1024
Albums Rated
3.05
Average Rating
94%
Complete
65 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
2000s
Favorite Decade
Metal
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
70
5-Star Albums
68
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
GI
Germs
|
5 | 2.54 | +2.46 |
|
KE*A*H** (Psalm 69)
Ministry
|
5 | 2.69 | +2.31 |
|
Arise
Sepultura
|
5 | 2.73 | +2.27 |
|
Among The Living
Anthrax
|
5 | 2.85 | +2.15 |
|
Damaged
Black Flag
|
5 | 2.86 | +2.14 |
|
Apocalypse Dudes
Turbonegro
|
5 | 2.9 | +2.1 |
|
Reign In Blood
Slayer
|
5 | 2.96 | +2.04 |
|
Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
|
5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
|
Le Tigre
Le Tigre
|
5 | 3.14 | +1.86 |
|
Honky Tonk Heroes
Waylon Jennings
|
5 | 3.14 | +1.86 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aja
Steely Dan
|
1 | 3.46 | -2.46 |
|
S&M
Metallica
|
1 | 3.26 | -2.26 |
|
Close To The Edge
Yes
|
1 | 3.19 | -2.19 |
|
John Barleycorn Must Die
Traffic
|
1 | 3.17 | -2.17 |
|
Hejira
Joni Mitchell
|
1 | 3.14 | -2.14 |
|
Berlin
Lou Reed
|
1 | 3.1 | -2.1 |
|
Armed Forces
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
|
1 | 3.09 | -2.09 |
|
Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
|
1 | 3.07 | -2.07 |
|
Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
|
2 | 4.06 | -2.06 |
|
Kimono My House
Sparks
|
1 | 3.06 | -2.06 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Led Zeppelin | 5 | 4.6 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 5 |
| Beastie Boys | 3 | 4.67 |
| Aretha Franklin | 2 | 5 |
| Curtis Mayfield | 2 | 5 |
| Air | 2 | 5 |
| The Rolling Stones | 5 | 4.2 |
| The Doors | 3 | 4.33 |
| The White Stripes | 3 | 4.33 |
| Creedence Clearwater Revival | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Emerson, Lake & Palmer | 2 | 1 |
| Tom Waits | 5 | 1.8 |
| Joni Mitchell | 4 | 1.75 |
| Tim Buckley | 3 | 1.67 |
| The Byrds | 5 | 2 |
| Bee Gees | 2 | 1.5 |
| Lou Reed | 2 | 1.5 |
| Happy Mondays | 2 | 1.5 |
| Scott Walker | 2 | 1.5 |
| Madonna | 2 | 1.5 |
| Everything But The Girl | 2 | 1.5 |
| Orbital | 2 | 1.5 |
| Yes | 2 | 1.5 |
| The Kinks | 4 | 2 |
| Brian Eno | 4 | 2 |
| Elvis Costello & The Attractions | 4 | 2 |
| Kanye West | 3 | 2 |
| Miles Davis | 3 | 2 |
| Roxy Music | 3 | 2 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Metallica | 4, 1, 5, 5 |
| Green Day | 2, 5 |
| Sepultura | 2, 5 |
| Paul Simon | 1, 3, 4 |
| Kate Bush | 4, 3, 1 |
5-Star Albums (70)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
1/5
OK, I know I've bitched about the anglocentricity of this whole project. So I shouldn't complain too much when they branch out to something different. But damn, this sucks.
32 likes
50 Cent
2/5
Mumbly fucking boring hip hop. And the album just goes on and on.
10 likes
Ozomatli
2/5
hmm, I really thought I was going to enjoy this album. I feel like maybe there was a time when I listened to Ozomatli and liked them. This just feels like a mashup of the least interesting latin music and hip hop. It's upbeat and poppy and boring
8 likes
Dizzee Rascal
1/5
First track, "what the fuck is this?"
Second track, "ouch, I'm getting a headache"
Third track, "ok, this dude's rapping is pretty good but why is he banging on pots in the background"
Forth track, started skipping
Jesus... there are 15 tracks on here? FML
7 likes
1-Star Albums (68)
All Ratings
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
Practically every song is a super-hit of the 70s / early 80s. Definitely feels like you're watching a movie from the era. The nostalgia factor is there and I could definitely see adding several of these songs to a dinner party playlist. In general, though, it's not something I'd listen to regularly
The La's
2/5
Who?? Never heard of this band. Maybe because brit pop is not my jam. From the first note I could tell this would be a slog. "There She Goes" is the big hit on this album. Recognizable and a good toe tapper. Otherwise... why is this on the list?
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
4/5
Very enjoyable blues album. Very cool how many legends played with Maytall. His vocals are so so but still a good album overall
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
Echoey/reveby vocals. Somewhat psychedelic. Not all that punk, given they came from the british punk scene but I definitely hear it in the guitars. OK but not something I'd seek out
Grateful Dead
5/5
Such a fun, funky, folksy album. Love the mashup of bluegrass, funk, country, blues. It's no wonder people followed them all over the country
Johnny Cash
4/5
fucking classic.
2/5
hmm... some 1960s brit pop. There are some great lyrics and themes but the music is all just so saccharine.
Iron Maiden
5/5
HAIL SATAN
Bee Gees
1/5
I could have died without listening to this album
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
Quite a bit more enjoyable than I anticipated. There's a sonic diversity here and just fun songs.
Dr. Dre
3/5
some pretty sick beats and a couple classics but overall pretty sophomoric
Love
2/5
It was okay. A bit too mid 60s folk for my taste. Had a few catchy songs though
Aphex Twin
2/5
From mellow somewhat relaxing background music to annoying pins pops and buzzes. Sometimes I enjoyed it or at least didn't hate it
Janet Jackson
2/5
Some toe tappers, maybe a song or two I might dance to if I was drunk at a wedding or something. Otherwise... not my thing
Frank Black
4/5
How did I miss Frank Black back in the day?
N.W.A.
4/5
What a classic. Great rapping, beats. The themes haven't aged well but it's still fun to listen
Billy Bragg
4/5
Solid alt country album. I'll listen again
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
2/5
Was a weird album. Then I read the wiki and get why. My heart already belongs to one psychedelic 60s rock icon who was certifiably insane and institutionalized. I don't need another. This guy didn't even mention 2 headed dogs once
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
I love this stripped down, acoustic Springsteen. The imagery of these songs are all so vivid. Beautiful album
Red Snapper
4/5
Their spotify and wiki info has so many genre descriptions. IDK what to call these guys. Hadn't ever heard of them prior but really enjoyed the entire album. Great find.
Machito
5/5
One of those genres I practically never listen to yet every time I do, I love it. Listened to this and then just kept listening to the mix that followed all day long. Such uplifting music
Portishead
3/5
A lot of the same trance-y, etherial qualities of the earlier stuff but just didn't hold the same punch. Wasn't listening critically here but just felt watered down. Still decent.
Wilco
4/5
Wilco is one of those bands Some rocking alt-country, almost akin to Drive By Truckers on some songs. I see them drifting into more indi-rock on some songs, but overall I really enjoyed this album.
The Band
4/5
I've always loved The Band for their super-hits I knew but haven't really delved into their catalog. Similar to the Dead, they're a funky romp - country, blues, folk, rock, all mixed together. I didn't really love everything on this album but it was a great listen.
Ray Charles
3/5
Not the Ray Charles I was expecting. Much more of a big band, orchestral sound than his bluesy, R&B big hits I'm familiar with. I prefer the latter but this was still good.
Elvis Presley
4/5
Hell yeah, this was some great country-funk from Elvis. Loved the backing band on this album. And there were some classics on it as well.
Patti Smith
3/5
Unique. I like a lot of it but it's not sub-genre of punk I'm excited about. Probably should have listened to the lyrics harder
Talvin Singh
1/5
sitars and flutes and chanting over a bunch of clicks and pops. I can appreciate the incredible effort that went into producing this album but damn, this is not my thing
Dolly Parton
4/5
Great country music album. Classic
Cream
3/5
A lot more enjoyable than much of the pop rock from the same era. A bit bluesier, grittier, heavier.
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
upbeat brit-pop with a 60s vibe. Pretty good
Faust
4/5
wow, this doesn't strike me as anything that would have come from the early 70s. Way ahead of its time. I'll be checking out more Faust.
Lou Reed
2/5
the superhits are pretty great - Perfect Day, Walk on the Wild Side. But, in general, this album is just kind of annoying to me. Part of me wants to be generous and give it a 3 for those classics. But I won't
Tricky
3/5
Some 90s trip-hop. It was ok. I was never really that into Tricky back in the day and am still not.
The Monks
2/5
I really wanted to like this at first. It started off feeling like some kind of proto-punk rock. But generally devolved into... something else. Meh
The Shamen
1/5
It's like someone drilling into my forehead. Make it stop.
Soundgarden
5/5
Is this really a 5 or am I giving it that rating because of nostalgia and it's really a 4? Who cares, this album is great. More polished and mainstream than Badmotorfinger and, thus, not my favorite but still really solid.
Genesis
2/5
Why is this in the mix? Some album that Genesis squeezed in between tours that "Critics and the band themselves have given mixed opinions" about? They have so many other albums. Anyway, there's some interesting stuff here but ultimately it's nothing I'm going to go back to.
Hole
4/5
This was even better than I remember it being. Courtney Love was such an amazing front woman.
The Doors
4/5
Morrison's vocals made them such a standout for the era. Love his rough edges on their psychedelic sound. So much organ too
Queens of the Stone Age
4/5
QOTSA are one of those bands that's been around my entire adult life and I've never really listened to them outside of what's played on the radio and going to one of their shows once. I've never been in love with Josh Holmes's vocals. They're almost too melodic against that hard rocking sound. But all in all, this is a really great album and I'll be listening to more of their stuff as well as going back to Kyuss.
Happy Mondays
1/5
spacey 80s brit pop. Noooope.
Kanye West
2/5
ehhh... it was ok.
Tina Turner
2/5
There are some great songs on here, some classics. But all in all this whole album feels terribly dated and boggles the mind that this is what catapulted Tina's solo career - that she was performing to world record sized audiences shortly after its release.
Sugar
3/5
early 90s indie rock/pop. It's alright but not anything I'd recommend.
Judas Priest
4/5
Some great metal classics. Also some bullshit... "Red, White & Blue" for instance. But you have to love that NWOBHM!
Talking Heads
3/5
Kind of a weird, interesting album. Not really sure how to describe this band or their genre. Obviously have always been familiar with them and knew a lot of songs on the album.
John Martyn
4/5
At first I thought this was going to be an annoying 70s folk, singer/songwriter thing but it turned out to be a really interesting mix of folk, jazz, funk, blues. I've never heard of this guy but glad I got this album
Stephen Stills
3/5
Started out so banging. Some solid southern rock. Kind of devolved a bit into some boring early 70s rock. Some great songs on here though.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
oh my god this album was stunning from end to end. Aretha's voice in unparalleled. The backing band is so tight. Every song hits you. Loved it
Ute Lemper
1/5
I made it through a few songs. She has some vocal talent and some big name collaborators but this was giving me a headache. Couldn't do it
Van Morrison
4/5
Some really great singer/songwriter stuff. There's a reason he's a legend.
The xx
4/5
Catchy, unique sound. Might have heard so many of these songs on the radio so many times I was ready to write them off. But as a first album from some kids fresh out of high school this is really creative and impressive.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
OK, no denying this is a phenomenal album and Stevie Wonder is really a musical genius. The heavy use of synthesizers, which was totally innovative. But this album is also noted as a massive influence in the direction of R&B and soul music going forward. And if I'm honest, I'd much rather listen to R&B or soul from the 50s and 60s than the 70s and 80s. The synthesizer-heavy R&B of the 80s is shit. So... great album with a terrible legacy?
Shit... just listened to Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" and realized that the terrible damage this album may have done to R&B ushered in some classics of the 80s and deserves some credit.
Public Enemy
4/5
So damn good. The beats, the socially conscious lyrics, the talent. They hype man with a giant clock necklace. Great hip hop album all around
David Bowie
4/5
I've always listened to Bowie's earlier eras of music - though, of course, I've heard this album or at least many of the songs on it. This is an interesting transition from the earlier, glam stuff. I love the moody, atmospheric stuff on here. Seems fitting for the soundtrack of Bladerunner. It's a great album that continues to show Bowie's musical depth
Alice In Chains
4/5
Classic! Just listened through this album for the first time in ages a couple weeks ago. Alice in Chains were so great because they were a grungier, more metal inspired grunge band from the era. All these songs take me back.
The Flaming Lips
3/5
Weird, etherial, funny. Totally original. I'd never really listened to the Flaming Lips until Yoshimi but I'd listened to this album at that time. I waffle between a 3 and 4 on this one. My tastes have shifted over the past 20 years and I'm less into the band as I once was.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
What a fucking insane debut album. Just drops trou and shits on all the 60s pop rock of the day. So bluesy. Rocks so hard. Amazing.
Coldplay
2/5
I was prepared to hate this album because... it's Coldplay. But it was ok. Not terrible. Probably deserves a 3 by my typical rating standards but I have to take into account the fact that this album unleashed another 20 years of bland, approachable, radio-friendly shit
Deep Purple
3/5
this is really interesting. You can hear and feel the foundations of metal in this album but the vocals still sound more like late 60s rock'n'roll. Definitely breaking through into something new. I will listen to more Deep Purple
SZA
2/5
I just can't do modern R&B. It started shitting the bed in the 70s and there's not much in the genre that's appealed to me since then.
The Black Keys
5/5
These guys were/are just an incredible band. I've kind of written them off over the past 10 years or so but listening to this earlier stuff always makes me so happy. Crazy that it took 6 albums before they had a real mainstream breakout. They ground it out as a small time act for a long time. Now I have to go back and listen to the previous 5 albums
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
2 tracks in and I know I'm giving this a 5 star rating. Golden era of hip hop right here. I listened to Black Sheep in the early 90s but didn't know about all the other Native Tongue groups until several years later. The downside of amazing music coming out when you're still in middle school living in a small town.
Guided By Voices
2/5
Here's one of those bands whose name I've heard throughout the years and I couldn't name a song of theirs to save my life. Indie low-fi, with a distinct 60's pop/folk vibe to many of their songs. It's not bad, it's just not very compelling to me.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Another Tribe album! 2 in 3 days. Another phenomenal album. Love this jazzy hip hop. Not quite as much as their first album but still great stuff.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
2/5
It was alright. A few mega-hits I've heard a million times before. It's a little too folky, a bit too much harmonized vocals for my taste. But ok, overall.
The Dictators
3/5
When I read the band's description and learned that one of the guys was Ross the Boss from Manowar I wanted to give them a really high score. I love the idea that they were taking the piss out of all the rock bands at the time and that they really laid the groundwork for the wave of punk bands to come. But in the end, I was just so so on the music.
Santana
3/5
A great mix of classic rock and latin sounds. No surprise why Santana became a legend. I enjoyed it but it wasn't something I'll really go back to.
Bon Jovi
4/5
I feel like this should be a guilty pleasure but I really am not even that guilty. This is just a damn good rock album.
Travis
2/5
The fact that Spotify calls out this artist or songs from this album are featured on One Tree Hill and Everwood soundtracks from the era speaks volumes. Bland pop rock that could be played at the poignant moments of some low-brow teen drama is exactly what this seems written for.
1/5
Nope. Now I have a headache.
Suzanne Vega
2/5
First, I didn't really listen to the lyrics so this is really a score on the music and sound of her voice. I'm sure I'm missing out in that regard, given how her wiki speaks to her poetic nature. Second, given the historical importance of this album breaking open a market for female singer songwriters, I gave this album an extra star. That said, there was nothing about this album that appealed to me.
Arrested Development
4/5
Love this alternative hip-hop from the late 80s and early 90s. Great beats, jazzier, super positive messages. This is a lot like the Native Tongues, which I love.
R.E.M.
3/5
it's interesting. Definitely a detour from the music of the time. Not my favorite but it was ok.
The Undertones
3/5
upbeat, early punk. More poppy with a touch more 60s garage rock than the Sex Pistols but clearly of the same era. Was obviously familiar with "Teenage Kicks" but didn't know any of the other stuff.
Pavement
4/5
I really struggle with how to rate these guys. Steven Malkmus's whiny vocals sometimes annoy the shit out of me and his guitar work often sounds too jangly and off key. But on the flip side there are some great songs on this album and I find myself toe tapping throughout. So... 3.5 leaning toward 4 I guess.
Kraftwerk
3/5
Listened to these guys a bit in high school. It was always for the novelty of it and that a friend loved them, not that I really thought they were amazing. Listening 25 years later, I can hear a lot of their influence in music I listen to today, like synthwave. I find myself bobbing my head to the music. But I still don't love it. It's just ok.
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
What a time capsule. I really enjoyed this. Not much else to say
Tracy Chapman
2/5
Just not something I've ever been excited to listen to.
Sonic Youth
3/5
This is one of those bands I really loved as a kid but now that I'm older my tastes have drifted a bit. So I feel a little guilty giving it an average rating but... it just doesn't do it for me like it used to.
The Triffids
1/5
what? who? why? WTF is this? If anyone recommends the Tiffids to you, tell them to fuck off.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Son of a Preacher Man is an excellent song. Who doesn't love it. The rest of the album... meh. None of that same energy. She's a great vocalist but this album didn't really hook me. 3 stars just because of SOAPM.
The Byrds
2/5
Meh... 60s folk rock. No thanks.
Adele
3/5
A good album but not nearly as great as her first, IMO. Feels much more over produced. Has more of a pop sentiment and is less soulful. Still... she's pretty amazing.
Peter Frampton
2/5
somewhat boring, 70s rock background music. What's special here?
Abdullah Ibrahim
2/5
It was a jazz album. I don't know a lot about jazz but it didn't seem remarkable. The wiki had zero info so I'm guessing there's no real story behind this album.
Pulp
3/5
first time i've listened to any other Pulp besides Common People. IDK why I haven't listened to more of them. Maybe I'll dig deeper
KISS
3/5
When you look at KISS you expect them to be really heavy but really, it's just some fun, approachable, 70s hard rock. It's nothing spectacular. If it weren't for their image, I can't imagine they would have become as big as they did. But I enjoyed listening.
The Youngbloods
4/5
When this started out I was thinking \"oh no, not another 60s folk rock album\" but this one really surprised me. Elements of jazz, blues, funk, country. It's quirky and interesting. I kept thinking it was over and Spotify had moved on to a new artist or album but it was the same album.
Brian Eno
2/5
discordant, jangly, whiny. This era of experimental/glam/art music has never really done it for me.
Rush
3/5
I'm never really sure what to make of Rush. I don't love it but it's definitely interesting.
The Who
3/5
A cool concept with some great songs mixed in... but man did it really start to get tedious. I was ready for this one to be over by the time Tommy got his senses back.
The Strokes
4/5
Love this lo-fi, garage rock meets pop sound. Haven't listened to the Strokes in a long time and am having fun digging back into this era and genre.
Arcade Fire
4/5
Great band. Not sure why this album made the list and not one of their previous two but whatever. Still enjoyed it.
Elvis Presley
3/5
It's cute how controversial this was. Elvis had a great voice. I enjoyed most of the songs.
Basement Jaxx
1/5
90s electronic/dance music. Nooope
Eagles
3/5
Hotel California is the one really good song on this album. I'm sure if I paid more attention to the lyrics I'd enjoy the album more but most of the songs just don't have much energy and feel rather bland. Listening to "Already Gone" from a previous album and thinking, why doesn't Hotel CA have more upbeat, country rock songs like this? Why is this one of the biggest selling albums of all time?
John Lennon
3/5
Some of this was blah, 70s folky shit. But there were some decent tunes. Bit of a surprise
Blondie
3/5
A couple of great classics. Otherwise, it was kind of white noise
The Cars
4/5
Quite a few big hits on this album. Really enjoy the spacey, new-wavey sound mixed with rock. Never listened to a full Car album before.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
Enjoyed more than the last Dusty album I rated. More energy. Feels even more soulful. Dusty's the original blue eyed soul. Like Adele before there was Adele
Earth, Wind & Fire
2/5
fuck the disco era really destroyed R&B music. I mean, this is ok. But I just can't get into it.
Ozomatli
2/5
hmm, I really thought I was going to enjoy this album. I feel like maybe there was a time when I listened to Ozomatli and liked them. This just feels like a mashup of the least interesting latin music and hip hop. It's upbeat and poppy and boring
Burning Spear
4/5
Some great old-school raggae from the 70s. This is when raggae was particularly good.
David Bowie
3/5
Love Bowie. The mega-hits, Young Americans and Fame, from this album are hits for a reason. Most of this album leaned way in on the saxophone and just didn't really really grab me. This feels like a transition period away from the early 70s glam phase to something more inspired by disco maybe? Not as good as the previous handful of albums.
The White Stripes
4/5
Love the garage rock revival that the White Stripes helped to popularize. These guys are phenomenal
The Waterboys
2/5
British isle folk rock... At times it felt like a UK version of Stringsteen, just not nearly as good. Then there were the flutes.
Black Sabbath
5/5
\m/ Fuck yes. I've loved this whole album since I bought it from a BMG catalog when I was maybe 13. Had no knowledge of who Sabbath was or how influential they were. Just thought it sounded cool based on the description. So much of what I love now wouldn't exist if it weren't for this band. Goddamn they are so good
Hugh Masekela
2/5
Man I don't really like jazz. It's some OK background noise but nothing I'd choose to listen to.
AC/DC
4/5
Great rock album. Chalk full of classics.
Kanye West
3/5
it's some hiphop. by Kanye. Fuck that guy. But other than that, it's listenable
The Adverts
3/5
fun, late-70s punk. Nothing particularly remarkable and worth listening to.
Robert Wyatt
3/5
kind of spacey, experimental, jazzy. It's alright I guess.
The Chemical Brothers
2/5
thump thump, beep beep, doopity doopity doop...
The Beach Boys
3/5
this is crazy. 8th album and the youngest of the band was still a teenager. Wow. This is pretty cool how orchestral this is vs. the teen pop of their previous hits. You really hear that Phil Specter wall of sound going on. Good album. Still doesn't get a great rating as I'm not in love with the genre but nice to listen to and learn some history of the Beach Boys at the same time.
Elastica
3/5
kind of a one hit wonder but a fun pop-punk album nonetheless.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Another amazing debut album. Never really thought about it much before but as distinctive as Jimi's voice was, it wasn't really that great. He was a guitarist, first and foremost. But he made it work and really crushed this album.
Genesis
2/5
fuck... 70s prog rock, double disc, concept album... why? None of these songs are even a Genesis hit. They have good songs. Why this album? To be fair, I only made it about 6 songs and switched back to listening to Visigoth. But fuck this shit.
Donald Fagen
1/5
3 songs. I made it 3 songs. It was like having nails driven into my skull. What sadistic monster put this album on the list?
Blue Cheer
4/5
Super fuzzy, psychedelic, blues rock. Yeah, this is my jam. This is what this project is about for me: discovering the bands and albums that had huge influence, even if they weren't that commercial successful themselves.
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
What a fun, energetic album. Incredible debut, especially considering the band were pretty much just kids.
Eric Clapton
3/5
kind of bluesy, kind of a country funk, Grateful Dead sound on some of it. Not bad but it wasn't earth shattering
Jungle Brothers
3/5
When it comes to hip hop, this era of jazz influenced, socially-conscious groups is tops for me. I love many of the other Native Tongues groups but have never really listened to the Jungle Brothers for whatever reason. I don't find them to be as compelling as De La, Tribe, or Black Sheep but it was still pretty good.
Paul Simon
1/5
Again, some album that no one has ever heard. Are they picking the most obscure albums from some of the biggest names just to make sure you listen to them? To be fair, early 80s Paul Simon sucks anyway. Muzak with falsetto vocals.
Simon & Garfunkel
2/5
Noooooo... Paul Simon 2 days in a row?? WTF? But to be fair this album is way better than his solo shit from the 80s. Still a lot of folky 60s garbage I could really do without but the mega-hit, Mrs. Robinson, was welcome and there were a couple other tracks I enjoyed.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Man, that riff that starts Cinnamon Girl... The vocals that come in are off-puttingly mild. That said... damn this is a good album. More filthy guitar on Down by the River and Cowgirl in the Sand.
The Smiths
2/5
I feel like Danzig and Morrissey are long lost twins, where one is a total whiny pussy and the other one fucking kicks ass. OK Danzig is kind of a whiny pussy too but at least he croons to metal.
Sarah Vaughan
2/5
I feel like I *should* enjoy this music more than I do. But it's just kind meh for me. I don't love the big band stuff, with the exception of the latin big bands. Her vocal are great but stylistically it doesn't grab me.
Steve Winwood
1/5
oof, that was some bullshit early-80s pop. Yay, Steve, you played all the instruments on this album and it still sucked.
Megadeth
5/5
What a classic. I had this CD when I was 13 or so. It kind of makes me sad that grunge and "alternative" music played such a big role in this genre of music becoming less popular. I was totally one of those kids who absolutely loved metal but within a couple years wasn't really listening to it anymore.
Miles Davis
2/5
Made it through a bit more than the first 20 min. track. I know Miles Davis is talked about like he's the pinnacle of coolness but some people but... I really just don't like jazz.
Björk
4/5
Totally holds up! Love you Björk
Johnny Cash
4/5
Great live album. I generally don't prefer live albums (which is weird because I love going to shows) but this one is fantastic. Not only is the recording really solid but it showcases Cash's magnetic stage presence.
Cat Stevens
2/5
Hmm... the two hits, Wild World and Father and Son, are both decent songs. But in the end this album is pretty tedious.
Beatles
4/5
Wow, this makes me happy. I haven't listened to this album in decades. I used to listen to my dad's vinyl copy over and over as a kid. I still anticipate a skip about 1 min in on "I'm So Tired" where his record was scratched. I wasn't sure if this would hold up for me. In general, I don't love the Beattles. But there is so much to love about this album and it's not all nostalgia. So many of the songs have a heaviness, a gritty, bluesy feeling. Then some are just weird and goofy. It's a really fun album
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
4/5
I've never really explored JSBE. Every once in a while I hear one of their songs and think "damn, why didn't I ever listen to these guys." This whole album was like that.
Jeff Buckley
3/5
I was a nice listen. Obviously heard a few things from the album. I feel like the mystique around Jeff Buckley has less to do with his talent or the quality of this one release and more to do with the fact that he died young and fans are left wondering what he could have been.
Lambchop
2/5
I'm not really sure how to classify this music. IDK, it's not for me.
Miles Davis
2/5
It was ok, not really that cool. I still don't prefer jazz
The Beach Boys
3/5
Some great songs. Sloop John B has been a favorite of mine for years.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
1/5
Man, early 70s prog rock can lick my butthole.
Traffic
1/5
oof.. what is this shit? this can also lick my butthole.
Roni Size
1/5
I knew I'd been served a shit sandwich 3 seconds in. Made it a handful of songs in but the repetitive clicks and pops were giving me a headache so I had to give up.
David Bowie
3/5
Not the best Bowie album I've listened to but some strong Glam Bowie hits in there. Enjoyed
Radiohead
4/5
I don't think this one lives up the their previous album, The Bends, but it is still very solid. These guys are so unique. I really don't know why I've never listened to them all that much... except for the Pablo Honey CD I bought in middle school.
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
Yes! I haven't listened to this in so long. I went through a short blaxploitation film kick in high school that introduced me to 60s/70s soul music. This album is a masterpiece, even if the film really wasn't.
Shack
2/5
As I was listening to this I forgot it was one of my 1001 assignments and said to myself "what the fuck is this?" At which point I knew I was going to give this album a shitty rating...
Brian Eno
2/5
Two Eno albums on here? Really? I feel about the same now as I did before.
The Doors
5/5
Damn this is really great album. A couple stinkers but overall I loved it.
Queen Latifah
4/5
Never really listened to QL before. Definitely a great example of late 80s hip hop. Loving the Prince Paul / KRS One production here. Also pretty cool the feminist lyrics at a time (is that time past yet...?) when hip hop was brutally misogynistic. Glad I got this one
3/5
A name I've known forever but couldn't have named one of her songs. Sounds a lot like Patti Smith (which I later discovered to be her first Fans Also Like artist in spotify. Not my every day listening but I enjoyed it.
King Crimson
2/5
eh... it was ok
Leonard Cohen
3/5
I'm not in the cult of Leonard Cohen but I don't dislike him. This album is interesting and weird. I feel like it's from a David Lynch film or something. I feel like I should give it another listen.
Norah Jones
2/5
I don't actively dislike this music. It's just kind of sleepy and boring. It's what should be on in the background of a dimly lit restaurant. Nothing you actually listen to, it just sets the mood subconsciously.
The Monkees
2/5
it's funny that this is their creative breakout album, where they finally wrestled some creative control away from the producer and played all the instruments for themselves. It's not really fun and it just sounds like any old pop/rock/folk band from 1967. Not all of it is terrible but they really should have just stayed as an boy band with no creative control.
Willie Nelson
3/5
Some classic Willie renditions of even more classic songs. In the end, if I'm listening to Willie I'll take the outlaw cowboy stuff over pop covers. But it was ok.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
IDK if this album was less interesting than Innervisions or if I just wasn't in the mood but it didn't really hook me. Weird that this list has Wonder's 16th AND 17th studio albums. Was that era of his life *really* that important?
Jacques Brel
2/5
French male cabaret singer? Or... IDK. Apparently this guy is a big deal.
Tom Waits
2/5
plodding and grumbly. Sad carnival music maybe? It's like if that HBO show, Carnivale, had a musical talent they would cut away to between scenes, it would be this. OK, that's not totally fair, there are some upbeat songs like "Down down down" but otherwise I guess you really have to pay attention to the lyrics for this to resonate?
UB40
3/5
huh, I didn't know there was a pre Red Red Wine UB40. Not bad. Some chill, reggae vibes. Socially conscious lyrics about being ashamed to be British. Ok UB40, you're alright...
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
gotta love this gritty, bluesy sound. Great album
Motörhead
4/5
hell yeah, this album kicks ass. I've listened to 4 more Motorhead albums today. They're such an interesting band because they really defy categorization with other bands of the time. They got lumped into the NWOBHM but they're just... different. And awesome
Cocteau Twins
3/5
Spacey and etherial. I've never really been a fan but I could see why it might appeal. 3 stars cause it's interesting, even if I don't love it.
Def Leppard
4/5
Proto-butt rock! Sounds like Bon Jovi at times. AC/DC at other times. Throw in a little Motley Crue. This is some serious nostalgia shit right here. It's corny but I love it.
3/5
Kind of hard not to give this a decent review if only for the massive amount of nostalgia around 90% of the songs. And to be fair, there's a lot of cool, interesting stuff going on here.
Aerosmith
3/5
The super hits like Sweet Emotion and Walk this Way are really great songs. There's a reason they're super hits. And Round and Round spoke to me. But the rest was just kind of ok. Not super impressive. This might be the first time I've listened to an Aerosmith album from start to finish.
The Go-Betweens
2/5
Nah... no thanks. 80s brit pop is not for me. I thought maybe I'd have heard the most popular song on this album (also the band's most listened to song overall) and I've never heard it. This band belongs in the dust bin of history.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Love a good murder ballad. Really love a whole record of them. I'm kind of so so on Nick Cave most of the time. Some of his stuff is great, some doesn't really impress. But I had a good time with this album.
Tim Buckley
1/5
Funny, I saw his name and thought \"I know him\" only to realize I don't think I've ever listened to Tim Buckley. Pretty sure I was confusing him with Jeff. Anyway, I have no idea why this guy has a cult following. WTF is this?
The Boo Radleys
2/5
Who? What is this? Meh...
Louis Prima
4/5
oh, I never knew who sang "Just a Gigolo". This is kind of like the cuban big band stuff for me. It's raucous and fun. The musicians are legit. The sound is so big and brassy... and for some reason I never listen to it. I'm dumb.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
It's a good rock album. Some big hits mixed in with some filler. I like Tom Petty but wasn't amazed by this album.
The Beach Boys
2/5
I've never heard a single song from this album. Based on the wiki, this was the Beach Boys attempt to rebrand themselves and be more relevant to the times. At times that feels really forced and ham fisted. At other times the songs are just ok.
Shivkumar Sharma
1/5
LOL, I think all the spotify plays on this album came from the 1001 album generator! I understand this was really important to a lot of people but I couldn't make it very far.
Lorde
3/5
it was an ok pop album
Elbow
3/5
Mellow kind of dreamy, British rock. Not abrasive or challenging in any way but not so vapid and bland as contemporaries like Cold Play. Started stronger than it finished but overall, not bad...
Linkin Park
3/5
Fuck... I guess I kind of enjoyed this. It's not good, but it's pretty catchy. Definitely some guilty pleasure shit. Real time capsule from my early 20s. Not anything I ever listened to then but you really couldn't avoid these guys - their music was everywhere.
New York Dolls
4/5
Cool to hear the very beginnings of punk taking shape. You can hear how the genre progressed from here while at the same time hearing the contemporary glam, hard rock and other sounds.
The Blue Nile
2/5
I can see how they were championed by Peter Gabriel. Kind of bland, synthy, early 80s pop. I swear the editors of 1001 must be predominantly 50-60 something Brits throwing up albums that no one outside of the UK has heard and who have minuscule followings
50 Cent
2/5
Mumbly fucking boring hip hop. And the album just goes on and on.
The Modern Lovers
3/5
this would get higher marks from me if Jonathon Richman's voice wasn't so blah and monotone. He has character and some charisma and isn't the only lead singer with zero range. Kind of an indie-pop Iggy Pop? But it all starts to sound the same. The band is great, I like the songs. But Richman...
Crosby, Stills & Nash
2/5
ehh.. I want to like it but it's harmonizing folk from the 60s. Some of it is decent.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
5/5
God damn, Janis was good. I never knew which of her hits were actually part of Big Brother and the Holding Company vs. solo. But there are some big time classics on this album. And you've got to love this album cover.
The Temptations
5/5
I have never heard any of the songs on this album. Some have less than 100k listens on spotify. For all wiki says about this being a wildly successful album and it earning them a grammy, has this been lost to all but the super fans? Only their previous super hits get play any radio play? Anyway, this is one of those gems I do this for. From the first notes I knew this album would crush it.
Rod Stewart
3/5
Some great songs on this album... and some duds. Not a bad listen
Nitin Sawhney
2/5
Some 90s trip-hop, pop, indian/world music thing. Some of the songs were really great and almost bumped my score up but then some were just painfully bad and pulled it back down again.
Bad Brains
3/5
Another one of those bands on here who I've heard of forever but never listened to. This album is interesting, if you had told me this was some mid-80s proto grunge band from Seattle I would have believed it, based on some of the guitars and vocals. I didn't particularly love the vocals on this one and thought this seemed pretty weak compared to some of their contemporaries. But then I went further back and listened to their first couple albums and realized this one just marked a shift in their sound. It was good but I prefer the earlier stuff a bit better.
James Brown
5/5
oh man... to be at that show. God that would have been fun. For the hardest working man in show biz... this is a pretty short record though. Still amazing.
ABBA
2/5
it's Abba. Talented but not something I can get excited about.
The Everly Brothers
2/5
Early 60's "rock & roll". Hard to hate it because it's so bland and boring. But definitely nothing to love here. A whole bunch of sappy 2 min songs about girls and their pathetic love lives.
R.E.M.
3/5
not bad. I don't dislike REM
Steve Earle
4/5
I love Steve Earle. I don't love every song on this album but it's still a phenomenal debut.
Muddy Waters
4/5
badass blues man. I mean... I wouldn't write a song about having my brand on a woman but you know... different times.
Scott Walker
1/5
IDK what this is, but I don't like it.
Drive-By Truckers
4/5
Love these guys. And a rock opera about the south... hell yeah!
Willie Nelson
3/5
I love how often the wiki says something along the lines of "the label didn't want to release this album..." only to have the album absolutely blow up. Music industry execs clearly suck.
The War On Drugs
3/5
Some chill indie rock. I like this alright. Pretty sure I like their previous stuff better but haven't compared.
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
pretty good indie-rock/americana. Didn't blow me away and I enjoyed some of the spotify mix that came after more than the album. But still, not bad.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
3/5
I don't really understand the importance of this album. Kind of a modern classical thing. Nothing too challenging or impressive. A mellow, easy listen while I was working. Not going to listen to more from these guys but I was ok with the time I spent with them here.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
kinda fun, fuzzy pop. I've never listened to this album but have listened to some of their other stuff. Never really got into them but they're not bad.
Lightning Bolt
1/5
Made it 4 songs. Sorry, "a mix of sheer abuse and welcome diversity, for a truly challenging listening experience" wasn't for me
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Great album. Went on a little long and it's not my favorite Zep album. But still. Really stong.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
They lyricism is great. But it's still just an old man whispering over violin and acoustic guitars.
Green Day
2/5
I always love the idea of a concept/rock opera album. But they never quite live up to the potential. Anyway, this was just background noise for me. Maybe I'd enjoy it more if I listened to the lyrics?
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
4/5
Bonnie Prince is so weird and wonderful. Love this album
k.d. lang
4/5
Wow, this is really cool. Kind of a reverby, female Roy Orbison or something? IDK. I've heard of k.d lang forever but never listened to her stuff. Listened to a few more of her albums and none hit the mark quite like this one.
The Temptations
4/5
Solid early 70s soul.
Madonna
1/5
fucking terrible. Made it 5 songs
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
Kicked off with some really filthy delta blues. I was thinking this was a sure 4, maybe 5. But for all the songs that totally killed it there were others that just devolved into BS late 60s psychedelia and more avant garde stuff. Not that there isn't a place for that. But it make me love the album as much as I thought I would.
Pulp
4/5
OK, usually I don't care for Brit Pop. But this one is really great. I was introduced by a friend who first played me William Shatner's version of Common People and then played me the original.
Everything But The Girl
1/5
Appallingly bad
Bad Company
3/5
Some serious radio hits along with a bunch of decent 70s hard rock. I liked it.
Roxy Music
2/5
I understand that Roxy Music is beloved and hugely influential... but I just can't get behind avant garde art rock. It was ok but not really something I'm interested in
Suede
3/5
Some ok alternative rock / brit-pop. I listened to it yesterday and I honestly can't remember anything about it. Did hate it though
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Jesus, my 3rd Leonard Cohen album. Apparently the editors of this book are in the Cult of Cohen. But really, this is alright. Peaceful acoustic guitar and interesting lyrics.
The Byrds
1/5
ooof... late 60s folk-rock. Nah. I thought I was going to give this 2 stars but as it drug on and I got to Moog Raga I just couldn't take it anymore.
Wire
4/5
Have heard of Wire many many times and never listened. Great punk band. Really enjoyed.
Jethro Tull
3/5
So much rock 'n' roll flute going on here. Some of the songs are pretty rocking. Some are just ok.
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
I think I still have this CD lying around somewhere. This is just a fun, raucous, legit rock n roll album. Such a great album and great debut.
Muddy Waters
4/5
gotta love Muddy
The Zombies
2/5
harmonizing 60s folk pop, psychedelic stuff. Feels like a cheap Beattles rip off at times.
Country Joe & The Fish
4/5
used to listen to my dad's Country Joe records when I was a kid, though I'd never heard this one. Not in love with all the songs but the bluesy psychedelic thing is pretty great.
The Isley Brothers
3/5
Man, I usually get more into the early 70s soul but these guys were clearly heading down a more pop-soul path that got real ugly by the end of the decade. It's not bad, it's just not as good as some of their contemporaries.
Beck
4/5
Beck's sad, breakup, singer-songwriter album! I haven't listened to this one in a long time and forgot how good it is.
The Band
4/5
Of the music from this era, this country/funk/rock/psychedelic (or whatever you'd classify The Band as) really only gets topped by Soul music. This was a solid album.
Beastie Boys
4/5
Well that's a fun album. A lot of nostalgia there. I probably still have that CD kicking around somewhere.
Stevie Wonder
2/5
Jesus, I already had his 16th and 17th studio albums and now I'm getting his 15th? Someone working on 1001 had a real hard on for Stevie Wonder. Yeah yeah, he was a big deal and forever changed soul music but come on. Most of these songs put me to sleep. "Superstition" is a super hit for a reason. "Big Brother" was pretty good. But they don't make up for the rest of the album.
Joan Armatrading
3/5
Talented singer/songwriter I've never heard of before. Some of these songs could be mistaken for being a part of the late 80s/ early 90s Lilith Fair crop of female singer/songwriters. Doesn't necessarily all feel like it's from the mid-70s.
The Human League
4/5
I didn't think I was going to enjoy this all that much but this synthy, new wave shit is pretty fun. "Don't You Want Me" is the big hit for a reason. What a jam. The first couple songs I kept thinking, if it weren't for Kraftwerk...
Sam Cooke
4/5
you know I'm a sucker for old school soul. And a live album to boot
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
yowza! Those are some short songs! This was ok. Kind of fun to listen to some oldies. Pop music has always been vapid. This was no different. But Buddy Holly had a decent sound
Beastie Boys
5/5
A classic. Sure some of the themes haven't aged well and the Beasties have even apologized for them. But what a gem.
PJ Harvey
3/5
It's a pretty good album. I haven't spent much time listening to PJ Harvey before. I wasn't in love here but I could see giving her more listens
Massive Attack
3/5
I don't love that early 90s electronica/trip hop but some of it is pretty good. This is ok
Eurythmics
4/5
damn, this was good. Pretty sure the only song I'd heard on here was "Sweet Dreams" but the whole album was really strong
Joy Division
3/5
wow, I didn't know Joy Division only put out 2 albums before their singer killed himself. This is interesting. I can't say I love it and at times the tin can production on the vocals just annoys me... but it's unique and somewhat peaceful
Jerry Lee Lewis
4/5
kick ass live musician. Terrible human but whatever.
Bob Dylan
3/5
It's Bob Dylan. Some good stuff, some mumbly stuff. 3.5
Malcolm McLaren
2/5
interesting. I thought I was going to hate it but it was ok
Megadeth
4/5
Not my favorite Megadeth album but still pretty rad.
Duran Duran
4/5
why am I loving all this 80s new wave/pop stuff so much? My 80s pop soft spot is really starting to show through this 1001 project
Fiona Apple
3/5
Pretty good. I might go back and listen to more Fiona Apple now. Weird this was chosen as the FA album you need to listen to but sure, whatever.
meh... it's U2
Beach House
2/5
Kind of a mellower Band of Horses vibe. Maybe a bit of Lord Huron at moments. But not quite as good. Has that dreamy, echoey, psychedelic feel. This is one of those bands I've heard mentioned or played on KEXP a million times over the years but couldn't name one of their songs. Kind of background music for me
Nas
4/5
it's a solid early-90s, NY hiphop album. IDK if it deserves the classic of the genre status it holds but it's pretty great.
Chicago
3/5
Some fun, toe tapping songs. A lot of stuff that sounds like some real white guy soul. Great musicianship. Overall not a bad album to start the day to.
Def Leppard
3/5
I thought this would be some fun nostalgia (and on some songs it was) but really... this band kind of sucks. Having a one armed drummer whose beats are, understandably, simplistic didn't help them. 3 is pretty generous.
Public Enemy
3/5
I enjoyed this album and the themes Public Enemy tackles are so much better than a LOT of their contemporaries. In the end I've never been incredibly into their delivery.
The Replacements
4/5
Another one of those bands whose name I know and who have a few songs that I'm familiar with but don't really know them all that well. I enjoyed this. Went back and listened to their earlier, more punk stuff. As much as I think I prefer that, it shows how, on this record, the band is growing trying new things, stylistically.
Sepultura
2/5
guttural screamy metal isn't really my fav. I used to love these guys when i was a kid but now, I can really pass on them.
Leftfield
2/5
EDM...blerrgg
Television
3/5
some kind hipster, indie music from the 70s. Sounds a lot like some bands from now but I can't put my finger on who. Anyway, it wasn't too bad.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Jesus. Fucking. Christ. I've had his 15th, 16th, 17th... and now 18th studio album. Seriously? Out of the millions of albums in the world Stevie's streak of 4 albums (or is it more?? Am I going to get his 19th and 20th too??) released in his early 20s are somehow in the top 1001? This project is fun but the more shit like this happens the more I think that book is trash.
On to the album review... it was ok. Some great songs. Drug on a bit longer than necessary. Starts to all blur together, with the exception of some of the bigger hits.
Nanci Griffith
2/5
Who? There are so many better country music female vocalists we could be celebrating on this list.
Beatles
3/5
Kinda fun, jangly 60s pop. Definitely a number of mega hits
Pixies
4/5
Pixies are a hard one to place, stylistically. Great album
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
it was good. Not as good as the first but still pretty rad
Donovan
3/5
Donovan has some really sick songs. A couple of his super-hits are on this album and they're great. But unfortunately, a lot of the fill in between is a bunch of annoying mid-60s hippy shit with flutes and sitars. Not that it's all bad, just not great. I wanted to give this album a higher score.
Public Enemy
4/5
Wow, a 3rd Public Enemy album. I mean, I know they're influential but there are a LOT of other hip hop acts that were hugely influential. But... that album is pretty rad.
Kate Bush
4/5
Had some friends tell me I should go back and give Kate Bush a listen a couple years ago. Then Cloudbursting was used in an episode of The Handmaid's Tale and I finally listened to this album and was really digging it. Then the whole Stranger Things thing happened and it blew the fuck up. Glad she got a bunch of new fans. She deserves them.
The Prodigy
3/5
oh man, I probably still have this CD in a big ass case logic filled with all the music I bought in middle and high school. I loved these guys. Saw them at least once at a festival. In general, this genre really doesn't hold up well for me but this album and band have so much nostalgia I have to give it a decent score. I find myself "singing" along to the boops and beeps
Bee Gees
2/5
oof... a Bee Gees concept album from when they were a 60s folk band? Nahh. Didn't make it through.
Beatles
3/5
early 60s pop. Better than most... but still early 60s pop....
Thin Lizzy
3/5
pretty good 70s era hard rock. I find myself hearing a lot of this in bands listen to now that are going for that throwback sound
Sleater-Kinney
4/5
oh man, Sleater-Kinney... I remember working at a film post-production facility in Seattle in the early 2000s. Almost all my co-workers were uber hipsters (mostly great people but committed to the hipster/filmmaker lifestyle). My boss absolutely worshipped Sleater-Kinney. He was my least favorite person there and maybe colored my impression of them. It's been 20 years so maybe I can give them a fair shake now.... Not bad
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
LOVE this album
Jane's Addiction
4/5
Great album all the way through. I never really listened to this one before (outside of the radio hits) as it came out when I was a bit too young. I had some of their later albums though.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
cool album. I was introduced to this from Heroin being on The Doors movie soundtrack. Can definitely see how ahead of the times they were.
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
Oh man, another one of the bands I got introduced to by my awesome, music loving, hipster co-workers in the early 2000s. This used to be on heavy rotation in the office. Love the lush sound - the strings, horns, unique and peaceful vocals. Great album
Elliott Smith
4/5
He was pretty great. RIP
Ramones
5/5
Awesome debut. Infectiously fun, uptempo album.
Napalm Death
2/5
There's some of this that I really like but I can't stand vocals like this. Very torn between a 1 and a 2.
Jamiroquai
4/5
ah another blast from the past. Pretty sure I have this CD still. This was the jam in the summer of 93 or 94. Which is funny because, otherwise, I was totally into alt-rock, grunge, metal at the time.
Now that I've listened to SO MUCH Stevie Wonder through 1001 it's unmistakable the amount of influence he had on Jamiroquai. This album is really timeless. Great funky grooves!
Amy Winehouse
4/5
oh Amy, why'd you have to do it?
The Young Rascals
3/5
Decent 60s white guy soul. That album art is atrocious though
Radiohead
3/5
It was good, but at the end of the day it just felt like any other Radiohead album. I know it was a big deal that they self-released this album as a pay-what-you-can model, which was really historic. But that doesn't make this album any more important, musically, than their others. They have better.
Beatles
2/5
ok, after a long hiatus I'm back on it. Saw this Beatles album and had a hard time starting back up. It's not that I hate 60s bubble gum pop but it's just really hard to get excited about. There are some good songs here but still.
Richard Thompson
2/5
Well, that whole album just played thru and I don't think I heard a single thing that sparked my interest. Masterpiece huh?
Hüsker Dü
3/5
Never really listened to these guys before. Spotify bio compares them to their contemporaries REM. I think there's a reason only one of them blew up... they sounds pretty much the same. Two men enter, one man leaves.
David Bowie
3/5
it was a good bowie album. Had some of his 80s, Labyrinth vibe in it. It's only on here cause he died right after it released though.
R.E.M.
3/5
And speaking of REM... weird. Not bad and probably not their only album on here so I won't say "that other album should be here". Oh wait, I just checked and I've reviewed them twice. Anyway, I still don't hate them but I'll never turn them on proactively.
The Offspring
4/5
What a great album. I know these guys are more mainstream, pop-punk than a legit punk band but I don't care. This one is fun from beginning to end.
Steely Dan
1/5
gawd this is terrible. I thought these guys were good. Maybe just a couple of good hits? Not sure I can finish...
Neu!
4/5
I didn't know what to expect here but this seemed really ahead of its time. Enjoyed
3/5
The older I get the less interested I am in Bob Dylan. This was ok but a 2 disc live album definitely starts to drag.
Booker T. & The MG's
4/5
So. Much. Organ.
Various Artists
5/5
Maybe it's cause I'm still in the Christmas spirit. Maybe it's cause I've had to listen to a shit ton of really bad Christmas music the last month. Or maybe it cause Phil Spector is a genius. But damn this album deserves this score.
The B-52's
4/5
Another one of those bands I've never listened to a full album from. These guys were awesome. So weird yet fun and approachable. Great debut
The Velvet Underground
2/5
I want to like The Velvet Underground and there are elements of their music that I really enjoy. I can see how they inspired so many things to come. But it also drags for me and I can't wait for it to be over.
The Afghan Whigs
3/5
I really want to like Afghan Wigs more than I do. They've got that early 90s indie rock sound that's maybe just a bit too whiny for me? IDK. They're good and I enjoyed this record but didn't love it.
Brian Eno
2/5
Here I am writing the review 3 days after I listened and I don't really remember what I listened to. That can't be good.
Marty Robbins
3/5
I don't love Marty Robbins' delivery - his voice is a little too polished or something for me. But damn, there are some amazing story songs here.
Elis Regina
1/5
I really want to give this a chance. I've bitched plenty that this list is clearly the work of UK and US critics elevating British and American bands at the expense of so many acts from around the world. I also get that this woman was a really big deal in Brazil. But damn... it's just some obnoxious synthy, disco-era sounding, smooth jazz, pop.
Raekwon
4/5
I don't listen to a lot of hip hop, but when I do... I want it to be hip hop like this. Love this era. Whether it's the more socially conscious stuff like Tribe or street-wise Wu it's just too damn good.
boom
Justice
4/5
I don't listen to a whole lot of electronic dance music. I was only vaguely aware of who Justice were. But damn... this is really fun stuff. These guys are great!
Fred Neil
3/5
I had a bit of trepidation going into this. Mid-60s folk/rock act... sheesh, those usually do nothing for me. But this guy is really a lot more country/blues than folk. I think Sweet Cocaine was my favorite. Solid album.
Elton John
4/5
Never listened to a full Elton John album before this project. He's really an incredible musician and pretty much all his songs are catchy. I thought I'd only heard his super hits but then you listen to an album and they're ALL super hits LOL
Gang Of Four
3/5
some cool punk-ish British music. I liked it alright.
Paul Simon
3/5
whoa, I have that exact same parka Paul Simon is wearing on the album cover. I stole it from a thrift store when I was 16 and, while I haven't worn it regularly in about 20 years, I can't bear to get rid of such a rad parka. That's all I have to say about this album.
ok, Me and Julio is a pretty great song.
Saint Etienne
2/5
I'm sure they were wildly influential on the genre. But not on me.
Orbital
1/5
Early 90s British dance/electronica with sitars and didgeridoos and shit. Woo fun. I swear this list was made by a bunch of 50-something Brits who came of age listening to this garbage.
Van Halen
3/5
After a couple of British electronic/dance albums, this was a bit of a palette cleanser, even if I've never been the biggest VH fan. And yeah, this album is ok but it's certainly not the best example of rock in the early/mid 80s whether or not you think Van Halen are rock gods.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
2/5
Sure, Relax is pretty good, classic 80s song about sucking dick that has a lot of nostalgic value. I enjoyed that. But the title track is a painfully long 13:40 and it's chock full of barely passable covers. I've been really into some of the stuff I got from this era but Frankie didn't really do it for me.
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
I didn't realize that bad ass soul music like this was still getting made this far into the 70s. Curtis Mayfield is a fucking national treasure.
Arcade Fire
4/5
Solid indie rock album. Takes me back.
Gary Numan
4/5
when I saw this I was like "Gary who?" But as soon as I realized it was the Cars guy I was pretty stoked. This was a fun album. Love that synth pop, new wavey stuff and have never heard any of Numan's other work.
Bert Jansch
2/5
gaaaahhhh... mid-60s folk. Noooooo
Small Faces
3/5
Never heard of these guys before. Some decent 60s psych rock. Songs like The Hungry Intruder and The Journey were solid.
Joni Mitchell
1/5
god that was terrible. I may never get a boner again.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Alright, Marvin Gaye is legend. Dude has some amazing songs. But this doesn't really scratch that soul itch for me. It's late enough in the 70s that good soul has been replaced with smooth jazz. Compare this to \"Let's Get it On\" and you can hear the soul slipping away. Still... better than a kick in the balls.
The Flaming Lips
5/5
Such a weird, fun, unique album. Really a slice of my past. I still have that CD floating around here somewhere. I was totally one of those people who had never heard Flaming Lips before this album, even though it was their 10th and absolutely fell in love
The Specials
4/5
When I hear \"ska\" I kind of roll my eyes but I think that's the unfortunate effect of bands like the Cherry Poppin Daddies. This shit is good. Like really good.
JAY Z
3/5
I always kind of groan when I hear Jay Z. He seems too over-hyped, too mainstream, too... whatever. And he is. But I also kind of like his voice and a lot of the beats are great. But the content of his music is just kind of blah. There's way better hip hop out there but for some reason he's this godfather in the genre. I don't get it.
Ananda Shankar
3/5
some sitar covers of known rock song. Not a bad way to start my day but nothing I'm going to seek out.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
It's alright I guess. Bruce is good but this is a bit too piano heavy for me. Seems like he's going for more of an American Elton thing here. I like his dark stuff like Nebraska and Ghost of Tom Joad better
Elton John
4/5
Starts off like a visit to the Korova Milk Bar and then turns into a who's who list of Elton John hits. This is a really great album
Milton Nascimento
2/5
kinda jazzy, folky Brazilian music from the 70s. Meh
Haircut 100
2/5
I was kind of stoked for an 80s new wave band I'd never heard before. And then the sax started... and just. wouldn't. stop. Not the new wave that appeals to me.
David Gray
2/5
I feel like I used to have one of his albums. Listening now, it feels kind of dated. Not super impressed.
Dire Straits
3/5
Not bad.
The Clash
4/5
great album.
Rahul Dev Burman
3/5
this one was definitely fun at times.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
Jesus, this is good. I've obviously heard like 90% of these songs on their own since pretty much everything on this album is a super hit. But damn, this is one solid album. Also love that these guys from the East Bay were making such dirty swamp rock.
Youssou N'Dour
2/5
LOL, I complain that this list is too US/UK-centric but then I get a little world music and I'm like "meh..."
The Gun Club
3/5
I like this. Never listened to these guys before
The Mars Volta
3/5
I like these guys but the vocals are bit too discordant for me to love them
Julian Cope
2/5
there's some stuff in here that was really enjoyable but it was kind of all over the map. Eventually I got tired of it and wanted it to be done
Simply Red
1/5
Good I hate 80s "soul" music. It's fucking soulless. I'd forgotten their one hit, Holding Backing the Years. Not that I knew it was this band's song, just have a vague recollection of the song. It's ok, I guess
Madness
2/5
Through half this album I kept thinking, what is this boring, Beatles influenced 80s schlock. Then it got to Our House and it was like, ok, I get why this is on here, it's a great song and a classic. But the rest...? Nah. And the white dude in black face on the album cover.. Ouch
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
Shades of high school here. Pretty sure I have this CD laying around somewhere. This genre of music didn't age well for me. It was decent background music to work to but nothing I'm ever going to throw on.
Funkadelic
4/5
This shit was good. I've always conflated Funkadelic with Parliament and didn't realize they were different. Really loved this bluesy rock
The Flying Burrito Brothers
2/5
If nothing else these guys bring it with the band and album names. But I couldn't really get that into this album. *shrug*
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
There are some amazing classics on here. You Be Illin' is so good. But, throughout, I just could shake the thought that this just feels like such a relic. It has a sound that clearly comes from the early to mid 80s. Hip hop got much better just a few years later. But all in all, a fun album
Radiohead
4/5
Great album from the 90s. Radiohead are so good, so different, so unique. Almost amazing they became radio stars.
Spacemen 3
3/5
I do enjoy some fuzzy, psych rock. This didn't all hit for me but stuff like Suicide was very enjoyable.
George Harrison
2/5
man, that got kind of boring.
Metallica
4/5
the album we all love to hate. OK, it sucks compared to their earlier stuff. But it's still some great metal.
Dizzee Rascal
1/5
First track, "what the fuck is this?"
Second track, "ouch, I'm getting a headache"
Third track, "ok, this dude's rapping is pretty good but why is he banging on pots in the background"
Forth track, started skipping
Jesus... there are 15 tracks on here? FML
Bob Dylan
4/5
I kind of rolled my eyes when I got Bob Dylan. Thought I was over him. But this was a really fun album that I'm glad I got
Joy Division
4/5
I'm in a good mood today. IDK if I typically give this a 4 but it just felt right this morning. So sad this band ended so soon but at least they spawned another great band.
John Coltrane
2/5
I know everyone thinks John Coltrane is like the coolest thing ever (or at least used to). But man, jazz is just not my thing.
Big Black
4/5
Nice! I've never listened to Albini's early stuff. This is is pretty great. You can hear a lot of the Shellac that was yet to come. Also hear influences like Ministry (... or did this influence Ministry??). Anyway, good fun.
Deerhunter
3/5
IDK, I guess it was ok. I've already forgotten what it sounded like though.
The Jam
2/5
That's Entertainment is a pretty good song from the era but the rest of the album is just kind of a blur. Not sure if there was anything worthwhile, nothing caught my ear
Garbage
3/5
Another one that takes me back to high school. Flashbacks to 107.7 The End cranking from the boom box while I cooked pizzas in Paisano's. Was never one of those bands I sought out but when they're on they're enjoyable.
Bauhaus
2/5
ehh.. ok I guess
The Go-Go's
4/5
this album is great. I'm really loving the 80s new wave, post-punk stuff I've been getting. All bands I've heard but never listened to full albums in their entirety
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
Come on Eileen is a great song and some of the other tracks on here had a similar energy. But it wasn't as tight as I hoped it would be or live up to that one hit.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Such a great parting album. Excellent production. He's old here and his voice isn't its strongest but it's really a beautiful thing
Slint
2/5
that one fell pretty flat for me.
Metallica
1/5
What? The? Fuck? I made it four songs into this 2h 13m disaster and had to switch over to Kill 'Em All to cleanse that shit sandwich from my palette. What an abortion. You'd have to be into S&M to subject yourself to this in its entirety. It felt like some real self-congratulatory bullshit. "Look how big and famous and special we are. We can play with the SF Orchestra now." Eat a dick, Metallica.
Oh and meanwhile, they were suing kids for downloading their songs from Napster. Dicks.
Amy Winehouse
5/5
Such a great album and a terrible loss.
The Fall
3/5
some early punk I'd never heard of before. Not bad
Deep Purple
3/5
I didn't know Highway Star was Deep Purple. That song is a jam! Some serious Dazed and Confused nostalgia there. Their biggest hit, Smoke on the Water, is ok. The rest of the album is pretty good.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
1/5
I read the wiki description as the first few seconds of pipe organ played and thought, "fuck me, this is going to be a train wreck."... And it was. IDK how I managed to finish this. I guess I got sucked into my morning emails enough that I just tuned it out. God I hate early 70s prog rock. It's just terrible.
Ray Charles
2/5
it was not my favorite Ray Charles. The orchestral background and the backup vocalists really didn't do it for me. Was excited to hear his take on country and western but then he was just cover songs from that genre and making them his own, not actually playing C&W. Not that making a song your own is a bad thing, it just didn't really click for me.
Lenny Kravitz
3/5
that was alright. Some good r&b sound. Never heard any pre-Are you gonna go my way Kravitz
CHIC
3/5
ok, not all late-70s disco, R&B, funk is bad. This is some funky shit
Les Rythmes Digitales
2/5
definitely one of those albums that I was happy to see more than half the songs weren't available on spotify. Oh darn...
Jurassic 5
4/5
Ah man, this is like a nostalgia punch in the gut. I remember buying this CD at Ameba Records when I working in LA for a couple months around 2002 or 2003. Driving around in sunny LA jamming to J5. Love the beats, the vitality, the positivity. Great hip hop record
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
I generally don't like live albums with 20 min long noodly versions of songs. But this album was pretty rad.
3/5
I never understood the allure of this band. Their shit really feels paint by the numbers. There were so many better bands in that era but somehow they rose to the top. That's not to say they're bad. Just kind of meh...
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
1/5
OK, I know I've bitched about the anglocentricity of this whole project. So I shouldn't complain too much when they branch out to something different. But damn, this sucks.
David Holmes
3/5
Pleasantly surprised. Expected some bullshit but enjoyed this.
Hot Chip
2/5
I'm not saying there's no room in my heart for electro pop. One of Hot Chip's "Fans also like" in spotify is LCD Soundsystem, who I really enjoy. But this.... not so much.
Sepultura
5/5
fuck yes. Rocking so goddamn hard. Drums like machine guns. Guitars rip. Loved this
Supergrass
3/5
It was alright, I guess. Got kind of bored.
Arcade Fire
4/5
this is a great indie-rock album. Really takes me back to my early/mid-20s.
I like Rod Stewart alright. This had some redeeming moments.
Koffi Olomide
1/5
nope
Buck Owens
4/5
Not my favorite style of old school country but this guy is pretty rad.
Parliament
4/5
So god damn funky!
Dire Straits
3/5
And the hits just keep coming! Wow, this album has some classics of the era. And some dog shiiiiiit, through the middle (Your Latest Trick, Why Worry?, Ride Across the River). Enough winners here that I enjoyed it but could have scored better if they'd trimmed a bit of fat.
Kid Rock
1/5
I just can't. I mean, Kid Rock was bad enough. But after the whole "I'm going to go full MAGA and shoot up cans of Bud Light with an AR" thing... I just can't.
Mylo
2/5
Weird... UK House on this list? Who would have expected? For a second there I was like "ok... I work with this." But after about 6 tracks I had to duck out. Just not my cup of tea
The Rolling Stones
5/5
So torn between a 4 and a 5 here. It's like a 4.5 for me but I'll round up.
Sex Pistols
5/5
hell yeah, this is such a fun record. I still have this CD kicking around somewhere. I remember doing an 16mm found footage montage to Anarchy in the UK in college with bombs dropping on buildings. Wish I still had that.
Björk
3/5
so very Bjork. Weird and quirky. Not my favorite of hers but still fun to listen to after a long time.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
4/5
For the first few seconds I thought this was going to be shitty, latin disco. But turned out to be a really great album.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
IDK if I've ever listened to this album. I think all my Bob Marley listening was Legend. This was a great record.
Nirvana
3/5
another big nostalgia record. So many songs on here that I'd never heard prior to this album and, when I hear the originals, think sound weird.
Van Morrison
2/5
it starts out really good but then after bit you realize every song starts to sound exactly the same. The guy is incredibly talented but it got tedious.
Gene Clark
2/5
meh, should have left it to the dust bins of obscurity
Michael Jackson
4/5
classic
Flamin' Groovies
4/5
ok, this is what this project is all about. I've heard the name but never listened to this band. And they're great.
Depeche Mode
3/5
interesting, I thought that Depeche Mode had been international stars years earlier, in the mid 80s. The hit singles, Personal Jesus, Enjoy the Silence, Policy of Truth are all great songs. The rest was kinda meh... 3 star for those good songs but it really deserves a 2.5
George Michael
4/5
Holy shit, I've been transported back to the skate deck and I'm 9 years old! I love this. Spent most of the rest of the day listening to 80s classics
The Sabres Of Paradise
1/5
whyyyyyyy???
Shuggie Otis
2/5
man, I was so looking forward to this but it's kind of... boring. Smooth jazz meets soul/funk. Strawberry Letter 23 is still a jam but the rest of the album is just ok.
Prefab Sprout
2/5
Suuuuuuucks
Rage Against The Machine
4/5
Man this is great. Especially considering it's their debut. Incredible.
Devendra Banhart
3/5
I've heard this name before. Probably heard him a bunch of times on KEXP or something. This was alright. Kind of unremarkable, spacey indie folk. Not sure how it ended up on this list. Didn't dislike it though.
The Kinks
2/5
"baroque pop"...? British invasion pop has become less and less appealing to me as I grow older. There are some good songs on here but this Beatles-esqe, harmonizing pop isn't my favorite genre.
Robbie Williams
2/5
OK, I was thinking "maybe I've heard the name 'Robbie William' but not totally sure." Definitely have never heard of his original band, Take That. Chalk it up to the hard-on for UK bands, maybe it'll be good.... Yeah, no. I saw that Angels had 420M plays on spotify so I figured I'd surely heard this guy. Nope. And god damn, the poppy stuff was so boring and derivative and then Angels was his slow ballad that just sounded like a really poor Elton John impression.
Rush
3/5
In the past I've been so so on Rush. Geddy Lee's voice never did it for me. But maybe my tastes are changing or maybe I just needed to listen this album. IDK but it was pretty solid.
Dead Kennedys
4/5
I love a lot of the songs on this album. Jello can be an acquired taste and I get why so many people can't stand him. TBH, I liked a lot of the mix that spotify played after this album more than this but it's still a fun one. Glad it's on this list. Definitely happy to get this after that Robbie Williams bullshit.
Talking Heads
3/5
Like I said last time, kind of a weird genre of music I can't quite put my finger on, can't quite love, but enjoy and respect their talent.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
I liked it. Neil Young may have a bit of a whiney voice but I'm into that.
Germs
5/5
YES! I've never heard this band but was so nice to get some legit punk on here.
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
This is one of those "I've heard of this band but what songs do they do.... oh *that* song, heard that one." Mr. Soul is a jam. Wish all the songs were that good. Some decent stuff. Some dog shit, like Sad Memory. Kind of a 2.5 for me but I'll be generous.
Badly Drawn Boy
3/5
Background music. Nothing to merit being on this list.
Isaac Hayes
4/5
Phil Spector: Check out this "Wall of Sound" I created
Isaac Hayes: Hold my beer...
would probably give this a 5 if it weren't for stuff like Ellie's Love or Cafe Regio's. To be fair, it's a movie soundtrack and not every scene could be Shaft kicking ass. I did want to love it more than I did.
Pink Floyd
3/5
It's a good album. I don't get a raging hard on for Pink Floyd like so many do but I don't complain when they come on.
Pavement
3/5
Kinda jangly and whiney and annoying at times. But decent at other times. IDK what to think of Pavement. I don't hate them but I definitely don't like them. They're like a 2.5 but I'll give them the 3 here.
Goldfrapp
4/5
Damn this is so good. Never heard this album before. IDK how you even classify Goldfrapp. Like 40s lounge singer, meets Bjork, meets Air, meets Phantomas? IDK. It's great though and pretty different from the stuff of theirs that I knew.
Pixies
4/5
This album is really great. Pixies were one of those bands I heard up growing up but had just missed - instead listening to their later projects like the Breeders. I was really introduced to them around 2000 and kind of shrugged my shoulders at it. But in the last 20+ years I've really come to see how incredible they were.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
1/5
God, I didn't expect much but this was even worse than expected. Why did anyone get excited about this guy?
Don McLean
2/5
oh man, I thought this was going to be good. But now I realize Don McLean was just another 60s/70s folk singer who would have been lost to the dustbin of history if it weren't for one super hit. And on re-listening to American Pie for the first time in many years, it's catchy but McLean's singing voice is still annoying.
The Darkness
3/5
There's some of this that I love so much but I've never been able to really get into The Darkness. The lead singer's voice is just a little too much. It's like he's shooting for opera or something. They're good but it doesn't quite hit the mark for me.
Everything But The Girl
2/5
At first I thought this might have a bit of a Portishead vibe but I just didn't get there. Not bad but it didn't really do it for me
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
Haven't listened to these guys in a while. This is such a unique and interesting band. They strike me as like the Wes Anderson of music. IDK why.
The The
2/5
The genre "post-punk" always gets me. I'm like "ooh good, some punk" and then there's nothing punk rock about the album, because it's POST punk. This is one of those bands I've heard of but never listened to. I didn't listen very hard. I can't even remember what it sounded like now.
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
I'm not sure if this is a 3 or a 4 for me but it was a pretty solid album. Leaning generous and going 4
Gillian Welch
4/5
Here's another name I've heard a million times but never listened to. Some really great bluegrass, singer-songwriter stuff here. Will listen to more.
Bob Dylan
4/5
I keep finding my interest in Dylan waning. I see his name here and it feels like it's going to be a chore. But then I listen and really enjoy the album. This one was a record my dad had when I was a kid. I remember this album art very clearly.
Nick Drake
3/5
I'm not a big fan of 60s folk but do really enjoy Nick Drake. This album did drag a bit for me but still was enjoyable.
Duke Ellington
3/5
ok, 2 hours of big band jazz is too much. But, while this isn't really my favorite, it wasn't a bad listen.
D'Angelo
3/5
I really didn't want to listen to this. This came out when I was in high school and I hated R&B at that time. I still think most of the R&B after the mid-70s blows but this definitely shows the influences of previous generations. The synthy backing tracks are pretty weak shit still but I actually kind of enjoyed this
4/5
DEVO!! More proof that late 70s/early 80s new wave is some sick shit!
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
damn, I had no idea that was a 2 hour double album. I used to hate the smashing pumpkins or at least I loved to make fun of Billy and his whiney voice. But as I've gotten older they've grown on me. IDK if it's just a nostalgia thing or my tastes have changed. But I do enjoy them. This album was WAY overly long and started to feel like a real chore but there are some great songs on here and it was a good listen
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
2/5
fuck, stop trying to cram some bullshit UK artist no one has ever heard of down my throat. This dude's sad, jazzy-synth, world music was not something I needed to listen to before I died
Roxy Music
2/5
One of these bands that are cool to love but I just can't get into
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
good stuff. I thought these guys were more of a 90s band but I guess Just Like Honey had staying power and we still listening to it in the 90s
The United States Of America
3/5
this had its moments. Some interesting stuff. Some cool 60s psychedelia. Some lame 60s hippy shit. Overall, decent.
Tom Waits
2/5
jesus, all these little comedic interludes are annoying as fuck. This album is somewhat interesting but his "Intros" make it really hard for me to listen. He seems way too convinced he's really clever and funny. But by the end, even with skipping the intros, his mumbly grumbly voice and delivery had me ready to skip to the end.
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
pretty good stuff. Not a genre I ever choose to listen to so it was worth the time.
a-ha
3/5
I was hoping more of the songs would bang as hard as Take on Me but no such luck. Pretty meh 80s new wave album otherwise. Generous 3 here.
Black Flag
5/5
fuck yeah, this is how you start a Monday morning. I have never listened to this album in full but know so many of the songs. First heard some of them as a little dude watching Repo Man. This a great
Sigur Rós
4/5
I listened to their first album before this one since the wiki noted the huge departure from the first to the second album. And wow, they really did make a huge change. And for the better. This band is so unique. Dreamy and etherial. No one like them.
Syd Barrett
2/5
Musician from famous band strikes out on his own and records a solo album that you must listen to before you die! Even though nothing about that album is particularly interesting
Dirty Projectors
3/5
One of those bands I've heard the name of for over a decade and probably heard them on KEXP a bunch of times but could name one of their songs. Definitely has an aughts indie-rock sound. Not bad.
Jazmine Sullivan
2/5
Good for what it is. But what it is isn't a genre I can get that excited about.
Peter Gabriel
2/5
meh. One big hit and a bunch of... something
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
Fun 70s rock album
Dennis Wilson
4/5
Wow, very pleasantly surprised by this album. Kind of thought it would be something silly coming from a former Beach Boy but I hear his influence in so many future artists here. Very enjoyable
The National
4/5
these guys are pretty great. I should listen to them more
The Streets
3/5
I really like this in small doses. The beats are great, the rapping is unique. But after a little while it starts getting tedious for me.
Pink Floyd
4/5
IDK why but I enjoyed this much more than Dark Side of the Moon. Maybe it's cause I got high and watched Laser Floyd so many times as a kid. Or maybe cause it's a great album.
TLC
3/5
totally not something I would ever have listened to at the time but give it 30 years and this is a pretty fun album for me.
Cocteau Twins
2/5
For the first song I was kind of hopeful this might be a Cocteau Twins album I'd enjoy. Almost felt a little new wavey. But nope, I'm still not a fan.
Adele
5/5
Goddamn she's got a voice
Merle Haggard
3/5
This feel kind of like proto-Outlaw Country. Stuff like Skid Row is the raucous stuff I love. Some of it is a bit too mellow or sappy. But Merle is still great.
Songhoy Blues
4/5
Heard about these guys - and the desert blues genre - for the first time a few years ago. Love the style. Love their sound. This is a great debut album.
MGMT
4/5
This is such a great album. Poppy without being saccharine. Very enjoyable.
Nirvana
5/5
I don't think there's any way I can rate this album objectively. Would I give it the same rating if I'd never heard it before? Probably not. But this was such a MASSIVE part of my life. I remember my friend saying he wanted it for his 13th b-day and not being able to remember the band's name. Then this became the soundtrack to my middle school years (including a now embarrassing talent show lip sync of Smells Like Teen Spirit that involved smashing our fake drums and guitars). Regardless of how my tastes have changed over the years or whether this genre still speaks to me like it did then, I can't help but get into pretty much every song on there.
Circle Jerks
4/5
fucking love this old school hardcore punk. Was introduced to this watching Repo Man as a young lad. IDK why I didn't listen to it more when I was a teen
The Undertones
3/5
not bad. kinda early pop-punk. I know their big hits, which aren't on this album, so I'm curious why this album made the list.
Fairport Convention
3/5
I went into this with some trepidation when I saw "British folk rock". And while I'm not super into the vocalist's traditional folk-style vocals a lot of the time, I do love the mix of rock and traditional music from the backing band.
AC/DC
4/5
Just a kick ass rock and roll album
Van Halen
4/5
I'd say this is more of a 3.5 than a 4 for me but this proto-butt rock is still a really fun jam.
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
YES! OK, love the more socially conscious hip hop from the same era (maybe a little bit earlier). But this is just hip hop at its finest
Mj Cole
1/5
Arrgghh... a 2hr+ british house dj album. No fucking way I'm listening to this whole thing. You know it's going to be good when the second album of the double album only has 1 song that's cracked 100k plays on spotify. Did all these beats come from a Casio keyboard?? What is this? Made it about 10 tracks with frequent skipping. Albums like this really kill the credibility of that book.
Happy Mondays
2/5
Pretty sure I've heard of this band but never listened before. Probably won't again.
Röyksopp
3/5
it was ok, I guess. It just kind of played in the background and I barely paid attention. That's not a good thing is it?
Alanis Morissette
4/5
pretty solid album end to end. A number of iconic 90s hits in the mix. Takes me back but doesn't have the strong nostalgia of some other albums from this era
Björk
3/5
It's a solid Bjork album. Feels very similar to older stuff. Nothing about made me feel like this deserved to be here more than Debut or Post but maybe I need to give it another listen
Can
3/5
I was into this album at first. Thought I'd give it a higher rating but it just kind of fell apart for me.
The Byrds
3/5
pretty good stuff. Interesting this is the first country rock album.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
It's a good album with some great songs... but this "classic" Bruce isn't the Bruce I really like. I prefer the Nebraska/Ghost of Tom Joad Bruce. The synthesizers and saxophones of the E Street Band don't really do it for me. But, overall, it was a good listen.
The Saints
3/5
Decent early punk album. Not totally blown away.
SAULT
4/5
Wow, this might be the most contemporary album for me yet. I just stumbled onto these guys a few months ago and was really impressed. They're listed as being hip hop but I don't really know if that's the right designation. They're very unique.
Kendrick Lamar
2/5
I don't think I finished this. Not sure. But whatever. I never really got Kendrick Lamar. Not my kinda hip hop I guess
Calexico
3/5
pretty cool album. I like that Mexican influence mixed with jazz and alt-country. These are one of those bands I've heard of and probably heard on KEXP plenty of times but never actively listened to. Will have to check out more.
Randy Newman
2/5
Who? Oh the Toy Story guy! Kinda like a more upbeat and happy Tom Waits? Maybe? IDK, it was ok but could have lived without it.
The Young Gods
2/5
When I saw "industrial" in the description I got excited but this is not what I had in mind. Another Tom Waits except this time he's angry and French (or Swiss). Some of the orchestration is pretty cool and I might be able to get into it if it weren't for the vocals.
The Sugarcubes
3/5
Some good young Bjork.
The Bees
3/5
I vaguely remember hearing the Bees on KEXP, mainly because they had to go by A Band of Bees in the US. Strikes me as another indie-rock flash in the pan from the early 2000s that made it on this list because they were from the UK. They were ok, I didn't dislike them. They just didn't strike me as some kind of must-listen experience.
Sisters Of Mercy
4/5
this is what this project is all about! I have never heard Sisters of Mercy and never really considered myself a fan of post-punk, goth music. But really enjoyed this album and the recommendations from Spotify following the album introduced me to tons of modern bands in this genre. Down a rabbit hole and loving it!
Emmylou Harris
3/5
good stuff. Will explore more.
G. Love & Special Sauce
4/5
Niiiice! Didn't get introduced to this album till about 1997 or 98 but listened to this a lot in college. I've seen G Love in concert a couple times. He's still great
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
I wanted to like it. I didn't.
Scritti Politti
1/5
So fucking terrible. The worst kind of 80s pop. And another absurd pick that is clearly only here because the 1001 editors have a hard on for obscure UK garbage.
Cowboy Junkies
2/5
I really thought I was going to like that album so much more than I did. I only knew Sweet Jane, which is a really solid track. But the rest all kind of sounded the same. Slow, plodding folk sounding vocals with a little twang to back it up. Might have been good on a head full of mushrooms...
Tom Waits
2/5
I still think he sounds constipated and he's really baring down on that shit while singing at the same time.
3/5
Likely the first time I've ever listened to a U2 album all the way through. It was good. Definitely feels like it was produced with them becoming an arena rock band in mind. Something about the sound of it just seems tailor made for a big arena. I've always poo pooed U2 but I liked this album. I get why it turned them into super stars
Robert Wyatt
2/5
there was some stuff going on here that made me not totally hate it. But this album did not appeal to me. "Art rock" isn't my genre I guess.
Mike Ladd
3/5
Been a while since I heard any of his stuff. He's alright. Not sure why this album is any more important than some of his contemporaries.
Suicide
2/5
this one didn't really land for me. I'm sure there are some great artists that took a lot of inspiration from this album (maybe LCD Soundsystem?) but IDK how it belongs on so many lists of best albums
The Crusaders
3/5
Street Life is repetitive as hell but it's still a pretty baller track. The rest is ok
2/5
There's something here I could get into but the majority was just offputting.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
pretty good stuff. Several versions of songs he must have re-recorded later as they were somewhat different. I think his sound matured later... or I just am used to that sound I'm more familiar with
Snoop Dogg
5/5
CLASSIC! It took me a few years to warm up to this (came out in grunge phase and I thought cocky rappers were total douche bags) but I eventually came to love this album.
Iggy Pop
3/5
A couple mega hit songs that are really amazing. Several other solid songs. And a couple dogs. But overall, an enjoyable way to start the day.
Isaac Hayes
4/5
Isaac Hayes is so badass! So funky with amazing orchestration. He has some lame tracks where he talks too much on here but this is still great.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
IDK what to make of this album. Kind of hated it at first then I warmed a bit. But in the end, this just reminds me of a stage musical with a bit of a pop music aesthetic and it kind of falls flat. More random UK shit from the 90s that doesn't belong.
Billie Holiday
3/5
it's alright. I'm not a huge fan of her style but was good to listen to.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
I was pretty bummed to get another Elvis Costello album but this wasn't terrible. Decent. Solid 2.5 but I'll round up.
Beck
4/5
cool album. Love Beck's range. His slow, singer songwriter stuff is amazing. His more electronic and pop oriented stuff is also great
King Crimson
2/5
uggh.. Prog Rock. There are some bits and pieces throughout here (especially in the bonus tracks) that rock hard and I could get into. Most of it was just a bore.
Nico
1/5
How tf does Nico have 2.4M monthly listeners on Spotify right now? Bizarre.
This music reminds me of a Wes Anderson movie. It's got to be on one of his soundtracks. I want to love it because of the Velvet Underground and Nico. But her voice is so flat and boring. The music follows suit. 60s folk-rock... meh
Brian Wilson
1/5
yeah yeah, Brian Wilson's a genius and this is his magnum opus. Except Beach Boys style pop music just kind of falls flat for me. It's like poppy barbershop quartet.
System Of A Down
3/5
I don't think I've ever heard this album. Like a lot of people, I'd never heard SOAD until Toxicity, which I listened to a lot and then got tired of. They're one of those bands that I can get really into but after a handful of songs I'm like "ok, that's good."
Girls Against Boys
3/5
pretty sure I've heard of this band but IDK if I've ever listened to them. I'll have to dig in a bit more. I do enjoy this, though I've never listened to a lot of post-hardcore.
Tim Buckley
1/5
MORE Tim Buckley? God damn. Of all the albums ever recorded Tim has 2 (please tell me there aren't more than 2) in the top 1001? Suuuure.
The xx
3/5
The xx are pretty good. I have no idea why this album was deemed more culturally significant than their previous albums that really defined them.
The Killers
4/5
"I've got soul but I'm not a soldier" might be one of the stupidest lines from a hit song in the last 20 years.
That said, I remember seeing these guys touring for this album at some shitty basement venue at Bumbershoot festival. I really didn't think they were more than a flash in the pan at the time. Fun songs, good album. But 20 years on, they're still going. Good for them.
The Kinks
2/5
60's rock that kinda sounds like the Beattles.
The Roots
3/5
One of those hip hop groups whose name I've known forever but never really bothered to look in to. I like them. Like a solid 3.5.
Einstürzende Neubauten
3/5
500th album! Crazy German noise/industrial music. Literal sounds of power tools and explosions and stuff smashing together. This one was challenging for sure. Not something I'd seek out to listen to but I did find it interesting. It's sitting somewhere between a 2 and 3 for me but I'll round up
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
some super mellow stuff. Good to work to or to have on in the background.
Roxy Music
2/5
Another Roxy Music album?? My opinion on them remains unchanged.
David Ackles
1/5
the stories and themes could be good if they weren't getting sung by some lounge singer. Of course Elvis Costello counts Ackles as an influence...
The Vines
3/5
I remember at the time thinking the Vines were really amazing. They're ok
The Cure
5/5
Never really paid attention to The Cure but man this is some good shit.
Can
3/5
this ambient krautrock has appeal
Paul McCartney
3/5
I've never really love McCartney's voice and some of this album fell pretty flat for me. But there are some great songs. Really enjoyed Oo You and Momma Miss America
Aerosmith
2/5
an era of rock that has grown on me in my old age but Aerosmith never really hit the mark for me. Especially this 80s, trying to be relevant in a world of butt rockers Aerosmith
Alice Cooper
3/5
I've never heard any Alice Cooper besides the radio hits. School's Out is pretty rad. But this album is all over the place. Stylistically they don't seem to know what they are. I didn't dislike it but I wasn't excited about this. 2.5 rounding up.
David Bowie
2/5
Bowie is a legend but I can't get behind everything he does. This was just kinda meh for me.
The Cramps
3/5
I love the style and the aesthetic. The production feels kind of rough on this but overall a fun album.
Doves
3/5
pretty good. That first song, Firesuite, was so familiar but none of the rest. The first track Spotify played after this was from Beck. Definitely an apt comparison, though Beck is a lot better.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
not super into this era of big band jazz but she has a great voice
Joan Baez
1/5
Nope, nope, nope... I cannot stand Joan Baez's voice. Fucking pencils in my ears.
Miles Davis
2/5
I just can't get into jazz. Stop giving me Miles Davis albums...
Sinead O'Connor
4/5
Pretty great album. It doesn't resonate with me as much as I feel it should but she was clearly a massive talent. RIP
3/5
If there's one thing I've learned from 1001 it's that I do love some early 80s new wave. This one didn't scratch the itch as much as some others, it feels a bit more kitchy or something. But it was alright.
Teenage Fanclub
3/5
early 90s indie rock. It's ok, kind of poppy and fun.
Klaxons
3/5
Some decent 2000s indie-pop. I was a little concerned when I saw the spotify bio say they called themselves nu-rave but it wasn't as bad as that.
The Birthday Party
2/5
Based on the album art I was hoping this would be rad. I also kind of like Nick Cave. But this didn't really do it for me.
U2
3/5
i have no love for U2 but this is a decent early 90s pop rock album
The Cure
3/5
Wow, two Cure albums in a couple of weeks. This one was decent but didn't really blow me away like the last one I rated. I guess they got better over time. This one just kind of felt slow and less interesting
Gram Parsons
2/5
one of these names I know but don't know his work. Definitely had its moments but I think I prefer other offerings from the genre he helped develop
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
a good aughts indie/electro pop album.
Thundercat
2/5
funky, weird, interesting, and hilarious. I can appreciate it but I doubt I'll ever listen to him again. Also, rad album art
Fugees
5/5
ooh boy, this takes me back to freshman year in the dorms. In college getting introduced to new shit that and loving it. Mike was a filthy fuck but he had some good taste in music.
Radiohead
4/5
great album
Sonic Youth
4/5
4th studio album?! Damn, I had no idea they'd been around so long. Jesus, they started in 1981? Sonic Youth was one of those bands I came of age with in the early 90s that I always enjoyed but was never one of my favorites. The jangly, experimental noise rock can get a bit jarring. But I still have a soft spot for them.
The Beau Brummels
2/5
ahh 60s folk rock... suck it
Pink Floyd
4/5
The Mothers Of Invention
2/5
oooh, it's Frank Zappa. No wonder I didn't like it. Just some goofy, silly shit
Ride
2/5
boring 90s indie rock
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
1/5
that voice
Heaven 17
1/5
terrible
Weather Report
1/5
I don't even like legit jazz from legit musicians like Miles Davis. But this noodling drivel that sounds like it might have been the background music at a shitty lounge in the 70s? Nope.
Deee-Lite
1/5
about what you'd expect from cover art like this. Their one hit was a fun song but I could get by without ever listening to deee lite.
Grizzly Bear
2/5
It's interesting. I'll give it that. But I'm never going to choose to listen to this band
Dr. John
4/5
There are some tracks I love and a few that fall flat but this is such a cool debut album.
Gorillaz
4/5
I loved this album when it came out. Probably one of the last dozen or so CDs I ever bought before going totally digital. Would have given it a solid 4 or 5 back in the day. A lot of the songs still rank high but don't have the same appeal anymore. This is like a 3.5 rounded up.
David Bowie
4/5
solid Bowie right here
Boston
4/5
I've never listened to a Boston album but I knew every single one of these songs quite well. This is a really phenomenal album
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
meh. IDK why people made such a big deal about this album
Emmylou Harris
2/5
At the start I was think "oh, it's a reinvention album." Modern production sound for an artist who had been around for 30 years, 19th studio album. But reading the wiki, it's kind of worse than that. The 18 prior albums were mainly cover songs? Kinda lame. She's got a great voice but this album didn't really connect
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Good stuff. Jimi is great
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
cool African guitar playing
Beck
4/5
goddamn Beck is good. Why don't I listen to him some more??
Talking Heads
3/5
not bad. Psycho Killer is the best track, no surprise. IDK if this really ranks 3 for me but I'll round up
Violent Femmes
4/5
Growing up in the early 90s with almost this entire album on regular alternative radio rotation, I had always thought that the Violent Femmes had had some kind of revival where this album was rediscovered. Now I'm wondering if it just never left the rotation and I "discovered" them in 92 or 93 because that's when I started to listen to alternative radio. I remember seeing these guys live around 95 or 96. Great great album that deserved to be played over and over.
Fairport Convention
3/5
I really don't love the vocals. This quavery 60s female folk style is not my favorite. But it's not the worst of that style (ahem.. Joan Baez...) and the rest of the band backing her up are tight. Pretty good stuff for a 60s folk band. And maybe the reason I like them is that they're not straight folk - they've got some tracks with soul or just good rock. Million Dollar Bash is a great track.
Depeche Mode
4/5
If there's one thing I've learned from this project it's that this I really love the 80s synth pop/goth music. I didn't realize it till now. Loved this album though it did kind of meander and fizzle with the last couple songs.
Mudhoney
4/5
Great stuff. I was a little too young to catch this at the time and only knew a handful of the tracks. Fun to go back to the early grunge and see what kicked it all off.
Lauryn Hill
5/5
just a phenomenal album. And the recommendations from Spotify afterwards were on point too. Golden era of hip hop/r&b
Tears For Fears
4/5
I feel like this album is maybe a 3.5 for me but I'm just loving the 80s tunes these days so I'll round up. The super-hits are fantastic but there is a lot of filler that kind of bored me.
Primal Scream
2/5
I couldn't really tell what this album was trying to be. Kinda meh for me
Crowded House
2/5
So they had a really great hit song, released another album, then this one. An 80s band trying to stay relevant in the early 90s. Why is this on the list? Did anyone listen to this album?
M.I.A.
3/5
oh man, I remember when this came out and KEXP's Kevin Cole could NOT stop gushing about MIA. I was into her then. At this point, maybe I've just heard this so much it feels a little tired or dated. It's ok but a full album of this style is too much.
Mercury Rev
3/5
These guys are pretty great. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the album. But, man, if you didn't know better you'd think you were listening to a Flaming Lips album.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Why did the Rolling Stones turn into one of the biggest bands in the world? Could it be that in 1964 they came out rocking with some really solid R&B influenced music and not the sappy sweet pop or boring as shit folk of the day? This isn't their best album by far but you can hear the great things to come here.
Joni Mitchell
2/5
Listened to almost all of it. I won't be coming back to this one.
Moby Grape
3/5
Never heard of these guys. Some decent 60's San Fran psych rock.
3/5
I only learned of these guys a few years ago and felt like kind of a tool that I'd never heard of such an influential band till then.
Scissor Sisters
5/5
So rad. I remember my mind being blown by this one and buying the CD.
Sheryl Crow
3/5
Never been a huge fan of Sheryl Crow but she's not painful to listen to.
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
Like the last one, I enjoyed the sound but this kind of felt the same after 10 tracks or so.
Cornershop
3/5
I kind of hated it at first and then it grew on me. Maybe it deserves a second listen.
The Stooges
4/5
some badass proto-punk. Good stuff
Hanoi Rocks
2/5
So bad. I get why they're on here if these are the guys who inspired a decade of butt rock. But so many bands like Crue, Ratt, Whitesnake, etc did it sooooo much better. These guys really blow.
PJ Harvey
3/5
this was solid. I was distracted and need to listen again but I liked it
Yes
2/5
I have heard of Yes but had no idea who they were. I've heard this Roundabout song a million times but thought it was Rush or something. They're alright at times. I pretty much hate all 70s prog but some of this was bearable.
Dagmar Krause
1/5
Noooooope
Funkadelic
5/5
so funky!
Queen
3/5
pretty good stuff. Haven't heard most of these songs
Grateful Dead
3/5
I like Grateful Dead. Noodling jam bandy stuff isn't my favorite so, as much as they're hailed as a live music experience, I'll happily just take their studio tracks. This was alright though.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
I've never been in the VU cult but I do find their stuff interesting. Especially given the time they were making it
5/5
Probably my favorite Bowie album. Solid all the way through. Something like a 4.5 for me but I'll round up.
Stan Getz
3/5
I don't love jazz but this was alright
Pearl Jam
4/5
oh the flashbacks to middle school sleepovers at my friends' houses
Fatboy Slim
2/5
Some mid-90s electronic that didn't live up to their contemporaries. Not that I was all that into this genre back then but these guys never really did it for me.
Soft Cell
3/5
Love the early 80s pop and love Tainted Love... but these guys feel a bit like a 1 hit wonder. The rest of the album wasn't bad, it just wasn't consistently Tainted Love level good.
Fleet Foxes
3/5
hipster folk. Pretty enjoyable really but not amazing
Anthrax
5/5
so fucking fast and loud! Love it. I've never loved Anthrax as much as their big time contemporaries, Slayer, Metallica, or Megadeth. Something about the vocals... which makes me want to give this a 4. But they deserve the 5!
Frank Sinatra
3/5
kinda fun, jazzy, latin take on the normal crooner stuff. Not my favorite music but not bad
Astor Piazzolla
2/5
Nah, not my thing
Caetano Veloso
3/5
I'll never listen to this again and I was really close to skipping through but I kept listening and found myself tapping my toes and bobbing my head. It's catchy. It's like a 2.5 for me but I'll round up.
CHVRCHES
3/5
one of these bands I've known of the past few years and definitely heard many times on the radio but never sought out. The first track had me thinking "oh this has some cool 80s vibes" which was immediately backed up in by the spotify bio. But the bio also calls out that mash up of a Depeche Mode/New Order sound with EDM-influenced sounds and it's that really poppy, EDM sound that put me off through much of the album.
I'm definitely conflicted on this one. At one moment I'd be really enjoying and a couple minutes later I'd be thinking "why am I listening to this shit?"
Blood, Sweat & Tears
3/5
Out of the gate I hated this album. Jazz-rock? WTF? But it really picked up steam. Some soulful (for a white guy) vocals, funky brass section. Kind of a Tom Jones vibe at times. Enjoyed it more than I didn't.
Christine and the Queens
1/5
whyyyyyyyy?????????
Sebadoh
3/5
early 90s indie rock. Nothing really memorable or amazing but ok
Ian Dury
3/5
I really want to love it and give it 4 or 5 stars. It's weird and obnoxious and I love weird and obnoxious. But it doesn't quite grab me enough. It strays into annoying at times.
The Fall
2/5
IDK what's special here
Liz Phair
2/5
Obviously I've heard of Liz Phair over the past 30 years but I couldn't have named one of her songs. I didn't make it all the way through this. Her voice isn't very dynamic, the songs are just a little boring. I don't get the draw.
Todd Rundgren
2/5
eh... it's alright.
Prince
4/5
ahhh, the refreshing sound of Prince after a dry spell of shitty albums. This I can get into. Plenty of songs on here I've never heard before along with some super hits. Good stuff.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
4/5
Huh, I've only known Franti for his work with Spearhead, his upbeat beach party sounding tunes. I had no idea he had a Public Enemy sounding history. Fun stuff.
The Libertines
3/5
some decent early 00s brit pop-rock
Janis Joplin
4/5
Talk about nostalgia... my dad had this on vinyl and I'd put it on when I was a kid, stare at the pic of the weird looking chick on the couch and wonder why she looked like that.
"Mercedes Benz" was kind of like our family's theme song. My dad used to sing that all the time and when retired and got an Mercedes motorhome he named it Janice and had a huge "Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz" emblazoned across the bumper.
CHIC
3/5
ok, yeah, it's disco... but it kinda slaps
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Love me some Creedence
M.I.A.
3/5
There are some songs on here that are pretty tiring, same ol' MIA shit that I used to really like when she first came out but stopped seeming very unique after a couple albums. That said, I also still enjoyed a decent amount of it.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Why don't I listen to more Sly?
Spiritualized
2/5
meh
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
Ok, this is sooooo dated but... it's pretty fun. 3.5 rounding up
Kate Bush
3/5
Didn't quite resonate like Hounds of Love but still had some good tracks.
Pixies
4/5
I'd never really listened to the Pixies before they disbanded. I was just a bit too young and, even though I worshipped Nirvana and had heard of the Pixies' influence on Kurt, I never investigated. I did listen to a the Breeders a LOT in that early to mid 90s period. Then a friend introduced me to them around 2000 and I was just kind of like, "meh... I don't know what the big deal is."
While some of their stuff is still just a bit too noisy and discordant for my taste, they have really grown on me since then. Their music is so rich and unique.
Beastie Boys
5/5
Best Beastie Boys album. Fight me.
Afrika Bambaataa
2/5
This really early hip hop has never resonated with me. It just feels kinda corny - the casio keyboard-sounding beats, the silly voices and lame lyrics. I know they're doing some sampling from older soul records - the element of old school hip hop that really appeals to me - but not enough and the heavy electro stuff makes me cringe a bit. And most of these tracks are WAY too long.
The Police
3/5
Might be the first time I've ever listened to a Police song that wasn't a radio hit. Pretty good stuff
Miriam Makeba
3/5
Cool, jazzy, maybe a little calypso. Enjoyed
Joni Mitchell
2/5
Musically, not terrible. A bit more funky and upbeat than I remember her other stuff being. But I still don't love her singing voice. Didn't make it all the way through
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
it's alright. I'm not a huge fan of the full band Springsteen.
Supertramp
3/5
it's not the worst prog rock I've ever listened to.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Elvis is pretty solid. I enjoy the music. The lyrics are sappy shit but whatever. I enjoyed this way more than the last couple albums I gave 3s to but it doesn't deserve a 4.
Slade
3/5
I don't think I've ever heard of these guys but they have 9.6m listeners on spotify. They sound like a lot of 70s hard rock. Not bad. News to me that Cum On Feel the Noise isn't a Quiet Riot original.
Morrissey
3/5
From everything I've heard, Morrissey is a totally pretentious prick. But his music's alright. Nothing amazing that warrants the slavish devotion I see from some fans, like my former co-worker that had him tattooed on his arm. But whatever.
4/5
These guys are great. Very unique.
Simple Minds
3/5
Who? These guys have 8.6m listeners? Oh.. the Don't You Forget About Me band. That song was great. This album was ok.
Orbital
2/5
yay, early-90s electronica. woo hoo
Quicksilver Messenger Service
3/5
Started listening. "This sounds like a watered down Grateful Dead." Reads bio and sees they're a late 60s, Bay Area jam band.
But to be fair, for what they were - a blues/jazz inspired rock band - they were alright. But to really enjoy you really have to have a head full of acid. So much noodling. Songs that just don't end or are hard to even can songs. It's like a 2.5 for me but I'll round up.
Love
2/5
I had to search back to album 12 on here to find the last time I had Love. My previous review still holds up for album 619:
"It was okay. A bit too mid 60s folk for my taste. Had a few catchy songs though"
Fatboy Slim
3/5
Generally, not so into the 90s electronic. But this leans more toward hip hop beats, heavy sampling, etc. Not something I'm going to choose to turn on but won't turn it off if it comes on.
Paul Weller
2/5
it was ok... kinda white guy soul
Eminem
3/5
I didn't actually listen through the whole thing. I know the album well enough, though it's been many years since I listened. It's a wild ride and I can definitely see why this put Eminem on the map. Now I'm dealing with my 10 year old wanting to listen to this and I'm like "uhhh.... I don't think so..."
PJ Harvey
4/5
this is way more punk rock than I thought it was going to be. I guess I really didn't know PJ Harvey. Surprised I didn't listen to her in high school.
The Prodigy
4/5
My first introduction to the genius, Kool Keith, and I didn't even know it for years to come!
... oh wait, this is a review for The Prodigy. I owned this CD. This album came out my senior year in high school and was EVERYONES jam. Saw The Prodigy play End Fest that summer. As much as I don't like a lot of the electronica of the day, this scratches an itch. Maybe just because there are so many memories associated
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
Still a disappointing experience. At least I knew what I was getting into after having one of their other albums already. Which, speaking of... HOW THE FUCK DO THEY HAVE 2 ALBUMS ON THIS LIST??? Jesus, 1001 albums and they have duplicates from THIS band?
Nina Simone
3/5
Great singer. I did enjoy some of the recommended songs from artists like Etta James that played after more than this album. Nina's voice was super unique but it's never quite hooked me.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
OK, I kinda groaned when I saw this one. But the reality is I've never listened to Aguilera and didn't know what I was getting into. And... she's pretty good. I thought this would be some bullshit pop and this soul/jazz pieces were alright.
Billy Joel
2/5
hmm... IDK. not so much
The Incredible String Band
1/5
Fucking seriously?! I've never skipped through an album on here faster.
Fela Kuti
4/5
this is badass. funky as hell
Beyoncé
3/5
IDK why she's such a big deal. It was alright but nothing that amazing
The Charlatans
3/5
Not particularly noteworthy 90s brit pop-rock. Didn't hate it or anything. Just thought "huh...ok...?"
Laibach
3/5
orchestral Slovakian industrial music? Weird... but kinda entertaining. I bet this one has a miserable average score on here though. Let's see...
Randy Newman
3/5
Still not really into Randy. But this one was more of a 2.5 for me so I'll be generous and round up
William Orbit
3/5
at first I wasn't into it but by Deus Ex Machina I was down.
Fugazi
3/5
I never really got into punk all that much as a kid and now I really wonder why. This totally would have been my jam. I've always known of Fugazi but never really listened to them all that much outside their big songs. Great band.
John Martyn
3/5
Started out kind of put off by the guy's voice and wasn't loving it. By the end I was enjoying the album but then realized I was 2 tracks into his Solid Air album from a few years prior, as Spotify had moved on. Not sure if my enjoying it came from this album at all.
Steely Dan
3/5
Unique. Definitely knew a bunch of the songs
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Fuckin love this era of the Stones.
Ryan Adams
3/5
Some good stuff. Almost like a Tom Petty for a new generation
Laura Nyro
2/5
Never heard of her. At times almost funky and interesting. At other times piercing and grating.
The Auteurs
3/5
I probably should have paid closer attention to the lyrics because, based on the bio, I'm guessing this would have appealed more. As it is it just feels like some ok early-90s alternative brit-pop. 2.5 stars.. rounding up
Tori Amos
3/5
I'm torn on Tori Amos. By the end of this album I was really ready for it to be over. Not ALL of it sounded like the same song over and over but enough of it. I don't think this would exist without Kate Bush and I do enjoy some Bush. What do I rate this...? kind of rounding again up for this 3.
Ministry
5/5
I really don't even have to listen to this to know what I'm going to rate it... But I'll still listen to it at top volume!
I love this album. So much nostalgia on this one. Ministry was my first or second concert back in the mid-90s. I was lucky enough to see Al play right after covid ended.
The Verve
3/5
First track started out with some solid psych rock sound. It didn't really keep that vibe throughout but didn't fully devolve into mid-90s brit-pop of the day
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
LOL, first track came on and I was like "this is 25 years old?! Fuck I'm old."
I feel like the RHCP get a lot of hate but they're fucking good. Like really talented musicians making unique and interesting music for over 3 decades. I don't get the hate. Funny thing is, I never listen to them except when they come on the radio. Which, speaking of, this album is chalk full of radio hits.
Steely Dan
3/5
Kinda catchy, jazzy, funky. Not really something I'd choose to listen to but not bad.
Screaming Trees
4/5
Ellensburg's own! Weird they picked Screaming Trees' last album, rather than one of their albums that put them on the map. I've never listened to this one before (with the exception of All I Know) so, cool I guess. This was maybe a 3.5 but rounding up
Antony and the Johnsons
4/5
Strange and moving. Loved the unusual vocals and the orchestration
Incredible Bongo Band
5/5
I never would have thought I'd love a bongo band so much. This is so filthy. Funky as hell.
FKA twigs
2/5
I'm old. I can't hang with modern pop music. It's just so... bad. This is a *bit* more interesting and creative than some but it's still shit I would never choose to listen to.
Le Tigre
5/5
OK, part of this 5 star review might just be all the nostalgia of this album about a very specific time in my life. But, really, this is fucking rad. And what's up with Le Tigre these days? 2.1M monthly listeners on spotify?! Staying relevant
John Lee Hooker
3/5
ooh.. starting out with some really 80s, synthy bongos. Then some synthy flutes. IDK about this one...
Yeah, it wasn't the best. I'd rather listen to an album that made him a legend, not a late career record that feels a bit dated. But it was decent. Not total 80s synth blues
Joanna Newsom
2/5
I *want* to like this. The orchestration, the uniqueness of it all. It's just that, while her voice is interesting and intriguing at times, it's jarring and annoying to me just as often. I don't hate it but it's not for me.
Mudhoney
3/5
decent early-90s grunge album. Mudhoney was one of those Seattle bands that everybody knew of but never quite got the spotlight that the handful of breakouts got. I think, most likely, that their music was a little less accessible for the mainstream.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
I really don't know Echo and the Bunnymen beyond their radio hits, "The Killing Moon" and "Lips Like Sugar" which are off of two, later, albums. This album is pretty solid but has none of the magic of those two amazing songs. But then... a cursory listen through those albums was mind blowing either.
Throwing Muses
4/5
One of those names I've heard a million times that I couldn't have named one of their songs. I really enjoyed this album. It really feels fresh and ahead of it's time for 1986.
Taylor Swift
2/5
I've tried really hard to *get* Taylor Swift. I don't get the draw. She's clearly talented and her music seems to come from a personal space, rather than just being some shit written by someone else. I don't begrudge her her success... I just don't like pop music.
TV On The Radio
3/5
I'm not a huge fan of TV on the Radio. But I don't dislike them. It was fine.
Meat Puppets
2/5
I only know the Meat Puppets because Nirvana covered Plateau. I'm sure that's true of a lot of people. Never listened to any of their stuff before. This isn't really doing it for me. Maybe just a bit too avante-garde/experimental. The vocals are just kind of terrible.
The Smiths
3/5
Morrissey is a douche but this is pretty good
Underworld
1/5
I don't hate *all* techno. But this sucked ass.
Elvis Costello
3/5
this is like 3 or 4 Costello albums. Come on already. But, honestly, this wasn't so bad. I feel like I'm either in the mood to listen to Costello or I'm really not, based on my past reviews of his work.
Gil Scott-Heron
3/5
I enjoy some of GSH's stuff and some of these songs were great. But this one felt a bit too coffee-house, open mic jazz night. 2.5 rounded up
Nine Inch Nails
5/5
Perfect.
The Verve
3/5
90s brit-pop??! WHAT?! I would never have expected that on this list after (checks album count) 666 (hail satan) albums.
But, in all seriousness, as much as I've hated all the brit-pop this list's editors have crammed down my earholes, Bitter Sweet Symphony is a pretty solid song. It deserves it's place as a classic of the era. I really don't think I've ever heard another The Verve song, though. The rest of this album is unremarkable but they get a kudos for the hidden track!
How does this one hit wonder band still have 9.2M monthly listeners on Spotify? I blame the algorithm.
Ice T
3/5
I've never been a huge Ice T fan but these 1991 beats were just filthy
OutKast
3/5
Funny how different both guys are stylistically. I'm more into the weird/funky shit that Andre did on the second album. In the end, this was a bit too much OutKast, as much as I enjoy them
Talk Talk
2/5
It's My Life is way better. This was just boring
Paul Revere & The Raiders
2/5
It's ok. A little better than the hokey, silly pop but not by much. 2.5 rounded down.
Primal Scream
2/5
with a name like Primal Scream I kind of expected a little more out of this band
John Lennon
3/5
I wasn't looking forward to this but actually enjoyed it. It's more raw than I expected.
Al Green
5/5
What a fucking pimp
Barry Adamson
3/5
Interesting album. This one was all over the place. Didn't know what the next track would bring.
Stephen Stills
3/5
this was decent. Kind of bored by the end but I didn't dislike it.
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
Never heard of her. Seems like she was a bit of a flash in the pan. Kind of a Lauryn Hill vibe. Would love if more tracks had the slight reggae sound that some of them had. A strong 3+
The Coral
4/5
2 early 2000s UK artists I've never heard of in a row. These guys were pretty fun though. I'll spend more time in their discography. Strong 3.5 rounding up.
Gene Clark
2/5
It's boring, unremarkable folk albums like this that make this list hard to plod through at times.
Bob Dylan
4/5
I think the shine has come off of Dylan a bit for me. He's still a legend and so many of these songs have a lot of nostalgia (Dad singing loudly "Everybody must get stoned!"). This is like a 3.5 but I'll round up.
The Stooges
4/5
"Raw Power" is a fitting name. This album rocks.
The Byrds
2/5
I *just* had a Gene Clark solo album that he released a few years after this. Mid-60s folk-rock is really hard for me to stomach. Just a bit too easy listening
Count Basie & His Orchestra
3/5
that was fun
The Associates
1/5
You a band is a one hit wonder when their 3 most popular songs on Spotify are all various remixes or remasters of the same song. And it's a fucking terrible song. Better than some of the other songs on the album but still terrible. These guys were clearly trying to bite Bowie's style but did it poorly.
Tortoise
3/5
that was interesting. Started out a little too experimental and slow for my tastes but I especially enjoyed the last track.
ZZ Top
4/5
I don't think I've ever listened to a ZZ Top album from start to finish. I should listen to more.
Beatles
3/5
Quite a few mega-hits on this one. I can't quite get into the Beatles like I did when I was young but this definitely has more appeal than a lot of their contemporaries.
The Cardigans
4/5
man, I haven't listened to the Cardigans in soooo long. So quirky and weird but a total pleasure to listen to.
XTC
2/5
Fuuuuuck... why? I love me some good 80s pop but this is not that. The *only* decent song on here is the one hit, Dear God and it's the only thing that saved this from a 1 star review.
Iron Butterfly
3/5
I've never listened to any of their other stuff but have always loved the title track of album. The fuzzy guitar riffs have a real proto-metal/hard rock sound. I'm not sure they deserve credit for influencing those genres but the song is filthy. The rest of the album just feels like some generic, late 60's psych rock. If they full album were as good as In-a-gadda-da-vid, it would rate a lot higher.
The Stooges
4/5
So raw and dirty. Does not feel like it's from 1969. Love it
3/5
this deserves a 2 star review for being way too long. I didn't finish. I like Blur alright, even though I'm generally not a huge fan of brit pop. But damn... a double album of Blur? Too much. Anyway, this is some fun, toe-tapping good stuff.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
What a sad album. As a parent of a teen boy that kind of freaked me out to listen to.
The White Stripes
5/5
Great! Just great!
Cee Lo Green
4/5
funky as hell. Definitely a super unique artist. After a full album, I'm ready to be done with Cee-Lo for a bit but I do love his style.
Jack White
4/5
I don't love it like his White Stripes stuff but it's a solid album and you have to give him credit for branching out and adding more genres into his songs. 3.5 rounding up
The Pharcyde
4/5
I love this era of hip hop. I didn't really know these guys in their hey day but discovered them later. Wish I'd found them in middle school
Foo Fighters
4/5
This reminds me of that time I met Dave Grohl. It was around 1996. I was probably 17, going to my first concert in Seattle. White Zombie with Tad opening. My buddy and I were in the crowd when we heard someone saying "that's Dave Grohl over there."
We went to check it out and there was Dave, surrounded by fans. We stepped up. I sort of reached forward to shake his hand, second guessed myself and pulled my hand back, making it look like I was doing an awkward T-Rex impression with one hand.
Already flustered I say "Dave Grohl! You're such a..." mind blanks, what do I say? "... stallion." Fuck, why did I just call him that? Instant regret. Especially when he gives me the biggest What The Fuck Did You Just Say? look and says, "I'm a .... stallion?" and in a funny voice with his hands now held up like a T-Rex, he says, "I'm a stallion."
Growing up in the Seattle area in the early 90s, Nirvana were Gods. I had just been mocked by a God.
I can't think of many times I've been more mortified.
Anyway, love the album. Dave's a stallion for making it!
Khaled
2/5
meh, not really into this style of music. Not saying it's bad. I'm sure there are wide swathes of the world where this is the jam and more power to them.
Simon & Garfunkel
2/5
glad that was only 28 minutes
Jean-Michel Jarre
3/5
Interesting. Seems like it should be a soundtrack for a David Lynch movie or something
Ash
3/5
decent 90s alt-rock. Some of the songs are really solid. First song has some echoes of Sonic Youth. I don't think these guys ever jumped the pond, though, I don't remember them at all.
Metallica
5/5
I really can't get enough of Metallica's first 4 albums. For whatever reason, I tend to listen to this one less often than the previous 3 when I need an old school Metallica fix so I figured I'd listen to Kill 'Em All, Ride the Lightning, and Master of Puppets before I listened to this one (it was a good day).
All I can say is, they are all metal masterpieces. I love them all. So sad that Cliff died but I didn't feel like it made this album any less enjoyable. The real bummer is how, after producing such amazing work, nothing Metallica has done since holds a candle to this.
Sabu
2/5
I didn't hate it but there are a lot better latin congo albums out there. This ended and Spotify started playing another, similar, artist and I had the thought, "finally this is getting good." Then I looked and saw it wasn't this album anymore.
Bill Callahan
4/5
Oh I love Bill Callahan's near-monotone voice. I'm more familiar with his Smog work and haven't ever listened to this album. But this scratches the same itch. I bet this gets savaged by other people on this site.
Nick Drake
4/5
Wow, Nick Drake right after Bill Callahan? Could I get anymore melancholy, acoustic singer-songwriters action?! This album speaks to me more than the last one I had but now I need to go check that one out again.
Green Day
5/5
ahh freshman year of high school. Talk about nostagia. Does this deserve 5 stars? Objectively, probably not. But fuck it, this is such a fun album.
Mike Oldfield
2/5
it was interesting and cool it's from The Exorcist. But it's way too prog.
Stan Getz
3/5
I don't dislike it. You can tap your toes, sway back and forth in your chair. It's uplifting. It's also kind of boring. But... I'm torn. I'll never seek this out again but it was alright this time.
ABBA
3/5
this is pretty fun. I mean, it's disco. But guilty pleasure I guess.
Iggy Pop
2/5
I'd rather listen to the Stooges. Give me punk rock Iggy not this art rock Iggy. Meh
Jeff Beck
3/5
pretty good bluesy rock. Jeff Beck is one of those names I've heard a million times in reference to best guitarists but I've never listened to his stuff. Or knew his singer was Rod Stewart.
OutKast
4/5
This is some of the funkiest hip hop. I'm glad these guys made on this list. I could do without all the interludes but that's just a sign of the times this was release in, I guess.
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
some solid indie rock sounds. I can see how these guys had some influence.
Baaba Maal
3/5
I'm not sure how I feel about this one. That desert psych rock guitar really gets me but a lot of the discordant vocal were a bit off putting. In general, enjoyed more than not.
Massive Attack
3/5
90s electronic isn't usually my most favoritist thing but Massive Attack is in that vein of trip-hop electronic that I can get into.
Astrud Gilberto
2/5
boooooooring
Michael Kiwanuka
5/5
KIWANUKA!!!!
Doves
3/5
post-Oasis? Coldplay-ish? I vaguely remember these guys. I think the only song I recognized was Words. This was wholly unremarkable but I didn't hate it or anything. 2.5, rounding up... but only 'cause I'm nice.
Queen
3/5
I didn't know any of the songs on this album but it was still pretty good. Definitely can see how some say it's their hardest rocking album.
Boards of Canada
2/5
From the UK? Check!
Some kind of electronic music? Check!
Put it on the list!
I remember hearing about these guys in name only, having worked somewhere that I was introduced to all the 90s and early 2000s hipster favorites by my lovably hip colleagues. I'm sure I listened to Boards of Canada some back then but they never left an impression, apparently. Still don't.
The White Stripes
4/5
love me some White Stripes
Incubus
3/5
I was never a big fan of Incubus. The vocals don't really appeal. But they rock pretty hard and it's a bit of a time capsule of 90s alternative radio rock that has some appeal
2Pac
3/5
he's alright. I wasn't really into hip hop at the time but even as I got older and realized how much I enjoyed a lot of the hip hop I'd missed in the 90s like Snoop, Wu Tang, all the Native Tongue crew, 2Pac never really blew me away. I think his getting killed made him some kind of martyr to be worshipped.
2.5 rounding up
Kraftwerk
3/5
it wasn't my favorite Kraftwerk. Kind of felt more like background music than I expected. But still good background music to have on.
3/5
some decent 90s trip hop with a latin flavor. Not bad
ZZ Top
4/5
I think ZZ Top's image - the big beards and hot rods - kind of leaves an impression that they're a bit of a joke. But, really, they're just fun. Thoroughly enjoyable blues rock album.
The The
4/5
I've heard of these guys but couldn't name a single one of their songs. Hard to define what kind of music this, genre-wise, but it's quite 80s and I love that about it. 3.5 rounding up
Bonnie Raitt
3/5
After having just praised The The for their unmistakably 80s sound, I chuckled over how the first few bars of this album made me cringe for its also unmistakably 80s sound - synthy, smooth jazzy shlock.
While the instrumentation on much of this album is a terrible time capsule of a part of 80s music in which blues and R&B became horribly watered down, Bonnie's voice is phenomenal. It saves the album. But just barely
Joni Mitchell
2/5
God damn it. The 1001 editors have a hard on for Joni Mitchell. 4th album so far. Please stop.
The Smiths
2/5
Meat is delicious. Why do people worship Morrissey?
2.5
Black Sabbath
5/5
I don't even need to listen to this to know it gets 5 stars. Black Sabbath are legends. Not my favorite of their albums, though I love it. Definitely more bluesy than later stuff. I do wish they separated songs into individual tracks. There are two versions of this album on Spotify. The one this site links to is missing a couple songs but the other version lumps multiple songs together into single tracks. I believe this is how the album was originally released though, so... whatever, it fucking rocks 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
Herbie Hancock
4/5
Funky and cool. Not what I expected. I think I know the 1980's Herbie Hancock so this early 70s funk/jazz fusion was a surprise.
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
I love LCD Soundsystem and this album has some great tracks but it's also not their best. Maybe other albums are on here? 3.5 rounding up
The Kinks
2/5
God, this just kind of sucks. Some harmonizing, Beattles wannabe stuff. I listened through some of their top tracks in spotify (which aren't from this album) and they're all way better. This cleaves way too close to "folk-rock" for my liking.
Alice Cooper
3/5
I guess it's kind of funny that this is "shock rock". Listening to this and knowing Sabbath had been doing some legit, super dark metal for a few years, this seems like some poseur wannabe shit. I know Alice Cooper had been around longer but their schtick here is pretty thin. I'll give it a 3 but it's more like a 2.5.
Rocket From The Crypt
3/5
Here's a band whose name I've heard plenty of times but I don't think I've ever listened to them. They definitely got my attention in the first few tracks and I wonder how I missed this way back when. It started to feel a bit monotonous but, overall, a decent album. Spotify immediately followed this album with a track from The Murder City Devils, which I thought was a good fit (and even more fun to listen to).
The Zutons
3/5
It was alright. Kind of hard to place a genre on these guys. Strikes me as yet another "the editors are British" pick but whatever.
Erykah Badu
4/5
Here's another name I've heard most of my life but never paid attention to. Compared to soul/R&B contemporary Lauryn Hill, I don't get as excited about Badu but that's not to say she's not a phenomenal singer.
Jimmy Smith
4/5
Bring on the funky Hammond organ! OK, in the end this was a bit more jazzy than funky but good times all the same. 3.5 rounding up
1001 community, if you liked this, check out and support the Delvon Lamar Organ Trio!
The Who
3/5
For as much as I love going to see live music performed, I just don't prefer live albums. And I'm not a huge The Who fan. But this was better than some of their studio albums and a great production for a live album.
Femi Kuti
3/5
I like afro-beat alright. Not something I seek out but made for a nice, upbeat listening on a Friday morning.
The Soft Boys
3/5
holy shit, how does this record have 30 bonus tracks?!
I didn't love this album but it wasn't terrible to listen to. Felt like they took great inspiration from the Beatles, 70s art rock, and punk and kind of mixed it all up.
T. Rex
3/5
T. Rex is pretty cool and weird. It's a 3+ for me but not quite enough to round up
Kings of Leon
4/5
I gave my friend some serious side eye when he recommended this album to me a while back. "Kings of Leon? Seriously?" But to my surprise, it was a seriously great album. And I still really enjoyed it on this listen. So much better than their later stuff. More bluesy, more punk rock, grittier. IDK, just better.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
3/5
there were only a couple of the tracks available on spotify. Usually I'll track the full album down on YouTube but I figured 3 songs was good enough. This is calming, peaceful music that has a place. Just not something I need in large doses
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
some goddamn mega hits on this. What a debut. Love it
Air
5/5
YES! I listened to this album (and every other Air album) about a million times in the early 2000s but I don't think I ever watched this movie. IDK if I'd give this a 5 if it weren't for the nostalgia but it definitely deserves at least a 4. 5 it is! Air is so so good.
The Psychedelic Furs
4/5
Of course I've heard of The Psychedelic Furs but couldn't have named one of their songs. Started listening and was like "ohhh, they're the Pretty in Pink band." A solid example of 80s alt rock (college rock? IDK what to label this).
Spiritualized
3/5
I liked this more than I remembered. This band was one of those that I was introduced to by my hipster colleagues when I was in my 20s in the early 2000s. Some of those bands really resonated with me then but not so much Spiritualized. 20+ years later... not so bad
Tito Puente
4/5
This isn't a genre I ever seek out but goddamn it's fun when it comes on. How could you not be happy when listening to this?
Oasis
3/5
I want to give this a 1 or 2 star review because it's Oasis but, honestly, for all it's jangly Brit-poppiness, this is a pretty solid debut album and a pretty solid 90s alt-rock album.
TV On The Radio
3/5
I've always thought these guys were pretty cool but not quite enough that I've given them any time. They're solid and very unique but still not anything I'm going to pursue much further.
The Stone Roses
3/5
I remember hearing a lot about The Stone Roses. I kind of thought their hey day was in the mid-late 90s, not 1989. Having just rated the Oasis debut and previously shit all over other brit-pop additions to this list, I'm not feeling quite so critical here. Maybe it's because these guys are bit more spacey than poppy. Getting some serious psychedelic-era Beatles vibes here.
This is somewhere in the 3.5 range for me but I'm not going to round up today.
Eminem
2/5
But why's he so angry???
I used to listen to this a lot in college. It hasn't really aged that well. He's massively talented but it's pretty hard to make it through an entire album.
Buzzcocks
4/5
I do like some old school punk rock.
The Yardbirds
2/5
There are moments in this album where their bonafides as mid-late 60s brit blues rock/R&B greats, contemporaries of the Rolling Stones, shows (Lost Women or The Nazz Are Blue). And then there's garage like "Turn into Earth". I don't think they really knew WTF they wanted to be here.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
Goddess
De La Soul
4/5
One of those bands I heard of at the time but never really got into. There was a minute there around 1990 or 91 where I was into rap and listened to a lot of De La's Native Tongues contemporaries, The Black Sheep. Wasn't till much later that I actually listened to De La or Tribe and realized what I'd been missing. This era and sub-genre of hiphop really is some of the best there is.
Steely Dan
3/5
A little too jazzy for my taste but still wildly unique and interesting.
Michael Jackson
3/5
Some MJ super hits here. But I was actually surpised that there a handful of tracks I'd never heard before. There's more nostalgia in these songs than any real love of the music. But still fun to listen to.
Lupe Fiasco
3/5
Pretty good album. I really love Kick Push when that came out. This feels like it's got Ye's fingerprints all over it (which it does) but oh well. 3.5
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
snooooooze... Not if you were the last junkie was HUUUUGE my senior year in HS and it's a great song. The rest of the album, not so much. 2.5. Rounding up cause why not?
Fiona Apple
4/5
Ha! And here's another album from HS. This time someone I paid zero attention to at the time. Why would I care about some chick banging on the piano and singing when I'm listening to shit that rocks hard?? Now, close to 30 years later I'm realizing I should have had a more open mind. She's great
John Grant
4/5
I've never heard of this guy. I really need to listen to this again when I can focus on the lyrics b/c what I was able to catch while I was working/half listening are gold. 3.5 rounding up
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
I know judging a band by their spotify listens is hardly the best way to go but how can you call a band anything but a one hit wonder when the 3 most listened to songs on the platform are all different recordings of the same fucking song?? And that song isn't on this album. Their 4th most listened to song is on this album and, frankly, it wasn't that great and I'd never heard it before.
I'm not saying this album wasn't an ok listen, just.... why? This album launched them and then they recorded their one hit 2 years later? So this deserves to be on the list?
Musically, I like these guys a lot but get pretty tired of the singer. When he's not singing they're way more enjoyable. 2.5 rounding up.
Neneh Cherry
2/5
oh yeah, I know this ONE song. The rest is some cringy late-80s pop "hip hop".
Beatles
4/5
I poo poo the Beatles a lot... but this is a really solid album.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
Their later stuff is better but you can hear what's to come here and it's promising.
Marilyn Manson
4/5
Damn, I've spent my whole life thinking Marilyn Manson is a tool and totally disregarding his music... oh wait, he's rapist and a terrible person, so I guess there's that.
But to the music, IDK why I never listened to this back in the day. I love Ministry, NIN, White Zombie, etc.. this should have been my jam too. I think Manson's whole "look at me, I'm so creepy" schtick made me think he was a douche and ignore the music. But I really did enjoy this album almost 30 years later.
Common
4/5
This is a solid album. Definitely sounds like it came out of the mid-2000s. Kind of like that Lupe Fiasco album I just had, so much from this era feels like it's got Kanye's fingerprints all over it. I didn't think I listened to much Common but much of this album was very familiar to me.
3.5 rounding up
Serge Gainsbourg
4/5
of COURSE Gainsbourg has a concept album about diddling a 15 year old! This is so on brand and I'm disappointed I didn't know about it. I need to learn French just so I can fully appreciate how pervy this man is. Make no mistake, I love his music. Haven't listened to him much in the last 20 years but I had a real SG phase in my 20s. The guitars and drumming on this album a phenomenal.
If you don't know Serge, check this out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHLIHrN95Vg&t=60s&ab_channel=InaFrenchStyle
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Man, this album rips.
Deep Purple
3/5
I've never really listened to that much Deep Purple but, given how much they're referred to as proto-metal inspirations for the genre, I feel like I should. I'm obviously familiar with a lot of their songs. This was a solid live album but the 10+ min songs definitely started to drag at times. A bit too much noodling or drum solos.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
SO 80s. But man, there are a couple banger tacks on this album and most of the rest is a fun listen. The mix Spotify played after this was also gold.
Kendrick Lamar
2/5
I have some friends that just love this guy but I can't get into him.
Traffic
3/5
Nothing about this blew me away but I didn't actively dislike it.
Big Star
3/5
Hey it's that That 70s Show theme song band. They're pretty good but nothing I'm going to go seeking out.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
4/5
Oh man, I'd totally forgotten about these guys. Definitely dated but still a really fun band. I don't think I'd ever heard more than a couple of their songs previous to this.
Pretenders
3/5
yeah, that was ok.
Dolly Parton
3/5
Some country legends doing what they do best.
Coldplay
3/5
I don't hate this music. I don't even really actively dislike it. It's just so bland. So clearly designed to be palatable to the masses. I want to hate it but it's so uninspired I can't even work up the energy to have such strong emotions about this band. 2.5
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
3/5
What the hell was that? I mean, it wasn't bad, just kinda weird and I have no idea why I needed to listen to it.
But yeah, sometimes you just need a gang bang to blow the blues away.
The Cure
3/5
Love The Cure. This album felt a bit subdued but still good.
Soft Machine
1/5
"...arguably the most influential group to emerge from the birth of progressive rock and British jazz-rock fusion..." - Spotify bio
It's like someone wrote a sentence describing my kryptonite. 18 minute long tracks of utter shit.
Destiny's Child
2/5
Talented artists. Just not my jam. Thought this would rate a 2.5 and get rounded up but by the end I was so tired of this...
Silver Jews
3/5
I do have a soft spot for these 90s/2000s indie artists with voices that might, traditionally, be seen as terrible. Thinking Smog/Bill Callahan, Mountain Goats, Mercury Rev, etc. I never really got into Silver Jews but listened to them a bit back when this came out.
Neil Young
4/5
Ha! I just rated a Silver Jews album and talked about artists with voices that some may find jarring... or just terrible. I know a lot of people who feel that way about Neil Young but I really enjoy him.
Sade
3/5
OK, I got hung up on this album for weeks. Just couldn't bring myself to start it. Why would I want to listen to Sade?? But then I did and that smooth jazzy, 80s yacht rock vibe took hold and here I am swaying in my chair, nodding my head, tapping my toes. Those bongos and saxophones are infectious. Am I going to favorite any of these songs or put this into regular rotation?... No. But this was still pretty fun.
T. Rex
4/5
Solid 70s rock. 3.5 rounding up
Tom Waits
2/5
Tom Waits has songs that intrigue me and make me wonder if maybe I could be a fan. And then he has four more where he's just growling and shrieking and clearly he thinks it's all really profound or witty or something. Jesus dude, get over yourself.
Blur
3/5
this is some nostalgic 90s brit pop I can get behind. Most I can't.
The Avalanches
4/5
For the longest time I thought Frontier Psychiatrist was a Dan the Automator track. These guys aren't as cool as Dan but it's some solid stuff.
Pink Floyd
3/5
huh... not what I was expecting. I thought this album was trying way too hard to be psychedelic and different from everything else. I mean, it's better than a lot of the brit-pop of the era but I had to listen to Dark Side of the Moon after this to be sure that Pink Floyd weren't wildly overrated. They're not, they just had a slow start. 2.5 rounding up.
David Crosby
3/5
Love the dirtier bluesy stuff. Cowboy Movie was a great track. The back half of this album was kind of shit though. 2.5
Soul II Soul
2/5
LOL, a one hit wonder London dance club group. Of course. The editors of 1001 are so clearly young boomer/older Gen X Brits.
And what's up with a band naming their debut "Club Classics Vol. One"?? Talk about jinxing yourself guys.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
I guess the only Bob Marley I've listened to is from his Legend album. Pretty much all of this was new to me. Not bad. I don't generally get too excited about reggae but this was good.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
Noisy 80s indie rock. Not bad. Kind of like Sonic Youth.
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
some ok 90s pop-rock. Not really memorable. 2.5 rounding up
Digital Underground
4/5
ahhh Humpty 😍😍
Frank Zappa
4/5
I've always avoided Zappa, as his stuff was always just a bit too weird and experimental for my tastes. But this album was great. Really enjoyed most of it, especially Willie the Pimp. I swear I've heard that sampled somewhere....
The Beta Band
4/5
I really enjoy the Beta Band. I'm not sure why they chose to include this album over their debut but whatever. 3.5 rounding up
4/5
some funky ass shit
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
Wow, 2 Zappa albums inside of a few days. Said it before but I've always avoided Zappa because his stuff was just a bit too weird for my tastes. Musically, this album definitely falls into that category. If I were rating on music alone, it'd probably get a 2. But I LOVE what he's doing here, thematically. It's hard to rate....
Hookworms
4/5
Great album. Reminds me of something but couldn't put my finger on it
Janelle Monáe
4/5
This album art was super familiar for me but I can't remember when/why I listened to this before. This is some really great soul/R&B/pop music. It's unique and layered and so much better than any straight pop album these days.
Waylon Jennings
5/5
Waylon was a Honky Tonk Hero
Venom
3/5
A band I've heard of but never really listened to. I can definitely hear how they're an inflection point between the NWOBHM from the late 70s and early 80s and the thrash and black metal that came later. That said, I think some of the bands that carried the torch after this were just better. The production sounds like it's recorded in a tin can and the vocals are just so so. Still... it's metal! Can't wait to see how badly this is savaged in the Global reviews. This crowd hates metal.
Portishead
5/5
Maybe some of this rating can be chalked up to nostalgia. This album came out when I was 15 and played heavily into my high school years. But regardless... fucking Portishead.
Morrissey
2/5
Morrissey... overrated douche. 2.5 rounding down.
Hole
4/5
Hole was a seriously great band. I wish Courtney hadn't made it so easy to dislike her back in the day or I would have loved them even more.
Coldcut
2/5
Fuuuuuuck this 80s club shit. Ok, there's some stuff here that I can appreciate but did I really need to listen to this?
Mekons
2/5
I wanted to like this album but... didn't.
Charles Mingus
2/5
There's something here to love but I can't quite find it. It's a bunch of people blowing on horns. What can I say, I don't love jazz.
Eels
4/5
I always enjoyed the Eels. Listened to them a lot in the early 2000s but it's been a while. I've heard them referred to as a poor man's Beck and there's definitely something to that comparison. But still... this album is solid. 3.5 rounding up.
New Order
4/5
❤️
Motörhead
4/5
I'm not usually a huge fan of live albums, but... Motörhead!
Slipknot
4/5
I bet this album gets savaged here in the global reviews. This community seems to hate metal. I, on the other hand, enjoy metal.
Slipknot is one of those bands I've never listened to very much. The melodic vocal interludes have always put me off. So I was happy to see them here and have a reason to give a full listen to one of their albums. And I really enjoyed it. You can tell these guys grew up listening to Pantera and Sepultura.
Lana Del Rey
4/5
her spacey vibe is pretty mesmerizing. For a pop super star this is pretty good. 3.5 rounding up
Culture Club
2/5
I generally enjoy this era of 80s pop and Karma Chameleon was rightly a big hit. But the rest of this album... meh
The Police
4/5
The first few songs were total shit. I skipped through them. Then... BANG! From Synchronicity II on it was hit after hit. Every Step You Take doesn't even feel like it's meant to be from this album it's so different (in a good way). Hard to rate this one given the shitty first few songs but I loved plenty of it.
Turbonegro
5/5
I'm sure the audience here is going to hate this album but I loved everything about it.
Marianne Faithfull
4/5
IDK why but I thought this was going to be some terrible folk music. Guess I didn't know who Marianne Faithfull was. Her voice almost reminds me of a more raw, less poppy Cyndi Lauper. I loved it.
Elvis Costello
2/5
jesus, the editors of this book have a real hard on for Elvis Costello.
He's. Not. That. Great.
This album was ok. But why did I need to listen to it?
Carpenters
2/5
This is what won the Best New Artist Grammy for the Carpenters?! God the 70s were a terrible time... But a small part of me has a little guilty pleasure thing going on here. It's fucking terrible, but it's catchy. Arrghh! So conflicted. You still get a 2
Method Man
4/5
wow, I don't think I've ever listened to this album all the way through. Just so many Wu albums I guess I missed the seminal debut. 🤷🏻
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
Not the best LCD Soundsystem album but, hey, still LCD Soundsystem.
The Teardrop Explodes
3/5
I've never heard of these guys. Not bad. Probably won't seek them out again but wasn't a bad way to spend my morning.
Wild Beasts
2/5
Some 2000's jangly, synthy, hipster, indie pop with a lead singer who aspired to sing opera but couldn't hack it. I find myself enjoying the music and then wincing when the guy starts singing. I get their draw but it's not for me. 2.5 rounding down
Blur
4/5
This album came out in my senior year of high school. Song 2 was a staple of alternative radio for years after (still kind of is). Though, somehow I've never heard 90% of the rest of this album. Which is too bad, I really enjoyed it.
I remember vividly, some time in the first couple months after this came out, my mom and I were moving a couch from one room to another and Song 2 came on the radio. I very loudly sang along with the "WOO HOO" which totally freaked my mom out and almost caused her to drop the couch. Then we both laughed hysterically. Great memory. RIP mom.
Prince
5/5
Ah Prince, you beautiful weirdo.
I remember, when I was a little kid, a family friend who was a few years older had a poster of this album cover in his bedroom. I had no idea who Prince was or what the poster was about. I just knew that guy was cool as fuck.
MC Solaar
4/5
Ahh.. MC Solaar! I used to listen to this guy a decent amount in the early 2000s. This jazz rap style is really the best hip hop as far as I'm concerned. I have no idea what he's saying but it sounds so damn good. Also didn't know he got his US breakthrough on a Guru Jazzmatazz track. Fitting.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
3/5
Old timey folk like this doesn't totally appeal but it's pretty cool to hear what was clearly one of Bob Dylan's biggest inspirations. 2.5 rounding up
R.E.M.
3/5
Not bad. I've never been a huge REM fan but they were unavoidable in my early teen years and therefore occupy some space in my brain.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Old Bob Dylan was ok then there were some pretty good songs.
The Hives
4/5
I forgot how rad these guys are and how much that garage rock revival of the early 2000s was such a great time.
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
pretty great debut album. You're doing alright if you drop California Dreamin and Monday, Monday on your first record. I grew up on this music
Slayer
5/5
I was VERY excited to see this on the list. But man, first thing in the morning and that first scream on Angel of Death... I had to put this one away till later in the day. You can love Slayer and still, there's a time and a place...
Goddamn this album is so fucking brutal. I love the speed, the insanity. I could listen to this on loop.
🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
also, I just recently learned this is a Rick Rubin production. It's amazing how many things that guy has touched. Hilarious he was working on this at about the same time as Licensed to Ill. LOL.
oh and PS: Fuck all the people on this site who I'm sure have given this album a terrible review. If this has above a 3 global rating, I'll be shocked.
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
A few of the songs are here are more lame 60s folk rock than I would have expected but the number of bluesy, psychedelic, rocking songs and the mega hit White Rabbit redeemed the album. I enjoyed the majority of this album after its getting off to a slow start.
Neil Young
4/5
Solid Neil Young album.
Solomon Burke
4/5
One of those names I know I've heard but couldn't have named a song he did. Good stuff.
Drive Like Jehu
4/5
I've never heard of these guys at all. This era of hardcore isn't something I've dove into too deeply as it's generally just a touch more jarring than I care for but I do love a lot of bands that are in the general orbit of this. A bit abrasive, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I'm sure this will get shit on by everyone on this site. 3.5 rounding up
10cc
2/5
I had no idea who these guys were until I listened to their top tracks. Obviously familiar with I'm Not in Love.
I really want to like them. They're weird and silly and clearly having a good time. I did enjoy some of the tracks but it wasn't enough for me.
GZA
5/5
...He was the greatest samuari in the empire...
The first WuTang album I owned. Fucking classic.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
This album comes at a great time. I've always enjoyed the Yeah Yeah Yeahs when I hear them on the radio but never really gave them much thought or a deeper listen. Recently, I discovered all the collaborations Karen O has done with Danger Mouse and be really into that. So having another reason to listen to more of her stuff and dig into more than just the YYYs radio hits is fortuitous. And it didn't disappoint.
Common
3/5
I like Common alright but by about the halfway point I was kind of tired of this and ready to be done. 2.5
Richard Hawley
2/5
He's got a good voice but this whole this is just kind of plodding and boring.
Taylor Swift
2/5
oh Taylor, why are you so popular?
Scott Walker
2/5
Tom Jones wannabe
Baaba Maal
2/5
I'm glad he was able to break out of his caste and become a successful recording artist. I still don't really enjoy this style of music all that much.
Stereo MC's
2/5
I remember that one song
Paul Simon
4/5
This is such a weird time capsule from the 80s. My dad had this tape. I remember listening to this riding around in his Chevy work van when I was 8-10 years old. I can't not love this even though, if I'd never heard it before, I'd probably give it a shit review.
808 State
1/5
Didn't need to get very far into this album before I knew this wouldn't be getting any love from me. What is up with the shitty 80s and 90s UK techno on this list? Really, we can all die happily having never listened to your favorite house records.
Minor Threat
3/5
I don't love Minor Threat as much as some of their contemporaries but still a solid entry in this list.
Elliott Smith
4/5
RIP Elliott Smith
The Damned
4/5
early UK punk. Like
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
I love that 80s pop. It's a Sin is a real banger. The rest of the album... decent.
Fela Kuti
4/5
still funky as hell.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
I listened to these guys a bit back when this album came out. The biggest hit on the album, Juxtaposed with U, is definitely my favorite. It's still has some appeal for me but thought I'd love it more than I did.
John Prine
4/5
John Prine is one of those artists I've heard all the reverence for but haven't listened to his stuff much. Or at least I thought that was the case and then I listened to this album and recognized so much of it. He was the real deal.
George Michael
2/5
Not his finest work. Freedom!90 is a great song and there are a couple other decent tracks here but shit like Heal the Pain and Soul Free were just kind of cringy. Not the pivot anyone wanted after Faith.
Prince
3/5
Middling Prince album
Missy Elliott
1/5
this is why I didn't like hip hop in high school
Holger Czukay
1/5
seriously?
The Sonics
5/5
So goddamn good. It's a tragedy these guys didn't get way bigger and have a major influence on pop/rock music in the mid-60s rather than years later.
Stereolab
3/5
I wasn't really actively listening but... nothing really jumped out at me. I remember like these guys a lot. Maybe I'll give it another listen
Eagles
3/5
Came out pretty strong with this debut
Bill Evans Trio
3/5
I generally want nothing to do with jazz. But when I'm working late and something mellow suits the mood... this fits the bill.
Pentangle
2/5
Some weird ren faire shit. But its interesting. I'll give it that. 2.5... rounding down.
Christina Aguilera
2/5
20 tracks?! I have to give her credit for having a great voice but it feels so forced. All these little flourishes. Stop jerking yourself off and just sing, Christina. How many massively talented Black soul singers that she's taken inspiration from aren't on this list? She's kind of a poor mans Adele. 2.5 rounding down
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
5th Springsteen album. This list really has a hard on for Bruce. I like him alright but come on. Some album he released well after the prime of his career that doesn't contain any of his top hits and certainly wasn't influential to the genre. Why is this on here outside of the 1001 editors being huge fans? Enjoyed a few songs but felt pretty much like generic Bruce Springsteen. 2.5 rounding up
Peter Gabriel
3/5
I don't think I'd ever heard anything on this album. I'm more inclined to the Sledgehammer Peter Gabriel of my youth but this was pretty good.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
OK, when the spotify bio says this guy has "aspirations of becoming a chamber pop fusion of Scott Walker, Morrissey and ELO" I knew it was going to be bad. 2 is generous here.
Skunk Anansie
3/5
LOL, their biggest song on this album was the first one I skipped part way through. I guess pop/nu-metal (or whatever you classify this as) isn't quite my jam but it wasn't horrible. 2.5 rounding up
The Clash
4/5
Killer debut album by an amazing band.
Japan
3/5
I don't think I've ever heard these guys. When I saw the spotify bio saying they "redefined art rock..." I was a bit leery but it also said "...and new wave" which I have a softer spot in my heart for. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It scratched that 80s new wave itch.
The Cult
4/5
This is great, don't get me wrong. But why this over their Love album? Whatever, it still rocks.
The Doors
4/5
there was a bit of filler in here(L'America, Hyacinth House) but, overall, a great Doors album
Django Django
3/5
I was only half listening but seemed pretty good.
New Order
4/5
Love this
The Pretty Things
3/5
One track in I was like "oh great, another Beattles wannabe band from the UK no one even remembers." But I listened through and was pretty into it. Then I read their bio and discovered their earlier work even better. Hat tip to 1001 on this on.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Ah sad Frank...
I don't really care much for crooners but this was ok to listen to while working.
Fats Domino
4/5
sad, spotify didn't have half the tracks. Still good times for the ones it did have
The Jesus And Mary Chain
2/5
I hear the influence on alternative music to come but it kinda drags. A bit monotonous. 2.5 rounding down
The Louvin Brothers
2/5
OK, I generally like country but this harmonizing, preachy stuff isn't my thing
Ghostface Killah
3/5
WuTang!
Supergrass
4/5
I forgot about these guys. Really fun rocking brit...pop? Whatever they are, good times.
The Notorious B.I.G.
3/5
I've never listened to much biggie. This is from a time in my life where I thought hip hop was shit. He's alright, though a lot of it didn't age well - like a lot of hip hop.
The remastered version on spotify has all the tracks.
Sister Sledge
3/5
We Are Family is a banger. The rest... so so. But I'll give 'em the 3.
Van Morrison
4/5
solid live album. I didn't need 2 discs though
1/5
I had low expectations for this album but HOLY SHIT did it surpass every expectation for just how terrible it would be.
This is music made for simpletons by simpletons. This is music made for people who think Kid Rock is a real musician. This is music for Florida Man. How did America elect Donald Trump twice? Because millions and millions of them are so stupid they think this is good music.
I feel dumber for having listened to this album. I feel outraged that this even exists.
Morrissey
3/5
Generally not a huge Morrissey fan. But something about this one spoke to me. Maybe it was all the anger at institutions, the self-deprecating/self-loathing. It just spoke to me. Also, I just listened to a Limp Bizkit album from this list and anything would sound like a masterpiece after that. Fuck me.
Skepta
2/5
I kinda like British rap just because the accent is something different. But this just got old after a bit. Also, who the fuck is this guy?
The Who
3/5
generally not a huge fan of British invasion stuff but this was ok.
The Specials
4/5
they were special
Lou Reed
1/5
Lou Reed: A guy you really want to like but who disappoints you more than impresses.
This album was tedious and boring.
Killing Joke
4/5
Great find! Never heard of this band (though I was familiar with "Requiem"). Loving this sorta metal, sorta industrial vibe. Will listen to more of this for sure.
Beth Orton
2/5
She's talented, I guess. Boring as hell though and generally unremarkable.
Rod Stewart
2/5
Tracks like "You're My Girl" make me sad to give this album a bad rating but it didn't redeem this, otherwise, tedious experience. Why do people like this guy's voice?
David Bowie
3/5
Wow... the 8th Bowie album... so far. I get it - he's cool. But man, do I really need to listen to EVERYTHING he's ever recorded?
This was good. I didn't love it but that's basically how I feel about a lot of Bowie's work. Interesting. Sometimes spectacular. Often times just ok.
Otis Redding
4/5
#900 and what an album for the milestone! Man this guy could sing. It is weird how much artists leaned on covers back in the day.
Morrissey
2/5
More morrissey? I just had one of his albums. I don't hate him as much as I thought I did. It's passable background music. 2.5 rounding... I can't decide.... down
David Bowie
3/5
I *just* had my 8th Bowie album and now... my NINTH?! Jesus, what the fuck? Did Bowie really record 1% of all the albums you must listen to before you die? He's good. I love some much of his work, including much of this album. But he's not THAT good.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
3/5
I'm not much for jazz. It took me a while to work up the motivation to listen to this one. Made me crave a martini. Too bad I'm at work.
Joe Ely
3/5
Legit progressive country guy I'd heard the name of (I think) but never listened to. I thought this album was pretty solid. 3.5 in my opinion but not quite worth rounding up. He did run with some good company. The spotify mix after this album had some great work from contemporaries of his and bands in the same vein.
Air
5/5
I mean, I knew I was going to give this a 4 or a 5 before I even turned it on. It's Air!
Jane Weaver
4/5
I have never heard of this artist but I thoroughly enjoyed her work. This came directly after Air's Moon Safari so I was definitely in the right head space for this album. Great stuff.
The Jam
2/5
I was excited to get introduced to a band who are introduced as contemporaries of the Sex Pistols and the Specials. They were pretty forgettable, unfortunately. To think they were called punk. Nope.
Sonic Youth
3/5
Man, I loved Sonic Youth when I was a kid, then decided I didn't really like them that much. Now I can take or leave them. I only discovered them in the early 90s so this stuff from the mid-80s is new to me. Not bad, really.
Tom Waits
1/5
I just can't with this guy. Mumble, grumble growl... I'm sure I'd love his songs if someone else sung them. But there are so many tracks on this album that just sound like Tom Waits doing a brutal parody of Tom Waits. It's painful.
Suede
2/5
Weird, 90s Brit pop. Wouldn't have expected this on the list. 🙄 Especially a 90s Brit pop band who clearly worship David Bowie
Animal Collective
3/5
ok 2010s spacey, electro hipster pop... or whatever it was.
Kate Bush
1/5
God... that was just terrible. Weird to be weird. So glad Kate got her shit together for Hounds of Love a couple years later. It's like night and day between these two albums.
The Residents
1/5
I can appreciate weird shit. But not this weird shit. Good for them making a long career out of this bizarre concept. I can't begin to understand how.
Neil Young
4/5
I swear, everybody I know can't stand Neil Young. I think he's great
Gang Starr
4/5
I'm not a huge hip-hop fan but these guys are kind of in my sweet spot. This isn't my favorite but it's still damn good.
Butthole Surfers
2/5
The Butthole Surfers I know were the weirdos in the mid-90s when I was high school. They were weird in a fun way. This is just kind of annoyingly weird. Has it's moments but not enough to make me like it
Solange
2/5
INTERLUUUUUUUDESSSS
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
I cringed when I got another Costello album here but, honestly, Pump it Up is a jam and the rest of the album wasn't too bad either.
Brian Eno
2/5
starts out calming and peaceful. By the end it's just kind of tedious. Genre most easily replaced by AI
Fishbone
3/5
Heard of them but I guess I've never really listened to Fishbone. Not bad.
The Pogues
4/5
Great album. Who would have thought... traditional Irish music and punk. Now I've got to go listen to some Gogol Bordello. Very different but oddly similar.
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
I've never heard of this guy but he ran with good company. Definitely an era of hip-hop I enjoy. This wasn't particularly amazing but decent.
Billy Bragg
2/5
He's alright, I guess. But pretty boring, really.
4/5
I'd never listened to Loretta till she came out with that comeback album produced by Jack White in the 2000s. But man, what an amazing artist.
Q-Tip
3/5
I guess it alright.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Pretty good stuff but not my favorite of their work
Pantera
5/5
I was in 7th grade. And this was the greatest thing on Earth.
One indelible memory about this album: my buddy Cory and I were hanging out at his house after school. We happen to look out the window and noticed a pair of Mormon missionaries making their way up his street. Quickly we started Vulgar Display and cranked it up to full volume. The Mormon boys knocked for a while and finally we threw open the door right as Phil belts out "FUCKING HOSTILE!!" They both looked around nervously and asked if our parents were home. We thought we were so funny. We were.
Throbbing Gristle
1/5
I prefer the NIN, Ministry vein of industrial music
Ice Cube
4/5
Pretty sure I'd only ever heard a couple tracks on that album. It's a great example of hip hop from the early 90s west coast.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
OMG, I haven't listened to this in SO long. I think I wore this CD out when I was 13-14. I remember my friend's dad hearing lyrics like "sopping wet her pink umbrella" and being like "wow, that's pretty dirty..." then wandering off. Good stuff.
Metallica
5/5
🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
god this is so good. Why did they have to go and turn to shit? The nostalgia for this album really couldn't be beaten by many other albums. I remember listening to this cassette on my buddy's boombox when we were 9 or 10 years old.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
wow, three 5s in a row. What a run. This album is perfection.
Kings of Leon
3/5
Pretty good stuff. Never would have thought I'd half enjoy a KOL album
White Denim
3/5
Folk rock, jam bandy kind of thing. Not bad. Not sure why it made the list but whatever.
Kraftwerk
4/5
this is a solid 3.5 for me but I'll round up for nostalgia's sake
1/5
Taking notes in real time here...
...the 1 minute, birds chirping fade in on an 18 minute song isn't boding well...
...the next minute of discordant wanking isn't much better...
...2.5 min in and I'm Close to the Edge of my sanity and about to shut this shit off...
THAT'S IT! I've made it 2.5 songs (which to my credit is 32 fucking minutes) and if I listen to anymore of this shit my head will explode. FUUUUUCK 70s prog rock.
James Taylor
2/5
way too pleasant and unoffensive
Iron Maiden
3/5
Love me some Maiden but this debut album was as auspicious as I thought it would be. Still ok.
LTJ Bukem
1/5
A fucking compilation album? Come on. Is it because we HAD to squeeze some drum and bass onto this list and there are precisely zero full drum and bass albums that you could put on here with a straight face?
The Who
2/5
Undeniably talented. Not my jam
Björk
2/5
I want to love it because it's Bjork. And there are some great songs here. But this one's a bit too avant garde for my tastes.
Barry Adamson
4/5
Spooky, moody, theatrical. It's like a soundtrack to a futuristic noir film maybe? IDK what this is (haven't read the wiki yet and have never heard of this artist) but I'm thoroughly enjoying the album.
N.E.R.D
4/5
funky stuff. 3.5 rounding up
Nick Drake
2/5
Nick Drake has his moments but, in general... meh
Carole King
3/5
Early 70s folk rock isn't my favorite but this has its funky moments and there are some undeniable classic on here. 2.5 rounding up.
Goldfrapp
2/5
I got this album and was like "yeah! Goldfrapp rules!" though I haven't listened to them in close to 20 years and had never heard this album. Turns out they had really lost their punch by they time they got to this one. Had to go back and listen to some of their hits from previous albums and they were damn good then. This album was just kinda slow and boring.
Faith No More
5/5
I enjoyed this album when I was a kid but damn it has aged like a fine wine. Love it now.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
snooooooze. But really there's some great songwriting here but I've never understood the near cult-like devotion some have for this guy.
Manu Chao
4/5
Love this album. This one has been on occasional rotation in my house for decades.
Lucinda Williams
4/5
Well here's a name I've known forever but never bothered to listen do. Stupid me. I'll be digging into this discography now.
Mariah Carey
1/5
I had to Google, "what is Mariah Carey's singing style called" to see if there's a name for the stupid shit she does, hitting 5 notes in the course of singing one word. Apparently it's called Melismatic Singing. Anyway, this album is a trash time capsule that hasn't aged well at all.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Such a great album. Love this. But Townes Van Zandt did "Dead Flowers" better. I had no idea that was a Stones song until today.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
wait, why this Pet Shop Boys album?
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
fuck... 2 Pet Shop Boys albums IN A ROW. I had good associations with this band until now. Neither this nor the previous album had a single one of their top hits on it. Just kind of cringy 80s synth pop. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy some 80s synth pop now and then. Just not from these guys, I guess.
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
With a name like Rufus, I thought this was going to be cool.
2.5 rounding down
2/5
had a couple songs, like "Morning Will Come" that had some fun bounce to them but, overall, I wasn't really into this band. 2.5 rounding down.
The Byrds
2/5
oh 60s folk rock...
Talking Heads
3/5
I liked it alright. Only one of their super hits on here. Otherwise, I don't know if I was familiar with any of the other songs.
John Cale
1/5
that was dumb
Adam & The Ants
3/5
decent 80s pop album. Wasn't amazing. 2.5 rounding up
Terence Trent D'Arby
2/5
God that sucked. I guess I missed that one when it charted in the 80s because nothing on that album was vaguely familiar.
Death In Vegas
3/5
cool, spacy indie rock. I enjoyed
Kacey Musgraves
3/5
She's pretty good and apparently this album crushed it with the Grammy's but it feels a bit too radio country for my tastes. There are so many better, less known female singer/songwriter country musicians. 2.5 rounding up
Bob Dylan
4/5
great album. IDK what it is with Dylan but sometimes I'm really not into him but this album was strong all the way through.
Neil Young
4/5
I'm not a member of the Neil Young Haters Club.
American Music Club
2/5
that Bad Liquor song was pretty good. The rest?....
B.B. King
4/5
He was the King
Little Simz
3/5
I do enjoy a hiphop with a heavy british accent for whatever reason. I'd never heard of Little Simz but this was pretty good. Not someone I'll likely follow or seek out again but worth listening to.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
1/5
put the acid down and back away slowly, Cap...
Sparks
1/5
mid-70s art-pop... 💩💩💩💩💩
Maxwell
2/5
somehow I missed this guy. I'm cool with that.
4/5
Solid album. I was never a huge X fan but this deserves a 3.5.
Tim Buckley
3/5
Kinda funky, kinda bluesy. I was not looking forward to this album after two previous 1 star reviews for Tim Buckley but this wan't bad. Now I need to look at the other two albums again and see if I was fair to him.
X-Ray Spex
4/5
I've never really listened to these guys. Good stuff from a really great time in punk rock.
Ravi Shankar
3/5
man, this guy can shred a sitar. Funny thing is, the only reason the editors put this on the list is due to his influence on western artists like the Beatles. They could give a shit about Indian music.
The Magnetic Fields
2/5
can you have nostalgia for something you don't even really like? I think that's this album for me. I don't really like Stephin Merritt's voice or this band but when I was in my early 20s (a couple years after this album was released), the hipsters I worked with had this on regular rotation. So it takes me back to a time and place but I'm rolling my eyes just as hard now as I did then.
And 3 disks at 2hrs 45min? Jesus...
Frank Ocean
3/5
Not totally into this neu-soul or whatever you'd want to call this genre but there were some pretty good songs on here. 2.5 rounding up
The Icarus Line
4/5
This is a weird one. Maybe I just need to buy the book to see if the editors announce their motivations adding an album to the list. But this album, while acclaimed at the time, doesn't appear to have been wildly influential. The band, who sound like they were mostly a regional act with stints opening for bigger bands on tour, has largely been forgotten (1,995 monthly listeners on Spotify).
Not saying there shouldn't be some underground stuff on the list but I'm always left wondering "why *this* one?"
Anyway, all that said, I enjoyed the album. 3.5 rounding up.
The Who
3/5
Solid album. Takes big shits all over that pinball wizard garbage.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Couldn't stand these guys at the time but they grew on me over the years. Still don't love but this gets a 3.5 rounding up
Pere Ubu
3/5
I was annoyed at first but in the end it was ok indie rock, I guess. 2.5 rounding up
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
Wow... another Dexys album... That is fucking crazy. Let me just recap what I said the last time I got an album from them that no one had ever listened to:
"I know judging a band by their spotify listens is hardly the best way to go but how can you call a band anything but a one hit wonder when the 3 most listened to songs on the platform are all different recordings of the same fucking song?? And that song isn't on this album."
This album was still listenable. Nothing amazing but fine.
The Slits
2/5
I wanted to love this based on their one super hit on the album but the rest of it was just kinda meh. I didn't dislike most of it but it didn't really do much for me. 2.5 rounding down.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
it was good. As usual, the biggest hit is head and shoulders above the rest but I still liked the album.
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
noise pop? ambient indie? tedious boring and pretentious?
Ryan Adams
4/5
ok, if I was rating based on what I've heard about Ryan Adams as a person, it would get a 1 star. But this is pretty good music.
Finley Quaye
4/5
Scottish regae/soul?? That was unexpected. I recognized a couple of the hits off here but haven't heard them in years. This was a really good album. I could see this guy touring with Michael Franti. 3.5 rounding up.
The Electric Prunes
1/5
I was going to give it 2 stars and then that last song came on and... what the fuck?
Madonna
2/5
blerrrghh
Michael Jackson
3/5
Michael Jackson before he became the MJ we all remember.
Jorge Ben Jor
4/5
some dope Brazilian shit. I could dive a lot deeper into this genre.
Hawkwind
4/5
I didn't love it all but I do love that spacey psych rock.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
3/5
it was some ok 80s music but 3 days later I don't really remember anything about it. 2.5 rounding up
Ice Cube
2/5
I LOVE the old beats on this album. Old-school gangsta rap has some of the best when it comes to the funky, soul beats... but the tough guy schtick is pretty tired.
2/5
An irrelevant album released by a famous 80s band in 1999. Top song on here has 32k plays on Spotify. Why?
Ray Price
3/5
An era of country I'm not the biggest fan of. 2.5 rounding up
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
I hate most 60s folk rock but I'll throw them a bone for The Only Living Boy in New York.
My dad had this record when I was a kid. I remember looking at it and thinking Paul Simon was such a tiny little man.
The Lemonheads
2/5
Decent cover of Mrs. Robinson but, otherwise, kind of an unremarkable 90s alt-rock band.
The Pogues
4/5
The lack of a comma makes me wonder, is this sodomy with a rum bottle? Rum enema? Just asking.
The Pogues rule.
Marvin Gaye
5/5
I was going to give this 4 stars but titles like "You Sure Love To Ball" pushed it over the top.
The Only Ones
3/5
Album 1001! Still got a few more, apparently, but what an accomplishment.
These guys were alright. Kinda punk, I guess. The mix I got on Spotify when the album wrapped up was better than they were so their contemporaries were at least my jam.
Korn
2/5
This is one of those bands who were incredibly unique when they came out but, 30 years later, just feels really corny to me (sorry, couldn't help it).
I can still get into some of the songs but for the most it all just blends together.
The Black Crowes
4/5
I think I've spent most of my life poo pooing The Black Crowes because I conflated them with Counting Crows. Ooops. I love this. I know most of these songs so I'm not sure how I made that mistake.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
more of this, please
Keith Jarrett
3/5
fuck I feel so classy after listening to that.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
I really want to like Nick Cave some of the time. The opening track on this album is great. But it's just super repetitive and pretty boring.
If you like this, check out Murder by Death. The lead singer has a similar voice but they're just better.
Sonic Youth
3/5
Jangly and fuzzy... sounds like every other Sonic Youth album. I was a fan in the early-mid 90s but this band didn't stay interesting for me. 2.5 rounding up
Slipknot
3/5
This is one of those bands I've been aware of forever but never really given any time to. I knew they weren't the kind of metal I'm that in to. That said... not bad. And the drummer on this album is on FIRE.
Kanye West
1/5
fuck this guy
Sonic Youth
3/5
This is probably the closest Sonic Youth will get to my heart. This dropped right around the beginning of HS for me and was definitely on rotation.
Todd Rundgren
2/5
typical 70s pop rock.... which means "shitty". That's what I mean when I say that. Shitty.
Daft Punk
4/5
fun. I'd only ever heard the 2 big hit on this album.
k.d. lang
2/5
Boooorrrrrrinnnnggggg
Magazine
3/5
i liked it alright
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
a little ragged but a decent Neil Young album. He has better and it doesn't really belong on the list but whatever.
Black Sabbath
5/5
1. I fucking love Black Sabbath. They have been an important part of my musical life since I was in middle school.
2. I also love that this is now my 3rd Sabbath album on this list. Given how much shit there is, it's refreshing to see a band that really deserves multiple entries is getting them.
4. RIP Ozzy
3. 5 stars bitches.
Guns N' Roses
5/5
I don't even have to listen to rate this album. It's one of the greatest rock albums of all time. One of the greatest debut albums of all time. These guys were amazing.
This came out when I was 8 years old. I remember sneaking peeks at the album art (killer robots, hot girl with panties around her ankles and boob hanging out) in the record store and thinking "I must have this." I asked for it for Christmas and my sister bought it for me. Wish I still had that tape.
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
that was alright but certainly not nearly as good as their bigger hits. No wonder this one was a commercial flop.
Dion
2/5
got 10 tracks into this, paused to do something, and just couldn't bring myself to restart. Mid-70s pop rock. yuck.
Tom Tom Club
4/5
Wow, this one was really interesting. Seems way ahead of their time but, honestly, that's just another way of saying other people are still copying their sound. Had no idea this was an offshoot of Talking Heads. I didn't love it but really enjoyed. 3.5 rounding up.
DJ Shadow
4/5
2003 is calling and it wants my CD back (yeah, I didn't discover this album for a few years after it was released but when I did, it was ON!)
George Jones
4/5
The saddest of sad sacks. But you gotta love it. (guessing this album will get savaged by the community on here...)
Living Colour
3/5
Cult of Personality is a real banger and there are some decent tracks peppered throughout. This one didn't do much for me beyond the one song I knew.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
I'm never sure where I stand with Nick Cave. There have been some songs that I love but generally it's just kind of interesting. That's how I feel about this album. Interesting but didn't blow me away.