942
Albums Rated
3.32
Average Rating
87%
Complete
147 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1960
Favorite Decade
Soul
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
137
5-Star Albums
42
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Guitar Town
Steve Earle
|
5 | 2.81 | +2.19 |
|
Brutal Youth
Elvis Costello
|
5 | 2.82 | +2.18 |
|
Gold
Ryan Adams
|
5 | 2.83 | +2.17 |
|
White Light
Gene Clark
|
5 | 2.84 | +2.16 |
|
Grievous Angel
Gram Parsons
|
5 | 2.86 | +2.14 |
|
Sail Away
Randy Newman
|
5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
|
Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
|
5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
|
Car Wheels On A Gravel Road
Lucinda Williams
|
5 | 3 | +2 |
|
Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
|
5 | 3 | +2 |
|
Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams
|
5 | 3.03 | +1.97 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Score
Fugees
|
1 | 3.69 | -2.69 |
|
3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
|
1 | 3.45 | -2.45 |
|
The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
|
1 | 3.4 | -2.4 |
|
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
|
1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
|
Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
|
1 | 3.2 | -2.2 |
|
Loveless
My Bloody Valentine
|
1 | 3.17 | -2.17 |
|
Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
|
1 | 3.16 | -2.16 |
|
Oxygène
Jean-Michel Jarre
|
1 | 3.07 | -2.07 |
|
Kimono My House
Sparks
|
1 | 3.06 | -2.06 |
|
Floodland
Sisters Of Mercy
|
1 | 3.05 | -2.05 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Beatles | 6 | 5 |
| Bruce Springsteen | 5 | 5 |
| Steely Dan | 4 | 5 |
| Bob Dylan | 6 | 4.67 |
| The Rolling Stones | 5 | 4.6 |
| Elvis Costello & The Attractions | 4 | 4.75 |
| Led Zeppelin | 4 | 4.75 |
| Pink Floyd | 4 | 4.5 |
| Van Morrison | 3 | 4.67 |
| Creedence Clearwater Revival | 3 | 4.67 |
| The Band | 2 | 5 |
| Eagles | 2 | 5 |
| Stephen Stills | 2 | 5 |
| Elvis Costello | 2 | 5 |
| Billy Bragg | 2 | 5 |
| Aretha Franklin | 2 | 5 |
| Ryan Adams | 2 | 5 |
| The Clash | 2 | 5 |
| Dire Straits | 2 | 5 |
| Green Day | 2 | 5 |
| The Who | 5 | 4.2 |
| Stevie Wonder | 4 | 4.25 |
| Neil Young | 4 | 4.25 |
| Elvis Presley | 3 | 4.33 |
| Jimi Hendrix | 3 | 4.33 |
| Bob Marley & The Wailers | 3 | 4.33 |
| Peter Gabriel | 3 | 4.33 |
| Neil Young & Crazy Horse | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Leonard Cohen | 5 | 1.4 |
| Orbital | 2 | 1 |
| Rufus Wainwright | 2 | 1 |
| Sepultura | 2 | 1 |
| My Bloody Valentine | 3 | 1.67 |
| Björk | 2 | 1.5 |
| The Fall | 3 | 2 |
5-Star Albums (137)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Randy Newman · 12 likes
5/5
He may not be the greatest singer, but Randy Newman is a brilliant songwriter and I think his voice works incredibly well with his writing style. At this point in his career, he's probably thought of mostly as a movie score/song composer. His ascerbic wit is on full display on this album. I think it's great even though my 2 favorite songs of his (Mama Told Me Not to Come and I Love LA) aren't on this record.
The Beta Band · 7 likes
3/5
Yet another band that I've never heard of. Not sure their music ever crossed the Atlantic. I thought this was fine but nothing special. Too many like this are on the list.
Grateful Dead · 5 likes
5/5
I forgot how many big songs are on this album. Fantastic opening trio. More accessible for non-Deadheads than any other record probably until the final one.
David Bowie · 5 likes
3/5
Not a big Bowie fan but I appreciate the impact and influence that he had on so many artists. For me, this is fine but not really special.
Nirvana · 4 likes
4/5
There's no denying the importance of this album as a major transition point for modern rock music. Most of the songs on here are stellar. I think there may be different versions of the album. Not sure if the last song -- Endless, Nameless -- is on all of them. That is a really bad song and leaves a bad taste for me. Really torn between 4 and 5, but the way it ends drops this down for me.
1-Star Albums (42)
All Ratings
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
Fugees
1/5
Not for me. I liked the covers much more than anything else on the album.
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
While I appreciate the quality and range of the vocal performance, to me this is background music. It doesn't make me feel "involved" or like I'm an active participant.
Massive Attack
3/5
Not sure what to make of this record. I do like a lot of it, but what is it? Rap, reggae, jazz, hip hop, electronics? All of the above? I really liked Tracy Thorn’s vocals but she’s only on a couple of tracks. Most unusual version of a Doors song I’ve ever heard to close the record. While I like it, I think it’s music to play in the “quiet room” at a party, not the main event. Doesn’t make me want to see them live.
Pixies
4/5
I hear a direct line from this record to Cage the Elephant. Snappy post-punk rock. Melodic but rough at the same time with some slashing guitars.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
How can you not like an album that starts off with a song that has become part of the American Standards songbook and also includes one of the greatest "story songs" -- The Boxer? Great orchestration throughout. Keep the Customer Satisfied is an underappreciated song. I wish you could award 1/2 stars. I'd like to rate this 4.5 but since I can't, it gets 5 stars from me.
The The
3/5
This is an average new wave style album that leaves no lasting impression on me. Not sure why this would be considered a "must listen to" record. Fine but nothing special.
Talking Heads
4/5
Instantly recognizable quirky sound of David Byrne. I like this album, but there are other Talking Heads records that I like better. I do love Psycho Killer. I think that's one of their best songs. This was clearly a very different sound that really stood out back in 1977. May have been categorized as Punk at the time, but much more sophisticated and complex than that label!
Taylor Swift
4/5
Really good pop music. Interesting to hear this in its original form as I only know the Ryan Adams cover of this entire album. Now I have to listen to that so I can hear what he was hearing. Her more recent albums are much more mature sounding, but this is fun stuff.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
4/5
Wow, hard to believe that they made an entire album out of two classic, short songs. I liked this a lot, although some of the more trippy parts of of the jams were a bit much. That said, great guitars and mostly great jams. You can clearly see why they played so many shows on the same bill as the Dead. I will listen to this again and probably download.
R.E.M.
4/5
I've always thought this band was somewhat overrated. I do like some of the songs a lot though; especially Nightswimming and Drive. I find Michael Stipe's voice to be a bit whiny. I do remember seeing them in the gym at college when their first record had just come out. I don't have any specific memories of the show, but I'm sure I enjoyed it.
This another record where the half-star option would be helpful. I would give this 3.5 if I could, but since I can't, it gets a 4 from me as I think it deserves the benefit of the doubt.
The Band
5/5
A great album start to finish. Finally a true 5 for me.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Never been a Leonard Cohen fan and this album didn't change that. Although some of these songs were more upbeat than I expected, I just don't care for his vocal style. I really don't get what people see in him. Still, not the worst record I've ever heard.
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
A very pleasant album but it's background music. I feel like it should be playing in a nice cocktail lounge. I wouldn't go out of my way to listen to it again. The 1/2 star option would be helpful here too. I'd like to give it 2.5 but because I don't dislike it, I'll round up instead of down.
Ride
4/5
I'm surprised that I've never heard of this album, or the band for that matter. I hear a lot of different influences in this music. First, there is definitely some '60s psychedelic rock, followed by a hint of Pink Floyd. There is also an element of the "wall of sound" production style and even a bit of Oasis. Underneath all of this is some pretty good Rock & Roll. I will probably listen to this again and maybe try one of their other records as well
James Brown
5/5
I don't always love James Brown, but this is him at his absolute best. I would imagine this is only a portion of the entire show, but he packs a ton into 32 minutes on this record.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
4/5
For just The Message, I’m tempted to give this album a 5, but the rest of it is just fine. It is an interesting mix of R&B and early rap/hip hop, but that one song is brilliant.
Emmylou Harris
4/5
I like the blend of Americana, California folk rock and country on this album. Some really nice guitar work by Buddy Miller. Did not know that Bruce and Patti contributed vocals on one of the tracks and Dave Matthews on another. If I could give 3.5 stars I would, since I can’t I’ll round up.
Dirty Projectors
1/5
Didn't like this very much. Too much electronics and not enough "real music". Vocals sound like high pitched whines. Certainly wouldn't be on my list of albums that you must hear.
Jeff Buckley
2/5
I think this album is just ok. Most of it is too slow and depressing for me. Clearly he was a pretty unhappy guy. The high point is his cover of Hallelujah. I think that ranks up among the greatest covers ever.
PJ Harvey
3/5
I liked this more than I expected I would. Don't love her voice, especially when she sings in a high whiny voice, but several of these songs have very good "protest" lyrics.
Marty Robbins
3/5
This is a little hokey, but I liked it anyway. Reminds me of songs during the credits of old B/W western movies. It's very well recorded for the time (or maybe it's been completely remastered). Another half-star problem for me. Would like to give it 3.5.
Rocket From The Crypt
4/5
Very surprised that I haven’t heard of this band. It’s a little harsh but I like it. Post-punk in the vein of Rancid who I love. I’m a broken record about this (no pun intended) but really missing the half star option as I’d give this a 3.5. Rounding up this time
Tim Buckley
4/5
His voice makes me think of Jim Morrison; just a little less gruff. I really like the acoustic guitar (I assume it's acoustic) work throughout this entire record, but especially on Buzzin' Fly and Gypsy Woman.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Fine as quiet background music. Nothing here grabs me and makes me pay attention. I don’t think it’s bad, just not my kind of music.
Jane's Addiction
4/5
They remind me of a harsher version of the RHCP. A lot of really good bass lines and it's easy to see why Dave Narvarro could easily step in and play with them. He's an excellent guitarist. Don't love Perry Farrell's voice, but overall I liked this album. Previously I had only heard a few of the songs.
Beastie Boys
2/5
I really don't like the fuzz over all of the vocals. I like the instrumentals on this album better than the songs with lyrics. A lot of this could have been original punk with cleaner language. Not my cup of tea.
Jacques Brel
1/5
Definitely not for me
Dr. Dre
3/5
It’s hard to get past the vulgar and misogynistic lyrics but the rapping and beats are really very good. I actually kind of liked this record
The Stooges
3/5
I've never been an Iggy Pop fan, but his raw energy on this album is undeniable. I'm sure this record sounded completely radical when it came out in 1970. Without a doubt, this had to have been a favorite of the early punk bands, but I think the Stooges must have liked early heavy metal/hard rock. That seems to come through, especially in some of the guitar solos. Overall, I liked this one.
Prince
4/5
This album starts out on fire but I think there’s a bit of filler in the latter part. Still it’s a great combo of funk, soul, pop and good old rock and roll.
Eagles
5/5
A near-perfect (if not outright perfect) album from start to finish. Just one great song after another. Sonically outstanding. It's Henley/Frye's masterpiece that sounds as great today as it did when I first heard it! Truly one of my top albums of all time.
The Birthday Party
1/5
Too horrible to make it through. Wish I could give it a 0.
Arrested Development
3/5
I liked this because it was socially positive and not vulgar or misogynistic. The only song I knew from the record was Tennessee, which I already liked. I liked how they blended in Sly Stone!
Björk
2/5
I just don't get her. I think she's one of those artists that critics love (for some unknown reason), but most people just scratch their head. I didn't hate this, but I definitely won't be adding it to my collection!
Lynyrd Skynyrd
5/5
A foundation of the wave of southern rock to come in this decade. Didn’t realize there were so many hits on their first album.
Kacey Musgraves
4/5
I liked this. A nice blend of country-ish, singer-songwriter and pop styles. I'll download and listen again.
Prefab Sprout
2/5
Honestly not sure what criteria qualifies this album or band for this list. To me this is a far less good version of The Style Council or Spandaux Ballet. Nothing interesting. Not bad, just bland.
Orbital
1/5
Are there any actual musicians here? This is just a bunch of repetitive sounds with some melody trying to peek through. I could have it on (very softly) as background music, but I wouldn't go out of my to listen to this style of music ever. It's soulless.
The Go-Go's
4/5
Just a really fun pop album with great songs and catchy lyrics!
The Black Keys
5/5
Excellent all the way through. Bluesy and soulful rock and roll with a very distinctive sound
Queen
4/5
Very good early Queen. Leans heavily on progressive rock influences, but also has a good dose of rock & roll. Interestingly I associate the cover art with the soon to come Bohemian Rhapsody. I don't think this album is nearly as good as Night at the Opera.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
5/5
Eric Clapton playing the blues at his best. Searing guitar work on both the covers and original songs. Didn't know that John McVie played bass in this band. I'd like to give it a 4.5 as I'm trying to save the 5's for things I absolutely love, but since that's not an option, this is strong enough for me to round up!
Koffi Olomide
3/5
Nice rhythms but without being able to understand the words much of this sounds the same to me.
Nick Drake
3/5
I liked this one, especially the (I assume) finger picking guitar style. Soft and contemplative lyrics. Sounds contemporary despite being 50 years old.
Steely Dan
5/5
Love this early Steely Dan record. A little less jazzy than later albums but a lot of great songs.
Bad Brains
3/5
Not bad
Johnny Cash
4/5
Very good live versions of many great songs. I wonder if he would be allowed to perform in a prison today?
The Cardigans
4/5
Not familiar with this band other than one song on this album. Never would have recognized the cover of Iron Man, but I thought it was really interesting. I think this is pretty good pop/rock and would isten again.
My Bloody Valentine
1/5
I know there are guitars under here somewhere, but this is essentially noise. The distortion completely overwhelms any music or vocals. Not sure what the point is or why this deserves a record contract.
Roxy Music
3/5
Not really familiar with early Roxy Music work. You can definitely hear the influence that Brian Eno would have on later Talking Heads albums. My favorite song on this record is Grey Lagoons. Great band jam in that one.
Songhoy Blues
3/5
Overall a pretty interesting record mixing mainstream blues sounds with “world music”. Too bad I couldn’t understand the lyrics. Would like to know what they’re singing about
Willie Nelson
3/5
Never been a Willie Nelson fan. Thi is fine but wouldn’t Hopi of my way to listen
Ice T
3/5
Wow, this is intense. His anger comes through in so many ways -- obviously in the lyrics but also is the pacing, phrasing and the guitar riffs. Hard to say I liked it because of the violent and misogynistic images, but there's an important message embedded here. I think Body Count is the best song on the album. Great early mix of rap and metal.
The Magnetic Fields
2/5
This was fine but I lost interest after about a dozen songs. I liked the ones with the female lead vocals much better than the males ones. His voice reminds me of The National, who I don’t like at all.
The Dictators
4/5
I liked this a lot. I thought it was really good pre-punk rock. I especially enjoyed the Sonny and Cher cover. Not sure why they didn’t become bigger.
George Michael
4/5
This is an album I wouldn’t have listened to much less liked when it first came out. Much too poppy. Years later I feel very differently. There are a lot of really good sounds here. Sounds very fresh. The songs really hold up. Sounds like Harry Styles could have released this yesterday.
The Roots
2/5
Not really my cup of tea. Mixes too many genres. The one song that I really did like is "The Seed 2.0".
Steely Dan
5/5
I love this album. Really strong opening track -- Bodhisttva. For years I thought they were saying Old Disciple! My Old School is a classic as is Show Biz Kids. Still this isn't my favorite Steely Dan album, The Royal Scam is. I was shocked when I checked the index that that one didn't even make the list. It should!
Randy Newman
5/5
He may not be the greatest singer, but Randy Newman is a brilliant songwriter and I think his voice works incredibly well with his writing style. At this point in his career, he's probably thought of mostly as a movie score/song composer. His ascerbic wit is on full display on this album. I think it's great even though my 2 favorite songs of his (Mama Told Me Not to Come and I Love LA) aren't on this record.
Elvis Presley
5/5
This is a really good early rock & roll record. Definitely feel the blues influence. Great use of horns and good examples of piano as the main rock instrument in several songs. I don't know if this has been remastered, but it sounds great; super-clean with great stereo separation.
SAULT
2/5
Interesting. I can't say I really liked it that much, but the lyrics are pretty powerful.
David Bowie
3/5
This is fine. Never been a huge Bowie fan but I appreciate his creativity across music and culture.
Buck Owens
3/5
I can’t help thinking of HeeHaw when I listen to this. I do think it’s a good example of how C&W music is different than more traditional country music. I think it’s fine but I am not adding it to my collection.
Beatles
5/5
A big step in the transformation from quick hit pop songs to more serious and musically sophisticated songwriting. Apparently the first album released in the US that did not have the band name on the cover (not just Beatles albums).
Grizzly Bear
2/5
Meh. I don’t get the appeal. A bunch of ethereal sounds without a soul.
Talvin Singh
2/5
I don't care for this. Not sure what it is. World Music, Electronica? Not for me
Stephen Stills
5/5
Love this. Had only heard one or two songs before. If you told me it was CSNY I would have believed it. Great mix of styles that blend really well.
Slipknot
2/5
Very harsh sounding speed metal with occasional breaks for actual singing. I don't hate it but I wouldn't listen to it again. The lyrics are very dark and I just don't get the whole costume thing.
Madonna
3/5
Starts very strong with 2 really good songs. If you told me the third one was by Prince I would believe it. The rest is good pop music. She could have been a great rock singer but I guess this is where the money was.
Muddy Waters
3/5
This is a good blues album but nothing spectacular about it.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
I've never been a big Joni Mitchell fan, but I appreciate her songwriting talent. There are some really good songs on this record; especially Court and Spark, Raised on Robbery and Help Me. The rest are fine. She's just not my cup of tea.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Very good album with a couple of classic songs. I think it shows his range as a songwriter but I think overall he has better albums. I’d like the half star option to give it 3.5.
Beyoncé
3/5
This is ok but I honestly don't see why she is such a big deal.
King Crimson
4/5
Definitely a foundation piece for the progressive rock genre that grew out in the '70s. This has a much "jazzier" feel than than the major bands that followed including ELP, Yes, Genesis (Peter Gabriel version) and even Rush. Those bands were all much more "classical" in the musical bent. I like this album (mostly because of Greg Lake's vocals) but it does get a bit too "spacey" at times. Regardless, given the influence it had, it definitely belongs on this list.
Guns N' Roses
5/5
This is the reincarnation of Aerosmith, only better. Loud, rowdy, raunchy and purely American rock and roll.
Baaba Maal
3/5
This was interesting Ok to have on in the background but I wouldn’t go out of my way to listen again.
Otis Redding
5/5
A great voice doing great covers!
3/5
I have to admit that liked this more than I expected to. I usually think of her as a bad Patti Smith but this was better than that. I might listen again
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
I like the vocals on this. The sound is smooth but overall I don’t find it especially interesting.
DJ Shadow
2/5
I don’t get the appeal of DJ “albums”. Maybe it’s generational.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
In my opinion his best album of the 21st Century. I acknowledge that not every single song is great but there are some classics starting with The Rising. Should have won the Grammy for Album of the Year but Norah Jones robbed him!
The Sugarcubes
2/5
Better than Bjork on her own. Some of this reminds me of the B52’s but I don’t like the male vocals very much.
The Police
4/5
Hard to believe that the Police made only 5 studio albums, and this last one is almost forty years old. This is an excellent record with a few oddities thrown in. Sting's vocals are turned into excellent harmonies with the overdubbing. Also clearly demonstrates what a great drummer Stewart Copeland was for this band's style. Too bad they hated each other. Would give this a 4.5 if I could.
Gang Of Four
3/5
Pretty good post punk/new wave album. Nothing stands out but I did like most of it.
Drive Like Jehu
1/5
Too much noise. Not worth finishing.
Jeru The Damaja
2/5
While this isn't my preferred style of music, I did like some of this, especially the Brooklyn references. He has good points to make but like so much of this style, it's very hard to get past the misogony.
Metallica
3/5
The orchestra adds a lot to this music. Much more interesting sounding than the Metallica I'm familiar with. I guess it's a full concert recording, but if it was half as long, that would have been enough for me.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
An easy 5. So many great songs on this album. It’s the definition of 70s classic rock radio.
Femi Kuti
3/5
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Good rhythms and worldbeat sounds.
Goldie
1/5
Couldn't even make it through the first song.
Depeche Mode
2/5
This is boring at best and depressing overall. It has no heart or soul. If I'm listening to the radio and Depeche Mode comes on I change the station. The only thing on this album that I liked was the cover of Route 66 and that apparently is only on the reissue, not the original version.
Neneh Cherry
3/5
Madonna with teeth and a message. Lots of female positivity to address the misogynistic, male lyrics in so many rap and hiphop songs of the time. It's not a great album but it was fun to listen to. Reminded me that I have one of slightly later albums (that leans more to rock) that I haven't heard in years. Will listen to that one again.
Tears For Fears
2/5
This is better than most of the other synth heavy '80s bands but still just meh
Michael Jackson
5/5
This album is the pop music champion. Almost every song was a hit. It also inspired music videos to become bigger and more over the top. Most of these songs have aged very well. I'd like to give this one a 4.5 but I have to round up as it launched Jackson into a completely other stratosphere.
Anita Baker
3/5
Smooth sounding R&B. She has a strong voice and delivers these songs really well. Just a bit too "Adult Contemporary" for me, so giving this a 3. Need that half star option as it would have gotten 3.5.
The Soft Boys
4/5
Never heard of this band or album. I like it! Really good post-punk power pop. Upbeat throughout. Good guitar parts and clever lyrics. Will listen again.
Nas
2/5
I understand he grew up in a bad situation but overall these lyrics are just too violent for me. I did like the beats that were used underneath the rapping though
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
I'm not usually a big Nick Cave fan (except for the song "Red Right Hand"!) but I thought this was a pretty good album. I did like the first part better as they were "rockier" songs but the quieter stuff was ok too.
Elvis Presley
4/5
A very good, but not great album. It shows Elvis Presley's range as a singer. I think the best thing about this record is it's album cover, which the Clash later updated to be one of the most iconic covers of all time.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
This is a good but not great album. Nothing about it really stands out to me. Personally, I've never heard of this band but I don't feel like I missed out on anything. I can't imagine it would be on this list if the list was created by Americans.
Wilco
4/5
Hadn't heard this album before. I loved Uncle Tupelo and wish Tweedy and Ferrar hadn't gone their separate ways. I always like Son Volt, but sometimes I find Wilco to be too esoteric and experimental. This album has a little of that, but most of the record is just really good songs. I especially like the flat out rockers -- Monday & Outtasite. I also like Tweedy doing his best Rod Stewart impression on Dreamer in my Dreams. The Uncle Tupelo alt-country feel is still very apparent on this record, which is probably why I liked it so much. I'm downloading this one!
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
I understand that this is a "concept" record, but i honestly had a hard time following the story he's telling. I guess I have to read the lyrics thoroughly a couple of times. What is clear is that he grew up in a violent environment with no easy way out. Although the song "Black Boy Fly" is a bonus track (and I guess not on the original release), I think he's showing his admiration to an NBA player, not because of his basketball prowess, but because he was able to escape to a better life. I did like the telephone call skits; especially the first one with his parents leaving a long voicemail about bringing the car home.
Don McLean
4/5
American Pie is a five, but the rest of the songs are just not at that level. I enjoyed the record overall though.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
4/5
Overall I'm not really a big Jazz fan, but this was a very enjoyable album. I had heard a couple of the songs before (Take Five, Blue Rondo) but I certainly couldn't have named them or who the artist was. I would listen to this in the background, or perhaps play it at a cocktail party.
Death In Vegas
2/5
I don’t get the appeal of electronica although this is better than most of what I’ve heard. Not interested in hearing this album or band again.
Pink Floyd
5/5
A classic. Not my favorite Pink Floyd album (Wish You Were Here), but still a great record. Comfortably Numb is brilliant and the overall story is well told. It's totally reflective of how big an asshole Roger Waters actually is, musicianship aside. Looking at the credits, there are some interesting cameos -- especially Toni Tenille singing backup vocals and Lee Ritenour playing acoustic guitar. Certainly not their genres.
New Order
4/5
A much better than average post-punk, new wave, synth/club/techno album. The range of songs is mostly upbeat, rather than introspective and dark. Some pop elements make this more accessible to a wider range of listeners. I'd give it 3.5 if possible.
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
Smooth but vanilla pop music that leans toward folk. I liked “You’re just a baby” best — it verges on rock.
Paul Simon
4/5
Impressive solo debut. “Mother and Child Reunion” and “Me and Julio” are classics. The rest are all very good. Confirms that he was ready for the next step in his career.
Deep Purple
4/5
Is it the greatest guitar riff of all time? Either "Smoke on the Water" or "Jumpin' Jack Flash", but I digress. This is a great hard rock album. The drumming on the opening track (Highway Star) is so powerful that it sets the tone for the entire album. The fact that "Smoke on the Water" is recounting a true story is very cool. Ritchie Blackmore's guitar playing is excellent throughout -- I think he gets overlooked compared to some of his contemporaries. I would give this a 4.5 if I could.
Air
3/5
It’s was fine. No time for a real review today.
The Go-Betweens
3/5
Never heard of this band. This is fine. Reminds me of a "not as good" Style Council or Everything but the Girl record. I'd rather hear those -- they're much better.
The Smiths
2/5
I just don't like the Smiths (or Morrissey) at all. Too annoyingly whiny for me. I didn't hate this, but I definitely will not listen again.
Supergrass
4/5
This band owes a debt of gratitude to Oasis, not to mention the Beatles. The songs are very upbeat and fun British power pop with layers of sound.
Louis Prima
4/5
This almost strikes me as a novelty record more about comedy than music. The songs are upbeat and fun. Prima’s raspy vocals are perfect for this. Jazz is such a broad term but this is probably as mainstream and accessible it can be.
Keith Jarrett
3/5
Obviously he's a great pianist. I enjoyed hearing this, but not my preferred genre. Good for background music at a cocktail party.
Cee Lo Green
4/5
I liked this one more than most of hip hip albums I’ve heard. Some really good funk bass and guitar here.
Van Morrison
5/5
At first I was going to give this a 4, but after a second listen, I think it deserves a 5. Morrison covers a variety of ground from folk rock to Soul/R&B to almost Jazz and it all flows together seamlessly. There are a couple of really great songs like Astral Weeks and Cypress Avenue and everything else is really good. Too bad he's turned into a curmudgeon.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Another album that is no more than fine. Don't see what qualifies it for any special recognition
Leftfield
2/5
I probably made it through half of the record. I do not like (or understand the appeal) of EDM. Just pounding for the sake of pounding. No heart or soul here.
The Pogues
3/5
This is a fun mixture of punk music delivered with traditional Irish sounds. I’m sure Springsteen was very familiar with it when he recorded the Seeger Sessions Live From Dublin. Unfortunately for me, after listening, much of this sounds the same to me.
Rod Stewart
5/5
Rod Stewart (and the Faces -- sort of) at their best. The mix of covers and originals work beautifully together with Stewart's rasp to pull it all together. Just so many great songs on this record. For me, this is the Apex of his work.
Soundgarden
5/5
Chris Cornell is criminally underrated. To me Soundgarden is every bit as good as nirvana.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
5/5
Screaming guitars Angela growling vocals. I loved this
David Bowie
3/5
I know people absolutely love Bowie but he doesn’t resonate with me at all. I like Young Americans but I think the rest of this album is just ok
Def Leppard
3/5
Maybe better than most hair metal of the era but this is still “plastic” rock and roll.
The Verve
3/5
In general I like the Verve but I think this album is just ok. Nothing here approaches Bittersweet Symphony.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
5/5
Boy, they sure crammed a lot of greatness into 27 minutes. This album is a blueprint for early rock and roll!
Robbie Williams
3/5
This is ok britpop. Trying to be Oasis without that level of talent. I also hear a little Elton John influence thrown in. Don't know why it deserves to be on this list. Nothing special about it
Jerry Lee Lewis
5/5
22 minutes of nuclear energy packed into 8 simple songs. This would have been something to see!
The Black Crowes
5/5
I love this album. I remember thinking when it first came out that it had a distinct Rolling Stones feel. I still hear that influence but I think it stands on its own as a great American rock and roll record, plus it has aged very, very well.
Michael Kiwanuka
3/5
I’m not sure what I think about this one. Trying to cram in a lot of styles. Not bad but doesn’t win me over either
The Auteurs
3/5
There is nothing wrong with this record but there is also nothing that makes it worthy of being on this list.
Erykah Badu
4/5
Good funk and soul with a feminist twist. I especially liked the first track — Penitentiary Philosophy.
The Isley Brothers
4/5
Great funky soul sound with interesting covers
The Hives
4/5
Fun post-punk power pop. Not familiar with this band, but this reminds me of Green Dat in a way. I would listen again.
Donovan
3/5
I know this is “psychedelic” but most of the lyrics are just too silly. I do thin Jimmy Page guitar work on Season of the Witch (definitely the standout song on the album) is excellent
Maxwell
4/5
Smooth and soulful with really good musicianship. I especially like the bass lines throughout the album. I could see this as an album Marvin Gaye might have made.
Linkin Park
3/5
Listening to this makes me think of what Nirvana might have sounded like if they let rap/hip-hop influence their style. Overall, I think the lyrics are pretty powerful even if I don't love the delivery.
John Grant
2/5
Boring indie music
Frank Ocean
3/5
I liked most of this. NeoSoul/R&B/Jazz sounding. Not sure if I’m right but it sounded like some of the vocals used auto tune, which I hate
Miles Davis
3/5
I’m not a jazz lover but I liked this more than I thought I would. Wasn’t as “freeform” as I expected.
Gene Clark
4/5
Never listened to any of Gene Clark's solo music. When I think of the Byrds, I've always automatically thought of Roger McGuinn's jangly 12-string. What a pleasant surprise! This is a terrific record that really captures the Laurel Canyon sound. Not really a surprise when you look at the list of people playing on this. I'd like the 1/2 star option so I could rate this one 4.5.
Dr. John
3/5
The epitome of the sound of New Orleans. Swampy and mysterious and a little creepy too.
Q-Tip
4/5
Wow, this is really, really good. I love how the tracks flow together seamlessly. Rhythms are great and I can actually understand what he's saying.
Blur
3/5
This is fine but give me Oasis any day!
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
This is pretty good indie/arty rock that stood out (briefly) when it came out. Not sure why it makes the list though.
The Replacements
4/5
The Replacements, although critically acclaimed, never got the mass appreciation that they deserved in my opinion. This is a great album that moves between post-punk and power pop. Paul Westerberg was (and still is) a brilliant songwriter. His lyrics are insightful, witty, sarcastic and satirical. Read the lyrics to Androgynous -- he wrote this almost 40 years ago! Pretty incredible. Yes, some of the songs are a bit silly, but so what? It's great rock and roll. This band didn't last nearly long enough.
Richard Thompson
4/5
I usually like Richard Thompson both solo and with Linda. I think this is a very good album. The title track is great (although not quite as good as Wall of Death from the much later Shoot Out the Lights album). As always, his guitar playing is very impressive.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
My favorite RS album. It covers the full range of their music -- raunchy, rockin', rough, rude, bluesy and soulful. A few great covers tossed in with Mick/Keith classics. Maybe a filler or two, but who cares. The rest of it is so good it makes up for it. An essential album to own! Easy 5.
Neu!
2/5
Not really sure what category this falls in, but to me it's innocuous backrgound music at most.
Paul Weller
3/5
Likeable songs that have a tinge of Traffic and Eric Clapton sounds in them. Paul Weller has had so many incarnations, but really not familar with this one,
Waylon Jennings
3/5
Ok country music
Rufus Wainwright
1/5
I hate Rufus Wainwright
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
One of my favorite RHCP albums. This is what introduced me to the deeper catalogue.
AC/DC
4/5
Rowdy rock and roll for teenage boys. Songs are simple but fun and Highway to Hell is an all time classic
The La's
4/5
Good pop rock songs with a “jangling” sound. Not familiar with this band, although I did know (and like) one of these songs. Will listen again.
Missy Elliott
3/5
Not a huge rap fan but I understand why this album makes the list. Good to here the female POV that she brings.
The Everly Brothers
3/5
The harmonies are superb by otherwise I think this is just ok
Bob Dylan
5/5
Maybe not his best but brilliant nonetheless. Most artists would kill to write just one song as good as most of these.
Prince
3/5
A very eclectic mix of styles but they don’t all seem to fit together. Adore is a great song but for me most of the rest are just ok.
Elliott Smith
3/5
I think this is a good but not great album. Not sure why it/he is considered to be so influential. Definitely liked the update, "rockier" tracks more. My favorite is Cupid's Trick.
Sparks
1/5
Couldn’t get past the second song. Hated what I heard.
Pixies
2/5
I really wanted to like this. Unfortunately I didn't. Just way to harsh sounding for me.
CHIC
3/5
Some good songs, but not really my style. Nile Rogers is a great bass player though.
The Killers
3/5
Never been a Killers fan. I don't really like the vocal effects that are used on this album. A few good songs, but overall, just ok.
The Doors
4/5
50+ years later, this still sounds different and original. Not the best Doors album but still a classic.
PJ Harvey
3/5
Once again, not really sure why this makes the list. Most of it is ok, but some is just noise. Dense and pretty heavy. Is it post-punk, grunge or something else? I think she's just not my cup of tea.
Elvis Costello
5/5
A very strong effort from Elvis Costello. I prefer rocking Elvis to balladeer Elvis and this record has a bunch of those. My favorites are Just About Glad, All the Rage, Rocking Horse Road, but this is excellent all the way through. I’d give this a 4.5 if possible but I’ll round up because it’s one of my favorite Elvis albums
Elton John
5/5
Easy 5. Elton John's masterpiece album. One of the best Side 1's of a vinyl album and remains strong throughout. I love this one.
De La Soul
1/5
Not on Apple Music. Can't listen.
Dolly Parton
3/5
This is a good country record and over time I’ve come to appreciate Dolly Parton. That said, not sure why it makes the list.
The Cars
3/5
I really liked this when it first came out but it’s lost its appeal. Without doubt the sound was unique at the time.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
This is a tough one for me to rate. The styles on this record really span the entire spectrum from softer, sweet ballads to thunderous heavy metal. This is also an album, where I knew a surprising number of songs without having any idea of the titles. I'd give this a 3.5 if possible but rounding up to 4 for Bullet with Butterfly Wings (a song I've heard a million times but no clue what the title actually was.)
Pearl Jam
5/5
Hard not to give this a 5. Debut album from one of the three foundational bands of Grunge/early 90's rock that saved us from Hair Metal (Nirvana and Soundgarden being the other two). Classic songs like "Jeremy", "alive", "Release" and "Even Flow" from this record cement it as being worthy of the list.
David Bowie
3/5
I'll preface this by saying that I'm not a big David Bowie fan. This is fine but I'm not interested in hearing it again. A lot of it feels reminiscent of Peter Gabriel to me.
Iggy Pop
3/5
Sounds too much like David Bowie. Not a surprise given he co-wrote a bunch of the songs and plays in the band. Fine but not special.
The Yardbirds
3/5
This ok. Not really into the psychadelic vibe. If I want to hear British Invasion Blues, I'll choose The Rolling Stones over this.
Ghostface Killah
2/5
I didn't hate it, but not really for me. Too dark and violent.
Various Artists
3/5
A better version of Christmas music including great performances by Darlene Love and Ronnie Spector
Pink Floyd
5/5
Brilliant concept album. Sonically great. It’s true — it syncs perfectly with the Wizard of Oz if you start it when the MGM lion roars.
Brian Eno
3/5
This is Talking Heads to the "nth" degree except without the witty lyrics. A little too experimental for me.
The Doors
5/5
Morrison’s voice sounds great. Multiple well known classics and one song that I think is really under appreciated—The WASP. Would if a 4.5 if possible but I’ll round up for this one
Bob Dylan
5/5
Any album that opens with possibly the greatest protest song ever written deserves a 5.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
5/5
No sophomore slump here. Enough classics to almost make this one a greatest hits records. One of his very best albums.
Yes
4/5
Very solid progressive rock album. Musicianship is excellent. As with a lot of this genre lyrics aren’t always great but still a couple of classics here
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
Familiar with the name but not the music. I thought this was pretty good. As usual, I prefer the more rocking songs to the quieter ones but this record has a good amount of both styles.
Television
4/5
Apple calls this post-punk, but it's smack in the middle of the intelligent punk/art timeline as the band shared the stage at CBGB's with Talking Heads, Blondie, Patti Smith and The Ramones among others. They should have had much more commercial success. See No Evil is an awesome leadoff track!
The National
2/5
Sorry, I just don't like this band. Never have. I find the vocals boring. He just drones on and on. I know critics love them, but I wouldn't put this album on the list.
Doves
2/5
Coldplay wannabes. Doesn't really belong on this list
Sister Sledge
3/5
Never listed to this and only know We Are Family from weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, etc. Not my preferred genre, but really strong vocals and a good grove.
Kate Bush
3/5
Pixies
3/5
Better than the other Pixiues albums live heard. More melodic with less screaming. Probably won’t listen again but not terrible.
The Mamas & The Papas
4/5
Some great songs on here that really hold up, especially California Dreaming and Monday Monday. A smooth transition of folk into folk rock.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
The story behind this album is pretty interesting. The bitterness comes through in a bunch of the songs. There is some really good soul/R&B with great instrumentation. There is some filler here too. Not unusal on a double album.
Common
2/5
Way too misogynistic for my tastes.
Tom Waits
3/5
You can smell the stale beer and wafting cigarette smoke listening to this album. It transports you to an old jazz club at 3am. I understand why people might not like this, but it’s the perfect material for Tom Waits’ gravelly voice.
Sheryl Crow
4/5
Really good breakthrough album. Clever and sometimes acerbic lyrics with great melodies.
4/5
Very good album from the most underappreciated British Invasion band. I like the concept -- the story is pretty easy to follow. It does have a lot of Beatles influence, but I think that's a sign of the time it was made more than the Kinks' trying to copy what was so successful for their contemporaries.
Air
2/5
Another head-scratcher as far as I'm concerned. I hear some Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon influence, but overall this is just background music. Fine as a subtle movie soundtrack, but that's it. Won't listen again.
Coldplay
3/5
This is a good, extremely well produced debut album. Sounded different than other “rock” records of the time. It ushered in a lot of more musically introspective bands. Kind of surprising how this launched Coldplay as a stadium headliner.
Bauhaus
2/5
This sounds like a bunch of bad songs that the Talking Heads rejected
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
Some good psychedelic blues mixed with some strange stuff. Not bad but I don’t think I’ll listen again.
The Stranglers
3/5
Has a bit more humor than other punk albums of the time. Some of it verges on pop almost. I don't think it's quite as misogynistic as some of the reviews I read.
The White Stripes
5/5
I was late in discovering the White Stripes, but this record broke through. One of the greatest riffs to open an album. Stellar guitar and great Melodies. Love this.
Tim Buckley
4/5
Hadn't heard this before. Not what I would have expected. Much more bluesy and harder rocking songs. Would like to give this 3.5 but I think it serves to be rounded up.
Frank Black
3/5
I liked this way better than the Pixies albums on the list. Sounds more like a conventional rock album.
TLC
4/5
Liked this more than I expected. I thought it was going to be filled with commercial pop but it was actually very good R&B.
Billy Bragg
5/5
This is a great concept. An unexpected pairing of artists that works incredibly well. The addition of Natalie Merchant's vocals makes it even better. Have loved this since it came out!
Barry Adamson
2/5
Another head scratcher. Why is this on this list. No very good or interesting to me.
Derek & The Dominos
5/5
I hadn’t listened to this all the way through for a long time. Was thinking I’d probably give it a 4. After listening again today, that would have been absolutely wrong. Definitely a 5. My favorite is the cover of Little Wing. Hard to imagine that this was panned when it came out.
Ozomatli
4/5
Not familiar with the band at all (although one of their songs from 2010 is in my itunes library -- probably from some compilation sampler I got). Have to say that I really liked the mix of funk, latin and rapping. Maybe they are more well known outside of the US, but they deserve some visibility here too.
Jurassic 5
3/5
Not familiar with this group. Generally not my preferred genre, but I thought this was really good!
Billie Holiday
3/5
This album is fine. Nice renditions of standards but shouldn’t Billie Holiday have a blues/jazz album on the list instead?
OutKast
3/5
Sebadoh
3/5
Not familiar with this band. The album seems very schizophrenic to me ranging from power pop ballads to growling vocals reminiscent of death metal and hardcore punk. It’s fine but it doesn’t hang together as an album for me.
Duke Ellington
3/5
I'm not a huge Jazz person, but I do like Big Band music. In this case, the focus on brass instrumentation is pretty cool.
Eminem
2/5
Wow, this is brutal. Clearly he’s talented but some is just too hard to listen to.
Common
3/5
A little less violent and dangerous sounding than some other the others of the genre on this list.
Ananda Shankar
3/5
When I saw this I wasn’t going to listen at first. Then I saw Jumpin Jack Flash was the opening track so I was curious. I actually thought it was pretty good. A couple of interesting covers and the rest was ok too.
Fishbone
3/5
Interesting mix of funk, soul, rock, ska. Reminded me of both Living Color and Red Hot Chili Peppers. I’d heard about the band but hadn’t heard their music. Pretty good. Would like to give it 3.5.
Mudhoney
3/5
I feel like this is a bridge from ‘80s hair metal to grunge. Opened the door for Nirvana and Soundgarden to change the direction of rock music.
John Coltrane
3/5
I'm not a jazz person so a little hard to comment on this for me. I liked that it was not completely freeform and of course the horns are great, but overall this is background music to me.
Michael Jackson
3/5
This album starts out very strong, but doesn't sustain that level all the way through. The second "side" isn't nearly as good and overall the ballads are eh. Would give it a 3.5 if possible, but rounding down given his personal failings.
Beatles
5/5
Easy 5. Amazing how many great songs got packed in 35 minutes!
Massive Attack
3/5
Liked this much more than I expected to. Rhythms and beats are strong and the vocals and rapping work very well.
The Incredible String Band
2/5
Psychedelic folk music just doesn’t work for me. It’s not bad but I don’t want these genres combined.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Another one that I haven’t listened to straight through for a very long time. As great as I remember it. Powerhouse opening with Black Dog and Rock and Roll. Of course the side 1 closer is one of the greatest hard rock songs ever. Even the quieter songs stand out as being right. After hearing almost a quarter of the list from the book , about time!
The Specials
3/5
This was the first Ska music I had ever heard during my freshman year at college. Kind of like reggae but still different. I like the album but I think I like the clothes more. After a while it begins to sound repetitive to me.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Ok but doesn’t merit being on this list
Silver Jews
3/5
As a rule I like alt-country. This is good but feels somewhat maudlin. Give me Son Volt or Whiskeytown instead.
Roxy Music
3/5
I liked the first few songs a lot. Reminded me of a combination of David Bowie and The New York Dolls. After that it was just ok.
The Cure
2/5
I don’t really like the early’80s synth pop very much and this is the epitome of the genre
Little Richard
5/5
Outstanding early rock and roll by one of the pioneers!
Nirvana
4/5
There are some great versions of now classic songs on this. You can hear the angst in Cobain’s voice. The closing track (where did you…) is my favorite performance. I’d give this a 4.5 if I could.
Justice
2/5
Why is this on this list. Did not need to hear this
Al Green
5/5
Hadn’t heard this album or most of the songs. Really liked it. His vocals are great!
Rush
4/5
A very ambitious album stretching across progressive rock and hard rock. Most of the lyrics are a little nonsensical but no denying the quality of the musicianship.
Lightning Bolt
1/5
This sucks. Just noise. Gave up after 3 songs. Does not belong on this list. I would give it a 0 if I could.
Cream
3/5
The first 2 songs are great, but it's a little uneven after that. That said, I'm sure this was groundbreaking when it first came out
Ray Charles
3/5
I think there is a lot of filler on and would give it a 3 as is. I think if it were trimmed down to a single album it’s at a 4 and perhaps a 5.
Carole King
5/5
This is one of the greatest singer-songwriter albums ever made. Personally, I don't think there is a bad song on this one. By now, it has influenced 2 more generations of talent.
The Louvin Brothers
3/5
Not sure why it makes the list. Early Americana that’s ok
5/5
This is an absolutely great album. I wish that they could have gotten along. Oasis, heavily influenced by the Beatles, made outstanding music and could have gotten even better if they stuck around longer.
The Youngbloods
3/5
This was good but not particularly special. I guess it had some influence on early country-rock, like the Eagles, Jackson Browne, etc.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
A clear 5. Classics throughout delivered perfectly
Burning Spear
3/5
A good reggae album. I guess it's important for the political message.
Grateful Dead
3/5
This is the best and worst of the Grateful Dead. A lot of discordant sounds like people playing difftsongs at the same time. The feedback track was completely unnecessary. That said both St Stephen and Love Light we’re fantastic!
Willie Nelson
4/5
I liked this more than I expected to. In general, I find Willie Nelson to be a bit too "twangy" for me. These songs, given their nature, avoid that. This is probably one of the earlier versions of contemporary artists covering standards, so it deserves credit for that too.
The Who
5/5
A brilliant concept album in which you can actually follow the story. It features some of Pete Townsend’s best writing and a few staples of classic rock. I don’t think it’s the Who’s best album but it definitely deserves a 5.
Elvis Presley
4/5
This is more country/adult contemporary Elvis than rock and roll Elvis. That said his voice sounds great and the backing band is top notch. There are a couple of excellent guitar parts. My favorite one is in Power of my Love. While this is a very good album, I can't say it's great.
ZZ Top
3/5
I did not have access to MTV when this came out so I missed it when this band exploded. These songs are catchy blues based rock but I don’t love any of them. I do think that do show off the band’s strength as a “power trio” in the mold of Cream and others.
Killing Joke
2/5
I don't think this band/album broke through in the US. Not quite punk or hard rock, but a combination of both. Reminds me a bit of Nine Inch Nails.
The Stooges
4/5
This is the most prepunk punk album I think I’ve heard. I generally don’t like Iggy Pop but I have admit that this is the version of him. Would like the 1/2 star option but I’ll round up.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
I remember the anticipation leading up to the release of this album and then listening to it over and over and over. One of Bruce's best efforts. Some of the songs are a little more downbeat, but the lyrics are great and the band is at it's best. Badlands, Prove It and Promised Land get all the glory, but Candy's Room, Darkness and Adam Raised a Cain are outstanding tracks. I especially love the guitar on Adam Raised a Cain. I think this counts as the band's first "grown up" record. All in all this is a fantastic record and easily deserves a 5!
Alanis Morissette
4/5
I am familiar with all the hits but have never heard the entire album or really even listened closely to the lyrics. I was surprised how good this album is. She and her songwriting partner are sharp, edgy, sarcastic and witty. I feel like Liz Phair could have written some of these. It also rocks musically. All told, I liked this a lot more than I expected to.
Bill Callahan
2/5
Not sure why this album is on this list. I found it very boring.
Django Django
4/5
An interesting mix of styles. This album reminds me of prog rock, Beach Boys harmonies, guitar led rock and electonica. I usually really don’t like that last genre but it didn’t bother me in this blend.
Miriam Makeba
3/5
This is ok. Some of the South African some are very interesting, but the English tracks seem like they're out of place.
Arcade Fire
2/5
I’ll start with the positive. This is a a very well arranged, orchestrated and produced album. Unfortunately it feels like Win Butler wants to be David Byrne but he does have the funk and soul to make it work.
Radiohead
4/5
I own one Radiohead album and this is it. Despite being critically acclaimed, a lot of their music is esoteric and not easy to get. This is very different. Far more accessible and easy to enjoy.
Hookworms
3/5
I expected to dislike this album a lot, but I was surprised that I did like some of it, especially Static Resistance. If they just played the songs without all of the electronica elements, I might have really enjoyed it.
Hole
4/5
I always thought Hole existed off of Kurt Cobain’s success but this is actually a very good album that shows they (and Courtney Love) actually are talented. Liked this one a lot.
The Police
5/5
Love this album. No sophomore slump here. Kickass opening track that sucks you in as you sing along. Bring on the Night, Bed’s too Big, It’s alright for you are also standouts. Great blend of reggae vibes and excellent rock and roll.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Fine album but I don’t know if it’s one of their best. Help Me Rhonda is definitely worthy though.
The Crusaders
3/5
Fine smooth jazz/R&B, but nothing special.
David Bowie
3/5
Not a big Bowie fan but I appreciate the impact and influence that he had on so many artists. For me, this is fine but not really special.
Beatles
5/5
Great early effort. Much simpler musically than albums to come in a few years that is heavily reliant on covers. Fun to listen to and sing along with.
Eminem
4/5
Not my genre but hard to deny his talent. Can’t tell if it’s an act or genuine anger being expressed. Regardless, it’s a compelling album.
Nine Inch Nails
2/5
I understand why they call this genre so industrial. Sounds like you’re in a factory and not wearing ear protection. Too much noise and not enough melody for me.
CHVRCHES
3/5
Another album that’s fine, but don’t know why it should be on this list. Reminds me a little bit of Blondie with more synthesizers
Black Sabbath
3/5
Overall the album is ok. I think some of the lyrics are pretty silly, but that is countered by some truly outstanding guitar playing. The final song/suite really demonstrates that great aspect of the record
Black Flag
2/5
Harsh but surprisingly not horrible. Couldn’t just sit down to listen to this but it does display the intensity of hardcore
The Kinks
3/5
The Kinks always seem to get lost between the rise of the Beatles and Rolling Stones. A very good band that never really got the credit (in America) that they deserved. This is a really good album, but not a stand-out. As always, clever, sometimes biting lyrics delivered in British Invasion style.
Milton Nascimento
3/5
I like this as background music.
R.E.M.
3/5
This album relies on the mandolin than any other rock record that I can think of. A good record but I’m not a big REM fan so I’m not at all blown away by it.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Amazing how many great songs this band produced in such a short period of time. A couple of those standouts (Proud Mary, Born on the Bayou) are included here. Too bad they didn't last longer.
Spacemen 3
2/5
Some of this is actually not bad, but most of it is just droning noise. The bad far outweighs the good.
Butthole Surfers
1/5
Yuck. Why is this noise on the list???
Bob Dylan
5/5
This is really an excellent album. I was initially going to give it a 4 but reconsidered as my favorite Dylan song (Tangled up in Blue) is on it. Other obvious standouts are Simple Twist of Fate, Idiot Wind and Shelter form the Storm. Actually, probably should have been a 5 all along!
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Although I've never been a huge Jimi Hendrix fan, it's hard to not give this a 5. This is the prototype for psychedelic hard rock AND power trios. Can't deny the guitar prowess. A couple of songs feel like filler, but the great ones are outstanding.
Sex Pistols
5/5
Rude, angry, powerful and fun. A breakthrough album that is up there, (close to but not as good as) with the first album by the Clash. Quite a statement about England in the mid-late '70s.
Harry Nilsson
5/5
While I knew a bunch of these songs, I'd never listened to this album. Thought it was great. He clearly spent a lot of time listening to the Beatles and I think Billy Joel probably listened to this over and over. Even though there are a couple of hits here, I'm really surprised that he never really broke through in a big way.
The Avalanches
2/5
I would expect to hear this as background music in a bar. Wouldn't go out of my way to listen but it's not terrible.
Coldplay
4/5
A very good album with a couple of standout tracks. My favorite is the Scientist — great piano parts. Somewhat downbeat but still worth having in your collection.
Arcade Fire
3/5
Not bad. A very big, orchestrated sound that feels original. Definitely has an “artsy” vibe.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Very good album. I only knew one song but really liked most of what I didn't know. Everyone in the world has Legend, but this is a great intro to the Wailers and not just Bob Marley.
Dolly Parton
4/5
Great Americana. Voices blend beautifully and song selection is very good. Three individual icons who know how to work well together!
Violent Femmes
5/5
Original and just plain fun. It’s really held up well over time. It’s acoustic punk power pop!
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
2/5
Not that interesting. From what I read, he was apparently influential on a number of artists who came later, but I'm not exactly sure why. This isn't a bad album, but I don't know what about it made someone include it on this list.
Kanye West
3/5
I expected more of a rap album and was surprised that this had a lot more R&B feel. Liked it more than I thought I would. Too bad he lost his mind.
Talking Heads
3/5
A very good but not great album. Possibly the weakest in their outstanding discography. No doubt other bands wish they could have made this but it doesn’t come close to their best work.
Sisters Of Mercy
1/5
I hate Depeche Mode and by the transitive property, this too. Glum synthesizer music with no soul (and perhaps no actual musicians either). Never need to hear this again.
The Byrds
3/5
This is good but not special. Other than 8 Mile High, no outstanding tracks. There are other, better Byrds albums on the list.
The Charlatans
4/5
I will acknowledge that this is Oasis light and probably shouldn’t be on the list. However, it’s fun, power pop music that I really like.
Janis Joplin
5/5
Powerful vocals backed by great band. There is real blues inside her. Hard to believe she’s been gone for more than 50 years.
Joy Division
3/5
Dark and somewhat depressing. I like the New Order version of this band better.
Janet Jackson
4/5
Excellent album with huge hits and catchy tunes. I think if they cut it by about 15 minutes it would be even better. Filler keeps it from being a 5.
3/5
Perhaps if your a fan of the niche sub-genre of electronic salsa/mambo music, this album means something to you. To me, it's ok background music. Would choose to listen again, but it isn't a bad record. Just not my taste.
Hugh Masekela
3/5
I like horns in general, so I enjoyed this album. That said, I don't really know anything about Jazz so it's hard for me to judge whether this is great or just average.
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
Outside of the two all-time great songs (Somebody to Love and White Rabbit) this is a very good but not great record.
Metallica
4/5
Dark and dense. The drums and guitars are excellent but like most metal the lyrics aren’t as good. I like this but listening straight through made me want it to be shorter.
Iron Maiden
4/5
This is less metal than it is just good hard rock. Much closer to Foghat or G&R than Black Sabbath or Metallica. I also hear some punk influences. Don’t be misled by their name (even though the logo is a little creepy)
Oasis
4/5
More great power pop rock and roll from this band. Yes, there are some lifts directly from the Beatles. So what? Noel Gallagher is a sharp, witty and sometimes acerbic songwriter. My favorite songs on this are Rock and Roll Star, Supersonic and Live Forever. They deserve to be the kings of Britpop!
Travis
4/5
I really liked this when it first came out. Driftwood and Why does it Always Rain on Me seemed to be on the radio all the time. However, I don't think Travis ever really broke through commercially. Unfortunate because the songs here are really good. Strong melodies with good vocals in a smooth rock package.
Lorde
3/5
Much more pop/dance music than I expected. No bad but not my cup of tea.
The White Stripes
4/5
Very good album with some hard rocking songs and excellent guitar work. Not their best album in my opinion but a strong effort nonetheless.
Mott The Hoople
3/5
A good example of early 70s rock. Fun but not serious. David Bowie's fingerprints are all over this but Ian Hunter's writing is witty and sarcastic. This band is a bit under the radar but I think this album is worth listening to. Probably deserves an extra 1/2 star.
Bill Evans Trio
3/5
This was nice background music for a cocktail party. I don't know anything about jazz so I can't really say if it's truly great or just ok.
Sade
5/5
This album touches so many genres from smooth jazz, adult contemporary, soul, afro/caribbean all the way through to latin pop. It sounds beautiful. Not only her voice, but the instrumentation and production too. I feel like this is an album where everyone can find at least one thing (if not more) to like about it. Slinky, sexy, stylish and smooth. Plus a really good cover as the final song.
Sly & The Family Stone
5/5
Innovative “funk and roll” with a message. Great songs and a band full of excellent musicians. The horns really stand out along with the bass playing. A classic album that still sounds great!
The Flaming Lips
3/5
I've always found the Flaming Lips to be a bit too artsy for my taste. This does nothing to change that opinion.
The Mothers Of Invention
2/5
This makes it very clear why Frank Zappa never had mainstream success. There is talent in there somewhere but it’s buried by too much nonsense.
Talking Heads
4/5
Innovative and exciting shift for Talking Heads. David Bryne has always made challenging music, often outside of mainstream conventions. Maybe this is how this album started out. Marking a bit of a transition from earlier "punk" (a term I apply loosely to TH mostly because of where they grew up performing) to a world music sound. The record's incorporation of African rhythms into pop/rock music is transformative. While every track may not be great, those that are make this an worthy entrant on this list. Falls a little short of a 5 for me. Would give it 4.5 if I could.
Tito Puente
4/5
I like this album as background in a nightclub. In fact, it makes me feel like I'm seeing Ricky Ricardo play at the Tropicana Club in 1957. The musicians are great. I especially like the horns. Once again, I don't feel as though I know enough about this genre to determine where this should rank.
Nick Drake
2/5
Another depressed singer-songwriter singing sad songs.
Herbie Hancock
4/5
Good mix of funk, rock and Jazz. I imagine that this is one of the earliest fusion albums that influenced bands like Weather Report and Return to Forever, Spyro Gryra and even Steely Dan. Not my preferred genre but definitely the type of Jazz I like best.
Suzanne Vega
3/5
A nice singer-songwriter debut but not certain it is a must listen.
Sigur Rós
2/5
Had a hard time getting past not having a clue what they were singing about. Non-English lyrics are fine as long as the music is engrossing. For me, this isn't. In fact, I think it's kind of boring.
Primal Scream
3/5
I liked this more than I expected to. I preferred the songs that lean more toward power pop rock vs. club music. Favorites were Movin' on Up, Damaged and loaded. A couple of more tracks like those would have pushed up the score. Would like to give it a 3.5.
R.E.M.
3/5
A fairly good debut by a band that I think is highly overrated. Other than Radio Free Europe nothing really stands out to me.
Elvis Costello
5/5
One of the all time Top 10 Debut Albums. Every song is great. Enough said!
Miles Davis
3/5
Not a jazz fan. Don't know if this is great or just average. Someone else can decide, but won't be listening again.
Mudhoney
3/5
This is good and an important contribution to Grunge, but I don't think it's at the same level as albums by Nirvana, Soundgarden or Pearl Jam. Likely why they didn't have the same level of commercial success as the others. My favorite track was the instrumental, Fuzzgun '91. Great rock and roll for any genre but definitely encapsulates the Grunge vibe.
Baaba Maal
3/5
Interesting but ultimately it all starts to sound the same to me.
Beck
3/5
Never heard this album except for one song. Not what I'm used to hearing from Beck, but he is a musical chameleon. I like it but would prefer more upbeat acoustic songs.
Sufjan Stevens
3/5
The one song I recognized (Chicago) was very good. This rest of the album is fine but didn’t make a huge impact on me.
Gang Starr
3/5
Not familiar with this group and not a rap fan so can't give a fair evaluation. I will say that this is music I would have absolutely hated when it originally came out. Now I can hear some of why it broke through but still not for me.
AC/DC
4/5
Testosterone filled teenage boy rock and roll. Maybe it’s not great art but it’s definitely fun.
Scott Walker
1/5
This sounds like an album of show tunes. Not for me.
5/5
Brilliantly imaginative with one or two weak(er) spots but still a 5 given the overall quality. Day in the Life is one of my top 5 Beatles songs for sure.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
This might as well be a greatest hits collection! Maybe the first mainstream reggae album? Musically interesting and just outside the norm, but accessible enough for everyone to enjoy it. It's a 4.5, bit in this case, I'll round up.
Thundercat
3/5
I think this is fine but not special. I did like the variety of guest artists -- it's a long way from Jim Messina to Kendrick Lamar!
Neil Young
3/5
Never heard this album or any of the songs on it. Read a couple of reviews basically saying it is incredible sad music. I didn't get that at all. I don't think this is up to Neil Young's best work either as a solo artist or with CSNY or Crazy Horse but it still pretty good.
Kanye West
2/5
Definitely not my taste. Too misogynistic and violent.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
5/5
Another spectacular debut. Stephen Stills' songwriting is top notch. I like everything about this album other than Guinnevere. Can't stand that song, but that doesn't keep it from a 5.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
A good earlier Stones album, but not at the level of what was to come. Still a step forward toward that with all original songs for the first time. very good, but not one of their essentials
Jane Weaver
3/5
Nothing much to say about this. Have never heard of this artist and after listening, don't really feel like I'm missing anything. Not bad, just nothing particularly special to me.
Minor Threat
3/5
Pretty raucous music. Not a big fan of hardcore punk, but this wasn't bad. Helps that the "album" is so short. 21 minutes of this is definitely enough for me.
Motörhead
3/5
Much better album than I expected, although not as good as the Iron Maiden record we heard a few weeks ago. Didn't realize they were a trio. Lyrics aren't anything special, but the sound is pretty powerful for 3 guys. This definitely verges on Punk, while still being Metal.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Much more main stream sound from the Velvet Underground for this album. Lyrics aren't as dark and songs have almost a pop feel. Lou Reed is clearly the star.
Leonard Cohen
1/5
Can't stand Leonard Cohen.
Paul Simon
3/5
Outside of The Late Great Johnny Ace, nothing on this album stands out to me. It’s certainly fine, but not at the level of Paul Simon’s best songwriting.
Pulp
3/5
Ok Britpop. Not sure why all the critical acclaim. Give me Oasis over this any day of the week!
Sabu
2/5
I wasn't impressed by either the percussion or vocals on this album. Nowhere near as good as the Tito Puente record we already heard.
Aerosmith
3/5
Pretty good hard rock borrowing more from Les Zeppelin than I previously noticed. The songs on this album are better than almost all of their later hits.
Van Halen
4/5
Probably their best album. EVH is just a fantastic guitarist as demonstrated by Eruption. Good hard rock with surprisingly strong harmony vocals.
Ryan Adams
5/5
Ryan Adams is a brilliant lyricist. He may be a petulant jerk, but his music is great. While this isn't quite as good as Gold or some of his other later albums, it is still excellent. I would give it a 4.5 to leave room for Gold, but I'll round up.
John Lennon
4/5
Quite a few really great songs here but some weaker ones thrown in. Give Peace a Chance, Cold Turkey followed by Instant Karma is a fantastic closing trio.
Aimee Mann
4/5
Really good pop/folk/singer songwriter stuff. Her lyrics are very clever and the backing band is tight. Maybe cutting a song or two would make it even better as I did start to lose interest by the end. Still very solid. Adding it to my collection.
Meat Loaf
5/5
Full of bombast and bluster but still an amazing record; one of my favorites of the later '70s. Jim Steinman takes full advantage of the orchestration and Todd Rundgren's production skill to get a gigantic, theatrical sound. Having great players like Roy Bittan, Max Weinberg and Edgar Winter makes this an all-star band recording. The album definitely captures a moment in time for me even if it hasn't necessarily aged as well as some of its contemporaries -- I still love it!
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
Never got the appeal of this band. Maybe the early Goth-rock/post punk sound grabbed people, but not me. No need to listen again. Would give it 2.5 if possible, but I don't dislike it that much, so rounding up.
Mike Oldfield
4/5
Like most people, I only knew the portion of this that was used for the Exorcist. Overall I liked the album. Extremely well produced. Should probably listen with headphones next time. Not sure how to categorize it — prog rock? Very impressed by the musicianship.
Adam & The Ants
2/5
An unnecessary addition to the list. This is weak new wave music with little to make it stand out. Sadly, the only time I went to see Saturday Night Live, he was the musical guest.
Sonic Youth
3/5
One of those bands whose critical acclaim exceeds my enjoyment of their work. I like the more mainstream sounding stuff much better than the "experimental, edgy" songs that critics seem to always love. Some good fuzzy guitars though and sharp lyrics.
David Bowie
3/5
Said this before. Never been a big Bowie fan. I think I appreciate his cultural influence more than his music. This album is fine. I think Mick Ronson's guitar parts are very good. Not sure why he included a bad cover of the Rolling Stones here.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
Not my preferred genre but I like it better than much of the Rap on the list. At least it's not completely homophobic, misogynistic violent.
Britney Spears
2/5
Vapid dance pop. Yes, some of the tunes are catchy but the lyrics are shallow at best. This is teenybopper stuff more concerned with what the video will look like than the actual music.
PJ Harvey
3/5
First of all, there a just too many PJ Harvey albums on this list. That said, I think this is the best of what we've heard. Since it's her debut, as far as I'm concerned she didn't get better with time. The record definitely has some Nirvana/grunge feel to it that helps.
Orbital
1/5
A long, boring and repetitive record. Maybe ok in a dance club, but horrible to actually listen to. Had to stop -- it was giving me a headache
Queen
3/5
A good album but not nearly as good as their best. Rocks pretty hard while including some of the “theatrical “ elements that would emerge later.
Muddy Waters
4/5
A very good compilation of classic blues, but didn't he record all of these before?
Happy Mondays
3/5
Another good but unnecessary album for this list. I do like most of it as the blend of britpop and dance beats are mixed well. Some of it reminds me of The Style Council a little.
Anthrax
1/5
I tried really hard to get through this album but I just couldn't make it. Sounded like a machine gun set to auto-fire and gave me a headache.
The Pogues
3/5
Not bad, just not my cup of tea. Traditional Irish folk music with a punk twist. I'd much rather hear Black 47.
The Clash
5/5
Without a doubt, one of the greatest albums ever made! Definitely in my top 10 and maybe even top 5. A true masterpiece. People used to call the Clash "the only band that really matters". This album proves why. They actually have something to say. Is it punk? Yes, but with great lyrics and melodies. Really it's just great rock and roll. I'm really glad I got to see them live! 5+++++
The Stooges
4/5
I liked this a lot more than I expected to. Not really an Iggy Pop fan, but this is much more a Stooges band album. Some great guitar work on songs that really do rock pretty hard.
Soft Cell
2/5
This is just a bad ‘80s synth record with the possible exception of Tainted Love. Sounds artificial and soulless.
Patti Smith
4/5
I'm not really sure why people often refer to this as the "first punk album". Maybe because they player at CBGB's so frequently? It is a different sound than other albums of the time like the Eagles and other Laurel Canyon sounding records. There is very good Rock and Roll guitar and some top notch lyrics and vocal performances. I guess it's a good transition piece as genre's evolved.
John Lee Hooker
4/5
I enjoyed this album, especially the duet with Bonnie Raitt. The last three "solo" songs are quintessential "bluesman with a guitar". I wish they had included Boom Boom Boom. Maybe that would have pushed it to a 5 for me.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Ok but I like Lou Reed much better on his own.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
This album is really a mixed bag. Some of it sounds like prog rock -- the Peter Gabriel led version of Genesis. Other parts sound like him trying to make more mainstream, blues based rock music. Better music is still a few years away.
Pantera
1/5
Unlike the Anthrax album I did make it all the way through this one. Don’t know why though. Awful.
Lucinda Williams
5/5
This album introduced me to Lucinda Williams. Not a bad song on here and some are truly great. She's a fantastic storyteller and brilliant, emotional, songwriter. This album is the definition of "americana" style rock. Definitely straddles genres and blends them together seamlessly. Didn't realize that the album was produced by a combination of Roy Bittan and Steve Earle, which is another thing to love about it.
Kings of Leon
4/5
I expected this to sound much more like their later hit album that put them on the commercial map. This rocked harder and with more of a southern edge to it (although some of it did remind me a bit of the Strokes). Liked it enough to download.
TV On The Radio
3/5
This album covers/incorporates multiple genres ranging from Peter Gabriel-like prog rock to funk infused dance music. Maybe they never have had widespread commercial success because people don't know how to categorize them? Overall, enjoyable and very well produced.
Saint Etienne
3/5
Another album that makes me question why it's on the list. It's not bad but other than the very weird Neil Young cover, I don't find it to be particularly interesting or emotional. It does have a "dreamy" feel but it didn't win me over.
Turbonegro
4/5
Never heard of this band but I really liked the blend of post-punk and semi-metal rock and roll. The various guitar solos were the highlight for me.
Jorge Ben Jor
4/5
Wow, this was surprisingly good considering I have no idea what the words mean. Great grooves that combine rock, funk and latin sounds. Sounds very contemporary despite being almost 50 years old. Foreign language rock music is pretty unusual to hear in the US, but this proves it can be really, really good.
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
This is a step above most movie soundtracks. Curtis Mayfield's voice is smooth as silk and these songs tell a story about the seedy part of life. Really good album.
Dr. Octagon
1/5
Too long; didn't care. Doesn't need to be on this list. Don't know why it is.
The Prodigy
1/5
This sucks. Should only be heard in a club. Nothing about it makes me want to listen to it. Gave up half way through.
Doves
3/5
Not bad. Sounds like a less good version of Cold Play. I don't dislike it, but no reason to be on this list.
Ice Cube
2/5
Not for me. Way too much violence, misogyny and anger. Can’t deny the underlying message but I don’t identify with it. There are some clever rhymes. Ironic that he’s now a mainstream actor.
Alice Cooper
3/5
Ok hard rock album with a Glam touch. Closer to the NY Dolls than Led Zeppelin. A little bit of KISS in here too. I like it, but does it need to be on the list?
Rufus Wainwright
1/5
I hate Rufus Wainwright. Wish I could give it a 0.
Fleet Foxes
3/5
This album has a weird, ethereal vibe. Harmonies are excellent although I think the echo chamber effect is a bit overdone. The songs themselves are good but nothing really blew me away. Would give it 3.5 if I could.
Queen Latifah
3/5
Good to hear a rap album free of the violence and misogyny that typically dominate the lyrics. Not my preferred genre, but I found the lyrics clever and I enjoyed the guest artist contributions.
50 Cent
2/5
The antithesis of the Queen Latifah album we just heard. Misogynistic, violent and overly aggressive. Yes, there are good beats and the actual rapping itself is very good too, but that doesn't outweigh the content for me. Not something I will listen to again.
Fugazi
3/5
Much better hardcore punk album than most. While I wouldn't say it's melodic, it does have a few good sonic moments as opposed to being noise for the sake of making noise.
Teenage Fanclub
4/5
Very good power pop. This reminds me of Matthew Sweet and maybe even the Gin Blossoms. A lot of jangly guitar parts. I like it!
The Mothers Of Invention
2/5
I don't get the appeal of Frank Zappa. I never have and this doesn't change my opinion. Is it strange just for the sake of being strange? There is some good musicianship here but definitely no enough to get me to listen to this (or any other FZ record) again. I would give it a 1.5 if possible. Since I don't actually hate it, I'll round up.
Sleater-Kinney
3/5
This is fine, post-punk, indie garage rock. I'm a little surprised by all of the critical acclaim this band gets. Maybe I need to listen a few more times to say I really like it? Very interesting to have a power trio without a bass guitar, so that's a plus for me.
The Byrds
4/5
A really good early country. Rock album. A little less jangly sounding than most Byrds music. Clearly a progenitor of bands like Poco, New Riders and the Eagles among many others. I especially like the lead off Dylan cover.
Love
4/5
I'm a little surprised that this band never became more well-known. Never heard this album, but I think it's very good and deserves another listen. The last track, Revelation, despite being over the top is my favorite on here.
Paul McCartney
4/5
This is a good but not great album. Honestly surprised at the number of instrumentals given Sir Paul's songwriting ability. One all-time classic and the rest are fine, but nowhere near that level. I was impressed that he played all of the instruments himself. I would give it a 3.5, but that rounds it up for me.
Lou Reed
4/5
This is a good transition from Velvet Underground Lou Reed to solo artist Lou Reed. Maybe that's where the title came from? He did go on to re-record some songs originally written for VU, but I feel like this is a step away from that band. Having David Bowie and Mick Ronson produce (plus having Ronson provide lead guitars) gives this a different feel that is definitely (for lack of a better term) Bowie-esque and even a bit more commercial sounding.
Guided By Voices
4/5
Only vaguely familiar with this band. I enjoyed the album for it's catchy pop hooks.Sounds like they listened to a lot of Beatles growing up -- most obviously heard in "As We Go Up". Loved that that manged to squeeze 28 songs into a 41 minute record!
Ash
4/5
Another band I haven't heard of. They sound like a mash up of Green Day meets Oasis. Since I like both of those bands, I enjoyed this. Good power pop punk. Melodic and noisy at the same time. I'd listen again.
Solomon Burke
4/5
A very good, but not great soul record. He definitely has a powerful voice, but nothing here really blew me away. Would like to give it 3.5 but it gets the benefit of the doubt.
John Cale
3/5
I expected a much more avant garde sound and I was happy that this album was pretty mainstream. Nothing really special about it but at least it is more accessible than much of his work.
The Afghan Whigs
4/5
I know they aren't a Seattle band, but this album definitely had some of the grungy feel of the time. Rocks hard with biting lyrics. Kind of surprising this band never really broke into the big time.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
I don’t like Leonard Cohen at all but at least I made it all the way through this one. That’s about all that can say.
Good bluesy rock and roll. You can see why Ron Wood fit into the Rolling Stones so seamlessly. Rod Stewart does a really good job here as well.
The Stone Roses
4/5
Another band that never really broke through commercially in the US. Enjoyed the blend of melodic, psychodelic, beat heavy, dancy rock. I'm sure Oasis listened to this band a lot.
LCD Soundsystem
2/5
Very Talking Headsy sound, but with too much electronica for my taste.
The Beach Boys
5/5
This is generally considered one of the greatest albums of all time. I do think it deserves a 5 for the production quality alone. Several of the songs are truly great -- "Wouldn't it be Nice" and "Sloop John B" are my favorites. All that said, I wouldn't count this among my personal top 20 or even 100 albums. Yes, Brian Wilson's genius clearly comes through though.
The Offspring
3/5
This album came out around the same time as Green Day's breakthrough with Dookie and Rancid's Out Come the Wolves. Similar in genre, but not as good as either of those. After the two "hits" on this record -- Come Out and Play and Self Esteem -- I don't recall much additional success. The lyrics for Come Out and Play, which I just read for the first time, are actually pretty good. I didn't realize this is a song about gang violence. Self Esteem reminds me of Weezer, but with a harder edge. Overall a good but not great record.
Basement Jaxx
1/5
Monotonous and annoying. Gave me a headache.
Soft Machine
2/5
Too long; didn't care.
Shuggie Otis
4/5
Very good soul/funk album. Not very familiar with his music -- think I only had heard one of these songs. A little surprised that he remains under the radar.
ABBA
3/5
I'm not much of an ABBA fan but I can't deny they wrote some of the catchiest pop songs ever made, including several on this record. While the songs themselves are a little "sugary", the vocals and production quality on this album are great. Somehow, I think Dancing Queen will live on forever.
Dire Straits
5/5
A great debut album that came out of nowhere. Completely different sounding than the punk/new wave music so popular at the time. Mark Knopfler is a great lyricist and superbly smooth guitarist and he makes this an album that succeeds on many levels. The opening track "Down by the Waterline" is seriously underappreciated. "Sultan's of Swing" was the breakout hit, but I think this is the best song on the album. Great start to their success.
Kraftwerk
2/5
Looking back I don’t know how Trans Europe Express was a radio hit when this came out. The album is monotonous.
Mekons
3/5
Not familiar with this band. Some songs had a bit of a Joe Strummer sound and some were a bit countryish. Overall I liked the album. Favorite track was Lost Highway. I would listen to this again.
Iggy Pop
2/5
This is David Bowie by another name.
Marvin Gaye
5/5
A classic in every sense. Great songs with something important to say.
Cat Stevens
4/5
I’m not a big fan of acoustic soft rock but this is a very good album. Wild World, Where Do the Children Play and Father and Son are classics. Sad Lisa sounds like Peter Gabriel era Genesis to me. Miles From Nowhere reminded me of Burn Down the Mission or Take me to the Pilot from Elton John.
Fela Kuti
4/5
This reminds me of Tito Peunte. Very AfroCaribbean sounding with great horns. I like the instrumental sections best. My favorite song was Zombie. I think this would be really good as background music for a party.
Blur
4/5
Better than I expected. Had no idea that the name of the second song (which I knew) was Song #2. Still think Oasis is the much better band of these 2!
Janelle Monáe
3/5
Beck
4/5
I really like this album. He’s able to blend multiple genres really well. I don’t even mind the electronic parts.
John Martyn
5/5
Wow, what a great find. Never heard of him before. Love the blend of soulful, R&B acoustic guitar and spacey music. Downloading this one
The Damned
5/5
Liked this a lot. Don't think I've ever heard a piano intro on a punk album before - I think it was Just Want to be Happy. Good guitars and even melodies. Have to love a band with a drummer named Rat Scabies and a guitarist named Captain Sensible!
Norah Jones
3/5
BRUUUUCCE!!!!!!
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Never been a big Joni Mitchell fan but this is a very good record. The lyrics and acoustic guitar playing stand out but I do find some of the vocals grating, so it loses a star.
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
This actually makes the Sex Pistols sound good. Johnny Rotten’s voice is just annoying.
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
Good guitar driven, very British rock and roll. Successors to Oasis with a harder edge.
Suicide
2/5
Moody, downbeat, eerie sounding. A bit too morose for my taste.
Brian Eno
3/5
I clearly hear both Talking Heads and David Bowie in this. Must have been mutually reinforcing given the influence Eno had on both of those artists. The record itself is fine. Nothing jumps out as really special.
Genesis
4/5
One of the best (if not the best) Genesis albums. Yes, it's long but there are some great songs here including The Lamb... and Carpet Crawlers. This version of Genesis is about as far from what they would later become as any band I can think of (maybe the BeeGees?).
Sepultura
1/5
Absolutely horrible. Don't understand how this got put on this list. Made it halfway through before giving up. Wish there was a zero stars option.
Aerosmith
3/5
One of the last gasps of the hard rock sound that began in the late '60s before punk arrived and changed things. Never been a big Aerosmith fan but this is a very good album. Maybe Joe Perry is a better guitarist than I've given him credit for?
Dizzee Rascal
2/5
Not very good, but not my genre
Deee-Lite
3/5
Innocuous club music with one killer earworm.
Skepta
2/5
Another album I didn’t need to hear. Never heard of this person and odds are I never will again.
The Allman Brothers Band
5/5
One of the first great, live rock albums and one of the best live albums of all time. The progenitor of Southern Rock as a genre. I'm sure this album inspired everybody from Lynyrd Skynyd, The Outlaws, Molly Hatchett up through Chris Stapleton, The Drive-by-Truckers and of course Gov't Mule. The sound isn't great given the production capabilities of the time, but the power of the performance has no trouble breaking through. While they continued without him for most of the band's long existence, it makes me wonder what else Duane Allman could have contributed.
Alice Cooper
4/5
Only knew the title track before listening, but I think this is a really good album. Not just hard rock. I love the way they incorporated the music from West Side Story!
Everything But The Girl
3/5
Smooth sounding, dancey, club music without the harsh pounding beat. The vocals are almost soothing, with enough “pop-sound” to make it broadly appealing.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Wow, what a macabre album theme. This is ok, but as with most of Nick Cave's work, I just don't get his appeal. I did like the cover of Stagger Lee; probably the best song in this collection. Not likely to listen again.
The Who
3/5
Not one of my favorite Who albums. I find it to be very gimmicky. I suppose it was innovative at the time, but I'd rather have more music and less attempts to be clever with interstitial pieces. Also, I really think there is only one outstanding song here -- I Can See For Miles.
Radiohead
3/5
Not a fan of Radiohead outside of In Rainbows. This album is too “experimental” sounding and like most of their stuff, just isn’t accessible for most listeners (including me). I know they are critical darlings but I just don’t get why.
Miles Davis
2/5
Maybe I'm just not sophisticated enough for this. I know that this is supposed to be one of the greatest jazz albums ever made, but it's not for me. It's too freeform and experimental. While the musicians are great, it sounds like everyone is just doing their own thing.
The Band
5/5
Maybe the grandfather record of Americana or Country Rock music. The Weight is one of the greatest songs ever written and the cover of I Shall be Released is right up there as one of the greatest covers ever. Those alone make this a 5 for me. Chest Fever and This Wheel's on Fire don't hurt either.
Funkadelic
3/5
Not sure why this isn't streaming somewhere. I thought this was a good but not great album. I like the muscianship better than the vocal performances. I don't think this stands up as well as Sly and the Family Stone.
Paul Simon
5/5
I think Paul Simon has probably written better individual songs but nothing hangs together completely as well as this album. Sonically interesting given the Afro influence and well crafted pop songs make this a great album.
Adele
3/5
Her voice is spectacular. Certainly one of the best female singers in decades. These songs are good but not great though. Doesn’t live up to “21” for me.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
5/5
This is the the type of jazz that I like. Big band music that's just fun to listen to. Love the horns. Probably a 4.5 but I'll round up
Faith No More
4/5
Not very familiar with this band. Didn't realize I knew a couple of these songs -- wouldn't have been able to say who sang them. Reminds me of a mix of RHCP and Alice in Chains. I did think most of it was pretty good. Somewhere between a 3-4, but I'll round up.
Wu-Tang Clan
3/5
I'm the wrong person to ask about this. As rap albums go, not doubt this is very good, or maybe better. Just not my musical taste.
Van Halen
2/5
Not a big Van Halen fan beyond Eddie's guitar mastery. This is the epitomy of 80's hair metal. The only song on here that I really like is Panama -- which for years I thought they were saying "Panic and Run". I despise Jump and Hot for Teacher; the other 2 big hits here. I don't think it's a terrible album but I wouldn't choose to listen too it. Would give it a 2.5 if possible, but I hate Jump so much, downgrading to a 2.
The Electric Prunes
3/5
Know the name; never heard the music. Pretty good mid/late 60's psychadelic rock. Not earthshattering as nothing about it really stands out to me. Probably won't listen again but I didn't dislike it.
Orange Juice
3/5
Sounds like this band tried to make an album that was 1/4 English Beat and 3/4 Style Council. Unfortunately not as good as either. Not a bad record but I hear no reason for including it on the list.
Nirvana
4/5
There's no denying the importance of this album as a major transition point for modern rock music. Most of the songs on here are stellar. I think there may be different versions of the album. Not sure if the last song -- Endless, Nameless -- is on all of them. That is a really bad song and leaves a bad taste for me. Really torn between 4 and 5, but the way it ends drops this down for me.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
Don't think I've ever said this, but this album is too short! What a set of songs delivered by a truly incredible vocalist. This is a 5++.
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
I liked the positive female empowerment message of this album. The music itself was just ok.
Fred Neil
4/5
Never heard any of his music before (other than Harry Nillson's cover of Everybody's Talking -- which I had no idea wasn't his own song). This grew on me. Initially it felt a little too much like Leonard Cohen, but I got past that. I like the mix of electric and acoustic instruments and the smoothness of his voice. A nice surprise.
The Beta Band
3/5
Yet another band that I've never heard of. Not sure their music ever crossed the Atlantic. I thought this was fine but nothing special. Too many like this are on the list.
Suede
3/5
Another questionable entry to this list. Not a bad album but nothing special about it either. O.K. britpop but that’s about it.
Country Joe & The Fish
4/5
I only know Country Joe from Woodstock so didn’t know what to expect. I really liked the blend of psychedelic rock with country/americana sounds. If I didn’t know what I was listening to I would have thought the instrumental was by the Doors with Ray Maranzak playing organ. Also, modern enough that Porpoise Mouth could have just been released by the Decemberists.
Morrissey
2/5
I generally hate Morrissey but this was better than I expected. Not as bleak and maudlin as usual. Very good guitar work helps a lot.
Meat Puppets
4/5
This is a really good mix of alt-country and punk sounds. Very electric. I liked the instrumentals a lot.
The Beta Band
3/5
Not sure we needed one album from this band on the list but definitely don’t need two. It’s not bad, just not special enough.
Elis Regina
3/5
Nice Brazilian Jazz but not an essential album by any means
The Pretty Things
4/5
I know this is supposed to be a "rock opera", but I didn't really follow the story. That said, it was very well produced, but it sound like they were trying to make a Beatles album, with the Kinks thrown in for a slighted harder edge. I did like it though.
Pere Ubu
2/5
I always assumed that this was either a ska or reggae band. I think I would have liked it better had it been either of those.
Sugar
4/5
I like this kind of hard edge power pop. Didn't know that Bob Mould had a band between Husker Du and being solo. I'll listen to this one again.
Hole
3/5
I’m sure it was hard for Courtney Love to feel dismissed as a musician because she was Kurt Cobain’s wife, but I think this album shows she earned her own recognition. I don’t love everything on here but I do like a lot of it. It rocks hard.
Astrud Gilberto
3/5
Nice but unnecessary. The “military march” song seemed very out of place.
Elton John
4/5
A really, really good early EJ album that includes 3 phenomenal songs -- Tiny Dancer, Levon and Madman Across the Water. The rest is good but just not up to that standard, which keeps this at a 4 for me.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
3/5
An ok new wave album. Sounds muddy to me. Not sure why it's on the list. Not essential as far as I'm concerned.
Rush
4/5
Quite possibly the loudest concert I ever attended as Rush at the Palladium in NYC in 1978. Sitting in the balcony, you could feel the entire structure shake. This is a good demonstration of the band's unique blend of hard rock and progressive rock. While I don't love either Tom Sawyer or Limelight, they were certainly a mainstream breakthrough that got Rush major radio play. Even if you don't like their music that much, can't deny the quality of the musicianship here. Probably a 3.5, but I'll round up.
Simply Red
3/5
New wave, blue eyed soul that sounds a lot like George Michael. Not bad but no reason to include this one on the list.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Any album that opens with one of the greatest guitar riffs of all time is an automatic 5.
Nanci Griffith
3/5
Surprised to find this “country/folk” on the list. Reminds me of Emmylou Harris.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Interesting mix of covers with a unique take. Most of them work pretty well. All maintain Johnny Cash's unique sound and talk/sing style. I'm sure some of these introduced him to an entirely new audience.
The Strokes
3/5
I don’t get all of the hype around this band. This is a fine album and I thought some of the guitar parts were really, really good but that’s about it. Maybe they’ve had a lot of influence on bands who came a little later? Not good enough to make me want to hear it again.
Neil Young
5/5
A great solo effort from Neil Young. Didn't know this is the first record he made that involved Nils Lofgren. Several all-time classics here including After the Gold Rush, Only Love Can Bring You Down and, of course, Southern Man. This album really captures the softer side of his work perfectly, with only Southern Man being the outlier. Probably a 4.5, but I'll round up here.
N.E.R.D
4/5
Never heard of these guys before, but I liked this more than I expected too. Good job of mixing rock and rap. Surprised to see that Pharell Williams wrote these songs.
Michael Jackson
3/5
Following up albums like Off the Wall and Thriller is an impossible task. Maybe I just don’t know these songs as well but I just don’t think this record reaches the same heights.
Fiona Apple
5/5
Wow, a really strong album all the way through. Was only familiar with the hits Shadowboxer and Criminal but I was surprised at how good the entire record was. Even more impressed that she was only 18 when she made it.
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
Don't really know how to describe this but it was an interesting mix of jazzy sounds with traditional Indian music blended in. Have never heard of this artist and not likely I will listen again, but better than hearing another lame britpop record.
Iron Maiden
4/5
Another surprisingly good album from the band. I don't think it's quite as good as the "Iron Maiden" album but definitely better than expected. I guess I never gave them a chance because I always thought they were just loud thrash metal. Plus any album that uses the open of "The Prisoner" ("I am not a number, I am a free man") deserves some love. There is also an excellent documentary about this band that is worth watching. My opinion stands corrected!
The Human League
2/5
This is the epitome of early ‘80s synth new wave music. It was fun at the time but just hasn’t aged well. It feels a bit old and soulless now. Belongs in a time capsule, not on the list
Adele
5/5
What a breakthrough album. Something for everyone to love on here. In addition to great songs, Adele's vocal power takes this up a notch further. One of the greatest voices to emerge this century.
Shack
4/5
Another 90's british band I've never heard of. I did kind of like it though. Definitely felt some Oasis and Beatles coming through. Probably a 3.5 but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.
The Byrds
4/5
An important album in the evolution of folk rock. The jangly guitars are a signature sound. While I do love the Dylan covers, it does make the album feel a bit dependent on outside help to me. Definitely belongs on the list, unlike so many others we've heard.
Big Star
3/5
Much more somber than I expected. Would have liked more upbeat "power pop", but it's fine.
Taylor Swift
4/5
A real departure from the pop that made her the cultural icon she’s become. Much more mature, grown up music. Not quite as good as Folklore for me, but credit her for making this shift.
Jeff Beck
3/5
A real departure from the pop that made her the cultural icon she’s become. Much more mature, grown up music. Not quite as good as Folklore for me, but credit her for making this shift.
The Byrds
4/5
Really well produced album that capitalizes on the great harmonies, jangly guitars and strong, poppy lyrics. Quintessential Bryds music
Hüsker Dü
3/5
Power trio post punk pop. Sounds very dense but still melodic. It’s a high 3 for me.
B.B. King
5/5
Excellent encapsulation of what counts as true blues songs. Sounds like this is either a compilation of performances or a concert being played out of sequence. Not negative enough to take away from the performance though.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Surprised that I liked this as much as I did. I like the samples they use and the rock undertones to the beats and raps. I may download and listen again.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
1/5
I'm sure that this is a deeply personal, heartfelt album for Nick Cave given the death of his son, but it is just too morose for me.
Beastie Boys
4/5
Immature and juvenile -- absolutely. Fun -- absolutely. Hard to believe 3 white Jewish boys could make such an impact. Most of the self-referential lyrics are pretty ridiculous but they did somehow come up with an all time great party anthem. That raises this up to a 4 from me.
Spiritualized
3/5
Didn't give this a fair listen, but what I heard was ok
The Undertones
4/5
A softer style of punk. The songs are catchy but they don’t have the lyrics intensity or message of contemporaries like the Clash. That said I did like this one.
D'Angelo
4/5
Smooth sounding soul music with a good groove. Now I know what Mayer Hawthorne was listening to. Well produced, and I’m especially impressed since I found out he played all the instruments himself.
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
I liked the lighter, more poppy songs much better than the dense shoe gaze sounds. Maybe they could have been more commercially successful with a more consistent style?
JAY Z
4/5
As everyone knows, rap/hip hop is not my favorite genre, but I did like this more than I expected too. I think the song featuring Eminem was my favorite.
Cheap Trick
4/5
Very good live album that made this band in the US. nobody knew who they were before this record came out. Most of the songs are just ok but Surrender became an instant classic.
1/5
Couldn't listen. Not available on Apple in the US
5/5
There’s not a lot of middle ground with U2. People seem to either love them or hate them. It’s hard to see how anyone could not like this album. One great song after another with minimal bombast. Excellent all the way through.
Sinead O'Connor
4/5
Much better than I expected. I really liked the more upbeat "rockers". She had me up until the last song, which was terrible.
Parliament
5/5
This is the definition of funk. While I personally prefer Sly and the Famous Stone, this is a fun record with great grooves. I really enjoyed all of the self referential lyrics.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
This is fine but outside of "you haven't done nothing" none of these songs really grab me. He definitely has better albums. Interesting to find out that the Jackson 5 did some of the background vocals.
GZA
2/5
Nothing about this appealed to me, although I think we’ve heard worse.
The Last Shadow Puppets
4/5
I imagine if the Arctic Monkeys recorded an album in the 60s it would have sounded like this. Some Beatles influences along with surf guitar and garage sounds. Don’t love the echo on all the vocals but I do like the use of strings and horns.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
I really can't stand C'mon Irene so I expected to hate this. Fortunately that's not on this album. Honestly, I don't really care for it, but the instrumental was the best song on the album. The horns are a nice touch. Still, no interest in hearing this again.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Great representation of what Reggae is/should be. Only one really big hit, but this is strong all the way through.
Laura Nyro
3/5
I like the songs but it sounds a little too "broadway" for me.
The Jam
4/5
Paul Weller is a musical shapeshifter. Not sure if this particular Jam album is punk, post punk or something else but it’s really good. Melodic but sometimes angry too. A very high 4.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
2/5
Never heard of this group. Not sure what they are (or wanted to be). Not good enough to be taken seriously by rap fans or rockers. Seems like a poor attempt to be the Beastie Boys.
Leonard Cohen
1/5
I don’t know what it is but Leonard Cohen just makes me cringe. This record didn’t change that.
Miles Davis
3/5
I like this more than other Miles Davis albums that I’ve heard. This one is less experimental and freeform. Much more accessible to me.
CHIC
2/5
I don't like the true disco songs that much but I liked the instrumental that had a very jazzy feel. Nile Rodgers is clearly a very good guitarist.
The Residents
1/5
Seriously? This sucks. Deserves 0 stars.
The Streets
2/5
A very British rap album. Not particularly good but at least not full of violence and misogyny in every track.
Duran Duran
4/5
This album was a huge breakout. The videos for Rio and Hungry Like the Wolf literally made MTV. The songs are poppy, upbeat and just plain fun. They have aged surprisingly well.
Gene Clark
5/5
I've never listened to any of Gene Clark's solo albums before. I loved this one. Already downloaded to listen again. Just really good songwriting with great melodies.
The Fall
2/5
Lost interest after 4 songs. Not terrible, just didn’t care.
Gorillaz
3/5
Interesting concept -- some of it is pretty good but most is just "eh", Never knew the name of "that" song was Clint Eastwood
The Gun Club
3/5
Bare bones punk. Reminds me of the Violent Femmes, just not as good.
Rage Against The Machine
4/5
RHCP with a harder edge and political message. A lot of anger and rebellion expressed in these songs. Can't imagine trying to sing these every night at a show. Tom Morello's style is so unique.
The Modern Lovers
4/5
A very good but not great album. Opens with an all time classic but nothing else is quite that strong. The album sets the tone for future pop/punk indie rock.
Weather Report
3/5
I'm not a big jazz fan but I do like some of the fusion style music. This is a great example of that. Much more accessible although I'm sure some jazz diehards wouldn't even consider it to be true jazz. The live song felt a little out of place but the rest makes good background music.
Madonna
3/5
I think Ray of Light is a really good song. The rest of the album is fine but a little too much electronica for me.
4/5
Enjoyed this one. Don't know much about them although I've heard the "nature's Way" before. Good psychodelic, slightly heavy rock. Not sure why they aren't better known.
Ravi Shankar
3/5
Interesting but not something I would choose to sit down and listen to. I wonder what caused George Harrison to become such a huge fan of this. I assume it is very difficult to play — maybe it was a challenge to his own musical talent?
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
Another band I haven't heard of. Some very angry songs in a post-punk style. It was fine but I don't need to hear it again.
R.E.M.
3/5
I don't understand all of the critical acclaim they get. I think they are an overrated band with a handful of good songs, but nothing more. This album just reinforces my feelings. It's perfectly adequate.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
It took a while for this album to grow on me because it was so different from what I knew and loved about Bruce. Ultimately though, this is a great album, stripped down to the bare minimum. Really underlines his ability to tell a great story. In addition to being great acoustic songs, some of these are fantastic as full band epics, especially Atlantic City and Open All Night.
Chicago
4/5
So much better than what they became. Poppy, Jazzy, Rocky in a single package. It’s too bad they didn’t stay on this course.
Japan
2/5
This is Duran Duran wannabe + Cure wannabe but not as good as either. (And I don't like the Cure!)
Daft Punk
2/5
Too monotonous -- boring
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
2/5
Why? Never heard of this. Background music and nothing more.
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
Starts out very strong with 2 big hits but I thought the rest was a bit uneven. More jazzy than funky.
Germs
3/5
Loud and grating but also pretty fun. Great example of what punk was meant to be.
The Verve
4/5
I love the orchestration on this album -- Bittersweet Symphony is a classic of the '90s. Overall I think this holds up very well. Has much more depth than most Brit-pop could produce.
The Temptations
5/5
This album gets a 5 based on Papa was a Rolling Stone alone.
Judas Priest
3/5
Fine metal but not as good as the Iron Maiden albums on the list.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Dark and moody but somehow still upbeat.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Went into this one thinking it would get a 4, but it's better than I remembered. Beyond the big ones, my favorite song here is Boogie with Stu. Just great piano. Have to round up to 5.
Caetano Veloso
3/5
This is fine and I'm sure very important in Latin America, but doesn't do anything special for me.
1/5
No thank you
Bee Gees
3/5
A little too schmaltzy for me but not bad. Lion in Winter was by far the best song here.
Jean-Michel Jarre
1/5
Not even gonna bother
The Smiths
3/5
I generally can't stand Morrissey and the Smiths, but I have to admit that this album is ok -- much better than I expected. Not as morose and depressing as most of their music. Still not my choice but not a bad listen.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Jamiroquai
4/5
only knew this band's name (but not how to pronounce it) so I didn't expect much. Assumed it would be more of the EDM that I can't stand. Very pleasantly surprised. Dancy but very funky. Liked it enough to download!
Mercury Rev
2/5
Never heard of this group. Really sit to learn that they’re American and even more so that they met at SUNY Buffalo. Not surprised that they haven’t ever broken through here. I did like the Hudson Line song. The rest, not so much.
A good but not great U2 album. Very strong opener, probably the best song on the record, but a bit uneven after that. Would like to give 3.5.
Steve Winwood
4/5
I love this album—it reintroduced Steve Winwood and showed the breadth of his talent. Admittedly not every song is great but enough of them are for me. My favorite is probably Spanish Dancer.
Les Rythmes Digitales
1/5
not worth the effort
Brian Wilson
4/5
I know he's a genius and that this is a brilliant piece of work, with outstanding arrangements and production. Even so, it just doesn't grab me. It probably deserves a 5 but I just cant get there.
George Jones
3/5
This is a good country album but there’s nothing all that special about it in my opinion. Best thing I can say is it’s only 29 min long.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
A really good album, but the weakest of the first four released by the band. I love Gallows Pole and Tangerine and I like Since I've Been Loving you a lot. I can go either way on the Immigrant Song. From any other band this would probably be a 5 but the rest of their early work is so good, I just can't put this one in that same category.
Antony and the Johnsons
2/5
Another band I've never heard of. Surprised to learn that they are from NYC. Clear to me why they never made it in the US. Most of this album is maudlin and depressing. The lead singer does have a very good voice but the overall feel is just so dour. That said, there was one song that I thought was great -- by far the best on the album -- "Fistful of Love". I never need to hear the rest of this again.
M.I.A.
1/5
Tried but I couldn't make it through this album. Way to monotonous and annoying
The Cure
2/5
Didn’t like this when it came out and don’t like it any better now. Too much whining.
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
Better than the Cure but that’s not really high praise. On par with Joy Division/New Order but I like those better.
Giant Sand
3/5
Another band I've never heard of. Surprised to read that they're from Arizona. This reminded me of Nick Cave a little. Not quite as dour. If the songs were more upbeat I think I would have liked it better.
Spiritualized
3/5
Another band I've never heard of, but I actually liked this one. I'd describe it as (Coldplay + Oasis + The Verve + Horns) x Radiohead's weirdness. Very heavily (but well) produced sound with lots of layers. The horns add a great element. One the downside, this is at least 15 minutes too long. Eliminating these parts would get this to a 4 for me.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
I like this album a lot, ut I think they should have included Live Rust rather than this one. Close but not quite a 5.
Pulp
3/5
Ok Britpop but doesn't not essential and doesn't need to be on the list.
Love
3/5
This is the epitome of '60s psychadelic rock. Pete Townsend must have been listening to this. A couple of the songs sound like they would fit perfectly into Tommy, especially (but not only) Live and Let Live.
Buffalo Springfield
4/5
A really, really good album. Mr. Soul, Bluebird and Rock and Roll Woman are all great. The rest is very good but not quite at that level for me. Would really like the half star so this could get 4.5.
Beach House
3/5
Fine but boring
Booker T. & The MG's
5/5
Green Onions is one of the classics of early '60s rock. The cover of Twist and Shout is excellent! The band is amazing. The album is simple, but perfectly executed.
Beth Orton
4/5
Very good singer-songwriter music with a bit of an edge. Stolen Car is an excellent opening song.
The Slits
3/5
Better than I expected. Leans much more to Ska than harsh punk. Probably won't listen again but if a song came on randomly, that would be fine with me.
4/5
I like the electric side of this where Dylan is backed by the Band (ok the Hawks) better than the acoustic side, not that that side is bad. Mixing them gets me to a 3.5, but given it's importance in his transition to electric folk/rock, I'll round up
The Fall
2/5
Nothing about this album stands out to me. No need to hear it again.
Metallica
2/5
Listening to one or two songs is ok, but a whole album of this is just too much for me. Ultimately, it began to sound like one harsh power chord playing over and over.
Frank Zappa
5/5
I have never been a Frank Zappa fan, nor have I known one. What I've heard, I don't like very much. This is completely different. 90% instrumentals with fantastic guitar. Also, a name I haven't see in years, Jean-Luc Ponty on violin. Will definitely listen again.
White Denim
4/5
Wow, what a great surprise! Have never heard of this band and I don't know why. This is just good rock and roll that leans slightly to power pop but with great instrumental breaks. Lots of really good guitar parts blending together. Can't tell if the vocals are harmonies or overdubs but it doesn't really matter because they work well. Downloading this one!
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
3/5
I read that this is supposed to be a "supergroup", but the only member I know is Paul Simonon of the Clash. Nothing particularly super about this album to me. Can't even remember anything specific.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
A really strong album overall. A few great songs on here -- "Are you straight or are you blind", "I hope you're happy now". The rest are also very good. I love the original band and Nick Lowe is Elvis' best producer. Would give this 4.5 if possible.
Robert Wyatt
3/5
Very spacey and jazzy. Ok but not my taste.
The Boo Radleys
3/5
A variety of styles that blend together well. Good post-punk, alternative album. Pretty upbeat.
Julian Cope
4/5
Not too familiar with this artist so wasn't expecting much. It was a great surprise. Some really good indie rock and roll along with a few slower songs. Guitar parts are excellent. a few songs reminded me a bit of Nick Cave (not his morbid, morose stuff). Already downloaded so I can listen again.
Santana
4/5
Very good album with some outstanding guitar. A cultural blend that works well.
Fairport Convention
4/5
Pretty good British folk rock. Some songs reminded me of O Brother Where Art Thou. Richard Thompson's guitar playing is great.
Elastica
3/5
This is ok but really doesn't need to be on this list. A couple of catchy songs but not not unique.
Kate Bush
3/5
Not much of a Kate Bush fan. This doesn't change my opinion. Not bad, just not for me.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
Club music that I don't hate. Knew a couple of these that are radio staples but the sound gets monotonous after a while.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Good hard rock. Some excellent guitar parts. Some of the album does sound a little harsh and muddy but still a good listen.
Destiny's Child
3/5
Good pop music with an R&B slant. Not my preferred genre but not bad.
Fats Domino
4/5
Very hard not to like this. So many really good songs from the early era of rock music.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
Really good blend of hard rock and funk, with a bit of rap thrown in. Great guitar work and the bass line drives everything forward. Only complaint is I think they probably could have cut 15 minutes to make the total even stronger.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
An early pop classic. His voice was certainly great at this point. Hard to not like this.
Grateful Dead
5/5
I forgot how many big songs are on this album. Fantastic opening trio. More accessible for non-Deadheads than any other record probably until the final one.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
2/5
Too long and a little too twangy for me.
The Shamen
2/5
Expected to hate this. Didn't, but it wasn't too painful. I just don't like EDM. Not made for listening in my opinion.
Metallica
3/5
Too much thrash. The gutteral sounding vocals don't make it any more appealing. There are some great guitar parts hidden behind those things. I think the best song is the instrumental -- Orion. This is a high 2, maybe 2.75, but I'll round up since others think think is one of the greatest albums of the last 50 years.
Aphex Twin
2/5
Don't need to hear any more electronic music, although this wasn't as bad as the last one. Sounds like background music for a cocktail lounge.
Living Colour
4/5
Very good hard rock album that includes 3 big hits. Great guitar. Unique because the band is black.
Talking Heads
4/5
I Zimba and Life During Wartime are both outstanding songs that definitely were a unique sound when this came out. The rest is very good but not at that level.
Queens of the Stone Age
4/5
Liked this a lot. Melodic hard rock. Reminds me of Chris Cornell.
Moby
3/5
Definitely better than most of the electronic music that we've heard from this list. I was surprised at how many songs I knew or at least had heard. Just way too long.
Tortoise
2/5
Yet another completely unneeded inclusion on this list. Innocuous, but purely background music. The best thing about this record is that it's short.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
Todd Rundgren reminds of of Trent Reznor. Completely different musical styles but primarily one man production machines; iconoclasts that just want to do what they want to do. There are a few very good songs here that demonstrate Rundgren's skill as a songwriter. There's also a bunch of stuff that's just a bit too esoteric for me. This isn't good enough to be a 3 or also not bad enough for a 2, so I'll give it the benefit of the doubt.
The Cult
4/5
This rocks pretty hard. Clearly influenced by AC/DC. I liked it a lot.
Richard Hawley
3/5
Not sure what to make of this. It reminds me a lot of more recent albums by Nick Lowe. More of a balladeer than anything else. I don't dislike it, but there's no reason to listen again.
James Taylor
5/5
Never been a James Taylor fan but I can deny that this is a great album. Begrudgingly I have to give it a 5.
Dire Straits
5/5
My favorite Dire Straits album. 4 great songs in a row to open and strong follow ups.
Tori Amos
3/5
This is a very good debut album. Standard singer-songwriter material with a little edge.
Stan Getz
3/5
Don't know very much about jazz, so I'm not a good judge of this album. I thought it was good background music.
Cowboy Junkies
4/5
Spare sounding alt-country. Margot Timmins has a fantastic voice that is the centerpiece of the album.
Napalm Death
1/5
The sound of dogs being beaten. Deserves 0 stars.
The Psychedelic Furs
3/5
Pretty good late punk/new wave sound. Less synthesizer driven than later albums.
G. Love & Special Sauce
4/5
A bluesy, folk melange withg a touch of hip hop on top.
Peter Tosh
3/5
A good non-Bob Marley reggae album. He's very good, but will always be in Marley's shadow for me.
Sonic Youth
3/5
The godfather of indie rock. Some really good guitar mixed with strange, experimental rock. Hard to really get into this for me.
The Style Council
3/5
Paul Weller is a musical chameleon. Style Council shows his smooth and melodic side. You're the Best Thing and My Ever Changing Mood are both great songs. The rest of the album is good, but doesn't get to that level of excellence. Should get a 3.5.
Amy Winehouse
5/5
Wow, so much emotion packed into this short, powerful record. Would have been great to see what else she could have done.
The Associates
2/5
Bad British synth pop. No reason to be on this list.
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
Please, no more of this stuff
3/5
Enjoyable traditional country music with an emphasis on the pedal steel sound.
Rod Stewart
3/5
Basically a Faces album. A couple of really good songs here — Gasoline Alley and Country Comfort. Unfortunately the sound mix is pretty bad.
Billy Joel
5/5
Just a brilliant album all the way through. Not a bad song here. Unfortunately he has never made anything up to this level since.
Tom Waits
2/5
Tom Waits is different. Always idiosyncratic. This was is a little too strange for my taste.
Gotan Project
3/5
Nice background music, but don't know why it is on this list.
Lenny Kravitz
4/5
Very enjoyable listen. Channeling '60s psychadelia with some Beatles influence too.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Really good album with a couple of great songs. Paul Simon's acoustic guitar parts sound great. Really like the political statement in the final song.
Pentangle
3/5
I think this type of folk is very UK-centric. Similar to Fairport Convention. It's fine but don't need to listen again.
Green Day
5/5
Great punk-pop all the way through
Funkadelic
5/5
Wow, this really surprised me. Rocking funk! Great guitar!
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
Better than I expected. Good melodies and a few real rockers.
Joanna Newsom
2/5
Not for me. Didn't care enough to finish.
Snoop Dogg
2/5
So misogynistic. Just can’t get past it. Hard to believe he has become America’s sweetheart.
Traffic
5/5
A complete modernization of traditional British folk music. Great musicianship. Every Mother's Son is a very underappreciated rock classic in my opinion, but all songs are great.
American Music Club
3/5
Another band I've never heard of. Album is fine but nothing stands out to me.
Slayer
1/5
29 minutes of this was painful. Couldn’t have listened to another second.
Megadeth
2/5
Can't believe we had 2 Thrash albums in a row. I didn't like this very much -- way too harsh -- but it was still better than Slayer.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Didn’t realize how many hits are on this album. It is a great record but I think 10-20 minutes could be cut without damaging the whole album
Paul Revere & The Raiders
4/5
Some really good songs on this. Sort of garage band pop. Still holds up really well.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Following in the steps of Led Zeppelin, this is more (very) hard rock than metal to me. Some classics like Paranoid, Iron Man and others make this a strong record.
Laibach
2/5
This sounds like a Nazi march soundtrack. The only thing I liked about was the drumming.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
3/5
I was expecting an hour of pounding club music but was pleasantly surprised by how broad a spectrum this record covers. When "War" came I thought that was a cover that kind of fit, but then when I Born to Run (a pretty good version), I was pretty shocked. Probably won't listen again but really not bad at all.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
3/5
Never heard of them. Sounds a lot more like punk than blues to me.
The Who
4/5
A lot of this is just ok but the versions of My Generation and Magic Bus that end the album are outstanding.
The Blue Nile
3/5
Yet another band I’ve never heard of and a questionable addition to the list. Not bad, just nothing special.
X-Ray Spex
3/5
Kinda of liked this. Don’t think I’ve heard a sax in punk music before (not ska). It works well.
4/5
A classic progressive rock album that draws on jazz, classical and jams. Just short of a 5 for me.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Truly outstanding album. Perhaps the single greatest backup vocal in rock history by Merry Clayton on Gimme Shelter. Of course You Can't Always... and Midnight Rambler are standouts but there isn't a wasted note on this record.
Joan Armatrading
5/5
I've always liked Joan Armatrading but I pretty much have only heard what has been played on the radio and the one album I do have (Track Record). Two of those songs come from this album, which I didn't know. Both Down to Zero and Love and Affection are great and everything else is really good or better. She's a great singer-songwriter, but the backing band on this are terrific. This is a close call -- would have gone 4.5 but I'm rounding her up!
Steely Dan
5/5
I distinctly remember hearing Reelin' in the Years on top 40 radio when it first came out. That was my intro to Steely Dan, but I didn't really become a big fan until college when a friend got me hooked. One of my all-time favorite bands. While The Royal Scam remains my favorite of their albums, this is a great one too.
Wilco
5/5
Sometimes I find Wilco a bit too esoteric or experimental. Not this album! Forgot how many really good songs are on this one. Jesus… feels very “Uncle Tupelo” to me (I will they’d stayed together) and I love Heavy Metal Drummer. This and the very first Wilco album are my favorites from them.
Slint
2/5
Unnecessary
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
5/5
Great songs contributed by all four. Too bad they couldn’t stay together (consistently) over a longer period. I think Carry On is very under appreciated. Helpless is another highlight for me, but the whole thing is great.
Beck
4/5
There is no more chameleon-like artist in rock music than Beck. He is willing to blend multiple styles without regard to genre, and make it work. I hadn't heard this album all the way through before, aslthough I did know a bunch of the songs. I really like it. Will definitely listen again.
The Only Ones
4/5
Never heard of this band. Not sure they made it across the Atlantic. Too bad because this is a good power pop album that has a touch of punk in it. Really good guitar parts. In one song, the organ part reminded me of Kitty's Back a little bit.
Tom Waits
2/5
I don't get Tom Waits. Some of this is interesting but I don't need to hear it again.
Depeche Mode
3/5
Given my overall dislike of this band, I expected to hate this record. Wasn’t as bad as anticipated but still never need to hear it again
Big Star
5/5
Proto-Power Pop.
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
Original alternative rock like the Replacements and Husker Du. Some of it rocks pretty hard.
Bee Gees
3/5
Not bad. A few pretty good songs but overall not special. Liked the one about driving with the kids.
OutKast
3/5
This was ok but I probably didn’t listen carefully enough for a real review. Could have done without the interstitials though.
The Clash
5/5
This is the essence of punk. Basic musical skill but a lot of things to say. Angry, political and sarcastic. A brilliant debut from “the only band that matters “.
Van Morrison
5/5
I think Van Morrison is a jerk, but can’t deny this is a great album. Caravan and Into the Mystic are my favorites on this but everything is strong
fIREHOSE
3/5
Meh. Unnecessary
David Ackles
2/5
Reminds me of Gordon Lightfoot and Bruce Cockburn. Too theatrical for me.
Astor Piazzolla
3/5
Nice background music for a cocktail party.
The Jam
4/5
I like Paul Weller in all his forms. This may be the most sophisticated sounding punk record ever. Sweet sounding but pretty pissed off.
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
Good alternative/indie rock. Some screaming guitar work.
LL Cool J
3/5
Not my genre but I thought this was very good. Liked the beats and appreciated it wasn’t as misogynistic as most.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
1/5
Just too strange for me. Reminds me of what I dislike about Frank Zappa. Not a surprise since he produced this mish mosh mess. Had to stop at song #21.
Pink Floyd
5/5
My favorite Pink Floyd album. Scathing commentary on the record business. The best lyric on the album -- "By the way, which one's Pink?"
Ryan Adams
5/5
This album was my introduction to Ryan Adams. He has gone on to become one of my favorites. Great songwriting, backed by an excellent band. The first 3 songs are all highlights for me: New York, New York, Firecracker and Answering Bell but I love the whole thing!
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
3/5
Interesting album. Never heard of it or the artist but I thought it was pretty good. Initially reminded me of Billy Bragg, but the more I listened, the less it did. Not sure how to categorize this. Folky, country, singer-songwriter? Would listen again. High 3
New York Dolls
4/5
Some classics on hear. David Johansson is great but the guitars are even better. Definitely a precursor to the punk sound that followed. I bet Joe Strummer and Mick Jones listened to this a lot.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Never been a big Joni Mitchell fan. This album is good but I don’t love it. Coyote is a great opener but nothing else stands out to me.
Machito
4/5
Very good latin jazz to play at a cocktail party
Sam Cooke
5/5
Great vocal performance and excellent songs. Southside Johnny clearly loved this.
Method Man
2/5
Pretty goods rhymes but way too offensive for me.
Jethro Tull
4/5
A true staple of classic rock radio. Aqualung is a great (but creepy) song as is Cross-eyed Mary. I also really like Hymn 43, but for me the standout is Locomotive Breath. Definitely my favorite Jethro Tull song. The rest is good and the flute makes it pretty interesting.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
3/5
Enjoyable Latin Jazz. Lots of spirit and energy
4/5
Definitely the best of the Bowie albums on this list. Some great rock and roll. Guitar parts are excellent.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Not the same upbeat funk as Stand!, the album from a few years before. This feels like some of that energy had disipated.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Enjoyable music for a cocktail lounge. Interesting to hear Sinatra refer to to the Latin style as "an exciting new sound". At he time, maybe it was but now it sounds like standard Latin Jazz to me.
Girls Against Boys
2/5
Another band I've never heard and after listening, don't need to hear again. This is somewhat below average alternative rock. No wonder they didn't break through.
Blondie
4/5
Fun album full of hits that helped pave the wave from punk to more poppy and melodic new wave.
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
I like but don't love this album. The title track, Jet and Let Me Roll It are all great. The rest ranges from good to very good. I think Wings Over America, the live album, is the one that belongs on this list. Would give it 3.5, but since it’s Paul I’ll round up.
Def Leppard
3/5
The definition of hair metal. Some of the songs aren’t bad, but they are pretty lightweight. It like eating empty calories.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Better than most of the synth pop that came out during this era. Reminds me a little of Style Council.
The Cure
3/5
I don't care for this band but the album was better than I expected. At least it was more guitar rather than synth driven. Still, I can't get past Smith's whiny voice.
The Kinks
3/5
This has some good songs but it’s not a rocker. I would have preferred that.
The Young Rascals
4/5
Fun rock and soul from the late '60s. They also verged on some psychedelic sounds while being very mainstream. Hard not to like this.
The B-52's
4/5
This is the soundtrack to every party I went to in college. Sounds different than almost anything I can think of. The songs are fun and definitely this band did not take itself too seriously.
Björk
1/5
Sorry, but I just couldn't listen to this entire album. Made it through 3 songs and then gave up. She's just not for me.
Foo Fighters
4/5
Very good debut from what was to become a great band. Didn't realize that Dave Grohl did this entirely by himself, writing everything and playing all instruments. That makes it even more impressive. Generally follow the FFs formula of songs that start softly before taking off and rocking hard. Big Me is the standout. You can tell he loved the Beatles and other 60s music.
Justin Timberlake
3/5
Ok pop music but pretty lightweight. He's a good entertainer but I don't need to hear him sing.
Nirvana
3/5
I wish that I liked this album better than I actually do. Most of the songs are very harsh and really encompass Cobain's inner turmoil. Very hard to follow Nevermind. Clear standouts are Heart Shaped Box and All Apologies.
Nico
2/5
Very boring. Sparse sounding. Monotone vocal singing sad songs.
Sonic Youth
3/5
Original, lo-fi indie rock. Most of it is good but there are a couple of songs with great guitar parts. My favorite song here is Sugar Kane.
George Harrison
4/5
This is a great album with so many of his best songs. Still I think it would be even better if about 20-25 minutes were cut. Keeps it at a high 4 for me
Holger Czukay
2/5
Not sure why this deserves a place on this list. I thought the first song was a joke. Nothing about it stands out other than the singer's accent. Not terrible but no need to hear again.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Less morose than most of his music that I’ve heard. While generally not my taste, these songs are well written and better than expected.
Brian Eno
3/5
Some interesting experimental sounds mixed with more traditional synth-pop. Not bad but no need to listen other than as background music.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
5/5
Great early album from Elvis Costello. Seem like a lot of these songs were politically motivated -- Definitely Oliver's Army and Green Shirt (and maybe Goon Squad too). Melodic but still a bit angry. Plus it closes with the definitive version of Nick Lowe's greatest song!
Abdullah Ibrahim
3/5
Nice background music but I'm don't know enough about Jazz to assess this.
The Vines
4/5
I know this band's name but not their music. I thought this was pretty good. I hear a blend of Stone Temple Pilots, Nirvana and the Beatles. I also hear Jet, also Aussies. I imagine the Hives had some influence on them.
Marilyn Manson
2/5
Expected to hate this. After the first song, I didn't think I would make it through the whole record, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. His voice is like sandpaper, but it's basically a hard rock/metal album. Some of it could easily be Metallica or Nine Inch Nails. Not for me, but we've certainly heard much worse.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
3/5
At one point in my life ELP was my favorite band. This, however is not one of my favorite albums of theirs. Unfortunately the sound quality is pretty bad, the vocals get lost, and the music just doesn't sound very good. Not sure why this album made the list but Brain Salad Surgery didn't. It does demonstrate Keith Emerson's keyboard skill and his classical training.
Supertramp
4/5
I think I knew 3 of the songs but I'd never listened to the entire album. It was better than I expected. Not quite prog rock, but also not the lightweight music I was expecting. It reminded me of Peter Gabriel era Genesis. Some of the theatrical feel was there. I especially liked the title track.
The Teardrop Explodes
4/5
Not familiar with this band -- not sure if they made it across the ocean. Enjoyable post-punk new wave. Reminds me a lot of the English Beat. although less Ska/Reggae influenced.
The Fall
2/5
This honestly left no impression on me. Couldn't even remember that ai listened to it.
Calexico
3/5
Calexico is so hard to categorize. This album blends good indie rock with Mexican/latin sounds.
3/5
Pretty harsh sounding partially due to the recording quality and partly due to band’s dense, early proto punk sound. Aggressive and opinionated. Guitars are great but the muddy mix makes it hard to tell.
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
Never been a rap fan but hard to deny the influence that this early album in the genre had. The rhymes are clever, and some are pretty funny. There is still a small element of rock here too. Plus this contains none of the violence and misogyny that would come to dominate rap for many years after.
Gram Parsons
5/5
Great example of early country rock. Excellent songs and a fantastic vocal partner (Emmylou Harris). Not as successful as the Eagles, but clearly this album helped pave the way for an entire genre.
Amy Winehouse
4/5
The album cover is deceiving -- she looks pretty happy. The songs aren't though. Soulful, jazzy R&B delivered by a great voice.
Dusty Springfield
5/5
Excellent album. Soulful and a bit gospelly, with a hint of country. Her vocal performances are great
Hot Chip
3/5
Better than average synth pop, but nothing that is groundbreaking. Doesn't need to be on this list.
k.d. lang
4/5
I imagine that if Patsy Cline and Nancy Sinatra had a baby, it would sound like this. Her voices pairs very well with these songs.
Megadeth
2/5
Too much noise. The lyrics are pretty silly and while the guitar playing is excellent, it's really just playing fast for the sake of plying fast. An hour of this is way to much to take.
The Triffids
3/5
Never heard of this band. Perfectly fine alternative pop album but no real reason to have it on this list.
Jack White
4/5
Jack White has a very distinctive sound captured here. This is a very good effort for his first solo album but not as good as White Stripe, The Raconteurs or some of his later solo work. Still worth having in your collection.
The Saints
4/5
Another band I’ve never heard of. Liked this though. Incorporating horns added an R&B feeling to the punk sound. Some of the songs reminded me of the Strokes.
N.W.A.
3/5
How ironic that Dre is a billionaire and Ice plays a cop on tv. Despite the violence, profanity and misogyny I can see this as a protest album. Different tone but the same approach some ‘60s records. Can’t say I liked it but it definitely belongs on the list.
Ramones
5/5
Pretty amazing that they were able to make a career of basically playing the same song over and over by just writing new lyrics. No doubt radical when it came out but seems pretty tame now. Gets a 5 for being as hugely influential album.
Culture Club
4/5
One of the best albums of the New Wave era. Blends blue-eyed soul with dance beats. Never really paid attention to the background vocals but the female singer is great. This band probably deserves more recognition. The album tails off a little by the end but still a very strong effort.
Radiohead
3/5
I really don't get all of the critical love for this band. This album is fine and I have no objection to putting it on this list, but Apple including it in the 100 Greatest Albums of all time is a bridge too far. Just too esoteric for me.
Stephen Stills
5/5
Haven't heard this before. Starts off with a classic, super-catchy track that everyone knows and continues with great songs throughout. Sometimes it seems hard to tell where CSN(Y) ends and the solo records begin. This is a little bit like that to me.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
During their very brief life as a band, CCR produced great albums including this one. Growling, swampy rock and roll. This album has classic originals and one of the best cover versions of a song ever (Heard it Through the Grapevine). An easy 5!
Queen
4/5
This album demonstrates the wide genres that Queen covered. Some of it is very caberet-like and theatrical, while the rest of it swings to guitar driven hard (almost) hard rock. Bohemian Rhapsody is completely bizarre, yet hugely commercial and no doubt of the most innovative rock tracks ever. Brian May's guitar playing is great throughout the album asnd Freddie Mercury's ability to bounce from genre to genre is very Impressive. Somewhere between a 4 and 5 for me.
Pink Floyd
3/5
I would never have guessed this was Pink Floyd. Very psychedelic. Feels and sounds very "swinging '60s" to me. I prefer what they evolved into.
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
Very good Latin jazz. I thought the first half was stronger than the latter part. Still this is more background than active listening for me.
Carpenters
3/5
These are bland pop songs. Yes, she has a lovely voice but thios is way to "Lite FM" for me.
The Temptations
4/5
Psychedelic, funky soul/R&B. A unique sound combination that rocks and has great harmonies. Not their most famous songs, but well worth listening to. A very high 4 for me.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
I like, not love Jimi Hendrix, but this album does have some great songs on it plus it includes the best cover of all time. Still not quite a 5 for me. Need the half star option today.
Buzzcocks
3/5
This is a good early punk album, but not nearly on the level of the Clash. Worth a listen to see what a slightly poppier, less political approach was. Once again would like the half star to give it 3.5.
Ian Dury
2/5
I always felt like the “hits” Ian Dury had were novelty songs. Not sure that this is really a punk album despite its timing, record label and reputation. Can’t tell if he really has such an exaggerated accent or is just doing it for effect. Overall this is not worth listening to again.
Solange
3/5
I appreciate the message this album delivers. Political and supportive soul/R&B but for me the interludes detract from her vocals. Overall I think this record is fine, but I honestly don't see why it is in Apple's list of the top 100 albums.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
Another great record from CCR. This one packs a lot into just 29 minutes. Four massive hits and the rest of the songs are great too. If this band had lasted longer they could have dominated the 70's
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
3/5
Good world music album. Probably only know about them because of Graceland. I like this but probably wouldn’t think to listen to it. I think the harmonies are excellent.
Green Day
5/5
A great breakout album, where punk meets power pop. The collection of songs have good melodies, simple structures and lots of power chords. Driven more by teenage angst than political thoughts (that would come later). This album revived and redefined a genre.
Radiohead
3/5
Less “experimental” and more mainstream than most other Radiohead albums. Some of this even sounds a lot like U2.
King Crimson
3/5
This is heavily based in classical music like most progressive rock of its time. The musicianship is great and the music itself. I prefer Greg Lake's vocals with this band.
Deerhunter
3/5
Perfectly adequate indie rock. Has no soul though. Not essential listening.
Morrissey
3/5
Not a Morrissey fan but I thought this was pretty good. Not as morose and whiny as I expected. Some of it is even "light" in both sound and lyrics.
Primal Scream
3/5
Indie rock without much focus. Some electronica sounds along with some rock and roll. Best song is Medication, but overall not really special.
Bobby Womack
4/5
Good soul/R&B with a little bit of funk thrown in. Better than average but not great. Would give it 3.5 if possible, but I'll round up.
Beastie Boys
3/5
Not really my cup of tea but certainly influential in the development of rock/rap. The lyrics seem a bit childish to me. Didn’t notice the Eagles and Beatles samples the first time though. Those were pretty cool
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
Not very good. Too self indulgent
10cc
3/5
Not what I expected. The only 10cc I know is very ethereal sounding. This is much more traditional pop/rock. Pretty good.
Van Morrison
4/5
This is a really good live album. Great versions of some of his biggest hits delivered with lots of soul. Too bad he’s such a jerk.
Public Enemy
3/5
Why did they combine live and in studio material into one record? Actually didn’t mind this. Lots of political messages with catchy beats.
KISS
3/5
Less tacky than watching them perform. Not bad but not great. Not a fan of Beth but Detroit Rock City and Shout it out Loud are really good. Very high 3.
Donald Fagen
4/5
This has a slightly jazzier feel than most Steely Dan music. I think the songs are very good and the muscianship is excellent. Definitely appeals to Steely Dan fans but not sure he expands that audience. High 4 from me.
Os Mutantes
4/5
Never heard of this band and couldn’t understand a word but I liked this a lot. Even though it was made in 1968 it sounds very modern. Sometimes it’s really interesting to listen to rock music sung in other languages.
T. Rex
4/5
Very good early '70s rock. No sure who influenced who, but I hear a lot of David Bowie in this. Catchy with good riffs and guitars.
Tracy Chapman
5/5
Haven’t heard this in a very long time. What a great album. Heartfelt songs all the way through. Nice that she’s being “rediscovered “ now by a new audience.
Boston
5/5
A classic debut album that literally defined mid-70's rock. Distinctly remember listening to this in a friend's bedroom and turning the cover upside as realized the spaceships were actually guitars. I love this from start to finish.
The Bees
3/5
Innocuous but unnecessary for this list.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
Excellent album. Great production and guest musicians. The "world music" influence is clear. I think this album shows that he's more than just an "art rocker". Biko is one of the greatest protest songs I think!
The xx
3/5
Another fine but unnecessary album, especially since they have another one on this list.
Sepultura
1/5
Couldn’t get past the 3rd song
Fela Kuti
3/5
Fine AfroLatin jazz but the drum solos are too long
The Libertines
3/5
Pretty good alt/indie rock. I liked it but not sure why it should be on the list.
Isaac Hayes
4/5
There is some very good funk/soul here. Production and sound quality are great, especially for a record made in 1971, but this definitely feels like a movie score rather than an album meant to be listened to.
Syd Barrett
3/5
Definitely the early Pink Floyd sound prior to their shift to progressve music. This is fine but doesn't really stand out. I thin k it's probably here because of the Syd Barrett mystique.
Youssou N'Dour
3/5
Good world music but not something I would think to sit down to listen to. Feels like it should be playing in the background.
Scritti Politti
3/5
Trying to be Michael Jackson and Prince at the same time. Fine but not essential at all.
John Martyn
3/5
Enjoyable, somewhat quiet pop. Excellent vocals and good lyrics but not essential for me. 3.5 if possible.
Kate Bush
3/5
Not a Kate Bush fan. Don't like her voice. This is much too theatrical for me. Not bad enough for a 2 but definitely not for me.
Digital Underground
3/5
I like some of the beats but not my taste overall
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
What a massive record. There's enough here to be a greatest hits album all by itself. Born in the USA may be the most misunderstood rock song ever. A very poppy-sounding Dancin' in the Dark covers up great lyrics. I'm on Fire burns slowly with passion. My Hometown is a sentimental retelling of the past while looking forward. There is something that everyone can love on this record. My personal favorite is No Surrender.
Goldfrapp
4/5
Not really familiar with her and wasn't sure what to expect. I was very pleasantly surprised. Really liked this. Good songwriting with a somewhat ethereal sound. The last two songs -- Caravan Girl and Monster Love -- were the standouts.
Magazine
3/5
Never heard this band before. Pretty good sound. More ska than punk. Not impressed enough to listen again.
Eagles
5/5
Great debut containing all time classics. The music is simple but beautiful and the harmonies are outstanding. This album defines laid back, California country rock.
Underworld
1/5
I can't imagine why you would want to sit down and listen to thjis start to finish. This is club music -- that's it. Monotonous and boring after 10 minutes.
k.d. lang
3/5
Definitely a great voice. That said, this is a little to mellow for me.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
5/5
Mix some Bryds jangle, southern boogie, Rolling Stones and power pop and you get this great album. At the time he was probably overshadowed by the rise of early punk, but it has outlasted most of that.
Tricky
2/5
Unnecessary addition to the list.
The Chemical Brothers
2/5
There is way too much "club" music on this list. Why would you sit down to listen to this? At least this is a little more interesting than the last one.
Cornershop
3/5
Only familiar with Brimful of Asha, which I've always liked. Overall, this is more interesting than average Britpop because it has a slight Indian twist. The influence is definitely there but doesn't overwhelm the sound.
The Who
4/5
This album is right in the middle. Not as bluesey as early Rolling Stones or as sweet and poppy as early Beatles. The Who took a more straightforward approach to rock and roll. It does include a couple of all-time classics like My Generation and Can't Explain. Not quite a 5 but close.
Throbbing Gristle
1/5
Horrible noise. Whoever signed this band should have been fired immediately!
Joan Baez
4/5
Classic folk that also paved the way for female singer/songwriters. The songs are good and her voice is great. This is an important album.
The Byrds
4/5
Don't think I've heard this album. I liked it. Doesn't have as much of the "jangle" sound that I associate with the Byrds. Good early "country rock". No Eagles without this.
Kelela
4/5
Very good "slow burn" soul/R&B.
Public Enemy
3/5
Very political. This is the evolution of protest music. Not my favorite style of music but it is good. The anger definitely comes through.
The KLF
2/5
Definitely don't need any more electronic music on this list. At least this has some vocals to make it a little more interesting than most of what we've heard.
Soul II Soul
3/5
Liked this more than I expected to. Good rhythms and beats for dancing and strong vocals.
The Coral
3/5
Another Brit band I've never heard of. Sounds like they were trying to make a record in 1967. Fine but nothing special.
Bonnie Raitt
4/5
Very good album that finally got Bonnie Raitt the attention she deserved. More poppy and a little less bluesy than some of her albums, but very well produced with a more modern feel.
2Pac
4/5
Liked this better than I expected to. Equally R&B and rap. Violent but not as angry as other ganster rap. I guess he was ready to go.
The Darkness
3/5
Never heard of this band. Sounds like a mix of Foreigner and Boston with a bit of power pop and grunge thrown in. The vocals are too screechy for me, but otherwise not bad. I would give it a 3.5
Beatles
5/5
Outstanding. The cover alone earns it a 5!
Jungle Brothers
3/5
Very 80s sounding early hip hop.
Eels
3/5
Ok 90s indie rock. First track was the strongest I think.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
3/5
Very 1970s glam rock. Some of it is pretty good.
Minutemen
3/5
A lot to listen to. Kind of sparse sounding. For some reason it reminded me of the Violent Femmes.
Bon Jovi
4/5
Generally not a hair metal fan but it's hard not to like this poppy/rock sound. Singalong songs for stadiums and arenas. Three of their best songs on the first side of this record.
Neil Young
5/5
Excellent solo album with some classic songs. All of the background vocals are great. Nice to have all of your friends (Linda Ronstadt, David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash and others) help out!
Radiohead
3/5
I guess I just don’t appreciate Radiohead. I don’t see why critics love them so much. Perhaps I’m not sophisticated enough but like most of their music I’ve heard I think this is highly esoteric and self indulgent. I don’t hate it but I don’t really like it very much.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Hard to imagine they were able to release an album of almost entirely covers as their first major record. Their interpretations of American black music gave those songs new life and visibility though and proved that they could deliver great rock and roll in the years to follow.
The Specials
3/5
This was fine but felt a little repetitive to me
LTJ Bukem
2/5
just background music. unnecessary.
The Monkees
3/5
Quintessential mid-60s pop. Very vanilla though. Surprised this album made it since none of the big hits are on it.
Small Faces
3/5
Bob Dylan
5/5
All about the lyrics. A few truly great songs (Subterranean, Maggie's Farm, Mr. Tambourine Man, Baby Blue) and some really good ones not quite at that level. Must have seemed to be a true breakthrough at the time.
Fever Ray
3/5
Expected more bad electronic club music. This actually was more like prog rock. Reminded me a lot of Peter Gabriel. No need to hear again but not terrible.
Black Sabbath
3/5
Good hard rock (doesn't feel thrashy enough to be metal to me). Never been a big fan but I liked the album. Changes seems a little out of place though.
Jane's Addiction
3/5
The only thing that stands out about this is Dave Navarro's playing. Perry Farrell's voice is grating. It's good alternative hard rock but not special.
Steely Dan
5/5
Smooth and jazzy. Great musicianship and catchy lyrics. Easy 5 for me.
Roxy Music
3/5
Sounds like they made a David Bowie album. It's fine but not really special.
Neil Young
4/5
Muddy and raw with great musicianship, especially Nils Lofgren's guitar parts. Harder that Harvest, but not as hard as some later albums like Mirror Ball or some Crazy Horse stuff. I like his using the same song to open and close the record.
Peter Frampton
4/5
This album exploded out of nowhere. Nobody really knew who Peter Framptom was and then everybody had it. In retrospect it is a very good album with a few great tracks (Show me the Way, Something's Happening, Do you Feel...). I had never heard the "voicebox" effect before. Unfortunately, by today's standards, the quality of the recording isn't very good, but it definitely captures a moment in time for me.
The United States Of America
3/5
As 1968 psychedelic as it gets. Fine but don't need to listen again.
Ice Cube
2/5
Harsh and violent. How did he turn into a mainstream actor? Great job remaking his image.
Alice In Chains
2/5
Heavy and thick sounding without a whole lot of melody. Drones on too much for me.
Stereolab
3/5
Mostly background music but I did like some of the vocals.
Steve Earle
5/5
I feel like this is the original alt-country album. Steve Earle has never gotten the visibility and recognition that this album proves he deserves.
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
Wow, massive pop hits. I really like the Prince cover.
Lou Reed
3/5
I like Lou Reed but this album is a bit too maudlin for me. On the positive side, there are great musicians in the backing band but the material doesn’t do it justice
The Divine Comedy
2/5
Too theatrical and kind of boring. The last song (I'm all you need) was ok, but didn't need the rest.
Gillian Welch
3/5
Gillian Welch has a great voice. These are really good songs but most of them are a bit too mellow for me. I think I like her better as a background singer on other people's records.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
A little better than I expected (and certainly better than their best known song -- C'mon Eileen -- that I absolutely hate), but still nothing special. Some touches of "blue-eyed" soul that weren't bad, but it wouldn't be on my list.
Afrika Bambaataa
2/5
This starts out ok, but quickly becomes monotonous. Felt like one very long song.
Screaming Trees
3/5
I hear some Beatles and Kinks influences in this. Its an good record that doesn't reach the level of Soundgarden or Nivana in being the best of Seattle grunge. Doesn't really need to be on the list.
Tina Turner
3/5
A huge comeback album. I like it but outside of the the big hits it's just ok.
808 State
2/5
No more of this please! Another monotonous club record.
3/5
Devo always struck me more as a novelty act rather than a serious band. The music is different -- sounds like jagged, sharp edges rather than smooth curves. It certainly stands out. I think its just ok but I get why it's on the list.
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
Clearly I'm not the target audience for this album. There's alot here between the "songs" and interlude pieces. I get the anger and frustration from his emotional delivery. Not quite sure why it earned a Pulitzer Prize though.
4/5
Very good new wave music that reminds me of every party during college. It's dancey, but also listenable. While there is a lot of synth, there are also guitars and horns, which add a lot to the sound. I really like this one.
Brian Eno
2/5
Put this on if you're having trouble falling asleep. Background music only.
The Sabres Of Paradise
3/5
Maybe the first electronic record we've had that I didn't hate or at least dislike. Not sure what it was but this one seemed more interesting to me. The last song reminded me of the theme music to the Exorcist.
Einstürzende Neubauten
1/5
Absolutely horrible. Made it through one song. Why would anyone sign them to a record contract. Deserves a zero.
MC Solaar
3/5
No idea what he's saying, but I liked this a lot better than most of the English language rap that we've heard. Feels a little jazzy and more melodic than those. His rhythm and rhyming work really well despite not understanding the words. High 3
Liz Phair
4/5
I think Liz Phair is underrated. This is a witty and acerbic record like all of her work. The songs are stripped pretty far down and remain good rock and rollers. She deserves more credit but I don't think this is her best album so not perfect.
Tom Tom Club
3/5
Always felt like a bit of as novelty record, but I can't dismiss a Talking Heads offshoot. This is a fun, but not particularly great album. I think its as bit repetitive after a while.
Le Tigre
3/5
Pop/punk with a girl power message. The songs are pretty catchy and the band as a trio works well. I would listen again. It has the potential to grow on me. 3.5 if possible.
The Lemonheads
4/5
Great early alternative/indie rock. Catchy and melodic. Ushered in a wave of bands like Soul Asylum, Gin Blossoms and others. A high 4.
The Undertones
3/5
Soft punk or punk adjacent music. It's pretty good but doesn't have a real message like The Clash. It is very listenable though.
Little Simz
2/5
Not for me. Too vulgar and harsh.
John Prine
3/5
A very sparse album. No doubt he wrote some excellent songs but his delivery is a little "plain". Contemporaries like Neil Young or Harry Nilsson have more texture in my opinion. Angel From Montgomery is an amazing some so Bonnie Raitt made it what is is, not this original version.
Dion
3/5
This was pretty good, middle of the road, pop/rock. You can definitely hear the Phil Spector production. That said, I don't see what makes this an essential album.
The Kinks
3/5
I know this is a critically acclaimed album and even considered to be their masterpiece but I really prefer the lo-fi garage band British Invasion songs that really made them famous.
Heaven 17
2/5
As New Wave as it gets. Unfortunately this is a less good version of the ABC album we heard a week ago.
Klaxons
3/5
Fine but didn't leave much of an impression on me.
Dead Kennedys
3/5
An American take on the Sex Pistols. Political and sometimes funny. Musically a bit more sophisticated than the Ramones.
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
This was better than expected (but my expectations were very low). Smooth background music for a cocktail lounge or party. The songs that had vocal parts were not improved by them at all. It was long and started to get boring. Could have been 20 minutes shorter with no ill effect.
Arcade Fire
4/5
This album is an interesting blend of indie rock and folk with sweeping orchestration. Some of it is "poppy" and some a bit sophisticated. Overall it is a pretty unique sound and it holds up well.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
5/5
Sweeping melodies and biting lyrics. Elvis Costello's trademarked style on full display in an early iteration. Sweet and nasty at the same time.. Man out of Time is one of my favorites of his and among the the best on this album.
Skunk Anansie
3/5
This reminded me of Alice In Chains except more political. Not bad but don’t need to hear it again.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
Much too theatrical sounding. More like a lounge singer on Broadway.
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
Interesting blend of African music mixed with some traditional blues. Good guitar work. I liked this one. 3.5 if possible.
TV On The Radio
3/5
Probably didn't spend enough time with this one. Very hard to categorize. Fine, off center indie music but I don't think it has broad appeal.
FKA twigs
2/5
Very ethereal sounding. The style is different but it reminds me of Bjork. Didn't care for it.
Bert Jansch
3/5
Soft and folky. The songs are fine. The best thing about this record is his acoustic guitar playing, which is excellent.
Aerosmith
3/5
Never been a big fan of their music. Thisl seems very juvenile. Raunchy for the sake of being raunchy.
Christina Aguilera
4/5
Much better than I expected even if a little too long. Good pop music and can't deny that she has a great voice.
Morrissey
3/5
Really don't like him and this doesn't change my opinion. In fairness this was listenable.
Scissor Sisters
4/5
Fun poppy, dancey songs. The first time I heard Take Your Mama, I could have sworn it was Elton John. I think a lot of the album has that same similarity. I also thought the cover of Comfortably Numb was weird but interesting. Overall, I liked it.
Thelonious Monk
3/5
This is good but I don’t know enough about jazz to say anything beyond that.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
Definitely the poppiest and most commercial sounding album he had made at this point in his career. A big step away from his Genesis days. The songs are catchy, especially Sledgehammer and Big Time. He did retain some of his earlier style with Mercy Street, We Do What Were Told and Don't Give Up. Finally, In Your Eyes is a classic, romantic love song.
The 13th Floor Elevators
3/5
Wow, how psychedelic can an album be? A few songs reminded of Jefferson Airplane and few others of lo-fi indie music. I'm a little surprised that I've never heard of this band. I guess, despite being innovative, they never really broke through. 3.5 if possible.
Lauryn Hill
4/5
This is a very good album that ranges from R&B to hiphop. I’m not sure it deserves the lofty position that critics give it, but it is strong.
Lupe Fiasco
4/5
I liked this much better than most of the rap/hiphop that has been on the list. It had good beats and rhythms and the lyrics were pretty smart. Some R&B feeling songs too. I was amused by the Jerry Garcia namecheck in the second or third song and I liked the song about skateboarding a lot.
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
This band does not deserve multiple albums on this list. I can't stand his voice and I've always disliked C'mon Eileen.
Ray Price
3/5
Very traditional country crooning. A lot of twang here.
The Zombies
3/5
Honestly not sure why this album is so critically acclaimed. The only stand out song for me is Time of the Season. The rest is pretty bland, late 60s British rock. Not bad but not special either.
Red Snapper
2/5
Enough club trance music. Didn't need this on the list. Only thing I can say is the instrumental songs were better than the ones with lyrics. Got boring
The Waterboys
4/5
This runs the gamut from traditional Irish folk to rock over folk to pure rock music. Definitely hear the influence that Irish folk music had on country music that came out of Appalachia too. Some if it reminds me of The Seeger Sessions album and the Dropkick Murphy's. Very good record.
Kings of Leon
3/5
Fine indie rock. Unfortunately it all sounds very similar to me. Never cared for Sex on Fire, but Use Somebody is pretty good. The rest is ok but not compelling.
Venom
2/5
The best thing I can about this album is I made it through the entire thing. The vocals are guttural and muddy and the lyrics are pretty stupid, but at least I could understand most of what he was "singing". Not as bad as some of the thrash and death metal on this list, but still far from good. 1.5 if possible.
Haircut 100
4/5
Fun new wave. Dancey and rhythmic. The horns make it more interesting.
Pretenders
4/5
Wow, completely forgot how many big hits were on this record. Punk-adjacent music. Excellent guitar playing throughout.
Christina Aguilera
4/5
The songs are lightweight pop, but her voice really belts them out. She can definitely sing! Fun distraction. My favorite song is the one that sounds like it could have been as hit for the Andrews Sisters.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
Had to find this one on YouTube. Early century alternative/indie music. Nothing really stood out. Fine but I don't need to hear it again.
Incubus
4/5
This reminded me of Soundgarden a lot. It is funkier though. Good hard, alternative rock
Mike Ladd
3/5
Very atypical rap. Jazzy and delivered at a relatively slow pace.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
In general, I’m not a Nick Cave fan (other than Red Right Hand), but I thought this album was ok. Still mellow but far less morbid than I usually find him to be. Never really noticed before but he has a lot of Jim Morrison in his voice.
Billy Bragg
5/5
Haven't listened to this in at least 15 years. Forgot how much I liked it! British Folk-Punk at it's finest. He has a lot to say and he does it with extreme sarcastic criticism. Ideology should be a political anthem for young people, made all the more stinging set to Chimes of Freedom. The non-political songs are excellent as well. Would have loved to see him and Joe Strummer work together.
Kraftwerk
2/5
Monotonous. Gets boring quickly.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
4/5
Good, early country rock. There is no Eagles without this to precede them. Interesting choice to put two covers back to back. I like them both but neither feel like country-ish songs to me.
U2
4/5
A big commercial breakthrough album for U2. It has several outstanding songs -- Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year's Day, Two Hearts Beat as One. The music had not yet become too bombastic. Really good record.
Public Enemy
2/5
Lots of anger expressed here. Not my genre but I did really like how the tracks flowed together seamlessly. Would give 2.5 if possible.
Goldfrapp
2/5
This left absolutely no impression on me. I know I listened but I can't remember it at all.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
An all time great album. Sounds as good today as when the heard it for the very first time 50 years ago. There is emotion throughout. The sax is killer. Hard to believe he created this when he was only 25. Every song contributes to the final masterpiece that it is.
Pere Ubu
2/5
A poor version of early Talking Heads music.
Animal Collective
2/5
Yet another questionable addition to the list. Nothing inspiring or even all that interesting here. Going for an "atmospheric" vibe that just doesn't resonate with me.
Joe Ely
3/5
Good Texas country & western music. Reminded me a lot of Steve Earle.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
I don't think I've heard this album before. My loss. Great songs with the obvious standouts being Cowgirl in the Sand, Cinnamon Girl, Down by the River and the title track. This is my favorite version of Neil Young; rocking with Crazy Horse. If someone didn't know anything about him, I'd tell them to start here.
Portishead
3/5
Atmospheric and ethereal. Feels like the vocals are floating on top of the music. A more accessible version of Radiohead.
Cocteau Twins
2/5
The only song that stood out to me was Persephone. I could eawily live without the rest of it.
Tom Waits
4/5
Atmospheric and ethereal. Feels like the vocals are floating on top of the music. A more accessible version of Radiohead.
The Notorious B.I.G.
2/5
I know this is listed as one of the top 100 albums of all time, but just not for me. The rhyming is good, as are the beats but I just can't get past the misogyny, violence and general vulgarity.
M.I.A.
3/5
I was really surprised when the first lyrics on the album were Roadrunner by Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers. It sucked me in with that! I liked this record more than I expected. Her accent makes the vocals sound interesting and the reggae influence does the same for the music. 3.5 would be appropriate.
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
Interesting mix of west African sounds and fairly traditional blues. Sounds blend well.
Brian Eno
3/5
Based on the first song I thought this might be a more traditional sounding rock album, but as it went on, while some of that remained, it also became more artsy/experimental. Maybe more mainstream than other Brian Eno music, but still not completely. The musicians are great, but overall not a record I would pull out and listen to
U2
4/5
This is an album with a big sound. There are some quieter songs like One and Trying to Throw Your Arms Around the World, but there's also some harder rocking, more experimental ones. I think this may be where the reputation for bombast may have started. All in all, not my favorite U2 album, but still very good.
Can
3/5
Never heard of the band. Started out as very good late 60s/early 70s psychedelic music, but at some point it became just strange sounds. Too bad because I was enjoying a lot until then. Probably dropped from a 3 to a 2, but I'll round up since I liked the first part.
Portishead
2/5
Radiohead Jr.
Wire
3/5
Pretty good punk music. I hear early Talking Heads to Sex Pistols in this.
Can
3/5
Sounds like a prelude to Radiohead. Not as psychedelic as the other album we heard but it also doesn’t derail into terrible noise.
Khaled
3/5
Good world/Arabic/French music. I wouldn't mind having this on on the background.
Eurythmics
4/5
Some very good synth pop songs, but the thing that really stands out about this album is Annie Lennox's voice. That's a 5, the rest is a high 3.
Prince
5/5
Prince's masterpiece. Strong all the way through with major high points -- When Doves Cry, Let's Go Crazy and of course Purple Rain.
Bad Company
4/5
Not sure I've ever heard this all the way through. It's really, really good mid-70s hard rock with a ton of commercial appeal. Don't know if critics at the time liked it, but it has some huge hits on it. Now a staple of classic rock radio. Very high 4
Gary Numan
2/5
No heart or soul in this. Completely robotic. Never understood why Cars was such a big hit. Bad new wave.
Big Black
1/5
Monotonous pounding. Unnecessary
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Rock and Roll Neil Young. Full of great guitar parts and jams. Strong album.
Blue Cheer
3/5
Really, really hard rocking power trio. I bit of psychedelic sound included
Traffic
4/5
Not quite up to John Barlycorn or Low Spark but still an excellent album. Close but not quite a 5. 4.5 if possible.
Marianne Faithfull
3/5
Really expected not to like this but was pleasantly surprised. Actually thought it was pretty good if not very original
Leonard Cohen
1/5
I hate Leonard Cohen
David Bowie
3/5
Not a big Bowie fan and this album doesn’t change my opinion. It’s fine but I wouldn’t go out of my way to listen to it.
Tim Buckley
3/5
Sweet soft balladeer rock with a hint of psychedelic sounds. A few songs are heavily in the vein of George Harrison's sitar style.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Laurel Mountain Canyon music epitomized. Good soft rock/singer songwriter music supported by a collection of outstanding musicians. I like this better than most Joni Mitchell records.
T. Rex
4/5
I think David Bowie listened to this album nonstop. It sounds like the basis of his 70's records. Good early 70's glam rock with great guitar parts and some all-time classic songs.
Morrissey
2/5
Best thing I can say is I didn't hate it, but I really can't stand him.
Blood, Sweat & Tears
3/5
Jazzy, big band rock. The horns are a big part of the sound. A couple of classic tracks here.
Badly Drawn Boy
4/5
Good mix of indie/folkie rock songs. Not sure why but it seemed to be sequenced extremely well. The album flowed smoothly all the way through.
Kings of Leon
3/5
This is an average album. Nothing stands out. Definitely don’t need multiple records in this list.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Bob Dylan does “light” blues. Very good album. His gravelly, non-melodic delivery really works with these songs.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Some great songs included here. Livin' For the City tells a tragic story of innocence destroyed. Higher Ground is a funk classic and Don't You Worry Bout a Think is peak soul/R&B. I was leaning towards a 4 but given he wrote and played almost every instrument, I have to round up.
Mj Cole
2/5
Better than most of the electronic dance music we've heard, but I still wouldn't want to listen to it. Ok, in the background at as party but that's it.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
Very good album with a couple of great songs. America, Mrs. Robinson and especially Hazy Shade of Winter stand out from the rest. The last one especially, since is almost a full-out psychedelic rock song. The rest is fine, but I could definitely have done without the old people talking interlude. 3.5 if possible.
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
Muddy and droning. I don't like it very much.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Not my personal favorite RS album, but brilliant nonetheless. It has the full range of the band's music from flat out rockers like Bitch, Can't You Hesr Me Knockin' and Brown Sugar (ok, politically incorrect) to slower, thoughtful tunes like Wild Horses and Moonlight Mile. A true classic.
Boards of Canada
2/5
Unnecessary as anything other that background music
Talk Talk
3/5
Add a little sunshine to the Smiths and this is what you'd get.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
Ok electronic dance/atmospheric music. I there there is some Talking Heads influence. Fine but I wouldn't go out of my way to listen to it.
Beatles
5/5
This is a great album although I think it would have been even better if a few songs had been cut. That said, my favorite Beatles is here (While My Guitar...) so it has to be a 5.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
2/5
Mediocre punk music. The best song on the album is the cover of Helter Skelter. Overall, the vocals are grating and music is eh.
The Sonics
4/5
Really good garage rock from a transition period for rock music. Rough and dense but melodic. Good choice of covers but I liked the originals too.
Dwight Yoakam
3/5
Pretty traditional sounding country music. Not special or different.
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
Maybe not great, but at least fun. The collaboration with Aerosmith was truly innovative. That and a couple of other songs opened the door for rap/metal and bands ranging from the Beastie Boys to Limp Bizkit.
Todd Rundgren
4/5
Todd Rundgren is incredibly talented as a musician and as a producer. There are some really good songs here and a couple were very popular. For some reason, he shunned his own commercial success. He plays every instrument on this record, which seems amazing to me. The little interlude where he discusses production faults is pretty funny. Some of this reminded me a lot of Matthew Sweet. He must have been a big fan.
Wild Beasts
2/5
Never head of them. Thought I would hate it based on the description. I didn't, but I didn't like it either. Too theatrical with way too much falsetto. Don't need to hear this again.
The Cramps
4/5
Rockabilly meets punk. I can see Elvis or Jerry Lee Lewis singing these songs. A few years later, the Stray Cats came and smoothed out the edges.
Pavement
3/5
Ok indie rock but not worthy of the critical praise in my opinion.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
Very good versions of pop standards. Didn't need to be 3 hours long though.
4/5
Really good funk rock with a touch of Latin jazziness thrown in.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
3/5
Very traditional C&W music to sing at night by the campfire.
The Who
5/5
A near perfect album that is definitely in contention for top 10 all time greatest rock records. Opens and closes with two of the greatest classic rockers. If My Wife wasn't here I wouldn't miss it, but still not a bad song.