dirt minute. It is the type of psych I like, melodic, unpretentious, a little naive. I loved the beat, textures, chords and song structures; the voice is a perfect fit too. So 90s, so alive. I read somebody’s comment that said that the way how this album ends is the way how a joyful funeral would end , I happen to agree!
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
3/5
Feel like an interplanetary camel stuck in the desert with two keyboards and one synthesizer
Tortoise
3/5
I played it while I was working yesterday. It was part of the background… background music (?) I am sure I am doing this wrong
Gang Starr
2/5
I might recognize why this is in the list, but the entire album felt like listening the first three songs in a loop, always the same thing over and over. Not my type of music, I guess…
Al Green
4/5
First at all, let me address the elephant in the room, I cannot but remember that Pulp Fiction scene between Butch and Marcelus Wallace while listening to the first track.
The rest of the album flows perfectly, it’s quite an experience definitely. Really set me in a good mood.
Kanye West
4/5
Well, what can you say about Ye that wasn’t said before? This one has solid tracks. Like it!
Minutemen
5/5
LOVE this album. History Lesson Pt 2 is one of the most charming songs in punk history. This is authentic, charismatic, energetic, sincere music. The Minutemen is one of those cult bands that make you love music. This band could be your life…
Brian Wilson
3/5
Man, I’m tripping…
Fleet Foxes
4/5
Charming and hypnotic. A lovely journey that softened my soul for about 35 minutes. Thank you for bringing this one to my attention
Ice Cube
3/5
Some songs in this album are ubiquitous, even for a non-rap person like me. I can definitely see why this is included in the list. It’s not my jam, but it is a good album
Joni Mitchell
5/5
It’s a masterpiece! Engaging, emotive, charming… Joni is one of the best folk artists ever and Blue is a compelling example of it. I am hypnotized by her voice, guitar, storytelling, and sweet but unusual harmonies. Definitely, it deserves a 5
Heaven 17
2/5
I don’t know if I’m edgy enough to be in this party :(
Steely Dan
3/5
My first time listening to these guys. Yes, I can see that they have some good songs, but I am neither excited nor regretting that I hadn’t listened this until now. Am I a weird person? Or the question is, am I not weird enough to be fascinated by Steely Dan?
The Smiths
5/5
The Smiths reached perfection with this album. A collection of killer melancholic, romantic, Victorian songs from start to finish. It’s not an exaggeration to say that these songs have been the soundtrack of part of my life. Morrisey is at his best here, let alone Johnny Marr (deeply love his guitar with the capo on Bigmouth strikes again)
This is the album for the black parade…
Frank Sinatra
4/5
The encapsulation of what Sinatra represented. Majestic and charismatic. Liked it, not loved it (I am more a Chet Baker guy)
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
Wow - That’s what I call groovy, swing big band jazz! Excellent tunes, impecable interpretation, energetic and charming. By the way, the amount of courage they had for using a nuclear explosion in the cover only 13 years after WWII ended is remarkable.
TLC
3/5
A good example of the 90s R&B scene. Liked a couple of tracks, but wondered if having more than 12 songs of the same thing was necessary
Bee Gees
3/5
The perfect soundtrack for a depressed Travolta.
SAULT
4/5
A good discovery.I loved the voices and the tone. Although after the 7th song it gets a little repetitive, it is a good album.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Zep is still refining its sound and covering songs here. However, an album that includes a song like “Baby I’m Gonna Leave You” could not be considered as bad. “Good Times, Bad Times” is one of the most rocking songs in history.
Charles Mingus
5/5
This is one of my favorite jazz albums. Mingus here is at the top of his game, experimenting and innovating. It is a total ride.
The Human League
2/5
Zep is still refining its sound and covering songs here. However, an album that includes a song like “Baby I’m Gonna Leave You” could not be considered as bad. “Good Times, Bad Times” is one of the most rocking songs in history.
Jurassic 5
4/5
This is my jam!
Gorillaz
4/5
This is a good album. I remember the first time I listened to some of these songs a couple of decades ago with my friends and how special it was for me. After listening to it again I see that it still sounds fresh and unique. Good music to bring good vibes
Supergrass
4/5
How come I ignored this band for so long? It is a great follow to their debut.
Manu Chao
4/5
A total fiesta!
Kate Bush
5/5
The soundtrack of my dreams!
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
2/5
Odd, weird.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Tight R&B
Richard Hawley
4/5
A charming collection of songs. It’s nostalgic tone awakes the empathy on the listener. I did not have this on my radar, but now, it belongs to my Nick Cave-like playlist.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Siamese Dream was part of my 90s/00s playlists. Some of these songs are perfect and have grown in me through the years: Quiet, Disarm, Rocket, Mayonnaise… It’s a great Alternative Rock piece that has influenced several artists for the last 30 years
The Replacements
5/5
It took some months to appreciate it, but Let It Be is a perfect album. Its songs grew on me after each listen and it is now part of my playlist. The rhythm in I will dare is perfect -I think that Peter B from REM played the solo- other songs like Androgynous, Answer Machine, are also bangers.
The Replacements are a special band, indeed. A group of intriguing people with whom you’d like to suffer and laugh with.
ZZ Top
3/5
Feel like a Texan going to a Mexican restaurant and ordering some beef chimichangas.
Kate Bush
4/5
With The Dreaming, Kate Bush reached another milestone in her career. The compositions, weird sounds, and eastern rhythms set this album apart from the rest. Since Sat in Your Lap to Get Out Of My House (where I believe she transforms into a donkey) the listener feels intrigued and intimidated. It is a total experience.
Motörhead
3/5
A collection of bangers! Lemmy doesn’t drop the vibe in any of these songs.
Janelle Monáe
4/5
This is a great example that good music is still being released after 2010
CHIC
3/5
Interesting work. I never imagined that disco progressive was a thing before this record.
Queens of the Stone Age
4/5
It’s impressive to see how solid QOTSA was since the beginning of their career. All their characteristics elements are there, thou not fully developed, but can be perceived.
David Gray
4/5
Great acoustic work. I do not know if it was because I was on the right mood or what else, but happened to like most songs from the first listen.
The Smiths
5/5
Another charming release by The Smiths. It’s not The Queen is Dead, but definitely is a masterpiece.
Suede
4/5
Maybe it has some filler, but solid work in general terms. Love Bret’s voice and how it borrows some elements from The Smiths.
ABBA
3/5
Yes. It has some of the classics, but it’s not my kind of jam
Tim Buckley
3/5
I like more his son Jeff
Circle Jerks
4/5
Nice sample of hardcore. Short and sweated songs.
Teenage Fanclub
4/5
N.W.A.
3/5
Legendary.
Anthrax
3/5
Caetano Veloso
3/5
Nice, but a little repetitive after the 3rd aong
The B-52's
4/5
Punk-Rumba!
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
Gosh, what can be said about this album that hasn’t been said before…
Nas
5/5
Hip hop is not my main music genre, but I respect and appreciate the good music, and this album is a true piece of art!
Ray Charles
3/5
Led Zeppelin
4/5
If only Gandalf knows how to play guitar…
Koffi Olomide
2/5
Loved the first song!
After listening to this album for 15 minutes I stopped realizing that I was dancing on the chair; however, it was like a hypnotic, monotonous dance. A useless movement.
After hitting the 30 minute mark, the experience was nothing but an insipid joy.
The Band
3/5
Lovely harmonies. Repetitive song structures. Overall, nice recommendation.
Bob Dylan
4/5
As a music aficionado (as I pretentiously qualify myself) Dylan has been a gigantic pending signature. I tried starting with Blonde on Blonde some years ago, but it was not a great fit for me. This time, luckily, the outcome changed. Each song hit the right note and flooded my Friday morning with an exquisite troubadour aroma. “Ballad of a thin man” is now in my playlist.
Jane Weaver
5/5
I consider myself lucky for receiving this recommendation today. I didn’t have any idea of who Jane Weaver was… but her work enlightened my mood from second one.
Modern Kosmology is a truly gem. I loved Jane voice harmonies and delivery. The rhythm section was exquisite, and what to say about the sequencing? To me, Jane is the perfect blending between Blonde Redhead and Janelle Monae. Fantastic!
My Bloody Valentine
4/5
Rebellious and mellow at the same time. A great cacophonous experience.
The Blue Nile
3/5
I think I just found the missing link between Tom Waits’s early work and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
2Pac
3/5
2Pac - the 90s gansta rap epitome. It’s amazing how a voice can have such confidence and be so Intimidating; indeed it was him against the world.
3/5
Nice collection of pop rock songs, not my favorite from them, but still pretty entertaining.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
I was expecting a vanilla collection of pop folk songs, but “Bridge Over Troubled Water” took me by surprise. It’s harmonies, thematic, and instrumentation moved me to the point of stoping what I was doing to focus on the songs. Definitely, Simon & Garfunkel is one of those gems gifted by the 60s culture that we need to appreciate.
The Who
3/5
Remember listening to this album like 10 years ago when I was reading a “The Who” biography. It did not capture my attention at the time. I thought that it would be a different situation now, but it was almost the same. I cannot deny that this work has an interesting concept, innovative for that time, but some songs still lack to deliver the The Who’s rhythm power. Luckily, these guys were able to align their talents and inspiration and came up with Tommy and Who’s next later in their career. Nice album, not great.
The Fall
4/5
Look mate, I am always biased when it comes down to The Fall.
This album rocks. Love how young Mark E Smith handled the mojo in this record. You can hear many bands drinking from this nectar in the decades to come. Hit the north!
Pink Floyd
4/5
I don’t dare to write anything for this album. It is one of the most celebrated works for the last 50 years. Comfortably Numb is a unique song.
Radiohead
4/5
I tried unsuccessfully with this album when it was released twenty years ago. To me, it was something like an incoherent sequence of beeps and “ahhs” wrapped in an snobby marketing package. However, when I listened to it last night, I got it. It took me two decades to understand it, but finally I got it. Guess that good music is untimely and wait for us to be mature enough to appreciate it. Only when the time is right.
Metallica
3/5
Such a peculiar musical exercise made by Metallica. I have put this band in the attic for years, tired of their constant strive to release a record that make everyone happy and all the drama that surrounds them. I have to admit that it is interesting to revisit their work from time to time, and what is better than an album generator to do so? I have to confess that I enjoyed 90s Metallica- please don’t stone me!- and it is quite curious how one can tell by the setlist that the songs that worked best with the classical arrangements belonged to that highly criticized Load - Reload phase. In my opinion, this is not the most revolutionary album. It is a list of songs (most of them previously released) with a different musical treatment (which helps to some of the songs. It sounds unnecessary in others) and moderate influence ascribed to the change of century. However, it is a fun one, the one you listen to while bbq’ing in your backyard.
Adele
3/5
Powerful and captivating voice. Adele knows how to convey her feelings and hypnotize her listeners. A couple of majestic songs in this album but, should I feel any type of shame for considering that most of the album sounds the same? Yes, those songs were performed flawlessly (compared to other things in the pop landscape, are gold). I am quite sure that’s my problem, because Adele has lots of praise and success and is one of the most talented pop stars of our era.
Beastie Boys
4/5
This is my jam! Few artists are as versatile as Beastie Boys!
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
Gosh. This is the epitome of 80s pop. Each chorus, each synth hook, each scream exhales 80s, and I love it! It is a celebration of what was being young and free during this decade.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Loved these 10 songs. Hard topics with a charming delivery.
Bob Dylan
4/5
One of Dylan’s classics with songs that trascended decades and generations.
Mekons
3/5
It was like a mix between The Fall and The Pogues. An interesting collection of ideas delivered in an unorganized and low-budget production.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
It is a shame this is not in Spotify! Remember listening “Everybody knows this is nowhere” when I was a kid. It brought sweet memories. The rest of the songs are amazing too. Great production, awesome spirit.
Britney Spears
3/5
A travel to my early teenage years with these sugar pop tunes. Some of these songs shaped the pop ecosystem from late 90s and still resonate today.
The songs themselves, don’t say anything, but became a musical zeitgeist - if you are a film direct and want to tell your audience that it’s class of 99s dance, you play “you drive me crazy” and boom!
The album itself, is front loaded. The hits on side A, filler on side B. However, if you pay attention, your payback comes in form of gems like “email my heart” which is one of the more curious tracks you could ever hear… think of your grandkids laughing at a track released on 2021 named “Tinder Crush”
Ramones
5/5
Very few times in history an album has made so much with so little. The Ramones didn’t want to change anything. They weren’t pretentious or ambitious. They just wanted to scream out what they felt, what they needed, how they saw the world. The result is an interesting combination of short, straight-to-the-point songs with a myriad of thematics, and an authenticity rarely saw by then. Along with Television, it represented the point of start for the NY Punk, and you can tell even today, why it is one of the best albums in history.
Def Leppard
4/5
I remember when my cousin gave me the Adrenalize when I was 13. It was a sonic experience: the harmonies and voices were delightful. However, I left Def Leppard in the high school vault. Listening to these songs brought good feelings. It is a solid album. It showcases the true essence of the band. Loved it!
Tears For Fears
5/5
One of the best pop / new wave albums ever released. Exciting harmonies and multi-layered lyrics. These songs get better with age!
Pixies
5/5
One of the best albums from the 80s alternative scene. No wonder why early Pixies has received so much praise. What a combination of eerie sounds and weird Spanish lyrics… I don’t know how, but it surely works!
The Notorious B.I.G.
3/5
I heard this is Notorious BIG magnus opus - don’t know if it’s true because I am not a rap connoisseur. However, you can recognize the confidence of Notorious in this record. Unluckily, not my cup of tea.
Deep Purple
4/5
One of the key albums that weaved the identity of the metal.
Air
4/5
Moon safari is a lovely piece of art. All its textures and colors are hypnotic and cautivating
The Damned
5/5
This is the perfect punk album, at least for me. I found it late, to be honest; however, that allowed me to appreciate and value it better. The track list is all killer, no filler. I’m not gonna lie, these hooks are tattooed in my brain: you can find me mumbling “I just can’t be happy today” a Monday morning, whistling Antipope, or telling my wife “this is for you, it’s a love song”. Captain Sensible is a great character, the Damned a punk powerhouse, this album one of the best things ever recorded. The only thing I could ask is the option of giving not 5 stars, but a hundred.
Femi Kuti
4/5
What a great surprise! A great middle point between afrobeat, world music and jazz. Loved the colors and textures Femi and his group share in this album. Although the songs are long for regular standards (7 minutes and higher - like an average Jazz song) their structures and how they build tension and release make them exciting. It seems I prefer Femi over Fela Kuti. Great recommendation.
The La's
3/5
The La’s is a long list of repetitive songs that starts to test hardly the patience of the listener after the track 13. There are great songs like There she goes or Son of a Gun, but to me, a guy who typically enjoys jangle pop, there is not a lot to look for.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Few times one can listen to such powerful voice singing engaging stories. This album is poetry and tragedy. It is life and misery. It is love and sadness. God bless you, Leonard
The Icarus Line
4/5
I didn’t know anything about this band. I haven’t heard their name before. It was an interesting experience listening to this album. It is abrasive, energetic, passionate, with a compelling production and lots of ideas floating around. I think I need to go back a give it another listenings to better understand it. It seems to have more layers for me to discover, but I am no there yet.
Dirty Projectors
4/5
A pleasant indie work. Loved the colors and textures. Loved the harmonies and musical progressions. Definitely will listen to it again.
Deee-Lite
3/5
A solid representation of what was groovy on the early 90s. Songs that make you smile.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
2/5
This is going to sound weird, but I like Bob Marley songs not Bob Marley albums.
Fiona Apple
4/5
I listened this album days after its release and it didn’t get me. There were some catchy hooks here and there, but that was all. I thought that Fiona Apple was still a 90s icon, not a 2020 thing. However, when I revisited this album today I finally got it. That apple needed more bites to be of my taste - and what a tasty flavor! Solid album, great ideas, suggestive voice. Fiona, sorry for my delayed appraisal!
Elvis Presley
3/5
The king is here!
Nico
4/5
Love how Nico owns her songs. It is an unique approach, like hear an android talking about love and sorrow. These Days, Fairest of Seasons, Winter Song , and Chelsea Girls stole my heart. Loved it!
Dion
2/5
Hey, maybe two songs in this almost-80-minute album are not that bad, I guess?
Hugh Masekela
4/5
Masekela and co. print lots of energy and passion on each of the songs included on this album. It reminded me some 80s Davis (like those long tracks on Dark Magus) and some Hancock work, too. Great album, some of its songs are going to my jazz playlists
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
Nice album with classics like American Girl. Not the best one from Tom - that is “Damn the Torpedos” maybe. It makes its thing, does not overpromise, does not under deliver… that’s it.
Beatles
4/5
What can I say that wasn’t said before? Honestly, this albums has really great songs. It production techniques showed a leap forward. It is a great musical milestone. However, I think that they could have cleaned the song list a little bit and come up with a single kick ass record. That would have been an A+
Beastie Boys
5/5
The thought these guys put behind each song is astonishing. I think there was nothing like that back in 1989. They were able to change the immature image from Licensed to Ill and show what they can do. To me, the best Beastie Boys work.
The Jam
4/5
Love “That’s Entertainment” and “Stop!” Other songs are pretty good too. The Jam is one of those bands that enriched the post punk / new wave scene during late 70s / early 80s. An underrated power trio that deserved better
Yes
3/5
Like it more than I thought.
Beck
4/5
Not gonna lie, I am not a Beck fan. From time to time I convince myself to listen his discography, but tend to end a little bit bored. Maybe it’s his delivery, that monotone voice, because the music itself rocks big time. Well, turns out that I’m here, listening to the famous Odelay, and did not dislike it. The first 40 minutes ran smoothly, but later was checking how much time left in the album. I guess it’s me, not him with his inexpressive voice.
3.5 / 5
Isaac Hayes
3/5
Loved Shaft (theme song) The rest of the album is like the type of sounds in my head while I was 17, or the elevator music to a fancy burlesque club.
Alice In Chains
5/5
One of the best 90s albums, but not for everyone, though. Angry, depressing, anxious. With really dark themes of addiction and self destruction, Dirt is a journey not meant for bright days. Memorable songs such as Them Bones, Rooster, and Would, these songs are still banged on rock radio today, and have inspired generations of new bands. To me, this is a time travel to the first time I listened to it. I remember Dam the river and down in a hole coming out of my headphones while walking to school. I don’t think there’s a lot more to say that has not need said before. Legendary
Aphex Twin
4/5
I’ve learned to appreciate IDM during the last years, and this is one of those works that helped me with that. Love it!
Billy Joel
4/5
This is an interesting album with great textures and lovely storytelling. Billy Joel gives a short-and-sweet demonstration of his talent in an honest way. I can definitely see him with stumbling upon Tom Waits while playing around 2:00 AM in LA bars. Thanks for the recommendation
Mike Oldfield
3/5
uuuuuUUUUUuuuuuuu
Dolly Parton
3/5
Old country is not my thing; however, with Dolly Parton there’s always this sort of conexión. When I hear her voice I feel like a kid in his grandparents house a Sunday morning. It’s weird because that didn’t happen. I am now even from the US and my grandparents did not speak English or listen to country. I did not frequent that house either. So, it’s like yearning a past I did not have. Well, this is a nice collection of Dolly’s songs.
Talking Heads
5/5
This is THE Talking Heads album. The one I recommended when someone asks. The one hooked me to their style. The one I always come back to. Fantastic sequencing, immaculate production, contagious rhythms. Each songs dealing with traumas and “fears” (I think I heard that you could add the prefix “Fear of” to each song to know where they were going: Fear of mind, fear of cities, fear of heaven…. -this does not apply to I zimbra) in a cathartic way. Personally, my favorite TH song is heaven. Its helplessness, hopelessness, philosophical anxiety. A passive aggressive song: heaven is a place where nothing ever happens… can you ask for more in an album?
T. Rex
4/5
As one of the most representative acts of the glam rock, T Rex is a charming band and this album is an example of that. I don’t know if it’s the voice delivery or song structures, but each track on the album is special. Even those that use the typical blues formula sound renovated, fresh. Cosmic dancer is one of the songs I would like to be played at my funeral.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Nice collection of Elvis Presley. A couple stand up, but it’s the same formula. Don’t get me wrong, it is nice, but after the 5th song gets repetitive. I think the reason why thy put it here was related to what was happening to his career- a sort of comeback- but in general, it is Elvis Presley back in the 69 -when Beatles dominated the music scene, the year of Woodstock- no more, no less.
Green Day
4/5
A solid pop punk opera.
Hole
4/5
It’s not “Live through this” but still a good, enjoyable album. Boys on the band is one of my favorite cuts from this work. Pd: I always sigh to Melissa on the Malibu video, have to admit it!
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
4/5
An unpredictable musical journey full of dissonance and cacophony. Some may qualify it as garbage, others as gold. In my case, it makes me feel a gallery of emotions that range from joy to discomfort. It is one of those that doesn’t work as background music. It demands your attention for sure
Funkadelic
4/5
One of the most tasty guitar albums from the 70s. Maggot Brain is audacious and seductive at the same time. Love it
New Order
4/5
All the elements that made New Order stood up are already here: the gothic melodies, the energetic pace, the oblique atmosphere. Personally, I love Power, Corruption, and Lies, but this album has great songs too.
Patti Smith
4/5
It took me awhile to appreciate Patti’s work. Too histrionic to be consumed without the adequate preparation. This is her opus prime; however, my favorite songs are not here. It is a solid work regardless!
The Mars Volta
5/5
One of the best progressive rock albums released this century. Impecable, aggressive, exciting!
Björk
4/5
Great sound palette. A musical journey.
Public Image Ltd.
4/5
Who said Free style post punk, heh?
Would I go to a PIL show? Definitely!
Would I listen to this record on repeat? Don’t know. Not all the songs, I think!
Deep Purple
4/5
One of the albums that shaped hard rock. Some good bangers here, definitely. Historic piece
Elbow
4/5
Nostalgic and hopeful. This album represents where indie rock was around late 00’s. I do not know why I hadn’t heard about these guys before. They are one of the best kept indie secrets.
Digital Underground
3/5
Put on your Fresh Prince clothes and get ready for the crazy trip
The The
4/5
Love the the’s vibe! This album is a fiesta and all the misfits are invited. The rhythm and thematic is delightful. Most songs have great arrangements and try to enhance the musical experience. The two the the’s albums I have listened are great. Keep ‘‘em coming!
The Birthday Party
5/5
Cannot find another way to describe what raw energy and unleashed creativity… well, maybe The Stooges.
This album is a gem. It demands your entire attention and will not leave you free until it finishes. Even then, the silence will be distressing.
Louis Prima
4/5
Came without expectations, found a nice collection of songs
Nirvana
5/5
This was the first album I bought with my own money. When I was 12, most of the music I listened to came from borrowed tapes. A friend passed me a cassette with the Unplugged in NY, but put a couple of additional tracks after Where did you sleep last night. I loved those 2 songs! They were raw and melodic. Obviously, I assumed they were Nirvana’s, and started chasing them. After saving for a couple of weeks, I went to the record store and got In Utero. Nirvana was not mainstream where I lived, at least in the 90s. They only played Smells like teen spirit and that’s it. So this was my first time listening to this album, and boy… what a thing! The artwork was impressive, not only the angel in the cover, but the collage with fetuses, body parts, and flowers in the back, the photo shoot was cool too, with Cobain with purple hair and a bearded Novoselic. All screamed rebelión. Can we pay attention to one of the best opening lines in recent rock history: “Teenage angst has paid off well. Now I am bored and old.” Unfortunately, the songs I was chasing were not in this album! However, I listened and relistened this one to death. There was something in it that didn’t want you to like it, didn’t want your approval, but was charming at the same time.
It got printed to my teenage DNA. It is my favorite Nirvana album.
Later I knew the two songs were Hollow and This Love from Pantera, but who cares when you got In Utero.
D'Angelo
2/5
Not my type of jam, but wow, started listening with suit and tie on, ended shirtless. I was alone and couldn’t handle all the sexiness in this thing.
Jazmine Sullivan
3/5
Not my type of music but think it’s an interesting concept for an album. It’s not too long and does not demand a lot from the listener. The songs deal with multiple topics and put women as the center of the narrative. I loved the interludes; all with great storytelling. I don’t think I’ll revisit most of these songs but I’m taking a couple of tracks for my R&B playlist.
Radiohead
5/5
One of the best alternative albums in history. What more can be said? I only wonder which thematic a 2023 OK computer could have? How should we call it? #OKAI maybe? Would it deal with the paradoxes that surround us? Like despite all out progress we did not have the best responses to social events? Or how AI is going to put us in a A Brave New World like dystopia? Or how we find new ways to fuck with our psyche with social media and synthetic drugs? #WeHopeThatYouChoke
Dr. Dre
3/5
I’ve heard about this album many times, and after listening must say that it encapsulates most of the foundations that defined the genre during the 90s. Definí a seminal work. Not my (G) thing, but “respect”
Jane's Addiction
5/5
Saw the mockumentary “Gift” some years ago. It portrays the beautiful decadence in which Perry and his trope lived back in early 90s when Ritual de lo Habitual was just released. I remember one scene that when his then girlfriend Casey opened the door to receive the pizza order and the pizza boy saw the most gypsy bohemian unorganized living in the entire LA. Magazine scraps everywhere, drugs on the coffee table, low lights hanging from the ceiling, religious memorabilia, and, in the corner the sculpture of the naked siameses that Perry used for the cover of this album. The speechless guy said, “is this the Jane’s Addiction house?” the girl smiled. He also saw the sculpture to be used in Ritual, asked “is this for the new album?” She said: “you’ve seen too much!” Guy left and and girl went back to cook her thing.
Many great songs are included in this album: “Pigs in Zen”, “Summertime Rolls”, the trippy “Up the beach” and the utterly famous “Jane says” and “Mountain song”. Even 30+ years after its release, the album still sounds solid and intriguing. Only true pieces of art can stand the test of time.
Nitin Sawhney
4/5
I didn’t have this albumin my radar at all, but I pretty much liked it. That combination of jazz and electronic is on its point. Loved also most of the thematic of the album. Thanks you for this recommendation!
Ute Lemper
3/5
Loved her voice. So passionate, seductive and emotional. Liked the songs. You can tell that Nick Cave and Tom Waits were around. I am listening to this a couple of times more.
The Byrds
3/5
Not my cup of tea, but must admit that listening to this album was not a burden. Some songs were pretty cool with catchy harmonies and nice instrumentation. I can definitely understand why this work alienated some Byrds fans at the time, but seen in retrospective, it looks like a decent effort. Plus, Gram Parsons’s spectrum lurking these songs gives it extra points.
Elvis Costello
4/5
A classic! Great songs like Welcome to the Working Week, Less Than Zero, Alison compiled in a work that passes the test of time. You can tell that the music is good when the songs are Influential beyond the musical scene - I think Bret Easton Ellis’s first novel was named after a Costello song- Well, if you want to introduce anybody to New Wave here’s your point of start.
Shuggie Otis
3/5
Did not know anything about Shuggie before… this kind of soul is so intense that put me to sleep. Loved a couple of songs, though!
Paul Simon
3/5
A profound voice singing interesting songs.
Elvis Costello
3/5
I knew Elvis Costello had a long career, but gosh, how many records could be released with the same sound? Don’t get me wrong, the guy rocks, but think that the formula sometimes makes you feel tired. Even the stones and the Ramones expanded their ways record after record (maybe AC/DC did not) but with this one, our loved Elvis pretended to keep us listening to My Aim is True even almost 20 years after the original release. Again, love that record and the next 2, but this one-Brutal Youth- lacks a spark… I may come back to some of these songs if I happen to find a Costellogist out there and want to come across as a connoisseur.
Astor Piazzolla
4/5
Creative and passionate. Love those moments of climax when people in the crowd realize they’re not listening to classical music but a good damned old tango. Cheers everywhere!
Faith No More
5/5
One of the most creative, sharp, and all-over-the-place works of metal from late 80s. It changed how this genre was understood back then and influenced a big deal go bands. Faith no more is one of those seminal bands (with Jane’s Addiction and Pixies) that shaped during late 80s what was to be defined as alternative music in the 90s. There was nothing like it. Some might say that they stole from the chili peppers, I don’t think so. Although they had some funk rock on their DNA, the peppers lacked the versatility, attitude that Faith had. They just released Mother’s Milk and we’re trying to build their style. That would come on 91 with Blood Sugar Sex Magic. (In this fight I’m totally team Faith no more) Well, super happy I got to listen this great record!
DJ Shadow
4/5
What a solid and exciting work. After decades, it still keeps its sharp and its passion
Robert Wyatt
3/5
Innovative and interesting most of the time. Nothing seems to happen at times, but it’s not pretentious enough to keep you waiting for long. Overall, a positive experience. Thank you!
Liz Phair
5/5
Maybe she wouldn’t like to hear it, but she is a modern goddess and this is her “birth of the Venus”. This album is a life and sexuality manifesto coming from what you’d call a normal suburban girl from the 90s. It is sincere and yet ambitious. From the cover, with the iconic black and white photo - a wide open mouth and naked chest, like screaming “I’m tired of keeping this to myself, I’ll tell it all, guys”- and the purple font with the title of the album -a reference to “Exile on main St.”- you can tell what it’s coming: a girl fantasizing about freedom and happiness in a male-dominated world. Love how Liz Phair invites us to her head to see how she unfolds this story… so pure.
Regarding to the music, I think that the sequencing is perfect and, oh gosh, the creamy guitar tone always gets me. The downside of this work could be the number of songs, maybe a lot for many people, but it’s justified for the concept of the work itself: a track by track response to The Rolling Stones legendary album.
If not all the songs are fantastic, the place this album has for me is well-earned for its impact on pop culture (and I’m not going to lie, I have a crush on Liz, too, so fuck it, I’m giving it 5 stars)
Pretenders
5/5
Can’t get enough of this album. It has everything: attitude, energy, passion, ear worms, creativity… Great group of songs, but my favorites are Tattooed Love Boys, The Phone Call, Stop Your Sobbing, and Kid. Great album!
PJ Harvey
5/5
This may not be y favorite PJ’s work, but definitely it has a special place. The thematic, sound palette, and mood felt all over the album is well- defined and unique. It is a sort of critique to England, its chauvinism, and traditions that is not offensive, but sincere. I don’t think we have any filler on this album. Each song needed to be there. My personal favorite: Written on the forehead.
Black Sabbath
5/5
The album that started all… Eerie, sharp, and macabre. Do we need to add more?
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
It seems that Springsteen had crafted his formula by this album. All of these songs are epic, made to be performed live in a huge arena. Some of his stuff iconic songs are here - even the cover is legendary.
That said, I am not 100% on board. Yes, some songs could be exciting and moving, but I got a little tired of listening to the same formula over and over by the end of the album. I’m taking some songs to my personal playlist, but must confess that like Nebraska better.
Grizzly Bear
4/5
It’s a great work of psych indie. Loved the harmonies and textures. The voice is pretty cool, too. Two weeks and Cheerleader stood out for me. Adding them to the Alvvays and Animal Collective playlist.
Big Black
5/5
Master piece. So raw and yet melodic… it is a shame it’s not available on Spotify - but makes complete sense, knowing Albini.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
To me, one of the best double albums in history. I don’t love honky tonk, but this one is different. I don’t know if it’s the horn section or keys… maybe the arrangements or the production. It has a mistique. All those stories that surround the creation of the album and the long list of infamous characters visiting the manor (William S Burroughs, Gram Parsons, to mention few) gives it an extra spice.
Not the best Rolling Stone album to start, but the best if you have a intermediate knowledge about the band.
Burning Spear
4/5
Not much into reggae -a little into dub, maybe- but really enjoyed the vibe from this record. I like its atmosphere and social criticism, so authentic and powerful. I can definitely see this record spinning in clubs where punks and Jamaicans joined back in the middle 70s. Keep definitely researching more about this artists.
Elis Regina
4/5
Que grande sorpresa fue encontrar este trabajo. Tanta potencia, pasión y entrega. El Bossa-nova siempre me ha intrigado, pero no sabia por donde empezar, entonces este álbum llega como anillo al dedo. No sad times while listening to Elis. Love it!
Simple Minds
3/5
Intense work. Good album
Amy Winehouse
5/5
It is near perfection. A master piece… unluckily, what happened to her added poignancy to these songs. Her voice was so strong. Her lyrics, a confession and a premonition. Listening this with dry eyes is nearly impossible.
Linkin Park
5/5
One of the albums that stayed with me during my teenage years. Listening to this brought back so many heartfelt memories: old friendships, watching MTV, my very first job… There are so many things that come to mind, but think that most of them were probably mentioned by others, so I’m keeping it short. It is one of the finest nu metal works. With a extremely accessible sound and reduced cringe levels, this work introduced that trend to lots of people. An almost flawless list of songs and great artwork. It’s one of this albums you like more the deep cuts than the singles.
5/5
Glorious album with several bangers. It grabs you from Hello to Champagne Supernova. This one, plus Definitely Maybe, show the finest of British rock from the 90s.
My Bloody Valentine
5/5
One of the finest shoegaze works. A sharp, violen, and introspective album that defined what this movement was about back in those days, and is still influencing artists today. The juxtaposition between the over-processed guitars sounds and Belinda Butcher’s voice is intense, and ironic to a some degree. It’s like a human surrender in front of a mechanical beast. The sequencing is flawless; it takes you down a journey to your primal fears. One of a kind. Masterpiece.
X-Ray Spex
4/5
What a wonderful surprise. I did not have them in my punk radar and that was a crime. I can see lots of Riot Grrl bands listening to this and grabbing the guitar. Again, it is a crime that these bands don’t have the credit they deserve. Loved the songs, attitude, background, art… couldn’t ask for more
Amy Winehouse
5/5
My Amy Winehouse favorite album, no question about it. I love these songs because they bring back memories of hard days I was able to overcome and also because I love this Amy, the one before all the excess, the one before turning into Billie Holiday, singing playfully her songs. This is one of the albums I play when I need to cheer me up.
Janis Joplin
5/5
Wonderful album. I loved Janis voice throughout the record. Mercedes Benz is stunning. I understand that was the last thing she recorded. I had the impression that Janis work was always a little dated, like in the Big Brother and the Holding Company albums, but here the production was flawless, the sequencing pleasing, and the songs outstanding. It changed my perception and make me understand why she is widely considered a critical character in the rock Pantheon.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
5/5
A total 5. One of the most influential artists and a pilar of post punch and goth rock. Juju is a fantastic, flawless album that set the tone of the 80s dark wave music. Before The Cure made this sound, Siouxie already crafted the formula. Love all her phases and the journey she went during the 80s and early 90s. These songs are regular in my playlist.
3/5
A solid representation of what 60s country music was. It has some charm, love Loretta’s voice and the slide guitar; however, it wore me out after the 4th song.
Ghostface Killah
2/5
A late release for the gansta rap genre. Some nice songs, others not so. I am not an specialist in any shape or form, but couldn’t find anything special in this work. I don’t think it has been influential for other artists, or if it took risks and pushed the boundaries of the genre. Not a bad album, but I am trying to understand why I need to listen to this before I die.
Japan
4/5
Interesting album. This band developed a fascinating formula for their third record based on new wavy songs with complex bass lines, edgy synth patterns, and peculiar voice mannerisms that, conveniently enough, sounds like Japanese singers singing in English (I.e. L’arc en ciel, X Japan, etc.) Quiet Life, Depair, and Alien are memorable tracks in the album. My only opinion is that shorter songs would’ve worked best.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
Yeah yeah yeahs has been out of my radar since 2005. I thought that Fever to tell was all for them and that Karen O and company had little to offer after that awesome album. I was wrong. It’s blitz is a great piece of work with contagious riffs and potent earworms. Their dance punk evolved and took LCD Soundsystem elements to come up with something interesting. Karen O’s voice is always a great display of energy and sensuality. Thank you for this recommendation!
Fugees
4/5
It’s been a while since I listened to these songs. All these guys are extremely talented and I he overall vibe in this album is a test of it. Definitely, Fugees is one of those projects you should listen to to understand how hip hop evolved during the 90s. Unluckily, it is a long album. They could have cut a couple of songs (like the Marley’s cover) and have a better crafted album.
De La Soul
4/5
Love this album! It’s vibe, lyrics, beat.
Tricky
5/5
One of the darkest trip hop albums from the 90. It is raw, obscure, primitive. Its tribal percussion connects you with some kind of voodoo ritual. Similar to what Massive Attack had been doing at that point, the feminine voice adds some kind of mystique. Definitely a must if you enjoy trip hop, industrial, shoegaze, or IDM.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
One of the legendary Rolling Stone albums. To be honest, my story with this album is not the most special -that place belongs to Exile in Main St.- but have to recognize the pedigree of this work. With their most memorable tunes included , such as Brown Sugar, Wild Horses, Can’t you hear me knocking, and Dead Flowers, and little to no weak songs, this is one of the most solid albums from the 70s
Jerry Lee Lewis
4/5
How the hell does Jerry Lee Lewis have so much energy? The dude is smashing the piano. The album it is 30 minutes nonstop, even between songs.
Overall, it is a nice record. I liked the songs, liked the vibe, liked the concept.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
Dusty has many great songs in this record. I loved her tone and delivery. Her unpretentious and heartfelt songs will live in your head for days after listening to her albums. I can see many artists finding inspiration in this work.
David Bowie
5/5
I wish I could have the right words to describe this album, but unluckily, I am not that eloquent today. Let’s start by saying that its influence is legendary, starting from the art in the cover. I think it’s one of the most parodied covers of all time. Following by what represents the album in the Bowie history, many top singles like JeanGenie or Drive-in Saturday, that consolidated his career.
70s Bowie is delightful. Not only for his antics and histrionics, but for the passion he put on each song, and this album is a testament of that. It’s not too long to bore us, and deliciously sequenced to make us feel on a intergalactic journey. I have nothing bad to say about it.
The Pogues
4/5
I definitely love the vibe of this album. It makes you feel on a hobbits’ bar, drunk, and dancing barefoot.
Many good songs here, great instrumentation, and charismatic voice delivery.
Madonna
3/5
I can understand the historical weight this album has. How controversial and revolutionary it was back in late eighties when it was released. But the music itself it’s not exciting in most of the cases. Don’t get me wrong, some songs are legendary, but the album as a whole, has flat points. I think it has songs you should listen before you die. I think you should have a basic knowledge of the context and relevance of late 80s Pop scene, but not all these songs are worthy or the album works as a full entity.
Radiohead
5/5
Buckle up, friends and foes, 'cause we're diving into Radiohead's "In Rainbows" with a head full of thoughts. This album, it's a sonic labyrinth that takes you on an introspective rollercoaster ride. Thom Yorke's ethereal vocals soar through a mesmerizing blend of haunting melodies and intricate production. From the hypnotic groove of "15 Step" to the achingly beautiful "Nude," every track oozes with a sense of existential longing. Radiohead's experimental streak is alive and kicking, pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. "In Rainbows" is a testament to their artistic prowess and willingness to explore uncharted musical territories.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
4/5
A great Cool Jazz album. I'd only listened to Take Five before, but now I can see why this work is on the list. Great tunes, not tedious songs. It keeps it cool. Great album!
ZZ Top
4/5
Put your sunglasses on and brush your beard because ZZ Top is here. Eliminator is ZZ Top pulp. Each song has the standard riff and percussion that made this band famous. It is a fun album; great to play it loud in your backyard during early summer. Really like it!
Dwight Yoakam
1/5
Look, I love some Johnny Cash albums. I can have fun listening to Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton. But this album came across to me as a boring, vanilla, and uninspired set of songs. Maybe it means something to someone. Perhaps people fell in love while some of these songs were playing in the background. Maybe a couple of artists listened to it and decided to form a band. I do not know. What I know is that I don’t like it.
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
This is not the typical recommendation you get when you ask for Chemical Brothers... However, it is a solid debut. The first half is more active with songs like "Leave Home" and "In Dust We Trust"; the second half is more chilled with things like "Chico's Groove" and "Alive Alone." I really enjoyed this album. It is neither pretentious nor shallow. It delivers the "value prop" of this famous Big Beat band solidly. I can see clearly how it influenced other acts such as The Crysta Method, Groovy Armada, or Basement Jaxx.
Paul Simon
4/5
I pressed play without any expectations and, as songs passed, could understand the fame of this album. The vibe and harmonies present in this work are unique. Even though world music was nothing new by then, the angle Simon uses here is different. I am positively surprised!
Adele
4/5
In a world where pop was becoming a parody of itself, Adele was able to create an honest and powerful statement. Three of the most recognized and definitive pop songs from early 10s are from this album. I can also see many artists taking notes from this piece of work. If I was a pop musician. I would definitely want to write songs like these ones.
Bill Evans Trio
4/5
Bill Evans joins forces with Scott LaFaro (Bass) and Paul Motian (Drums) to record this exquisite jazz album. This complex and sophisticated project has great bass solos and lovely piano lines, and, although some songs are longer than they should be, encapsulates the cool jazz genre from the early 60s.
Mercury Rev
4/5
When listened to in the proper mood, a melancholic and charming record.
Happy Mondays
4/5
I got late to the Happy Mondays party. I listened to them for the first time around 2016; their music grabbed me instantaneously. I watched the movie/documentary "24 hours party people," and the rest is history.
Bummed is Happy Mondays at its core. It may be super dated, but the album brings great and stoned vibes that make your limbs move.
Performance, Wrote for Luck, Brain Dead and Fat Lady Wrestlers are a must in this album. Press play and enjoy mate!
Norah Jones
4/5
The Rolling Stones
3/5
A couple of good good songs, but then the album goes downhill and you don’t know when it’s going to finish. I know this is one of the first Stones albums, but think they should have cut like 5 songs here. Again, the good songs here (Mother’s little helper, under my thumb, etc.) are really good, but the filler is massive, specially on the second half. Love the stones, but need to be fair with this record.
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
Steely Dan
4/5
Well, here I am, listening to another Steely Dan record and going down the rabbit hole of the jazz-rock / yacht-rock. Pretzel Logic is a complacent album. It comes, spreads its happy vibes, and leaves without any notice. A good bunch of short songs compiled for making all the dads happy
Black Sabbath
5/5
What can I say about this album that hasn’t been said before? A pillar in which metal music was built on. To this day, Planet Caravan is one of the greatest songs I’ve listened to and still part of my funeral playlist.
Radiohead
4/5
I have been underestimating this album for over twenty years now. Fortunately, this exercise encouraged me to listen to it one more time, now with a clearer and sober mind, and I could not be more grateful for that. I am not a Radiohead connoisseur, but time and experiences have nurtured an appreciation of their music, and now I feel a heartful connection with their work.
The album explores an exciting range of emotions. However, coming from an ex-nation, social alienation and political manipulation were the ones with which I felt the most profound connection. In this matter, it seems that Yorke and friends were able to anticipate where society was going with the emergence of social networks and political polarization (it is impossible for me to look at the "2+2=5" title and not recall "1984," for instance.)
The Who
4/5
With an unstoppable display of power and the most solid rhythm section in (the now-coined) classic rock, The Who brings what most people (me included) consider their magnum opus: "Who's Next."
This album is legendary. From the cover (mocking Kubrick's 2001 Obelisk) to the song list (all killer, no filler), every piece has stood the test of time.
Musically, the album is a roller coaster with epic ups (Baba o'Riley, Won't Be Fooled Again) and dramatic downs (Love Ain't for Keeping, Behind Blue Eyes), with energetic vocals and fierce guitar licks. I can definitely see many bands drinking from this well during the 70s and 80s.
Personally, I do not have many stories to tell. Not a lot of bonding with it. I guess it is one of those albums that make a solid impact during adolescence, and I listened to it later in my life.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
Not my favorite from the velvet underground, but still a good album, thanks to their fascinating experiments with folk and vocal harmonies. Favorites: Candy Says and After Hours.
Les Rythmes Digitales
2/5
If this is the definition of disco circa 1999, I'm happy I was not invited to the party.
Prefab Sprout
4/5
One of those albums that I never heard about before but turned out to be a smash. Steve McQueen is a fascinating journey that takes you to through a riveting collection of emotions with its harmonies and tones. It makes you fell like home, an 80s home, even for first time Prefab Sprout listeners like me.
Meat Loaf
4/5
Dramatic and larger than life. Meat Loaf screams, cries, rejoices all throughout the album, 7 8-minute songs about hell and love. God, the 70s were epic!
Little Simz
5/5
I tried to find any pretext to rate this album with 4 stars, but I couldn't. I am fascinated. GREY area explores flawlessly diverse textures and engages the listener song after song.
The Waterboys
4/5
How come I did not know anything about The Waterboys before? From the very first song in this album, I was 100% in. The Waterboys is one of those bands with a distinctive, engaging sound. Charming lyrics are spread all over the song list. They have some beautiful stories to share and know how to play a variety of instruments to support their storytelling.
Great album!
Donovan
3/5
1966 seems like a good year for sitar players. Donovan comes back with one of the most-known albums in his career. Sunshine Superman digs a hole in the 60s psychedelic pop with eclectic lyrics, hypnotic harmonies, and mystic instrumentation. Some songs are dark and mysterious, others more introspective and self-reflective (and a few, mere filler).
While Sunshine Superman is neither revolutionary nor transgressive, it's embedded in the 60s pop culture and still remains a solid example of how was o be young and free during those years
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
One of the rawest, most powerful albums made during the last 40 years. Breaking the system from the inside was their plan -I guess-. Even though the machine is still there, and the band is not active anymore, this album influenced thousands of new bands (Limp Bizkit, among them) and a completely new generation.
I, now in my late 30s, do not listen to the band very often. I don't share some of their ideas, but still, I keep my rage within. A rage against regimes like the one from my home country. A rage against double standards and moral relativism. Personally, I cannot condone the hypocrisy of Tom Morello. A Starbuck communist with a US $30+ million net worth who made his fortune marketing the life of those who struggle and claim true justice.
Well, on the other hand, the rhythm section is one of the best in rock music, at the same level as John Entwistle and Keith Moon. And about Zach, that guy knows his thing. I disagree with some of his ideas -like romanticizing Zapatistas, for example- but I respect him. Truly.
Everybody needs to listen to this album; with headphones, if possible.
Jeff Buckley
5/5
This is one of the best albums from the 90s. It has everything: tenderness, touch, feeling, emotive vocal delivery, and exquisite guitar work. I still remember when I got to listen to it for the first time. Grace blew my mind. It still does. Jeff is one of those music martyrs that left so much to say.
Fatboy Slim
4/5
A compelling showcase of how the electric mainstream worked back in the 90s: thick sounds and spicy tunes at full speed
Brian Eno
3/5
I tried to put my "year 1975" shoes on to understand this album, its background, and the weight it had on music, and it was not an easy task. It demands attention, context, and a pinch of musical snobbism to appreciate it completely. Unluckily, I do not count on these attributes today since it is summer, school is closed, and I have been dealing with a 5-year-old that does not give rest to my soul. I think I am adding this to my backlog and moving to the next album.
Marvin Gaye
5/5
Inspiring, hopeful, reflexive. One in a million.
CHIC
4/5
I would die for having a guitar tone like the one used in this abum
Wilco
5/5
After listening to Yankee Hotel Foxtrot a couple of times, I started to understand what's all the fuzz around it. It is a great album that explores a tasty range of indie sounds, uses a delectable sound palette, and conveys charming stories. Also, could I be labeled as demented if I say that some songs in this album reminded me of the late Beatles' (Get Back) and Beach Boys' work? I am not a Wilco fan -at least, at this very moment- but I need to recognize why this album is constantly listed among the best 00s albums.
I will be revisiting Yankee Hotel Foxtrot constantly, for sure!
AC/DC
4/5
Well, the very essence of what is nasal, drunk hard rock.
Genesis
4/5
Well, I thought this album was a potential source of pure and sophisticated boredom, and here we are… somehow enjoying this existential, broadway-themed rollercoaster. I invented a game I now call: “whose voice is this? Is it Peter? Is it Phil?” and I’m placidly playing it verse after verse.
I imagine how all of them while in the studio say to each other: “hey mate, look at the sound of this synth” (makes a 10 minute star treck-esque synth solo) “oh, Peter, that’s nothing, listen to my hi-hat for 5 minute straight” “let’s bring Eno to put 35 minutes of ambient music in the record” “no Phil, Land of Confusion is not making the Final Cut, but we can put another song that sounds like it, how about that?”
And so it went.
Last thing: A lot of people likes this album.
Stereolab
3/5
God, I liked it, but why is it so long?
George Michael
4/5
Well, the name was premonitory. I was expecting a collection of sexualized pop songs and got a good batch of sophisticated gospelly, jazzy, melancholic tunes. It is nice to drop prejudices.
Jethro Tull
4/5
Feeling like a “Lord of the Rings” character after listening to this.
Rate:3.5
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Great album! Excellent vibes, awesome beats, and engaging lyrics! No wonder why it’s a classic!
The Shamen
2/5
Wooow what a trippy thing, omega amigo! What can I tell you? After listening to this album, I feel like I was in a 5-day rave that took place in a warehouse located on a rural area nearby Copenhagen in 1988: exhausted, dizzy, thirsty, and with a jell-o brain. Mr Shamen, I don’t think you needed to release a 1 hour+ album to show the world your magic when only three songs could explain it perfectly.
Television
5/5
Flawless. Call it art rock, photo punk, or whatever you want. This is one of the best rock albums from the 70s. Tom Verlaine and company were able to create a new music paradigm with Marquee Moon. A paradigm whose influence can still be perceived 50 years after its original release.
Fats Domino
3/5
A nice album that you could play if you are trying to cheer yourself up.
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
What a band could do after its magnus opus? Some of them try to (unsuccessfully) copy themselves to release a second part, others try to rebel against their previous success. Fleetwood Mac had another plans. This album, for some reason (besides its length) reminded me of London Calling. I think of it as a journey. Some songs are great, others not so much, but all of them share an unique DNA. Good stuff
JAY Z
4/5
Morrissey
4/5
The sweet voice of the tormented arrogance delights us with one lovely album. Great harmonies and melancholic tunes. It’s like an unexpected kiss: quick, not at its full potential, and with a weird posture.
The Who
4/5
Influential and visionary. This is one of the most celebrated albums in rock history, no doubt about it. If I find it boring or not is irrelevant.
Grateful Dead
4/5
Even a person who lacks of Grateful Dead understanding knows that American Beauty is one of their most celebrated albums. They were at the top of their game. García had been recognized as one of the key characters of the psychedelic era and the band’s live presentation were once-in-lifetime events for fans.
The album itself has a deep charming. With a sweet sound palette, it tells us many stories coming from the hippy lifestyle and free love ethos. Its magic still influences artists to this day.
It may not be the most innovative but I need to recognize its importance to the rock genre.
Van Halen
4/5
Love it hate it, this is one of the most influential guitar albums in history. Banger after banger. Generations and generations of guitarists memorizing songs and techniques. Honestly 8 thinks that rock music would not be the same today without this album.
Arcade Fire
5/5
One of the albums that cemented the importance and ethos of the indie rock early this century. Love this album!
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
It’s impossible to go wrong with Th Preachers. I think this was the first major work without Ritchie. You can tell, not this absence (because I think he was more than present, like a spectrum, during production and recording) but the pseudo mourning throughout the album. I love this record!
Hot Chip
4/5
Bizarre party, I want to be with you.
Sonic Youth
5/5
Legendary album. From the cover to the fuzz about it, Goo is one of the most influential pieces of alternative rock from this era. Honestly, I believe that if Nevermind had never existed, this album would had taken a piece of its fame.
The track list is impeccable. The voices, sublime (Kim is at her best here). The guitar tone is raw, engaging, and very well produced.
Outstanding!
Elvis Presley
4/5
I can’t imagine teen listening to this songs back in the 50s and grabbing their guitars to command a musical revolution. A total Classic.
Eels
3/5
Beautiful Freaks is one album that encapsulates really well what many alternative bands were doing during the second half of the 90s. Some songs had some radio play, others were fans darlings. Novocaine for the Soul still bangs hard, must say.
Beyond that, I don’t know what this work has to offer. I do not find it if innovative or greatly influential. It is fun, thou, like many other good bands from that scene.
Gotan Project
3/5
“La Revancha del Tango,” that is a little pretentious name for a record not released by Gardel, even more pretentious for a non-Argentinian artist. It is a fun album, to be honest; something to put as background music, do your stuff, and somehow feeling sophisticated while doing it.
I don’t think it as either innovative or influential, so it ranks low on those boards. Should I listen to it before dying? Don’t know, maybe to feed a little my inner snob self?
Gram Parsons
4/5
I am not a country fan but I think I have developed some appreciation for Gram Parsons, what he represents and all the lore surrounding him: what’s true, what’s not, the times he delighted his audience, the times he embarrassed himself.
Grievous Angel is a great album, full of energy, heart, and passion. The voices arrangements are charming and the instrumentation is outstanding. In general, it’s a unpretentious record that doesn’t take a lot of time from your life and makes you happy.
Beatles
4/5
One of the best references to classic Beatles. Joyful and influential. Not a Revolver or Abby Road, but with enough merit to cause a pop revolution.
4/5
Steely Dan
5/5
This album is everything: rock, jazz, fun, pleasing tunes, catchy choruses, attitude… it is the archetypal yatch rock album. What else you need?
Coldplay
5/5
Wow - what a great band Coldplay used to be…
Pulp
4/5
Great production and sophisticated, anthemic tracks. I can definitely see thousands of British teens singing their hearts out to each one of the songs in the album.
Good stuff
Beach House
4/5
The atmosphere this album conveys is magical. A nostalgic experience from play to stop. Take me back to this teen dream. ❤️
David Bowie
5/5
One of the many legendary Bowie albums. Can you imagine living in the 70s and listening to this album for the first time? A mystical experience, for sure. Well, so many artists whose music has enriched our souls over the last 40 years probably went through that experience. Changes, Life on Mars, Andy Warhol are complete classics and are widely played even today. This is a total 5
Jorge Ben Jor
4/5
Gostoso!
Great example of what Brazilian music was during the 70s.
Aerosmith
4/5
70s Aerosmith was adrenaline and this album is prove of it. With a couple of successful songs that are still widely played almost 50 years after and other solid bangers, Toys in the Attic is one of the best 70s hard rock albums. I does not disappoint, I guess…
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
Very is Pet Shop Boys formula at its best: the harmonies, synths, nostalgia, and rhythms that made this band popular. Listening to it is fun. You can feel how it boosts the vibe wherever you are. I am not sure how influential this album is musically speaking, maybe some Big Beat artists picked ideas from them, who knows? But what I’m sure is that Pet Shop Boys has a special place in the gay culture pantheon, so you can tell the weight of their music.
Super recommended
Youssou N'Dour
3/5
Not bad… that’s it
Sinead O'Connor
4/5
What a beautiful voice and charming songs… it’s a shame what happened to her. Her life was a tragedy. Thanks for the music, Sinead
Queen
3/5
Not yet the Queen the world loves, but the epic and grandiosity is already there.
Miles Davis
5/5
A magical experience. If you put your headphones on, play this album, and close your eyes, you’d feel all the music floods your senses; it’s like having all these great musicians in your room, playing in a circle with you at the bare center. With this album, Miles Davis invented augmented reality.
Eurythmics
3/5
-Eurythmics has some weight on the 80s electro pop music conversation. -Annie Lennox voice is widely recognized, even today (2023).
-Sweet Dreams has passed the test of time.
However, I am still having some struggles finding meaning in this particular album. Don’t get me wrong, it has some good songs, but the number of regular-vanilla songs tends to overweight the good tunes.
Maybe more listenings could help? Unluckily, don’t know if I have time for that.
Kelela
3/5
A sweet voice singing nice songs.
Ozomatli
2/5
This is one of those projects that, despite of looking fun, tends to tire me out. Each song sounds quite similar, event to my Latino ears…
The Strokes
5/5
One of the best rock albums released during early 21st century. An ode to garage NYC rock bands like Television and Modern Lovers. Each song does its thing and finishes before turning boring. Great sequencing, production and spectacular guitar tone. Maybe all I wrote above is a big cliche - nothing new to this album. Love it!
Miles Davis
5/5
Another master piece by Miles Davis. The space and nostalgia expressed over these two songs is captivating. Miles and co take the listener through an interesting mellow journey for over 30 minutes. Sublime work! Also, is it only me but this album serves as the preamble for Bitches Brew?
Motörhead
3/5
Solid hard rock live album. What a great power trio this band was!
Kings of Leon
4/5
A nice and modern mixture of CCR and Zeppelin. It is a shame that they killed this vibe to be more mainstream.
Finley Quaye
3/5
Great album. I really enjoyed this album. I would rate it higher if it was released around early 80s
Lorde
5/5
The perfect album of pop from the 10s. Lorde has it all here: nostalgia, regret, desire, love… great album!
Michael Jackson
5/5
Possibly, the best pop album ever…
Willie Nelson
3/5
Not a big country fan here, but found this album particularly enjoyable. If someone asks for a seminal and clichesque country album I might mention this one.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
3/5
Well, this is a funny musical lasagna. Many things happening one after the other; I think it definitely encapsulates the zeitgeist of the eighties. Might listen to it again, but I guess that only selected tracks.
Thin Lizzy
4/5
Explosive live album! What an underrated hard rock band Thin Lizzy is!
Metallica
5/5
The epitome of the thrash metal albums.
Paul Simon
4/5
Wow! What a great album! Love the voice, harmonies and, oh gosh, the guitar tone! Thanks for bringing this to my ears!!
The xx
4/5
Great balance between mellowness and electronics. A lovely and nostalgic journey.
Drive-By Truckers
5/5
Love these raw, heartfelt songs. Jason and company takes us on a crusade over the south. They taught us about history, traditions, love, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and alcohol for over 90 minutes. Great passionate voice and tasty guitar tone. I cannot ask for more in a rock and roll album.
4/5
Muse used to be a solid band!
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
I get how important this album is for the psychedelic rock and rock and roll in general, but, whereas some some of the songs are legendary tunes, others are a little bland. Rating: 3.5
Fiona Apple
4/5
Fiona making pianos scream, chapter 1
Flamin' Groovies
4/5
Man, these guys are the perfect connection between blues and punk… definitely see Johnny Thunders getting inspiration from these songs to write New York Dolls material. Great finding!
SZA
4/5
Love SZA’s voice. It expresses vulnerability, sensitivity, resilience… feelings that make me care for her and engage with part of her work. However, there are some songs here that did not connect with me at all. Kendrick’s feature is hilarious! Maybe there’s a deep meaning to that song but, God, I cannot take it seriously! Well that is my unprofessional, biased opinion, you know?
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
The good parts are legendary.. it’s a shame that there was some filler here. Not saying that was intentional, completely sure that these long solos and instrumentation was a religious experience live… but not in record. Jimi, we love you, but not all of us take acid before listening to your songs.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Here’s Dylan pushing cultural and musical limits with this legendary album. Once you get used to the high-pitch harmonica, you will love the songs.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
The epitome of dad rock. This is a nostalgic album with magical harmonies sang over a sweet layer of acoustic guitars. Great record
Madness
3/5
Baaba Maal
3/5
A musical journey that showcases the Senegalese culture. Baaba has an interesting, soulful voice. The instrumentation transports the listener to a paradise. Nice experience, for once in a while
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Excellent, engaging, enjoyable. Great collection of stories that feel really relatable. Loved it!
5/5
I don’t want to pretend I know about the impact of this album on pop culture. I know it is beyond my understanding. Also, I must confess I did not want to give a 5-star rate, but as I was listening to it, understanding it as a whole piece, not a collection of songs, I changed my mind. Maybe it’s not the best 5-star album ever, not even in the Beatles discography… but it definitely deserves it.
Metallica
4/5
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
One of the best hip hop albums I’ve listened. It has everything: flow, taste, content… the samples are amazing (starting from Take a Walk on the Wild Side) the beats are solid… all great!
Ice Cube
4/5
A trailblazer in the gansta rap genre. Great album. Ice cube is great
Funkadelic
4/5
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
5/5
Only the clash of these titans could have made this jewel possible. Great album!
Bad Brains
5/5
Another boom dropped by Bad Brains. This one is less hardcore, little more experimental. A total boost of adrenaline.
Yes
4/5
A great progressive album. I’d like to think it is the perfect work to start digging on that type of music.
Buzzcocks
4/5
Interesting album for people who want to explore the Buzzcocks discography. Honestly recommend it
The Go-Go's
4/5
Fantastic album full of groove and catchy tunes. Honestly, I do not think there’s a bad son in here.
Queen
3/5
It’s not that I don’t like Queen, but I happen to think about them as a “singles” type of band. It is quite difficult to me to listen a Queen album from head to toe. Sheer Heart Attack has some cool songs, but some tunes make the experience difficult. 3.5 / 5
Roxy Music
4/5
Great album from one of the best glam bands ever.
Beck
4/5
I was skeptical about this album, but must confess that it changed my mind about Beck. It’s groovy, but no pretentious, infantile but not annoying. Great melodies, catchy tunes, an “la la la” choruses to sing along. Great discovery!
Girls Against Boys
5/5
Let’s be honest, I am totally biased when it comes to this type of bands. The DIY musical movement has my heart and soul, so my opinion is going to exaggerate their pros while omitting their misses.
Loved this album from start to finish. Lots of energy thrusted by great vocals and dual bass work. 100% recommended if you are into Fugazi and Dillinger Escape Plan
The Killers
4/5
Great “side A”, medium “side B”
I think this might be a 10/10 album but the last 4 songs are pretty average. Only space filler…
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Beatles
4/5
I had a wrong image of this band. I thought they were uninspired, a little boring and cheesy. A water down version of the Stones. This album kind of changed my mind.
Waylon Jennings
2/5
(Sleepy face)
Sam Cooke
4/5
Sam’s voice is an injection of energy. This album is a testament of the outstanding display of adrenaline his shows were.
Rush
4/5
Gang Of Four
5/5
A post punk masterpiece!
Q-Tip
4/5
Delicious album. Great beats, awesome samples, funky bass, flawless delivery. Q tip is a master. Love it!
Orbital
4/5
An hypnotic experience.I played it while working on some stuff. It helped me focus on what I needed to deliver. I felt energized and motivated, like “hey boss, is there more work to do?” type of thing.
Massive Attack
5/5
Pure perfection.
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
This album encapsulates an specific moment in the 00s. It is the connection between what happened during the first half of the decade (strokes, Franz Ferdinand, white stripes) and what was about to come. The production is solid, the guitars sharp, and the harmonies over the place. A set of songs that will have your foot tapping for over 40 minutes.
Joe Ely
3/5
I was disappointed when I saw another country album in my list. Fortunately, I was wrong. There’s something about this work that connected with me. I think it is the production: sound palette and chord progressions, that impressed me. Later I found that The Clash included Joe in one of their American tours as an opening act. Maybe not the wisest decision, but I can definitely see why they put their eye on him. Good country record.
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Superfly is a tasty album. It could make you feel cool even during a depressing day. Bass lines are so smooth, Curtis’s voice is super funky. The songs go to the point and don’t mess with your time. Great production and awesome mood. Can’t complain!
Steve Earle
2/5
Gosh, I am not a good country listener…
The Police
4/5
One of the The Police’s classic. Raggatta De Blanc (white people reggae, if not mistaken) is a peculiar album. It has the typical the police sound, but it’s like underdone, to my criteria. This is specially noticed on the side B. I know some people love this album, but if I were the producer, which I am far, really far from being, I would have made some minor changes. But, overall, it is a good work.
The Cars
5/5
Possibly, the best power pop album ever. Rick Ocasek and co really know how to write an earworm. It is impressive how these songs still sound fresh 40+ years after. A true masterpiece.
The Who
5/5
John Entwistle is god!
Stephen Stills
4/5
While listening to each one of these songs I keep reminding that this was released in 1970 - before Sticky Fingers, before before Springsteen’s albums and before most of Zeppelin’s work. It is impressive the swing, versatility, power this album has. I came with low expectations and was surprised. Definitely will come back to this album.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
3/5
This is Sergio Leone on acid.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
A true masterpiece. Real classics, no filler on this one.
Judas Priest
4/5
Nice and solid heavy metal record. Not my favorite of the band, but still not disappointing. Keeps the vibe going throughout the 10 songs.
The Byrds
4/5
Pressed play with no expectations and got a great mix of psychedelia and folk. The Byrds had been a big gap for me until then. I’d been hearing about them since I was like 10, but never had the motivation to listen to them. This was a great intro to their work. I can definitely see why it is part of the list.
The Triffids
4/5
Calenture by The Triffids is a nostalgic, romantic, and, at times, masochist journey. I think I read that some of the band members are from Australia, which makes sense considering that it was the land that saw Nick Cave and Michael Hutchens birth. I was captivated by the instrumentation and the passion delivered by each song. Definitely a great discovery.
Nirvana
5/5
What can be said about this album that hasn’t been said before?
Nirvana was at the peak of popularity. Kurt was a pop martyr at the time. Although unexpected and lacking the biggest hits, the setlist was a perfect amalgamation of pieces that served the concert format, covers that payed tribute to his both underground and mainstream influences; it was vulnerably perfect. I think what hit harder here was timing. One can imagine when this concert was broadcasted by MTV for the first time just weeks after Kurt’s passing. It must be devastating. Precious-almost a religious experience- but devastating.
Rush
5/5
This is a fun, great album - start to finish - it’s not pretentious or complicated. Just straight solid rock music with proggy hooks. Limelight has been a darling since the first time I listed to it driving around Toronto. I love it!
4/5
For being a folk live album recorded more than 50 years ago, it sounds fresh and authentic. It is a testament of how music evolved, what is the role of the artist, and how the audience react to the art - what expect out of it-. Yes, it is a double album with lots of whiny voices and harmonica solos, but I did not get tired. I did not skip a single song… I will definitely go back to it.
Air
4/5
A classic ambient album for a famous movie. It paints your time with pastry colors and nostalgia. It kills you from yearning something you can’t describe. Too much sighs per minute.
Bebel Gilberto
4/5
Love it. Bossa Nova is an adorable type of music. I feel like a movie with a happy ending. Always brings me up!
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
Masterpiece. One of the best hip hop records ever released. One of these rap albums that can scare you.
Garbage
4/5
Garbage’s debut presents a way to understand the mid-90s alternative scene. A little of electronica, distorted strings and pop harmonies singing depressing lyrics. If you look a little further, behind the singles on this album, you will find tasteful empty spaces. Sections where little happens. Those are the testimonials of a commoditization of sadness, an erotic sadness. I see it here, on placebo's, manic street preachers’, and suede’s work too. A sexy way to love your own misery.
Keith Jarrett
3/5
After knowing more about the background of this album, I was able to understand its power and influence. It is like a sonic picture. An unique and unpredictable moment captured by the recording. Inspiring and captivating.
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
A great soul album. Loved the bass lines!
Pere Ubu
5/5
Unfiltered master piece. A collection of great punk songs that became legendary. Great album!
Sister Sledge
4/5
This album took me by surprise. Its soft, but yet funky, sound palette plus great hook delivery made my foot dance all album long. With infectious rhythms and soulful harmonies, 'We Are Family' encapsulates the vibrant spirit of disco-era joy. The album's seamless blend of feel-good tunes and empowering anthems creates an uplifting experience transcending time. Sister Sledge's dynamic vocal performances and the album's timeless production make it a classic worth revisiting, spreading joy with every beat.
It was one of those albums you approached without a lot of context, but you ended up knowing one or two songs. Fondly recommended!
Johnny Cash
5/5
Following his legendary series of concerts at prisons, Cash brings another live recording, this time immortalizing his San Quentin prison show. The man in black does it again. He practically started a riot with his guitar and rebellious lyrics. The most interesting element is his interaction with the audience. Cash empathizes -organically, at times- with the prisoners and their agony. I admire Johnny's decision to leave the song "San Quentin" two times on the tracklist. It is a testament to how prisoners felt represented by the lyrics and free for a few minutes.
Fred Neil
4/5
This was my first listening to Neil, so I did not know what to expect. The first five seconds of the first track, “The Dolphins,” answered that question almost immediately. A melancholy yet powerful sound that seems to be rightfully represented by the cover will fill your ears for the next 40 minutes. Each song creates an atmosphere where the listener can dwell and be part of the experience. Fred’s deep and charismatic voice profoundly connected me. The instrumentation, particularly the harmonica, brass section, and even the whistling is fantastic. I will listen to him more and more in the near future.
King Crimson
4/5
I am not a Crimson connoisseur, so I came to this album slightly disoriented. I only knew about their prog foundations and pedigree earned thanks to "In the Court of the Crimson King," so my expectations were leaning toward a music experience instead of a song-by-song work. The first three songs (side A) were solid. The first song, "Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part One," is a delicious blend of jazz, experimental, and easter music, a sound palette that perfectly introduces the album. The rest of Side A keeps the vibe going.
The frantic bass line in "The Talking Drum" is superb, like a heart beating euphorically, while the guitar and violin induce madness in the listener—an authentic claustrophobic experience. The last track is a raspy, sharp jam that brings the listener back from this magical place while strange, dwarf-like shrieks can be heard in the background.
Overall, a great album. Not a thing you can play every Monday morning, but a great place to hide from time to time.
Nightmares On Wax
4/5
Before seeing this cover here, it was somehow familiar. I thought it was a reggae album. As you already know, I was wrong. If something, I could see this work in the Trip Hop vicinity -close to early Massive Attack or DJ Shadow. It is the perfect album to set a smooth mood. To summon deep thoughts. To kiss someone for the very first time. To kiss your partner for the 1,000th time. It is a great album. The only downside is its length. Some ideas seem overextended. If the dub community was the reason behind the total length of 74 minutes, I can tell you, there is a repeat button you can use for that.
The Black Keys
4/5
"Brothers" by The Black Keys is an album with a tender personality. Behind the '10s garage rock haze, the listener can find songs of desire, deception, and heartbreak embellished with a creamy guitar and raspy voice. Yes, it has the singles, but what gets you is the side B: the slow songs.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
With touching acoustics, swinging dynamics, and even a radio news report over a Christmas carol, the folk pop duo returns with their third album. A work that is sophisticated at times, others not so much (like Simon’s imitating Bob Dylan) but in general, legendary. It is a lovely testament of what the 60s was.
4/5
This is all I look for in an ambient record
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Personal, touching album. Knowing what was happening in his life, how shattered he must felt, how vulnerable… it gives a strong meaning to these songs. Even to the point of the song titles. Listening is like witnessing how his world was coming undone. Anger really struck me. How Gaye preaches that anger is not the solution while going through one of the darkest episodes of his life. It is a totally recommended album.
Jean-Michel Jarre
3/5
Have you ever wondered how alien jazz sounded like? If so, your answer is here. With songs that move from the ethereal to the intriguing, Jean Michel Jarre presents a futuristic -for 70s standards- album. These 6 tracks use a range of exotic instruments and intricate temps to entertain the listeners. If you let yourself go with the flow, you’ll find your convienes in a state of trance by track 4. Not a typical album to play during your thanksgiving dinner.
Orbital
3/5
Orbital returns with "Snivilisation", an eclectic album that embarks the listener in a multi-layered sonic journey. Surprisingly engaging, Snivilisation explores the limits of Orbital's musical footprint. Some tracks make good use of warmth synth lines to summon a digital trance. Others appeal to dense loops to wake euphoria.
Although elegantly explosive, I cannot discern its legacy clearly. Surely a group of 90s European kids vibed to this, but who took their baton? (I am asking this question from my most honest ignorance since it's quite possible that Orbital cemented the foundations of the IDM genre as we know it.)
Final verdict: a good electronic album that could be improved by cutting about 20% of its final length.
Muddy Waters
4/5
Nobody would disagree if I say that Muddy Waters is a legend. The man is to blues what Louis Armstrong is to jazz. This album is a testament to what he and his band of virtuosos can do in front of a borderline-violent crowd. Legend says the Newport Festival audience had gone berserk during Little Richard's concert the night before, forcing hours of police intervention. Getting on that stage must have been sick. However, Waters and his band were able to tame them all with their hypnotizing performance. Not only that, Chess, his then discography, taped the concert. The resulting record (this record) was the key to popularizing the Blues in America.
Prince
4/5
If you do not know much about Prince and want to start exploring his catalog, chances are that your point of entry will be "1999" or "Purple Rain." The popularity of these albums is well-earned since they comprise Prince's musical DNA fantastically: larger-than-life pop songs with tons of sexual references (some of them pretty obvious) over a funky, infectious bass line. As the visionary that he was, Price shared with us his version of the "Y2K" dystopia so many years ahead. I had never heard sci-fi stories about digital dependence/disaster sung in a voice as claustrophobic as horny. A total must-listen.
Eagles
3/5
I remember seeing this record when I was eight years old. I did not know what the buzz around it was back then. As I grew up, I listened to many albums from different genres; I still haven't figured out the thing around the Eagles. Yes, they have classic rock songs, like Hotel California and Life in the Fast Lane -both from this album,- but I might be tempted to think this band is overrated. The album is fine, but, in my opinion, this is not the album that took rock and roll to the next step.
Tim Buckley
5/5
"Musical talent: nature or nurture" is a never-ending debate in which every one of us has participated. I tend to fall on the "nurture" side of the conversation. I want to think that if you try hard and follow a rigid learning framework, you can do the impossible. But occasionally, I listen to people like Tim Buckley and find my arguments useless. Did you know he was only 20 when he composed and released this masterpiece? He was already covering strong subjects such as war, conciseness, and deep emotional struggles (like the song dedicated to his ex-wife and his son, Jeff, another music star with endless talents.) I was not expecting anything, but this album grabbed my attention for forty minutes. It was something similar to the one I experienced when I listened to Astral Weeks or Moondance for the first time. The production is exquisite. I particularly loved the mixing: voices placed strongly and in the middle of the mix, that crispiness in the percussion... Great album!
Faust
4/5
Faust IV is an acoustic journey. Corrosive, unpleasant sounds pierce your ears and leave you wanting for more. I could not figure out what fascinated me in this album. The mystery aura from the voices, maybe? It induced me in a kind of trance. I was in the middle of a Nordic forest. An eternal sun shone over the thick, tall, old trees. Between them, the only visible landscape was a line of brown mountains. They were far away and looked artificial. Like, manmade. The sunshine bounced on them like on a pile of copper and iron. It was immense. It was hard to breathe. You could see a satyr in the middle of this forest. It was playing its harp in a state of frenzy as if there was no tomorrow. And I was there, looking at it. Hypnotized for 44 minutes...
Dr. Octagon
3/5
The concept developed by Dr. Octagon in this album (visual concept, interludes, song themes) makes it a remarkable work. A novelty, sorry to say. I will take a long shot by saying it could be included in the same conversation with artists like Madvillian. I enjoyed it, but it still lacks something.
Jacques Brel
5/5
One of the main reasons I want to learn French is Jacques Brel. How he minds each phoneme, the passion for each phrase, and the charisma spilled all over each song testifies to his authenticity. It is contagious and charming. Jacques is one of those big European icons from the twentieth century that were poorly known in America. Victims of the self-absorption happening in the USA during the Cold War. Lucky us that we have ways to dig into the past and get to know those left at the margin. Great album, unmatched artist.
The Bees
4/5
Ah, it's one of those albums with an ideally-suited title. "Sunshine Hit Me" brings warm energy to the listener. I do not know if The Bees' ambition was limited to inducing good vibes, but that's what I got from this album. That and a strong influence from the 60's pop bands: The Byrds, The Hollies, etc...
Overall, a decent album that deserves your time.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
With Cosmo's Factory, you feel the Bayou from the very first second. This album is full of hooks, harmonies, and personality. Yes, you could clean the track list and remove songs that sound alike, but the overall feeling is already there. If you were to embark on your CCR journey, I think this is a great point of start.
The Stooges
5/5
How can you rate the spark that started the fire that was the punk culture? Can you give less than five stars? Would you be perfectly fine after listening to Iggy and the Stooges cooking what would be the cornerstone of the upcoming underground music and barely murmur, "Yeah, it's fine"? Would you listen to Green Day after that and sign to "Basket Case"? Where would your common sense be in that situation? How about your soul? This album is a total 5.
k.d. lang
3/5
If you are looking for music to listen to while resting next to the fireplace during snowy January nights, this is for you. I listened to this while cleaning the bathroom. It did not work. My wife was mad at me for leaving the toilet halfway dirty. She was right. Then I played Slayer's Angel of Death during the second cleaning round. The toilet was so clean after that.
Well, give k.d. land a try. She has a good voice.
Ryan Adams
4/5
Do you know what I think when I hear about Ryan Addams? I think about Bryan Addams. Do you know what I think when I listen to his music? I think about a guy that could be as talented as self-destructive (sometimes POS).
I like this record. Good production
The Doors
4/5
He started so shy that he could not face the audience, but here Morrison is screaming. The Lizard King shouts all his commands with bluesy tunes in the back (except for Indian Summer, a lovely song). The band was on point. I think this is one of their best works.
AC/DC
5/5
I pressed play. I headbanged. I played air guitar. I sang nasally. I played more air guitar. I duckwalked. I took off my shirt. I tried to play real guitar. I failed. I duckwalked even more. I drank a pint. I headbanged harder. I drank another pint. I went dizzy. I headbanged until my mouth was open making that "buruburu" sound. I fell. I rocked
The Electric Prunes
4/5
Ten-year-old Timmy stumbled upon a peculiar secret one rainy afternoon. As the Electric Prunes echoed in his room, his tiny upper lip sprouted the tiniest, yet unmistakable, mustache. Bewildered, he played their music again, and the mustache grew. Soon, Timmy sported a lopsided fuzz, perplexing his parents.
Excitement bubbled when he realized his mustache wasn't just hair – it was his ticket to adventure. With each guitar riff, his mustache sprouted longer, visions of interplanetary exploration dancing in his head. Timmy dreamt of soaring to Uranus, his mustache acting as a whimsical, fuzzy spacecraft. The Electric Prunes became his launchpad to the stars, and, fueled by music, Timmy soared through the cosmos on his fantastical, mustache-powered journey.
Lana Del Rey
5/5
In the hushed corridors of the exclusive country club, maid Eloise found solace in Lana Del Rey's haunting melodies. Her fingers danced across polished surfaces as the singer's voice whisked her away from the mundane. In the rhythmic cadence, she escaped the monotony of servitude, entering a dreamscape where troubles melted like wax. Lana's music became her secret refuge, a brief respite from the demands of the privileged. As the notes enveloped her, Eloise reveled in the delirium, a temporary escape from the stark reality she faced daily.
Animal Collective
4/5
Have you ever been in a lucid dream with plastic clouds and fluorescent metallic mountains? Licking the pavement with a dry tongue. Floating and sweating profusely, but never stop laughing. Losing perception of time. Seeing sounds, Hearing shapes.
This is the record in the background.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
4/5
Where has this band been until now? By listening to this album, I think Lloyd Cole is one of the coolest British guys from the 80s. It's like an ego-less version of Morrisey.
The album is a lovely collection of charismatic songs with infectious jangly guitars and intriguing lyrics. This goes definitely to my REM, Matthew Sweet, Big Star playlist. Long live to jangly power pop.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Profound and moving. While listening to this album you can hear Aretha's steps rising to the soul's throne as the undisputable queen. And there she still remains.
Scritti Politti
3/5
Prince: Hey Michael, Karl! Thanksgiving is approaching, and we're talking turkey. Ever thought about the perfect recipe for a revolutionary feast?
Michael Jackson: (laughs) Prince has this Purple Rain magic turkey idea, and I've got my moonwalk-inspired moves while cooking. What about you, Karl?
Karl Marx: Ah, the proletarian turkey revolution! We shall seize the means of poultry production and distribute the spices equally!
Prince: (smirking) I like the way you think, Karl. But let's get down to the nitty-gritty – what's your secret ingredient?
Karl Marx: It's all about the classless stuffing, my friends. No bourgeois flavors here – just the harmonious union of herbs, spices, and the proletariat's collective culinary consciousness.
Michael Jackson: (chuckles) Classless stuffing, huh? That's a whole new level. What about dessert, Karl?
Karl Marx: A dessert that transcends capitalist decadence – the Communal Apple Pie, where each slice is distributed according to need, not want.
Prince: (nodding) Revolutionizing the dessert game! And for the main course?
Karl Marx: The turkey shall be a symbol of solidarity, cooked over the flames of equality, with a side of liberation mashed potatoes.
Michael Jackson: (grinning) Now, that's what I call a feast for the people! Let's make this Thanksgiving a revolutionary celebration.
Prince: (raising an eyebrow) Indeed, comrades. It's time for a feast that echoes through the ages – the Revolution Roast!
50 Cent
2/5
50 Cent is a product of his times, whatever that means.
Turbonegro
5/5
As an ignorant Latin American, it is hard for me to grasp the fact that Punk rock exists in Norway. It's like listening to Australian reggaeton or Japanese Salsa (a real thing, let me tell you), but here we are, talking about one of these underappreciated bands that have filled our recent history. Turbonegro is savage, rapacious, sharp, hilarious, energetic, and sarcastic, like life itself. Wondering how it is to live in those Nordic countries where people get to be 100 years or more. Is this the elixir of youth? More like this, please!
Drive Like Jehu
4/5
Raw, provocative, experimental, aggressive. Drive Like Jehu
Emmylou Harris
4/5
As a Gram Parson's protegee, Emmylou has an excellent knack for sweet and deep melodies. The instrumentalization in this album is fantastic. Songs unfold slowly and charmingly. Not a country listener, but really like it.
Paul McCartney
4/5
The Dad Rock Bible. Maybe McCartney will not surprise you if you listen to it without considering its release year. This was the year the Beatles disbanded; before the 70s music revolution. Many great bands, albums, and songs could be traced back to this album. Think about it. Short and Sweet, McCartney is a charming album that warms the soul and heals the mind.
David Bowie
5/5
One of the best albums of this century.
The Album: A collection of avant-garde, profound, and introspective songs that never bore the listener. It's unpredictable and engaging.
The Lyrics: Complex and multi-layered. Reflecting the album's themes of mortality and spirituality.
The Context: An album to say goodbye. Have you watched the Lazarus video? All those references are sprinkled over five minutes. The suit, his eyes, his moves...
David Bowie is a legend, and this is one of the many works that prove it.
Frank Zappa
4/5
A hit of energy from the very first second. Great melodies and tonalities. The production and sound palette are spot on. Great Jazz album!
Slipknot
3/5
I bought this album in 1999 as a teenager and could not get enough of it. I was a metalhead from Caracas, Venezuela, who was moved by the adrenaline that songs by Korn and Deftones irradiated. I did not know a lot of English, so I could not understand a lot of the lyrics -besides the now-universal "fuck" or the Wait and Bleed's chorus. All was fine and dandy.
Now, I am 40 with children. I am not as mad as before and know a little of English. I pressed play again after 25 years... and was a little disappointed.
Yes, the energy is still there. The album's first half rocks hard, but the second, not so much. But my gosh, the lyrics! Extremely childish, monolayered, and simple. Corey sang great, but all he did was whine! Like a pissed teenager that cursed another kid in his class. Most songs are about how wicked, dangerous, or sad I am or why "you" (talking to an imaginary adversary, like a kid fantasizing) should go the fuck up. It's lame.
Well, Slipknot (album), thanks for the memories, I guess.
Herbie Hancock
4/5
Herbie is amazing, a provocative combination of Isaac Hayes and Myles Davis. Head Hunters, his most famous work, was ahead of his time. With an electronic vibe and funky rhythms, Herbie delivered an infectious album that is still venerated 50 years after. Mandatory listen
Lou Reed
5/5
How much fiction was poured into this story? What to do with this moving tragedy? Do you think Irvine Welsh was inspired by Lou while writing Trainspotting? Do you think Lou knew the power of his work and its influence on upcoming generations?
Sleater-Kinney
4/5
Sleater-Kinney has punk pedigree, and this album is proof of it. Dig Me Out is energetic and contagious. It makes me feel something like Japandroids did. Great record for this list!
Fever Ray
4/5
An electro-neopsychedelia experience. Euphoric and ethereal harmonies pushed by solid beats. Love from te first listening.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
It has something. In the end, it seems to have something, but it's hard to get. Was it the format? The second song that starts with a chat, followed by a song, silence, and then another song? Slow song after song? Was it that what wasn't understood back in 85? and maybe it's not too straight-forward today? I will give it another try, maybe in 3 years.
Machito
3/5
Welcome to the Coco Bongo.... Smooookin'!
The Youngbloods
3/5
A sweet blend of psychedelia, pop, good vibes with a pinch of Celtic flavor. Great atmosphere for a quiet afternoon.
Aimee Mann
3/5
I did not know that there was a Liz Phair before Liz Phair. Now, seriously, I had listened to Aimee before and liked her style, but wow, she was in the same style even the year that Exile on Guyville was released.
Moving to the album, it has nice songs and a good vibe. It has some filler, too. It starts strong and goes with ups and downs from there. Some of the harmonies hypnotized me, so I am tempted to say that I will come back to the songs I already flagged. Love girls with guitars and good stories to tell
5/5
Wow - It is interesting to think that this was released the year that Pablo Honey was. I can hear some "pre-The Bends" vibes here. Beautiful harmonies, great musicalization, and solid production. I had listened to some of these songs before but had not gone through the entire album. It is a fantastic work. No fillers. Great bridge between the "madchester" Blur and the "britpop" Blur. I love it.
MGMT
4/5
MGMT came to show us how neo pop psychedelia looked like in the 2000. Ironically, this was some kind of joke to them, but we took it seriously. And here they are!
My only criticism is that this album is a little front-loaded. But it is still highly enjoyable. MGMT in general is a cult band.
Dead Kennedys
5/5
One of the albums that started hardcore. Love it! Biafra and friends are everything: bombastic, sharp, revolutionaries... all at once! This is how music is supposed to be.
Beastie Boys
4/5
I have my ups and downs with this album. The idea of listening to it comes across as uncomfortable given the fratty-boy vibes and lyrics. But when you press play and listen to all the samples, the delivery, the energy, you really enjoy it. Love Paul's Boutique even more, but this one is not bad: 7/10
Tom Waits
4/5
Tom had crafted one of his famous formulas when he released this album: the achy hoarse melancholic troubadour. "Heartattack and Vine" is a lovely work. IT does not demand anything from the listener, quite the opposite, the singer pours out his heart song after song. You are a character in the shadow, witnessing how he, vulnerable drunkenly, shares his sorrow. Love this phase of his career.
U2
4/5
While Boy and October are fan darlings, It is with "War" when the world started to understand U2's musical proposition. This album has a couple of bangers from early U2. In fact, "New Year's Day" is my favorite U2 song to date. As an album, it has ups and downs. It seems that there's some filler by mid-album, but it rises again with the last 2 songs. Sonically speaking, it was still a soft post-punk, still melancholic, but not too outrageous. I kind of like it.
Bert Jansch
4/5
A first-time listener here. This album seems to be one of those hidden folk jewels from the 60s. Its organic sound, thrust by the hypnotic voice tone and mesmerizing guitar, makes the album a fantastic piece of work. Somehow, it reminded me Jeff Bukley's Grace. One of the great records I got to know thanks to this list. Thank you!
Pixies
5/5
I cannot utter words not used before to describe this album. A true masterpiece. Each song explores a rhythm from a different perspective, all working holistically. It is impressive that this was released in 1989...
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
4/5
Nunca habia sido fan de la salsa. Sin embargo, con el tiempo ya no le tengo aversion y he aprendido a identificar su valor en el espectro musical; a distinguir la calidad e influencia de algunos grandes del genero. Entre ellos, Willie Colon destaca. Esa imagen de mafioso y misterio que forjo durante los 70 es magica. Su trabajo con Lavoe y Blades es legendario. Mi recomendacion es revisitarlo con atencion y pasion. Finalmente, Siembra puede que sea uno de los albumes mas socialmente conscientes y criticos de la salsa. Ruben trae sus letras, Willie su swing. Ambos hicieron historia.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
2/5
A group of friends gathered in a recording studio with bluegrassy instruments, lots of liquor, and a bunch -maybe too many- stories to tell. Yes, they play really well; yes, they made a famous album for their genre; yes, the album has a laid-back, charming, and relaxed atmosphere, but man, it is more than two hours! I cannot stand that! too demanding for me, I am sorry.
5/5
I cannot add anything interesting to the "how-wonderful-and-influential-The-Rise-and-Fall-of-Ziggy-Stardust-and-the-spiders-from-Mars-is-for-the-glam-and-alternative-music" so, basically, I will limit my comment to "I LOVE IT"
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
This is a great, great album. Potent, vibrant, passionate. If it was not for one skip, it would be a 10/10
Tom Waits
4/5
Open the door. The Joker wants to come in
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Not my CCR favorite. It has great songs, thou... But a little bit of filler
Green Day
4/5
An album that was an integral part of the defining sound of my teenage years.
Iron Maiden
4/5
A solid classic. Even though Bruce was not in this album, the songs and energy that have shaped Iron Maiden's spirit can be found here - still at an early stage, but they're here. Emblematic songs like Transylvania, Phantom of the Opera, and Iron Maiden are in this album also. Short and direct, Iron Maiden is a good album.
4/5
Raw, sharp, and intriguing, this album showcases a possible scenario for punk rebellion. It features interesting songs with peculiar production that will keep you wondering what's next. I did not have "Liars" under my radar. Thanks for the recommendation. It's a nice addition to my playlist.
Cheap Trick
3/5
What a happy day it was for people at Budokan!
Kings of Leon
4/5
Back when this band had an honest proposal.
Elton John
4/5
Epic and heartful. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is a sweet -and long- journey full of great sing-a-long songs. I wish this album was shorter. Maybe I did not get all the references; maybe cutting one or two songs butcher the concept. I do not know! True fact is that this is a great album! Solid 8!
John Cale
4/5
With "Paris 1919", Cale delivers a warm and melodic album that captivates the listener. I, for instance, loved his delivery and shiny instrumentalization. One can see the direct influence on some indie bands from the 90s, like Silver Jews or singer-songwriters like Elliott Smith.
Great album
Gene Clark
3/5
An interesting blend of country and 60s pop rock. Gene Clark and his band deliver a charming sound in this record. I must confess that I am not a big fan of this style of music, but will definitely come back to one or two of these tracks
Missy Elliott
4/5
I had my reserves when I saw I had to listen to this album. Luckily, it went better than expected. The first 10 - 12 songs are enjoyable. Great set of guests, good vibes, Missy dropping lines with style. However, it is too long. I don't know if she needed 17 songs to communicate all her ideas. Maybe 13 were enough? Well, who knows, I am not Timbaland.
Björk
5/5
Bjork never ceases to surprise me. This album is an entire acoustic adventure. 9/10
The Allman Brothers Band
3/5
Solid southern rock jams
John Lennon
4/5
Lennon's talent is immense, and this album has some examples of what he can do. His voice is so singular, his progressions so unique. The weird thing about this album is the random bluesy tracks. The rest is greatly enjoyable.
The Magnetic Fields
4/5
Done. I listened to the 69 love songs The Magnetic Fields put together for this album. However, I am as full of nostalgia as of wonders. Would 40 songs be enough? Who inspired Experimental Music Love? Did they record this album for their audience or themselves? Whatever the answers, I think we are better in a world where this album exists than in one where it does not.
George Harrison
4/5
Definitely, one of the best Post-Beatles albums. I would cut some of the jams from the end of album 2 to get a masterpiece.
The Divine Comedy
3/5
A flamboyant British pop album. Kind of enjoyable in general, with its ups and downs.
Alanis Morissette
5/5
She may not be the first 90's alt-rock female singer, and may not be the last. She may not be too consistent for the rest of her career, but Alanis was on point when she released this album. It is a jewel. Lyrics, music, harmonies, personnel... everything. A blueprint.
Morrissey
4/5
What a way for Morrisey to formally start his solo career. Great melodies and instrumentalization. Lovely themes and charming songs. I love this album
Ella Fitzgerald
4/5
One of the most comforting voices in Jazz brings a great collection of standards delivered with such warm and sweet candor. Great, enjoyable album!
Pink Floyd
4/5
Everything But The Girl
3/5
It is not a bad album by any means. It has its charm -coming mainly from the warmth in the voice. However, I am trying to think why this is on the list. If this album was not released, would we have a different state of the music? What is its impact? I see some influence in the ecto or tangentially in trip hop. But, cannot think about anything else...
Raekwon
3/5
Another 1+ hour-long, 90s gansta rap album. Here we go.
Morrissey
4/5
It is a wonderful album. Great songs with the Morrisey touch.
Pavement
5/5
Masterpiece—I cannot stress enough how important and influential this album was for the indie, lo-fi movement over the last thirty years. Pavement belongs to the indie altar, and this album is proof of that.
Joan Armatrading
5/5
One of the biggest discoveries from this 1001 album project. Joan's harmonies are warm and colorful. The guitar work is fantastic and versatile, making each song unskippable. The production and instrumentation are flawless. Your jaw drops when you realize this album was released in 1976. Can you imagine how it would be to listen to this jewel back in the 70s? I mean, it's Nick Drake's level thing.
Dizzee Rascal
1/5
So tacky and derivative. Not too fan of this :(
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
Fatboy Slim
2/5
I listened to Fatboy Slim's second one... Are you sure I needed to listen to this one too?
Throwing Muses
5/5
Eminem
3/5
Nice debut—Eminem is a beast, dropping line after line. He's been a beast since day 1—full of anger and cynicism. However, this album tends to be a little long, which is a common trait throughout his discography.
Lou Reed
5/5
One of the most thoughtful and mysterious albums from the early 70's. Lou Reed planted one of the alt-rock bases with this work. Great production, lovely instrumentation, interesting lyrics. Highly recommended
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Another shot of great southern rock. Short and sweet.
Depeche Mode
5/5
Macabre, personal, and paranoid, Violator is a unique album. Depeche Mode made history with this work, merging obscure textures with lyrics dealing with pseudo-religion and obsession. Violator's influence can be perceived in different genres even today (2024). I cannot have enough from 90's Depeche Mode.
Super Furry Animals
4/5
I think about Sper Furry Animals as another britpop act. Members of a scene. Maybe a little more psychedelic than their peers. So, when I saw the release date of this album (2001), I thought about other acts leading the musical discourse by then: The Strokes, The Libertines, etc., and did not have many expectations. By that time, I had only listened to "Juxtaposed by you" but thought it was a full album released to support that minor hit and that was all. I was wrong. This album sounded more like Dandy Warhols or Brian Jonestown Massacre than Supergrass. I enjoyed it. However, the unanswered question was, again, why should I listen to it before I die? What's the argument? Was it necessary? Well, besides a good time, I don't see any other reason.
The Libertines
5/5
Great and charming album that deserved all the hype. Maybe more. It has all: rhythm, harmonies -and hormones-, mysticism. It is a fun listen. Yes, it may be the British response to The Strokes, and in some points, I consider it superior. Maybe it's the poetry and dandy vibes, the influence of The Smiths and William Blake. Happy to listen to this, over and over again.
Joy Division
5/5
Dark and depressing. Legendary and highly influential. Ian and company paved the way for goth and post-punk with their two releases. This one is even gloomier.
Moby Grape
3/5
(Yawning, and waking by the end of the album) Well, that's how hey made music by the end of the 60s.
Astrud Gilberto
4/5
What an eerie yet comforting voice. Astrud Gilberto is one of a kind. It's weird how each song is charming, and you can't get enough out of her style.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
Unpredictable and influential, listening to this Peter Gabriel album for the first time is like walking with your eyes closed: you don't know what your next step will bring. In the end, the second half is really solid. I loved it
Kacey Musgraves
5/5
I'm in love
Tom Waits
4/5
Oh! bittersweet rhythms, hangovers, poems written on napkins dedicated to prostitutes. Everything and nothing expressed in a song while a marimba plays a disoriented harmony in a stacatto. This is the album that gave Tom his second air. And it's lovely. Frankie's wild years is fantastic
Jack White
4/5
White is an endless fountain of creativity; this album proves that. Although the songs are not rooted in guitar—as the common listener could expect from Jack—the tracklist is a genuine representation of his identity and artistry. It is not hard listening at all; before you notice, it is done.
Now, I can't be sure about its influence. Maybe more transcendental things were happening in 2012? Anyways, 3.5/5
Cocteau Twins
5/5
Ethereal, dreamy, and mysterious. This is probably my favorite Cocteau Twins album. Everything is well thought out, from the one-word song titles to sequencing and visual art. I don't know how to put it into words, but these songs connect with my soul. They are pure yet lusty. There is nothing like this.
The Coral
3/5
The Coral is an interesting work. It's like having a Britpop band working with a salsa guy behind closed doors, giving them some mild ayahuasca, and seeing what comes out of it. Some songs were interesting, but others... mmm maybe they ran out of ideas before knowing how to finish it. Bottomline, I think it was a positive experience.
Prince
4/5
Sing O Times is an entertaining album, a hard-to-achieve goal for double albums. Despite its length, it keeps bringing new things song after song a curious bridge here, an acoustic guitar there- making it a fantastic experience.
I can imagine it was a massive challenge for Prince to keep up with the quality set by Purple Rain. Honestly, I think this album pass the test.
Suzanne Vega
4/5
It is impressive how Suzanne did something like this almost 40 years ago. Her style—the melancholic, boheme femme fatale—has been utterly reproduced over the decades. You may not have listened to these songs before, but you are pretty familiar with the vibe.
The production has stood the test of time. Lovely arrangements and dreamy harmonies flood the album. The only drawback is that it sounds like a straight line. It does not have spikes, ups and downs, extasis and release. dynamics.
8/10
Wilco
5/5
I never knew about Wilco until around 2010. I was not into their style. I loved my music hard back then. Years have softened me, apparently, so now I can enjoy this vibe. "Being There" is a 1996 double album with almost 20 folky songs. "Space" comes to mind as I go through the album. Space as in time: the band takes its time to build on emotions and connect with me, with my current state of mind Space as in physical space while I enjoy the production: how instruments were recorded, the mixing, the pace of each song (look at the previous point above). I like "Being There" 9/10
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
3/5
It's another standard blues album—nothing to be impressed about. It has a good vibe, but it tires you out after the 10th song. I assume that the reason this album made the list is the collaboration with Eric Clapton.
The Avalanches
4/5
Since I Left You is a great experience. I love the sound palette in this album. So magical and charming. It's like the sweet spot between DJ Shadow and M.I.A. I would recommend the first 7 songs to anyone. The only problem I have with this album is its length. Maybe 10% less would do it.
The Flaming Lips
5/5
An album is great when you and your six-year-old daughter sing along song after song.
Dinosaur Jr.
5/5
The only thing I hate about this album is how late it arrived in my life. It is perfect. Can you imagine listening to it when it was released around the late 80s? You'd be the coolest person in your city.
Ryan Adams
4/5
A tender collection of songs delivered over an exquisite instrumentalization. Great production, lovely experience.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
3/5
I can imagine this blew people's minds back in 58. Jack Elliott seemed to be one of the staples of country music. You can hear his influence even more than 60 years after its release
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
2/5
The Incredible String Band
3/5
I love that albums like this one are included on the list. They capture the atmosphere of a particular scene. Each track offers a distinct journey, blending traditional instruments with unexpected sounds and vocals that evoke a sense of mystical exploration. It's a testament to the band’s influence on the genre and remains a pivotal listening experience for anyone interested in the roots and evolution of psychedelic folk music.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
5/5
This debut from Lynyrd Skynyrd is an absolute beast of Southern rock. It’s got everything from the epic "Free Bird" to the cool swagger of "Gimme Three Steps" and the soul-stirring "Tuesday’s Gone." Most of this album really hits home for me, though I'll admit "Mississippi Kid" and "Things Goin’ On" didn't quite gel with the rest—just felt a bit off compared to the rest of the bangers here. But man, the rest of the tracks? They're all about that raw, gritty vibe that paints a real picture of the South's heart and troubles. It’s almost perfect; these guys know how to mix fierce guitars with deep, storytelling lyrics that stick with you.
4.5/5
Van Morrison
5/5
"Astral Weeks" by Van Morrison is a timeless masterpiece that floats somewhere between folk, jazz, and soul. The classics like "Sweet Thing," "Astral Weeks," and my personal favorite, "Cyprus Avenue," are just out of this world. There’s a raw, unfiltered emotion in these tracks that feels like it’s speaking right to your soul. Although I absolutely adore the album, some of the songs do feel a tad long. They’re the kind of tracks that would blow your mind in a live setting, but on record, they can leave you a bit adrift. Despite that, there’s no denying the pedigree here. It’s got that desert island quality—Lester Bangs wasn't wrong about this one. It's almost perfect, a real gem that gets richer with every listen.
Rate 4.5/5
Julian Cope
4/5
The fact that I enjoyed "Peggy Suicide" more than I ever thought is a mystery. It was the album's tone, production, and voice delivery that sold the deal. It is a work that I will revisit some day.
Small Faces
4/5
This album is as extravagant as its title. Every time I get to listen to these psychedelic 60's albums, I fantasize I am second in line in front of the record store, money in hand, to buy it on its release date. Then, I go home and drop the needle, sit on the fluffy '60s couch in my "clockwork orangy" living room, and relax, thinking about how avant-garde the present we live in is.
Then, I flip the record, listen to the side b, and laugh.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
4/5
In Safe as Milk, Captain Beefheart was already showing their signature sound, not as intense as in Trout Mask Replica, but they were on their way. The album is a great mix of experimental music and charisma. It is something I’ll go back to in a near future.
Joy Division
5/5
"Unknown Pleasures" might not be the first gothic album, but it definitely hit the right spot. Ian Curtis, his persona and voice tone, and the somber rhythm section are one of a kind. I am saying this knowing that many imitators have plagued the post-punk scene since - some of them worth listening to, others not so much.
When the cover of your album is pressed below the epidermis of thousands of fans, you know that you made history.
This album is a masterpiece. It delivers a sad yet delightful experience, like an avant-garde movie, let's say Eraserhead.
Blue Cheer
4/5
CAUTION: the second you press play to this album, you cause an earthquake. “Vincebus eruptum” is a dense, heavy album with really enjoyable songs and mysterious vibes. While listening, I couldn’t believe that this was released in 1968. The guitar tone tempestuous - something that you can hear on Queens of the Stone Age 40+ years later.
Before Sabbath and Zeppelin, there was Blue Cheer. Let it sink.
William Orbit
3/5
Great textures, mystic atmospheres. I do not know if there are strange cargo I and strange cargo II, but strange cargo III is a nice album. Something to play on to smooth the room.
Lupe Fiasco
2/5
I was intrigued by the sounds and concept of this album. I liked how it reminded me of early Kanye, but the more I listened, the more I was convinced that there’s few things for me here. I could listen to some of these songs like “I Gotcha” or “‘Kate Bush’” but the second half was a big yawn for me. I mean, I am not a rap connoisseur , but I don’t think this is one of the best Jay Z’s features and, did you listen to the last song? I had listened to self indulgent outros before, but this one is the bombastic, in the worst kind of way. Totally unnecessary.
Laura Nyro
4/5
It is an entertaining album. Not a special one to be honest, but it’s one of those that gives depth to a movement. I loved Laura’s voice. She seems quite a character. I can picture her with Joni and Judee. I will definitely go back to these songs.
Note: this was written following a “stream of conscience” approach. Apologies for the vagueness and non apparent connection between ideas
Hookworms
4/5
Hookworms is an album with consistent vibes. The feelings, colors, and moods persist throughout the recording, making it feel as a solid entity. If it was not a straight A, it is a great experience.
GZA
3/5
Liquid Swords has great gansta rap cuts. GZA is a solid rapper. However, I struggle to identify why this album is on the list. We already have the perfect Enter the 36 Chambers. This one seems like an appendix. Not a bad one, but it’s like a branch of it. What is special?
The Soft Boys
5/5
Underwater Moonlight is a perfect album. From the cover to the sequencing, from lyrics to production… Everything makes sense.
Cream
4/5
60s were wild and exciting, dude!
The Beta Band
3/5
The Beta Band is cool at first glance. The laid back vibe and contagious rhythm section is attractive. Unfortunately, this does not last for long. This album is front loaded. I wish they could have taken a little more time to produce a solid second half.
Sex Pistols
5/5
Can somebody say that this is not a historic, ground breaking record? Did they invent punk? No. Were they the first ones to marry rebellion and music? No. But they had something special: they had the perfect sense of time and place. I think that’s why Malcolm McLaren is also a notable character in this story. He was the puppeteer that created the perfect storm. Listening to this 50 years after its release you can tell its weight. Great piece of history.
Minor Threat
5/5
One of the albums that started the hardcore scene. How can you dislike anything Ian Mackaye did and call yourself a punk? It comes fast, makes a statement and leaves quick… the blueprint of this movement.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
5/5
Early Elvis Costello is my thing. Great new wavy - power poppy - punk-adjacent tracks that do not leave your brain. Love it!
The Isley Brothers
4/5
Wow - 70s funk guitarists were really badass! And don’t make me talk about bassists!
Pentangle
4/5
This album is a medieval trip. It’s a time capsule. Love the production and sound scapes. Great record! 3.5/5
The Only Ones
5/5
Opinión totally biased. I loved this album. It’s the feel, its mystique, and what it represents. The production, the voice and guitars… all is perfect. 4.5/5
Siouxsie And The Banshees
5/5
This is one of the first post punk albums ever. Siouxsie has always been a legend, even in her debut album. This work is gothic, aggressive, exciting, and explosive. Love it!
Barry Adamson
4/5
Wow - I’d never heard about this before today. I must confess that it’s really appealing. I love the textures, moods, rhythms, feelings in this album. Thank you for expanding my music knowledge!
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
Nice groove - contagious vibes… for the first 10 songs… after that, a little repetitive. Anyways, I’m grabbing a couple of songs for my soul/r&b playlist.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
I am not a Peter Gabriel person -or actually, it’s how I want to qualify myself- but “So” is spotless. Flawless flow, only great songs, great production… I love it. I am not gout to pretend I did not enjoy it. It got me.
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
Pet shop boys delivering with their unique style. This is not their best work from my point of view, but still paves the way to what’s going to be their seal.
Thundercat
3/5
I wanted to like this album. Honestly I did. But when I was midway, still vibing, I daw that I had 12 more songs that sounded quite similar to the 12 songs I already listened to… so I am asking, why?
I love chocolate ice cream, but I cannot eat it 23 times in one day. I need some variety, please!
Bad Company
3/5
I wish I had a Time Machine so I could go back to 1974 and listen to this album when was just released. It may have been awesome. Unluckily, it’s 2024 and it’s not amazing anymore. Some songs are a little slow for a band whose name is Bad Company. They’re not bad, but how about putting them as b-sides?
Well, I can recommend this to people who want to taste some early AOR.
Magazine
5/5
The layers in this album are mysterious, ingenious, and enchanting. Real Life is an experience. Every track is meaningful to the whole concept. I love Magazine, one of the gifts that this life gave us.
Cee Lo Green
2/5
When Cee-Lo was writing these songs did not have people like me in mind. His formula works but it’s so repetitive that tires me :( it’s like ketchup. Might be nice - but just a little on your fries. If you keep pushing it, it sickens you.
David Bowie
5/5
YES! Our Great Thin White Duke is back! This is paranoid Bowie at his best. The title track is one of the best songs written ever. The album is an extravaganza, a combination of glam and dark atmosphere. I love it!!
The Modern Lovers
5/5
A proto-punk gem. Great songs, fascinating attitude. No wonder why it stood the test of time. 4.5/5
Cornershop
4/5
I liked it more than I expected. It has great vibes and contagious rhythm. 3.5/5
Randy Newman
4/5
A lovely and tender collection of songs that made me feel like a 12 year old again. 3.5/5
Sebadoh
5/5
Sebadoh is a gem in the 90s indie landscape. They are sensible and harsh, sleazy and angry, experienced and naive, all at the same time. Bubble and scrape was released when alt rock was soaring, but for any reason, they did not reach mass popularity. They deserved, and now this album lives in the hearts of those who wanted to scratch the surface and go deeper in music.
The album is an experience. Tones and vibes unfold song after song. No filler. You may need to be in the right mood to flow with it, thou. But it’s not its fault. 4.5/5
System Of A Down
4/5
Remember buying this album after seeing SOAD perform in the sanitarium tour back in 99. I loved their uniqueness and unpredictability. That’s way before Toxicity was released. It has a nostalgic scent since then
Ministry
4/5
I knew about this album, I liked some of the songs, but now that I listened from start to finish I can really appreciate how good it is. It was released before the downward spiral, so it gives it a plus. Great album!
Black Flag
5/5
A pivotal album for hardcore and the indie DIY movement. It takes a couple of listenings but this album is perfect. Raw, ironic, and fun - damaged has it all!
The Doors
5/5
The best psychedelic rock album ever. Jim Morrison and company started their career with the right foot! I don’t think there’s a skip here. Its influence is absurdly humongous. It’s a 5 - no questions.
Scott Walker
4/5
Such passionate voice. Great performance, charming songs. Scott Walker is hypnotizing.
The Dandy Warhols
4/5
After one listening I feel way much cooler. If it wasn’t for the weird instrumentals, this album would be a 5 but you know…
Miriam Makeba
3/5
Warmth and charismatic voice. Loved some songs. I don’t think I’ll come back to it anytime soon, though, but I fulfilled my duty to listen to it before dying.
Everything But The Girl
4/5
I’ve always loved Tracy’s voice. Missing, Wrong, and Driving were the songs that introduced me to EBTG. But the magic happened when I listened to Protection, the Massive Attack album in which she participated. It’s something melancholic, the yearning… I don’t know. Now listening to this album at my 40s, I can discover the textures. It’s a shame it took so long to me to understand it.
Eminem
4/5
Great album but, Mr Mathers, relax a little.
Suede
5/5
This album is deep, dark, and fascinating. Suede’s magnum opus. I put it on the same bucket with Manic Street Preachers and Placebo. Love its textures, suffering… a perfect album.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Interesting album with hypnotic textures and engaging themes. Hejira is an untamable work product of Joni and Jaco during their peak. Love it!
Common
4/5
This is a great, engaging album. Love the rhythms, bases, and harmonies. Great time capsule!
Love
4/5
It’s impressive to see what Love had done by mid sixties. These guys were one step ahead. Da Capo is a solid testament to their creativity. Great album
Marilyn Manson
4/5
Manson’s magnum opus. This is a well thought album. Ethics and metaphysics in great position. Its timing was flawless, too. I remember watching those music videos and feeling the creeps. The nihilistic view, the artwork. Manson thought about everything. The only reason behind my 4 star rating is that it could tire the listener a little sometimes. I believe that each track has been carefully crafted, but the music feels a little repetitive at some point.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
Californication is a nineties combination of funk, rock, singles, and excess of compression. Cool track list, but at some point repetitive if you’re not into types of distortions, slapping, and an average singer. It was quite influential, though. I was one of those kids that bought the CD and listened the first half + road trippin non- stop
Soft Machine
4/5
Four 18-minute jazz rock rhapsodies. Honestly, it was better than I expected. I really digged the mood, progressions, and textures. I could definitely go back to it, when appropriate!
The Rolling Stones
3/5
The first Rolling Stone album. A list of blues covers performed by the group. Maybe the reason behind including this work is showing how the culture was expanding and the sound was evolving, but I think that this does not capture what the stones did for rock and roll.
Tangerine Dream
3/5
Although this is not my style, I fell in love with the textures and moods from this album. I don’t know if I will come to it in a close future, to be honest. I completely recognize why it is part of the list.
The Byrds
4/5
I am surprised by how current these songs are! Super enjoyable tunes with an eerie touch. I love the first half of the album, the second did not grabbed me at the same level, still liked it. Will go back to this!
Aretha Franklin
4/5
This is why Aretha is a legend! 40 minutes that seemed like 4. This is good music!
The Clash
5/5
This is the English punk album by definition. Political, direct, raw, and timeless. All killer, no filler. Great record!
Tom Waits
5/5
Another classic from Tom Waits. Rain Dogs comes to finish what Swordfishtrombones started: a crazy troubadour screaming stories from dwarfs, sailors, and prostitutes in a really hoarse voice. Great album. I cannot get enough from it!
The Fall
5/5
A key album from The Fall. Mark E Smith and company had their footprint fully formed at this point. If you want to start with their long catalog, this is your album. 4.5/5
Hüsker Dü
5/5
I know I am 100% biased, but it’s hard for me to find a bad Husker Du album, and this is not the exception. Warehouse is melodic and nostalgic without sacrificing rawness and distortion. It is a great album
The Temptations
3/5
Funk pioneers. Tasty album!
Deep Purple
4/5
One of the greatest live albums!
Rufus Wainwright
4/5
This is my first time listening to a full album from Rufus. My impression is that he’s fantastic. A true character. I loved his work. Great finding!
New York Dolls
5/5
A true point of inflection in alt rock. This album has been so influential for many generations. It still sounds current and transgressive.
The Jam
5/5
It’s impressive how The Jam sounds. They are unique, like from a different timeline. When you analyze all the great albums they released and WHEN they did it you cannot think about any other word besides UNDERRATED. All Mod Cons has no skips. 4.5/5
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
4/5
Wow - this guy is peculiar… and I like it
Sepultura
4/5
This is a great metal album. Its tone, flavor, production is amazing. Sepultura became really famous thanks to Roots. However, I think the album is extremely front loaded, I do not know why they needed to add most of the tracks at the end of the album. I would kept this under 45 mins. 3.5/5
Skepta
2/5
Not my kind of thing
Sonic Youth
5/5
This is a great album. Starting with EVOL, Sonic Youth started with a solid, digestible queue of albums - not that the ones before were bad, but were hard to appreciate. Sister is a master piece
The Divine Comedy
4/5
Enchanting songs. It sounds like Casanova, but a little less intense. The production is lovely. The Divine Comedy is one of the artists i now listen to when i want to feel like Oscar Wilde.
Public Enemy
4/5
These guys were real - they can’t do no wrong back in the early 90s. Rap is not my thing, but when I listen to rap, I’d be listening to Public Enemy
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
Asking me to rate this album objectively is a lost cause. For many years, I’ve simply loved it. The songwriting and production are one of a kind, but what hypnotizes me is Nick’s delivery, so passionate and vulnerable. More than an album, Henry’s Dream is an experience. A goth tale with Dickensian characters.
Malcolm McLaren
4/5
I’m going to be quite subjective with this note. This is not a good album; however, it documents a scene perfectly. It’s not about the songwriting or even the production, it’s about what was happening in the underground, its interests in world music and pushing boundaries. It’s about the character - Malcolm - bringing to his limited spotlight what he considered was cool. This album is a sonic DeLorean.
Nina Simone
4/5
Nina Simone’s music never gets old. She’s a powerhouse and this album is a proof of that. It’s amazing how rich and enchanting this album is. Song after song, it brings warmth and emotion. I love it.
Gene Clark
4/5
Interesting production. Gene’s voice is charming and the sound palette is hypnotic. However, did we really need 14 songs? How about 11 and that’s it? 3.5/5
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Great jam! This is really good funk. Love the base, the harmonies, the soul!
Orange Juice
4/5
Wow! It seems like a couple of Caribbean dudes left to Scotland and published a record back in 1980 - or maybe it’s the Talking Heads in disguise? 3.5/5
Iggy Pop
5/5
One of the most interesting albums from the 70s. It’s hard, rigid, unpleasant at times, but once it clicks, it’s hypnotic.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
4/5
Possibly, one of the top three country-adjacent album I’ve ever listened to.
Santana
4/5
Pressed play without expectations. Almost prepared to be bored for the next 40 minutes, but I must confess that I was engaged with the mystique and atmosphere this record exhales. It kept me jamming. Santana here is not leaning towards a supper shredding trick, only positive vibes.
4/5
I am not a prog person, but I’ve been listening to Yes discography thanks to this book and must accept that they are really enjoyable! This is a great album.
Pere Ubu
5/5
Why am I liking this weird thing? It’s so intense and unpredictable. Real good stuff
4/5
A classic. The big songs in this album shake stadiums. However, the second half cannot keep up with the grandiosity of the first half.
Jamiroquai
4/5
Tasty record! If I was a bass player, this record would be in an eternal loop for my entire life.
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
I knew about Kendrick for a while but I hadn’t explored this record before. As a south American, with English as a second language, raised in a different culture, can say that this work is charming. Some songs are a little long - maybe this criticism dwells in the fact that I haven’t connected to a deep level - but I can feel the cohesion, the journey, the growth. Great album!
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
I see why this is one of the highest rated albums from the 21th century. I love the free jazz touch some of the songs have -sorry, but still dislike the “this dick ain’t free” lyric. I cannot say anything new about TPAB. Everyone needs to listen to it once in their lifetime.
The Who
4/5
Placing this album in context (mid sixties, birth of rock) it is a great and influential piece of work. Many bands drank from this fountain. Many bassists were inspired by these lines. Many drummers were influenced by these beats.
It is clear it earned a place in this list
Venom
4/5
Black metal could sound cliche today, but if you put it in context (1982) it is a solid and quite influential piece. I think it is safe to say that there’s no Metallica without Venom - and what it entails. Great and fun album.
John Grant
4/5
What a great album - sad, vulnerable, sweet. John Grant unveils his soul here, song by song. It is an album I’m going to listen to recurrently.
Simply Red
4/5
Not quite my type of energy, but good album overall. Interesting Talking Heads cover. 3.5/5
Method Man
3/5
Love the Wu Tang album, but why should we go through all the solo careers of each member of the crew? There’s cool tracks here and there and Method Man’s voice is lethal, but should I listen to this before I die? 2.5/5
Genesis
3/5
There are things that you need to do before you die, like going to the supermarket or listening to this album
Def Leppard
4/5
Can you have a better run than Def Leppard in the 80s? This album is solid , solid!
Billy Bragg
4/5
Billy Bragg is a crack. So authentic and charismatic. I wish I was in 1986 listening to this album. I’d be social awoken and more than cool at the same time.
George Michael
4/5
What a great list of songs! This album is liberating and provocative. Never bores the listener.
Maxwell
3/5
Tasty tunes, great bass, sexy production.
Peter Tosh
4/5
This is a legendary album. Tosh was a pioneer of the genre. Chill and controversial at the same time. 3.5/5
3/5
Smooth album. Great jams and good vibes. 3.5/5
Sonic Youth
5/5
This record is dark, raw, and powerful. It’s a band hungry for revolution singing about pop culture and macabre situations. I love it.
Os Mutantes
4/5
One of these psychedelic surprises that the 60s has to offer. Tasty and unpredictable. Gimme more!
The Doors
4/5
I’m not a Doors guy. I find Morrison a charismatic yet tiring person -if that’s posible. Don’t get me wrong, I like the hits, but don’t go much farther. But today, this entire album sounded delightfully. Great record!
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
Overindulgent. Don’t get me wrong. It has great songs: Layla, Bell Bottom Blues, Little Wing…. It would be fantastic listening to them back in 70. But the rest of the songs are the same stuff other artists were releasing. How about releasing a killer 37 minute album instead of a double >70 minute one?
Portishead
5/5
A special album for me. Immersing, charming, and suffocating at times, Dummy delivers an unforgettable experience. It’s amazing how this album does not age… still strong, still hypnotic. Like the first time
Napalm Death
3/5
I believe this is a foundational album for the genre, for that I give it credit. However, this is not totally what I want to listen to most days - great thing is that these songs do not tire you because they are 30 secs long on average. Anyway, this definitely is an energizing experience.
The White Stripes
3/5
Get Behind Me Satan might not bring anything new. It’s your typical White Stripes album with great guitar work, loud drums, a song with “little” in the title and a couple of acoustic numbers. At least is a record that could keep up with the myth this duo created back in the 2000s.
Pink Floyd
3/5
I bet this one blew some brain when it was released in 1967. Now, it is both enjoyable and laughable. Like a little kids show.
Jimmy Smith
3/5
I would cut these songs down to 4 mins. Besides of that, it’s enjoyable
Bob Dylan
4/5
It’s great to see how Dylan evolved in the 90s - it’s still him, but with a fresh angle. Enjoyed this album!
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
Entertaining. One of those works that make you feel energized and optimistic. Today -2025- might not come across as a great thing, but back on its release date, it must have been revolutionary.
Lauryn Hill
5/5
Can’t believe I’ve not listened to this before. No skips, all great vibes. It was the fastest hour of my week.
Missy Elliott
4/5
I was not expecting to like this album as much as I did. To be honest, the worst track to me was “Work it” - probably because of the many times I was forced to listen to it by the then existing monoculture. I’m not going to be deep here, it’s a cool album.
The Stooges
5/5
One of the albums that made punk possible. Does I need to elaborate why this is a masterpiece?
The Kinks
4/5
By now I know how cool The Kinks are thanks to this book, but why is another album in the list? I mean, what’s special about it? Well, I really enjoyed it anyways.
Sparks
5/5
This is an exquisite and unique glam rock. Sparks is a great ensemble. Sorry I’m out of words now, but cannot think of a right way to describe this. 4.5/5
Todd Rundgren
4/5
This album has great power pop tunes. What seems weird is the “album within an album” thing. Not a bad thing, only extravagant. Well, I would appreciate if Todd would have cut some of these songs for the deluxe edition instead. 3.5/5
Primal Scream
5/5
This is a great piece of work. A standard for alternative music!
Goldfrapp
5/5
I want to say THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart. This album is delightful: dreamy, hypnotic, unpretentious… perfect. Love the production, instrumentals, voice.. it’s perfect.
The Gun Club
5/5
Fantastic time capsule. Great attitude, sticky tunes. This album is legendary!
Brian Eno
4/5
I did not know I’d like this album at all. I am not an ambient music guy, but there’s some taste to this album that makes me feel in peace.
Badly Drawn Boy
5/5
Another gem discovered thanks to this list. It seems long, but it moves really fast. Great pacing, rhythm, production… love it. I truly appreciate these surprises
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
Great time capsule. A fun and honest album that shows how life in 2004 was.
Bob Dylan
4/5
I am not a Dylan connoisseur in any shape or form, so my opinion is not substantiated. I listened to this album after working 12 hours non-stop. It was more than a mumble in the background. I know, I did not make justice to the work that a guy did almost 60 years ago. Depressing. Would you care if I say that I think this was ok? How about if I say that I liked You are a big giiirl now? Well, that’s all
Randy Newman
4/5
When he talked about rednecks and cocaine in that “you’ve got a friend in me” voice is one of the surreal moments of the week.
Great concept, though. I felt in north Louisiana again, just for one hour.
Barry Adamson
4/5
It’s like living in a macabre James Bond low-budget movie. Fantastic and hallucinating.
Hole
5/5
Deeply overlooked- Part of the holy trinity of grunge.
Nine Inch Nails
5/5
Impressive how this work does not age. Still raw and depressing.
Guided By Voices
4/5
A sign of its time. It comes and goes, doesn’t take much of your time.
Leftfield
3/5
This one got me confused - started as an acid ethnic electronic jam and ended up in a PIL-infused stream of conscience euphoria… kind of like it, but you need to be in the mood. This is not for sitting and chill
Talvin Singh
3/5
Dennis Wilson
4/5
This album is a great vibe. Like a wave that pulls you without you noticing. A great experience
Kings of Leon
3/5
I like old KoL… if albums 1 and 2 are a bbq in the backyard, this one is processed McDonalds shit.. 2.5/5
The Everly Brothers
4/5
Short and sweet - enjoyable record
Radiohead
5/5
This is a pivotal record in the alternative 90s music scene. It definitely inspired many copycats for decades to come. It has aged really well. No skips - at all
Mj Cole
3/5
Good for some time… later repetitive
Chicago
4/5
This is an eventful album: winds, metal percussion, smooth vocals, frantic guitars are all over the place. Place everything in late 60s and you’ll get a great debut.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
A legendary album. I imagine people back in 67 really freaked out when it was released. My only criticism is song number. Maybe cut 5 songs?
Legendary
Leonard Cohen
4/5
A nostalgic breeze in black and white. Leonard didn’t have his deep, raspy voice yet, but still delivering the heartfelt goods here
American Music Club
3/5