130
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3.67
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12%
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1960s
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Rater Style
31
5-Star Albums
4
1-Star Albums
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You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Barleycorn Must Die | 5 | 3.17 | +1.83 |
| Spy Vs. Spy: The Music Of Ornette Coleman | 4 | 2.22 | +1.78 |
| Shaft | 5 | 3.24 | +1.76 |
| Mama's Gun | 5 | 3.25 | +1.75 |
| Fun House | 5 | 3.28 | +1.72 |
| The Message | 5 | 3.28 | +1.72 |
| Queens of the Stone Age | 5 | 3.29 | +1.71 |
| Sunday At The Village Vanguard | 5 | 3.32 | +1.68 |
| Green Onions | 5 | 3.4 | +1.6 |
| Blunderbuss | 5 | 3.4 | +1.6 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| When I Was Born For The 7th Time | 1 | 2.91 | -1.91 |
| 21 | 2 | 3.69 | -1.69 |
| Timeless | 1 | 2.53 | -1.53 |
| Parachutes | 2 | 3.46 | -1.46 |
| L'Eau Rouge | 1 | 2.32 | -1.32 |
| Deloused in the Comatorium | 2 | 3.2 | -1.2 |
| It's A Shame About Ray | 2 | 3.12 | -1.12 |
| Pump | 2 | 3.11 | -1.11 |
5-Star Albums (31)
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Popular Reviews
The Stooges
5/5
Fun album. After seeing that this record was released in 1970, I didn't expect it to have as much grit as it did. I welcome the grit. The music is heavy blues, garage, noisy, raw and energetic. Definitely one of the main predecessors of the punk movement in North America, and eventually in the UK as well. The incorporation of a saxophonist was unexpected, but the sound works really well. Vocally I am reminded of Jim Morrison, which is always a good thing. This album is provocative, and gets bonus points for being a cutting-edge, experimental album for the time that it was released. Turns out I really like The Stooges.
9 likes
Throbbing Gristle
1/5
Creepy. Weird. Kind of cool? Maybe? Probably not.
I thought I enjoyed industrial music.
This album makes me feel like a schizophrenic.
Fave tracks: AB/7A
5 likes
4/5
Explosive. Noise rock fused with jazz. Very energetic, very upbeat, very experimental and free. The album does not really have any sort of direction or flow, but it is fun to listen to and keeps me on the edge of my seat. At times it can seem like a battle of the bands between the two saxophonists, and at others they synergize well; I prefer the latter. A great showcase of talent here and it is good to hear something so experimental.
1 likes
Beatles
5/5
What can I say about The Beatles that hasn't already been said. Super groovy album, vocals on full display with surf-style rock 'n roll instrumentals underneath. The vocal doubling is done so perfectly on select tracks throughout, and the harmonies are very enjoyable. This album truly marks the start of a new era for pop music.
Fave tracks: It Won't Be Long, I Wanna Be Your Man, Money (That's What I Want)
1 likes
Queens of the Stone Age
5/5
This group is so good, especially in their early days. Granted, this is their debut album and I would say that it takes them 2-3 albums to really hit their stride and start to define the QOTSA signature sound.
I can't get enough of this dirty, loud, garage-style sound that comes out of the guitar through this entire album. The drums fills, the guitar solos, and the added synthetic effects in spots all marry together so well. Really fun listen, gets me fired up.
Fave tracks: Walkin on the Sidewalks, Mexicola, You Can't Quit Me Baby, Spiders and Vinegaroons
1 likes
1-Star Albums (4)
All Ratings
Aerosmith
2/5
I'm not sure why Aerosmith were such a hit back in the day. Their sound does not hold up. Is this a country album? A blues album? A rock album? Elements of all of the above, but none are done well unfortunately. Steven Tyler's shrill voice ringing true on this album, and I can't look past it.
Metallica
4/5
Pretty classic Metallica album. It is a solid follow-up to Master of Puppets, with a few gloomy/grungy slower jams that still capture the essence of this band. Vocal mixing on a couple tracks has not aged well. Still a fun listen. Fuck Napster.
Wild Beasts
3/5
Very soothing album with some surprisingly heavy lyrics. Super clean studio production, isolation of the guitar goes really well with the minimalist percussion. Not in love with the vocal registers. I feel like this album doesn't do enough to be a standout, but still gets a passing grade. The Fun Powder Plot is an excellent opening track.
Massive Attack
4/5
Enjoyable listen. Can sense a lot of hip-hop and dub influence throughout. The electronic production is excellent, as well as the vocal mixing. Album feels unpolished in certain areas, but definitely a groundbreaking release at the time. Incorporation of strings on Unfinished Sympathy, and the use of percussion (digital & analog) on Hymn of The Big Wheel were highlights for me.
Frank Sinatra
5/5
An absolute classic album, through and through. A velvety sound from the backing orchestra, and an even smoother voice coming from Sinatra. A beautiful album that has remained timeless and will continue to. Let the sun shine and the jazz swing.
4/5
Explosive. Noise rock fused with jazz. Very energetic, very upbeat, very experimental and free. The album does not really have any sort of direction or flow, but it is fun to listen to and keeps me on the edge of my seat. At times it can seem like a battle of the bands between the two saxophonists, and at others they synergize well; I prefer the latter. A great showcase of talent here and it is good to hear something so experimental.
The Saints
3/5
Surprised I have not heard of this group before. Great punk jams on this album. Upbeat, casual, and raw recording. More acoustic guitar than I'm used to on a punk album, but it really fits with the sound here.
The Who
4/5
Love coming back to any record from the 60s, this one does an excellent job of storytelling, super captivating while still managing to experiment with instrument and vocal performances. I appreciate the harmonies used throughout the album, and the mastering of the left/right channel recordings of guitar/drums simulates the experience of standing right in the middle of this band. Underture was my favourite track this session.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
Perfect voice. Not sure I can think of a more iconic singer in all of music history. Her voice is constantly on display, front and centre through this entire album, as it should be. My only critique would be that I don't think she needs backup vocalists at any point.
The Strokes
4/5
Solid indie/garage album. This is definitely the best of the Strokes on this one, it is unfortunate that they peaked so early. The guitar riffs on this album are muddled up nicely through distortion effects and the vocals are produced to match that feel. Fave tracks: Last Nite, New York City Cops
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
Gritty, grungy album. I appreciate the incorporation of noise and effects to create a signature sound, however I struggled to understand the vocals through the entire album due to the production of this noise. Lyrics are also a bit too creepy/overtly sexual for my liking. I understand why this album received the acclaim, but the band's sound does not resonate with me.
Fave tracks: I Can See It (But I Can't Feel It)
Beatles
5/5
What can I say about The Beatles that hasn't already been said. Super groovy album, vocals on full display with surf-style rock 'n roll instrumentals underneath. The vocal doubling is done so perfectly on select tracks throughout, and the harmonies are very enjoyable. This album truly marks the start of a new era for pop music.
Fave tracks: It Won't Be Long, I Wanna Be Your Man, Money (That's What I Want)
N.W.A.
5/5
Awesome hip-hop album. I really enjoy the sampling throughout this one, reminds me of Paul's Boutique in that sense. Stellar production. The lyrics remain incredibly relevant today, and they serve as exceptional political commentary. These guys are the literal OGs and it is well-deserved. Paved the way for an entirely new, experimental, and controversial style of music.
Fave tracks: Fuck Tha Police, If It Ain't Ruff, Express Yourself
Bill Evans Trio
5/5
Bill Evans is an absolute genius on the piano. I'd put him right up there with Oscar Peterson. This album creates a very soothing ambience that I really enjoy. The 'banter' between the bass and piano is playful at times, and you can tell the trio never falls out of sync. The quiet conversation and clinking of glasses leaking through this live recording at times makes me feels right at home.
Fave tracks: All of You - Take 2, Alice in Wonderland - Take 1
Blondie
3/5
I enjoy the attitude and quirkiness that Blondie carries throughout this album. The guitar playing is super tight, and the vocals compliment that sound well. Fun, poppy, dancey tracks front to back on this one. There are a plethora of genres that serve as inspiration for this album by the sounds of it. Not a standout selection for me, but it is a very solid collection of songs.
Fave tracks: Fade Away and Radiate, 11:59, Heart of Glass
Weather Report
4/5
Wicked jazz fusion album. Super experimental and fun, lots of different influences from world music, jazz and funk coming through. The technical skill of all of the band members gets highlighted on this record; the drums, horns, keys, guitar, bass all have their moments in the spotlight throughout. Heavy Weather pushed the boundaries of a traditional sounding record at the time, and helped to evolve jazz and prog rock through this period.
Fave tracks: Birdland, Havona
The Waterboys
3/5
Interesting, eclectic collection of songs mainly based in the style of Celtic folk. Lots of cool instruments used, but I found the arrangements of each song to mostly be underwhelming. I'm glad I listened to discover but not a whole lot more.
Fave tracks: World Party, Has Anybody Seen Hank?
Small Faces
3/5
Bizarre. Psychedelic. Electronic. Interesting. This album is very experimental, and includes some production techniques I have never heard on a record this old. I was very intrigued by the first half of the album, but got fatigued/bored through the second half. I was also not a fan of the spoken gibberish towards the end of the album. Very cool and inspiring, but not a keeper for me.
Fave tracks: Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake, Rene
The Young Rascals
3/5
One happy little album. They remind me of Chicago at times, The Animals at others, and Three Dog Night at others. I'm surprised I have never heard of The (Young) Rascals before now. Solid listen. I enjoy the inclusion of brass and the overall feeling of this album. There is a nice Stevie Wonder cover towards the end of the record. Enjoyable, though it did not floor me.
Fave tracks: A Girl Like You, A Place in the Sun
Bob Dylan
5/5
One of the best folk albums out there. Peak Bob Dylan, incredible songwriting and storytelling. Nothing else to say.
Fave songs: Rainy Day Women # 12 & 35, Visions of Johanna, I Want You
Johnny Cash
4/5
Mostly covers which surprised me, but they are all executed so well. Johnny Cash has a way of making songs his own whether he intends to or not, such powerful styles of singing and lyrical delivery. The guest appearances were mostly unnecessary in my opinion, however the Fiona Apple vocals on "Bridge Over Troubled Water" were fantastic. Johnny Cash still knows what the people want to hear after having a whole life behind him.
Fave tracks: Hurt, Bridge Over Troubled Water, I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
Culture Club
2/5
There's some solid hits on this new wave album led by Boy George, however I will be an infrequent re-visitor to this one. The vast majority of these tracks are emotional, and meant to evoke similar feelings in the listener; it feels a bit put-on and cliche. Got pretty bored while listening to be frank. There is some good incorporation of strings at times and synth-y beats, but overall I do not operate on the same wavelength as this album.
Fave tracks: Karma Chameleon, Black Money
Erykah Badu
5/5
One part Choose Your Weapon, one part Awaken, My Love! (or Maggot Brain), one part straight soul music. R&B, soul, jazz, rap are the ingredients used in this creative experiment. It works well. The vocals always stand out in front of the instrumentation, but Erykah maintains the balance of complimenting rather than overpowering. Very cool record, I wasn't sold on it immediately but it managed to grip me after a few minutes of listening. I will definitely be listening to this one again. My actual rating is a 4.5/5, so I will round up on this one.
Fave tracks: Penitentiary Philosophy, Orange Moon, Green Eyes
Arcade Fire
5/5
A near-perfect indie rock album, and my favourite release from Arcade Fire. Everything hits on this record, and it feels like the band has way more experience than they currently do at this point in their careers. I really enjoy the moments throughout the album where strings and piano dominate. Great flow to the tracks throughout. Régine Chassagne's vocals on the final track are one of my favourite moments on this listen. Can't think of much to criticize on this one.
Fave tracks: Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels), Rebellion (Lies), In The Backseat
The Stooges
5/5
Fun album. After seeing that this record was released in 1970, I didn't expect it to have as much grit as it did. I welcome the grit. The music is heavy blues, garage, noisy, raw and energetic. Definitely one of the main predecessors of the punk movement in North America, and eventually in the UK as well. The incorporation of a saxophonist was unexpected, but the sound works really well. Vocally I am reminded of Jim Morrison, which is always a good thing. This album is provocative, and gets bonus points for being a cutting-edge, experimental album for the time that it was released. Turns out I really like The Stooges.
Cornershop
1/5
Is this a test? Why is this album on this list? Who is the target audience? This album left me with lots of questions, and probably in the worst way possible. I am confused as to what this record is supposed to represent. It has no flow, no real direction, the lyrics are extremely basic and meaningless. It kind of sounds like their influenced by a combination of groups such as the Beastie Boys or Fatboy Slim. There are some additional sprinklings of eastern/Indian-inspired beats, but my god, they are not well implemented at all. This album was released too late to be considered groundbreaking in terms of any production styles or techniques. Every time a new track plays, I feel like I've switched to a completely new record, it's very jarring. Summed up, this album feels kitschy and avant-garde, and does not have the cohesiveness or flow that I can tell it is intended to have.
Fave tracks: N/A
X-Ray Spex
3/5
Fun, dance-y punk album. Kind-of sort-of 1970s pop punk? Vocals remind me of Blondie, lyrics are more junkie/garage-inspired though. A solid listen, I am surprised this group was a one-and-done in terms of albums, I feel like there's a lot of potential here. I really enjoy the double-tracked guitars in certain areas throughout the album. Noteworthy record, glad to have discovered it.
Fave tracks: Germfree Adolescence, Plastic Bag, Age
The Byrds
4/5
Enjoyable. Bob Dylan songs sung by prettier voices. Harmonies are great, backed by bright guitar chords and some standard time-keeping from percussion. Bonus points for being the trend-setting folk rock album, bringing a light electric sound to the existing genre. This is the influence for a ton of my favourite music. The album itself is not necessarily a standout in the genre, but I give it a little bump because they were the first people to make this folk rock thing take off.
Fave tracks: Mr. Tambourine Man, Spanish Harlem Incident, It's No Use
Nine Inch Nails
4/5
Trent Reznor's multi-instrumental talents, as well as production techniques, really shine on this album. It has such a distinct sound, and helped to push the industrial sound into more people's Sony Walkman players at the time. I really enjoy the imagery created through sound layering and producing instruments to make them sound like a wall of sound, before falling off a cliff into silence. The vocal tones used by Reznor are also very effective in contributing to the overall mood throughout the record. There is no subtlety in the lyrics, which was common during this period but does not hold up incredibly well over time. The writing is the only aspect that leaves a bad taste.
Fave tracks: Heresy, Eraser, Hurt
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
This album has a small soundstage, but lots of energy. Full of dancey tracks and pop melodies, it sounds a lot like an indie rock record that would have been released in the 2010's. It didn't really blow me away, but it is a very positive listening experience. The record has a super consistent sound and flows well track-to-track.
Fave tracks: No Action, Pump It Up, (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea
Parliament
5/5
George Clinton, baby. Such a great funk album. I feel like I have so much bias going into this one because of how big a fan of George's projects I am. It is so incredibly easy to get caught in the groove of this album, the music is infectious and contagious. There are some iconic sounds on this album, and they have lived on through samples (mostly hip-hop) and cultural references to this day.
This is not a perfect album by any means, but it is so charming and inviting, and that is what has earned this album legendary status in my mind.
**Rating = 4.5/5, rounded up
Fave tracks: P Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up), Mothership Connection (Starchild), Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)
Devendra Banhart
3/5
I enjoy the intense finger-picking moments very much, some great guitar playing on this album.
Not crazy about the vocal performance. I understand that the shaky vocals are adding to the overall image of the album, but it's a bit jarring for me. Kind of ruins it if I'm being honest.
Guitar-playing = 5/5
Vocals = 1.5/5
Fave tracks: This is the Way, Tit Smoking in the Temple of Artesan Mimicry
Tori Amos
3/5
Reminds me of Alanis Morissette, also maybe Evanescence? Very emotional songwriting with intense soundscapes behind the words.
I thought it was fine. Nothing sensational. Vocal performance is really good, but I don't resonate with the lyrics. The record and I do not seem to operate on the same wavelength.
Fave tracks: Little Earthquakes
Björk
4/5
I like the diverse arrangements throughout the album. The vocals are great in terms of technical ability and range. For an album that was released in 1993, the production techniques are groundbreaking. As far as the lyrics go, I don't really get much from them and if there were messages or takeaways from this album, they went over my head.
I hold this album in high regard for being a pioneer and paving the way for future genres and to serve as new influence for other artists.
Fave tracks: Human Behaviour, Aeroplane, The Anchor Song
James Brown
5/5
Feel-good, singalong blues performance for the ages. The recording has held up extremely well and should remain timeless. The man has a great voice and has a way of captivating your attention on any of his albums.
Fave tracks:
I Don't Mind, Lost Someone, Night Train
Def Leppard
3/5
Pretty straightforward hair metal, direct and to the point. Nothing especially fancy or artistic happening here. Enjoyable but not a "stand out of the crowd" type of record. Props to Def Leppard for being one of the first bands to popularize this sound.
Fave tracks: Photograph, Too Late for Love, Rock of Ages
Mudhoney
3/5
It makes sense to me that this band did not get the fame like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, etc. It's fantastic that Mudhoney was able to come up with this newfangled grunge sound, but it is not as good as something like Nevermind or Ten.
I thought this album had a strong start, and kind of plateaued/declined over the second half. A good album, but there are much better grunge records out there. First isn't always best.
Fave tracks:
Touch Me I'm Sick, Sweet Young Thing Ain't Sweet No More
The Doors
5/5
Love The Doors, and Jim Morrison. Their entire catalogue is excellent. This one, the last studio record featuring Jim's vocals, is extra bluesy and isn't afraid to break out into extended groove sessions. Jim's lyrics are pure poetry, as usual. The guitar, bass, keyboard and drums all combine to provide a perfect blues stage to compliment the vocals. Not too much else to say on this one, it's just excellent. One of my favourite Doors albums, definitely a classic.
Fave tracks:
Been Down so Long, L.A. Woman, Riders on the Storm
Thin Lizzy
3/5
I enjoy the 2 guitars duking it out on tracks like Southbound and Massacre. Overall it is a nice collection of live performances, but doesn't really exceed any expectations that I have of the band, which were mediocre to begin with. Solid album, but this is a band that really does blend into a crowd for me. I found the record to be a little long as well.
Fave tracks: Southbound, The Boys Are Back in Town, Warriors
Steely Dan
3/5
Couple jams on here. The lesser known tracks are lesser known for good reason. Pretty laid back album, and I do enjoy sections of it. However, it is not a record that draws you in and gets you excited about much. You're just showing up to chill and listen to some easy-going jazz rock. Nothing special about it, and there's a time and place to give this one a listen. Not an iconic album in my view.
Fave tracks: Do It Again, Dirty Work, Reelin' In The Years
Adele
2/5
Amazing voice, she is a powerhouse for sure. I wish that the recording studio was willing to adjust her voice less, as it is very evident that the vocal track has been poked and prodded until every aspect of Adele's voice is in pitch, and it just gives this really eerie, unnatural vibe, not dissimilar from a drum machine being "too in time". She does not need to be auto-tuned ad nauseam, and I think natural tones would help give this album some sort of identity.
The music is pretty vanilla once you get past the point of Adele having a great voice. There's really nothing else to stick around for. I thought He Won't Go had a fun sounding arrangement and ventured off the beaten path, and the gospel take on I'll Be Waiting was pretty charming; 21 was a bit of a snooze fest aside from these takes.
Fave tracks: He Won't Go, I'll Be Waiting, Lovesong
Hookworms
3/5
Very strong Animal Collective aromas coming off of this album. The smooth synths and softened vocals make for a nice relaxing listen. The psychedelic tones are present and this record makes it easy to drift away. Based on how new this album is, I am surprised it's on this list; it's not really a new sound circa 2018, however Hookworms does a good job of releasing a solid album within this established genre.
Good overall, I'm not super excited about it but it foots the bill if I'm in the mood for a neo-psych/indie album.
Fave tracks: Negative Space, Opener, Shortcomings
Saint Etienne
2/5
This album kind of reminds me of the Bjork album I listened to earlier. It's a little less alien-like, but exudes the same energy. I really don't think artsy European house music is up my alley. I don't get it. The whole album blends together, and makes me gloss over and tune out.
Fave tracks: Girl VII, Spring
Coldplay
2/5
One of the most overrated bands of our generation. Is that too bold a statement? Probably. But this band has gotten a substantial amount of hype over the years and it's a bit of a head-scratcher for me.
This album is very smooth, very soft, I would almost go as far as describing it as fuzzy. I feel weirdly serenaded by Chris Martin throughout the album, but at the same time I know Coldplay were not aiming to produce a lullaby with this album. It's safe, it's people-pleasing, and kind of boring. Martin's voice is great, but nothing else really stands out in this one. Every track sort of sounds like the one prior, and unfortunately nothing on this record is very memorable.
Fave tracks: Shiver, Yellow, Parachutes
PJ Harvey
4/5
This one surprised me, I really enjoyed this listen. The vocals are great, the instrumentation is dramatic and moody, and the lyrics are meaningful, and often political. Reminds me of some spoken-word-esque artists that I really like (Nick Cave, Patti Smith, The National)
The production and the recording location of choice being a church really compliment the content throughout this album. There are strings, electronics, percussion, vocal layerings and doubling, so many crafty ways to get just the sound they were looking for. Really good.
4.5/5
Fave tracks: The Glorious Land, On Battleship Hill, England, Bitter Branches
Kate Bush
3/5
I was recently introduced to Running Up That Hill and was immediately drawn to that powerful 80s track. However, I think this album may have hit its high point on the opening song. Waking the Witch caught my attention, but still doesn't live up to the epic proportions of the initial track.
I enjoy the vocal production throughout the album, but I find the instrumentation to be repetitive (until the Jig of Life comes out of nowhere).
Overall a cool, spooky listen, but not an album I will be coming back to often. I will be listening to Running Up That Hill a bunch though.
Fave tracks: Running Up That Hill, Running Up That Hill, Running Up That Hill
Love
4/5
Super fun early psychedelic album. I am surprised I haven't stumbled upon this band before.
I hear lots of different psychedelic artists within this album, Donovan and the Moody Blues are among the first to come to mind. The Red Telephone really reminded me of MGMT, possibly an influence for them?
Really well produced, loving the use of strings in combination with the guitars underneath the vocals to give it that real dreamy feel. Accented horns in other tracks managed to fit in perfectly.
Great album.
Fave tracks: Andmoreagain, The Red Telephone, Maybe the People Would Be the Times or Between Clark and Hilldale
The Pogues
3/5
I really like the punk celtic sound, it can be difficult to pull off; this band does a decent job of it. There's a part of me that wishes their faster-paced songs would get a little more violent as the sound always remains very clean, but the booze-fueled stories in the lyrics are very much alive and well. I want to describe this group as an Irish version of the Mountain Goats.
The production leaves something to be desired, I'm assuming due to budget constraints. The volume of each track is a little bit wonky as well, on Spotify at least. Overall an enjoyable listen, the folk instruments all came out to play on this album.
Fave tracks: Wild Cats of Kilkenny, A Pair of Brown Eyes, Dirty Old Town, The Band Played Waltzing Matilda
Megadeth
4/5
Pretty solid thrash record. It is an early contributor to the genre, so kudos for that.
The tracks kind of blended together, I had a couple moments where I thought I was hearing songs for the second time, other than I Ain't Superstitious, which was a bluesy track that came out of left field.
Enjoyable, fast, driving thrash metal that grows on you with multiple listens. As a big fan of early Metallica and Iron Maiden, this album has shown me that I will have to pay a little more attention to the early releases from Megadeth.
Fave tracks: The Conjuring, Good Mourning / Black Friday
Cyndi Lauper
3/5
Decent New Wave/Pop album. Not super up my alley, but I can respect the sound on this one. I think the first half of the album is much stronger than the second half, so it kind of dragged on, but there are some classic tunes on this album for sure. It is a good showcase of what the 80s sounded like by the time 1983 rolled around.
I discovered via Wikipedia that When You Were Mine is a Prince cover, and it was done well. Lauper's vocal talents shine on a track like this. Time After Time is an iconic slow jam, for good reason; it's got that 80s twinkly sound and has a ton of emotional weight.
Solid release. The singles from this album will live on forever.
Fave tracks: When You Were Mine, Time After Time, Witness
Booker T. & The MG's
5/5
God damn I love the blues. The electric organ is used so perfectly on this album, it's just so much fun to listen to. After looking at the list of personnel that Booker T. Jones has collaborated with in the past, I would say a lot of people agree that he's the best at what he does.
This album consists of one smash-hit original single, and mostly covers outside of that, but that doesn't stop the band from stamping their signature all over others' works. The instrumentation is fantastic and each member does a great job of taking their turn to chime in and take the spotlight. It's very clear that the guitar and keyboard are completely locked in and have spent loads of time playing together.
Tight as fuck.
Fave tracks: Green Onions, I Got a Woman, Behave Yourself
Traffic
5/5
I think Traffic gets overlooked frequently when it comes to 70s blues rock. They draw much more influence from jazz than the typical popular groups of the time, and it really works for them.
The opening track is just fantastic, such a great instrumental jam. After that, there are seamless transitions into the following songs, and the album does not slow down. The incorporation of the organ, guitar, bass, saxophone, piano and percussion are all done so well. This is Traffic's fourth installment as a group, and it may be their peak (Mr. Fantasy is excellent as well, especially for a debut album).
No complaints here, this is an excellent album with exceptionally talented personnel and an ahead-of-the-curve sound, they were not afraid to experiment and I think it inspired a lot of bands through the years.
Fave tracks: Glad, Freedom Rider, John Barleycorn
Screaming Trees
3/5
Solid grunge album. This group is credited with being a pioneer of the genre, however this album was released after grunge had already caught on.
It's a decent album overall. Can't say I had strong feelings towards it one way or the other. Instrumentation and vocal distortion was done well throughout the album. I will admit that the "acoustic guitar intro" gimmick was a bit overused on this record.
Happy to add this one to my arsenal of grunge albums.
Fave tracks: Halo of Ashes, Make My Mind, Gospel Plow
Venom
4/5
This was a fun listen. A metal band who doesn't take themselves seriously, and they are very upfront about that. Super thrashy, and super early to the game (shocked this is a 1982 release).
High octane metal straight to your veins. Hail Satan.
Fave tracks: Black Metal, Raise the Dead, Don't Burn the Witch
The Young Gods
1/5
It's a no from me dawg. This one is edgy, weird, experimental, but just does not pan out. There's a lot of industrial, house and classical influences here, but man, it turned into a whole lot of noises that don't actually fall in line together and ends up being a sporadic mess. I will likely be avoiding anything described as "baroque metal" in the future, because this is supposed to be the best of that genre.
Disclaimer: I do not speak french, so I may potentially be missing out on some insightful lyrics. I have a hunch that I am not, but who knows.
Fave tracks: Nope.
Beastie Boys
4/5
What a fun group. I really enjoy Beastie Boys and how they've managed to meld the worlds of hip-hop and rock. They sample all of my favourite classic rock riffs from Zeppelin, Floyd, Stones etc., which automatically peaks my interest.
Specifically on this release, Beastie Boys come out in 1986 and establish themselves as something very new and creative. The start of a fresh sound & era. I can't praise these guys enough for their production and sampling; it's especially impressive for a debut LP.
Anytime I need to hype myself up for something, Beastie Boys are one of the bands that immediately come to mind. Tracks are always so full of energy.
They lose one star, but only because I know that there are albums released by the Beastie Boys after Licensed To Ill that get exponentially better.
Fave tracks: Rhymin and Stealin, No Sleep Til Brooklyn, Time To Get Ill
Muddy Waters
5/5
Oh Yeah.
Fave tracks: Mannish Boy, Bus Driver, I Can't Be Satisfied, The Blues Had a Baby and They Named It Rock and Roll
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
I feel like this album helped propel indie/alt music into a new vibe towards the end of the 2000s. It's new, exciting, fresh sound is super easy to jam along to and the production is fantastic. Loving the synths and soundboard tricks used on this release. Highly respect the sound and the creative approach during a time when the music industry wasn't really exploding with outside-the-box bands/albums.
Fave tracks: North American Scum, All My Friends, New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down
Oasis
3/5
I thought it was fine. The classic sound of the 1990s. The group definitely helped to inspire a entire generation of music like this, so full credit there. The album itself doesn't really thrill me; it's not bad, just not spectacular or exciting.
Not an album that I will come back to often, but I do understand the iconic nature of the album and the heavy influence it has had on the industry.
Fave tracks: Shakermaker, Cigarettes & Alcohol
Throbbing Gristle
1/5
Creepy. Weird. Kind of cool? Maybe? Probably not.
I thought I enjoyed industrial music.
This album makes me feel like a schizophrenic.
Fave tracks: AB/7A
Can
4/5
Great album. Perfectly executed psychedelic sounds that I can easily get lost in.
Happy to have discovered this one and will be returning soon.
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
So fucking good. Similar to Beastie Boys, this group has blended rock & rap so perfectly.
Zack's lyrics are very political, provocative and punk, which pairs so well with the fat bass lines, distorted guitar and tight percussion.
What an insanely good release for a debut album, perfectly named band and perfectly timed release given the social climate during that period in the early 90s.
I can workout to this, I can mosh to it, I can burn my government documents to it. So versatile.
Fave tracks: Bombtrack, Killing In the Name, Know Your Enemy, Wake Up
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
This is the good stuff. Such a fun psychedelic journey, and Jimi does an incredible job with his guitar playing as well as vocals.
The unfortunate fact about being a part of a band that houses Jimi Hendrix is that you will often get overlooked or overshadowed. Mitch Mitchell seems to be a victim of this, and in my opinion could lead a group in the same way that Buddy Rich or Neil Peart did. The talent within the Jimi Hendrix Experience is just ridiculous.
This record has such a nice flow to it, remains fresh throughout, the solos absolutely shred, and it doesn't get old after multiple listening sessions. 'Tis a thing of beauty.
Perfection.
Fave tracks: Crosstown Traffic, Voodoo Chile, 1983...(A Merman I Should Turn to Be), All Along the Watchtower
Elliott Smith
3/5
Melancholy mixed with relaxation. The lyrics through all of this album are sad, occasionally stepping through to the depressing and self-harm areas of Elliott Smith's brain. I found most of the songs to be (ironically) fairly catchy and melodic, reminding me of the quieter selections from The Beatles's catalogue.
I feel like there was a time in my life where this album would have resonated and I would play it on repeat, but that era is behind me. Not going to be a frequent listen for me.
Fave tracks: Everything Reminds Me Of Her, Colorbars
The Sonics
4/5
This was a fun listen, I enjoyed the rock & roll covers through the lens of a dirty garage filter. From the pick of the original tracks, The Witch definitely stood out. It was nice to hear a new take on the classics; however, I still enjoy the original recordings more than The Sonics's interpretation. This album coming out way before any Velvet Underground recordings puts them ahead of the curve in terms of developing this signature "dirty on purpose" sound. That opened the door for loads of great music over the years.
Fave tracks: The Witch, Roll Over Beethoven, Strychnine, Good Golly Miss Molly
Nightmares On Wax
4/5
I like this one. It's very laid back and dreamy. It is a little long in my opinion (I get fatigued at around the 45-minute mark) but a worthy listen. There are some bassy grooves on here that remind me of dub music, and other tracks are more jazz-inspired.
3.5/5, rounded up
Fave tracks: Nights Introlude, Pipes Honour, Cruise (Don't Stop)
Björk
3/5
Pretty similar thoughts to the previous Bjork album I was dealt. Not loving her vocals here, and the introspective lyrics kind of pass me by; maybe it's just too artsy for me.
Production/mastering is excellent. Really saves the album for me.
Fave tracks: Cocoon, Unison
Kanye West
3/5
The start of the Kanye era. I thought this album was solid, but didn't captivate me throughout the 1hr+ playtime. The production is really tight, especially considering this is the first studio album release from Ye. Not exactly up my alley, but it's a respectable album. I found the first half to be much stronger than the latter.
Fave tracks: We Don't Care, Slow Jamz
Brian Eno
4/5
1st half: Talking Heads-esque. Low-key and groovy.
2nd half: Super ambient and strange, Twin Peaks-sounding production.
Pretty good stuff. Not going to be a regular listen for me, but I'm glad I stopped by. Brian Eno has always been a staple name in ambient & prog records for good reason.
Fave tracks: King's Lead Hat, Spider and I
Queens of the Stone Age
5/5
This group is so good, especially in their early days. Granted, this is their debut album and I would say that it takes them 2-3 albums to really hit their stride and start to define the QOTSA signature sound.
I can't get enough of this dirty, loud, garage-style sound that comes out of the guitar through this entire album. The drums fills, the guitar solos, and the added synthetic effects in spots all marry together so well. Really fun listen, gets me fired up.
Fave tracks: Walkin on the Sidewalks, Mexicola, You Can't Quit Me Baby, Spiders and Vinegaroons
Eurythmics
4/5
The more I listen to Eurythmics, the more I like them. Annie Lennox has such a distinguished voice and uses it well to layer on top of the synth beats on every song. Pretty solid collection of tracks on here, and they are all very well produced and sound polished. Cool, dark and fun.
Fave tracks: Wrap it Up, The Walk, Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)
Teenage Fanclub
4/5
Good stuff. I really like the first couple tracks with the distorted sounding guitar riffs. They remind me of Sloan, with some garage/grunge influence. The layering of guitars on certain tracks really add to the garage/slacker vibes - it really fits the era of the early 90s.
Fave tracks: The Concept, Satan, Star Sign, Metal Baby
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
Fantastic album. Super gritty, grungy, experimental. Smashing Pumpkins helped shape the sound of Alt Rock through their early releases, and this is one of the 2 iconic albums that really stands the test of time. I love the buildup to a fast-paced jam in select tracks on here, and they found a way to flow so nicely into the more subdued songs on the album.
Fave tracks: Cherub Rock, Today, Disarm, Rocket, Mayonaise, Silverfuck
Astor Piazzolla
4/5
Pretty interesting and unique. I enjoy the marriage of accordion and vibraphone on this album, along with supplementary strings in certain tracks. Fun listen, both artists are extremely talented and it's nice to hear them come together in such harmony. The risk that Astor Piazzolla took to create Tango music with atypical instruments paid off.
Fave tracks: Vibraphonissimo, Nuevo Tango, Laura's Dream
King Crimson
5/5
Art. I hope this album will be forever remembered, because it is an iconic and essential progressive rock album. So many things to like here - the percussion, the guitars, the synths, the use of silence and phrasing. It was released incredibly early in the timeline of progressive rock and helped pioneer the genre.
Fave tracks: 21st Century Schizoid Man, The Court Of The Crimson King (but preferably listen to the album front to back)
The Shamen
2/5
Not my cup of tea. I felt like this album went on forever. Not to say that it is bad, but I am not flying on the same level as this album. Every song is extremely repetitive and drones on and on; I can appreciate the beat in each song being created, but only for so long. There are some cool new wave vibes happening on the opening track.
Fave tracks: Move Any Mountain
The National
4/5
Ah, The National, my winter band. Really love this group, the instrumentation and the vocals alone aren't anything extraordinary but the sum of their parts are what make this band great. The strings added into these songs really help to foster the atmospheric, emotional sound. This album is missing that 'wow' factor that 5-star albums get, but it's still great.
Fave tracks: Terrible Love, Bloodbuzz Ohio, Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks
5/5
Going into this album listen, I wanted to keep an open mind because I've always had a view of U2 as a bit of a boring band due to the drawn out choruses and slower tempos of most of their big hits.
I'm glad I kept an open mind; the deep cuts on this album are so good. Even though I had them pegged as a downbeat band, I still have a strong respect for the Edge as a guitarist and his ability to get creative with pedals, layering and fusing electronic effects with minimalist instrumentation. That ability shows so much stronger once we get through the first 3 hits on the album (tracks 1, 2 & 3). The remaining tracks show more blues, a grittier side of the band that I didn't know existed, and a broader sound palette for the band as a whole.
Just really impressed with this album. Bono has great vocals, Edge's guitar work has his signature iconic sound, and the rhythm instruments glue everything together.
Unexpected joy. 4.5/5, rounded up.
Fave tracks: Bullet The Blue Sky, Red Hill Mining Town, Trip Through Your Wires, Exit
Bob Dylan
4/5
Vintage Bob. Some great tracks on here, others are somewhat forgettable. One of the most iconic folk songwriters ever. Intimate, raw and evocative overall. Not a mindblowingly incredible album, but definitely a classic and at least one Dylan album should be included on every single "listen before you die" list.
Fave tracks: Blowin in the Wind, Girl from the North Country, Down The Highway, Corrina, Corrina
The Lemonheads
2/5
It's trying to be punk and contemporary at the same time, and I don't think it really works. I feel the Nirvana angst coming through, mixed with some extremely vanilla Oasis-style rock. The Confetti track is a perfect example of this. The production is also very flat which does not help matters at all.
There are some redeeming qualities in the instrumentation, but nothing that isn't found in a better format in other acts.
Overall I think they tried to spread themselves too thin trying to incorporate all of their influences and wound up without a specific direction or identity.
Fave tracks: Mrs. Robinson, Ceiling Fan in my Spoon
fIREHOSE
3/5
Yeah, pretty good. Not super memorable, but I enjoyed the various aspects of this album. It sounds like this group is full of music-math nerds that really enjoy making fast-paced, technical music. Drumming and that slap bass were the highlights for me.
Glad I listened.
Fave tracks: In My Mind, Let The Drummer Have Some, Time With You
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
This album has an incredibly 90's pop rock sound. I enjoyed the fusion of stringed instruments throughout (electric & acoustic guitars, violins, harps, etc.). The overall sound, especially the guitar work, are reminiscent of early Radiohead, only with louder vocals and percussion closer to the front of the stage. I lost track of the lyrics while listening, and didn't stay captivated the whole time, but the album is fairly solid despite these stretches of monotony.
Fave tracks: A Design for Life, Everything Must Go
Daft Punk
4/5
Of all of the Houses, French House is my favourite. Despite not being an avid listener of electronic music, I really enjoy Daft Punk. Repetitiveness is almost inevitable in EDM due to the buildup and layering that defines the genre, but there are ways to be "doin' it right" 😉.
Pretty essential album, and provided inspiration for loads of other albums, artists, and musical groups "around the world".
If I'm going to listen to house music, it is very likely going to be Daft Punk. Kudos to them for helping me like electronic & house music to some degree.
Fave tracks: Da Funk, Around the World, Alive
Grateful Dead
4/5
I am a big fan of Grateful Dead, especially their music that feels so free and improvised yet somehow still so composed and premeditated. This album has elements of that, however I don't think it's the best live album that the Dead have to offer. Still enjoyable to listen to, but it has its ups and downs. I like the bluesy feel throughout, and the layered instruments (multiple guitars, drums, organ, bass, vocals) all working in unison. I experienced a few "get on with it" moments while listening to periods of songs that felt like they took forever to evolve - I believe the jam band genre gets this criticism quite frequently.
Fave tracks: Dark Star, Death Don't Have No Mercy
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
I think this one is a little too tame for me. I appreciate the instrumentation and the songwriting, but it does tend to lose my attention after a while. I like the tracks that have more of a dark bluesy vibe to them, the imagery used throughout the album is good but it's especially good in those songs.
I much preferred the second half of the album to the first, though this won't be a common pull from the library for me.
Fave tracks: Where Do We Go Now But Nowhere, West Country Girl, Far From Me
Derek & The Dominos
4/5
Can't argue with Eric Clapton on the strings. The vocals leave something to be desired, but man the guitar playing is so strong.
I like the fuzziness of the recording; whether it was intentional or not, it creates a garage-type sound that really works for the blues rock sound they are going for. The sound overall reminds me of anything by Traffic.
Not a perfect album, but I am a happy listener on this one.
Fave tracks: Keep On Growing, Key To The Highway, Little Wing, Layla
Dead Kennedys
4/5
So fun, so riled up, and deserves a place on this list and any other considering punk rock music.
Fave tracks: Kill the Poor, Drug Me, Chemical Warfare, I Kill Children, Holiday in Cambodia
Rush
5/5
Maybe a perfect prog rock record. Maybe every Rush album is a perfect prog rock record (or at least their first 9 albums).
I have so much respect for this band - it's incredible that this band is able to create such a massive soundstage with only 3 members. The drumming is the best part of every Rush album for me, but there is so much to love about the bass lines, guitar solos, keyboard/synth grooves, and the imaginative lyricism that tells unique, creative and insightful stories with every track that includes vocals.
Fave tracks: The entire album, front to back. YYZ takes the title of top track.
The Mars Volta
2/5
I think the instrumentation is great throughout most of this album, especially the uptempo drumming; however, they have composed their songs so poorly that every song ends up sounding like random noise. Granted, there are times when math rock & noise rock can be pulled off and sound amazing, but this is not one of those albums.
The lyrics appear to be up for interpretation and I have no idea what the plot of a single song is. On top of that, I am not a fan of the singer's falsetto range, especially when he gets into the loud vocal sections - there is also a bunch of funky processing of the vocals happening which seems to intensify the shrillness of it all.
This one stays on the shelf. Thanks for the ride.
Fave tracks: Son et Lumiere, Drunkship of Lanterns
Ice Cube
3/5
It's no 'Straight Outta Compton", but this album is still pretty solid. I have a shortlist of rap albums that I would place above this one, but I don't have any significant complaints about it.
Looks like this was Ice's first solo album since leaving NWA, and he definitely retains listen-worthy status. Good rhymes, provocative lyrics, and some decent beats to back it up. Not incredible, but solid.
Fave tracks: AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted, Once Upon a Time in The Projects, A Gangsta's Fairytale
Talking Heads
4/5
I very much appreciate the sound that Talking Heads are able to create - it's so unique and distinguishable, and nobody pulls it off except for them.
I feel like this album started out as a list of words that was given to David Byrne, and he just ran with it - really fun and weird lyrics, and the intricate, often syncopated rhythms just fit the songs so well.
I hadn't even listened to this album before despite being a casual Talking Heads fan, but it's super fun.
Fave tracks: I Zimbra, Life During Wartime, Electric Guitar, Drugs
Jethro Tull
5/5
Iconic prog album. So fun to listen to, and so much respect for the amount of unorthodox instrumentation, lyricism and somehow clean sound that Ian Anderson & company managed to create.
Fave tracks: Aqualung, Cross-Eyed Mary, Up to Me, My God, Locomotive Breath
Christine and the Queens
2/5
Kind of cool that the group recorded tracks in both English and French. That being said, I really didn't like this album. Very poppy, I sense some euro-pop influence as well as icons like Michael Jackson throughout, but it never clicked with me.
Fave tracks: Girlfriend
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Pretty standard mid-60's rock n' roll album. Similar to how the Beatles got their start, the Rolling Stones came out with a palette of covers of blues & rock n' roll standards. Not particularly memorable, but still some good tunes.
Fave tracks: Money, Stoned
Radiohead
5/5
When I first got into Radiohead, the albums I gravitated to were Kid A and OK Computer; The Bends always seemed to be an odd one to me because of the lack of electronic effects and the brit rock sound.
After a few listens, The Bends turned into a staple in my Radiohead album rotation. So many good tracks packed into this one, and the flow of the album is really nice. I think Pablo Honey suffered from some abrupt transitions, but they fixed that issue on their second studio release. The mix of acoustic and electric on this album is done well and keeps a very intimate tone throughout the record.
Fave tracks: The Bends, High and Dry, Fake Plastic Trees, Black Star
GZA
3/5
It was alright. Not huge on it, but had some good old-school sounds on it.
Fave tracks: Shadowboxin', 4th Chamber
Supergrass
4/5
Kinda surfy, kinda punky, pretty fun overall. Had a good time listening to it. Reminds me of a less theatrical version of the Smashing Pumpkins or a less intense version of Pixies. Crunchy guitar riffs, slacker-esque singing/lyricism. This one has the mid-90's written all over it.
Fave tracks: I'd Like to Know, Alright, Strange Ones
Isaac Hayes
5/5
Super soulful. I really like the keys and the strings through the first half of the album. There are tracks through the middle that spend more time featuring the guitar, horns and sax which are excellent. Spectacular bass lines throughout.
I haven't seen this movie, but if it's as good as the soundtrack I have to watch it.
4.5/5, rounded up
Fave tracks: Theme from Shaft, Soulsville, No Name Bar, Do Your Thing
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Very easy-going, enjoyable album. I really don't listen to that much Springsteen, but when I'm in the mood I almost always put on Born to Run. The fusion of 'Dad Rock' and jazz instrumentation creates a very intimate, serene soundstage that allows Bruce to tell the stories of his travels, encounters, and fond memories throughout the album.
This record doesn't blow me away, but succeeds in becoming what Bruce and the E Street Band set out to make it.
Fave tracks: Thunder Road, Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out, Born to Run
Everything But The Girl
2/5
Very 80s. Michael Jackson's 'The Girl is Mine' vibes throughout the entire album. It was ok. A little too downtempo and unmemorable for me.
Fave tracks: I don't Want to Talk About It, Oxford Street
John Lennon
3/5
This is the first time I have ever listened to this album all the way through, despite hearing the title track an infinite number of times.
I enjoyed tracks as I got through the album, but it doesn't seem like a cohesive expression, and tends to jump from sound to sound in a slightly jarring manner. I liked the bluesy songs on this one a lot, and I had no idea the album behind Imagine included such a large shift in song structure.
Overall the album feels unpolished, but still delivers powerful messages in classic Jon Lennon fashion. Worth the listen, but not a standout for me.
Fave tracks: Imagine, It's So Hard, I Don't Wanna Be A Soldier Mama
AC/DC
5/5
AC/DC gets me so fired up, such a great pump up band. Super fun guitar riffs, solos, chord progressions, and an iconic voice to sing along to.
This band is able to have so much fun with their recordings, and they bring so much energy to every song, it just feels contagious.
AC/DC and I are flying on the same level.
Fave tracks: Hells Bells, What Do You Do for Money Honey, Back in Black, You Shook Me All Night Long, Have a Drink on Me
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
Listening to this record now made me realize how popular almost every single song got back when it was released.
While I enjoy TPAB much more than this album due to the jazz instrumentation and less electronic distortion on both vocals and beats, I have to respect the flow of this record and the star-studded cast doing their thing. Kendrick is very good at painting pictures of struggling, surviving, conflict, loss, etc. throughout this album.
Fave tracks: Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe, Money Trees, Swimming Pools (Drank), Sing About Me; I'm Dying of Thirst
Goldie
1/5
I skipped and scanned my way through this album. 2 hours of drum & bass is simply way too much for me.
The repetitiveness within each track makes me question my sanity. Won't be coming back to this.
Fave tracks: State of Mind
The Electric Prunes
3/5
Super strong MGMT vibes from the very first track, despite being separated by 3 generations. I'm also getting some Jefferson Airplane similarities throughout the record.
Pretty good old-school psych rock. I appreciate the experimentation and use of various sounds and unorthodox instruments. Surprised that I haven't stumbled upon this group before.
Fave tracks: I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night), Get Me to the World on Time, Luvin'
Tracy Chapman
3/5
Fast Car is an incredible track. The rest of the album really doesn't hit as hard. Not bad per se, but very middle-of-the-road and hard to give my full attention to.
I'm not sure that this album would have gotten the ratings it did, or be on this list, without the inclusion of Fast Car.
Fave tracks: Fast Car
OutKast
3/5
Interesting listen. Not a standout, but some good tracks on here. It lost my attention during a few songs, I think it could have been a little tighter. I enjoyed hearing Killer Mike on here, presumably before he went off to start rapping with Run the Jewels.
Fave tracks: Ms. Jackson, Snappin' and Trappin', Humble Mumble
The Pharcyde
4/5
Decent hip-hop album, I really like the jazzy intro that sets the stage.
I enjoyed the playful nature of the record, while still providing that powerful commentary that most rap/hip-hop is known for. The jazz backing gives it a huge bonus - the smoothness of the backing music seems to boost the smoothness of the entire album.
Fave tracks: Oh shit, 4 Better Or 4 Worse, Otha Fish
Sigur Rós
4/5
Really liked this one. Wish I could understand the lyrics, but the vibes are on point. I appreciate the extended cuts that seem to transport you to another world. The music and the instruments used kind of remind me of a softer version of Massive Attack. Production and mixing are extremely well done and you can tell the group was meticulous when putting this album together.
It sounds like they have used a very wide variety of instruments throughout the tracks, ranging from strings and horns to electric/acoustic guitar to piano to synths, and incorporating vocal harmonies/choral phrases.
Fave tracks: Olsen olsen, Ny batteri (best experienced cover to cover)
Black Sabbath
4/5
Solid entry from Black Sabbath.
I am partial to their earlier releases, however this album continues the trend of hard blues rock with imaginative lyrics, kickass drumming and awesome guitar riffs. This record has more contrast than previous releases, mixing in softer tracks like Changes and Laguna Sunrise, which were both highlights for me.
I love Black Sabbath, so this one gets a high score, but I took a star off since I will always gravitate towards their other albums like the self-titled and Paranoid.
Fave tracks: Wheels of Confusion, Changes, Laguna Sunrise
Jurassic 5
3/5
Pretty good, old-school sounding hi-hop album. I was surprised to see that it was released in 2002 after I started listening.
Not much to say about this one, I enjoyed it but didn't move me as much as some other hip-hop albums do.
Fave tracks: Break, Thin Line, Acetate Prophets
OutKast
4/5
Looong album, but a pretty dang good one. All the big hits from OutKast are present and accounted for on this one.
Issuing a double album is an interesting choice; it is clear when the album switches over from Speakerboxxx to The Love Below, and I'm not really sure what the benefit is to keeping the 2+ hours of music connected in one massive album, as opposed to issuing 2 separate albums. Either way, there is lots to enjoy on here.
I resonate with the silliness and the aversion to super serious songwriting/lyricism, and the backing tracks (especially keyboards) are great.
Fave tracks: Roses, Hey Ya!, God (Interlude), My Favourite Things
AC/DC
4/5
Rock solid album. Not my favourite from AC/DC, but it has some awesome tracks.
While I don't think this one is perfect front-to-back, it still scores big points for hosting iconic songs. Great listen overall.
Fave tracks: Highway to Hell, Beating Around the Bush, If You Want Blood (You've Got It)
Sufjan Stevens
5/5
Fantastic album.
The songwriting and backing orchestral instrumentation are the big highlights on this album for me. It feels like Sufjan has made use of almost every instrument in the orchestra throughout this album, and each track has a distinct vibe based on the instruments used.
The album does such a good job of immersing you into this world of Illinois created by Sufjan. It takes through through a journey of highs, lows, and UFOs. It's a beautiful thing.
Fave tracks: John Wayne Gacy, Jr., Chicago, Casimir Pulaski Day, The Predatory Wasp..., They are Night Zombies!! They...
Julian Cope
3/5
Not bad, not great.
Hard for me to get past the vocals - just not vibing with me. Some of the instrumentation throughout the album is impressive, but pretty underwhelming overall.
Fave tracks: Hanging Out and Hung Up On The Line, Beautiful Love
Justice
3/5
Pretty good house album. I didn't fall in love with all of the tracks like I do with Daft Punk records, but there are still some classic house hits on this one.
Some of the electronic sounds (especially on tracks like Genesis) haven't aged incredibly well and have that deadmau5 vibe, which seems to be exclusive to electronic albums released between 2005 and 2010.
Fave tracks: D.A.N.C.E., Phantom, Stress
Hanoi Rocks
3/5
Pretty good, fast-paced, 80s rock album. Nothin super memorable. Beating Gets Faster is a highlight for sure.
Fave tracks: Malibu Beach Nightmare, Until I Get You, Beating Gets Faster
Jack White
5/5
Jack White is such a special dude. I feel like I enjoy everything he has ever released. So in touch with his instrumentation, finding a collection of experimental sounds that all work together to create his signature style. I am especially excited about how well the keyboards and guitars interact throughout the album, and as always, the different levels of guitar distortion used throughout the album.
This is an album I always have in my library and really enjoy listening time and time again. Less sensational than some of the White Stripes catalogue, but a high-quality release nonetheless.
4.5/5, rounded up.
Fave tracks: Sixteen Saltines, Freedom At 21, Love Interruption, I'm Shakin'
R.E.M.
4/5
Great entry from REM. I really like the dark bass lines throughout, and find that the heavier instrumentation perfectly suits REM and their lyrics.
Fave tracks: Finest Worksong. Exhuming McCarthy, The One I Love, King of Birds
4/5
Reminds me of Patti Smith, which is always a good thing. Also Nick Cave to a certain extent. Very provocative and thoughtful songwriting, pretty instrumentals, and soothing vocals. Was surprised to see Thom Yorke pop up in this album, but he did a fantastic job on the 2 tracks he was featured in.
Great listen.
Fave tracks: Good Fortune, Beautiful Feeling, This is Love
The Beta Band
4/5
A trip-hop album I have never heard of, but have heard the opening track sampled countless times. Really chill, interesting sounds on this album. Being released in 2001, I don't think they were the first to break ground into this vibe, but they executed well.
I enjoyed the electronics and the production on this one. Lyrics are entertaining and often humourous which also struck a chord with me.
Great discovery! Fun album.
Fave tracks: Squares, Broke, Quiet, Eclipse
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Solid entry from CCR. There are a few moments on this album (mostly in the second half) where my attention is lost, but overall a great album from an iconic band that defined a signature sound in the folk/blues scene.
Fave tracks: Green River, Bad Moon Rising, Lodi
Blur
3/5
Super famous brit-rock album. Not my favourite; I thought I would enjoy this album more than I actually did. I like the raw qualities on a lot of the tracks, but there are many rough transitions and some songs that I can't connect with. I respect the album and the band, but won't be revisiting regularly.
Fave tracks: Song 2, You're so Great, I'm Just a Killer for Your Love
The Stone Roses
5/5
Love this album. Joy Division / Sonic Youth vibes. Amazing new wave sound, just the right amount of distortion and reverb to compliment the lyricism without being too distracting. The experimentalism isn't necessarily groundbreaking given that the album was released in 1989 well after the peak of new wave, but the band's sound still manages to feel fresh.
4.5/5, rounded up.
Fave tracks: I Wanna Be Adored, Don't Stop, Shoot You Down, This Is the One, I Am The Resurrection
Keith Jarrett
4/5
Keith's style kind of reminds me of Vince Guaraldi. Perfect for cozy winter days. Piano playing is great throughout, very flowy and technical. I enjoyed it.
Fave tracks: best enjoyed front to back.
Sister Sledge
4/5
Classic R&B / disco album. Pretty timeless, holds up well after all these years. Love all the wind instruments and string arrangements throughout this album.
Fave tracks: He's the Greatest Dancer, Lost in Music, We Are Family, Easier to Love
Roni Size
2/5
I cannot get into drum & bass. It's just that simple. This isn't the worst D&B album I've heard, but still, no thank you.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
5/5
Heavily enjoyed this. Great samples, great writing, super funky, just awesome. The release date of 1982 makes it clear that this was super fresh at the time of release, and surely served as a big influence for future hip-hop and R&B acts.
Fave tracks: She's Fresh, It's Nasty, Scorpio, The Message
Nico
3/5
This album was alright, couldn't get into it that much, but still have respect for the lyrics and softness of the album. Nico's voice will turn me away from future listens of this album. Good use of woodwinds, strings and plucked guitar.
Fave tracks: The Fairest of The Seasons, These Days, Winter Song
Iron Maiden
5/5
This album makes me want to turn my speakers up so loud that they explode. British legends.
Fave tracks: The Prisoner, The Number of the Beast, Run to the Hills, Hallowed Be Thy Name