1070
Albums Rated
3.46
Average Rating
98%
Complete
19 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1970s
Favorite Decade
Rock-and-roll
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
250
5-Star Albums
62
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
GI
Germs
|
5 | 2.54 | +2.46 |
|
Space Ritual
Hawkwind
|
5 | 2.68 | +2.32 |
|
Cut
The Slits
|
5 | 2.71 | +2.29 |
|
Group Sex
Circle Jerks
|
5 | 2.74 | +2.26 |
|
Tago Mago
Can
|
5 | 2.79 | +2.21 |
|
Vincebus Eruptum
Blue Cheer
|
5 | 2.8 | +2.2 |
|
Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
|
5 | 2.83 | +2.17 |
|
Live / Dead
Grateful Dead
|
5 | 2.83 | +2.17 |
|
Among The Living
Anthrax
|
5 | 2.85 | +2.15 |
|
Damaged
Black Flag
|
5 | 2.87 | +2.13 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
|
1 | 3.72 | -2.72 |
|
good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
|
1 | 3.61 | -2.61 |
|
A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
|
1 | 3.44 | -2.44 |
|
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
|
1 | 3.42 | -2.42 |
|
Debut
Björk
|
1 | 3.37 | -2.37 |
|
The College Dropout
Kanye West
|
1 | 3.31 | -2.31 |
|
The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
|
1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
|
GREY Area
Little Simz
|
1 | 3.24 | -2.24 |
|
Melody A.M.
Röyksopp
|
1 | 3.21 | -2.21 |
|
Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
George Michael
|
1 | 3.16 | -2.16 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Led Zeppelin | 5 | 5 |
| Neil Young | 4 | 5 |
| Pink Floyd | 4 | 5 |
| Beatles | 6 | 4.67 |
| Bob Dylan | 7 | 4.57 |
| Joni Mitchell | 4 | 4.75 |
| Miles Davis | 4 | 4.75 |
| Jimi Hendrix | 3 | 5 |
| Yes | 3 | 5 |
| The Velvet Underground | 3 | 5 |
| Deep Purple | 3 | 5 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 5 |
| Johnny Cash | 3 | 5 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 5 |
| Creedence Clearwater Revival | 3 | 5 |
| Pixies | 3 | 5 |
| The Rolling Stones | 6 | 4.33 |
| The Who | 5 | 4.4 |
| The Byrds | 5 | 4.4 |
| Bruce Springsteen | 5 | 4.4 |
| Steely Dan | 4 | 4.5 |
| Stevie Wonder | 4 | 4.5 |
| Bob Marley & The Wailers | 3 | 4.67 |
| Neil Young & Crazy Horse | 3 | 4.67 |
| Elvis Presley | 3 | 4.67 |
| The Smiths | 3 | 4.67 |
| Marvin Gaye | 3 | 4.67 |
| Van Morrison | 3 | 4.67 |
| The Doors | 3 | 4.67 |
| Van Halen | 2 | 5 |
| Megadeth | 2 | 5 |
| The Clash | 2 | 5 |
| The Jesus And Mary Chain | 2 | 5 |
| The Band | 2 | 5 |
| Fela Kuti | 2 | 5 |
| Muddy Waters | 2 | 5 |
| AC/DC | 2 | 5 |
| Rush | 2 | 5 |
| Pavement | 2 | 5 |
| Motörhead | 2 | 5 |
| Wilco | 2 | 5 |
| Grateful Dead | 2 | 5 |
| Dinosaur Jr. | 2 | 5 |
| Elton John | 2 | 5 |
| Fleetwood Mac | 2 | 5 |
| The Kinks | 4 | 4.25 |
| R.E.M. | 4 | 4.25 |
| Talking Heads | 4 | 4.25 |
| The Stooges | 3 | 4.33 |
| The Cure | 3 | 4.33 |
| Nick Drake | 3 | 4.33 |
| Beastie Boys | 3 | 4.33 |
| Sonic Youth | 5 | 4 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Björk | 4 | 1.25 |
| Kanye West | 3 | 1 |
| Dexys Midnight Runners | 3 | 1.33 |
| Scott Walker | 2 | 1 |
| The Divine Comedy | 2 | 1 |
| M.I.A. | 2 | 1 |
| Eminem | 2 | 1.5 |
| Kendrick Lamar | 2 | 1.5 |
| Coldplay | 2 | 1.5 |
| Missy Elliott | 2 | 1.5 |
| Christina Aguilera | 2 | 1.5 |
| Pet Shop Boys | 3 | 2 |
| Madonna | 3 | 2 |
| Kings of Leon | 3 | 2 |
| Radiohead | 6 | 2.33 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Aerosmith | 1, 4, 5 |
| Jane's Addiction | 2, 5 |
| Metallica | 3, 2, 4, 5 |
5-Star Albums (250)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Jethro Tull
5/5
This is getting 5 stars rather than the 4 I had planned due to all the wankers that complained about flutes or gave it 1 star.. Piss off
62 likes
Björk
1/5
This played in a loop would destroy the soul and crush the mind. It should be used to get confessions.
31 likes
Van Halen
5/5
I might not recall all the details, but here goes. I was about 10 years old when Van Halen's Diver Down was released in 1982. I heard their cover of Pretty Woman and thought it was pretty cool. For reasons lost to time, I didn't buy Diver Down but rather this album.
Therefore I don't recall how Van Halen I came into my possession, but what I do remember—crystal clear—is the absolute joy it brought me. As the needle dropped and the record spun at 33 1/3 RPM in my little suburban New Jersey bedroom, a whole new world of sound exploded upon my ears. Up until that moment, my musical landscape had been shaped by my parents' oldies and Sesame Street. But this? This was something else entirely.
This was testosterone-fueled rock, raw and electrifying. It coursed through my body, transforming me. Hair sprouted where none had been before. I felt stronger. A fire was ignited in my loins, and suddenly, female lust became my new obsession. I was no longer a child.
16 likes
Jerry Lee Lewis
5/5
The man is a deranged lunatic who probably killed one of his wives and wanted to kill Elvis but damn he can put on a show. It's not music I listen to often but this is insanely good.
16 likes
Crosby, Stills & Nash
5/5
High school in the 80's I listen to mostly thrash metal, hard rock and some punk/hardcore with a splattering of some random things like the Cure. I starting hangin out with other kids into different music. One of my first times getting high, my friend puts this album on vinyl, Suite Judy Blue Eyes comes flowing out of the speakers filling my ears and head with those warm sweet harmonies, wow I never heard anything like this. I was hooked, on both the music and the weed. I still love this album and CSN, even though David Crosby is an ass.
15 likes
1-Star Albums (62)
All Ratings
The xx
4/5
Electronic pop that's not form the 80s that I actually like. Perhaps a bit boring at times but I like, I might go back to this. Never heard of this band before.
Incredible Bongo Band
3/5
Yep one of the most sampled beats of all time. Some good stuff on here but it get's old pretty quick.
Jimmy Smith
5/5
I love it.. Jazz meets hammond B-3 organ and we have Soul-jazz. Some really great jams on this.
The B-52's
4/5
Lot's a great fun and energy. What's not to like.
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
The big hits are great, some good tunes and some stinkers. I l aways listen to the greatest hits and I see why.
Van Halen
5/5
It's not my fav VH album but it's hard no to love this. I was 12 years old when it came out and there wasn't anything much cooler than VH at that time.
Simple Minds
3/5
I never dove into simple minds, sort of discounted them. Better than I expected but not on the same level of similar artists at the time.
Iggy Pop
4/5
Very good not great album.. Nice to hear Iggy expand and do different things, has Bowie touch all over it obviously.
Stan Getz
4/5
I can just put this in the background all day. Love Charlie Byrd too esp on Samba Triste..
Little Simz
1/5
Ummmm Couldn't make it through..
4/5
I really like but don't love the Kinks. They tend to get lost in some space between the Stones and the Beatles. Village green is there best but this a good listen.
The Stooges
5/5
Search and Destroy get's it a 5 star. I think Fun house is bit more edgy and raw. It boggles my mind all the time what these guys were doing in the late 60/early 70's.
Hole
2/5
Meh.. You don't need to listen this album..
Finley Quaye
2/5
Was not familiar with this artist. Basically Adult contemporary reggae. It was decent, I doubt I'll listen to the whole album again but might got back to a few tracks.
Kanye West
1/5
Yeah this sucks. Monster is about the only decent song, perhaps since it barely feature Kanye.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
My favorite Bob Marley and the Wailers album.
Carole King
5/5
One of the greatest albums of all time.
Elbow
2/5
Overall fairly boring and at time way too whiney.
Megadeth
5/5
Amazing thrash metal classic. Marty Friedman's brilliant guitar work brings this album to a new level. Peace Sells is still there best album but these is close second.
The Kinks
5/5
Favorite Kinks album, just a great album.
Brian Eno
3/5
I honestly not sure I ever listen to a full Eno album. Over pretty good.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
4/5
Just really fun good ole rock n roll. What's not to like. Not his best but still great.
The Cure
4/5
Love this Cure and love the gothy atmospheric music they created. This album is perfect for a good rainy November.
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
Amazing album.. Hip hop at it's finest.
Tom Waits
2/5
Still never understood the love for this album.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Psychedelic blues at it's best, absolutely brilliant album.
The Kinks
4/5
David Watts and Waterloo Sunset are such definitive Kinks tune. Fun listen.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
I'm a causal fan of ELP.. I have no idea why this was chosen. Tarkus, Trilogy or Brain Salad Surgery are much much better.
The Fall
4/5
I like the Fall and this is a good one. My biggest issue with this album and the Fall in general is more isn't better. There output is impressive but there songs are highly repetitive. Still good stuff.
John Lennon
4/5
Some very good songs and then some so so songs. I love Jealous Guy, one of my favorite solo Lennon tunes.
Air
3/5
Not familiar with Air, but I enjoyed most of the album.
Björk
2/5
Well.. First song.. Much better than I thought and I like it. 2nd song still ok, 3rd song hmm starting to get a little annoying. 4th song I'm not liking this anymore 5th song make it stop.. Bjork is someone who listen to small doses.
Steely Dan
5/5
One of the greatest albums of all time.. This one easy.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Wasn't familiar with this album, it's very different. It's just ok.
Various Artists
2/5
Christmas in July.. Uhmmm it's not bad but why is on the list?
Elvis Costello
4/5
I find it hard not to at least be neutral on Costello, it's really hard to dislike him. It's just a fun rock album.
Leftfield
3/5
Never heard of them before but I enjoyed it. While dance music you can still listen as background. I liked the ambient stuff a bit more.
John Cale
4/5
John Cale doing almost pop music, it works. Also helps to Lowell George on guitar as well.
The Clash
5/5
Another no brainer 5 star album.
Jeff Buckley
3/5
It's a good and very unique album especially for the time. I don't listen to the entire album very often.
ABBA
3/5
I mean it's super sweet cheesy pop music, I don't love it and I don't hate.. The fact they wrote so many of these songs is impressive.
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
I struggled with this one for some reason. The cover of Van Morrisons Jackie Wilson Said nearly made me turn it off..
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
Nothing really exciting couldn't really get into this.
The War On Drugs
5/5
I must have some form of OCD. I'll get obsessed with an album for a few weeks and listen to constantly. This one of them. Bob Dylan blended with Jamtronica. Great stuff and from Philly.
Nine Inch Nails
5/5
Album is phenomenal, I couldn't wait for it to be released and it's well worth the wait. Industrial perfection.
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
Good Stuff.. Shining Star and title track are awesome. I also love Africano, it smokes.
Common
3/5
Musically this album is good, really good.. However the rapper is very inconsistent, I think fewer songs would have helped.
Carpenters
3/5
I only like this because well it's dashboard music, meaning the first time I heard I couldn't see over my parents dashboard. I mean it's 70's AM pop it's not bad in small amounts but a whole album. Although the last song Another Song get's kinda jammy.
Mj Cole
1/5
Ughh This wasn't good at all.. Crazy love was the only song I made it all the way through.
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
Loud, angry, intense and awesome. I love this album just as much as I id when it came out.
Oasis
4/5
90's Brit pop classic. Some good music, nothing revolutionary but a fun listen. I use to think What's the Story Morning glory was there best but I think I like this more.
The Stooges
4/5
Crazy that this music was made in 1969, just amazing for the time. I can't say the album is consistent as fun house but it doesn't have to be. I wanna be your dog.. just wow.
Circle Jerks
5/5
Full throttle old skool west coast punk/hardcore. Just a fun band.
Jerry Lee Lewis
5/5
The man is a deranged lunatic who probably killed one of his wives and wanted to kill Elvis but damn he can put on a show. It's not music I listen to often but this is insanely good.
Tracy Chapman
3/5
Really good album, I love her voice and her story telling.
Kate Bush
3/5
Never been a Kate Bush fan, though I don't think I ever listen to entire album. Well still not a fan, just not style of music but I can appreciate the music.
The Specials
5/5
Great band and great album, I listen to a lot of 90's ska revival and hard to argue the influence that this band had. Too bad they didn't last as this lineup for long.
Jacques Brel
1/5
The man can sing but yeah not my thing.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Big Neil Young fan, bought this when it came out. The songs are decent but the that garage crunchy sound is great on it. Coming out in the end of the 80s is what I think makes it unique at the time.
Michael Jackson
3/5
I wasn't a big Michael Jackson fan growing up, though I do love Thriller, how can you not. Some good songs and some not so good ones. I've listen a few times but outside of the big hits I don't love it.
Bob Dylan
5/5
While the 70s Dylan is a bit a hit or miss this one is a pure hit. Tangled up blue, Simple Twist of Fate, Shelter from the Storm all amazing. Just great stories.
Metallica
3/5
Metallica was one of my fav bands in high school(class of 90). This album disappointed me when it came out and it still does.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Perhaps the greatest debut album of all time. Psychedelic blues want else could you want.
Happy Mondays
4/5
Wow I didn't know what to think but I really, really liked this. Heavy Cure like sound but nothing wrong with that.
Elvis Presley
5/5
I fuckin love Elvis.. He's the fuckin King.
Screaming Trees
4/5
Pleasantly surprised to see some love for this band and this album in particular. While not popular at the time it 's a good album, Witness is such a great tune and maybe my fav Trees tune.
Fugazi
4/5
Good album, I like 13 songs better or to be technically the first EP. Still not as good Minor Threat though.
OutKast
4/5
Not the music I listen to often but I do like this duo and this album is very well produced.
Joni Mitchell
5/5
I love Joni and love this album, perfect blend of Folk and Pop.
Cream
5/5
Jace Bruce is perhaps one of the most overshadow music of all time. He shines on this album. Some really songs, Strange Brew, Sunshine, Tales of Brave Ulysses, SWLABR, couple stinkers like blue condition.
The Stone Roses
4/5
Great album and I always forget it came out in 89.
ZZ Top
3/5
So I loved the videos back when I was young. Songs are decent but I love the older ZZ Top much better.
Sisters Of Mercy
3/5
Always thought of this band as a cheesy Bauhaus imitation. It's not horrible but not great either.
John Coltrane
5/5
One of the most amazing pieces of recorded music in history. The album is transcending, no more needs to be said.
Parliament
5/5
Oh yeah getting funked up. I like the more psychedelic sound of Funkadelic a bit more but this Parliament album is there finest.
The Who
4/5
So while I admire the creativity of the album. The commercials get annoying after a listen or two. Perhaps it was more funny in the 60's. However it's the Who and I love the Who.
Mike Ladd
3/5
Well it's very different and I enjoy appreciate the creativity. I liked it.
Michael Jackson
4/5
I think this is the first time I ever listen to this album start to finish, of course I heard almost ever song a million times. It's ok. I mean 80's Michael Jackson, it's smooth pop.
Dire Straits
5/5
Knopfler's finger pickin is one of the sweetest tones I've ever heard. While not my favorite Dire Straits album it does have Setting me up and Sultans of Swing the latter having perhaps the greatest the solo of all time. Though I prefer the solo on the live version on Alchemy, just insane.
Massive Attack
4/5
So many genres fused on this one, I especially like the dub and electronic mix. Good stuff.
Portishead
4/5
Funny this came right after Massive Attack. Good stuff as well. Electronic soul. Roads and Sour Times are great tunes. Few tunes sound similar but I can live with that.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
Smmmmmooooothhhh jazz. Great stuff, imagine being a dark smoke hazed lounge bobbing my head to this.
Slipknot
4/5
I did enjoy the inclusion of the more thrash metal sound in this album and it has some great songs it also has some meh songs. I kinda look the chaos Iowa a bit more.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
5/5
I pretty much like everything this band has done, I bounce between this and Honey's Dead as my favorite.
Taylor Swift
2/5
That was absolutely painful. Perhaps if I had a full frontal lobotomy then I might find it enjoyable.
Run-D.M.C.
5/5
First Hip hop/rap I ever owned. Been a while since I listen to the entire album. It's still awesome and yes this album everyone needs to listen to.
R.E.M.
4/5
I haven't listen to this one in a very long time, I probably wore it out. Very good album but I much prefer the early R.E.M. albums.
Mekons
2/5
Ehhh Never got into this band. Don't think this sound every worked well.
Queen Latifah
3/5
I dig it but wow it sounds very dated now. Still a fun listen probably the first time listening to the whole album.
The Last Shadow Puppets
4/5
New one for me.. It's interesting, I liked it.
The Jam
5/5
Great album.. Awesome bass lines.. Why I don't listen to this album more I don't know.
Queen
4/5
So Stone Cold Crazy is a five song and metal fans know how influential that song is. Brighton Rock is another gem. The rest of the album is so so. They did through a bunch of styles out there but it still had that glam rock tinge. It's getting a high rating based on really just one song.
John Prine
5/5
John Prine is an American treasure. While he always praised for his witty humor, it's his almost gut punch emotional songs on this album that get, Hello in There and especially Sam Stone, wow just powerful stuff. Yeah this deserves to on the list.
Björk
1/5
This played in a loop would destroy the soul and crush the mind. It should be used to get confessions.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
Brilliant album.. Touches on some many themes and nice blend of ska and roots reggae. Yes an album everyone needs to listen to.
Frank Zappa
5/5
I've listen this album 100s of times. It's arguably the first true Jazz rock album and is still a masterpiece. Peaces is a Zappa standard and excellent example of Jazz Fusion. Willie the Pimp with Sugarcane Harris's and Franks blistering solos laid the groundwork for Jazz Rock, just listen Mahavishnu Orchestra.
The Roots
4/5
They went in a few directions in this. I like the funk/soul vibe to some of those. Hip hop is not my fav genre but I dig the Roots, maybe since I'm philly born.
Neil Young
5/5
Such an overlooked album by Neil, I might not have liked as much the first time I heard but over the years I've discovered I absolutely love this album. However I'm still surprised to see it on the list, must be a lot of Neil on this list.
Morrissey
4/5
It's good, it's a more polished pop version of the Smiths. It's perhaps his best album. 3.5 for me but I round up.
Foo Fighters
4/5
Dave Grohl is perhaps the coolest dude in the music business. However I don't love the Foo Fighters, I for whatever reason never find myself wanting to listen to a whole album. I can't figure why. Out of all the the FF albums I've probably listen to this one the most.
Yes
5/5
Led Zeppelin
5/5
One of my favorite bands in High School, still love this album and one of the Zeppelin albums that I still listen to. Perhaps since it hasn't gotten the airplay as some of the other albums. It's still great bluesy rock.
Joan Baez
3/5
I'll admit never been a big fan of Joan Baez, I've only listen to one album of hers before, Any Day Now, a cover of Dylan songs. Overall I enjoyed this album much more than expected, I felt her soprano voice was more constraint and subtle compared to other works. It has a very ethereal sound. There's such a diversity in which traditional folk songs were chosen I felt transported to 19th century America (Silver Dagger, Wildwood Flower) or the common room of a Scottish Tavern (John Riley, Henry Martin). Overall it was a fun listen, and I surely check out her early work but still not a big fan.
The Lemonheads
5/5
First off the title track is one my favorite songs of all time, it finds its way on so many of my playlists. Confetti and My Drug Buddy are great tunes as well. While it was overplayed as shit back in the 90's, Mrs Robinson is still a good cover. Last thing Juliana Hatfield's backing vocals are awesome this album. It's probably a 4 star album but I'll give it 5 stars based on the title track and the fact it reminds of being 20 again.
3/5
I did own this like pretty much everyone else under 25 in the 90s. Probably the first time in over 20 years listening to it. It's ok, mass produced, bit boring and bland brit pop. I could live happily ever after if I never hear Wonderwall or Champagne Supernova ever again.
The Prodigy
2/5
More 90's. Without the flashing lights and drugs it get's old fast. I semi remember dancing in the clubs to Voodoo People back in my youth. It's ok.
Solange
2/5
For an album that appears to blend soul, hip hop and maybe a little funk it falls really flat and in essence is just a well recorded watered down version of those genres. The interleave of the spoken word doesn't evoke any emotion or feelings either, it seems rather pointless and makes the album disjointed. Overall It's just bland and boring. I guess the bar is so low for music made in the 2010s that this is considered a must listen before you die.
The Byrds
5/5
Love the Bryds and I really love this album and it's probably there most diverse album they made, sure the folk/rock sound is still there but other influences show up as well. To me Goin Back (and Draft Morning) is probably reason this album is on the list, it's the root of power pop, it inspired Big Star which in turn inspired countless others like Teenage Fanclub, this is the origin. Wasn't Born to Follow is a early example of country rock sound, which they would go full in on the next album Sweetheart of the Rodeo with Gram Parson, which I hope is on the list as well. Albums awesome and a very important one in rock history.
The Byrds
5/5
Ohhh helll fucking yeah!! Kinda crazy this was the next album. Yeah love this album either you get it or your don't. The fact it was released in the same year as the Notorious Byrd Brothers is wild.
Television
5/5
Another longtime fav of mine. Lots have be said of this album and it indeed is great. What downt get said as much as how good the guitar playi g is, it's a down right jam album with excellent production.
The Band
5/5
It's the band! 5 stars for Levon Helms voice alone. Great album, though a little uneven. Music from the big pink is still there best.
Japan
3/5
Didn't know this album. Some decent synth pop tunes, some of the slow tunes were a bit brutal. It's decent probably a 2.5 for me, I'll round up to 3 since this was 1979.
Air
2/5
I made it all the way though!! I guess it works as a soundtrack and decent background music but it general its a bit boring. There other work is more interesting.
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Good album. Impossible not too love the title track. Pusherman is my favorite song on the album. Listened to this many times before and will listen to again.
ABBA
3/5
It's ABBA. It's super sweet pop like soundtrack to a 80's Rom-Com. I can't say. Never listened to this full album and it was fun but I think you can live with listening to this album. Another 2.5 for me.
The White Stripes
3/5
I think Jack White knows music history quite well and it shows with this blend of garage, punk, blues and even some country. He's also technically gifted guitarist but he's more of a ventriloquist than a true original. Don't get my wrong I like the sound and it's fun album to listen to but it lacks something, it's not organic and at times seems forced. I actually like his other projects more, esp the Raconteurs.
Eminem
1/5
Had to suffer through this again.. Yeah not for me and it's gotten worse with age. I think 20 years ago I might have given it 3 stars but now I have to give it a 1.
U2
5/5
Love this album and a turning point album for U2. Love this album.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
Velvet Underground one of the most influential bands of all time. This album is one reason why since it really challenged what rock music at the time. Sure it's noisy, strange and weird and not something you can listen to all the time but it really pushed music to a new dimension. Many people took these elements, polished them and made them more accessible. It's not my fav or most listen to Velvet Underground album but it does make sense to be on the list. It's a 4.5 for me, so once again I'll round up.
Primal Scream
3/5
Dance and rock. I did listen to this album quite often back in the 90s'. but haven't really since then. Some decent tracks with Loaded being the my fav still. Not sure why but I don't like it as much as I once did.
Booker T. & The MG's
4/5
The title track is iconic and obviously why it's on the list. I think it's the first official album Stax label. It's bit uneven as a whole album, so not something you back to listen to often. The MGs are much better backing band esp when Dunn joined later on bass.
Nick Drake
4/5
Came across this artist a few years ago, interesting music and a very tragic story. You have to be in the mood for this morose folky singer-song writer. I appreciate the music just not something your going to listen to often.
Les Rythmes Digitales
1/5
Honestly I thought I was really really going to hate this but I made it mostly through the album, I find it hard to rate these dance albums. Maybe I need to get wasted and dance around to fully appreciate them. Just not for me.
Syd Barrett
3/5
As a fairly big Pink Floyd fan I've always struggled with the god like status of Syd Barret by the band members and others. Yes Piper at the Gates of Dawn is his masterpiece and the album is amazing, but I don't think he achieved that some creative output as a solo artist. I've listen to this album numerous times hoping to find what others seems to find in it and I just don't. I put it on and think I should have just listen to Piper instead.
David Bowie
3/5
I say I'm a Bowie fan but in reality I only listen to 4 of his albums and this isn't one of them. It's good but If I'm in the mood for blue-eyed soul I'm going for Hall and Oates. Wish we could give 1/2 ratings, this would be a 3.5 for me.
Beatles
5/5
Amazing. What else can be said really.
Astrud Gilberto
3/5
My dad would often play Astrud Gilberto albums when I was young and thus very nostalgic. Though this album is just ok, I have heard much better from her. I'd give it a 2 star rating but it's the only solo album of hers on the list hence the 3.
Aimee Mann
2/5
Ehhh. JUst water down pop.. Does have few good lyrics but damn it's musically it's just boring.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
It's nostalgia week apparently.. I've listen to a ton of Sinatra in my life, most of it not by choice. I definitely over the years learn to appreciate his music and dare I say enjoy some of it. Sinatra recorded a ton albums and murdered a ton of songs, this album however isn't one, I enjoyed it. I really enjoyed Jobim arrangements. Might be one of the few people under 75 that likes this.
Willie Nelson
5/5
I'd love to hang out with Willie for a day, get stoned and listen to him tell stories, perhaps a song or two. Shotgun Willie is my go to album but this one has gotten a lot plays as well. Albums like this make you realize not all country music is shit.
Burning Spear
5/5
Roots Reggae at its finest, absolute classic album. From the lead off title track through he whole album not a bad song.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Of course Mama's gonna help build the wall...
Depressing, dark, psychotic, disturbing and some how beautiful, just absolutely brilliant. It's shame Waters was(is) such a narcissistic dbag and this was the last great piece of music he and the rest of the band ever made.
Big Black
4/5
Is it punk, metal, industrial? All of the above.. Great album that help pave the way for industrial metal bands suck as Ministry, NIN, KMFDM. Great album. Kerosene is so damn good.
Tom Waits
3/5
I've always been fairly neutral on Tom Waits, don't really get him per se. Some white dude doing a Louis Armstrong schtick. I never listen to this one before and similar feelings as other works, I didn't hate and I didn't love it. This album in particular had the feel of a actor performance rather than a musician.
New Order
4/5
One of the bands I secretly liked in High school since it wasn't cool for a Metal head to listen to them. They migrated from the darker sounds of Joy Division to a more blend of guitar oriented rock with synthesizers, which I like as well. The song Sunrise is suck a killer tune and one of my favorites.
Manu Chao
3/5
I had no idea what to expect but I rather enjoyed it. I probably forget I ever listen to it in a year.
Buck Owens
3/5
I listen to album a few times and I've wanted to love it but it never seems to stick. If I'm going to listen to Buck Owens it's going to be a compilation album.
Kraftwerk
3/5
Another album I don't know how to rate. Kraftwerk is a band I appreciate what they did because they we're quite a ahead time but at times there music seems so dated and down right cheesy. I assume this album was picked for the song Model, which is maybe the first techno pop song ever. Therefore do I rate this album for what it inspired or how it sounds in 2022. Going to split the difference at 3 stars.
Goldfrapp
2/5
New one for me. Modern take on Cabaret and pop standards with a more atmospheric soundscape. Tough to be honest it does like the B sides of a James Bond film soundtrack.
Kendrick Lamar
2/5
I've tried and tried to get into his music given the popularly but I can't. Given it 2 stars for King Kunta...
Sonic Youth
5/5
My first introduction to Sonic Youth was the Kool Thing video on 120 min, just loved the song and like any 18 year old boy I fell in love with Kim Gordon too. Not long after I checked out Daydream Nation and yeah just a great album. Probably the only one but I wish Teenage Riot was 20 mins long, I can listen that song forever.
David Bowie
3/5
Honestly another mediocre Bowie album on this list. Might be one of the few people who absolutely detests the title track, the rest of the album is fairly boring. Should have been much more interesting having Robert Fripp onboard but it wasn't.
Can
4/5
Good album, not there best but still nice album to put on in the background. What I do like about German (krautrock) prog bands is they're musically less pretentious and self absorbed then the British contemporaries.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
Once again it's hard to rate these albums without being in club. Some good tracks overall. However it get's tedious listening to an entire album.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Never call my self a Stones fan per se, though I do love a lot of there music, esp this era. They shedded the Brain Jones blues cover act and the foray into psychedelia for this Druggy, seedy, bluesy honky tonk style of Rock n rock n roll. By today standards it really doesn't sound unique, only because it's been oven into the fabric of Rock n Roll for 50 years. This album and the the two that followed brought the dirty underground sleaze of Rock n Roll to the mainstream.
Arcade Fire
3/5
Overall it's ok it does get a bit whiny, pompous and boring.
Frank Ocean
2/5
Dumb lyrics and overuse of audio processing tools, standard 2010's soul less R&B.
Eagles
4/5
Watered down pop country rock created by two of the biggest assholes in the music industry, Don Henley and Glen Fry, but sadly I really love it. I do prefer this version of the Eagles to that of later Eagles after Joe Walsh joined, even though I love Joe Walsh. I'm going to rate this high but honestly I'm not sure if it should be on the list.
Alanis Morissette
1/5
I didn't really like this album when it came out and some how it has gotten worse and even more irritating.
Beastie Boys
5/5
Album blows my mind every time time I listen to it. There will never be an album like this again, the Sgt Pepper of the 80's.
The Sonics
4/5
Ohhh good stuff here, definitive garage band album, fun and rowdy. Strychnine might the ultimate garage band song, it still sounds timeless. This is the band the White Stripes and the rest of the revivalists listen to.
Bob Dylan
5/5
I honestly don't know how anyone cannot like this album, it's on par with anything with Beatles. Dylan completed his transition from pure folk to pop on this masterpiece that to this day is timeless. It takes a lot to Laugh, It takes a Train to Cry is very close to my favorite song ever written.
Aerosmith
1/5
Why??? This is absolutely awful.
Baaba Maal
2/5
Few decent tunes, some really bad ones too. I liked more of the classic worldbeat style then the straight forward pop songs. Enjoyed more of his guitar playing than his vocals as well.
Hole
3/5
Some decent songs, still has a little bit of rawness and edge which was lost on Celebrity skin. Though I probably never listen to this again it's always fun to take a trip back to the early 90's.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
Dusty can sing that's for sure and it's a very well produced and recorded album Tom Dowd is a genius and create magic on everything he produced. Son of Preacher man is just outstanding and I really like Windmills of Your Mind and I can't make it alone. However the rest of the album is way too 60's adult contemporary for me. Tough one to rank.
The Prodigy
3/5
Owned this one and got played fairly often, more metal and single driven than previous stuff. It was good to listen to it again but I seriously doubt I'll ever do it again.
Pulp
4/5
Perhaps my fav Britpop album and Britpop band. Not sure why it's been so long since I listen to this album, it's good. Though I have to admit Shatner's cover of Common People is more enjoyable than the original.
The Flaming Lips
4/5
I like the Flaming Lips a lot and I really like the direction they went on this album. I do love this album but like pretty much every Flaming Lips album there are one or two songs where Wayne's voice is bit much. My fav lips album is still Yoshimi but this is a close 2nd.
Miles Davis
5/5
Ohhh hell yeah.. The band he assembled for this album is unreal, Mclauglin, Shorter, Corea, Hancock, Zawinul... Given the talent in the room it's amazing how space is left for each other and how they weave in and out. I love it.
The Cardigans
3/5
Wow I have not listen to this a long long time, did own this one. Some catchy tunes and like the sultry vocals on some of songs. It's not a bad album just not a great album. 2.5 for sure.
Billie Holiday
2/5
Never really a Billie Holiday fan and on this album she sounds more like 73 than 43.
Yes
5/5
Great album and the first of the classic trilogy of albums. From 3 part harmonies to blistering solos and bombastic bass lines this album doesn't disappoint. Rick Wakeman joins on the next album and the band really takes off.
Janelle Monáe
2/5
So it starts off really good and then it divulges into kinda boring pop tunes. I really had high hopes for this .
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
I love Gish and Siamese Dream but this album.. I've always been disappointed by it. A few songs are ok but overall it's not very good.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
It's impossible not to be moved by her music, Soul music yeah you bet ass it is. Chain of fools.. her voice, that bass line damn nothing comes close to that these days. Good stuff.
Brian Eno
3/5
Great background music, it's hard to dislike but it's not easy to get excited about it either.
The Fall
3/5
OK album. I seem to like the older material by them more than this.
Incubus
5/5
Great album, they really defined there sound a bit more and went into a more pop softer sound on a few songs which worked really well. A lot of things to to like. One of my favorite albums of that era and the The Warmth is still one of my fav songs.
Aphex Twin
3/5
There are times while working I like to put on ambient music, it's typically a playlist but at other times I choose this album. It's not that I love the album per se but it's just sounds good in the background.
Deep Purple
5/5
Been listening to this album since high school, just a classic rock album. The mkII lineup sounds the most cohesive on this album but I think I prefer In Rock and the rawness of that album to this. The biggest issue is the overplay of some of these songs over the last 50 years, Highway Star and Smoke on the Water I just don't ever want to hear again.
Bert Jansch
2/5
Thought I was going to like this more than I did, outside of the 2 songs I already heard I couldn't get into it that much.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
2/5
Well this was a bit different. I enjoyed most of it but I doubt I'll ever to listen to it again.
k.d. lang
2/5
Don't listen to this if you need to stay awake. Well I don't dislike this as much when it first came out but that's not saying much. Some odd blend of country and cabaret.
Adele
3/5
One of the few modern pop stars I really can get into.
Michael Jackson
5/5
I was 10 when it came out. Everyone of all ages seem to listen to this album, it was everywhere. At least in my lifetime no album or artist was ever bigger. I wasn't the biggest Michael Jackson fan but it was hard not to like this album or the videos during the golden age of MTV. I'm given it 5 stars not for the music per se but for everything that went along with it at that time.
Hookworms
4/5
Wow.. I'm surprised how much I like this.. I'll be listening to this more for sure.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Lot of classic songs on this Blowin in the Wind, Master of War, Corrina,Corrina, Hard Rain, Don't think Twice.. I think why this a 5 star record is that Dylan was 21 when he recorded this album which blows my mind. However I like his electric work much better.
Boston
5/5
I loved this album as a kid and I still do. I remember the first time I heard More than a Feeling, I couldn't get it out of my head for days. The album sounds amazing and after I learn that Tom Scholz played and recorded all but the vocals in his basement how can you not give it 5 stars.
Chicago
5/5
What an album. I love the intensity, power and played with precise timing and tightness. Terry Kath.. Wow he's spectacular on this album , sadly he was never given as much space as he was on this album. My favorite Chicago album.
David Bowie
4/5
This by far my favorite post Ziggy Era Bowie album. Musically the album is very interesting and fun album to listen to.
Astor Piazzolla
1/5
I tired but yeah this was a tough one.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
4/5
A lotta buzz about this band in the 90's. Overall I thought they were very good, but seem to fall just short of amazing. Well not my fav album by them this does highlight all the different directions they go in.
Femi Kuti
3/5
I've listen to a lot his father's albums who I love. This is by fat the best album by femi, not quite as good as his late father but still enjoyable.
Bill Evans Trio
3/5
Kinda in between on this one. I listen to it but nothing jump out for me. Was ok.
Shuggie Otis
4/5
Ahh Shuggie Otis. Love that psychedelic soul sound. Great album and a good listen. However Freedom Flight and even kooper sessions I think are much stronger than this album and more true to the roots of his sound. Hopefully Freedom Flight will appear on the list because that is the album you need to listen too.
TV On The Radio
2/5
Never got this band and the hype, it's not bad but it's sounds at times like a bad Prince cover band.
5/5
Such a great album!! I love the raw punk edges the band had with the new wave sound. It's so damn good.
Fever Ray
4/5
I really like this, musically really interesting, a lot of different world music themes being used. It's like a non-shitty Bjork.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2/5
Ehhh It's ok kinda boring and bland to be honest. There earlier stuff is much better, too much generic synth-pop on this one.
The Jam
4/5
It's the Jam.. It's going to be good. Though this one is not one of favorites, I like Sound Effects and the Gift a bit more. The problem is when I listen to this album I think as good as this the Clash perfected this sound so much better.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Probably the Led Zeppelin album I've listen to the most, perhaps because outside of Immigrant Song the songs haven't been overplayed to death. Some of my favorite songs on here, Tangerine, Since I be loving you and That's the Way. Always fun to listen to this.
The Temptations
4/5
Papa was a Rolling Stone.. Love this song so much, one of the best scenes of the Temptations movie was the recording on this song. Blend of psychedelic soul and funk. The problem the rest of the album is very uneven, some really bad songs. This is a hard album to rate for sure, It's a 3 but since I love Papa was a Rolling Stone so much I'll give a 4.
Goldie
2/5
Well not really my thing.. I like the music, but vocals seem to be juxtaposed to the music. People need vocals so I get it.
Fleet Foxes
4/5
Great album. Love the blend of Folk and rock, very similar to My Morning Jacket, perhaps a bit mellower. Always a fun listen.
Nirvana
5/5
Unplugged was a great series and I remember the buildup of this show and wasn't actually sure what to expect. I mean Nirvana acoustic? Needless to say I was blown away by this performance then and I think even more so now. Being a fan at time I knew they had talent but I didn't realize how much until this album. The arrangement, the song selection and Kurt's emotions pouring into the songs, I still get goosebumps listening to Where Did You Sleep Last Night.
The Sugarcubes
1/5
Lotta love for Bjork on this list.. There's a few songs that are almost tolerable on this album but it's still hard to get through.
Ananda Shankar
3/5
Well.. It's different that's for sure. I admit I sort of like it and I wasn't even high.
Prince
4/5
For me the is last great Prince album, some really great songs, a few not so great, always a problem with double albums. For me it's not quite 5 stars, Dirty Mind, 1999 and Purple Rain I think are much stronger albums and are all 5 stars.
Kacey Musgraves
3/5
I hate pop country but for some odd reason and I have no idea but I really like Kacey Musgraves, few other other female country artists too. Anyway some of this get's way too sugary like butterflies which is just awful but most of this is good.
Fela Kuti
5/5
I came across this album some time ago as I was exploring Ginger Baker's catalog. I don't get out much to be honest. I was hooked on Fela after one listen of this album and Afrobeat in general for which Fela is the originator. Watch Beware Mr Baker to see more about this album and Ginger, it's worth a watch.
Waylon Jennings
5/5
So I pretty much much hate all mainstream country from 1980 to now, it's absolute shit music. However I do love 70's outlaw country and I really love Waylon. This is one my favorite Waylon albums, a few of the slow numbers I don't particularly care for but Black Rose might be one of my favorite country tunes of all time, I love cranking that one. Given this might be the only Waylon album on the list I'm going 5 stars, more for Waylon than the album per se.
The Who
4/5
Love the The Who. Very interesting and ambitious album for the time. I just rarely listen to the whole album often anymore.
MC Solaar
2/5
I really don't hate it, I like that 90's hip hop sound. Sure I have no clue what he's saying, my 4 years of French in high school has been long forgotten. Armand est mort samples Marvin Gaye effectively. That being said I don't think I ever listen to this again.
Guns N' Roses
3/5
I did not like this album or GnR when it came out. Took my probably at least 10 years after to release to listen and like it. I will admit I love the solo on Sweet Child, and I like Rocket Queen and My Michelle but still absolutely despise Welcome to the Jungle and Parisade City.
Aerosmith
4/5
Good straight up American Rock n Roll. Has the 2 biggest 70's Aerosmith songs. I think Rocks in there best but this is good. 3.5.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
4/5
I'm the oddball that likes this music.. Title track is great, the rest of the album is ok, very classic prog rock.
Kelela
2/5
It's much better than I would have thought. Nothing really hooked me in per se, it's fine just not my thing.
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
Pretty good pop rock album, just nothing to get overly excited about, I listen to it a bunch when it came out then quickly forgot about it. Take Me Out was s fun song to play on Rock Band. 3.5
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Well it's a interesting album, glad I listen to it but doubtful I'll go back to it. I'll say a very interesting rendition of Stagger Lee that's for sure.
Steely Dan
4/5
I Steely Dan but this might be the album I listen to the least. It never grab me as much as Aja, Pretzel logic or Royal Scam.
Hugh Masekela
3/5
Wasn't really familiar with Masekela, so new to me. It's a bit tame though Part of a Whole, Maseru and Big Apple are decent.
Sonic Youth
4/5
My introduction to Sonic Youth. It's good and more approachable then the previous albums, good stuff.
Everything But The Girl
1/5
I feel asleep and ruined a keyboard with drool trying to listening to this.. Painful.
Lou Reed
5/5
My favorite Lou Reed album, still very Velvet underground like in many ways which is fabulous. Walk on the Wild side was my gateway song into the Velvet Underground when I heard in high school.
Herbie Hancock
5/5
Jazzy, funky sweet goodness. Absolutely phenomenal. Chameleon and Watermelon Men just smoke.
Britney Spears
1/5
I can't believe I'm going listen to this album again, I never thought that would happen. Somehow it's even more painful then I recall.
Gene Clark
4/5
I have a soft spot for Gene Clark and sadly he's career really never took off the way that it should. I seem to disagree with with which albums are selected by artists for this list. this album is good but No other and Roadmaster are much better. Also the extra songs on the current release are not very good and take away from the original release.
Basement Jaxx
2/5
Once again hard to rate this dance albums sitting on my ass in front of a computer. It's ok. It's sounds more dated than then it is.
The Smiths
5/5
Probably my favorite Smiths album and the one I listen to the most. One of the best albums of the 80's and yes an album everyone should listen to.
Muddy Waters
5/5
One of the most influential artists of 60's this and the Folk Singer album highlight the reason why. This potentially could be the greatest blues album of all time.
4/5
This was one was biggest albums in my lifetime and frankly I never understood why. It's a fine album but it's wasn't anything groundbreaking and certainly not the Sgt Pepper. Just poppy version of music they were already doing. Though Bullet the Blue Sky is one my favorite songs. Anyway listen to War is much better.
10cc
3/5
I've known of 10cc for a long time and familiar with there singles but realized I never once listen to an entire studio album. Honestly some of it was really bad and just dumb (Wall Street Shuffle), but also has a few good tunes such as Silly Love. Overall it's ok, I was hoping for more. 2.5
Flamin' Groovies
5/5
I love the Flamin Groovies.. They could have picked the album before or after and I would have been happy too. Dirty bluesy garage rock sound can't be beat.
Peter Frampton
4/5
My 17 year old self would give this 5 stars for sure, I loved this album at one time. However I don't have the same affinity I once did. It's very good but great.
Norah Jones
3/5
lights down low.. check, candles lit.. check, didn't burn dinner.. big check, love of your life at the table... check.. time to que the norah jones.. So it's good background music but too far to the pop scale than the jazz scale for me.
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
This album is about one song really.. Rock Box. Way ahead of its time and the root of so many artists to come. It's a 5 star song, the rest of the album is good but not as strong as material on there next 2 albums.
Black Flag
5/5
Rise Above could be one of the best songs ever written. This is by far the best Black Flag album and the one of the grand daddies of the punk/hardcore genre.
Joy Division
4/5
Good album but Unknown Pleasures is much stronger.
Beatles
5/5
Well this is an easy 5 star. One of my favorite albums of all time and I could be persuaded into saying the best album of all time. While rubber soul was the first change in direction this album they really brought all different kinds of elements but yet keep that pop sound. A masterpiece.
Public Enemy
4/5
Was not a rap fan at the time of the release but many of my friends were, so I heard this album many times. Started to like one, then 2 then more songs, then most of the album. Really good album with a well crafted social message.
Little Richard
4/5
Absolute classic roots of Rock n Roll. Besides the performance and energy, the fact that he wrote many of the songs is impressive, esp for that era.
Jeff Beck
5/5
This band in general has always lived in the shadow of Led Zeppelin, who released their debut a few months later with a similar sound. It's sad this album while critically hailed never got popularity that Led Zeppelins albums did. It's a great album and it never get's much play. I love the this version of You Shook me, especially with contribution of Nicky Hopkins piano (who should be a household name but is not). Great versions of Morning Dew, Shape of Things and an awesome I ain't Superstitious. Plus the great Beck's Bolero instrumental, written by Page and also used in How Many times.
Bad Company
4/5
Paul Rogers is one of my all time favorite singers, just love his voice. While I like his work in Free better this first Bad Co album is really good. Yeah a little more radio friendly and less bluesy but a fun album. Rock Steady can't get enough of that song.
Billy Bragg
4/5
Listen this to death when in first came out. Fun album, Wlico and Billy Bragg sound great together. Hopefully this isn't Wilco's only appearance on the list.
Johnny Cash
5/5
It's Johnny Cash singing in prison, of course you need to listen to it. Not as good as Folsom Prison but it does have Boy Named Sue. Probably a 4.5 album but given my love for the Man in Black I'm rounding up to a 5.
Anita Baker
1/5
Slept through most of it.. I feel cruel for giving a 1 star but I have too.
Steely Dan
4/5
Some really great straight up rock songs on this, fun album to listen to but I prefer the later material.
Talking Heads
4/5
Good album they would hit the creative stride in later but some good stuff on here, Uh-oh, Pulled up and of course Psycho Killer.
Beatles
5/5
Amazing album anything less 4 stars and you need to see a hearing professional.
Judas Priest
4/5
Album is ok, so many the earlier albums are quite better and heavier. They moved more into the hard rock in this one. Some decent songs besides the hits like Grinder and Steeler, but United, Red,White & blue are just so awful. Tough call between 3 and 4, I doubt there will be another Priest album so 4 it is.
Common
2/5
A few decent songs but wow some really dumb shit as well, guess that's what happens when Kayne produces it. Yeah these are great lyrics? Perhaps for a 16 year old.
"Fantasize when I had her in the bathroom sweatin' with her ass up (go)
The body of a dancer
We had chemistry 'cause she was a Cancer
Thought forever it would last for
But forever moved faster so I had to (go)
Still I gotta pause when I think about her in them drawers (go)
And uh, ooh baby, she liked it raw"
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
Honestly I never really liked this album much, if it wasn't a McCartney album it would be on the list. It's a 3.5 at best.
Kanye West
1/5
Pure shit. I can't believe I'm forced to give it 1 star.
Meat Loaf
4/5
I love this album and not ashamed to admit it, so many people I know just cannot tolerate it. It's goofy, cheesy and fun rock n roll. RIP Mr Loaf!!
T. Rex
5/5
Marc Bolan was way ahead of his time and sadly departed way too young. You can hear the imprint of this band and this album in particular on so many bands and genres, I think it still sounds fresh today and songs like Mambo Sun could be released today. Great stuff.
Caetano Veloso
1/5
I couldn't get into this, I was hoping it would be interesting musically but yeah it's worse than the vocals.
Lou Reed
3/5
I wasn't a fan when I first listen to this album years ago and still cannot get into it. I love the Velvet Underground but there's really on few Lou Reed albums I really like and this is not one of them.
Cornershop
2/5
Outside the big hit it's fairly ordinary, not an album you need to listen too.
The Replacements
5/5
Been a long time since I listened to this gem. Punk, pop and rock, come the 90's this sound went mainstream, but when this released it was groundbreaking.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Impossible not to love Marvin Gaye. Back story on this album is quite interesting and helps with understanding the album. This isn't the first time I listened to this album and I'll admit it's a hard album to like on the first listen, somewhat redundant and down-right depressing. However it does reveal itself after a few listens. I do wish there were more tracks like "Is That Enough" or the album was edited a bit because it does drag on. While not my fav Gaye album it does have it's moments, once again we need 1/2 stars, 3.5. I'll round up given my love for Marvin.
Beach House
2/5
It's kinda ehh. Didn't know you could dilute dream pop this much. It's like cheap vanilla ice cream.
The Louvin Brothers
3/5
I do like a deep dive into the classic country every know and then. This did not disappoint and was a fun listen. Some great songs like Knoxville girl and well not the best version of In the Pines, still enjoyable.
Le Tigre
3/5
Not bad but not great.. I rather just listen to Sleater-Kinney instead.
AC/DC
5/5
When I was 10 I thought this was greatest album ever recorded. I do love AC/DC but I very rarely listen to this album these days. I'll put on a Bon Scott album instead. Hmm a 4 but the little kid in me will give a 5.
Black Sabbath
5/5
It's Black Sabbath.. First 6 albums are all 5 stars. No other band has been an influence on metal and various subgenres for as long as this band.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
If this album consisted of Respect, the title track and Yoko Ono singing over geese honking for the rest of the album it still would be 4 stars. Add in songs like Soul Serenade, Do Right Woman and Drown in my Tears it's hard not to bump it 5. Sure a few songs don't hit, her version of Change is Gonna Come is ok but only because Sam Cooke made it untouchable.
Tom Waits
3/5
This is by far the only Tom Waits album I can listen to.
2/5
This album started off as s strong 3 for me but then quickly became redundant and a bit boring.
Radiohead
2/5
I've tried to get into this album a few times, I just really can't.
The Byrds
5/5
What a influential album not only at the time but for years afterwards. Jim (Roger) McGuinn's 12 string jangly Rickenbacker sound is iconic and is still being echo today. Though what really stands out for me are 2 of the Gene Clark songs, Here with out you is just so dark and complex. The gem of the album for me I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better, it's pop perfection, I just love this song and unlike most of the album which has that 60's era sound (they did invent it) this song sounds almost timeless. Tom Petty also does a great version too, not surprising given how this band influenced him.
The Sabres Of Paradise
2/5
Overall pretty boring. Was hoping to hear something more moody or more atmospheric but it never happen.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
3/5
OMD for me is a greatest hits band, some great songs on every album but I just can't get into individual albums.
The Pogues
4/5
Rowdy and loud Irish music bordering on punk rock. What's not to love. Makes me proud of my Irish heritage.
John Lee Hooker
2/5
First John Lee Hooker was an amazing artist, I like a lot of his work. However blues albums in the 80's suffer from highly polished production and this album is great example. Perhaps when it was released it sounded fresh but now it sounds quite dated. It's a shame there's some good playing but I just can't listen to it. It pains to me give John Lee such a low rating.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Outside of his debut album I find Mayfield's albums fairly uneven. This one has some really great tracks like the opener and Hard Times but also some really weak ones.. So in Love was a hit but not a fan.
Dr. John
3/5
Dr John is weird quirky and eclectic. Is it for everyone nope.. Is there some crap on this album yep, is that some great stuff on this album yep. Should you listen to this before you die, probably not but you should at least be stoned when you do so.
James Brown
3/5
Good album but I much prefer James Brown with the JBs. For me Love, Power, Peace is James Brown's best live album.
The United States Of America
3/5
A hodge podge or perhaps cornucopia of pop and psychedelic 60's sounds. Not horrible but seems to be trying to hard to be different.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Cohen is more poetry than music. I've never really learn to fully enjoy his albums and at this point I don't think I really ever will. It's not bad but not great either.
Marty Robbins
2/5
Being a Grateful Dead I've heard El Paso played to the point of death by Bob Weir. Marty Robbins music is obviously \quite date even for the 1950s but I still find it a fun to listen to maybe every 10 years or so. Biggest compliant is the songs are so similar so it's a bit tedious by the end.
Orbital
2/5
It was ok.. It has an almost cheap electronic sound as if made by crap bought at Radio Shack.
Dion
2/5
New York City Song and Only You Know are pretty good.. The rest is fairly forgettable. Give me the Wanderer..
The Damned
4/5
Good album not the best by the them, they certainly tried different things on this album not all of it was good.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
Perhaps just me but I find it impossible to dislike big band (swing) music,it has a universal appeal. Sophistic style but catchy enough to be popular. It also doesn't seem to suffer from sounding dated. I really like it.
Miles Davis
5/5
Perhaps the greatest Jazz album of time. Just an absolute joy to listen to these guys play, for me it's the different styles of Coltrane and Cannonball. So What is just gorgeous with Miles warming us up with his solo then Coltrane coming in on the left with his more aggressive hard bop style then cannonball in the right channel following up with a more smooth solo then finished off with Evans on piano. The rest of the album is just as brilliant. Anyone who doesn't rate this higher than 4 stars is clinically deaf.
fIREHOSE
4/5
Perhaps there most even album by them.. What I do like is the great bass playing by Watt esp on songs like Mas Cojones and What Get's Heard. Some catchy tunes as well like In My Mind and Time with you. Good album and has a lot to offer.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
3/5
I recognized Skip Pence name but didn't know much about him and never heard this album. About 3 songs in I decided to read the history of the album. Basically written during a stay at Bellevue after a LSD fueled axe attack on his Moby Grape bandmates and then recorded right after his release. That seriously changed my perspective of what I was listening too and I'm not sure if "enjoy" is quite the world but I really began to understand it.I did bookmark a song to go back to, I'd probably never listen to this again, but was a very interesting piece and story.
Van Morrison
5/5
Just an amazing and my favorite Van Morrison album. It's just a great album to listen to start to finish but it hits the peak with Madame George and Ballerina. The recording and production is outstanding, plus all the various instruments used, strings, harpsicords, flutes, vibraphones, they just create this wonderful tapestry that perfectly accompanies but never steps on Vans vocals. This is the perfect album to set back and let spin on vinyl. Easy 5+++ stars.
Cypress Hill
3/5
Well I Like this a lot more when I was 20. It's not bad but after about 4 songs I had my fill of nostalgia and was done with it.
Rush
5/5
Not my favorite or nor do I think it's the best Rush album but it was the first Rush album I ever heard. I was probably about 10 years old, sitting in my best Friends room when I the needle drop and I heard the first note of Tom Sawyer, I was a fan a fan for life after that. Therefore this album get's a 5 star from me, though it's probably a 4.5. I hope 2112 and perhaps my favorite Rush album Farewell to Kings makes the list but Moving Pictures seems to be the choice made by non die-hard Rush fans.
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
If you want to listen to a boring whine bag put on Radiohead, at least the music is more interesting. Better yet listen to his father instead.
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
Frank Zappa made a lot of music, I mean a lot of music. Some amazing, some ok and some well just bad. This album spans of those, it's interesting to listen to once maybe twice but that's about it for me and I'll just listen to a few tracks.
Queen
4/5
I like plenty of Queen songs but I rarely listen to entire album but this one of them. Sure there's no big hits, Seven Seas of Rhye perhaps but it's just consistent and quite heavy. Ogre Battle is one of my all time favorites. This Album, the Game and occasionally Sheer Heart Attack are the only Queen albums I listen to start to finish.
Talking Heads
4/5
I need to listen to this album more than I do, I also seem to gravitate to Speak in Tongues and Remain in the Light. Great album!
Crosby, Stills & Nash
5/5
High school in the 80's I listen to mostly thrash metal, hard rock and some punk/hardcore with a splattering of some random things like the Cure. I starting hangin out with other kids into different music. One of my first times getting high, my friend puts this album on vinyl, Suite Judy Blue Eyes comes flowing out of the speakers filling my ears and head with those warm sweet harmonies, wow I never heard anything like this. I was hooked, on both the music and the weed. I still love this album and CSN, even though David Crosby is an ass.
Slipknot
3/5
2nd Slipknot album on the list so far, don't think you need two of them on the list. At one time I might have said this one, but my biggest complaint is the poor production and recording, It might have sounded trendy 20 years ago but now it sounds quite dated and bit cheesy. Therefore I think All Hope is Gone might be the better pick, even though this album is more unique and aggressive.
David Bowie
3/5
For me this album has always been overrated, I've listen to numerous times and my only conclusion is if it wasn't a David Bowie album then no one would care. It's not a bad album but it's not groundbreaking either. I think Kraftwork or Eno works is more interesting.
Beck
4/5
Big departure from some his previous stuff and I didn't like it on first listen but I feel it love with it and over the last 15 years easily the Beck album I listen to the most. Is it 5 stars? 4.5 I'd say since there a few songs that are ehh, I always skip Round the Bend.
Nina Simone
3/5
I've listen some compilations but I don't think I ever listen to entire one of her albums. No denying her talents as a singer but this album is just ok, a few tracks I like but many are forgettable.
MGMT
2/5
It's above average pop music, not bad but nothing to really get excited about.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
I love so much music from the 80's Pet Shop boys were band I just never liked very much. Probably the first time listening to a whole album and my opinion hasn't changed.
The 13th Floor Elevators
4/5
I have listened this one a few times. It's some really great 60's classic psychedelia.. Love all the weird quirky sounds, the surf guitar riffs and Roky's boisterous vocals. The crazy thing was this sound came from Texas and not San Francisco. Sadly this on about the only decent material they made.
Wire
4/5
I really like this album and not sure why it I never came across it till a few years ago.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
Well this album is damn near perfect. One of my favorite Neil albums which means one of my favorite albums as well. The title track has found it's way on so many playlist, such a perfect pop song. Plus the 2 long play songs, Down by the River with Neil and the late Danny Whitten trade off guitar solos over Billy Talbots sleepy druggy bass lines, it's so good.
Amy Winehouse
4/5
It's a good album especially for the mid 2000s. I do feel people who rave about her never have truly listened to any female Jazz vocalist, even contemporary ones. Though It is pop music rather than Jazz and style will always stomp substance in that case.
Gary Numan
3/5
That's a very heavy dose of New Wave. Glad I listen to it but I problem won't ever again.
KISS
2/5
While Gene Simmons could be on the Mt Rushmore of musician douchebags, I honestly don't hate Kiss's music. Perhaps because I grew up in the 70's and they were huge, I mean huge.. Kiss Alive is really the one album to listen to, since it's close to a greatest hits. Kiss doesn't have single album that good enough to listen straight through. 2.5 stars
Mike Oldfield
2/5
Let's be honest the album is only list because of the exorcist. Side one is pretty good but side 2 is meh.
Beck
4/5
Very good album and one I listen to a ton of. Probably due to the who produced it sounds like a stoner version of a Beastie Boys record. Which isn't a bad thing per se. I think his later albums are more interesting even though I'm probably the only one.
Fugees
4/5
I actually like the singles less now but I like non-singles better now.. Makes no sense I know. The Mask, Cowboy and Score I don't recall but I really like. Killing Me and Ready or Not are not as good as I remember.
Minutemen
4/5
First half of this album is excellent, some really great stuff and some great Watt bass lines. Then it gets a bit spotty, nothing truly bad but nothing amazing. With some edits it's a 5 star album easily but as is it's not perfect.
Miles Davis
5/5
One of the most important albums in music history, it redefined Jazz and in turn rock as well. This was the seed that give birth new genres of Jazz lead to bands like Return to Forever, Mahavishnu Orchestra and Weather Report. I still like Kind of Blue more but it's hard to deny what magic was created in a few days in August 1969.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
I never listen to this one before. First side is good and then By the time I get To Phoenix, I like the riffing in the beginning but it's bit long and get's really redundant. There's an art to doing it, his label mate at the time Albert King was a master at it. 2.5 stars for me.
Metallica
2/5
There's at least 3 Metallica albums I'd give 5 stars and this is not one. This is pretty bad, like most 90's Metallica. Perhaps live would have been interesting but the recorded version sounds like a muddled mess. 1.5 stars but I'll be very generous and round up to 2.
The Modern Lovers
4/5
Some really great tracks on the this album roadrunner, Pablo Picasso and Astral Plane. However too many songs sound like 2nd rate Velvet Underground songs, not much originality. Good album to listen to but nothing groundbreaking to make it 5 stars
Def Leppard
3/5
I was 11 when Pyromania came out, love that album and Def Leppard. By the time Hysteria came out my favorite bands were Slayer and Metallica. Needless to say I was fairly disappointed with it. That being said, while the production isn't for me, I can appreciate the techniques that were used and applied in making the album. The album was a juggernaut in the 80s. Hysteria, Born in the USA,Thriller, Joshua Tree and Appetite just seem to churn out songs. It's get a 3 for me, 2 for the music plus 1 for the fond memories of high school make out session while listening to it. Hard to make out to Angel of Death.
David Bowie
2/5
A few ok tracks, nothing great or even good to be honest. I was kinda glad when it was over.
Haircut 100
2/5
I've only heard Love Plus One before so I was interested in hearing this album. However like the hit, It's vanilla New Wave, It's fine but nothing really exciting. 2.5 stars.
The Cure
4/5
In high chool in the mid 80's this was the Cure album all the Goth kids loved, this was prior Disintegration being released. It's dark, moody and bleak, just a great record. Though you really need to be in the right mood and setting to really get into. A gray cold January like today was perfect. I like this album a lot and I think it's a great choice since it probably gets lost among the other albums.
Radiohead
2/5
I'm going to guess that the entire Radiohead catalogue is on this list if this album is on there. More whiney dribble played over non-original "experimental" music from perhaps the most overrated band in history. Few tracks are tolerable hence the 2 stars.
Dwight Yoakam
3/5
Not a huge country fan especially from 80's onward but I do enjoy some of Dwight's music. First time listening to this one, I've listen Guitars,Cadillacs,etc,etc and Time Was before which I liked much better. This album is decent but not great, I think I stick to the hits Greatest Hits whenever I get the urge for 80's rockabilly
Simply Red
1/5
I had my doubts on this album, I've only heard Holding back the Years, which I never liked. The opening track surprised me a little but then it quickly divulged into adult contemporary washed out soul music. The cover of Talking Heads Heaven is downright insulting.
Justice
2/5
Yeah not digging this one. The biggest hit D.A.N.C.E. sounds like the Wiggles on ecstasy or something. The rest of it sounded like 8-bit sound clips mixed on a Radio Shack Tandy 1000.
The Cars
5/5
Pretty much a perfect album. I've been loving this album since I first heard it when I was either 9-10 years old. Very few albums I can say that about. Easy 5 stars.
Alice Cooper
3/5
Do like Alice Cooper, especially the Alice Cooper band, but this album is just ok. Much better choices such as Killers or Billion Dollar Babies. Granted there's really no 5 star Cooper albums, but if I could go back in time and see someone live, Alice Cooper on the Billion Dollar Babies tour would be on my list.
Suzanne Vega
3/5
It's a good but not a great album some really good songs like Marlene and Knight Moves, but the album does get bit redundant at times. Though I feel that way with all her albums.
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
If this was the created as a high school music/poetry project I might be slightly impressed.
Adele
4/5
I do enjoy that raspy, sultry soulful voice and some of her songs work really work but others not so much, "He Won't Go" and her cover of "Lovesong" in particular. However the good songs are stellar.
Blur
4/5
Blur is band I never will turn off but yet I hardly ever think to listen to. I owned this and Park life and they never got heavy rotation for me. It's good pop rock without going too pop, glad I re-listened to it after many years.
Funkadelic
3/5
First I love the early Funkadelic albums, the first 3 are amazing with Maggot Brain being one of the best albums of all time. This album is kinda ehh. By this time there was no distinction in sound between Parliament and Funkadelic, gone was the fuzzy Hendrix like guitar solos of Eddie Hazel and the more in face vocals. It's ok but not amazing.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
What can I say I love this album, so many great songs and still sounds great.
Keith Jarrett
5/5
This album is quite remarkable. Oh to be one of those people who saw this live.
Spiritualized
3/5
It's good stuff, I discovered the We are floating in Space album not that long ago and liked that as well. I always dig some space rock.
The Cure
5/5
My favorite Cure album which put's it that with my my favorite albums. Easy 5 stars.
Neil Young
5/5
Just a great album. Love the sleepy sound that Stray Gators provided on this, espically Ben Keith's pedal steel guitar. So many great songs on this album. Another no brainer 5 stars.
Jethro Tull
5/5
This is getting 5 stars rather than the 4 I had planned due to all the wankers that complained about flutes or gave it 1 star.. Piss off
Tricky
3/5
So it's certainly not as brilliant as it's made out to be, get's highly redundant as a album but there's a some interesting music on this. Aftermath, Blacksteel and Hell is Round the Corner are the highlights for me.
Dirty Projectors
4/5
Experimental rock? I don't really think so per se, Indie rock trying hard to be different with some odd chords and tempo changes is more likely. In spite of that there's some good music on this album and I'll go back this album for sure. It's a 3.5 but perhaps over time I might think more of it.
Paul Simon
4/5
Like most of Paul Simon's work esp in this era it's very good, it's really hard to dislike some of his most popular songs. Though not every song is great, a few ho-hum songs keep this being a 5 star album.
Otis Redding
5/5
Perhaps the greatest soul/R&B album of all time. The power and emotion emanating from deep within Otis's soul is captured brilliantly on recording. I've listen to this album many times and we'll continue to do so.
Röyksopp
1/5
Sounds like the shitty royalty free music used on so many YouTube videos.
Butthole Surfers
4/5
Weird, disturbing, noisy and insane. It's just great!
PJ Harvey
3/5
A bit different to her music in the 90's. It's pretty good, a few tracks I really like but there was more I didn't. Perhaps those songs would grow on me more after a few more listens but it's a solid 3.5.
Talking Heads
5/5
Probably my favorite Talking Heads album and to me the one they reached there Zenith.
Metallica
4/5
On the day this was released I was junior in high school and I remember waiting all day for school to end so I could rush out by this album. Slightly mixed on first listen but soon after couldn't turn it off. It's been a while since I listen to this album, It's still a great album and probably the last great Metallica album. The songs are really strong and this has been talked about a ton, the mixing is horrible, it sounds even worse to me now then it did. I'm really glad I saw them multiple times on this tour and heard these songs live, they were there supposed to sound.
Roxy Music
3/5
I've never understood the love affair with this band. I've tried multiple times with this and other albums to see what the hype is all about. I only hear Ferry's fairly boring crooning tribble, which is sad given the talent in the band. Sure there are a few decent tracks on this but nothing to get excited about. 2.5 stars
The Byrds
3/5
I would certainly call myself as a Byrds fan but this album is no where near there best work. Of course Eight miles high was novel and groundbreaking at the time, Mr Spaceman and 5d are great songs as well. However the rest of the album is perhaps some of there weakest material. 2.5 but I'll round up this since it's the Byrds.
Jane's Addiction
2/5
I think I should state that I love Nothing Shocking, bought that album not long after was released on the insistence of a friend that worked at a record store. This album is a big disappointed for me, the first "rock" half I feel is weaker version of previous album. I never ever want to hear Bean Caught Stealing again, song isn't that good to begin with and was beaten to death. The 2nd half with the exception of Three Days is fairly tedious. The worse song being Of Course, sounds like a Beatles song if the fab 4 were lobotomized and feed sub lethal doses of alcohol and Quaaludes.
2.5 but I'm going to round down.
Bob Dylan
4/5
I just love the electric first half of this album so much, I for one loved the transition. The first 3 songs are some of my favorite Dylan tunes. Few songs seem like leftovers but great album.
Beatles
3/5
There's not much I like by the Beatles prior Rubber Soul. I just can't get into, perhaps if I was a 15 year old girl in the early 60's but I'm not.
Bad Brains
4/5
First I love the S/T album probably would have been my pick for the list. However this album really went in a different direction, probably more Metal at this point, the reggae is subtle. The only issue with this album is it's a bit enven. I against I, Re-Ignition are amazing but Secret 77 and Return to Heaven are a bit weak.
Neneh Cherry
1/5
This was awful, some things just need to die and be left in the 80's and this is one them.
Songhoy Blues
4/5
I love finding new music and this was great find. Will be going back to this one some more.
2/5
Poison Arrow is so bad that it's actually good.. It's pretty cheesy 80s but not in a good way.
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
50% of this album and LCD Soundsystem in general is really great music. However it amazes me how the other half is boring, uninspired and frankly just lazy, such as Someone Great and All My Friends, which are the singles. Oh well I gladly take the awesome 50% because that's a lot more than most bands especially in this era.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
2/5
There's a reason I forgot about this band. Now that I listen to this time to go back to the 90s where you belong.
Garbage
3/5
Fairly generic 90's pop it's fine nothing too bad but nothing really great either.
Paul Simon
2/5
I was 14 when this came out and listen to mostly metal at the time, so obviously didn't like it then. Over the years I would put this on numerous times and honestly I still don't like it much even though I like Paul Simon's 60/70s work. Normally when I don't like an album I disagree that it should not be on the list but in this case I do agree it should be on.
Nirvana
5/5
Just a fantastic album start to finish. Hard to put in to context the power this band had 30 years when this album was released. Always love revisiting this album.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
It's Bob Marley.. blaze a spiff and enjoy.
The Triffids
1/5
I hated this so much that I tried punching the sound coming out the speakers.
Deep Purple
5/5
One of pillars of Heavy Metal and perhaps my favorite Deep Purple album. It's almost perfect.
Pearl Jam
5/5
I listen to this CD over and over and over. Till the point it's been quick a long time since I listen to it. Such a great album.
The Doors
5/5
Jazz,blues,rock and folk, greek mythology swirled together with a heavy dose of acid and voilà we have the Doors. Album was groundbreaking and I just love this album.
Stan Getz
4/5
My father would play this album often when I real young and Girl From Ipanema is one of the earliest songs I every recall enjoying. The rest of album is very good and one I've gone back and listen to often. Great cover art as well.
My Bloody Valentine
4/5
They made noise rock into pop music but really balanced it but not going to far in either direction, very creative in that sense. Now if this came out in 1985 it might arguably be one of the greatest albums of all time but clearly they built upon many influences of the mid to late 80s. My only compliant is the more noise rock tracks like To Here Knows When are not very good when compared to Only Shallow and When You Sleep which are brilliant.
Love
3/5
I've listen this album multiple times over the years to really understand it's appeal. Sure opening track is great, first few songs I really like the arrangements and vocals but somewhere in the middle it starts to drag and become tedious. It always seems like a longer album that it really is. It's good but not great.
Queen
3/5
I like a lot of Queen but his one not as much, apparently I'm one of the few people who absolutely distastes Bohemian Rhapsody. Best friend is pretty awful too. I'll give them credit for bring in different genres of music like '39 and Seaside Rendezvous but there not great songs. Now Death on Two Legs and I'm in love with my Car are great tunes, yeah they said like classic Queen which is what I like I guess.
The Police
4/5
Essentially Stings first and best solo album buy my least favorite Police album. Yes this album contains some monster hits and an all time classic video but the there some really bad songs as well and it the lost that sound that made the Police great. 3.5 stars but I'll round up since I love King of Pain so much.
Radiohead
2/5
Few tolerable tracks but yeah I have no idea what's the appeal. I mean it could have been worse, at least it's not a Coldplay album.
Afrika Bambaataa
2/5
At one time this was cutting edge, now it sounds like a SNL skit. I do wish I had a boom box to blast it on.
Harry Nilsson
4/5
Album you need to listen to a few times since it sounds like it's 3-4 different artists made it. I always enjoy listening to it.
Pavement
5/5
Great album that still sounds fresh today.
Jorge Ben Jor
4/5
New one for me and wow this is really good. I'll be going back to this one for sure.
Coldplay
1/5
The hum of a ungrounded turntable is more interesting than than this tribble.
Donald Fagen
4/5
Very good album, very similar to later Steely Dan but yet different and a bit unique. New Frontier, Nightfly and IGY are great. Maxine and Ruby Baby I tend to skip. It's a 3.5 for me but it's Fagan so I'll round to 4.
The Smiths
5/5
Is the best Smiths album? I don't know perhaps not. Is it my favorite Smiths album? yes it is. To me it's the perfect balance of Marr and Morrissey.
Blondie
4/5
Sure a little more pop than the early albums but still has a bit on edge. Good stuff.
N.W.A.
4/5
If I were to have listen this for the very first time, I would probably give it a one star, mostly due to the lyrical content. However that isn't he case I can recall hearing this for first time in High school in 80s and to be honest not even sure what to think, it was aggressive and brutal and nothing I heard before. They made a statement with music, one can argue about the message but it was powerful and controversial. I don't listen to this album very often anymore but I will rate if I was 16 again.
Eagles
4/5
Sure the title track has been played to death to the point of acoustical fatigue but it's still a good song. A few other tracks are really good but there's some really bad stuff as well. As much as I like Joe Walsh his addition made the Eagles more of group of solo artist than a band. Earlier records are much better.
Santana
5/5
Absolutely fantastic album.
Scott Walker
1/5
Yeah that was pretty awful.
Madonna
2/5
It's ok she's trend following on this one.
Arcade Fire
2/5
Ehhh If you like pretentious,pompous, bland,boring,unimaginative, uncreative mediocre indie rock then you'll love it.
3/5
I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. Blend of lot of different styles. 3.5
Miles Davis
4/5
Early Miles, probably my least favorite era of Miles but it's still Miles.
Throwing Muses
4/5
In the 90's I liked Tanya Donnelly's band the Belly, found out she was in this band and checked them out. I was blown away but who good how good Kristin Hersh on this album. Great album.
John Martyn
3/5
New one for me.. Nothing great but a enjoyable listen.
Jane's Addiction
5/5
Released when I was in high school, dude at the record shop loved the band and convinced me to buy it. It seemed so different for the time but I loved it and I still do, only Janes album I'll listen to.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Great album and love the different direction she was taking with her music on this. Jaco on bass works so well, folk jazz!!
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Funny never listen to any there studio albums just the Songs to learn and Sing, which is fantastic. Overall good album, one or two songs I never heard and were really good, though a few not so good. Once again wish I could rate 1/2 stars, this is a 3.5.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Overplayed to death for sure, I did a fair share of it myself. I very rarely listen to this album but at once time it was one of my favorites. Great to rock out to it.
Dr. Dre
4/5
Lyrically a little rough but damn the music is really good and Snoop steals the show.
Patti Smith
4/5
"Jesus died for somebody sins but not mine" What a way to open.. Gloria is just unreal.. Great album.. Birdland gets a bit long is all. I mean 1975, post punk before punk.
Gil Scott-Heron
2/5
I really struggled getting in to this one.
The Afghan Whigs
3/5
Never thought this band was all that special per se and that goes for the album. It's good but not sure about being on this list to be honest.
The Go-Betweens
4/5
Some good 80's pop though a little too sweet and smooth at times but that is what you get in 80's. 3.5 album for sure.
Elliott Smith
5/5
The Beatles influence is fairly apparent but unlike other artist he manages to make it sound original, unique and personal. Really great album.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
It's really hard to not to love CCR and this album proves. It's got straight up rock, some blues and some long jams. Just great stuff.
Arctic Monkeys
2/5
Generic uninspired Brit rock that tries too hard. Is it horrible, not really but why is it on the list? At least it wasn't the AM album.
Talk Talk
1/5
Wow That was a long painful 45 mins.. I haven't clue on how I made it all the way to the end.
Laibach
2/5
Well it was interesting and different that's for sure. So they can a bonus star for effort.
Fairport Convention
4/5
Sandy Denny voice, Richard Thompsons arrangements and Bob Dylan's lyrics .. It's kinda hard to go wrong. I also like the lightness of the British folk as compared to the American counterparts at the time.
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
I thought his album was really good. I got a very Marvin Gaye/Bill Withers vibe from it.
Erykah Badu
4/5
I really like this Erykah Badu album a lot, it's probably because it's her most soul/jazz forward album. I wish more of her catalog was like this.
3/5
Title track is amazing, 5 stars for sure but the rest of the album get's a bit repetitive. Like most classic country, these artist were more singles orientated than album.
Fiona Apple
2/5
At first I liked the direction and the production but then it got very tedious and redundant quite fast. Midway through I was pretty much done with this.
Black Sabbath
5/5
It's hard to argue for another album that served as the seed that heavy metal was born form. Sure some heavy stuff was release before this but nothing wrapped up quite like this. I've listen to the for over 40 years and it never get's old.
Snoop Dogg
3/5
Lyrics -4 stars, music 4 stars, Snoops smoothness on the mic 5 stars, dumb skits between songs -2 stars, dumb cover -1, ok it was 1993 +1 this leaves me with 3 stars.
Thundercat
4/5
25% of this album is 5 stars, 50% is about 3 stars and then 25% is pretty awful at 1 stars. Thundercat frustrates me to no end, man has a ton of talent but needs to ditch the pop/hip hop crap. Giving it 4 stars because he played in Suicidal Tendencies.
The Associates
1/5
I really could not get into this album at all.
Morrissey
3/5
I still can't really get into Morrissey solo work as much as the Smiths, it's just ok. He needs Johnny Marr.
Sepultura
4/5
While not my favorite Sepultura album it's by far there most ambitious. It is interesting to hear world music mixed with death metal, Ratamahatta is brilliant. By far Igor best album from a percussion standpoint. Musically the album is 5 stars, Max's vocals is an acquired taste and an album of this length can be a bit much, I'll round a 3.5 to a 4.
Silver Jews
4/5
Townes Van Zandt eqsue indie rock.. What's not to like.
Motörhead
5/5
Long live Lemmy!!
Public Enemy
4/5
First 3 albums PE was fairly consistent and this albums seemed to have aged much better than some others at time.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
I can't decide if this is a Eno/Talking Heads rip off or good homage to them. Some good songs for sure but as a album it doesn't work as well as the older stuff. It's a 3.5.
Don't get this pick at all, a few ok songs but this album gets boring fast.
50 Cent
2/5
Few songs a catchy but the album get's redundant pretty quickly and not my style of music to begin with.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
5/5
It's Buddy Holly. Unbelievable what he did for music in such a short time on this planet.
Marilyn Manson
3/5
Musically it's ok nothing great but lyrics are pretty dumb for someone who tries that hard. Perfect music for early teens.
Roxy Music
3/5
If I have favorite Roxy Music album this might be it, or perhaps it's the one I dislike the least.
Nico
2/5
I enjoy her vocals with the underground but this album.. it get's a bit tedious. Also the strings and flutes are so poorly mixed, drives you mad after a while.
Marvin Gaye
5/5
One of my favorite albums of all time, absolute groundbreaking masterpiece.
Muddy Waters
5/5
Love Muddy!!
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
Maybe in the right mood and setting I would have been more receptive to this. I can appreciate the music but it was a bit of chore to listen to.
Sigur Rós
3/5
I really like the more ambient/shoe-gaze songs a lot. Liked this a lot more than I expected.
Frank Black
5/5
Absolutely love this album. I have no idea how many times I've listen to this. So happy to see it on the list!
Pavement
5/5
This album is like wine, get's better as it ages.
The Yardbirds
4/5
Good Stuff, I like the Jeff Beck era of the Yardbirds a lot.
Paul Simon
2/5
I don't get this pick at all.. Bland and boring.
Tears For Fears
3/5
Some monster 80's pop hits and featured in the 80's movie Real Genius! However this album and honestly the hits are just ok, I can pretty take it or leave it.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
5/5
Love the early Elvis Costello and this album is probably my favorite or at least the one I listen to the most. It has the fun of 50's rock but sounds new and fresh. Just great.
CHIC
3/5
Le Freak.. So damn good song and brings me back to being a little kid. The album is good but not great. Totally a 3.5 but rounding down on this one.
Dead Kennedys
5/5
Amazing debut album and influential album. Though at time very poppy, kinda like a possessed Sha Na Na.
Sugar
5/5
Perhaps it sounds similar to other alt-rock albums at the time and not as original as his previous work but damn I love this album. Loud fuzzy guitar and I really like the way his vocals were recorded on this.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
4/5
So happy to listen to this. I did need to find this on vinyl preferably a little scratched up, get a heavy pour of cheap bourbon and sit back and enjoy.
Steely Dan
5/5
Perhaps my favorite Steely Dan album or at least the one I listen to probably the most. Nice balance or rock and jazz. Some great guitar work.
Donovan
5/5
I love the meandering flow of the album tracks, this album takes a few listens to get it and maybe some LSD. Great stuff.
The Human League
3/5
Seconds and Don't you want are such great songs. The rest of album is just ok, a bit bland at times.
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
Yeah I dug this a lot, great ambient/background music.
Neil Young
5/5
Such a raw, emotional, dark album, sometimes a bit heavy but if your in the right mood it's amazing. It's also a album that get's better the more you listen to it, it seems soak into your soul. I am surprised we have 2 of the 3 "Ditch Trilogy" albums so far. Bring on Time Fades Away!
Wilco
5/5
I listened to a ton of Wilco during the early 2000's and this album in particular. They seem to hit this stride around this time, blending folk, country, jam rock, noise rock all together into something that sounds like none of those genres. I always seemed to struggle describing them. Anyway great album.
Primal Scream
4/5
2nd Primal Scream album on the list, Screamadelica I had listen, this one I have not. I really enjoyed this and honestly I wish I had listen to this when it release I would have enjoyed it more then. More rock oriented and more suited to my listen style now, basically while I work.
Raekwon
2/5
It's ok it got old very and tedious quite quickly. Problem is with Hip Hop/rap I tend to like 2 maybe 3 songs on album and the rest is just ehh.
3/5
New band for me and wasn't sure what to expect but honestly it was ok, not great. I still may search out some more material.
Björk
1/5
So the first two songs I actually liked and I actually thought maybe a 2 star or even 3 stars at that point, but then the Bjorkinish arose and just kept spiraling out of control, couple that with lame ass electronic music that sounds like it was composed on a Commodore 64. For the love of god please be the last of her albums!
The Undertones
4/5
Really like the Brit punk/60's garage band sound, fun album to listen to. Only real issue is pretty much every song is the same, hence why I really can't give this 5 stars.
Prince
4/5
Prince. I find about 20-25% of his music absolutely amazing and pretty much everything else ranging from mediocre to down right awful. This album really doesn't have anything awful, but a few songs are just ok. It's also one of the few albums I will listen to in it's entirely. It's a 3.5 but I'll round up for my love of When Doves Cry and Darling Nikki.
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
Belle & Sebastian take indie rock right up to the line the very line of bubble gum pop but never cross it. I like this album a lot but not as much as some others by them. It's a 4.5 for me.
Blue Cheer
5/5
Even the causal metal fan is familiar with this band and the cover of Summer Time Blues, though Parchment Farm is the true gem. Also one of the few proto metal bands that was not from England. The good is of course the music, big loud fuzzy guitars, this is the birth of Doom/Stoner metal for sure. My biggest problem is some of the vocals especially on Doctor Please.
It's a 4 star album but I'm given 5 given how influential it is on music that I love so much.
George Jones
4/5
Most country since about the late 80's is garbage but I do like the classic artists. I've only listen to compilation albums by George Jones before, so wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this deep dive as much. This was really good, so much so I listen to it twice.
Shack
3/5
New one for me, it was decent listen, fairly generic brit-pop, it just doesn't stand out from other albums from that era.
Thelonious Monk
5/5
Great album from one of the all time best, It's really all about the title track, an amazing piece of music. I rarely have rated based on a single song but in that case I'm bumping to 5 stars, the rest of the album is good, there's much more consistent albums of his out there, hopefully we get at least one more.
Tom Tom Club
3/5
Tina Weymouth is awesome, she doesn't nearly get enough credit for the sound of the Talking Heads as she should. I've listen to this album multiple times and I want to love it so badly, but I just don't. It's good and times very good but I think it falls short of the potential this band had, you have Adrain Belew on guitar and you would't even know it.
Green Day
5/5
One of the best major label punk albums of all time. While I'm partial to the Lookout records stuff and that more lo fi sound, this album does sound incredible turned up to 11. The punk pop flood gates open wide after this album that's for sure.
Missy Elliott
2/5
Yeah I never really got into her, then or now, though I can appreciate the music and production a little bit more now.
The Dictators
3/5
Ehh Album is ok, nothing all that interesting but nothing bad either.
David Bowie
4/5
While not as good as the 3 albums that preceded this one but still very good m and tail end of my favorite Bowie era. 4.5 star for sure.
Sonic Youth
3/5
Released in 93 and produced by Butch Vig it was hyped up on MTV constantly, but I never felt it lived up to that hype. It's an ok album, it's a big a step down from Daydream Nation. A 3.5 but I'm giving a 3 due to the awfully dumb song Youth Against Fascism.
3/5
Yes you need to listen to this album once. Then put the title track on a playlist and never listen to the rest again.
My Bloody Valentine
4/5
Good album, they hadn't found that unique sound they have on Loveless so it kinda sits somewhere in the middle.
The Shamen
1/5
Wow this aged like tuna salad in the sun.
Grateful Dead
5/5
Dead have only 2 great studio albums and this on one, I think Workingman's Dead is better though. The best way to listen is live however.
The Icarus Line
2/5
To sum this up, steal from other bands, add some fuzzy noise and do it poorly.
Drive-By Truckers
4/5
Drive-by Truckers fan, so yeah I really do like this album, it does get a little long and a bit repetitive on the narrative and the music. So it's not quite a 5 stars and I do like some of there other albums more but it's probably the right choice for this list.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
There are some really good tracks that are quite creative. I think for sure this an album that people should listen to regardless how they feel about this genre. The problem I have with the album it get's very old and repetitive fast.
Holger Czukay
3/5
I never hard this one before but I'm a causal fan of CAN, so this wasn't completely novel for me. I rather enjoyed it not as much as the early CAN records. Though more than likely in 6 months I probably won't recall listening to it.
Beatles
5/5
One of the best albums of all time and perhaps my favorite.
David Holmes
3/5
Ok it's a decent EDM/Breakbeat album but nothing groundbreaking. The various city sound bites are more of distraction, could have done without them.
Ray Charles
3/5
Years ago I had read about this album and it's history and was quite excited to listen to it. I'll admit I was quite disappointed. I've since gone back a few more times and while I'm familiar with more of the songs I still don't love this album. It's simply the production, the orchestral and chorus arrangements just doesn't work for me. Many times it really drowns out Rays voice, it's such shame.
Antony and the Johnsons
1/5
I Am a Bird Now... Please go fly away then.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
I can see why this album was chosen to be on this list since most people including causal Stones fan might not have heard it. It gives an intro into one of the biggest bands of all time and the Brain Jones lead era. Is it good? It's ok, the problem is listening now I've heard and love the versions of theses songs by the American blues artists that originally performed them. The Rolling Stones versions don't really measure up, perhaps in England in the early 60's they sounded new and fresh but not now. I will admit the version of King Bee is still really, really good.
Machito
3/5
This was a fun listen and nice discovery. I already explore a little more of Machito catalog.
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
First two songs are really good. The rest of the album is just below average post punk rock with vocals getting progressively getting less enjoyable. It's getting a 2 stars, but 2.5 if I could.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
I haven't listen to this album in a long while and I enjoyed the album when it came up. Funny I enjoyed the very borrowed Chuck D delivery then but now for some reason it sounds more like a cheap ripoff. Still some great tracks on this album such as Language of Violence. I probably would have rated this higher back in the 90's but today it's a 3 star.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
It's been a very very long time since I listen to this album, anyone over the age of 40 has been bombarded by most of these songs for a long time, radio, sprting events, commercials, etc. Though to sit back and actually listen to the album has been very enjoyable. I loved this album when I was an early teenager and I'll admit I still do.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
5/5
I don't care what people think, I love Lynyrd Skynyrd! This album has it all rocking tunes, great ballads and one of the best and guitar solos of all time.
The Young Gods
3/5
Some of the songs are actually good, well I'll say decent. Will I listen to again? Probably not. French industrial is something I never heard, though somehow it doesn't sound as "industrial" in French as in German, ie KMFDM.
Miriam Makeba
3/5
Overall I enjoyed listening to this album, new one for me. I really like 3-4 songs and couple I really didn't. So somewhere in the middle.
The Stranglers
3/5
It's one of the more boring early "punk" albums out there. I don't get the appeal of this band, by no means awful but just don't get the why it's on the list.
Ride
5/5
I really love this album and at times my favorite "shoegaze" album. It retains a more pop rock sound than say My Bloody Valentine's Loveless which really explores the noise.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
I mean it's the Velvet Underground so it's great. However I do think this is my least favorite true Velvet Underground album, sorry Squeeze is not the Velvet Underground. Heavy on ballads but some amazing ones, Pale Blue Eyes is just outstanding. Murder Mystery is the weakest song, seems like a retread of the The Gift but not as well executed.
It's a 4.5 but what the hell I'll round up.
The Zombies
5/5
Just a pop music masterpiece. Why I like this album, it doesn't sound as dated as many of the pop acts at time. It clearly sounds like a 60's album but it still has a freshness to it, perhaps its the right splash of psychedelia. 4.5 all the way but I'll round up.
The The
3/5
Another pick I'm not really sure why. I'm also not sure what genre it really is, New pop? post punk? New wave? Mediocre Vanilla 80's pop, most likely. Anyway it was fine.
Jefferson Airplane
5/5
San Francisco psychedelic masterpiece!! I still get goose bumps when I crank Somebody to Love to ear bleeding levels. My only complaint is it's too short!
Beastie Boys
3/5
I've probably only listen to this album several times, but I've heard a few of these songs hundreds of times. Though as a album it get's old and repetitive quite fast and it's not quite as original as Check Your Head or no where close tot he Masterpiece of Paul's Boutique. A solid 3.5 but I'm going to round down to 3 on this one.
David Ackles
1/5
This what it would sound like if Willian Shatner gave Neil Diamond singing lessons.
FKA twigs
2/5
I enjoyed some of the arrangements and the more "bare" soundscape. The problem with that it highlighted her voice, which to be honest I don't like very much. Overall it was just ok.
Coldplay
2/5
Boring brit pop rock, I don't get the love and I necessary don't get the hate either. Although whiney falsetto vocals get's a bit tiresome after one song, let alone a full album. Thankfully I slept though most of it.
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
I really don't recall hearing any tracks off this album before, so it was a nice surprise to listen to it. Mix of alternative/brit pop/rock with some intellect. Overall I really enjoyed this one.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
I just love the dark dystopian mode of the album. The recording and production is just amazing, the album has a stark feel but at the same time a very rich instrumental texture.
Wu-Tang Clan
4/5
I would not call myself a hip-hop fan but I really like this album a lot amd it really doesn't sound as dated as the similar albums from that era. It's a 3.5 all day.
a-ha
3/5
Take on Me, A perfect pop 80's song with an iconic video to go with out, it defined the 80;s. The rest of the album however? Just over top sugar pop and not very good at all.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
I enjoyed this album a bit more than his early stuff. It's good album to listen on a cold rainy day with a healthy pour of single malt scotch.
Cocteau Twins
4/5
I really like this album. I listen to quite often as background, it's nearly perfect for writing or creating. The songs just drift together with those soft mumbled vocals. I think Treasure is a but better but happy to see this on the list.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
5/5
While this isn't an album you'll listen to over and over it's an absolute perfect pick for this list. It's a history lesson in record form. The execution of this album is amazing, from the song choices, to the musicians and the recording. Let's not forget the banter, which is really what makes this album just wonderful, I particularly love hearing Maybelle Carter.
Kanye West
1/5
Dumb music for dumb people.
Khaled
2/5
Some of the music was really good. Singing at times sounded like someone with low fiber diet on the toilet.
Drive Like Jehu
4/5
punk? hardcore? 90's alternative? dabbles of Metal, Noise Rock? Yes and none at the same time. It's very good. I particular like those longer songs with great instrumental sections. Let's talk about the the bass, some great bass lines, you don't get that in punk/hardcore often.
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
This is the second album I've listen to be Rufus Wainwright and it's a bit better, though still not a fan. I guess if you love bad movie soundtracks than this is your album.
Deep Purple
5/5
What a great album from the height of the MK II lineup. Just such a well recorded live album, the sound is quite heavy and fat, something that didn't get captured on Fireball and In Rock as much. Sure there might be some over indulgence on the solos esp the Mule but that's the 70's man.
Suicide
4/5
I can see why people don't like this album. I think it's incredibly unique and must say I like it. Though I find it odd that Bruce Springsteen was inspired by this album and covered the single Dream Baby Dream.
Travis
1/5
It's Eunuch Rock. Boring, sad and absolutely no balls.
TV On The Radio
3/5
Quite a bit of different music genres melting together on this. Certain songs work really well, others not so much but I like the creativity.
D'Angelo
2/5
Music is close to a 4, vocals a 2 and a lyrics a 0. While he tries he's no Marvin Gaye or Prince. I did make it though but kinda became a slog at the end.
Pixies
5/5
One of my favorite albums. The band worked so well together on this album. Kim and Black Francis styles just melt perfectly together, lightning in a bottle.
The Doors
5/5
This was the 6th album released from 67-71, that's quite insane and a bit different from the first. This one takes a bit more digest than the others as others. Outside of the 3 big hits you still have great songs like Changeling, Been down so long and of the course the absolute amazing WASP. However there's a few songs that are just ok, Hyacinth house for instance. It's like a 4.75 album.
Roxy Music
3/5
This is either the Roxy Music album I like the most or the one I dislike the least. Few decent rock like tracks and Ferry vocals are more in check on this album as well. Still not a big fan of them.
John Grant
4/5
New record for me and this was really good. I love the music, the vocals and especially the lyrics. Great spectrum of emotions laid out in his music.
The Undertones
3/5
It's just ok, kinda dull and really lacks any energy. Sounds as if they recorded this at 6am on Sunday after drinking all night.
Amy Winehouse
3/5
This album is ok, I have always wanted to like it more than I do. Vocally, she's frankly too whiney on this album. Some of the lyrics are just kinda dumb too.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
2/5
Music was interesting but I could have done without the vocals, they got old real fast and fairly annoying by the end of the album. Thank being said I still appreciate the music.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
Love me some Creedence. The hits, the jams it's all good for me.
Queens of the Stone Age
4/5
I love the more rawness of this album compared to some of later QOTSA albums. Some great tracks, Regular John, If Only, You can't Quit Me and Mexicola are some of favorite QOTSA tracks. Couple song like You would Know and Hispanic Impressions are kinda duds and the album get's a little repetitive, but what album by them doesn't. Still one of there better albums.
Genesis
5/5
I'm a fan of both, the proggy and the poppy Genesis. This my favorite Gabriel led era album or lat least the one I listen to the most. Musically it's a pleasure to listen to and really seems to unveil different aspects the more you listen to it. The only knock is sometimes the "Britishness" get's a bit old.
Bauhaus
3/5
Little more poppy than the first album, which at times sounds like a bad David Bowie rip off, ie Kick in the Eye. However there's a enough variation in this album to keep in interesting. It's good just not great.
Nirvana
5/5
Not many albums do I vividly recall listening to the very first time but this one I do. Sitting in my friends dorm room at the University of Idaho, a few us huddle around a cheap Panasonic cd boombox came music that was uniquely different but at the time felt as warm and familiar like a old blanket. When it finished playing all of us knew this was something special, didn't realize just how much, it was the end of 80s rock.
The Offspring
3/5
Big album in the 90's, Offspring started shedding their punk roots for a more radio friendly Alt rock/pop punk sound on this one. It's an ok album, however the hits from this album just absolutely suck. Self Esteem? Come out and Play? Those were a shit d-bag rock anthems 30 years ago and they haven't age well. Killboy Powderhead and So Alone are pretty good. 30 years I would have given 4 stars, it's 3.5 but I'll round down since I'm old and angry.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
It's been a very long time since I listen to this album, I did own it and it did get some decent rotation but I kid of forgot about. Heavy pop 60's and early punk influences and they do it well but many times it sounds like the soundtrack of a fabricated band for a movie. It's catchy but it just lacks some soul or meat to it. Perhaps upon it's release it didn't sound that way, since many bands were not doing that.
Neil Young
5/5
I love Neil, one of his classics with some big singles, title track and Southern Man.. Though my favorite part is the last 3 songs of side two.. Love those songs.
The Smiths
4/5
It's a good album but compared to the previously albums it's a bit more polished, a little less grit, feels more Morrissey and less Marr. I do love Girlfriend in a Coma though!
Stereo MC's
3/5
Anyone growing up in the 90's probably dance or seen people dance to Connected and Step it Up. Heard these songs countless times but first time every listening to this album. It's decent though at the 40 min it starts getting a bit old. Well, I doubt it's the last time I'll hear the song Connected, however the album Connected, probably the last time.
Shivkumar Sharma
2/5
Was an interesting listen and I can see the inspiration and how some rock artist incorporated these sounds into there works.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
I had already listened to album a few times before and being a Zappa fan I knew what I was in for. It's a tough album to digest for sure but as you listen to it it raises the question, is this music? what is music? how does if differ from sound or noise? Don't think this album answers that question but it certainly was one of the first to ask it. Lastly this album is undoubtedly lowly rated because is tough to get in one listen, it's like shoving a whole chicken down your throat at once. You first need to find and slice off the good parts, then eventually you might come to like the giblets.
Metallica
5/5
I was a freshman in high school when this came out, talked about timing, perfect age for this music. Was my favorite album for quite a long time, played it almost to the point of exhaustion. I still love to put this album o, crank it up loud, bang my head and hear a ghostly echo of my parents telling me to turn it down.
Jane Weaver
4/5
First time I listen to this artist and I really enjoyed this album. Great find and what I was hoping to get out this list.
Milton Nascimento
3/5
There is some really interesting music on this album, at times latin Meddle-era Pink Floyd and others revolver era Beatles. Few tracks I didn't care for but over all this was good. 3.5
New Order
3/5
At this point they shedded off every aspect of Joy Division and started making happier more popy dance music. It's fine but it's really not anything unique or different.
Soft Machine
4/5
Heavy does of Jazz with a touch of some prog/avant-garde rock. Probably the the 5th or 6th time listening and it keeps getting better.
Iron Butterfly
3/5
This album is here really for a single organ riff, one hell of a riff too. Title track is obviously great, rest of the album is just ok.
Roni Size
2/5
15 seconds in and I new I was in trouble.. It got better but not my thing.
The Beach Boys
5/5
I wish I could go back in time and experience it when it was released. No doubt the album still has some amazing music just an incredible soundscape but I feel I don't fully appreciate because it sounds, well dated. Regardless is a 5 all the way.
Don McLean
3/5
The title track is one of the songs that certainly doesn't get better the more you listen to it. I've gotten to the point of saturation of this song that I really never want to hear it again. That being said there was a time I didn't feel that way and this album played often by my parents, so theres a bit of nostalgia when listening to it. So outside of the title track and Vincent the album is just ok.
Pentangle
4/5
Folk and kinda proto-prog rock given the depth of instruments and sounds. I really like it, though vocally it can become a bit tiresome.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
This is first of 4 great albums released where they define there new sound, more druggy, greasy, low down and dirty rock blues, they'd reach the zenith of that on Exile but this is the start. Great stuff, lesser known songs like Stray Cat Blues Jigsaw Puzzle and Salt of the Earth are so damn good. Dear Doctor and Prodigal Son are fine but they haven't gotten the roots rock songs nailed yet.
Youssou N'Dour
4/5
I first tried to listen to this on headphones at work, but kept getting interrupted, then ear buds walking to work, it got a bit more interesting. Finally I played this fairly loud on my home stereo and wow this album fully open up. It was an absolute pleasure to listen to. I've since listen to a few tracks again and really like it.
Kings of Leon
2/5
Uninspired, unoriginal, kinda boring and just some horrible vocals and lyrics, and yet this is the best I've heard from this band.
Sabu
4/5
Musically an absolute 5, I love it. The vocals and this is perhaps a reflection on how they recorded, just got quite tiresome and distractive. 3.5 for sure but I round up.
The National
3/5
I can only handle a few songs at time from this band, a whole album is too much for me. Just maybe write one song that sounds different and not wrist slitting depressive.
New York Dolls
5/5
Musically the entire album is about a 4 if you disregard the year this came out. While I think this is built off the Stooges sound, I think it's still quite original especially for the time. Therefore I give the bump to a 5.
The Temptations
4/5
I'm doing fine on cloud nine... Just love the Temptations psychedelic soul era. This is the beginnings of that era, it's starting to cook but it's not quite done yet. Still a great album.
Fishbone
4/5
One of those albums in high school that seemed everyone somehow liked, metal heads, punks/skaters, hippie kids, jocks, except maybe not the goths. I think there's a little of everything in this which makes it great, also makes it a bit uneven at times as well.
LL Cool J
4/5
I can't help but like this album.. Not a big hip hop fan but this album is a lot fun.
SZA
1/5
I had to start skimming midway through. Pretty awful. Dad lyrics, autotune shit singing and mediocre beats. Dumb music for dumb people.
Slint
4/5
If your in the right mood/mental state this album is really good, not an album you put on at a party. Instrumentally the album is fantastic, the longer songs really give them life and sense of suspended time. Spoken word at times works really well but other times it doesn't and it feels forced. All and all great album especially on a cold grey late fall day.
Sonic Youth
4/5
I really like the fuzzy goth shoegazer like tracks on this a lot. So much 90's came from this band. Really good album but doesn't have the highs of say Daydream Nation.
Girls Against Boys
3/5
Didn't love this band when they came out and still not a huge fan after this revisit. Just doesn't keep my interest.
2Pac
3/5
To my surprise there's actually more songs on this album that I liked than I thought I would. The problem is a while album it's a bit much for me in one sitting.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
3/5
Much better than expected but something I'll never go back to.
The Libertines
3/5
Sounds like a Beatles and Clash collaboration that wasn't very good. It's not horrible but for the mid 2000s this was considered great.
Moby
4/5
It's a fun listen, a dance album that you don't need to dance to enjoy. My only real gripe is that the best songs are the ones with samples. So who am I really rating then? He did pick some great samples and work them very well, so cleary a talent. I like the more ambient songs in the 2nd half of the album as well, he's no Eno but very good.
Black Sabbath
5/5
Listen this hundreds of times.. It's peak Sabbath, this one get's more sludgy and thick. I love it, this one needs to be loud. Changes is about the song I skip, listen to Charles Bradley version instead.
Kings of Leon
2/5
Kings of Leon is equivalent to the what Sbarro is to pizza.
David Bowie
4/5
Like many I listened to this for the first time right after he passed and was moved by the music. I listen to this a few times since and while I think it's a solid record it's not the same now that the emotion has faded, funny how music appreciation and emotion interplay.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Classic album from the best era of the Stones. Not a single bad song on the album. I've listen to this hundreds of times and still love it.
Maxwell
3/5
Sure it get's redundant but who cares when your shagging to it.
Kraftwerk
4/5
It's like a fun album, much like playing Yars Revenge on the old Atari 2600. The segue of Trans Europe Express -> Metal on Metal -> Abzug is just awesome.
The Pharcyde
2/5
Perfect soundtrack for the 14 year old male that enjoys lighting farts, playing Zelda on the SNES and watching scrambled porn on cable.. Dumb and dated.
Depeche Mode
3/5
Very good album, some great songs. However Depeche Mode is one those bands I really love about 50% of there stuff and while the rest isn't bad by any means it's just ok. I don't often listen to a whole album of there's often. A 3.5 for me and since there's gotta be at least one more on the list, I keep it at 3.
Paul Weller
3/5
Never listened to any of Paul Wellers solo stuff before. It's pretty good, nothing like the Jam and not as good but still enjoyable. I'm thinking perhaps I'll give it revisit as this one would grow on me. 3.5
Kate Bush
3/5
So I liked this one slightly more than Hounds of Love, though still not a fan. Rocket's Tail with her vocals and Gilmour's solo was very nice.
Jamiroquai
4/5
This one of those cases where I really like the music but let's be real an absolute and at times an embarrassedly bad Stevie Wonder rip off. I hope Jay Kay has thrown some royalties Stevies way. It is fun and I really can't help myself, I really like it and regrets never going to see them in the late 90s. I think Space Cowboy and Traveling without Moving are better than this one though.
Kid Rock
2/5
If your drunk on light beer, high on weed from a gas station and you spend all your money in strippers then this is 5 star music. I'll admit one or to songs are ok but yeah overall pretty bad.
Destiny's Child
2/5
Not my music by along shot, given it's popularity I've heard a few songs before. Biggest problem It's just way too long, I don't think fans listen to the whole album. 2.5 for me.
Hawkwind
5/5
Sure this is something you put on all the time but neither is taking a trip to the moon. Yeah it's repetitive, a little long and there some cheesy spoken word however it's still great. I'd give this a 4 but given all the dipshits that rated it a 1 I'm going 5.
Neu!
3/5
The right time and mood this a very good listen, especially the first more ambient half. I think the debut album is a bit stronger and more cohesive. I think this a solid 3.5.
Sleater-Kinney
4/5
I should and want like this band more, since all the cool kids seem to have for years. I just struggle with the very contrived and forced vibrato vocals of Brownstein, an entire album becomes quite tedious. That being said there's some really good music on this album. 3.5 for me but do the round up.
The Beta Band
3/5
It's fine. I didn't hear anything that groundbreaking especially for 2004, seem more polished and generic than earlier stuff.
Tom Waits
3/5
Has it moments for sure but an entire album of Waits get's old fast. There are times I question how genuine he is and not just an act to make money.
Björk
1/5
I actually made it through this one! I still don't get the love affair.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
2/5
Music equivalent of boiled steak. Bland and flavorless.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
I liked this a lot more when I was a lot younger. Some good stuff on here, Setting Sun still kicks ass but I'll let this one live in the past. 3.5.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Album defines rock in the early 70's, drugged out, drunkin sleazy mess. Sure the songs are all over the place and disconnected but this album is an absolute masterpiece.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
2/5
This was incredibly bland and boring, never wanted to turn it off but was happy when it was over.
Dinosaur Jr.
5/5
I love this band. This is one of there best albums too, more straightforward rock than the previous albums but still a lotta noise. So happy to see it on the list.
Wild Beasts
2/5
After the first 2 songs I really wanted to turn this off, vocals as mentioned are pretty bad. Somehow it got better, mildly but I made it through. However there is nothing interesting about this at all, another choice I'm puzzled by. It's a 1.5.
Depeche Mode
5/5
Yeah I've listen to this one a ton.. Electronic, goth and pop all perfectly mixed into this moody package, I love this album.
Jungle Brothers
2/5
I think this was dated even in 1989.. Sounds like a made for movie band.
Scritti Politti
1/5
Horrible 80's over produced synth-pop with a heavy emphasize on the pop to the point of absolute cheesiness. This was bad.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
It's sad to hear music that came out when you were an adult (barely) and it sounds so dated.. It's fine, it had it's moment in the sun but it's more nostalgia than anything.
G. Love & Special Sauce
4/5
This album was played by my friends so much in the 90's I never needed to own it. At the time of release it was nice blend of genres and with some unique production, perhaps it sounds dated now. Blues Music sits on a few of my playlists but it's an album I don't every listen too. 3.5 for me but given he was raised in Philly that's enough to bump it to a 4.
The Style Council
2/5
Paul Weller what are you doing? -3 for "A Gospel" it's like a anti-drug rap song form the 80's just horrible. Strength of Your Nature is not much better. The jazz soul stuff songs are about the best but even they suffer from sounding... well soul less.
The Strokes
4/5
Well it's been a long time since I listen to this album and I feel I enjoyed it more when it came out. It's fun rock album that leans heavy in the Lou Reed Velvet Underground sound which get's closer to ripping off than inspiring. Still a good listen, 3.5 for me but a +.5 for nostalgia.
Nanci Griffith
4/5
I have a soft spot for female country folk singers and Nanci Griffith is great. Really liked this album, her voice is great and the backing band is excellent.
4/5
I really liked this album a lot. It was a very consistent sound and feel throughout the album, almost concept like.
U2
4/5
Classic album with some classic songs, very good music production etc. The problem is I just never seem to want to listen to U2, I've listen to all there albums multiple times just as a passion music lover not for the desire to hear it. I have Irish blood too!! Oh well.. I me it's a 3.5.
The Young Rascals
3/5
It's is the Wonder bread of soul music... soft, sweet and white. It's fine.
Germs
5/5
This album was the birth place of a lot of the punk/hardcore I love. Crazy they sound like this so early and how many bands sounded like them for so long.. Great stuff and great pick.
Randy Newman
4/5
It's hard to hate Randy Newman.. Just fun music. Love it.
The Bees
3/5
Various genres done in a basic pop sound. Was a decent listen, not sure about it's inclusion on this list per se.
Lenny Kravitz
2/5
I don't ever think I listened to a Lenny Kravitz album before. At least I know I wasn't missing anything. It's polished and generic Prince rip off. I didn't hate but I'll never listen to this again, I'd like to give it 2.5 but it's going to the 2 star bin.
Barry Adamson
3/5
Some of this could be a Bond movie soundtrack, mid century lounge, jazzy funky cool sound, love it..
Then "It's business as usual" and "Vermillion Kisses" We get a little musical theater.. Well it's different I give ya that.
Falls somewhere in the middle for me, I don't think I'll listen to entire album but I did bookmark a song.
Iron Maiden
5/5
Love Maiden. It's an interesting pick and not one I would have chosen for this list. I do like the early years more than other but yes it's a much different, more raw almost punk sound to it. I would give this a 4 stars but this was dropped on my birthday so I'm going 5.
Prefab Sprout
2/5
Just a bit too far on the sappy lush pop sound for me, could have been much better. Though why was this English mush pop album named after American bad ass Steve McQueen? -1 star for that.
CHIC
4/5
This album is about the bass. Nothing like bass guitar in the 70's. Good Times is the star of the show and really CHICs best song, the bass on that song mmmhhh. The rest of the album is good just not great, however did I mention the bass?.. Yeah that's great..
David Bowie
5/5
One of my favorite Bowie albums. I even like Kooks!
Dr. Octagon
2/5
I've heard worse but same tired 90's rap formula of lyric content and dumb spoken word bits. Do like some of the science lyrics and a few decent tracks like I'm Destructive but a lot of crap too..
Ravi Shankar
3/5
It's probably the drugs but I like this.
Dexys Midnight Runners
1/5
Don't get this album at all. I listened to it sober, bad. got drunk, still bad. got high even worse. I choked myself with a belt, as I was blacking out it something sounded ok.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
I wasn't all that familiar with this album but it didn't disappoint, perhaps I need to listen to more than just his late 70's stuff.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
It's been a long time since I listen to this one start to finish. There was a lot of hype about this one when it was released, subject manner and he's more return to form. I just never loved this album that much. I'll admit I enjoyed it a little more on the this re-listen than I thought I would. Hate to give Bruce a 3 star rating but I have to.
Dennis Wilson
4/5
I like this album a lot. Dennis voice had roughen a bit so it has a mature beach boys vibe to some tracks, other tracks just go in new directions. This was the first time I listen to the 30th anniversary which is what only version on my streaming platform, the additional album worth of tracks are not nearly as good, so I"m not reviewing based on those tracks.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
Should have stopped at Loveless.
The Divine Comedy
1/5
If irritation was the goal that this album succeeded like a hemorrhoid flareup.
Johnny Cash
5/5
Perhaps one of the greatest live albums of all time. I've listen to this dozens of times already and it never loses it's charm.
Buzzcocks
5/5
Such a great album, Buzzcocks don't get nearly the recognition that they should.
Bobby Womack
3/5
I never listened to this album before, familiar with Womack but on a greatest hits level, some of his 70's stuff is great. I was a little nervous for a 80's album given the potential for poor production. While this one does have some of the gloss and cheese applied, it's tolerable. I thought it was good just not great. I'm feeling a 3 on this but a few songs have Nathan East on bass so that almost warrants an extra star to 4 but I can't quite do it.
James Taylor
4/5
Wow a lot of hatred for JT on this site. It's a bit sweet and sappy at times. Also has that AM radio 70's soft rock vibe but that's what make is so good. Not quite 5 stars JT seems to also have a dud or two on his albums and this no exception.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
5/5
I just love this album, a perfect meld of rock and country that stays true to each genre but yet creates something entirely new. This album really showcases the genius of Gram Parsons.
Venom
4/5
This album means a lot more to us kids who grew up in the 80's, this was was some heavy and deep stuff, and that album cover, still legendary. Sure the production is pretty bad, little repetitive and some dumb lyrics but it still has some great music. While there are better metal albums not many had the influence that this had, Slayers first 2 albums especially.
The Kinks
4/5
Hard to wrong with Kinks. Not quite the caliber of Village Green or Arthur but still a solid and very consistent pop album.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Probably the most uneven Hendrix album but the fact that this was the 3rd album in less than 2 years is incomprehensible in our current time . The evolution of his music that happen in that short period of time is also something that can't be overlooked, highlighted in the Voodoo Child and Watchtower. The inclusion of the Noel Redding song and 1983 seriously detract from the greatness of the album and would make this a 4.5 album if I could rate it so but Hendrix will always get a round up.
The Black Crowes
4/5
In 1990 there were not any new radio friendly southern blues rock bands. The Black Crowes filled this void nicely, and they could be heard on radio stations, bars and backyard BBQs. Is this original or genre defining, hell no, just straight up rock n roll at time when we needed it.
Rahul Dev Burman
2/5
Some interesting songs on this, but a few stinkers as well. Still it was different and glad to have listen to it.
Calexico
4/5
Jazz, folk, latin, Mariachi and Indie rock all rolled up in one big warm tortilla.
Dagmar Krause
1/5
This one required earplugs
Love
3/5
More of a 60's garage rock sound, with a heavily dated sound. Revelation which is entire side of the album is essentially a bluesy jam, it's good but mostly a mix of Buddy Guy, Chuck berry and John Lee hooker riffs.
Elvis Presley
4/5
Late 60's is not 50's Elvis but this album still have great music. The bonus tracks are probably the best, which I have to exclude for the review.
The Band
5/5
I love the Band! Especially Levon, even though he only sings on one song on this album, the Weight but what a song it is. Listening to this album in the modern era might not sound like anything special but only because it's been copied a 1000s of times.
Ryan Adams
4/5
I'll admit I'm fan of Ryan Adam's music, just the the music. That being said this album is just ok, he has much better work than this, it's too hard fro the pop Americana sound and it just doesn't work. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could. Only going to 4 because global reviews are a bit harsh and directed more towards the person and not the music. I agree with everyone, he's a shitwad.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
3/5
This was a lot lot better than I expected, while salsa music won't become a heavy favorite of mine, it was nice to hear some diversity in the songs.
Taylor Swift
2/5
Production on this is just horrible, way too much use of cheesy vocal effects, poorly used synthesizers and generic pop lyrics. If the goal was to make a bad remake of a bad 80's synth-pop that I guess it's a success.
Meat Puppets
5/5
I imagine if an early 70's Jerry Garcia did a collaboration with Minor Threat it might sound a little like the Meat Puppets. The band is a 5 star band, this album might fall a little short of 5 stars for me but I'll round it up.
Mylo
3/5
Honestly I enjoyed most of this album. I do like house music that dips into the ambient electronic side. However I did need to skip a few songs, the title track and Musclecar were unbearable. I might have given this 4 stars if not for those tracks.
The Magnetic Fields
4/5
I enjoy the Magnetic Fields but in small doses. Merritt's voice becomes fatiguing after several songs. I have a dozen songs on various playlists, at least 3 from this album with "I Think I need a New Heart" my favorite song by them. So this is so hard to rate, there is a 5 star album in here but there is also a 2 star one as well. 3.5 but I'll go to 4 for the insane effort of creating so many songs.
Tim Buckley
4/5
Like narration of a 70's porn flick. Lyrics aside, the music and the quirky vocals are excellent. I will listen to any album with Chuck Rainey playing funky bass which is why this get 4 stars rather than 2.5.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
Most bands don't have greatest hits albums this good.
Thin Lizzy
4/5
Only way to listen to this album and that's turned up to 11. Great collection of classic era Thin Lizzy songs with just fantastic guitar work. Yeah being live some of the vocals are bit off but a fine listen.
Cat Stevens
5/5
I wore this album out freshman year in college, which was over 30 years ago. Perhaps the reason why it's been so long since I've listen to it. Just a fantastic record.
Elliott Smith
4/5
This is very good album, but it's just not as good as his previous albums. I feel the move to a more complex power pop Teenage Fanclub/Big Star sound just doesn't work as well. Also Elliott sounds more disconnected and less emotionally involved in the performance of this album, even though the lyrics are the same. This is a 4.5 for me, but I'm going to round down today.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Do like the darker, grittier funk aspect of this album, just wish it was more consistent. Especially when you consider Funkadelic's Maggot Brain was released a few months before this, and is vastly superior. 3.5 for me.
Doves
2/5
2000's brit pop.. Not bad but nothing exciting either, like boiled potatoes. 2.5 stars.
Lupe Fiasco
2/5
2000s rap artist doing the same thing that 90's artist did. It's fine but not very creative.
Janet Jackson
2/5
Not an album for me.. Forgot I how hate those late 80's synthesizers, this album goes heavy on them. The interludes seemed fake and contrived. Oh and way too long.
Cee Lo Green
1/5
"Is the Soul Machine" I'm a fat bald middle aged computer scientist and I have more soul than this fool.
Morrissey
3/5
Some fine songs but his solo work just lacks the dynamics of the Smiths. I tire of his solo work were I never do of the Smiths.
The Teardrop Explodes
3/5
It's a decent 80's pop album, nothing special. It's easy to get bored of that 80's production sound though. I just always hated how horn sections were recorded.
B.B. King
5/5
Love,love,love this album. Music and banter are so good and just the right touch of crowd noise to almost feel your sitting in the Regal theater as well.
Bob Dylan
5/5
Everything seems to fall in place for this album, lyrics, vocals and of course the major piece and the backing band sounds wonderful, just great arrangements. I do like this album a lot.
Death In Vegas
3/5
There some really good music. Ambient/neo psych stuff especially in the first half, Dirge is excellent. However there's also some songs that just don't work. So this falls somewhere in the middle.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Superstition... Wow what a great song. Jazz and funk merged into a pop song perfectly. Rest of the album is very good, though out of his classic 70's albums might be least favorite, perhaps do so many ballads.
Louis Prima
3/5
Sure this is not something your putting on regular basis unless your in your 80's but it's a good listen.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
5/5
This album is five stars because of one thing, that guitar tone.
Tina Turner
2/5
It pains me to give this such a low rating to Tina Turner. The awful 80's production is unbearable on this album. Plus some of the covers are just so bad, Let's Stay Together especially.
The Killers
2/5
It's like Wonder bread.. flavorless, mushy, boring, soft and pale white.
Doves
2/5
Musically kinda interesting... Don't have anything else nice to say.
5/5
rockabilly punk rock.. You can't go wrong.
Blood, Sweat & Tears
4/5
Jazz, Soul and rock. Some really great songs like Smiling Phases, More and More and Spinning Wheel and few not so good. It's an album I should love more but some how I don't.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
Love, love this album. It's Bruce doing what he's best at, telling stories, real stories with all the dirt and grime and with a heavy dose of emotion.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Fine album but it seems it's lacking the meat and substance of his early stuff. Album get's a bit old and dull.
Eurythmics
3/5
Annie's voice is magical but not every song works well on this album. I think the next album Touch is much consistent it just doesn't have the monster hit this does.
GZA
4/5
I'm not a huge Hip-hop fan but this album is pretty damn good. The rapping is in good but it's about the music, very well produced with great use of samples to create this hypnotic atmospheric sound. Also I normally find sound bites misplaced and distracting but they actually work on this album.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
5/5
Yeah hard to go wrong this album. Neil's joining took this band even higher especially with Helpless as one of his contributions. Plus you have Jerry Garcia playing pedal steel guitar on Teach! Really captured the sound of that era.
Hanoi Rocks
3/5
New York Dolls meets Thin Lizzy with a dash of 80's. It's not bad but not sure why it made the list. 2.5 stars.
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
Sounds more like a like 80's west coast rap. It has some pretty good moments but there just so much other hip hop from that era and before that's much stronger. 2.5
Robert Wyatt
2/5
I really like Soft Machine, Wyatt's former band at this point, but I couldn't really get into this album. Some of the music was interesting but overall I was disappointed by it.
Richard Hawley
2/5
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Joni Mitchell
5/5
Fantastic album, slowly bringing in some jazz elements that she take farther on later work. Hard not to give this a 5.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
Overplayed for sure and one of his I don't listen to very often anymore. However it's such a fantastic record, great songs, incredible production and just some great rock and roll.
Joan Armatrading
5/5
Wow.. This is absolutely fantastic. The blending of American soul with British folk with a heavy dose of emotion. Also Glyn Johns production is just amazing on this, sounds great loud.
Teenage Fanclub
5/5
Jangle power pop done perfectly.. Perhaps not overly original but in 1991 it sure seem to be.
Justin Timberlake
1/5
Adult version of Sesame Street music.
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
Not sure why I enjoy this band as much as I do. Good stuff.
Tito Puente
3/5
Not something I would put on but not something I'll turn off.
Megadeth
5/5
One of my favorite albums in high school. Classic thrash metal with blistering guitar shredding solos. Sure lyrics might be a little dumb but who cares. Oh and one of the best metal album covers of all time.
Elton John
5/5
Ahhh Sir Elton, most would say this was his peak. Overall an excellent album that has some very strong and very well know songs. Though it's not my favorite, it's a bit long and few songs are really just ok. Still a no brainer 5 star.
Scissor Sisters
3/5
Modern Bee Gees with maybe with a little extra funk. I'll admit I kinda like it. Also I wasn't as offended as others with cover Comfortable Numb. Though I can't really agree that it needs to be on the list.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
I think this Stevie's most consistent album, it doesn't have the songs that soar like on other albums but I don't really wanna skip any songs either. Add to that Boogie on Reggae Woman seems to be my go to Stevie Wonder song for some reason.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
R&B, funk and soul, jazz all mixed in perfect proportions on so many of the tracks, Too High,Living for the City, Jesus Children of America and Higher Ground. Normally not a fan his ballads but All in Love is Fair is great too. Visions get's a bit tedious and the only one I like to skip. The creativity that is shown in Higher Ground alone deserves 4 stars.
William Orbit
2/5
Off the self generic electronic music. Nothing too offensive but nothing that interesting either.
R.E.M.
3/5
Don't get this pick, every album released by REM prior to this is much stronger. REM light to be honest, more radio friendly pop sound. Hate to rate an REM album from the 80's this low. I think every other 80's album except perhaps Fables would be 5 stars.
Sinead O'Connor
4/5
This is really great album, I certainly didn't appreciate the entire album when it was released as I did later in life. Obviously her voice is the highlight but the music on this album is also very good and provides such a rich background on many tracks.
The Residents
3/5
Honestly I enjoyed some of these songs. It's weird and strange and in small does it's very good.
Ryan Adams
4/5
Once again rating this on the music not the artist. Great alt country album, not quite as good as Whiskeytown at this point. He starts to expand a little from the alt country formula on a few songs too, as he would continue to do.
Robbie Williams
2/5
Formulated 90's brit pop. Nothing really new or exciting per se but not irritating enough to turn off either.
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
The best part of the album was getting the intimate feel of being in a Chicago Jazz club in the 50's. Stage banter and recording was the best part. Just never been a big fan of jazz singers per se.
Napalm Death
2/5
Well... It does (did?) push the boundaries of what music is. By reading some of the reviews, it also elicits a lot of different emotions, you don't forget this album even if you don't enjoy it. Perhaps why it's on the list.
Culture Club
3/5
A whole album of Culture Club is just a bit too much 80's pop. That being said, some good songs, always loved Church of Poison Mind.
The Cramps
4/5
I've always wanted to like the Cramps a lot more than I do, they really do nail few songs so well but they also have some really just dull songs, at least in the studio. As a live yes there great, they would put on a killer show. Musically for the whole album a 3 but originality get's them to a 4. Curious if a Meteors album will pop up, same sound. same era but British.
Aerosmith
5/5
Not a huge Aerosmith fan per se. But this album is very good and dare I say it does rock. It's the only album I will ever own by Aerosmith. It's just a masterpiece of 70's hard rock music and even some hints of early metal on tracks like the stellar Nobody's Fault.
Christina Aguilera
2/5
The biggest issue is way, way too long with very pedestrian songs, sure she can sing but it's frankly boring as hell. It's close to a 2.5 for me.
Big Star
5/5
They capture (created) perfectly that jangling power pop sound that would be copied starting in 80's and to this day really. Just a great record to actually sit and listen too. And if Thirteen doesn't somehow stir some emotion then you your soul is chunk of ash.
Van Morrison
5/5
Such a great collection of songs, And it Stoned Me, Into the Mystic, Moondance, Crazy Love, Come Running.. Yeah basically the whole album. Much more straight forward album then Astral Weeks and accessible but not nearly as good. It's a 4.5.
Mudhoney
4/5
Great album perhaps just a little more mainstream and diverse than the earlier albums. Really not a bad song on the album but nothing to send it over the top either. Mudhoney was so close to greatness but just never got there for some reason.
Wilco
5/5
I love early Wilco, very good album. The only real issue is perhaps a little long and could have dropped a song or two, minor complaints.
Steve Winwood
2/5
While you See Chance and the title track are decent tracks, the rest of the album is forgettable bland 80's adult contemporary. Hard to really give this more than 2.5.
Klaxons
2/5
Mediocre mid 2000s rock. Nothing to get excited about, and nothing made me want to turn it off. Few tracks were ok but yeah I'll forget this band in week.
Motörhead
5/5
It's loud, fast, simple and dumb and I love it. Don't look too deep, just enjoy, preferably loud while slamming down Jack n Cokes.
Nick Drake
4/5
Was it the best album to listen to on warm sunny late spring day? Absolutely not. Thankfully I've listen to this album a few times, so the summer like environment didn't taint my listening. This album really get's better and better with each listen. I really enjoy all of Nicks albums, they have a more timeless sound to them compared to other folk music of the time, like Fairport Convention.
The Everly Brothers
4/5
How can you really dislike the Everly Brothers.. Pop rockabilly form a by gone era. It's fun to toss this on and listen to but unless you over 75 it's not in your regular rotation.
American Music Club
3/5
Hard album to rate, I really like some of the music, arrangements and vibe of a few tracks but then there was a few that sounded like drunks playing in a dumpster. I don't get the inconsistency of this band.
Soft Cell
3/5
The album overall is just ok. Bedsitter and of course Tainted Love are great. Then there is Sex Dwarf.... Perhaps my new favorite song.
Sade
4/5
I have a soft spot for Sade, Sade Abu voice and that 80's smooth jazz sound.. It just hooks me in. It's odd there's quite a few other bands with that Sax up 80's sound that I just can't get into. Hang on to Your Love... Ughh what a song. Love Deluxe is another excellent album.
Fairport Convention
5/5
Folk rock perfection on this one.. Matty Groves is just outstanding.. Sandy voices and Thompson's solo at the end. Then there is Tam Lin.. Wow..
Liz Phair
5/5
My intro to Liz Phair was the video for Supernova probably on MTVs 120 mins. I immediately fell in love.. I bought Whip-Smart and this album right after. Guyville just rocks and it holds up very well for an album over 30 years old. I bet it would do much better if was released today.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
Most of the music I listen to wouldn't exist without this album.
Dire Straits
4/5
Very good album and being an early digital recorded album it sounds fantastic, love that guitar tone. That being said while there indeed some great songs, the 2nd half of the album is not nearly as strong. I'll listen to the first 3 releases before this one when I'm in a Dire Straits mood.
Badly Drawn Boy
3/5
Somehow I've listen to this 3 times and still not rated it.. There's a few really great songs on this and then a bunch of forgettable songs. It's a strong 3.5 but not quite 4.
CHVRCHES
2/5
Not my style of music by any stretch. Even still this is fairly bland, repetitive and vocally similar to plenty of female pop artists. Most of sounds like stock music played as background on TikTok/Youtube videos.
Big Star
4/5
This album has some truly brilliant moments,i n particular the songs that have that stark stripped down pop structure that seemly conveys a sad reflective mood. However the album suffers from inconsistency and some poor production as well. It's still a good listen in the right mood.
Brian Wilson
3/5
This was a big deal when it was first released and I was pretty excited to hear it. I was mostly disappointed on the first listen. I've gone back to this a few times, it's helped and I enjoy more of it but overall it's still just ok, perhaps my expectations were set too high.
The Police
4/5
Good album.. It's just not as good as Zenyatta Mondatta or Outlandos d'Amour.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
5/5
McGeoch's fantastic guitar work, Budgie's relentless, frantic drumming and Siouxsie Sioux haunting powerful vocals come together perfectly on this album. Well not a perfect album It's probably my favorite Banshees album.
The The
3/5
It's pretty good.. Exists somewhere between synth pop and post punk. What I do really like is the longer compositions that let the songs breath a little more.
Ramones
5/5
The Sex Pistols might have had a better image, attitude and reputation but the Ramones had the music. I don't give a flying fuck about style! Give me the Ramones any day of the week.
The Thrills
3/5
First nothing really wrong with this album, perhaps a little too much sugariness. The real issue is why is it on the list? Not really anything special per se.
Grateful Dead
5/5
Album is interesting one and interesting choice. I don't think many "Deadheads" listen to this era much, esp the Dead and Co people. This album attempted to capture the uncapturable, the Grateful Dead live in the late 60s. As fan I find it enjoyable esp the Dark Star - > St Stephen -> Eleven. Death don't have no Mercy is great as well. It's not for everyone but that's fine.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
4/5
Low down dirty greasy psychedelic blues rock. Ry Cooder guitar work and Beefhearts Howlin Wolf like vocals are the highlights of this album for sure.
Jack White
3/5
It's fine but not an overly interesting album. Not sure the media love for Jack White, I guess because he's a pop artist. There are plenty of other modern players that exceed his ability but are never discussed.
JAY Z
2/5
I've tried and tried but I just can't seem to get Jay-Z music. I'll admit hip-hop is not one of my favorite genres but I like certain artists. Just don't get this.
Saint Etienne
2/5
Just drifted into background music. Why this album?
The Beach Boys
4/5
C' mon It's classic Beach Boys.. It's a fun listen and very well recorded.
Sheryl Crow
3/5
It was impossible to escape this album in the 90's. Sheryl along with Shania Twain ruled the pop country rock genre. That being said it's just not my music, but it's good for what it is.
Suede
3/5
Downers and Metal Mickey are really good. The rest of the album is kinda bland, just a little punch and I would have liked this so much more.
The Boo Radleys
4/5
Been so long since I've listen to this. I either forgot how much I liked it or my tastes changed because I really enjoyed this album.
Tim Buckley
3/5
I really like songs with a more psychedelic folk sound. The standard 60's style folk songs are not very interesting per se and detract from the album.
Korn
2/5
I'm still not a fan and I love metal. I've tried but a whole album is just too much. There's some moments but overall it's just not very good.
Dizzee Rascal
1/5
I really struggled with this one, had to skip about 1/2 the songs, I guess I could see the appeal in a few tracks but overall this pretty bad.
Supertramp
3/5
I have never been able to really get into Supertramp and I'm a huge fan of 70's rock. The band lies somewhere in the cracks of pop and prog, like a not as talent Gabriel era Genesis. It's fine perhaps a bit boring to be honest and for whatever reason I cannot stand Bloody Well Right.
Soundgarden
4/5
All around great album, it's a bit more mainstream than the previous albums, hence it's popularity. It also does showcase Cornells wide range of singing style as well which is always welcome. However it doesn't have the rawness and edge of Badmotorfinger, which is a perfect album and would be my pick for this list.
Prince
3/5
Like most of Princes album, nails a few songs out of the park but then the rest is just filler.
Eric Clapton
3/5
I'll review the music not the person, Clapton has been an asshole his whole life not just in the last few years. That being said I do dig the laid back country style blues sound even though it's a bit too "clean". It's a fun album to listen to but it's not mind blowing or anything. It's a 3.5 album.
Country Joe & The Fish
4/5
I've known about Country Joe for most of my adult life, mostly from watching Woodstock movie. However I don't recall if I ever listen to an entire album of his. I was surprised how good this album was. Sure there's a couple of mediocre tunes but some great electric psychedelic blues.
The Doors
4/5
Well, I woke up this morning and I got myself a beer
Suede
2/5
The 2nd half of this album was really tough, every song felt like it was 15 minutes long and filled with mundane music and whiney vocals. First few songs were pretty good though. 2.5.
Ute Lemper
1/5
I question the mental state of those who have given this 5 stars. I feel this is what you play when you dine with Hannibal Lecter.
Ozomatli
2/5
LOt's influences, some of hip hops tracks are good nothing groundbreaking but others are just bad. The latin funky jammy tracks are the winners, there's just not enough of them. 2.5
Richard Thompson
4/5
Such a great album. Title track is perfect folk rock track.
Magazine
4/5
Just great album, punk, post punk and some goth. love it.
The Stooges
4/5
Opening track is just unreal.. Just love it.. The rest of the album is bit uneven and doesn't match up with Raw Power. It's like a 4.5 for me.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Easy 5 star for me being a Pink Floyd fan. It's great album to disconnect from the screen and just listen too.
Cheap Trick
4/5
Classic album, fun rock n roll that it's captured well live. 3.5
Pulp
3/5
I may or may not have listen to this album. I don't think it has much to offer than there previous album, also on the list.
Fiona Apple
4/5
Been a long time since I listen this one and wow it's good as I remember, not sure why I don't listen to this more often.
Scott Walker
1/5
It's a slog at 32 mins.. Angels of Ashes and Boy Child are unbearable.
Goldfrapp
2/5
As background music it works, listen to this entire never once getting the urge to skip a song but also never getting the urge to remember it.
Madonna
2/5
Ehhh I guess when Madonna does electronic dance pop it's pure gold.. I mean it's not bad but is it really just a few singles with filler.
Funkadelic
5/5
One of my favorite albums of all time. Eddie Hazel is doesn't nearly get the recognition from the general populous as he should. Title track is an absolute masterpiece.
M.I.A.
1/5
Wow that was irritating as hell..
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
I still not sure if I'm truly an Elvis Costello fan or not. I really like his first 2 albums a lot, there excellent. I've listen this one multiple times and it just feels duller and lacks the life of the first two. I probably would have never listen to this album again if it wasn't for this list. So how do I rate this? I'd say a 3.5.
1/5
Scratching my head on this one. It really doesn't hold up well and to be honest even when it was released it was the same formula of the previous albums. At least pick Three Dollar Bill when it had a semi novel sound.
Serge Gainsbourg
3/5
Musically it's damn close to a 5.. Subject matter and vocals bring this down a bit. Trying to be objective as possible and if this was in english perhaps I would rate it lower.
Pixies
5/5
I love the pixies and love this album. I wore this one out so much that I went a long time without listening to it. Yes 5+++ stars.
Django Django
4/5
I really liked this album, in fact I listened to it twice. Default and WOR are just so catchy.. Perhaps a little redundant at times but a great listen.
Method Man
3/5
Slow paced, dirty and gritty.. I Like it. Perhaps it's bit a long.
Lucinda Williams
3/5
Personally like her earlier stuff a little better. This album sounds a bit more polished. It's good but nothing to get overly excited about it.
Blur
3/5
Another album from the past that I have not listen to in a while. So there a few good songs on this album, although my love for Girls & Boys has long been eroded and find this song to borderline irritating now. However for each good song, there seems to be a filler song, perhaps I skipped over these in my youth? Anyway I had initially thought this was no brainer 4 stars but after a re listen it's closer to 3.25.
Koffi Olomide
1/5
It sounds like unused outtakes from a bad Disney animated movie. Have no clue why this made the list.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
This album really needs a few listens to reveal itself, especially if the only exposure to Fleetwood Mac is Rumors or a compilation. To be fair were talking about the Lindsay songs, since there biggest departure, wasn't too keen on them at first listen but now I love them. Great album if you give it some time and really listen to it.
Terence Trent D'Arby
2/5
He certainly had his 15 minutes of fame in the 80's with this album. Wasn't a fan at the time and honestly still not. It's just heavily borrowed 60's R&B with dated 80's production.
Charles Mingus
5/5
Mingus was a mad genius and this album clearly shows it. Even after a few listens it's still has passages that sound like it's delivered from some extraterrestrial life form. It's remarkable his evolution from just a few years prior. This album get's 5 stars for the innovation and sadly it appears to be the only Mingus album on the list.
Crowded House
4/5
Some really good songs on this one, I just love Weather With You, Chocolate Cake and Tall Trees. The album is a great chill album, though I wouldn't say it breaks new ground or anything, it's just solid. I think I just like Neil Finn's voice.
3/5
2nd attempt at this.. To listen to this in one go is a bit much. I found taking nibbles in 5 min chunks works a bit better. It also help if you have the ability deconstruct music, set the drums aside and focus on the rest. I'm actually going to come back to this again because there is something here. Right now I'm thinking a 2.5 but an extra 1/2 point for the complete crazy idea of doing this.
Joe Ely
2/5
I honestly thought I was going to like this a lot more. It's just ok.
Dolly Parton
4/5
I really like all three artists and have listened to almost all of their 70s albums. I was a bit worried about this release being from the 80s and how it might sound. To my surprise, it still carries that 70s vibe, and it’s really good. The album has a somewhat melancholic feel, so you need to be in the right mood, but it's a great listen.
Kraftwerk
4/5
Kraftwerk.. I never get the urge to listen them but the times I do I enjoy it. I think for innovative and history aspect the most. This a 3.5 for me but a extra bump for the year it was released.
Gillian Welch
3/5
The melancholic vibe of the singer-songwriter is enjoyable, though not the most original in terms of style. There’s a nice moodiness to the music, but it occasionally feels repetitive.
SAULT
2/5
Overall, there are some interesting and decent songs. While a few of the messages work well others come across as sloppy and a bit haphazard, lacking cohesion at times. 2.5..
Tom Waits
3/5
I like this but didn't Dr John did this way before him?
Leonard Cohen
2/5
80's Leonard Cohen.. It's slightly uptempo.. Still not sure why he sings like a bullfrog.
PJ Harvey
4/5
It's loud, raw, primitive and just awesome. My favorite album of hers. Steve Albini's production style is in full force on this one. The only problem is not all the songs work with this production style and that get's a bit fatiguing.
4.5 for me.
Small Faces
2/5
There's some decent music buried on this album for sure, but the the goofiness just over whelms it. As far as being groundbreaking, it's very similar to The Who Sell Out, which was released the year before, buthas stronger songs. It hurts to give a Steve Marriott album such a low rating but here goes.
Pere Ubu
3/5
There is some very interesting bits of music in here. However there's some just throwing crap at the wall and seeing what sticks as well. Those parts are a little tough. It's barely over a 1/2 hour long so it never get's unbearable.
Moby Grape
4/5
I know this is a quintessential San Francisco psychedelic rock album and by I means I should love it, I just don't. It's good but it just doesn't grab me the same way as the Dead, Airplane or Quicksilver does. It's a solid 3.5 but I'll give a boost to 4 given the history.
Kate Bush
2/5
I like weird and different but somehow this doesn't quite line up with my weirdness
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
Some days this my favorite Bruce album, it touches all the aspects of his music without going over the top like he did on Born in the USA. Great stuff.
Mott The Hoople
5/5
Really great album. Glam meets boogie rock perfected.. So many great songs, All the Way From Memphis, Honaloochie Boogie, Violence, Drivin' Sister and I Wish I Was your Mother. I l also just absolute love the way Ian Hunter sings on this album.
John Lennon
5/5
Very interesting album and one you need to be prepared to listen to. It's therapy set to music, and it's just not anyone, it's a Beatle, it's John Lennon doing this. Take away the provenance would the music and songs have the same impact? Probably not and therefore the people this album connects with are those that yearn to connect to Lennon.
4/5
Straightforward 60's British invasion inspired pop album. I really like it. Sure it's not as creative or has the peaks of Parklife or the S/T album but it's very consistent and quite enjoyable.
Ice T
3/5
Ice tea..
What's with these people man,
lemonade,
read the sign,
lemonade.
read it.
...................
delicious
Can
5/5
Absolute brilliant album. Band is still ahead of time.
The Electric Prunes
2/5
I Had Too Much to Dream is a great track. The rest of the album is just ok, nothing overly exciting even for the time.
The Divine Comedy
1/5
It's like the worst Neil Diamond but mixed with shit.
Gang Starr
4/5
While hip hop isn’t usually my genre, I really appreciate this album. This duo brought a unique smoothness to the scene, with Guru's vocal cadence and their clever use of samples. It's a standout example of golden age hip hop. Step in the Arena, Form of Intellect and Beyond Comprehension are brilliant tracks. A few duds like Lovesick holds it back from being 5 stars.
Missy Elliott
1/5
This album has minimum artistic merit. I would like to think the inclusion on the list was to define a low water mark.
Heaven 17
2/5
As a preface I enjoy synth pop but in very small doses. I do like the songs that have some fun and soul influence, some nice bass lines. However, many tracks go overboard with synthesizers, which might have been innovative once, but now comes across as excessive or repetitive for me.
Grizzly Bear
3/5
I like a few tracks, Two Weeks is great.. The rest of the album is really nothing special or unique. The 2000's were loaded with this stuff.
Tori Amos
4/5
Great lyrics, strong vocals that pair well with her piano style. Haunting and powerful. I'm surprised how timeless it sounds over 30 years later. I like the next 2 albums a bit more but a great choice for the list. 4.5
Lorde
3/5
Her voice, vocal style, and songwriting would be better suited to a less pop-focused sound, something more akin to Florence and the Machine. Another issue is that listening to this album seven years after its release, the music and production no longer feel fresh, having been repeated many times since. It's surprising how dated it already sounds. A 2.5 for me but I'll round up.
Jurassic 5
4/5
I really enjoy this fusion-heavy style of Hip Hop, especially how it blends multiple genres. The group showcases a nice diversity in vocal styles and ranges, but for me, Chali 2na is the standout. His deep bass vocals, combined with his sharp delivery and distinct cadence, make his contributions truly unique.
Beyoncé
1/5
I'm lost on this one.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
Straight up 60's garage/bubblegum rock. Nothing fancy or groundbreaking but still enjoyable.
Faust
4/5
Way ahead of their time and perhaps still ahead of ours, this music weaves together countless threads, many of which other bands have since unraveled and simplified to create more accessible songs. It's a 3.5 but feeling a round a up today.
N.E.R.D
1/5
I'm not sure if it was my mood, but I thoroughly detested this album. It feels like low-grade pop rock, and yet another album that makes me question why it's on the list.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
This album has its moments. "Papa Won't Leave You, Henry" and "Brother, My Cup is Empty" stand out, with the latter sounding like a demonically possessed Elvis. But as with much of Nick Cave's work, I struggle to get through an entire album.
The Allman Brothers Band
5/5
Outstanding collection of live tracks highlighting the classic lineup of the ABB. Listening to Duane Allman playing slide guitar never seems to get old.
The Pogues
5/5
Great listen, best on a cold grey day with a pint this one, more traditional that other albums but like it a lot.
Turbonegro
4/5
Really liked this album, nice mix of punk and metal. 3.5 but I give this a bump up.
Underworld
3/5
I think my 20 year old self danced to some of these songs.
Ray Charles
4/5
The big band side is fantastic—those swinging horns really bring the energy. While the string-backed side does highlight Ray's voice beautifully, the background singing at times just doesn’t work for me. I wish I could remix this album. My father loved Ray Charles so it get's an extra bump.
Ice Cube
3/5
Wicked, The Predator,Check Ye Self and of course It Was a Good Day are great tracks. The rest of the album is fine, kinda sounds at times like NWA outtakes.
Fats Domino
3/5
It's a good listen, heard a lot of him and similar going up. He's good but prefer other artist more at the time.
Steve Earle
4/5
While I think I prefer his later work, this album is really good. It slips though the folds of country music and stands apart as something unique
Pink Floyd
5/5
Outstanding piece of music regardless of genre. Easy 5 stars.
Joni Mitchell
5/5
Fantastic album! Joni seamlessly blends jazz and folk with such harmonious finesse—it’s amazing how well it all works together. And Larry Carlton on guitar? That’s an automatic extra star from me!
The Zutons
3/5
Brit version of the Black Keys.. 2000s indie/garage rock. Nothing bad, nothing original.
Dinosaur Jr.
5/5
This album was a blueprint for what was to come in the '90s. Not all groundbreaking records are truly amazing, but this one absolutely is. I just love it!
5/5
This is my favorite Yes album and probably my top prog album—if I don’t count Floyd as prog. Sure, a lot of prog can be self-indulgent and excessive—something fans love and everyone else loathes—but this album, aptly titled, stops just short of crossing that line.
Talvin Singh
2/5
Conceptually, I appreciate the direction this album was aiming for, but I felt the execution and production fell short. The most disappointing aspect, in particular, was the tabla playing and/or the way it was recorded. Which given the artist is a tabla player makes it puzzling.
Johnny Cash
5/5
The title track and "Hurt" alone might justify a 5-star rating. Add in standout tracks like "I Hung My Head," "Give My Love to Rose," and "Desperado," and it becomes an exceptional collection. While there are a few weaker moments—"Danny Boy," for instance—they're easily overshadowed by the album's overall brilliance.
Mudhoney
5/5
I'm going to review the original six-song EP. It's clear from some reviews that others have listen the expanded editions. At just 23 minutes, this collection delivers thick, fuzzy loudness, culminating in the hard-driving 'In 'n' Out of Grace,' an absolutely mind-blowing track. This song laid the groundwork for grunge and desert/stoner rock. And let's be real—there's only one way to fully appreciate this: ditch the crappy earbuds, crank it up on an old-school two-channel stereo, and risk a visit from the cops. It's the only way to do it justice!
Marvin Gaye
5/5
The song Let's Get It On is so good that the rest of the album could be a cacophony of babies crying, lips smacking, teeth scrapping on forks and car alarms, and it would still earn 5 stars. Thankfully, it’s not—there are other excellent tracks here. It’s no What’s Going On, but honestly, what album is?
The Blue Nile
2/5
The title track and "Stay" are decent, but "Easter Parade" and "From Rags to Riches" were nearly unlistenable. Another album that makes me question its place on the list.
The La's
4/5
That was a nostalgic ride. The album starts strong but loses momentum toward the end. Still, "There's So Goes" perfectly captures the warm sweet thrill of a high school crush, bumping it up to a solid 4.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Today's album is one where the biggest hits are the weakest tracks. "I'm on Fire" holds up, but the title track, "Dancing in the Dark," and "Glory Days" are pretty lame to be frank. Add in Darlington County to the above as well. However I do like Downbound Train, No Surrender, Bobby Jean and I'm Going Down.
Rod Stewart
4/5
Proof that Rod Stewart did not always suck. Great alum, You're My Girl is killer.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
3/5
I know this band mainly because of their influence on AC/DC and Bon Scott. Setting the lyrics aside, Harvey’s vocal delivery is fantastic. It’s so striking that it makes me respect Bon a bit less, knowing he 'borrowed' his vocal style. I'm giving this a 3 because of the direct influences on one of the biggest rock bands in history.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
3/5
Ehhh It's not the sum of it's parts.
Einstürzende Neubauten
3/5
It's like hunting an elk but having no way to butcher it — it's massive, raw, and difficult to digest.
UB40
4/5
Early UB40 is quite proper British reggae. Redundant? perhaps but it's still very enjoyable.
Tim Buckley
4/5
I feel I'm in the minority but I like this album.. Jazz-psych-folk and vibraphone!!! I don't why but I love that sound. Yes not for everyone but Buzzin' Fly is an outstanding song.
The Avalanches
4/5
Not an album you'd typically review from the comfort of an office chair—but what can you do? I'm a sucker for good sample usage, and this album nails it. It’s clever and uses its samples to full effect. For me, it's a solid 3.5 out of 5. It's repetitive at times, but honestly, that's why you dance to it.
Red Snapper
2/5
Elevator music with a dash of low grade methamphetamine.
Kendrick Lamar
1/5
Wow, I’m surprised at how uninspired and dull this hip-hop album is. It actually takes a certain kind of effort to miss the mark this badly. Definitely one of the worst albums I’ve heard in a while.
The Go-Go's
4/5
Just some 80's pop fun.. It also really good loud.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
Nick Cave is an artist that I like in very small doses, some great tracks and very distinct unique sound and style. It's just listening to a whole album and one as long as this one where that style becomes just too much. While I'm giving this album a low rating I could easily make a 5 star rated playlist of Nick Cave's music.
The Dandy Warhols
4/5
I used to think of this band as middle-of-the-road alt-rock, especially since their hits gave off that vibe. Back when this was released, I didn’t fully appreciate the neo-psychedelia sound. But revisiting it now, the deeper cuts really stand out. It was a pleasant surprise, so I’m bumping my rating up from a 3 to a 4.
Lana Del Rey
3/5
This falls more on the pop side than the folk side. I enjoyed more than I thought. It's one of the more interesting Jack Antonoff produced albums I heard. I really liked the Joni Mitchell-esque track For Free with Weyes Blood.
4/5
Crispy fried soul funk.. Finger licking good.
The Psychedelic Furs
4/5
I never fully appreciated how diverse this album/band is in blending New Wave and Post-Punk influences. Some tracks lean more into punk's raw intensity, while others embrace the melodic polish of New Wave. It’s a dynamic mix of grit and gloss that gives the whole album a unique edge.
Eels
3/5
I don't love it, I don't hate it. Fairly generic mid 90's indie pop rock. Feel they try hard to be unique but really don't lift themselves above other bands at the time. However it does say something about music at this time that even average bands made historically above average music.
The KLF
2/5
This sounds unbelievable dated. I guess it was unique at the time but yeah just not working for me.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Carl Wilson starts taking the helm. It's not Pet Sounds but some great music. Long Promised Road, Don't Go Near the Water and Disney Girls are great. Take a load Off your Feet and Student Demonstration Time are bit weird.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Free from the confines of Genesis, Gabriel seemed eager to explore new directions. Some experiments work brilliantly, while others fall flat. The album's unevenness makes it somewhat difficult to rate—I'd give it a 3.5 if I could.
The Who
5/5
One of the greatest album of all time. I love the Who
Orange Juice
2/5
This band sounds like what you'd get if Morrissey had a frontal lobe lobotomy and teamed up with a mediocre Talking Heads cover band. The odd thing is I didn't hate it. 2.5.
Christina Aguilera
1/5
Why?
Ian Dury
3/5
Last 4 songs were pretty good.. Rest of the album is just kinda ehh. Not really good enough for a 3 but not bad enough for a 2. What to do..
5/5
What else really needs to be said about this one.. Fantastic album. It's recorded very well and hit's it stride when turned up to 11 on some bass heavy speakers from the 70s.
808 State
2/5
It seemed to go on and on but also get worse at same time.
Emmylou Harris
4/5
I absolutely love Emmylou's early albums; her voice is nearly intoxicating. The only complaint I have is that some of the ballads can be a bit too maudlin
The Byrds
4/5
The last album with the more classic Byrds sound but with hints at what was to come. Very good album.
Elis Regina
2/5
It was ok.. I even gave it a second listen thinking it was mood the first time but still feel the same way.
X-Ray Spex
4/5
Almost a perfect album, Plastic Bag and Warrior in Woolworths are not very good tracks but the highlights Art-I-Ficial, Let's Submerge and The Day the World Turned Day-Glo are outstanding especially when you realize the band was formed in '76 and this album released in '78.
Fred Neil
3/5
"I’ve been searching
For the dolphins in the sea
And sometimes I wonder
Do you ever think of me?"
..... Sure Fred we all have..
Fela Kuti
5/5
I absolutely love Fela and the genre he pioneered, Afrobeat. This album is an excellent choice—it not only highlights the vibrant music but also delivers his powerful sociopolitical messages. It's both deeply moving and incredibly impactful.
Elvis Costello
3/5
Few standout tracks, Kinder Murder is great, basically anyhting that sounds like his first two albums. The rest is just ok.
Alice Cooper
5/5
What a masterpiece of musical theater! It feels like stepping into a druggy, sleazy, and cheesy 70s version of a Vaudeville show. From the electrifying 'Hello Hooray' to 'Generation Landslide,' it absolutely rips. The only downside is that it loses a bit of steam towards the end of Side 2. Say what you want about Alice Cooper in his later years, this stuff is legendary.
Brian Eno
4/5
The first time I listen to this album I didn't care for it, I much prefer Eno's instrumental albums, while the first few songs I still don't care for the rest of the album is excellent. 3.5 stars and added in to my rotation.
Pantera
5/5
This landmark album stands among metal's greatest achievements. The foundation of thick, powerful guitar riffs is complemented by a dynamic groove tinged rhythm section. Phil's hardcore-influenced delivery helped pioneer a fresh approach that reinvigorated heavy metal during the dawn of the grunge era.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
5/5
Love this band and this masterful and highly influential album. They perfectly capture that 60s pop rock sound with just the right amount of fuzz. While Darklands may be more polished with slightly stronger songwriting, this album's raw edge gives it a special charm of its own.
T. Rex
4/5
"Telegram Sam" and "Metal Guru" are standout tracks and the true highlights of the album. While the album overall is quite good, it lacks the distinctive originality of Electric Warrior. At times, it feels more like a collection of outtakes from that album—though that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
I never ever wanted to hear Sledgehammer for as long as I live. I did at one time enjoy this album, it's been severely overplayed to point of absolute annoyance which I fully admit I did along with MTV and radio. It's a 3.5 for me, objectively it's probably a solid 4 though.
Fatboy Slim
2/5
Not sure this was ever good.. Age sure hasn't help it, maybe in another 30 or so years. 1.5.
Belle & Sebastian
5/5
Whatever sound/style they seemed to be going for they perfected on this album. Lyrics pair really well with vocal styling and arrangements. Various songs have made it to various playlists over the years too.
Duran Duran
4/5
As a kid of the 80s, it would be impossible for me not to rate this album while considering the iconic "Rio" and "Hungry Like the Wolf" music videos. This band defined the decade's musical landscape, both on the radio and television. While the album may have a few weaker tracks, the hit songs are absolute monsters that have stood the test of time.
Beastie Boys
5/5
I was 14 when this album was released which is the optimal age for optimal enjoyment. This album was played what seemed like years, cars, house parties etc. Compared to the more complex "Paul's Boutique", these samples are straightforward, but the mashup of Led Zeppelin's "When the Levee Breaks" with Black Sabbath's "Sweet Leaf" was done so well and with taste as not offend the original artists, unlike say Ice Ice baby. My 14 year old self gives a 5.
Gene Clark
5/5
What an album! Gene Clark truly perfected the country rock sound. Tracks like Silver Raven and No Other masterfully balance country and psychedelic rock on a knife's edge—it's absolutely mesmerizing to listen to.
Sparks
2/5
Some bands are best enjoyed in small doses, while others can be overwhelming over the course of an entire album. For me, Sparks falls into the former category. If I listened to one song a day, I might rate this album much higher, but taking in a full hour of their music at once feels like too much to digest.
Ray Price
4/5
Wow.. This is insanely good. Perhaps it was mood but this scratched the itch today.
Public Enemy
3/5
It's funny how much more dated this sounds compared to the Public Enemy albums that came out just a few years later. There are some great songs, but also some undeniably cheesy-sounding moments. It’s crazy to think that Straight Outta Compton was released in the summer of ‘88 as well.
Van Halen
5/5
I might not recall all the details, but here goes. I was about 10 years old when Van Halen's Diver Down was released in 1982. I heard their cover of Pretty Woman and thought it was pretty cool. For reasons lost to time, I didn't buy Diver Down but rather this album.
Therefore I don't recall how Van Halen I came into my possession, but what I do remember—crystal clear—is the absolute joy it brought me. As the needle dropped and the record spun at 33 1/3 RPM in my little suburban New Jersey bedroom, a whole new world of sound exploded upon my ears. Up until that moment, my musical landscape had been shaped by my parents' oldies and Sesame Street. But this? This was something else entirely.
This was testosterone-fueled rock, raw and electrifying. It coursed through my body, transforming me. Hair sprouted where none had been before. I felt stronger. A fire was ignited in my loins, and suddenly, female lust became my new obsession. I was no longer a child.
Bill Callahan
3/5
A few songs are good, but overall it does become fatiguing to listen too.
The Monkees
2/5
Ehhh.. Ok they gained a little creative control, it's still not great.
The Incredible String Band
2/5
I really wanted to like this, but I really couldn't.
Abdullah Ibrahim
4/5
80's jazz albums are all over the place for me This album was very enjoyable. I especially like the bass on the track Maneberg Revisited.
Sam Cooke
5/5
Performance and recording are outstanding, I can almost smell the cigarettes, taste the scotch and feel the energy.
Brian Eno
4/5
I first gave this a listen to many years ago after reading reviews. I found it annoying and frustrating. As I become more and more of an Eno fan, I would come back to this album when I needed some background music. This and Apollo work so well when I need non distracting background music. So how does one rate music that's not meant to engage the mind?
I feel a 3.5 but being in a very great mood I've give a 4.
The Gun Club
4/5
Some very fine Psychobilly flavored punk.. Can hear there influences on other bands for sure. Great listen.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
60s pop with a bit of bit... albums got some edge, a little sultriness, but still fits within that classic pop sound. It's very good. This is the music my mom played when I was young, so it get's an extra star for nostalgia.
Electric Light Orchestra
4/5
I do love ELO. Some great songs even though I feel it strays a bit from the original band concept to a more smooth sick pop sound. The pop sound is fine but the album is entirely too long.
The Notorious B.I.G.
2/5
It get's redundant really fast and then seems to never end. The interludes become maddening as the album progresses as well. There are a few good tracks but buried under the sheer weight.
The xx
2/5
It's honestly how different his album is compared to this bands self titled debut. It's frankly really boring and melted into more mainstream pop.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
Much has been said about this album, but what stands out to me is how well it has aged. Songs like Dreams feel truly timeless, resonating with generation after generation. No matter how many times I listen, I never seem to tire of it.
System Of A Down
5/5
The late '90s metal scene was flooded with a lot of subpar releases, especially in the nu-metal wave. However, this album stands as a clear exception—40 minutes of pure, in-your-face aggressive rock. Absolutely love it.
The Vines
1/5
Wow this is just awful, really awful. This is even worse than I remember it being. It's musically a dribble of piss.
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
Anemic punk flavored rock with touch of ska to sound "edgy". John Reis should have stuck with Drive Like Jehu.
Weather Report
4/5
Not often does the bass player get all the praise—unless that bass player is John Francis Anthony Pastorius III. Birdland and Havona are the absolute standouts, with a few other solid tracks as well. However, A Remark You Made is the weak link—especially following Birdland, it completely kills the momentum of the album. Because of that, I can only give it four stars
Van Morrison
4/5
I just love the covers on this album—Van does an excellent job bringing the energy. However, the album feels a bit uneven, especially when compared to Van Morrison’s classic tracks like Into the Mystic.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
4/5
Side 1 is an absolute knockout.. Releasing this as their second album took real courage. While Side 2 has its moments, it doesn’t quite reach the same heights, making for a solid but less remarkable finish.
Christine and the Queens
3/5
This isn’t really my preferred genre of music, so I need to approach it with more objectivity. That said, I actually enjoyed a few tracks, like ‘Goya Soda’ and ‘Doesn't Matter.’ However, I did find myself skipping a few others. I'm going 3 because I did put a song on one of my playlists.
Q-Tip
4/5
I had a feeling I’d enjoy this album more than typical 2000s-era hip-hop, and I was right. The 70s jazz, soul, and funk influences really stood out, complemented by the smooth, liquid flow of the vocals. I’m giving it an extra star for the Manwomanboogie track—sampling the Krautrock band Can was a brilliant touch... that bassline from Holger is absolutely sick
Public Image Ltd.
3/5
It just sounds like a band with a lot of ideas and styles that just doesn't meld well together. It's not bad but it just sounds like a mess at times.
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
There are a few good songs on this album, and I’ve always liked the title track. However, the album tends to drag, making it feel much longer than it actually is.
The Slits
5/5
Absolute classic! While punk/reggae/ska fusion wasn't exactly new at the time of its release, this album brought something truly unique beyond just the female vocals. The energy, that British accent, and the seamless blending of styles is great.
DJ Shadow
3/5
There are some standout tracks, like What Does Your Soul Look Like (Part 4) and The Number Song. However, some tracks become repetitive to the point of annoyance. Overall, the album falls somewhere in the middle. While I could give it a higher rating, it ultimately feels like a fresh way to recreate similar music using new technology.
Marianne Faithfull
3/5
My only exposure to Marianne Faithfull was her early work in the '60s, which, frankly, I didn't enjoy. So I wasn’t too excited for this album—but what a surprise! I never thought I’d appreciate her voice, but it really works beautifully with the musical arrangements. It's a 3.5 for me.
Slayer
5/5
I bought this vinyl when it was first released, back when I was a sophomore in high school. The moment the needle dropped, it felt like a portal to the nice circles of hell had opened in my room. As the sound of rain slowly faded at the end of the last track, I just sat there, staring at the turntable, trying to comprehend what had just happened over the past 30 minutes. It was loud, aggressive—an all-out onslaught on my young ears. Eventually, I stood up, flipped the album back to Side A, and played it again.
Jazmine Sullivan
1/5
It's just more of the same pop R&B that's been constantly recycled for the last decade.
The Specials
4/5
It's good just not outstanding.
Orbital
2/5
Halcyon is pretty good the rest of the album is forgettable.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Much prefer his early years. Does he really stand out and above others of his era? Probably not but it's a good listen.
Violent Femmes
4/5
This album undoubtedly features some amazing songs and a highly creative sound. However, two tracks—Please Do Not Go and Confessions—significantly detract from the album. Not only are they bad, really bad, but their placement disrupts the album’s flow. As a result, I rarely revisit the album itself, opting instead for the Add It Up compilation
Stevie Wonder
4/5
More is less’ rings especially true for this album. Some tracks are absolute musical bliss, while others feel completely dull in comparison. Many of Stevie’s albums seem to struggle with this disconnected flow—perhaps it’s just me.
The Streets
1/5
Mary Poppins Rap
Elastica
3/5
90's pop rock that has a little edge, nothing special in any way but still a fun listen.
Hüsker Dü
4/5
Album is really a mash up of 2 solo projects from a band going in different directions. In Bob Mould's case those new directions would yield some great music. As many already have noted it's just way too long which results in the only Husker Du album I will not listen too. How to rank it? 3.5 is really where it's at but given the band I'll round up.
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
I don't listen to this Zappa/Mothers album often, but I appreciate its innovation, especially for its time. It leans more on lyrical concepts than musical exploration.
Bee Gees
3/5
AM 60's pop.. It's fine but nothing to get overly excited about.
Pere Ubu
3/5
Love the weirdness—some great moments throughout. Lots of threads in this music that clearly influenced other bands. ‘Ubu Dance Party’ was definitely on the radar of Phish. Solid 3.5.
PJ Harvey
4/5
Raw 90's rock.. Sure I have a soft spot this music but fantastic album none the less.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
3/5
It's funny how something that sounds really interesting for a few minutes can become less so after 20 and then tiresome at the 40 min mark. I feel 2 is too low but quite 3 either. What do do.
The White Stripes
2/5
Nope don't need to listen this before you die. Maybe 2 good songs.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Love the rawness in this album, both in performance and production. Post punk but with many punk ascetics. Great album.
Coldcut
1/5
Long, dumb, repetitive and just absolutely awful. Took me 2 attempts but I did make it through, not sure why.
Spiritualized
3/5
This music drifts through the folds of space, blending noise and shoegaze without anchoring itself to any one style. The title track and "Cop Shoot Cop" stood out as highlights—I only wish more of the album had followed their lead.
Sepultura
4/5
The album is "classic thrash/death" metal and it's very good, the problem other albums in this genre are better (where is Death!), this album really doesn't highlight what made Sepultura great and unique. Chaos A.D. which is the next album would have been a better choice. Anyway still great to see this band appear twice so far, however I doubt there will be a third.
Billy Joel
3/5
Billy Joel's music is like Sesame Street music but instead of toddlers singing along it's intoxicated adults. Objectively it's probably a 5 but I honestly can't stand most of the songs on this album.
Al Green
4/5
The Reverend Al Green!!!! This is a great album, anchored by his most well-known hit, Let's Stay Together. While that classic steals the spotlight, the album also features other standout tracks like So You're Leaving and I've Never Found a Girl. However, not every song reaches the same heights, with a few tracks feeling more like filler. Personally, I’d lean toward Al Green Gets Next to You as the stronger album overall—but Let's Stay Together still holds its own as a soulful, heartfelt listen.
M.I.A.
1/5
Oh wow, the second album from this band on the list? What a treat. If you’ve ever wondered what pure, raw shit sounds like, look no further.
TLC
2/5
Creep is good.. Waterfalls is fine.. The rest of album is really kinda boring with just some really bad production.
OutKast
2/5
This was a marathon I never trained for—and didn’t even want to run. With all the hype around this album, this definitely wasn’t my first attempt. Speakerboxxx starts off okay, but somewhere around "Tomb of the Boom" I start questioning my life choices. That track? A sonic black hole. The Love Below has its moments, but by the end, I feel like I’ve aged five years. It’s like musical yoga: some stretches feel good, most just leave me sore and confused.
Soul II Soul
3/5
Dig the some of African influenced inspired tracks, better than I was excepting but nothing mind blowing.
The Darkness
2/5
Really this album???
Todd Rundgren
4/5
It was a fun listen—definitely something you need to be in the right mood for, but enjoyable. I’ll give it another spin and pay closer attention next time.
5/5
Volume one is fine but doesn't seem to have the same passion as Volume 2. Volume 2 with the Hawks/Band is outstanding and what I really stands out. I'm going with 5 stars even though volume one is at best a 3. That Tom Thumb Blues on Volume 2 just blows my mind every time.
4/5
I don’t usually do this, but something grabbed me on the first listen, so I went back and gave it a couple more plays. And yeah—this album’s seriously good. I’ve heard the first two Spirit albums before, but never got around to this one. Awesome choice for the list.
Giant Sand
3/5
A blend of country, folk, and rock, with a touch of Tom Waits. It’s solid, but falls just short of greatness. 3.5.
Ash
3/5
Another one of these middle of the road albums that isn't exceptionally but provides a good listen. I felt like that when it was released and basically still do.
King Crimson
5/5
One of my favorite King Crimson albums. My favorite lineup of the band. It's hard to imagine in just a few years John Wetton would be in Asia singing Heat of the Moment.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
This album’s got some of my favorite Neil songs... 'Sail Away,' 'Pocahontas', 'Powderfinger'. The vibe’s so good. Yeah, it’s kind of downbeat, but it totally works.
Peter Tosh
5/5
What a reggae gem! The title track might have some goofy lyrics and I doubt it's curing tuberculosis but it still ranks as one of the all-time greats. And that album cover? Pure five-star gold!
Julian Cope
4/5
Safesurfer’ — brilliant track. The album as a whole "Safesurfer" is a brilliant song and encapsulates the album as a whole. The album's kind of all over the place, but I like how it plays with different musical ideas. When you mix such opposing styles, it’s not always gonna work — but I respect the attempt.
Ghostface Killah
3/5
I'm not really a fan of this genre at all, but I do enjoy this album. There's enough variety in styles to keep it interesting throughout. While I usually can’t stand the dumb skits that so many hip-hop albums include, most of them here actually serve the narrative pretty well. That said, Heart Street Directions is an exception—I'm all for lowbrow humor, but that track feels like the creative peak of a 13-year-old.
Duke Ellington
4/5
An interesting piece of musical history — the solo in Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue truly lives up to its reputation.
George Michael
1/5
I don’t think I’ve ever listened to a George Michael album before.. and after this, I can confidently say I won’t be making that mistake again. Maybe it was my mood, or maybe it was the endless parade of beige ballads, but this felt less like an album and more like a test of endurance.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Another solid album, though it falls short of being truly great. I really enjoy the vocals, but I wish there were more tracks with edge. This album sounds produced more for commercial viability than artistic substance.
Massive Attack
4/5
Can’t believe I slept on this album for so long in favor of Mezzanine and Blue Lines. Big mistake — the vocals are so smooth, and the blend of styles is unreal. It’s seriously great.
Deerhunter
3/5
There are a lot of indie rock bands that fall into this category. It’s a genre I really enjoy, so that’s not a knock—but many bands tend to sound alike and don’t do much to stand out. Deerhunter kind of falls into that group. There are some great songs on this album, but too many tracks just blend together. For me, they’re more of a playlist band than an album band. The problem is, a 3 feels a bit too harsh, but a 4 feels a little too generous.
Lightning Bolt
3/5
Surprisingly accessible for this genre—I really enjoyed the hard-driven sound. It did get a bit tiresome toward the end, but they’re definitely a band I’d check out live.
The Adverts
4/5
70's British punk, great energy and great sound. What else can you say.
R.E.M.
5/5
The One I Love’ by R.E.M. is probably the first song R.E.M. I really remember—not just hearing, but seeing. It was on MTV, back when the channel actually played music videos all day. I was a freshman in high school at the time, and by then, I was already deep into metal—Metallica, Slayer, Iron Maiden, all of it.
But something about that song stopped me. It was haunting in its simplicity—just this raw, echoey guitar line and Michael Stipe’s voice cutting through. It didn’t sound like anything I was into, but I didn’t change the channel. I just watched.
I wouldn’t say it made me drop metal or anything, but it planted a seed. Eventually I started listening to R.E.M.s earlier albums and was blown away, Document is not on par with those but this still holds a place in my heart, hence 5 stars.
Willie Nelson
3/5
Georgia on my mind is fantastic, few others are decent but I really not fan of most of these songs in general. You need to be on the right mood for this or over 80.
The Auteurs
3/5
Duller than most Britpop’s beige B-sides and glam rock with no glam. Two stars might seem a bit harsh, but I just can't bring myself to stretch it to three
Boards of Canada
2/5
I've made two attempts to listen to this, but it still hasn't clicked for me.
Beck
4/5
Another standout album from Mr. Hansen. It's one of my frequent go-to listens whenever I get the itch for some Beck. I overplayed Odelay to the point of exhaustion, so this one fills that void perfectly.
David Crosby
5/5
I love this album—it's a much-needed departure from the usual CSN/Y material. The music feels free and atmospheric, expanding beyond the confines of the studio and blending seamlessly into the environment.
Hot Chip
2/5
Post-2000s Brit synth-pop—now that’s something I wanted to be excited about. I’ve definitely heard worse, but nothing really grabbed me, and I lost interest halfway through listening.
Nick Drake
5/5
Some albums carry a spirit — subtle, stirring — that seeps into your soul and lingers. This is one of them, best heard on a vintage stereo on a cold, rain-soaked afternoon in late autumn , when the world slows and the music fills the space. So yes I love this album.
R.E.M.
5/5
Most albums take me a few listens before I really start to love them. But this one was an exception. While I was familiar with what aired on MTV in the mid-'80s, I hadn’t heard anything from this album before. When I finally did, I was blown away. I must have listened to it daily for weeks. I still love it and it remains my favorite R.E.M. album to this day.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
Another monster album from 1991 and one of my favorite Red Hot Chili Peppers records. It's an amazing collection of songs, showcasing more diversity than anything they'd done before. Could Have Lied is one of my all-time favorite tracks, that haunting Frusciante solo get's me all the time.
Sex Pistols
5/5
The album is synonymous with punk—full of attitude and questionable musicianship—but that’s exactly what makes it great.
5/5
It's pretty good but it's no Oasis.
Lauryn Hill
2/5
I’ve tried multiple times over the years to understand why people love this album, but it’s just never worked for me.. and at this point, I don’t think it ever will.
Spacemen 3
3/5
How Does it Feel" and "Suicide" are outstanding tracks that really showcase what this band does best—spacey atmosphere mixed with Velvet Underground like vocals. The rest of the album feels like it’s chasing the high of those two songs but doesn’t quite get there. Still, it’s a solid listen overall. I wish I could give it 3.5 stars.
Baaba Maal
3/5
I actually listened to this twice, and we’ve covered similar albums on this list before that I enjoyed. I just wish the guitars were more prominent or that it was entirely instrumental. Maybe that’s just me being an ignorant, English speaking American!
Merle Haggard
4/5
Love me some Merle.. Sometimes a collection of prison songs soaked in cheap whiskey really goes down well.
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
This was really good, keeping the family legacy alive and well that's for sure. I'll admit my North American ears did tire out a little towards the end though.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
2/5
Some albums need to be appreciated within the context of their era, and this is clearly one of them. Truly great albums are timeless, requiring no historical lens to appreciate them. Anyone with even a passing knowledge of hip-hop history understands the significance of Grandmaster Flash and the title track. But let’s be hones.. this album sounds incredibly dated now. That said, given the purpose of this list, I think it’s an excellent choice for inclusion. Do I think most of the music holds up in 2025? Honestly, not really.
Gang Of Four
4/5
Wow! This is completely new for me, and it instantly caught my ear. I’m really enjoying it. This is why I did this project!
Green Day
3/5
This is a decent pop rock album. I don’t love it, but I don’t hate it either. Maybe I like it a bit more now than I did when it was first released.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
I do like the raw, dark post-punk sound on this. It might even be their best album. It’s a good one, but not in the same class as Joy Division who define the this genre.
The Youngbloods
4/5
Jesse Colin Young has such a distinct and unique voice that I really enjoy. This album is probably The Youngbloods most experimental, blending a more psychedelic sound with folk roots. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. I personally prefer the more folk-rock sound that he would continue to explore in his solo efforts. Still, it’s a very good album overall. 3.5 for me but since Jesse Colin Young just passed away recently I'll bump it up to 4.
The Verve
2/5
I remember not liking this album or the band in the 90s. While I don't dislike them as much as I used to, I'm still not a fan. It's just glossed up and weak alt rock/britpop which isn't overly interesting.
The Pretty Things
4/5
It’s been a very long time since I last listened to this album. I remember initially thinking of the band and the album as B-tier when compared to legends like Pink Floyd, The Who, or The Beatles. While this band doesn’t quite define themselves as distinctly as the aforementioned icons, this particular album is much better than I originally thought.
Talking Heads
4/5
Great album not quite the highs of Remain in the Light or even Speaking in Tongues but still some awesome nerd rock.
Def Leppard
4/5
My 12-year-old self would’ve given this a solid five stars without hesitation. I absolutely loved this album as a kid and couldn’t get enough of those cheesy MTV videos. Listening now, though, it’s clear the pop rock sound and glossy production haven’t aged well.
The better choice for this list would’ve been High ’n’ Dry, that album holds up far better than the two on this list.
Still, I’m giving this one four stars. It probably doesn’t deserve it, but I can’t ignore the joy it brought me at one point in my life. That kind of nostalgia counts for something.
The White Stripes
3/5
Average at best and highly overrated... it only stands out because much of what was popular during that era was worse.
The Soft Boys
4/5
This is really good — a delicious blend of post-punk, '60s pop, and new wave, all whipped together into a tasty treat
3/5
A bit quirky and different, but still interesting. That said, I definitely prefer the earlier albums.
Joy Division
5/5
Absolute classic and genre defining album.
Janis Joplin
5/5
Janis's final gift to the world. Yep I'm in the camp that loves her voice.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
Much prefer her albums from the 70's. This a little bland and too adult contemporary for me. It's a 2.5 for me.
Elton John
5/5
My favorite Elton John album. The title track alone is five stars, and then you’ve got Tiny Dancer and Levon. There’s also Indian Sunset... what a powerful song.. plus that killer solo in Razor Face. Can’t forget about Rotten Peaches, and Holiday Inn is great too. Honestly, the whole damn album is amazing.
Beth Orton
4/5
Really great album.. Kind a like a modern Astral Weeks in some ways.
Jean-Michel Jarre
3/5
Ahhh this brings back memories of listening Pure Moods.. I'll admit I did enjoy it. I also enjoyed some of the comments!
De La Soul
2/5
It's one of the classic Hip hop albums that I really just don't like, it's kinda dumb and annoying.
The Hives
3/5
Commercially viable predictable early 2000's rock. It's fine but nothing special. Should knock it to 2 stars for being a compilation but that's a little harsh.
The Verve
3/5
Albums got some highs and lows, overlall it just falls in the middle for me. I will admit I love Velvet Morning.
Laura Nyro
1/5
Yeah this was tough, it just goes right to harse show tune singing quickly. Was not very enjoyable.
Supergrass
3/5
I remember enjoying this album a lot more when it first came out. It’s fine, but I recall it being more dynamic and less pop-oriented than it sounds to me now.
The Monks
4/5
"Smokey, my friend, you’re entering a world of pain"
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
I listened to this album a lot when it was first released. It's still nice to revisit it and relive college.
The Mars Volta
4/5
Prog and punk/hardcore fusion? Yeah, count me in for that! This is good, but it’s not great. Vocally, it gets pretty repetitive and starts to feel a bit tiresome after a while. I think their later albums are a bit more refined.
Anthrax
5/5
One of the greatest thrash metal albums of all time.. an absolute masterpiece. In 2005, the Among the Living lineup reunited for the last and recorded a show at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ and release as a DVD Alive 2. I can actually be seen moshing during Indians.. such an incredible time!
Deee-Lite
2/5
Heard Groove Is in the Heart a zillion times, never once listen to this album. Ehhh it's ok. Probably not needed on this list.
Ali Farka Touré
5/5
This is such an enjoyable record, but beyond that, the recording quality is exceptional. The guitar tone, in particular, stands out with remarkable clarity and warmth. Ai Du has consistently served as one of my reference tracks for evaluating stereo setups. I'm happy and surprised to see this album on the list.
Gorillaz
2/5
Honestly, I’m amazed this mediocre album got so popular. It’s like they threw a bunch of random shit together and hoped no one would notice.. and apparently, no one did.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
4/5
If decay had a soundtrack this could be it. Great album but you need to be in the right mood.
Ms. Dynamite
1/5
Three songs in, I was thinking, “Hey, this isn’t so bad.” But then it just kept going…and going…and going. It honestly felt like it was never going to end, and I could feel what little intellect I had slowly draining out of me.
Radiohead
3/5
I like Radiohead in small doses, a whole album is just too much whine to digest at once.
The Beta Band
3/5
Over all enjoyable album form a genre I typically don't love.
Stephen Stills
4/5
There’s a lot of great music on this one. I love the variety explored throughout the album.. country rock, blues, bluegrass. But by the end of side four it does start to feel a bit long, which is why it falls short of five stars for me.
Minor Threat
5/5
It’s like getting punched in the face, but somehow you’re into it.
Lambchop
2/5
I’m not sure how I feel about this one. Didn’t completely hate it; there were a few tracks I liked, but the others… yeah, not so much.
Stephen Stills
5/5
Great album, hard to go wrong with both Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix playing on your album. Go Back Home, the song with Clapton is the stand out track by far. It's a 4.5 album but I push it 5 given how often I listen to it.
Elvis Presley
5/5
While this music is ancient by Rock ’n’ Roll standards, it still carries a certain relevance and charm today. I was only a few years old when he passed away, but I’ve always loved Elvis, I even made a pilgrimage to Graceland!
Eminem
2/5
Some of the dumbest music ever created. It’s almost impressive how consistently it avoids anything resembling taste, talent, or thought. If there was a prize for artistic misjudgment, Eminem would be a lifetime achievement award winner. The sad part is there some of it I don't mind.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
There some really good tracks on this album but it's just way too long and what seems like a lot a filler.
Bon Jovi
3/5
It is what it is and doesn't pretend to be what it isn't.
Sebadoh
4/5
Lou Barlow is great! I'm a sucker for early 90's rock and this doesn't disappoint. Sure it has a few weak tracks but overall a fun album.
Killing Joke
4/5
Great pick! Another band before there time for sure.
Slade
3/5
It’s fun, maybe a little dumb... but I still like it. Honestly, this band is more of a greatest-hits kind of group.
Sonic Youth
4/5
I realized I haven’t listened to this album nearly as much as I should have. It’s quite different than the previous albums, but really good. This one leans more into that Velvet Underground sound.. which in typical Sonic Youth fashion, they completely tear open and rewire.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
Yep, this one’s a gem. If some of these songs don’t stir at least a flicker of emotion, then your soul might just be a pit of ash.
Barry Adamson
3/5
This album offers a fascinating mix of styles and moods. I think it’s one you have to be in the right frame of mind for, but I ended up enjoying it far more than I expected. Glad it was on the list.
Sister Sledge
4/5
Not usually a disco fan, but this one hits just right. Nile Rodgers is a legend.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
This album is fine, but it still feels like a transitional work. The songs tend to get a bit repetitive, though the inclusion of Paint It Black on the U.S. version gives it a significant boost.
ZZ Top
5/5
Oh yeah… the moment the needle drops, I swear I can smell BBQ smoke and stale beer. There’s not a bad track on this record, and how “Precious and Grace” wasn’t a hit is beyond me.
Paul McCartney
4/5
Over the years, this album has really grown on me. For a long time, I dismissed it... along with most of Paul’s solo work. While it’s certainly not on the level of his former band, and perhaps it’s not fair to even make that comparison, it does have some genuinely great tracks.
Genesis
4/5
The real flaw with this album is its length. While a single LP might have been too short to fully explore the narrative both lyrically and musically, the double album format stretches it far beyond what it needs. It also leans less toward prog and more toward art rock which for me is disappointing given the strength of the preceding albums.
Nas
2/5
Of the hip-hop/rap I do enjoy, this era is definitely my favorite. That said, this particular album didn’t grab me. I just couldn’t get into it. For me, it ends up being just okay.
Traffic
4/5
The album as a whole has its flaws, but the standout tracks shine brilliantly. Glad is an absolute perfect blend of jazz and rock. The real highlight for me, though, is the title track ..an amazing arrangement and recording.
Dolly Parton
3/5
Always a pleasure to listen some classic Dolly.
Gram Parsons
4/5
This album may not be Gram’s greatest, but it’s a beautiful and bittersweet farewell. His voice alongside Emmylou’s feels timeless, nearly not enough of them together.
The Birthday Party
2/5
Honestly, it’s not very good... highly repetitive and, for 1982, lacking in originality. It's crappy version of the Cramps.
The Waterboys
3/5
It’s an album that’s incredibly difficult to dislike, although I’m not likely to ever feel the strong urge to listen to it again.
Joanna Newsom
2/5
Oh boy... I couldn’t help but picture a tiny field mouse with comically oversized glasses, perched on a harp, belting out these songs. I thought i could get into his but no I couldn't.
Arcade Fire
2/5
Making music this dull and boring takes a rare kind of talent. It’s the musical equivalent of boiled chicken... bland, textureless, and leaving you wondering why anyone thought this was worth serving. You keep waiting for some spice, some flavor, anything… but nope, just more lifeless mush on repeat.
Sufjan Stevens
3/5
Certainly not breaking any new ground.. just straightforward 2000s indie rock. As a fan of the genre, I’d say it’s decent, but nothing amazing
Alice In Chains
5/5
One of the most depressing rock albums ever mad... and absolutely brilliant. It drags you deep into a dark, unsettling place, and while it’s not an easy listen, the sheer power of it is undeniable. You have to be in the right frame of mind to take this trip, but when you are, it’s unforgettable.
Gotan Project
2/5
Pretty solid background music.. if such a thing even exists. I’m not sure it really needs to be on a list. The cover of Zappa’s Chunga’s Revenge is interesting, I’m not sure I actually like it, but I’ll give them credit for taking it on.
Robert Wyatt
2/5
Maybe a quarter of this isn’t too bad and even edges toward decent. Unfortunately, the lows are pretty rough.. though to be fair, I’ve heard worse on this list
Ice Cube
3/5
The lyrics get plenty of criticism and fair enough, they’re rough. But it was 1990, and he was only 20. It was a problem even then, though it feels a lot worse now. Still, the music, delivery, and sheer intensity are absolutely stunning.
LTJ Bukem
2/5
This is just ok, another album that I really have to ask why?
Dexys Midnight Runners
1/5
It’s the band’s third and final album on the list, and at least I can take comfort in knowing I’ll never have to endure another one.
Happy Mondays
2/5
Forgettable pop rock from the 90's. But since it's British it makes on the list.
These days, Rod Stewart’s got way more bad albums than good ones, and his reputation’s taken a beating because of it. But he wasn’t always like that, and this record proves it. With the Faces, he had this boozy, sloppy energy that his solo stuff at the time didn’t, and it totally worked. Rod Stewart could definitely rock.. it just feels like that was a long, long time ago.
The Isley Brothers
3/5
Ohhh that lady... I dig the funked up versions of the covers too..
Kings of Leon
2/5
No need to rehash what’s already been said... this is boring, generic, and painfully bland. Hard to believe these ass clowns managed to have three albums on this list.
Billy Bragg
3/5
Ever since Mermaid Avenue came out, I’ve wanted to love Billy Bragg, but I just don’t. I never really feel the urge to listen through an entire album. He’s good, just not for me.
Linkin Park
2/5
For a few hours I actually thought this album was good.. though in hindsight, that was only because I accidentally ate moldy rye bread..
Radiohead
2/5
Who does this band think they are, shamelessly ripping off Coldplay like this?
Everything But The Girl
3/5
Thorn has a beautiful, distinctive voice, and it’s always a pleasure to hear her sing. The music itself can feel a bit repetitive, but it works wonderfully as background listening.. which is exactly why I’m a fan of this album.
Adam & The Ants
2/5
I despise his solo hit Goody Two Shoes, and before this the only song I knew from Adam and the Ants was Antmusic. It’s better than I expected, but I still don’t love it.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
By the end of the listening session, I’d lost muscle mass and most of my body hair had fallen off. Quite an experience.
The Fall
3/5
Every time I listen to this band, I start off wanting more, but eventually they just get fatiguing. It’s like mayonnaise.. I like it, just not by the spoonful.
Animal Collective
3/5
Brilliance to annoyance and lot of in between.
Pretenders
5/5
Wow forgot how good this whole album is and that Kinks cover is too!
Ministry
4/5
This was a fun blast from the past.. saw them live in '92, though I’m pretty sure I got permanent retina damage from the strobe lights during Just One Fix. Killer show.
The Saints
4/5
Simple and fun punk rock that goes down easy.
Radiohead
3/5
I’m by no means a Radiohead fan, but this album I don’t mind, even if I think it’s highly overrated.
Mercury Rev
4/5
Mercury Rev has churned out some very good albums, nothing in the stratosphere but enjoyable records, this is probably my favorite.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Within a song or two, I was suddenly sitting alone in the dark, cigarette burning down in one hand, a watered scotch in the other, and tears I couldn’t quite explain streaming down my face. That’s the Sinatra effect: you don’t just listen, you dissolve into it.
Portishead
2/5
Portishead’s Third is like leftover seafood—edible at first, but the longer you stick with it, the sicker you get. By the end it’s less music, more food poisoning.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
I’ve never thought this album was anything special—it’s just alright. Sometimes it even sounds like they’re making fun of themselves
Madonna
2/5
Way too heavy on the overproduced polished synth pop.. Struggled to get through this one.
Brian Eno
3/5
It’s really just a collection of interesting soundbytes — little sonic sketches that never quite become full songs. If I were a musician, I take some of those bits into full songs or albums. However to listen to this multiple times is kinda of challenge. It's really a 2 but given the sheer volume of this it has to be higher.
The Coral
3/5
They draw from a wide range of ’60s bands for their sound, which works well. The problem is that it can feel disjointed at times and not as cohesive as it could be. Still, it’s an enjoyable listen overall and I might need to revisit this one.
Nitin Sawhney
2/5
A few ok tracks, few bad ones and lot of just eh. Clearly not an album anyone really needs to listen too.
AC/DC
5/5
I'll been listening to this one for a very long time. Pretty much a perfect hard rock album and my favorite AC/DC. Bon Scott was the man.
Devendra Banhart
2/5
I really enjoyed a few of the songs on this, however when it's bad it's really bad. It's a 2.5.
Daft Punk
2/5
If you’re not dancing, it gets boring and repetitive fast. Still, Da Funk repetitive as it is it's really good. .
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
I was 11, glued to MTV, watching these videos over and over.. life seemed so much simpler then.
Supergrass
4/5
I recall enjoying a lot of Supergrass in college.. Still fun occasionally as an adult. 3.5.
Arrested Development
2/5
When this popped up, I remembered owning it and giving it a few plays.. then never listening again. Now I know why: it’s just not very good.
The Who
4/5
The album as a whole is merely decent, but the title track, “The Kids Are Alright,” and the underrated “Much Too Much” are standouts.. remarkably ahead of their time. It’s amusing, though, how dated the record sounds nearly six decades later. As a Who fan it's the album I listen to the least, it's 3.5 but I'll round up.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
Took some time, but I made it through this one. I almost feel like I’m reviewing Ella’s entire career here. It’s undeniably good, but to my surprise, I grew tired of listening much sooner than I expected. That’s why I’m dropping this one to a 3.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Just finished this album up at work, it's classic Sinatra.. Only problem is I need suppress the urge to pour a glass rye, light up a Lucky Strike and call my female coworkers "Doll" or "Broad".
Rod Stewart
4/5
Stewart was on fire in the late ’60s and early ’70s — between the Jeff Beck Group, Faces, and his early solo work, he was unstoppable. No clue what went wrong later. I’m really torn on this album though. Side one, aside from the title track, is just okay... and that Dylan cover? Rough. But side two… that’s why it’s on the list. “Mandolin Wind” is the perfect blend of Rod’s voice and the arrangement... No one else could sing that.. pure magic.
Guided By Voices
4/5
This album’s just plain fun. You can hear bits of everything, early 80's, punk, British invasion esp Kinks but it never feels copied. Sounds like no one but Guided by Voices: messy, catchy, and totally their own thing. Only issues is not all songs work, so not a perfect album.
Pixies
5/5
I love this album.
White Denim
4/5
Yep these kids listen some Dead that for sure. Yeah I dig this band..
Cocteau Twins
3/5
“Ivo” is such a great song.. it’s earned a permanent spot on at least two of my playlists. The rest of the album feels a bit uneven and, at times, veers into vocally fatiguing territory. It’s a solid 3.5, but I just can’t bring myself to round it up.
Derek & The Dominos
5/5
Rating the music, not the man. The real magic isn’t Clapton—it’s Duane. We didn’t get nearly enough of his playing, so every second of it is solid gold.
The Only Ones
3/5
“Another Girl, Another Planet” rules. The rest sounds like a man grunting his way through an existential bowel movement.
Stereolab
4/5
Stereolab is one of those bands I claim to be a fan of but if I’m being honest, I only genuinely love about a third of their music, even from what’s arguably their best era which this album is. When they hit, they really hit. But after a while, the rest starts to blur together which doesn't mean it's bad just find myself cherry picking songs.
Skepta
1/5
It’s so bad I couldn’t help but laugh. Maybe it was meant to be a comedy album all along.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
t’s hard to imagine giving an album with a song as iconic and brilliant as “Mrs. Robinson” only a 3, but alas, I must. The second half of side one just doesn’t hold up, it loses the magic that the "Bookends" tracks promise.
Living Colour
3/5
Cult Of Personality and the Memories Can't wait cover are outstanding. A few other decent tracks and then the rest is forgettable.
Rush
5/5
Masterpiece
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
This list got me into this artist.. it’s the second album of theirs on here. I really like it. Not quite as great as Talking Timbuktu, but still a beautifully recorded and enjoyable album
David Gray
2/5
David Gray made an album for middle-aged white people who think John Mayer rocks too hard, buy scented candles called Calm Breeze, and order their curries mild because “spice upsets their tummy.”
Mariah Carey
1/5
It’s not R&B.. it’s Pop with delusions of grandeur. Not that it matters much, because it wasn’t great when it was released and somehow managed to age like potato salad in the sun.
Isaac Hayes
5/5
The music is fantastic... the only minor gripe is that it runs a bit long. I was going to give it a 4, but after reading all the dipshit comments whining about it being a soundtrack, it’s a 5 out of spite.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Pink Floyd’s Piper at the Gates of Dawn isn’t just a great debut and classic psychedelic album. It’s the spark that helped ignite the entire Space Rock sub-genre. With “Astronomy Domine” and “Interstellar Overdrive,” the band took psychedelia and pushed it into uncharted, cosmic territory. The album’s swirling sounds, experimental noises, and other-worldly atmosphere laid the groundwork for spacey rock,, looking at you Hawkwind!!
It’s quirky, strange, and endlessly imaginative—exactly the kind of bold first step that made Space Rock possible.
Yes I love space rock!!
Morrissey
1/5
Dumb and boring. It honestly hurts my head how someone who helped make The Smiths brilliant can churn out solo work this painfully mediocre.
Tortoise
4/5
I seriously didn’t expect to like this album as much as I did. Over the weekend I ended up listening to it a few times. “Glass Museum” with that vibraphone? Totally love it!
Super Furry Animals
2/5
I’ll give them credit.. it takes a special kind of talent to make music this stunningly dull.
Bob Dylan
4/5
There was a huge buzz around this album when it first was released, and I played it a fair amount back then. It's been a while since I revisited it, and while it still holds up, there’s something about it that keeps me from returning to it often. I think people were hoping for classic Dylan—then and now—but that particular magic just isn’t there anymore, sadly.
The Who
5/5
Live at Leeds is loud, raw, rowdy, and just a little sloppy.. exactly the way The Who should be captured. It’s pure, unfiltered energy, the kind of performance that hits you in the balls and reminds you what pure Rock is. It’s messy, it’s fierce, and it absolutely rules.
Madness
2/5
Somehow Madness manages to make ska feel pedestrian and boring. I’ve never been a fan. And Our House? I absolutely loathe it.. an endlessly irritating song.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Leonard Cohen has always been hit or miss for me. This album though... Excellent.
XTC
4/5
This album is just flat-out fun to listen to. It’s like a blend of Sgt. Pepper’s, Pet Sounds, and a splash of Selling England by the Pound. What really makes it special is the flow.. each song moves seamlessly into the next, as if the whole record were one coherent composition. My favorite XTC album by far.
The Clash
5/5
Turn it up and let the neighbors listen along!
Iggy Pop
3/5
Iggy Sings Bowie.. The Heroin detox tour. It's a fine album just not great.
The Black Keys
4/5
Fun album.. Yep I wore this out like a favorite pair of shoes. Great to hear it again.
Throbbing Gristle
2/5
At least it wasn't another Radiohead album..
Digital Underground
2/5
Is this good? No, not really.
Does it represent an era? Unfortunately, yes messy cultural snapshot of the late 80's
It hasn’t aged well, but there is some genuinely interesting music buried in here, like corn in a turd. It’s not 2 Live Crew-level chaos, but let’s not pretend it’s high art either.
Tangerine Dream
4/5
With the right mood and the right moment, this album is a gem. Compared to other TD releases, though, I find it works better as background. those others pull me in to sit, concentrate, and really listen.
George Harrison
5/5
George’s long-deferred creative release, after years of polite restraint within the Beatles... a great musical climax. It’s unfiltered, a little chaotic, and at times self indulgent. Which perhaps could have been left behind closed doors. Though the Apple Jam has become my favorite, does that make me a musical voyeur?
The Crusaders
2/5
I guess when it was released it was more exciting? Some of the guitar solos aren't all that bad though.
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
Musically it got me.. I could listen to that guitar all day.. Vocally it get's repetitive, it's almost an after thought.
Buffalo Springfield
4/5
Some truly great songs here, especially the Neil Young penned ones. Broken Arrow has been a longtime favorite of mine. Still, a few tracks don’t feel quite up to the same caliber, and Buffalo Springfield never fully gelled across an entire album.
Os Mutantes
4/5
A new one for me and a really interesting listen. These are exactly the kinds of albums I signed up for with this project. Unfortunately, I can count on one hand how many of them I've actually gotten.
Traffic
4/5
“Pearly Queen” and “40,000 Headmen” are probably my two favorite Traffic songs, such a unique blend of styles in both. Like almost every Traffic album, though, there are a few tracks that fall short. They’re one of those bands that still boggles my mind with the sheer diversity in the quality of their songs. It just not quite a 5 star album.
Bee Gees
2/5
This album got progressively more annoying as it went along. A couple of tracks were fine, but I could’ve skipped this one.
The Flaming Lips
5/5
Favorite Flaming Lips album, they seem to have gotten it all just right on this one.