Journey in Progress
Discovering music one album at a time
329
Albums Rated
3.4
Avg Rating
34
5-Star Albums
30%
Complete
760 albums remaining
Rating Speed
1.7
Per Week
1348
Days Active
Reviews
30
Written
9%
Review Rate
vs Global
0.11
Avg Diff
3.4
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1950s
Favorite Decade
Jazz
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Balanced
Rater Style
1
1-Star Albums
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You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dub Housing | 5 | 2.36 | +2.64 |
| Scum | 4 | 2.07 | +1.93 |
| John Barleycorn Must Die | 5 | 3.17 | +1.83 |
| Winter In America | 5 | 3.25 | +1.75 |
| Inspiration Information | 5 | 3.27 | +1.73 |
| Countdown To Ecstasy | 5 | 3.28 | +1.72 |
| The College Dropout | 5 | 3.32 | +1.68 |
| Sunday At The Village Vanguard | 5 | 3.32 | +1.68 |
| The Chronic | 5 | 3.33 | +1.67 |
| Garbage | 5 | 3.38 | +1.62 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merriweather Post Pavilion | 1 | 2.9 | -1.9 |
| KIWANUKA | 2 | 3.74 | -1.74 |
| Blonde On Blonde | 2 | 3.5 | -1.5 |
| Arrival | 2 | 3.49 | -1.49 |
| If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears | 2 | 3.43 | -1.43 |
| Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) | 2 | 3.39 | -1.39 |
| Raw Power | 2 | 3.32 | -1.32 |
| Chirping Crickets | 2 | 3.3 | -1.3 |
| A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector | 2 | 3.28 | -1.28 |
| Astral Weeks | 2 | 3.27 | -1.27 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums and high weighted score
| Artist | Albums | Avg | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kendrick Lamar | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| Miles Davis | 3 | 4.33 | 3.67 |
5-Star Albums (34)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Pere Ubu
5/5
Very interesting listen, and unique in the ways that it uses sound. This is what experimental music should be, a re-imagining of what you thought a “song” could be.
6 likes
1-Star Albums (1)
All Ratings
The Beach Boys
4/5
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Van Halen
4/5
The Police
5/5
Excellent songs, world influences on the rhythms and sounds, synchronicity II is one of the hallmark songs of the 80’s (and my favorite Police song), terrific musicianship top to bottom: guitar chords and sounds that were unorthodox but worked terrifically with the vocal melodies, drum parts that surprised me with their complexity, and of course terrific bass lines paired with the songwriting. All around great work, five star album from a five star band
The Flaming Lips
3/5
Intriguing sound, experimental and electronic influences, definitely not something I have heard, or typically listen to. The idea of the concept is interesting but the album did not flow as well for me as it probably should. It deserves a re-listen and a focus because I’m sure there are detailed and special moments present in the music and lyrics. I may not have been prepared for them.
Prince
3/5
Definitely ahead of its time. However, I am just not a Prince fan. Idk what is wrong with me but I can’t get down to most of this. I enjoy the singles and the overall pop/r&b sensibilities but it just didn’t click for me, daug.
Beatles
4/5
The stereo panning can be a little jarring depending on what you’re listening on, but the melodies and instrumentation is top notch, of course. I enjoy the harmonies and the unique instrumentation. As a producer myself, I enjoy those little tricks that make the listening experience a little sweeter. The songs are really the difference. Obviously the quality is below current standards, but the songs still sound unique compared to the standard musical fare. There’s a reason why this record is so celebrated. I do not like Yellow Submarine for various reasons. Overall this was a good album, with many great moments. Maybe not the most accessible Beatles album, but one to check out nonetheless. You’re more than likely going to like it.
From the opener, a refreshing blues sound with great mixing. A pure blues rock record. Towards the end of the record are some great instrumental cuts, interspersed with vocals. I liked hearing the steel drum in the final track. The guitar sound is nice and crunchy, and it’s obvious these guys know how to play.
Billy Bragg
3/5
Pretty good songs, but not for me
Garbage
5/5
I was very surprised by the quality of this record. It has a very interesting sound, and reading into the production really showed how great this band is. Their style is grunge, but stands out from the rest of the pack with their interesting and unique sounds, and sampling production. Hearing some of these foreign sounds puts you in the space they want you to be in, then they hit you with a crunchy guitar and a wall of sound. Pretty great stuff.
The Icarus Line
3/5
Alanis Morissette
5/5
Another surprisingly great record. Alanis is a great songwriter, and you can tell by the composition of these songs that the production was also top notch.
Roxy Music
4/5
Reading about this album introduces me to the genre title “British art-rock”, of which I have heard before with David Bowie, The Smiths, etc. This is the first I’ve listened to Roxy Music. I enjoy the combination of distorted guitar sounds and punk influence in these more traditional types of written songs. “Out of the Blue” stuck with me as a standout track, really improving on all the things that make this record great.
The Who
3/5
Dr. Dre
5/5
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
The Beach Boys
3/5
Sarah Vaughan
5/5
Van Morrison
4/5
Jorge Ben Jor
4/5
Another classic in World music. I find that non-American artists have an easier time including unique sounds into their compositions, which is refreshing. I enjoyed hearing all the parts in these songs, and they provided something new with each listen. Even though it’s a different language than English, the record is still very listenable.
Black Sabbath
5/5
✊🏻🎧
Miles Davis
5/5
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Pearl Jam
5/5
Queen
4/5
Pretty great album technically, all the instrumentation and vocal work is top notch. This is a concept album, and Queen really leans into the royalty/old timey crown theme. Of course they do it very well. I could see this being more of a niche record, where you have to be a Queen fan or a fan of the style to really LOVE it. Either way, it is good music.
Traffic
5/5
I enjoyed this record, great combination of blues, with piano and guitar tracks. The songs were all excellent, as to be expected from this group. A very tight, nice album that was pleasant to hear.
The xx
3/5
I always assumed the xx was an electro pop band, so I wrote off this album as a relic of an era. Listening now, many years later, I honestly felt underwhelmed. I enjoy the songs themselves, sure, but it doesn’t hit the way current pop does. That is obviously a sign of the evolution of popular music, and how in 2009, this WAS the current and future style. You could call the xx pioneers for this type of pop/electronic music. That is why this record is so highly regarded. Listening in 2022 provides a different perspective.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Doves
2/5
The Smiths
3/5
Pretty decent pop rock record. The Smiths are surprising in the way they can craft fun, poppy songs with such dark subject matter. I know that Morrissey is a good singer, and the band wouldn’t have existed without him, but I’m just not that much a fan of his voice. This is where the poppy songs clash slightly, as the vocals sometimes prevent a full connection with the song.
Aimee Mann
2/5
Van Morrison
2/5
Funkadelic
5/5
Pretty great live/studio funk record that I had to go to YouTube to hear. It’s a shame, as this album has an entire collection of funky sounds, grooves and riffs to last the entire hour run-time. Great instrumentation, as to be expected from Funkadelic. Standout is the penultimate track, with its extended guitar solo, and mournful sound that perfectly encapsulates the negative feelings described throughout in the lyrics.
Magazine
4/5
Pere Ubu
5/5
Very interesting listen, and unique in the ways that it uses sound. This is what experimental music should be, a re-imagining of what you thought a “song” could be.
King Crimson
5/5
✊🏻👊🏻Killer record, prog and jazz and blues mixed. Crazy to think this was made in 1969, all these guys were geniuses at their craft in composing.
The Doors
4/5
Tina Turner
4/5
Arcade Fire
3/5
Gotan Project
4/5
Taylor Swift
4/5
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
The Fall
4/5
Sisters Of Mercy
4/5
Radiohead
5/5
Wow, I was pretty impressed by this record. I own it, never really listened until now, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The band’s use of different instrumentation, key changes, time signatures, etc. just awakened my creativity. It was refreshing to hear an album not bound by the tropes of popular music, but instead a showcase of the creative output a talented band could have with no strings attached to their work. Production value was top notch, along with the song structures. The only gripe I have with this is Thom’s voice, particularly the falsetto singing, can get a little annoying if it’s every song, but I can look past that to the songs in general and they are all terrific. 5/5
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
R.E.M.
5/5
I was pleasantly surprised by this record. I enjoy R.E.M., but some of their songs have missed me, depending on the situation. This record, though, carried a specific tone all the way through, and I couldn’t help myself from enjoying it. Definitely a buy, Leonard likes this post
Radiohead
3/5
R.E.M.
4/5
k.d. lang
3/5
The White Stripes
4/5
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Björk
3/5
Morrissey
3/5
Queen
3/5
This record continues the overall musical motif for which Queen had become known. Orchestral arrangements, falsetto singing, “royal” subject matter. Not every song is a hit, but the hits do hit well. I am giving this one an extra star exclusively for Brian May’s guitar work, which is once again masterful.
Muddy Waters
4/5
Steely Dan
5/5
Yes
4/5
A seminal record in progressive rock history. The band’s use of electronic keys, thick basslines, and inventive guitar parts make the music unique and interesting.
Neu!
4/5
Happy Mondays
4/5
AC/DC
5/5
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2/5
The Electric Prunes
2/5
Anthrax
4/5
Goldfrapp
3/5
Pixies
4/5
The Smiths
3/5
Johnny Cash
4/5
A very quickly-paced Southern country record that was very consistent with its songs and performance. Johnny was one of the best performers of his era, and this mostly uncut recording proves it.
Femi Kuti
4/5
Very energetic record that keeps the blood pumping throughout. I removed a star due to the long lengths of each track, which can make the album feel like it is dragging in some places. However, great instrumentation and performances keep it a stellar effort.
Big Black
3/5
Good punk/industrial record for it’s time, definitely a pioneer. Poor quality recording and redundant songs dropped this one down for me, but still great stuff
Rush
5/5
Beach House
2/5
Radiohead
3/5
The Flaming Lips
4/5
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
The Jam
4/5
Massive Attack
3/5
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
3/5
Derek & The Dominos
4/5
Fugees
5/5
Animal Collective
1/5
Roni Size
2/5
3/5
Fela Kuti
5/5
The Avalanches
3/5
The Mamas & The Papas
2/5
Heaven 17
3/5
John Cale
4/5
A nice guitar pop record with some well-written songs. I’m sure this album rewards multiple listens.
Badly Drawn Boy
3/5
Iggy Pop
3/5
The Teardrop Explodes
3/5
The Undertones
3/5
OutKast
4/5
Norah Jones
4/5
Jeff Beck
3/5
Donovan
3/5
Lynyrd Skynyrd
5/5
Brian Eno
4/5
The Verve
3/5
The Kinks
3/5
The Triffids
3/5
Hookworms
4/5
Elvis Costello
4/5
The Who
3/5
The Notorious B.I.G.
4/5
Public Enemy
4/5
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
ABBA
2/5
Portishead
3/5
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Jerry Lee Lewis
3/5
Drive-By Truckers
2/5
The Adverts
3/5
Cypress Hill
4/5
Living Colour
3/5
John Martyn
4/5
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Madonna
3/5
Shuggie Otis
5/5
PJ Harvey
4/5
The Magnetic Fields
3/5
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
Einstürzende Neubauten
2/5
Le Tigre
2/5
U2
3/5
Miles Davis
4/5
Parliament
4/5
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Jane's Addiction
4/5
Kanye West
5/5
The Mars Volta
4/5
Bauhaus
3/5
Johnny Cash
4/5
The Smiths
5/5
Meat Loaf
4/5
The Divine Comedy
2/5
The Stone Roses
4/5
Super Furry Animals
3/5
Fatboy Slim
3/5
John Grant
3/5
Portishead
4/5
Screaming Trees
3/5
Minutemen
3/5
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
David Bowie
3/5
Emmylou Harris
2/5
PJ Harvey
2/5
The Roots
4/5
Sam Cooke
3/5
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
Devendra Banhart
2/5
Michael Jackson
5/5
Solomon Burke
3/5
Hole
3/5
Throwing Muses
3/5
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
4/5
Jethro Tull
4/5
Missy Elliott
3/5
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
3/5
Eric Clapton
4/5
Metallica
4/5
Alice In Chains
3/5
Beatles
3/5
Harry Nilsson
3/5
Daft Punk
4/5
Manu Chao
3/5
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
David Holmes
3/5
Funkadelic
4/5
Jane Weaver
2/5
Elliott Smith
3/5
George Michael
3/5
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
The Monks
3/5
Cheap Trick
3/5
The Cure
4/5
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
Bob Dylan
3/5
Amy Winehouse
4/5
Taylor Swift
4/5
Kate Bush
3/5
Peter Tosh
3/5
Guns N' Roses
3/5
Joy Division
4/5
Fiona Apple
4/5
Radiohead
5/5
Crosby, Stills & Nash
5/5
Sonic Youth
4/5
Metallica
4/5
2/5
Suede
2/5
The Beau Brummels
2/5
Deerhunter
4/5
The B-52's
3/5
Ray Charles
3/5
Shivkumar Sharma
2/5
The The
3/5
Scott Walker
2/5
AC/DC
3/5
Air
4/5
I enjoyed this more than I expected. All of the arrangements are top notch, and the songs are in fact, calming to listen to. The highlights for me are the songs featuring Beth Hirsch, and the horn section in the song, “Ce matin-là”. Four stars
Kanye West
4/5
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Nirvana
4/5
Various Artists
2/5
Blondie
3/5
The Prodigy
3/5
Ian Dury
3/5
Talvin Singh
3/5
Eagles
4/5
Cream
3/5
Sebadoh
2/5
Youssou N'Dour
4/5
Todd Rundgren
2/5
James Brown
3/5
Aerosmith
3/5
Tears For Fears
4/5
Morrissey
3/5
Neneh Cherry
3/5
R.E.M.
4/5
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Ash
3/5
Santana
4/5
The War On Drugs
4/5
Willie Nelson
3/5
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Bad Company
3/5
Kate Bush
4/5
Alice Cooper
3/5
Kraftwerk
4/5
Gil Scott-Heron
5/5
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
3/5
3/5
Mudhoney
3/5
Public Enemy
3/5
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Motörhead
2/5
The Crusaders
4/5
Beatles
4/5
Elvis Presley
3/5
Nick Drake
4/5
Hanoi Rocks
2/5
Marilyn Manson
2/5
Nina Simone
3/5
Mj Cole
2/5
Brian Eno
3/5
T. Rex
3/5
Bob Dylan
4/5
Bob Dylan has been one of those artists where I’ve always known of his popular material, but have never taken the time to sit down with his music and really feel it. This album proved to me that he is a rewarding listen when time is put in. The emotion and feel of these songs is apparent, and the lyricism is of course top notch. Even the instrumentation, which was considered mediocre at the time of release, perfectly matches the themes and style Dylan was creating at the time. This album has inspired me to experience more of Dylan’s output, as it is deserved.
Adele
3/5
3/5
3/5
Fela Kuti
3/5
OutKast
3/5
Jazmine Sullivan
4/5
Genesis
4/5
Bill Evans Trio
5/5
My first listen to any project by this trio, and it was a magnificent one. All three musicians are at the top of their game, the highlight being the stand-up bass work of Scott LaFaro. Scott’s passing shortly after the release of this record adds weight to the performances, and truly makes this album a live jazz highlight in my collection.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
Justin Timberlake
3/5
Small Faces
3/5
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Wilco
4/5
Frank Zappa
4/5
JAY Z
4/5
Kings of Leon
4/5
Prince
3/5
Bob Dylan
3/5
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Neil Young
2/5
Dire Straits
5/5
An impressive blues rock album, perhaps even more impressive than usual considering this was the band’s debut. Right from the beginning, you are blessed with the sounds of Mark Knopfler’s finger picking guitar technique, which adds a unique twang and timbre to the group’s compositions. Along with his low growl on vocals, it’s no surprise that this band burst into the scene and were immediately stars. The lead single “Sultans of Swing” is the clear highlight, but every song brings an infectious energy that is a must-have for any fan’s collection.
Steely Dan
4/5
4/5
The Blue Nile
3/5
Grateful Dead
3/5
Bob Dylan
2/5
Gorillaz
3/5
Pink Floyd
4/5
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Coldplay
3/5
Korn
3/5
Ice Cube
3/5
Black Sabbath
4/5
The Clash
3/5
Basement Jaxx
3/5
Miles Davis
4/5
The Who
3/5
Michael Kiwanuka
2/5
Everything But The Girl
3/5
The Soft Boys
3/5
The Vines
3/5
Duran Duran
3/5
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Buck Owens
3/5
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
2/5
Nas
5/5
The Mothers Of Invention
2/5
The Kinks
3/5
The Stooges
2/5
Jurassic 5
4/5
Lou Reed
3/5
The Pretty Things
2/5
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
3/5
The Sabres Of Paradise
2/5
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Tim Buckley
2/5
Public Enemy
3/5
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
R.E.M.
3/5
Eminem
4/5
Morrissey
3/5
Napalm Death
4/5
Thin Lizzy
3/5
Beck
4/5
3/5
Brian Eno
3/5
The Incredible String Band
2/5
Stan Getz
4/5
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
CHVRCHES
2/5
3/5
American Music Club
3/5
Talking Heads
3/5
Little Richard
3/5
New York Dolls
2/5
Saint Etienne
3/5
Coldplay
4/5