298
Albums Rated
3.42
Average Rating
27%
Complete
791 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950s
Favorite Decade
Hip-hop
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
37
5-Star Albums
6
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
90
808 State
|
5 | 2.69 | +2.31 |
|
Dog Man Star
Suede
|
5 | 3 | +2 |
|
S.F. Sorrow
The Pretty Things
|
5 | 3 | +2 |
|
Meat Puppets II
Meat Puppets
|
5 | 3.02 | +1.98 |
|
Dig Your Own Hole
The Chemical Brothers
|
5 | 3.12 | +1.88 |
|
Rattus Norvegicus
The Stranglers
|
5 | 3.15 | +1.85 |
|
Solid Air
John Martyn
|
5 | 3.16 | +1.84 |
|
D
White Denim
|
5 | 3.21 | +1.79 |
|
Entertainment
Gang Of Four
|
5 | 3.25 | +1.75 |
|
Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
|
5 | 3.28 | +1.72 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
|
1 | 3.46 | -2.46 |
|
Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
|
1 | 3.45 | -2.45 |
|
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
|
1 | 3.39 | -2.39 |
|
Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
|
1 | 3.38 | -2.38 |
|
Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
|
1 | 3.33 | -2.33 |
|
Only By The Night
Kings of Leon
|
1 | 3.23 | -2.23 |
|
Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
|
2 | 3.7 | -1.7 |
|
The Joshua Tree
U2
|
2 | 3.67 | -1.67 |
|
Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
|
2 | 3.63 | -1.63 |
|
Morrison Hotel
The Doors
|
2 | 3.59 | -1.59 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Beatles | 4 | 4.5 |
| Bob Dylan | 3 | 4.33 |
| Johnny Cash | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| The Police | 2 | 1.5 |
5-Star Albums (37)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Common
3/5
To be fair, you have to have a very high IQ to understand Be by Common. The themes are extremely subtle, and without a solid grasp of the English language, most of the jokes will go over a typical listener's head. There's also Common's hopeful outlook, which is deftly woven into his personality - his personal philosophy draws heavily from the streets of Chicago, for instance. The fans understand this stuff; they have the intellectual capacity to truly appreciate the depths of this music, to realize that it doesn't just sound good- it says something deep about LIFE. As a consequence people who dislike Be by Common truly ARE idiots- of course they wouldn't appreciate, for instance, the humour in Common's existensial catchphrase "Be," which itself is a cryptic reference to Descartes Discourse on the Method. I'm smirking right now just imagining one of those addlepated simpletons scratching their heads in confusion as Kanye and Common's genius unfolds itself on through their headphones. What fools... how I pity them. 😂 And yes by the way, I DO have a Common tattoo. And no, you cannot see it. It's for the ladies' eyes only- And even they have to demonstrate that they're within 5 IQ points of my own (preferably lower) beforehand.
Best Songs: Be, The Corner, The Food
Worst Songs: Faithful, Testify
8 likes
White Denim
5/5
This was a surprisingly good psych rock/ jam band album. You can tell it was meticulously put together. I really enjoyed it and will definitely come back to it. I'm not sure about it's actual influence, but it may be the best jam band album of the 2010s. I think it teeters on a 5, but I'll give it the benefit of the doubt.
Best Songs: Back at the Farm, Street Joy, Drug, Is and Is and Is
Worst Songs: NA
5 likes
Sex Pistols
1/5
I used Anarchy in the UK as a way to talk about Political Theory in a college class.
All in all, I feel like The Sex Pistols tried to use cheap shock value to stir controversy. Many of their songs sound repetitive. While I tend to like punk, the Sex Pistols are not for me.
Best Songs: God Save the Queen, Pretty Vacant
Worst Songs: Bodies, Problems, New York
4 likes
Beastie Boys
4/5
The Beastie Boys make fun music with great production. You can just feel the connection between all the boys. There's also some pretty innovative production through sample choices and the beats that they rap over. I can see the influence in modern rappers like Denzel Curry's production.
Best Songs: Egg Man, Hey Ladies, What Comes Around, B-Boy Bouillabaise
Worst Songs: Johnny Ryall, Shadrach,
3 likes
Jerry Lee Lewis
5/5
Surprisingly, this is the best live album I've ever heard. Although Jerry Lee is a disgusting human being, this show was fun and exciting for the entire 22 minutes. I felt like I was in the room with him.
Best Songs: Money
Worst Songs: NA
2 likes
1-Star Albums (6)
All Ratings
Steely Dan
4/5
I get why NL likes Steely Dan. Album feels very nostalgic. Happy on the outside, but depressing on the inside. Very well exemplified by Peg.
Top songs: Peg, Home At Last
Worst Songs: I Got The News
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
This is a really fun album from the Arctic Monkeys. Personally, I think it is their second best album. I would have loved to be in my prime when this music was popular.
Best Songs: Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor, From Ritz to Rubble, A Certain Romance, Mardy Bum
Worst Songs: You Probably Couldn't See For the Lights..., Dancing Shoes
Gene Clark
3/5
Decent album. Seems like Gene Clark ushered in the wave of rock-country.
Best Songs: No Other, Strength of Strings
Worst Songs: Life's Greatest Fool
John Lennon
3/5
Pretty average album. Probably hovers between 2-3 stars for me. Most songs feel like Beatles leftovers or pretentious. Jealous Guy sounds like he is trying to excuse his abusive behaviour. I Don't Wanna Be A Soldier Mama feels lazy and uninspired, especially as a protest song. There are a few gems on this album, notably Imagine, but I do not think of it as an amazing album.
Best Songs: Imagine, How?
Worst Songs: I Don't Wanna Be A Soldier Mama,
The Pogues
4/5
Great Irish-Punk album! I personally think it's a little bloated, but it has a lot of charm. No songs stuck out as awful, but there are a handful that I didn't care for. Really enjoy the vibes. The album makes me with it was St. Patrick's Day.
Best Songs: A Pair of Brown Eyes, Sally MacLennane, Dirty Old Town, A Pistol for Paddy Garcia, The Body of an American
Worse Songs: Navigator, The Old Main Drag
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
I need to start out with this Caveat. I like hip hop, and I know how iconic and important Run-D.M.C. is to the entire genre. With that being said, this album is just okay.
The album starts by exemplifying the groups natural chemistry. The word play and the coordination on these songs is out of this world. My issue is due to all of the repetition on the album.
I get that Raising Hell came out in the 80s, but the loud snare beats on every song knock this down a peg. Maybe it was my speakers, or the audio mixing for spotify, but the beats drowned out the rapping many times. If I really enjoyed the beats, maybe this wouldn't be as big of an issue, but I just didn't. With similar beats and flows on every song, it was hard to differentiate between songs, and they all blended together in my mind.
This album has great and classic songs, but it is not built to listen to all at once.
Best Songs: It's Tricky, My Adidas, Walk This Way, Proud to be Black
Worst Songs: Dumb Girl, Son of Byford
Jerry Lee Lewis
5/5
Surprisingly, this is the best live album I've ever heard. Although Jerry Lee is a disgusting human being, this show was fun and exciting for the entire 22 minutes. I felt like I was in the room with him.
Best Songs: Money
Worst Songs: NA
Talking Heads
3/5
I really wanted to like the Talking Heads, but this album only has a few good songs in my opinion. In some of the more iconic Talking Heads songs, eg. Psycho Killer, David Byrne's voice is somehow charming and catchy. On many of these songs, especially Found a Job, he comes off grating and obnoxious. It's clear on this album that the Talking Heads hadn't completely refined their sound yet. This may be my headphones or the mix's fault, but there are multiple times where you can barely hear the lyrics as well. Their cover of Take Me to the River has coherent lyrics, and is by far the best song on this album.
Best Songs: Take Me to the River, The Big Country, Thank You for Sending Me an Angel
Worst Songs: Found a Job, Artists Only, With Our Love
Peter Tosh
4/5
I understand why I've never heard of Peter Tosh, but he knows how to put together a solid reggae album. Although there are only a handful of standout songs, this album is very easy listening. I found out I like reggae more than I expected!
Best Songs: Legalize It, Till Your Well Runs Dry, Ketchy Shuby
Worst Songs: Whatcha Gonna Do
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
I really wanted to like this album, and I did like some of the songs. My issue with this album is that while there are highs, the lows are much lower. I wish there was more ska and I wish there was more punk. The songs I like feel so short, and the songs I hate take forever to get through. If this album was shorter, it might get a three.
Best Songs: On a Rope, Young Livers, Misbeaten
Worst Songs: Salt Future, Suit City, Ball Lightning
TV On The Radio
4/5
I'm curious what musical silence would sound like now.
For a real review, I generally liked this album! It's pretty obvious to me how Dear Science and TV On The Radio had major influence on the early 2010s indie-pop scene. Some of these experimental sounds trickled down to MGMT, Phoenix, and Passionpit. This album also demonstrats TV On The Radio's extensive audio layering skills. While it may have gotten a little formulaic, every song slowly built to a cresendo of chaos and sound but still made sense! Overall, I liked this album. It's not a "classic", but its enjoyable and influential.
Best Songs: Dancing Choose, DLZ, Golden Age
Worst Songs: Red Dress, Make Love All Night Long
Honorable Mentions: Heroic Dose (sounds like what I imagine a heroic dose to feel like)
The Chemical Brothers
5/5
Dig Your Own Hole is the most complete recorded album I've listened to this journey so far. The entire album is covered in 90s grime. If you looked up the inspiration to this ad, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veTl59Klc5Q , you would see that it was the Chemical Brothers. They somehow make noise sound good.
Best Songs: Setting Sun, Lost In The K-Hole, Elektrobank
Worst Songs: NA
Jimmy Smith
4/5
This is music that Gus Fring would listen to while cooking. Very jazzy and smooth, and definitely feels ahead of its time. Joe from Soul would have loved to play something like this in the NY Jazz Clubs.
While I like the album, Minor Chant is the only song that really stands out to me.
Best Songs: Minor Chant
Worst Songs: NA
Ice Cube
4/5
His acting career made me think he was corny, but this is a sick album. There are some issues with production on tracts like "Now I Gotta Wet 'Cha" and "We Had To Tear This Mothafucka Up" which detract from the album.
The album has a very political edge to it, which I enjoy. I will always be surprised that issues like the "school to prison pipeline" and "police brutality" have been talked about for decades and are still prominent problems in society. Ice Cube does a nice job of explaining these issues and breaking into the consciousness of white America. The acting career really altered his image.
This album reminds me of a Kendrick Lamar album if he was from the 90s. Bangers and commentary combined.
Best Songs: It Was A Good Day, Dirty Mack, Check Yo Self
Worst Songs: The Predator, Don't Trust 'Em
Honorable Bad Songs (Production Issues): Now I Gotta Wet 'Cha, We Had To Tear This Mothafucka Up
Prince
3/5
The album was decent and full of 80s vibes. Definitely doesn't make me a full-on Prince fan though. Some songs were straight up creepy too.
Best Songs: Starfish and Coffee, Slow Love, U Got The Look
Worst Songs: Hot Thing (Creepy), The Ballad of Dorothy Parker
Buffalo Springfield
2/5
Feels entirely 60s. There is a lot of dreamy, psychedelic folk rock. I'm sure this would have gone crazy when it first came out. Unfortunately, this album just feels a little forgettable to me.
Best Songs: Mr. Soul, Rock & Roll Woman, Broken Arrow
Worst Songs: A Child's Claim to Fame, Hung Upside Down
Eagles
4/5
I've been to Winslow, AZ. There are only a handful of corners there. I wonder which corner he was standing at.
For the real review, I think this album is awesome. I'm surprised, but it feels very southwest. I'm a big fan of western/southwestern culture, so this was a welcome surprise! The entire album is full of 70s bangers. Some songs don't hit, but it's still a good album
Best Songs: Take It Easy, Witchy Woman, Train Leaves Here This Morning, Peaceful Easy Feeling
Worst Songs: Chug All Night, Take the Devil
Electric Light Orchestra
4/5
Electric Light Orchestra is one of my favorite acts of the 1970s. I love their take on 70s psychedelia! This album is no exception. Out Of The Blue starts with the epic Turn to Stone, the only song I know where they successfully use a fade-out at the end. The next songs follow, and they add to the air of overwhelming emotional music. The alblum should have ended with Mr. Blue Sky, but it unfortunately continues into The Whale, Birmingham Blues, and Wild West Hero; three songs that are seriously weak. It is a great album, but has serious errors towards the end.
Best Songs: Turn to Stone, It's Over, Standin' in the Rain, Mr. Blue Sky
Worst Songs: Jungle, The Whale, Wild West Hero
Amy Winehouse
4/5
This album shows off the potential for Amy Winehouse and leads to her artistic peak of Back to Black. Frank leads with a classic jazz sound, but it makes my wonder how Amy would feature on more contemporary hip-hop tracks. Too bad she left us so soon.
Best Songs: Stronger Than Me, Know You Now, Take The Box
Worst Songs: October Song
The Afghan Whigs
3/5
Didn't hate it, but it was also a little cringe. It feels like Three Doors Down, but not in a good way. One of the best songs, in my opinion, wasn't even sung by the lead singer. Overall, the album is fine, but not great.
Best Songs: Gentlemen, My Curse
Worst Songs: Fountain and Fairfax, What Jail is Like
Basement Jaxx
4/5
This felt like watching adult swim as a 7 year old. I listened to a lot of it a second time, and it grew even more on me. This album borders on a 5.
Best songs: Red Alert, Yo-Yo,
Worst Songs: Same Old Show
Sex Pistols
1/5
I used Anarchy in the UK as a way to talk about Political Theory in a college class.
All in all, I feel like The Sex Pistols tried to use cheap shock value to stir controversy. Many of their songs sound repetitive. While I tend to like punk, the Sex Pistols are not for me.
Best Songs: God Save the Queen, Pretty Vacant
Worst Songs: Bodies, Problems, New York
Joni Mitchell
4/5
This is album is between a 3 and a 4, but I'll give it a four for one reason; There were no songs I disliked. There were songs that I thought were fine, but nothing was awful.
Court and Spark is an album that reminds me of my parents. I tend to like most of the songs, but they also feel like products of their time. It's a good album but not a classic, in my opinion.
Best Songs: Help Me, Raised on Robbery
Worst Songs: NA
Os Mutantes
4/5
This is the Brazilian Sgt. Pepper.
Best Songs: A Minha Menina, Sonhor F, Le Premier Bonheur Du Jour, Tempo No Tempo, Bat Macumba
Worst Songs: Baby, Ave Gengis Khan
Minor Threat
4/5
This is a timeless and influential album. I see the appeal! Sounds better through headphones.
Best Songs: Look Back & Laugh, Cashing In, It Follows
Worst Songs: Little Friend
ZZ Top
3/5
This is classic dad rock. It's fine, and there are couple classic rock songs, but the album gets repetitive very quickly. Like most 80s music, they don't seem to know how to end songs, so most end with a long slow instrumental fade. Songs like Legs and TV Dinners are almost a meme as well.
Best Songs: Sharp Dressed Man, Gimme All Your Lovin'
Worst Songs: I Got the Six, Dirty Dog
Led Zeppelin
3/5
I don't think I'm a big Led Zeppelin fan. They have a few songs that really resonate with me, but their sound is the prelude to the 80s rock bands that I'm definitely not a big fan of. This album has decent songs and is influential, but I can't say I completely enjoyed it.
P.S. Since I've Been Loving You seems like a good rip-off of I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know by Blood, Sweat, and Tears.
Best Songs: Celebration Day, Since I've Been Loving You, Tangerine
Worst Songs: Bron-Y-Aur Stomp, That's The Way
Fugees
5/5
There is a reason The Score is a classic. The Fugees tie in a reggae influence to east coast rap and R&B. This combo results the underrated songs "Zealots" and "No Woman, No Cry". On top of these, this album has massively popular and influential tunes such as "Killing Me Softly..." and "Ready or Not". The Fugees even experiment with a slight western influenced song "Cowboys". I genuinely enjoyed this project.
You can still feel the influence of The Score through most contemporary rappers: From Kendrick Lamar and Little Sims to Brockhampton to Hamilton. This album is a classic.
Best Songs: Ready or Not, Zealots, Fu-Gee-La, Killing Me Softly With His Song, The Mask, Cowboys
Worst Songs: NA
Scott Walker
3/5
Fine album. It doesn't feel as old as some reviewers talked about because of some of the experimental sounds.
Best Songs: The Seventh Seal, The Old Man's Back Again, Get Behind Me
Worst Songs: Boy Child
Tortoise
3/5
I was very excited when I started listening to this album. I thought it would be another wild electronic-filled album, but as it went on I realized that it was atmospheric guitar music. Decent album, but nothing I would listen to on my own.
Best Songs: Glass Museum, Along the Banks of Rivers
Worst Songs: NA
Aerosmith
4/5
Really solid classic rock album. Has bangers like Walk this Way and Sweet Emotion. I'm not the biggest fan of 70s/80s rock, but this is the best album from the genre I've had to listen to so far.
Best Songs: Walk this Way, Sweet Emotion, You See Me Crying
Worst Songs: No More No More
Tom Waits
3/5
Tom Waits voice legitimately sounds like he's dying. Sometimes it's grating, and sometimes its great!
Best Songs: Heart Attack and Vine, Downtown, , Mr. Siegal, Til' the Money Runs Out
Worst Songs: On the Nickel
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
Probably one of the better Brit-pop Bands. They're synth wave sound is definitely one of the most influential and popular trends of the 80s.
Best Songs: Rent, Hit Music,
Worst Songs: It Couldn't Happen Here
Iron Butterfly
2/5
They may have been one of the more commercially successful acts of the 1960s, but their contemporaries did it better. Most of these songs are bland psych-rock. It doesn't feel revolutionary in any way. Finally, the title track sounds like a jam band mixed with a shitty Elvis impression. That might be some people's idea of a good time, but it's not for me.
Best Songs: Most Anything You Want, Termination,
Worst Songs: Flowers and Beads, My Mirage, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Robert Wyatt
2/5
Unapologetically British. Not my favorite album and I'm not sure if it needs to be on the list. I didn't hate it, but won't be listening to it again.
Best Songs: Little Red Riding Hood Hit the Road
Worst Songs: Sea Song, Alifib
Bad Company
3/5
Decent album but somewhat forgettable. I'm starting to see the British influence on the list.
Best Songs: Bad Company
Worst Songs: Movin' On
Queen
3/5
Good album, but much of it seemed very forgettable. Aside from songs like, Killer Queen and In the Lap of the Gods, I don't think I could name a single tune from this album.
Best Songs: Killer Queen, In the Lap of the Gods
Worst Songs: Bring Back that Leroy Brown
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
3/5
This album is something that finally breaks out of the classic rock mold I've been in for the last week. Blues/psych rock is definitely more my speed. While this album is a little samey and doesn't have some of the same nostalgic highs that Queen or Lynard Skynard may have it also doesn't have their lows. Some songs may outstay their welcome as well (looking at you What'd I Say), but this album still deserves a listen.
Best Songs: Have You Heard
Worst Songs: What'd I Say
George Michael
3/5
Definitely an early 90s album. It has the spirit that "things are gonna get better". There was also a surprising amount of flute or pan flute. Solid, but not something I truly enjoyed or would listen to on my own again.
Best Songs: Freedom!, Cowboys and Angels, Soul Free
Worst Songs: Something to Save,
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
4/5
Prog rock is better than expected. While the genre doesn't have many catchy bangers, it doesn't have the awfully boring songs.
Pictures At An Exhibition is a live album by Emerson, Lake & Palmer. The musicianship is insane. This is a great experience to listen to all the way through. There is no way I would listen to each song individually, but together it is awesome! For some reason, the longer songs are worse than the shorter songs
Best Songs: The Old Castle, Nutrocker
Worst Songs: Curse of Baba Yaga
The Flaming Lips
4/5
I always thought I hated the Flaming Lips. A lot of their recent stuff is not my taste. I was pleasantly surprised when listening to this album! This is classic indie-psych-rock from the 90s. The production is fantastic, and while the songs aren't catchy, they have so much raw emotion in them. Highly recommend.
Best Songs: A Spoonful Weighs a Ton, Feeling Yourself Disintegrate
Worst Songs: Waiting for Superman
Bob Dylan
4/5
It's clear why Bob Dylan is accepted as one of the best songwriters in American history. The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan sets the stage for the folk-rock of the 1970s. This is a very solid album.
Best Songs: Blowin' in the Wind, Masters of War
Worst Songs: A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall
Talking Heads
4/5
This album exemplifies what makes the Talking Heads Great. The mix of absurd and meaningful lyrics paired with strange synth instrumentals creates some unique music. Remain in Light starts out with a bang with three great songs in a row. Unfortunately, the album slowly loses that punch and fizzles out by the end.
Best Songs: Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On), Crosseyed and Painless, Once in a Lifetime,
Worst Songs: The Overload
Johnny Cash
5/5
American IV is the last Johnny Cash album released while he was alive. This fact makes the album even more somber. So many of the songs like Streets of Laredo, I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry, We'll Meet Again, and Desperado have such a different meaning coming from a man at the end of his life. This is a fantastic album, and I hope every music fan can at least appreciate it.
Best Songs: The Man Comes Around, Hurt, I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry, We'll Meet Again, Streets of Laredo, Desperado
Worst Songs: NA
Stephen Stills
3/5
Solid album but doesn't feel revolutionary or a must listen to me. I have to give him credit for a song about my home state though.
Best Songs: Both of Us, Hide It so Deep
Worst Songs: Jesus Gave Love Away for Free, What to Do
The Divine Comedy
3/5
Fine album. I don't feel like it's a masterpiece, but it give off musical theater vibes (in a good way).
Best Songs: Songs of Love, Becoming More Like Alfie
Worst Songs: In & Out of Paris & London, Middle-Class Heroes
The Smiths
5/5
I'm shocked by this album. I thought I would HATE The Smiths. Morrisey is allegedly a Nazi/White Supremacist, so I was sure his music was awful. Unfortunately, this is a time where you might need to try to separate the art from the artist. The Queen Is Dead is an actual masterpiece. I LOVED IT! They do the 80s right with some present but not overpowering synth and dreamy vocals. I think this is one of the best albums of the 80s.
Best Songs: The Queen Is Dead, Frankly Mr. Shankly, There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
Worst Songs: NA
Röyksopp
3/5
Way ahead of it's time. I think this might have started lofi hip hop.
I did listen to this while I went on a walk and some of the horns in songs made me think i was about to get hit by a car.
Best Songs: She's So, Poor Leno
Worst Songs: Remind Me
Fred Neil
3/5
A slightly trippier off brand version of Bob Dylan. I didn't hear anything that I thought was revolutionary here. Decent album, but I don't need to revisit it anytime soon.
Best Songs: Everybody's Talkin, Everything Happens, Sweet Cocaine
Worst Songs: The Dolphins, Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga
N.W.A.
3/5
This album is really good classic gangsta rap. While I like it, I realize I like east coast 90s rap more than west coast. I have to recognize the influence of this album. This almost feels like it's from the 90s. There are elements of production on this album that are ahead of it's time too.
Best Songs: Straight Outta Compton, Fuck Tha Police, Express Yourself
Worst Songs: 8 Ball, Compton's N The House, Quiet on Tha Set
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Reminds me of Bob Dylan, but slightly less iconic. Decent album but not mind blowing.
Best Songs: Bird on the Wire, The Partisan,
Worst Songs: Story of Isaac, You Know Who I Am
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2/5
I thought I was a Red Hot Chili Peppers fan. Turns out, I only like their hits. Outside of the popular songs, this album SUCKS!!!!! I do not recommend people listen to this album. RHCP is not an album band.
The only positives of this album is that the lead singer knows how to use his voice as an intrument. Lyrics do not matter to RHCP, but vibes do.
Best Songs: Around the World, Scar Tissue, Otherside, Californication
Worst Songs: Get on Top, Easily, I Like Dirt, Emit Remmus, Purple Stain
Paul Weller
3/5
Nothing revolutionary. Feels like it came out way behind of it's time. If this came out in the 70s or 80s I would understand and respect this album more. While I don't think this is changed the state of music, I think it is a decent enough album.
Best Songs: Wild Wood, Has My Fire Really Gone Out?, 5th Season
Worst Songs: Magic Bus, Can You Heal Us,
Amy Winehouse
5/5
This is Amy Winehouse's magnum opus. It's also clear how much she was struggling with her addictions and relationships on this album. While most songs seem upbeat, they all have such dark undertones, especially knowing how Amy ended up. This, however, is a timeless album. Amy Winehouse is one of the biggest "What if's" in music history.
Best Songs: Rehab, Back to Black, Tears Dry On Their Own, Some Unholy War
Worst Songs: NA
The Who
3/5
The Who Sell Out is feels as though The Who tried to imitate The Beatles and The Beach Boys, but were more cheesy. Some songs that make me feel this way are I Can See For Miles, Relax, and Sunrise.
I really like the concept of this album, and this came out at a time where even having conceptual albums was something new and interesting. The radio station format paved the way for other albums, like Dawn FM.
While I think the format is fun and interesting, the songs on the album were not. There are not many songs that I want to listen to on my own time again.
Best Songs: Our Love Was, Odorono
Worst Songs: Mary Anne With The Shaky Hand, Silas Stingy
The Velvet Underground
2/5
While I like The Velvet Underground's most famous record, I still think they are one of the most pretentious bands of all time. This album is fine, but I would not listen to it again.
Best Songs: White Light/White Heat, Sister Ray
Worst Songs: The Gift
Hole
3/5
Very 90s grundgy album. I can see why Kurt and Courtney got along (kinda). I don't think this album is entirely important to the world of music, however, and feels somewhat generic.
Best Songs: Doll Parts, Violet, Jennifer's Body, Rock Star,
Worst Songs: I Think That I Would Die, Plump
Elliott Smith
4/5
I see the appeal. My first listen was through car speakers. I do not recommend that. This album is one that you should listen to with your headphones on while it's raining.
There are some songs that I like and few that I truly dislike. In Gen-Z language, this feels like male manipulator music, but at least it's the good stuff.
Best Songs: Speed Trials, Between the Bars, Pictures of Me, Say Yes
Worst Songs: Rose Parade, 2:45 AM
Little Simz
4/5
Little Simz is one of the only good things going for British Hip-Hop. The other is Slowthai. This album propelled Little Simz into the mainstream for good reason. Many of the songs use unique samples and instrumentals reminiscent of TPAB or TA13OO. The lyrics are simultaneously catchy and deep. Great album.
Best Songs: Offence, Selfish, Wounds, 101 FM, Sherbet Sunset
Worst: Pressure
The Soft Boys
2/5
Disclaimer: I only listened to the album before the bonus tracks.
I don't need to listen to this again. It blends some key aspects of the Velvet Underground with early 80s synths and riffs. There isn't much special about this album in my opinion. While it isn't horrible, I have no real takeaways and nothing to come back to.
Best Songs: I Got the Hots, You'll Have to Go Sideways,
Worst Songs: Positive Vibrations, Insanely Jealous of You, Queen of Eyes
Christine and the Queens
3/5
This album is decent contemporary electro-pop. I personally don't think it is important enough or good enough to be on the list, but it's fine.
Best Songs: Girlfriend, Goya Soda
Worst Songs: The stranger
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Makes you feel like a kid growing up in the 80s. The album explores middle America and the innocence and trauma of it all. It does make you nostalgic for a different time.
Best Songs: Born in the USA, Glory Days, Dancing in the Dark
Worst Songs: Darlington County
The Prodigy
3/5
You need to listen to this album as you walk through a city and it slowly drops rain at night. It is a much better experience. Listening through kinda shitty headphones also helps.
All in all, this feels like a worse Chemical Brothers album. I like it, but it's not the best electro-grunge I've heard.
Best Songs: Smack My Bitch Up, Funky Shit, Mindfields, Narayan
Worst Songs: Breathe, Diesel Power, Serial Thrilla
George Jones
4/5
A very surprising 4/5! This album was like seeing your long lost family. It brought up feelings of nostalgia for old "pop-country". I love the use of slide guitar, and I can see how 80s and 90s country was drastically changed due to George Jones.
Best Songs: The Grand Tour, Pass Me By, Mary Don't Go Round, Our Private Life
Worst Songs: Darlin', She'll Love the One She's With
The Police
2/5
The singer obviously has mommy issues.
Best Songs: Every Breath You Take
Worst Songs: Mother
Barry Adamson
4/5
I looked this album up, and it definitely hits the tone of a fake movie soundtrack. I really liked some of the songs, but Dirty Barry was unbearable. I think some of the ideas on this album were done better by other artists, but it still sounds relevant to this day.
Best Songs: Vermillion Kisses, The Sweetest Embrace,
Worst Songs: Dirty Barry
The Kinks
3/5
An album for people that think Revolver is peak Beatles.
Best Songs: Dandy, House in the Country, Sunny Afternoon,
Worst Songs: I'll Remember, Holiday in Waikiki
Miles Davis
3/5
Decent Jazz album that probably revolutionized music at the time. Unfortunately, it now sounds old and done-over. I feel like there are better Miles Davis albums as well.
Best Songs: NA
Worst Songs: NA
Tim Buckley
2/5
Definitely not my favorite album, but I think that comes from Tim Buckley's vocals. I HATE his voice. His vocals kill awesome instrumentals, like in Devil Eyes. The only song that really benefits from his voice is Make it Right, which is my favorite song on the album by far.
Apparently Radiohead and other acts have cited Tim Buckley as an influence. His influence alone makes him an important part of the list, but I still think his music is fairly forgettable.
Best Songs: Hong Kong Bar, Make it Right
Worst Songs: Sweet Surrender, Devil Eyes
Cocteau Twins
2/5
Okay album. I liked the strange Greco-Roman theme to the album, but at the same time they sounded like they were speaking latin through the whole thing. They have better music than Treasure and I'm not sure if I'd listen to any of these songs again.
Best Songs: Beatrix, Pandora, Aloysius
Worst Songs: Otterley
808 State
5/5
This album is basically the musical equivalent of the frutiger aero aesthetic. It feels way ahead of its time. If someone told me this came out in 2004, I would not have been surprised. An album wayyyy ahead of its time with some profound influence on techno, edm, and even hip hop.
On top of everything, the music in Neon White completely copies everything good from this album.
Best Songs: Magical Dream, Cobra Bora, Pacific 202, 808080808
Worst Songs: Donkey Doctor
The Pogues
4/5
Great Album. I've reviewed this in the past, before I joined a group, and it was one of my favorite albums I had listened to so far. It still holds up now! There is no tackyness in their embrace of Irishness, and I really like this album. It's not perfect, but it's close.
Best Songs: Sally MacLennane, The Band Played Waltzing Matilda, The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn, London Girl
Worst Songs: Wild Cats of Kilkenny
The National
3/5
This is a remnant of the mid-2000s alt-rock. It's also a transition into the early 2010s indie-rock scene. I can see it's influence it had on bands like Alt-J, Portugal. the Man, and others. It's not bad, but I don't think I'll try to listen to it again.
Best Songs: Anyone's Ghost, Conversation 16, Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks
Worst Songs: Terrible Love, Runaway
Beatles
4/5
I'm not sure why people dislike albums by the Beatles after Revolver. This is the first time they experiment with their sound and push it that way. I think the albums that come later go more into those depths. This is solid, but definitely not their best work. Finally, it's obvious they loved the invention of stereo audio.
Best Songs: Taxman, Eleanor Rigby, I'm Only Sleeping, And Your Bird Can Sing
Worst Songs: Doctor Robert, I Want To Tell You
My Bloody Valentine
4/5
This album really holds up well. I wouldn't have been surprised if it was released in the last couple of years, and yet, IT WAS RELEASED IN THE 90S!!!
While there are parts of the album that aren't my taste, it obviously influenced a lot of music I genuinely enjoy.
Best Songs: When You Sleep, I Only Said, Blown a Wish
Worst Songs: Touched,
Donovan
3/5
Decent 60s album, but I've never been a big Donovan fan. I don't feel like he really stands out from his contemporaries.
Best Songs: Sunshine Superman, Season of the Witch, Celeste
Worst Songs: Legend of a Girl Child Linda, Three King Fishers,
Miles Davis
4/5
Very interesting and experimental jazz album. While this isn't my preferred genre, I enjoyed the album.
Best Songs: NA
Worst Songs: NA
Radiohead
4/5
Artsy, emo-boy music. I get why people like Radiohead, but something was missing for me, so I can't give it a 5. The production, vocals, and instruments are amazing though. Overall, really captivating album, but didn't completely click with me.
Best Songs: Pyramid Song, Knives Out, Morning Bell/Amnesiac, Life in a Glasshouse
Worst Songs: Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors, Hunting Bears,
Solange
3/5
Feels like an R&B version of TPAB. While I liked it, some of the songs blended together, and with the skits, the album felt longer than it actually was. Again, I liked the album, but I'm not sure if it has the staying power to be on the list long-term.
Best Songs: Mad, Borderline
Worst Songs: Weary
Throwing Muses
4/5
This is one of those hidden gems that this project is all about. Throwing Muses debut album is clearly one of the first albums to experiment with a post-punk sound. Bands like the Pixies were clearly influenced by this sound. Maybe it's their label's fault, but I'm shocked Throwing Muses are not bigger in popular culture.
Best Songs: Call Me, Rabbits Dying, America,
Worst Songs: Soul Soldier
Kraftwerk
3/5
I totally understand why this album is on the list, but it doesn't completely resonate with me. I'm sure the production was revolutionary for the time, but the world has caught up. Overall, not bad, probably revolutionary, but not something I would actively listen to again.
Best Songs: Autobahn, Kometenmelodie 2, Morgenspaziergang
Worst Songs: Kometenmelodie 1
The Stooges
4/5
I can see how this album set the stage for more modern punk music. While it has it's misses and hits, The Stooges self-titled album is an undeniable classic. My only issue with The Stooges is not their music. I feel like they were aiming for shock over substance in many of their live performances. Luckily, they avoid dumb "shock" factor in their music, unlike The Sex Pistols.
Best Songs: We Will Fall, No Fun, Real Cool Time
Worst Songs: Ann, Little Doll
John Coltrane
4/5
The best jazz album I've gotten so far. The album seems to symbolize religious struggle and resolution without almost any words. While it's not entirely for me, I completely understand the importance of this album.
Best Songs: NA
Worst Songs: NA
Coldplay
4/5
This album isn't as nostalgic as I wished it was, but it's still solid. This is classic Coldplay, before they turned pure corpo-rockpop. While the most popular songs from the album, The Scientist and Clocks, feel overplayed and outdated, many of the other songs are a surprising hit. Overall, decent album with some good songs. Glad to give it a listen again.
Best Songs: Politik, God Put a Smile upon Your Face, Green Eyes
Worst Songs: A Whisper
Elvis Presley
4/5
Classic album that hasn't aged too bad. Outside of a few rough lyrics, like a "woman's place is in the home", it
Best Songs: Blue Suede Shoes, One-Sided Love Affair,
Worst Songs: I'm Counting on You, I'm gonna Sit Right Down and Cry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
Not my favorite album, but I can see how this may have set the stage for the 2000s garage rock explosion.
Best Songs: Identity,
Worst Songs: Fuck Shit Up, Sticky
David Bowie
3/5
Not the best David Bowie album, in my opinion, but I enjoyed listening to it. You can really feel the disco influence.
Best Songs: Fame
Worst Songs: Win
1/5
While I didn't actively dislike this album, I felt that it committed the worst sin in music; IT WAS BORING.
Best Songs: You Said Something
Worst Songs: Kamikaze,
Supertramp
3/5
On Crime of the Century, Supertramp felt like they were borrowing from ELO, Pink Floyd, and Queen. Unfortunately, these bands are just better. While the album is decent, it pales in comparison to the other bands mentioned.
Best Songs: Hide in Your Shell, Crime of the Century
Worst Songs: Asylum
Orbital
3/5
This album makes me feel like I am in a grimey night club. I can see how this was innovative for the time and changed the game for trance music. It still mostly holds up. I loved the seamless transitions between songs, and it made it feel like a DJ's set. The intro and outro, however were the definite low points.
Best Songs: Impact (The Earth Is Burning, Halcyon and On and On
Worst Songs: Time Becomes, Planet of the Shapes, Input Out
The Doors
3/5
Classic dad rock album. I think it's more revered than it should be, mainly because it was the last album The Doors released before Jim Morrison's untimely death. I don't have the album, but I don't really enjoy Morrison's voice. Rider's on the Storm is truly a great song though.
Best Songs: L.A. Woman, Riders on the Storm, Crawling King Snake
Worst Songs: L'America, The Changeling
The Divine Comedy
3/5
The beginning of "A Short Album About Love", feels camp. The over the top instrumentals and overbearing singing on the first few songs (In Pursuit of Happiness and Everybody Knows) feel as though this album is a joke that I just don't understand. This deviates with "Someone". While the song still has incredibly overbearing instrumentation, the song feels real, raw, and actually fits the Neil Hammon's voice. And yet, we go back to cheesy, overdone, and straight up weird songs with "If...". "If I Were You" feels like it comes out of a musical, and I'm not sure how to feel about it. The next song, "Timewatching" continues the musical theater trend, but feels deep and brooding. It's one of the more serious songs. The album concludes with "I'm All You Need", an extravagant yet surprisingly self-aggrandizing song. The instrumentation is amazing, and yet the lyrics really make you dislike the singer.
Overall, the musical backing is entertaining and intriguing. The live orchestra adds something that many albums miss. Unfortunately, the singing and lyrics hold this album back. At many times, it's hard to tell if we're supposed to laugh or take the album seriously. To me, The Divine Comedy gives theater kid energy. In some songs that really works, and in others it really doesn't.
Best Songs: Someone, Timewatching
Worst Songs: Everybody Knows (Except You), If...,
Daft Punk
4/5
This is not Daft Punk at their most refined or focused. In fact, many of the songs have moments where you think "what am I listening to?". And yet, these songs have a power to keep you interested and entertained. While Homework isn't Daft Punk's best, the album clearly shows the potential the duo had to create catchy and popular dance music.
Best Songs: Revolution 909, Da Funk, Around the World, Burnin', Alive
Worst Songs: Phoenix, High Fidelity,
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
I love CCR, even though I feel conflicted about them cosplaying as a bayou boys. And this album really plays up their deep south act.
Bayou Country puts a southern twist on some of their contemporaries music. I hear influences from the Beatles and Blood Sweat and Tears on songs like Penthouse Pauper. Other songs, like Born on the Bayou and and Proud Mary feel CCR through and through. The only song I didn't really like was Bootleg. Keep On Chooglin' was also a lowlight on the album.
Best Songs: Born on the Bayou, Penthouse Pauper
Worst Songs: Bootleg, Keep On Chooglin'
Frank Ocean
5/5
This album is TIMELESS! It's a shame he basically stopped releasing music after Blonde. One of the best R&B albums I've ever heard.
Best Songs: Thinkin Bout You, Super Rich Kids, Bad Religion, Pink Matter
Worst Songs: Monk
Snoop Dogg
5/5
G Funk classic, with banger after banger after banger. Great production and flow. I know lyricism is a huge part of rap, but I've heard more cringey lyrics from many other artists. Snoop and Dre made something special.
Best Songs: G Funk Intro, Gin and Juice, Who Am I, Doggy Dogg World
Worst Songs: Serial Killa
Blood, Sweat & Tears
3/5
Albums from the 1960s are weird for me. Sometimes they feel timeless. I feel that way listening to a lot of the Beatles songs or even Jefferson Starship. It's too bad that this album just feels old. While there are decent songs, I don't see myself listening to this at all outside of this list.
What really makes me sad is that their album, "Child is Father to The Man" has some insane highlights, while this album is all around okay.
Best Songs: Spinning Wheel
Worst Songs: Sometimes in Winter
Miles Davis
3/5
This is an album for people who really like jazz. Miles Davis is one of the best jazz musicians ever, but the music isn't the most accessible. It was really great for background music while I worked though.
On songs, why did they try to make Feio sound like there was a dog barking randomly throughout?
Best Songs: NA
Worst Songs: Feio
The Rolling Stones
3/5
There's a lot more misses than hits from this Rolling Stones album. It shows the future potential of the group, but somehow most of the album feels like filler.
Best Songs: Paint it Black, Under My Thumb
Worst Songs: Stupid Girl, I Am Waiting
The Isley Brothers
3/5
Decent album, and was pleasantly surprised to see where the sample for Kendrick Lamar's "i" comes from. I don't think this is a worldbeater, but it has some nice grooves.
Best Songs: That Lady, Summer Breeze
Worst Songs: Sunshine
Van Morrison
4/5
Definitely a classic album that is deserving to be on the list. While it didn't blow me away, there were a lot of great songs.
Best Songs: Moondance, Crazy Love,
Worst Songs: Come Running, Everyone
Fela Kuti
4/5
This album is what I've been missing from the other Jazz on this list. It's rhythmic and moving in a way that a lot of other jazz isn't. Definitely my favorite of the genre so far.
Best Songs: Zombie
Worst Songs: NA
2/5
I'm not exactly sure why U2 broke out to be as big as they were. Apparently, The Joshua Tree was their superstar album and yet, it's lackluster. There are decent songs here, but THIS is the album that propelled them to stardom? I can't get over it. If "With or Without You" and "One Tree Hill" weren't on the album, it would be an easy 1. Those highlights bump it up to a 2.
Best Songs: With or Without You, One Tree Hill
Worst Songs: I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, In God's Country, Running to Stand Still
Beatles
5/5
I first got into The Beatles as a senior in high school, and I gravitated towards the more psychedelic albums like Magical Mystery Tour and Sgt. Peppers. To be honest, those were my favorite albums by the band, and I never really gave anything before those albums came out a fair shot.
I can't believe how wrong I was about Rubber Soul. All in all, the songs still feel modern and relevant. I don't understand how The Beatles could make hit after hit after hit.
Best Songs: Norwegian Wood, Nowhere Man, The Word, Michelle, Girl, In My Life
Worst Songs: NA
The Rolling Stones
4/5
This is "The Rolling Stones" meets 60s folk, and I'm here for it. Not every song was a banger, but there are some sleeper hits on this album.
Best Songs: Sympathy for the Devil, Dear Doctor, Stray Cat Blues
Worst Songs: Jigsaw Puzzle
Lucinda Williams
2/5
Car Wheels on a Gravel Road is just fine. The album starts great with "Right In Time", but the titular song, "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" can be repetitive and annoying. Other songs on the album, like "Can't Let Go".
Best Songs: Right In Time, Can't Let Go, Jackson
Worst Songs: Car Wheels On A Gravel Road, Drunken Angel
Pulp
5/5
Different Class is one of the biggest highlights from the Britpop era. I can see how this album impacted british music, like Arctic Monkeys. The songs represent differences in class and wealth and mirror issues with society that are still ongoing. The only song that was a true detriment, in my opinion, is Pencil Skirt. It feels a little too creepy. Overall, this is a great album that borders on a 5.
Best Songs: Common People, Disco 2000, I Spy, Monday Morning, Bar Italia
Worst Songs: Pencil Skirt
The Mamas & The Papas
4/5
From folk-pop hits to messy and disturbing relationships, The Mama's & The Papas music embodies a lot of the culture of the 1960s. While the album feels old now, you can't deny that they made plenty of hits on their debut "If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears".
Best Songs: Got a Feelin', California Dreamin', Somebody Groovy
Worst Songs: You Baby
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
This is big band music at its best! All of the musicians went off on this album. I also find it interesting how the atom bomb shaped popular culture in the 1950s. It seems controversial, even now, to put an atomic explosion on the cover of an atom.
Best Songs: The Kid from Red Bank, After Supper, Flight of the Foo Birds, Midnite Blue, Lil' Darlin'
Worst Songs: Teddy the Toad
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Bruce Springsteen has one of the most controversial voices in all of music. In my opinion, Born to Run features some of his most grating vocal performances. And yet, I still caught myself tapping my foot along to the entire album. While his personal performance left a lot to be desired, I completely understand why Born to Run is a classic.
Best Songs: Born to Run, Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out
Worst Songs: Thunder Road
The Go-Go's
3/5
Beauty And The Beat is a fun 80s new wave/girl punk album. There are some highlights, but it also somehow feels a little forgettable outside of key songs like "We Got The Beat" and "This Town".
Best Songs: Our Lips Are Sealed, This Town, We Got The Beat, You Can't Walk In Your Sleep
Worst Songs: Lust To Love, Skidmarks On My Heart
Genesis
3/5
This album falls into prog-rock purgatory. It doesn't stand out to me. It was probably revolutionary at the time, since it came out early into the prog-rock movement, but in retrospect it doesn't feel revolutionary. I still enjoyed listening to it though.
Best Songs: I Know What I Like, Firth of Fifth
Worst Songs: After the Ordeal
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Electric Ladyland is probably Jimi's most iconic album and I can understand why. The wandering guitar solos on every song pair well with psychedelic imagery and lyrics. While it sometimes feels unfocused and samey, it is great music to vibe to.
Best Songs: Crosstown Traffic, Little Miss Strange, All Along the Watchtower
Worst Songs: ...And the Gods Made Love, Moon, Turn the Tides...
Bauhaus
3/5
Feels like if the Smiths went weird/goth. Generally enjoyable album.
Best Songs: Of Lilies and Remains, Kick in the Eye,
Worst Songs: Hollow Hills, Mask, 1. David Jay...
Nina Simone
4/5
Nina Simone simultaneously feels nostalgic yet piercing. Songs like Four Women call out historical inequities created by slavery. She is an iconic singer. Unfortunately, there are times where Nina's vocals let her down. The main chorus on Why Keep On Breaking My Heart feels off, and I hate to listen to it.
Best Songs: Four Women, Lilac Wine, Break Down And Let It All Out
Worst Songs: Why Keep On Breaking My Heart
The White Stripes
5/5
Elephant is undoubtably the best garage rock album of all time. It's a shining piece of 2000s music and should be cherished by future generations. It also spawned one of the most iconic (but maybe overplayed) songs of all time, Seven Nation Army. Overall, it's a top tier album that deserves it's flowers.
Best Songs: I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself, In The Cold Cold Night, I Want To Be the Boy to Warm Your Mother's Heart, Ball and Biscuit, Hardest Button to Button
Worst Songs: NA
Carpenters
3/5
In retrospect this album is a really good example of the shifting culture between the 1960s and 1970s. While folk was in due to people like Bob Dylan and the Mamas and the Papas, the Carpenters seemed to put a chill pop aesthetic over top of it. The album seems to usher in the new age of 70s folk.
Overall, it's an enjoyable album, but I don't think I need to revisit every song.
Best Songs: Reason to Believe, Help, (They Long To Be) Close To You
Worst Songs: Love Is Surrender, I Kept On Loving You,
Eagles
3/5
I can't tell if I love or hate this album. Hotel California is an iconic song that you would think sets the tone for the album. It doesn't. Instead, the album focuses back on chill Cali-country rock. I was left disappointed at first, but ended up enjoying a handful of songs at the end. While I don't this this album did anything revolutionary, it accurately reflects popular music of the 70s.
Best Songs: Hotel California, Wasted Time, Try and Love Again
Worst Songs: Pretty Maids All in a Row, Try and Love Again
Pentangle
4/5
Pentangle makes surprisingly enjoyable medieval folk music. While this won't be in my regular rotation, I completely understand why it's on the list.
Best Songs: Light Flight, The Cuckoo, House Carpenter
Worst Songs: Springtime Promises
Adele
3/5
Obviously, Adele has a great voice. The issues with this album do not stem from her singing. Instead, they stem from the "Ed Sheeran-ification" on most of the biggest hits. "Send My Love..." is over-saturated pop trash, and I tend to like pop music. Songs where Adele shows more vulnerability with relaxed production really carry this album, even though they weren't the hits from when it came out. I definitely understand why this album is on the list, but the biggest hits are generally the worst part of it.
Best Songs: Hello, I Miss You, Million Years Ago, Sweetest Devotion
Worst Songs: Send My Love..., Remedy
The Police
1/5
I'm pretty sure the only reason this album is on the list is to listen to message in a bottle. The other songs have few redeeming qualities. A lot of the album is white-washed reggae, which seems obvious now, based on the title.
Best Songs: Message in a Bottle
Worst Songs: Regatta De Blanc, Walking on the Moon, On Any Other Day,
GZA
4/5
Liquid Swords is SUCH and influential album. You can see the cinematic qualities on pseudo-underground rap like Denzel Curry and MF Doom. There aren't many standout songs, in my opinion, but it is a vibe to listen to.
Best Songs: Cold World, Shadowboxin', B.I.B.L.E.
Worst Songs: Swordsman
Bob Marley & The Wailers
2/5
I was expecting more from this album. I've heard so much about Bob Marley, and I thought that this would be some masterpiece in reggae. It was fine. Outside of a couple songs, this album was forgettable.
Best Songs: Stir It Up, High or Low Tide
Worst Songs: Stop That Train, Kinky Reggae
Saint Etienne
3/5
I listed to the entirety of this album on a long walk, and it was perfect for that. It's a sleepy little album with some deeper themes of jealousy, heartbreak, and love. It didn't completely wow me, but it was an enjoyable listen still.
Best Songs: Carnt Sleep, Spring, Nothing Can Stop Us
Worst Songs: Wilson
Patti Smith
4/5
Honestly, this album started off pretty bland, but Free Money onward was a revelation. Patti Smith channeled the Velvet Underground on songs like Kimberly and then amped up the ante with her own style on Land... and Elegie. While it starts slow, it ends hot.
Best Songs: Free Money, Land..., Elegie
Worst Songs: Redondo Beach
Blur
3/5
As a Gorillaz fan, I was excited to listen to Damon Albarn's first project, Blur. This album simultaneously exceeded and missed my expectations. In short, it's a rollercoaster. Some songs, like Girls & Boys and Parklife are amazing, while others drag on and on.
In some respects, this album reminds me of Sergeant Pepper's. Some songs have wacky, psychedelic sounds that would could have come from John Lennon.
Overall, this album has high highs, but low lows. Many of the songs feel like filler, but the best songs really make up for it.
Best Songs: Girls & Boys, Parklife, Clover Over Dover, This Is a Low
Worst Songs: Tracy Jacks, London Loves, Magic America
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Definitely the best Springsteen album I've listened too. Nebraska is an ode to downtrodden America. I think there are valid concerns about songwriting ability, but it's undeniable that this album hits the folk/blues vibe on the head. Most songs are melancholy, and it shows a completely different side of Bruce compared to the other projects I've listened to.
Best Songs: Atlantic City, State Trooper, My Father's House
Worst Songs: Open All Night
Björk
3/5
This is a decent little ambient album, but Bjork's voice/inflection bugs me. If I don't focus on it, the album is decent though.
Best Songs: It's Not up to You, Pagan Poetry, Unison
Worst Songs: Sun in My Mouth
Slipknot
2/5
I'm not the biggest metal fan, but I 100% understand why this album is on the list. There is a surprising amount of influence from hip hop and electronic music. In fact, those influences seem to have led to the creation of NuMetal. This new sound is shown on Spit It Out.
While there are spots of light on this album, it also has some cringeworthy lyrics The track list also starts to drag. Liberate was the last song that felt absolutely necessary. Almost every song after just feels repetitive or obnoxious.
Best Songs: Eyeless, Spit It Out
Worst Songs: Surfacing, Tattered & Torn, Scissors
The Clash
4/5
Peak Brit-Punk. This is a million times better than the Sex Pistols. I'm torn on some of the reggae inspired tracks, but I have a feeling that this album will continue to grow on me.
Best Songs: Brand New Cadillac, Spanish Bombs, Lost in the Supermarket, The Card Cheat
Worst Songs: Rudie Can't Fail, Revolution Rock
Nirvana
4/5
This is basically a Nirvana concert and every song feels like a genuine authentic experience shared with the band. While some songs feel a little samey, it's a good listening experience.
Best Songs: Come As You Are, The Man Who Sold The World, Plateau, All Apologies, Where Did You Sleep Last Night
Worst Songs: Pennyroyal Tea, On A Plain
Beastie Boys
4/5
The Beastie Boys make fun music with great production. You can just feel the connection between all the boys. There's also some pretty innovative production through sample choices and the beats that they rap over. I can see the influence in modern rappers like Denzel Curry's production.
Best Songs: Egg Man, Hey Ladies, What Comes Around, B-Boy Bouillabaise
Worst Songs: Johnny Ryall, Shadrach,
The Offspring
2/5
The Offspring feels nostalgic and has some decent to good songs, but they don't really feel like an "album" group. Instead, they tend to have some really good singles. I will say, I like their ska influence though.
Outside of the top tracks, the singers voice is grating and the guitar licks feel repetitive.
Finally, what is up with the final song being 10 minutes but silent for half of it. Were they trolling?
Best Songs: Self Esteem, What Happened to You?
Worst Songs: Genocide, So Alone, Smash
Screaming Trees
2/5
This album was fine, but blends into the rest of the genre. There is some pretty decent instrumentation, but I don't think the album goes above and beyond anywhere. Honestly, I'm not really sure why we needed to hear this album.
Best Songs: All I Know, Witness
Worst Songs: Sworn and Broken, Dime Western
Suede
5/5
This album was a fun surprise! I'd never heard of it and was generally blown away. It was like 90s grunge mixed with the beatles mixed with prog. It wasn't perfect, but it was great!
Best Songs: We Are the Pigs, Heroine, New Generation, The Asphalt World,
Worst Songs: Daddy's Speeding
Talking Heads
4/5
This is the second time I've listened to this Talking Heads album, and it's grown on me. I don't think it's a masterpiece, but I do think that it has some great songs that have had a lasting influence. Songs like "The Big Country" just feel more grounded than some of the other Talking Heads songs as well.
Best Songs: Thank You for Sending Me an Angel, Found a Job, Take Me to the River, The Big Country
Worst Songs: Warning Sign, The Girl Wants to Be with the Girls
Bob Dylan
4/5
Great album, but starts to drag on at the end. Some of the Bob Dylan-isms also get a little tiring.
Best Songs: Visions of Johanna, I Want You, Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again, Most Likely You Go Your Way...,
Worst Songs: Rainy Day Women #12 & 35, Pledging My Time
David Bowie
3/5
This album is what I think of when I think David Bowie. It just feels like there is hit after hit after hit with a slight sci-fi twinge.
Hunky Dory starts off strong with an iconic song in "Changes" and a less known song, "Oh! You Pretty Things". Soon after, is the biggest hit on the album, "Life on Mars?". Unfortunately, the album starts a slow decline after. The rest of the songs don't have the same kick as the beginning of the album.
Best Songs: Changes, Oh! You Pretty Things, Life on Mars?
Worst Songs: Fill Your Heart, Queen Bitch,
Common
3/5
To be fair, you have to have a very high IQ to understand Be by Common. The themes are extremely subtle, and without a solid grasp of the English language, most of the jokes will go over a typical listener's head. There's also Common's hopeful outlook, which is deftly woven into his personality - his personal philosophy draws heavily from the streets of Chicago, for instance. The fans understand this stuff; they have the intellectual capacity to truly appreciate the depths of this music, to realize that it doesn't just sound good- it says something deep about LIFE. As a consequence people who dislike Be by Common truly ARE idiots- of course they wouldn't appreciate, for instance, the humour in Common's existensial catchphrase "Be," which itself is a cryptic reference to Descartes Discourse on the Method. I'm smirking right now just imagining one of those addlepated simpletons scratching their heads in confusion as Kanye and Common's genius unfolds itself on through their headphones. What fools... how I pity them. 😂 And yes by the way, I DO have a Common tattoo. And no, you cannot see it. It's for the ladies' eyes only- And even they have to demonstrate that they're within 5 IQ points of my own (preferably lower) beforehand.
Best Songs: Be, The Corner, The Food
Worst Songs: Faithful, Testify
Stevie Wonder
4/5
I always thought Stevie Wonder was overrated, but he actually has a really soulful, fun sound. Really an enjoyable record.
Best Songs: Living For The City, Higher Ground, Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing
Worst Songs: He's Misstra Know-It-All
Frank Zappa
5/5
Hot Rats was my first introduction to Frank Zappa, and it was a good one! This is such a fun album. It's like upbeat, psychedelic jazz. The vocals on Willie the Pimp were a little offputting, but the instrumentals more than made up for that.
Best Songs: Peaches En Regalia, Son Of Mr. Green Genes, The Gumbo Variations
Worst Songs: NA
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Masterful east coast rap. It must be one of the first hip-hop albums to incorporate so much jazz too. Not all songs hit, but the ones that do really hit. Also has one of the best closing songs of any album.
Best Songs: Excursions, Butter, Check the Rhime, Everything is Fair, Scenario
Worst Songs: Infamous Date Rape, Skypager,
Sonic Youth
3/5
I can see why people like Sonic Youth so much. They were very experimental and influential around noise in rock. For me, however, sometimes this noise is too much.
Best Songs: Tunic, Disappearer
Worst Songs: Mildred Pierce, Cinderella's Big Score
Blur
4/5
I didn't love this album when I first listened to it, but on a second try, I really like it! I feel like Blur was really experimenting with their own style and every song feels pretty different from the last. Songs like "Song 2" are just straight action while "Strange News from Another Star" feels like a Bowie throwaway. Others obviously influenced bands like OK Go and Portugal. The Man.
Best Songs: Beetlebum, Song 2, Death of a Party, Looking Inside America, Strange News from Another Star
Worst Songs: You're so Great, Essex Dogs,
Nick Drake
4/5
This album feels ahead of it's time. It reminds me of sad, stripped back folk artists kind of like Elliott Smith. While the album is short, it packs a punch and doesn't feel overstated.
Best Songs: Place To Be, Things Behind The Sun, Parasite
Worst Songs: Harvest Breed
The Pogues
3/5
I really like the international influences the Pogues brought together, but it just doesn't have the same umph that Rum Sodomy & The Lash has.
Best Songs: Fairytale of New York, Fiesta, The Irish Rover,
Worst Songs: Streets of Sorrow..., Worms,
Madonna
3/5
This is my first Madonna album, and it feels totally 80s. The hits off this album are exactly what I imagine 1989 to sound like. While there are hits, I really think this album was just a way to show off Like a Prayer. Most of the rest of the album falls flat in comparison.
Best Songs: Like a Prayer, Express Yourself, Dear Jessie
Worst Songs: Love Song, Promise to Try
Todd Rundgren
4/5
I've rarely seen an album flow this well, especially for one from 1972. On top of that, the first half of this album has top tier psych rock. The second half is rougher, but still has it's high points, especially on Sometimes IDK What to Feel. In 1972, it may have been a little overdone, but in retrospect, this album is a treasure.
Best Songs: International Feel, Tic Tic Tic..., Zen Archer, When the Shit Hits the Fan..., Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel, Just One Victory
Worst Songs: Dogfight Giggle, Cool Jerk, Hungry for Love, Is It My Name
Syd Barrett
2/5
I understand why people love this album. It's one of the most authentic experiences I've heard. But just because it's genuine does not mean it's good. Some of the songs feel unfinished and unmastered. They literally start a song over. In many respects, it reminds me of works by Kafka. There are pieces of brilliance, but it doesn't feel finished.
Best Songs: Here I Go, Octopus,
Worst Songs: If It's In You
Portishead
4/5
This is a shockingly influential album. I've heard samples of many of these songs in hip hop, and the production definitely influenced certain rock and pop bands of the 2000s. While I like the album, and can't deny it's influence, some of the songs feel one piece away from amazing.
Best Songs: Sour Times, Wandering Star, It's A Fire, Glory Box
Worst Songs: Pedestal
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Well the sadness definitely feels infinite. This album is tooooooooooooo long. Some people may disagree, but while there are some all time great songs here, there is also at least 30 minutes of absolute filler.
Best Songs: Tonight Tonight, Bullet With Butterfly Wings, 1979, Farewell And Goodnight
Worst Songs: Where Boys Fear To Tread, Bodies, Tales Of A Scorched Earth
Buzzcocks
3/5
This was a fun, low key punk album. I doesn't sound revolutionary, but I'm sure it helped bring punk to a more general audience. I'm a little disappointed they don't speak to larger topics at large, like punk generally does, but it's still a fun album.
Best Songs: Fast Cars, I Don't Mind, Fiction Romance
Worst Songs: I Need, What Do I Get?
Cowboy Junkies
4/5
In my opinion, this album is best described as beautiful melancholy. It's not something you'd listen to to get excited, but is more contemplative. Also, I love it when bands cover songs. Here, some of the covers worked really well, but I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry misses the same emotion the original has.
Best Songs: Blue Moon Revisited, I Don't Get It, Sweet Jane
Worst Songs: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry, To Love is to Bury
Muddy Waters
3/5
This was fine. I'm happy there is Blues on the list because it is such a huge and impactful genre, but I don't know how important this specific album is.
Best Songs: Baby, Please Don't Go, Tiger In Your Tank, I Feel So Good, I've Got My Mojo Working
Worst Songs: I Got My Brand On You, I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man
2/5
This album is fine. I thought I liked The Kinks, but I really don't think this is anything that special. I understand the concept behind this album, but it doesn't do much for me.
Best Songs: Some Mother's Son, Shangri-La,
Worst Songs: Yes Sir No Sir, Australia, Young and Innocent Days
Pretenders
2/5
I just think I dislike borderline edgy 80s rock. I wish they just went all in or weren't edgy at all. It just gives me a performative and artificial feeling. Also, this album gives me major Police vibes, which I already dislike. The album does end with 2 banger songs in Lovers of Today and Mystery Achievement, but that doesn't make the rest of the album better.
Best Songs: Lovers of Today
Worst Songs: Tattooed Love Boys, Private Life
Kanye West
4/5
Yeezus really shows flashes of that Kanye brilliance we all know. While I'm sure this album was controversial when it came out, it revolutionized aspects of music production. The unique use of samples, 808s, and experimental sounds created room for new producers like JPEGMAFIA. The best examples of interesting production come from On Sight and Bound 2, but almost every song is very creative. Other songs like Black Skinhead and New Slaves are big highlights. Send It Up is by far the worst song on this album though.
It's sad to see what Kanye was 10 years ago vs. what he has put out over the last few years. You can tell he just doesn't care as much anymore and has grown to be even more gross :(
Best Songs: Black Skinhead, New Slaves, Bound 2
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
3/5
I'm probably not the best demographic to rate this. I'm sure it was important, but in general it just put me into a state of focus. It really helped me focus on doing other things. I did find it interesting how it seems somewhat traditional, but borrowed a few sounds from western pop music of the time, especially on the production side.
Best Songs: Allah Hoo Allah Hoo, Ali Maula...
Worst Songs: Ni main Jogi De Naal
Johnny Cash
5/5
This is the quintessential live album. Johnny Cash is at his most genuine and sincere while also putting on a good show. He just knows how to play to this audience. On top of the fun crowd, he plays great songs. This is a top tier live album.
Best Songs: Folsom Prison Blues, Cocaine Blues, 25 Minutes to Go, Jackson
Worst Songs: NA
Fleetwood Mac
2/5
With Tusk, Fleetwood Mac released a bloated and repetitive album. There are some highlights, but it does not at all stand near their other work. The best songs tend to focus on Stevie Nicks and have limited vocal input from everyone else.
Best Songs: Sara, Beautiful Child, Tusk
Worst Songs: Not That Funny, That's Enough for Me, Never Make Me Cry, Walk a Thin Line
Ray Charles
3/5
First, I need to note that I had to play this album in mono. For whatever reason, the mixing in spotify put all of the vocals into my right ear which just felt off.
Anyway, this album is super ambitious and honestly cocky by Ray Charles. He is not really know for his "Country and Western Music" so proclaiming he was putting forward the most modern sounds is ballsy.
Overall, I do think he hit the target, but maybe not the bullseye. Many of the songs feels samey, and even cover basically the same themes. While I liked the blues influence, the big band nature of some of the songs doesn't feel like country to me at all. More stripped back songs on this album seem to have actually influenced country music to come in the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
Best Songs: Just A Little Lovin', I Can't Stop Loving You, Your Cheatin' Heart, You Are My Sunshine
Worst Songs: NA
Gang Of Four
5/5
This is BY FAR, the best album I've never heard of (at least so far). The post-punk hits hard, and it was SOOO ahead of it's time. On top of it, the album doesn't feel cheesy or overdone like a lot of other punk albums.
Best Songs: Natural's Not In It, Damaged Goods, Guns Before Butter, I Found That Essence Rare, At Home He's A Tourist, Love Like Anthrax
Worst Songs: NA
John Martyn
5/5
This is my Pink Moon.
Best Songs: Solid Air, Dreams By The Sea, May You Never, The Man In The Station
Worst Songs: NA
Television
3/5
I gave this album a couple of chances, but I just don't get the hype. It's decent, but gets monotonous pretty easily. I see their influence on post-punk and garage rock, but this album alone didn't knock my socks off.
Best Songs: Friction, Marquee Moon
Worst Songs: Elevation
Talking Heads
4/5
I think this is the most normal Talking Heads album I've listened to. The instrumentation really carries too.
Best Songs: New Feeling, The Book I Read, Don't Worry About the Government, Psycho Killer
Worst Songs: Pulled Up
Duke Ellington
3/5
This is a fairly enjoyable jazz album. I'm not sure it's ESSENTIAL, but I enjoyed it for what it's worth.
Best Songs: Newport Up, Diminuendo in Blue
Worst Songs: Festival Junction
The Cars
3/5
The Cars have a knack for making music you can't get out of your head. They also seem to have ushered in the 80s, even though this self-titled album came out in 1978. The biggest issue is the simplicity of the lyrics. I always knew what song I was listening to because 85% of the lyrics would be repeating the title. I wish I could give this a higher rating, but they just lack a little bit of creativity lyrically.
Best Songs: My Best Friends Girl, Just What I Needed, Moving in Stereo
Worst Songs: Good Times Roll, You're All I've Got Tonight,
White Denim
5/5
This was a surprisingly good psych rock/ jam band album. You can tell it was meticulously put together. I really enjoyed it and will definitely come back to it. I'm not sure about it's actual influence, but it may be the best jam band album of the 2010s. I think it teeters on a 5, but I'll give it the benefit of the doubt.
Best Songs: Back at the Farm, Street Joy, Drug, Is and Is and Is
Worst Songs: NA
Yes
3/5
Yes reminds me of prog-adjacent Steely Dan. All in all, this was a fine album. Roundabout is a hit! I do think it's a strange choice to end with a 10 minute cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "America", but it's fine.
Best Songs: Roundabout, Long Distance Runaround
Worst Songs: Heart of the Sunrise
David Bowie
3/5
Aladdin Sane has flashes of genius, but I'm starting to feel like maybe I just don't "get" Bowie.
Best Songs: Aladdin Sane, Cracked Actor, Lady Grinning Soul
Worst Songs: Watch That Man
The Saints
3/5
This is a fine punk album, but it doesn't stick out to me in the grand landscape of punk music. I liked it, but it doesn't feel genre defining. Maybe the issue is that the spotify version feels so compressed, but it just feels a little lacking from a truly great classic album.
Best Songs: No Your Product, This Perfect Day, Untitled
Worst Songs: (I'm) Misunderstood
Thin Lizzy
3/5
For "the best live album of all time" this was just fine. For most songs, I just don't feel much difference between the studio version and this version. The crowd doesn't add a ton to the music until the last few songs. I just don't really resonate with this era of rock.
Best Songs: Jailbreak, Still in Love with You
Worst Songs: Johnny the Fox...,
3/5
I can see that this album is revolutionary. I see how it set up funk for the rest of the 1970s. While there is amazing instrumentation, it just hasn't clicked with me the way some other funk albums have. I bet it will grow on me, but for now, I have to give it a 3.
Best Songs: The World Is A Ghetto
Worst Songs: Where Was You At
Cocteau Twins
4/5
This album is full of dreamy, ethereal music. Almost every song feels straight out of a dream. Ironically, the only song that doesn't fit is Cherry-coloured Funk. I don't know what people see in this song to make it so popular.
As for other songs, Heaven or Las Vegas feels nostalgic, like the McDonalds with play areas. Pitch the Baby is basically a fever dream. I Wear Your Ring feels like I'm watching something in slow motion. There's a lot of range in the emotions that I feel listening to this album.
Whenever I listen to the Cocteau Twins, I essentially listen as if the vocals are another instrument. While this album may be lyrically dense, I can't understand what she's saying enough to even try to dissect them.
Best Songs: Pitch the Baby, Iceblink Luck, Heaven or Las Vegas, I Wear Your Ring,
Worst Songs: Cherry-Coloured Funk
Alanis Morissette
4/5
I heard that this was divorced mom music, and that hits hard. There's gonna be a renaissance for this album in a few years, mark my words. It's gonna get the divorced dad music treatment where people listen ironically, and then totally unironically because a lot of the songs are actually great.
Best Songs: All I Really Want, You Oughta Know, Head Over Feet
Worst Songs: Mary Jane
Iconic Songs: Ironic
Led Zeppelin
5/5
This debut is raw and rowdy Led Zeppelin. I thought I didn't love LZ, but this album rocks. I really see the big blues influence. Some songs even reminded me of the White Stripes work.
Best Songs: Babe I'm Gonna Leave You, Dazed and Confused, Black Mountain Side, Communication Breakdown
Worst Songs: NA
Heaven 17
3/5
I understand the hate this album gets, but it's actually surprisingly inventive. I was shocked that some of these electronic sounds were coming from the 80s and not the 2010s. It's definitely a product of it's time vocally though.
Best Songs: Penthouse and Pavement, Let's All Make A Bomb
Worst Songs: Geisha Boys and Temple Girls, We're Going To Live For A Very Long Time
Kings of Leon
1/5
This is the epitome of empty, soulless pop rock. I know this was full of hits when it came out, but it does not really hold up.
Best songs: Sex on Fire, Revel
Worst Songs: Use Somebody, 17, Crawl
Elliott Smith
4/5
With Figure 8, Elliott Smith departs from his traditional, acoustic, singer-songwriter persona. Right away, you can tell that this album is a departure from his previous work. Songs like Son of Sam have an obvious producer's touch that refine his work more than some of his previous projects.
While I don't think this is a masterpiece, I do respect it and liked most of the songs.
Best Songs: Son of Sam, Somebody That I Used to Know, In The Lost And Found
Worst Songs: Everything Means Nothing to Me
3/5
For nostalgia reasons, I was very excited to listen to this record. Unfortunately, it's not as good as I remember. There are hits, but the album doesn't feel like a cohesive project. Honestly, the guitar work is what carries the project. Most songs are essentially filler.
Best Songs: Supermassive Black Hole, Knights of Cydonia
Worst Songs: Hoodoo, Glorious
Charles Mingus
5/5
I'm not sure I'm qualified to speak on the merits of Jazz, but Mingus is definitely one of the greats. I enjoyed this album more than any other jazz album I've listened to. You can feel the emotion poured into the instruments. This album produced more emotion from me than many vocal led albums.
Best Songs: Track A, Track C
Worst Songs: NA
Motörhead
2/5
This album is only on the list to listen to the title track, Ace of Spades. The rest of the album is fine, but it just feels like slightly grimier hair metal. The singer's voice is grating and it sounds like he'll lose it any second.
Best Songs: Ace of Spades, Live to Win,
Worst Songs: (We Are) The Roadcrew, Jailbait, The Chase Is Better Than the Catch
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
I honestly hated this album the first time I listened to it. I'm not sure if it was my mood, or what, but this second time listening through was SO much better.The dissonance just felt and sounded better the second time around.
This isn't as good as Loveless, but I didn't hate it.
Best Songs: Lose My Breath, You Never Should, I Can See It
Worst Songs: Soft as Snow, No More Sorry,
OutKast
4/5
I wish I could rate Speakerboxxx and The Love Below separately. In my mind, these are basically two separate albums put together simply because Big Boi and Andre3k were both halves of Outkast. Speakerboxxx is basically a Big Boi album while The Love Below is an Andre3k album.
Speakerboxxx is full of bumpin ATL bangers, but doesn't have much substance. It's a fine .album on it's own, but doesn't stick strongly with me. 3/5
Best Songs: GhettoMusick, The Rooster, The Way You Move,
Worst Songs: Last Call
The Love Below is basically a concept album telling a full blown love/hate story. I'm shocked I haven't heard the whole thing before this. It has some revolutionary production, which obviously inspired Tyler the Creator and Thundercat. 4/5
Best Songs: Happy Valentine's Day, Prototype, Hey Ya!, Roses
Worst Songs: She Lives in My Lap
Led Zeppelin
4/5
THis is Led Zeppelin at their most polished, and this album has some of their most beloved songs like Stairway to Heaven and Black Dog. While it has these bangers, it doesn't feel cohesive as a full project, with songs like The Battle of Evermore and Four Sticks sticking out.
Best Songs: Stairway to Heaver, Going to California, When the Levee Breaks,
Worst Songs: The Battle of Evermore, Four Sticks
Public Enemy
4/5
Pretty solid 90s conscious rap. I didn't know Public Enemy was like that. The album is a little bloated with 20 songs, interludes and skits, but I enjoyed my time with it. I'll keep saying it, but racial issues in the 70s, 80s, and 90s are still issues today and these albums are still poignant.
Best Songs: 911 Is A Joke, Burn Hollywood Burn, Fight The Power
Worst Songs: Pollywanacraka
Tina Turner
2/5
The album Private Dancer is about as stereotypically 80s as it gets and that's fine. I'm not crazy about it, but it doesn't make the album bad in any sense. It is just clearly a product of it's time.
Best Songs: What's Love Got to Do with It, Steel Claw
Worst Songs: Help, 1984
Incredible Bongo Band
3/5
Without Bongo Rock, we may not have some of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time.
Best Songs: Bongolia, Last Bongo in Belgium, In A Gadda Da Vida
Worst Songs: Dueling Bongos
Isaac Hayes
4/5
Hot Buttered Soul is a soul filled album about love. It has some amazing background instruments, and Isaac Hayes masterfully sings his heart out.
Best Songs: Walk on By
Worst Songs: NA
Dusty Springfield
2/5
If I'm not mistaken, this is basically a cover album. Dusty herself basically seems like a Lana Del Rey of the 60s, so this album is kinda par for the course. It's not amazing, but it does have great vocal performances from Dusty. I would pick other Dusty Springfield albums to have on the list, however.
Best Songs: You Don't Own Me, Summer Is Over, Can I Get A Witness
Worst Songs: Mama Said, Nothing, Wishin And Hopin
Hot Chip
2/5
Maybe it's because this album is fairly new compared to most of this list, but it already feels dated. It came out when bands like Alt-J, Foster The People, and Two Door Cinema Club were at their peak, and honestly, I'd rather listen to their music. In Our Heads feels like generic hipster (and I mean the original millennial hipster) electro-pop.
I want to be clear. I don't think this album is bad, but there were much better albums in this genre to pick.
Best Songs: Flutes, Night And Day,
Worst Songs: Look At Where We Are, These Chains
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
2/5
A perfectly fine album with a couple of decent songs. I'm not sure this is essential though. There are plenty of similar albums that get the same type of music across.
Best Songs: Rattlesnakes, Charlotte Street
Worst Songs: 2cv
Orbital
2/5
It was fine, but I don't think two Orbital albums need to be on the list. This one was just less enjoyable than Orbital 2.
Best Songs: Forever, Sad but True
Worst Songs: Philosophy by Numbers, Attached
Derek & The Dominos
5/5
This album really broke up a stretch of meh. This teeters on a 5, but since it was so much better than what I've had recently, I have to bump it up.
On another topic, I get why people love this album so much and say, "Derek & The Dominos" is Eric Clapton's best work. The guitar solos alone put this album into classic territory. On top of that, the subject matter of the songs shows humor and raw emotion. Really solid album. Layla is obviously the most famous song, but the rest of the album is still stacked.
Best Songs: I Looked Away, Nobody Knows When You're Down And Out, Have You Ever Loved A Woman, Layla
Worst Songs: NA
Yes
4/5
This is a solid, early prog-rock album. I don't think it's the best of the genre, but it definitely helped lead the way. My biggest problem with Yes is the singer's voice. He always sounds strained and forced.
Best Songs: I've Seen All Good People, Perpetual Change
Worst Songs: NA
Dirty Projectors
3/5
This was fine. I don't think it was as bad as others have stated. I think it captures a lot of the culture of 2009. Is it timeless, I'm not sure, but I am happy I listened to it.
Best Songs: Cannibal Resource, Stillness Is The Move
Worst Songs: Temecula Sunrise
Justin Timberlake
3/5
I only lived through a little bit of Justin's heyday, so I don't have much of a connection to songs on this album. It honestly feels like he's trying be a bad boy white Michael Jackson on this album. Outside of the hits, most songs are serviceable. I'm not going to be listening to them, but I didn't hate most of them.
Best Songs: Senorita, Cry Me a River, Rock Your Body,
Worst Songs: (And She Said) Take Me Now, Let's Take A Ride
The Vines
3/5
The Vines are like the Australian version of Blur. Also, the last few songs drag a little.
Best Songs: Autumn Shade, Get Free,
Worst Songs: In The Jungle
David Bowie
3/5
This is an interesting Bowie album, but I'm not sure it's essential listening. The production is great, like all of Bowie's albums, but I didn't expect to go into this only really listening to instrumentals.
Best Songs: Speed of Life, Warszawa
Worst Songs: Weeping Wall,
Otis Redding
3/5
Otis Blue is a solid soul album, but it is definitely a product of its time. Half the album is just covers of other popular songs. What's wild, is that those covers are basically the best part of the album (although he apparently did write Respect, which was a surprise).
Best Songs: My Girl, Satisfaction
Worst Songs: Down in the Valley, Rock Me Baby
Black Sabbath
4/5
This album set the stage for all of the 80s imitation acts. It honestly rocks hard, and I'm surprised I haven't listened to the whole thing sooner.
Best Songs: War Pigs, Paranoid
Worst Songs: Electric Funeral
The KLF
3/5
Pioneering electronic music seems to be pretty prevalent on this list, and The White Room is no exception. There were plenty of decent songs on this record but I can't really think of much outstanding here.
Best Songs: What Time is Love?, Last Train to Trancentral
Worst Songs: 3 AM Eternal, No More Tears
Blondie
4/5
This was an easy album to listen to. Even though Parallel Lines came out in 1978, it really started to usher in the early 80s punk-adjacent. Obviously, the standout tracks are One Way Or Another and Heart Of Glass, but there were some other decent songs too.
Best Songs: Hanging On The Telephone, One Way Or Another, Heart of Glass
Worst Songs: I Know But I Don't Know
Meat Loaf
3/5
I understand why people love Meat Loaf and Bat Out Of Hell, but it's not exactly for me. It feels like an album version of Rocky Horror Picture show. It's not for everyone, but the people who like it REALLY like it.
Best Songs: You Took The Words Right Out of My Mouth, Paradise By the Dashboard Light
Worst Songs: All Revved Up with No Place to Go
Christina Aguilera
3/5
People are judging this album based only on the first half. Honestly, that half was okay, but didn't really stand out. The second half of Back to Basics shows more range than I ever though Christina Aguilera had. I always though of Christina as a solid vocalist with some catchy 2000s songs. After listening to Back to Basics, it's clear that she has an amazing voice and can sing ballads and pop hits. This shattered my expectations of what I thought Christina Aguilera did.
While I ended up liking this album, it is so bloated. I wish they would have cut it back to basics and kept only essential songs or turned this into two separate albums; 1 focusing on personality, emotions and sentimentality, and the other being a fun, sexy, R&B album. Putting all of the songs together makes the project feel disjointed.
Best Songs: Slow Down Baby, Welcome, Hurt, Mercy on Me, Save Me from Myself
Worst Songs: Makes Me Wanna Pray, Still Dirrty, I Got Trouble
Sigur Rós
4/5
I get why this is a post-rock classic. It feels timeless. Agaetis byrjun came out 25 years ago and bands like BCNR have put out music that still sounds like this album!
Best Songs: Staralfur, Olsen olsen,
Worst Songs: Avalon
Emmylou Harris
2/5
This isn't a bad album, but it took me 3 different attempts to listen to the whole thing. I'm assuming "Red Dirt Girl" is a return to form kind of album from Emmylou Harris since it came out around 15 years after her most popular songs. While I think it's important to highlight good artists deeper cuts, I don't think that this was essential listening. This is essentially off side road country music. I enjoy it, but I didn't NEED to listen to it.
Best Songs: Red Dirt Girl, One Big Love
Worst Songs: Tragedy, Bang the Drum Slowly
The Temptations
2/5
Cloud Nine feels like a more reigned-in or pop version of Funkadelic or Parliament. I think this probably helped the Temptations widespread appeal, but many of the songs feel a little lacking in personality.
Best Songs: Cloud Nine, Runaway Child...,
Worst Songs: I Gotta Find A Way..., Gonna Keep On Tryin'
Eminem
4/5
This album surprised me, and I see how Em became the sensation he is. While there are some cringe moments based in what was "edgy" at the time (especially in the skits), there are also classic rap songs that have stood the test of time. The Real Slim Shady and Stan are still referenced all the time.
Best Songs: Kill You, Stan, The Real Slim Shady, Drug Ballad, Bitch Please II
Worst Songs: Remember Me?, Ken Kaniff (Skit), Kim,
Elis Regina
4/5
I'd never heard of Elis Regina, but she was truly a great Bossa Nova artist. This album lacked a little consistency though. I'm assuming it's because the album is a post-humous compilation instead of a purposeful art project. Either way, most of these songs are bangers, and I would gladly listen to this album again.
Best Songs: Saudade Eterna, O Trem Azul, O Medo De Amar...
Worst Songs: Outro Cais
Tom Tom Club
3/5
This was kind of an absurd new wave album. It's fine, but not my favorite music. You can obviously tell it was made during the 80s.
Best Songs: Genius of Love, On...
Worst Songs: Under the Boardwalk
Spiritualized
3/5
I like some Spiritualized, but I don't think this album needs to be on the list. With that said, it basically felt like a solid ambient album with vocals. I didn't get a lot of emotion out of it, but I did enjoy listening to it.
Best Songs: If I Were with Her Now, Run, Take Your Time
Worst Songs: I Want You
Michael Jackson
4/5
Off The Wall was Michael Jackson's breakout album, and it's obvious why. He comes out of the gate with some of his biggest hits in "Don't Stop..." and "Rock with You". The second half of the album (I'm guessing side B), is a little slower, but it seems purposeful. When you were listening to a record, they basically gave you the option to listen to upbeat songs on side A and slow, emotional songs on side B.
While Thriller is his magnum opus, this is probably the most down to earth album MJ made in his solo career.
Best Songs: Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough, Rock With You, Off the Wall, Burn This Disco Out
Worst Songs: She's Out of My Life
Marty Robbins
5/5
This album is ICONIC. It is basically the epitome of western country music. Marty Robbins was a master of story-telling, and his voice fits cowboy ballads perfectly. As someone who grew up in the "west" this album makes me nostalgic for an era that Marty didn't even experience. I don't know what magic was put into this album, but it deserves its spot in the annals of history.
Best Songs: Big Iron, Billy The Kid, El Paso, Saddle Tramp
Worst Songs: NA
Joy Division
3/5
Closer started interesting, but I couldn't get over the lead singer's voice. As the album went on, however, I feel like Joy Division really nailed an interesting new sound that must have been revolutionary for 1980.
Best Songs: Heart and Soul, Decades
Worst Songs: Atrocity Exhibition
Johnny Cash
3/5
Sam Quentin is a good album, but falls in the shadow of Folsom Prison. It just lacks a certain energy that Folsom had. I did still enjoy the album, however, and songs like A Boy Named Sue and San Quentin are certainly highlights.
Best Songs: San Quentin, A Boy Named Sue, Peace in the Valley
Worst Songs: Wreck of the Old 97
Sister Sledge
4/5
This album was a true surprise! This feels like a true farewell to disco music with songs like Lost in Music and He's the Greatest Dancer.
Best Songs: He's the Greatest Dancer, Lost in Music, We Are Family, One More Time,
Worst Songs: Somebody Loves Me
Worst Songs:
The xx
2/5
This album is fine, inoffensive late 2000s early 2010s atmospheric indie. I've never been a huge The xx fan, and this album was just serviceable. I totally get why it was included because bands like Alt-J, M83, and Phoenix were probably inspired by this album. Unfortunately, The xx is worse than any of those previously mentioned bands.
Best Songs: Intro, Crystalised, Shelter
Forgettable Songs: The rest
Kraftwerk
2/5
Trans Europe Express is a totally acceptable album. In fact, I'm sure it was groundbreaking for 1977. Unfortunately, it didn't really hold my attention well and I didn't love it. The influence of Kraftwerk is amazing, but the actual albums are generally just decent.
Best Songs: The Hall of Mirrors
Worst Songs: Abzug
Venom
3/5
Black Metal was surprisingly better than I expected. While I hate shock value for the sake of shock value, Venom at least had interesting music to go along with it. I don't think this album is the best thing ever, but it definitely earned its spot on the list.
Best Songs: Black Metal, To Hell and Back
Worst Songs: Buried Alive, Teacher's Pet
Primal Scream
2/5
I wanted to like this album, but it was honestly a slog to get through. I think it's redeemable enough for a 2, but I don't want to listen to the whole thing again. There are fun psychedelic moments, like on Inner Flight, but in general, this album feels like a hollow representation of the early 90s.
Best Songs: Movin' on Up, Damaged
Worst Songs: Higher than the Sun, Come Together
Radiohead
5/5
In Rainbows finally helps me understand people's obsession with Radiohead. It's a great album with some really interesting songs. While I can see how it sounds a little samey, the more you listen to it, the more respect and admiration you have for each individual song. There aren't really any weak songs here. While In Rainbows isn't perfect, it borders on a 5/5 for me.
Best Songs: Bodysnatchers, Weird Fishes, Jigsaw Falling Into Place
Worst Songs: NA
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Every time I listen to Bob Marley, I feel like his music is just missing something. Just like other Bob Marley that I've listened to, it's serviceable reggae, but I feel like I enjoy other reggae artists more.
Best Songs: No Woman No Cry, Rebel Music
Worst Songs: Am-A-Do
Neil Young
4/5
This is a surprisingly catchy album. Is it the best I've ever heard? no, but it was still a delight. On The Beach reminds me of a slightly worse version of Solid Air, which was one of my favorite albums of this whole project.
Best Songs: Walk On, On the Beach, Ambulance Blues
Worst Songs: For the Turnstiles
The Smiths
4/5
No one can do The Smiths like The Smiths. Meat is Murder is a great album that still holds up. I enjoy the guitar riffs that still feel etched into the indie psyche to this day. And without Morrissey's vocals, this album wouldn't hit the same either. I don't think this is their best work, but it's definitely worth a listen.
Best Songs: Headmaster Ritual, What She Said, Well I Wonder
Worst Songs: Rusholme Ruffians
U2
4/5
I'm too young to have much nostalgia for U2. My biggest cultural moment with the band was when Songs of Innocence was automatically included with all new iPhones, and people were upset that it was impossible to delete. That was the last time, in my opinion, that U2 had much cultural relevance. The only other times I've heard about U2 in the last 10 years was their nostalgia driven Sphere residency in Las Vegas.
Earlier in this project, I listened to The Joshua Tree, and didn't really like it. It was generally a sleepy rock album without much to go on. It bordered on a 1, save a few decent songs. War, on the other hand, is a much better album.
Nostalgia around U2 must be from this album. Outside of a few Bono-isms, like on The Refugee, this album sets the template for future pop-rock. I can see a clear influence on Coldplay, Radiohead, and other UK rock bands.
While the album isn't perfect, it shows me why U2 was a force in the music world.
Best Songs: Seconds, Surrender
Worst Songs: The Refugee
The Cure
4/5
I just feel cool listening to The Cure. It's like I'm that mysterious guy in the corner of a bar. I'm shocked that this band has been this good this long. This album isn't perfect, but it's pretty dang good.
Best Songs: Play for Today, Secrets, A Forest, M
Worst Songs: Three
Fiona Apple
5/5
I won't lie, I had try to listen to this album about 4 times before I actually had a chance to sit down and listen to it all at once. As a collective piece, this thing is a masterpiece. The themes of harming a relationship, trying to mend it, and maturing in the process are clear by the end of the album. I really enjoyed it, especially the back half.
Best Songs: Sleep to Dream, Shadowboxer, Criminal, Carrion
Worst Songs: NA
Various Artists
5/5
This is what every Christmas album aspires to be. I listened to this on a cold, snowy day and it transported me into feeling the holiday spirit.
Best Songs: Frosty the Snowman, Sleigh Ride, A Marshmallow World, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, Christmas
Worst Songs: Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers
Burning Spear
4/5
This is solid reggae with an awesome activist lens. Something about it just feels a little off, but I still enjoyed the album. This is definitely a gem that I never would have listened to without this website.
Best Songs: Marcus Garvey, Slavery Days, Jordan River, Red Gold And Green
Worst Songs: Give Me, Tradition
The Doors
2/5
This is another album where I think you really only NEED to listen to 1-2 songs. Roadhouse Blues is an actual hit, the rest of the album feels disjointed. For whatever reason, they even had a two track run of pirate themed tracks. It's not bad, but it's definitely not a great album.
Best Songs: Roadhouse Blues, Queen of the Highway
Worst Songs: Land Ho!
ZZ Top
2/5
ZZ Top is fine classic rock music. I don't think the band is anything special, especially compared to their contemporaries like Led Zeppelin. The singer's voice is mildly grating, and just not what I want to listen to.
Best Songs: Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers, La Grange
Worst Songs: Precious and Grace
Worst Songs:
Super Furry Animals
3/5
Fuzzy Logic basically refines the psychedelic sound of the 1960s. It's a good album, but it's not groundbreaking in the same way others on this list are.
Best Songs: Something 4 the Weekend, Hometown Unicorn
Worst Songs: Frisbee, Hangin' with Howard Marks
Santana
5/5
This is what I want to listen to as the world ends.
Best Songs: Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va, Samba Pa Ti, Hope You're Feeling Better
Worst Songs: NA
The Boo Radleys
4/5
Giant Steps by The Boo Radleys is why this project is so cool! While it's not a masterpiece, I found it interesting how awesome this relatively unheard of album was. It's clear there are influences all over the board here, from Jazz (as is clearly shown from the title) to reggae, britpop and psychedelia.
On top of it all, I'm a sucker for albums that flow well between songs.
Best Songs: Wish I Was Skinny, If You Want It Take It, Lazarus
Worst Songs: Leaves and Sand
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
1/5
Before listening to this, I was indifferent to Tom Petty. I didn't really have any opinions on him or his band. This debut actually makes me hate the band. Every song outside of American Girl is absurdly boring.
Best Songs: American Girl
Worst Songs: Strangered In The Night, Mystery Man
Meat Puppets
5/5
I understand why Kurt Cobain loved Meat Puppets so much after listening to this album. There is so much fun and interesting song writing, paired with off-kilter punk instrumentals. The vocals scratch an itch that I didn't even know I had.
While I don't think there are a ton of standout songs on this project, It still borders on a 5, and I have to give it the benefit of the doubt.
Best Songs: Plateau, Lake of Fire
Worst Songs: NA
The Byrds
3/5
This album definitely needed to be on the list. I have never listened to a full Byrds album before, but it's incredible how modern some of these songs sound. Dolphin's Smile literally sounds like the start of Time to Pretend by MGMT. Other songs, like Wasn't Born to Follow, create the mold for 70s folk rock. While there are these highlights, there are also some of the worst songs I've ever heard on this album. Moog Raga made me feel like I was having a stroke.
Best Songs: Wasn't Born to Follow, Change Is Now, Tribal Gathering
Worst Songs: Space Odyssey, Moog Raga
The Cure
5/5
Disintegration has to be The Cure's magnum opus. It is so sprawling and well-put-together that it is hard to dislike any of it.
Best Songs: Pictures of You, Lovesong, Lullaby, Fascination Street
Worst Songs: NA
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
I had no idea the Yeah Yeah Yeahs were so punk! I kind of love it. Surprisingly, Maps is a song that doesn't really fit with the rest of the album, despite being the most well-known song on it. I wish that they continued in the garage rock, punk vein on future albums. After listening to this album, Amyl and the Sniffers basically feel like a new version of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs,
Best Songs: Date With The Night, Maps, Modern Romance, Poor Song
Worst Songs: Man
Pearl Jam
4/5
In 2024, dad-rock had a resurgence lead by Pearl Jam and Creed. If you asked me which band was which, it would honestly be hard to determine.
This takes nothing away from Pearl Jam's debut "Ten". This album essentially created a whole subgenre of rock and is a quintessential reason for doing this list.
I know I don't love this alt-rock, but it was still impactful to listen to. I'm happy to have heard the whole album.
Best Songs: Even Flow, Black, Jeremy
Worst Songs: Once, Garden
Anita Baker
2/5
Anita Baker has an interesting voice, but these songs just lack some sort of kick that would make me really invested! This album really reminds me of a boring American version of Japanese City-Pop.
Best Songs: Sweet Love, No One In The World
Worst Songs: Been so Long
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
I tried to listen to this album multiple times before I finally got all the way through it. I ended up disliking, but not hating it. I know Nick Cave is an influential figure, but I just can't get into this slow, melancholic, boring album.
Best Songs: Into My Arms, West Country Girl
Worst Songs: Black Hair
Donald Fagen
4/5
This is basically Steely Dan. If you like Steely Dan, you'll like this album.
Best Songs: I.G.Y., The Nightfly
Worst Songs: The Goodbye Look
Nine Inch Nails
2/5
Nine Inch Nails is not for me. This music just gives me school shooter vibes, unfortunately. I can't get over the creepy, unnerving feeling that a lot of these songs give. I understand it, but this isn't something I'd personally listen to for myself. There are some highlights on this album, like Hurt, but it doesn't redeem it all for me.
Best Songs: Hurt
Worst Songs: The Becoming
Neil Young
3/5
This is a solid album but doesn't really stand out in any way. I enjoyed it, but I don't think I'll really be coming back to it.
Best Songs: Only Love Can Break Your Heart, Southern Man, Don't Let It Bring You Down
Worst Songs: I Believe in You
Nas
5/5
This is obviously one of the most influential hip-hop albums of all time. In my opinion, it's not the best rap album, but it defines an era. For that it borders on a 5 (and I'll give it a 5).
Best Songs: NY State of Mind, The World Is Yours, One Love, It Ain't Hard to Tell
Worst Songs: The Genesis
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
This is an interesting album. The mix of American blues with West African folk is something I wish more artists explored. I love when cultures mix to make a unique experience.
While I can appreciate this album, it's not something I would listen to regularly nor did it move me to feeling big emotions.
Best Songs: Soukora, Ai Du
Worst Songs: Sega
The Strokes
4/5
This album is absolutely electric! While it has it's worse songs, it still defines an era. Other The Strokes albums are good, but none come close to Is This It's impact.
Best Songs: Someday, Last Nite, Hard to Explain
Worst Songs: Barely Legal
Air
3/5
I think this album would have been better had I actually seen the movie The Virgin Suicides. I think it was good, but I'm sure the extra context makes it even better.
Best Songs: Playground Love, Dead Bodies
Worst Songs: The Word Hurricane
Wilco
4/5
Wilco was better than I expected. I always thought they were a boring folk/country band, but they were actually wildly ahhead of their time.
On Being There, Wilco blend rock, country, folk and other contemporary styles into a unique project. There are some misses here, but there are still plenty of great songs.
Best Songs: Forget the Flowers, Red-Eyed and Blue, Dreamer in My Dreams
Worst Songs: Why Would You Wanna Live
Goldfrapp
3/5
Felt Mountain has pretty unique production that was probably innovative at the time. It's obvious to me that many producers across genres were influenced by Goldfrapp and this album. Some DangerMouse and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs songs have the same haunting feeling as those on this album.
Anyway, I liked this album but it isn't an all-timer for me or a happy surprise.
Best Songs: Lovely Head, Pilots, Utopia
Worst Songs: Oompah Radar
Iron Maiden
2/5
This album sounds like if David Bowie made metal in the 1980s. It's fine, if not a little boring.
Best Songs: The Number of the Beast, Hallowed Be Thy Name
Worst Songs: 22 Acacia Avenue, Gangland
Cat Stevens
3/5
I'm not the biggest fan of Cat Stevens, but some songs are just plan good. I think others do the folk singer songwriter better, but he is a darn good lyricist.
Best Songs: Wild World, Into White, Father And Son
Worst Songs: Where Do The Children Play?, Longer Boats
Aerosmith
3/5
I'm not the biggest Aerosmith fan, but this album isn't as bad as others have made it out to be. Is it insanely notable? No. Is it one of the better hair metal albums? Yes. As someone who hates the poserism of hair metal, this rating is a compliment.
Best Songs: Love In An Elevator, What It Takes
Worst Songs: Janie's Got A Gun, My Girl
Destiny's Child
2/5
Destiny's Child set the stage for 2000s R&B. It's decent, but not my favorite album I've listened to. My main criticisms are that there isn't a clear throughline in the music and that there seems to be a lot of filler songs.
Best Songs: Survivor, Bootylicious
Worst Songs: Sexy Daddy, Independent Women Pt. II
The Pretty Things
5/5
S. F. Sorrow is why you do this challenge. It's a great and revolutionary album, and I would have never found it myself. I love the concept, but wish the second half had a little more to it, like the first.
Best Songs: S. F. Sorrow Is Born, Loneliest Person, Defecting Grey
Worst Songs: Baron Saturday
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
Honestly, I did not expect this album to sound like it does. It's slower and more introspective than standout "Heads Will Roll" makes it seem. I would normally give this a 3, but have to bump it up just because HWR is such a great track.
Best Songs: Zero, Heads Will Roll, Dull Life
Worst Songs: Dragon Queen
MGMT
4/5
This album isn't the best, but the hits defined a generation and I have to rate it as such.
Best Songs: Time to Pretend, Weekend Wars, Electric Feel, Kids
Worst Songs: The Youth
M.I.A.
4/5
Kala has decade defining songs like Paper Planes and Come Around, but isn't cohesive as a full project. I still enjoyed the album, but it misses out on a 5/5.
Best Songs: Jimmy, Paper Planes, Come Around
Worst Songs: Hussel
T. Rex
3/5
This was fine. I haven't really listened to T. Rex before, and I understand why. It was missing the umph that post-punk and other punk records have. I know it's super influential, but I like the things it influenced more than I like this album.
Best Songs: Metal Guru, The Slider, Ballrooms Of Mars
Worst Songs: Chariot Choogle
Erykah Badu
3/5
I see why Erykah Badu and Andre 3000 were married.
On a different note, this album is a seminal piece of work, but it just didn't click with me like other R&B/Soul does.
Best Songs: Didn't Cha Know, ..& On, In Love With You
Worst Songs: My Life, Kiss Me On My Neck
The Clash
4/5
The Clash Self-Titled is just a fun, rambunctious punk album with radical politics (in a good way). There are lots of great tracks with great energy.
Best Songs: I'm so Bored with the USA, White Riot, Police & Thieves
Worst Songs: Hate & War
DJ Shadow
4/5
Endtroducing is a masterclass in sampling and must be one of the biggest influences for the "lo-fi movement" of the late 2010s and early 2020s. While some of the songs feel long and repetitive, Endtroducing is still influencing hip-hop and electronic producers to this day.
Best Songs: The Number Song, Organ Donor
Worst Songs: WDYSLL 4
Ray Charles
3/5
This is fine. I'm sure this was wildly innovative at the time, as most Ray Charles was, but personally, it doesn't do a ton for me. It's not off-putting, but just a little bland 65 years after release.
Best Songs: Let the Good Times Roll, Alexander's Ragtime Band
Worst Songs: Deed I Do
Keith Jarrett
3/5
This album is "Flow State: The Concert". Jarrett's musicianship is one of a kind, and the fact that it is almost completely improvised is an astonishing feat. That improvisation does make some parts of the concert feel like a drag as Jarrett figures out what he's going for.
This definitely deserves a spot on the list, but I wouldn't consider this "casual listening" material.
Best Songs: Part II a
Worst Songs: NA
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
This is the worst Bruce Springsteen album I've heard. There are redeeming qualities, but it lacks the charm of his other work. How does he sound 70 years old in his 20s?
Best Songs: Racing in the Street
Worst Songs: Badlands, Something in the Night, Prove It All Night
Bob Dylan
5/5
Best Dylan album yet. I haven't listened to them all, but this one had bangers, ballads and bars. Great album. Some songs, like Meet Me in the Morning feel like they could have been recorded in the last 15 years.
Best Songs: Meet Me in the Morning, Shelter from the Storm, Buckets of Rain
Worst Songs: NA
The Stranglers
5/5
This is a surprisingly awesome and eclectic album. It feels like Idles was transported back to the early 1970s. Also, the synth player carries. They are the most electric part of the songs.
Best Songs: Sometimes, Hanging Around, (Get A) Grip [on Yourself], Down in the Sewer, Go Buddy Go
Worst Songs: Peasant in the Big Shitty
Youssou N'Dour
4/5
Immigres is a really fun, somehow beachy, album. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Best Songs: Pitche Mi
Worst Songs: Badou
The Rolling Stones
3/5
This album is fine. I've had to listen to it at least 3 times to get through the whole thing and feel motivated to actually rate it though. For that, I have to knock it down a bit.
It's a british band's take on rock and roll + the blues. Again, it's fine, but I think other RS albums are much more important to listen to.
Best Songs: Sweet Virginia, Shine A Light
Worst Songs: I Just Want To See His Face, All Down The Line
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
I'm not the biggest Lynyrd Skynyrd fan, but Freebird rocks. That song single-handedly makes this album a piece of rock history.
Best Songs: Simple Man, Free Bird
Worst Songs: I Ain't The One
R.E.M.
4/5
For whatever reason, I've always thought of R.E.M. as a nerdy, dad-rock band. Document shows me why they were such a force in rock music. I hope other Gen-Z have a chance to listen and make sure R.E.M. doesn't fall by the wayside.
Best Songs: Welcome To The Occupation, Disturbance At The Heron House, It's The End Of The World As We Know It, The One I Love
Worst Songs: Strange
Scissor Sisters
3/5
I feel like Scissor Sisters was revolutionary in "gay pop" of the early 2000s, but it just feels dated to me now. I think it's fine, but I don't need to come back to the whole album.
Best Songs: Laura, Mary, Return to Oz
Worst Songs: Comfortably Numb, Filthy/Gorgeous
The Triffids
2/5
This is a somewhat forgettable 1980s Brit-Pop album. There are some good songs, but it honestly doesn't really stick out as a full piece.
Best Songs: Bury Me Deep in Love, Kelly's Blues, Vagabond Holes, Everything You Touch Turns to Time
Worst Songs: Holy Water, Love the Fever
Elbow
3/5
It took me a long time to listen to this album, but it's better than I expected. Elbow really feels like an early version of Mumford and Sons (in a weird way).
This album has some really interesting songs and really encapsulates the transition from 2000s indie rock to the stomp clap folk rock.
Best Songs: The Bones of You, Grounds for Divorce
Worst Songs: TLOATCD, Some Riot
Lou Reed
4/5
Lou Reed is the epitome of "artistry" of the 1960s and 70s. I don't feel like he has a lot of natural talent, but he obviously loved making music and put his entire effort into making something unique.
Transformer is no exception to the Lou Reed formula. Songs like Vicious and Perfect Day are just so fun. Walk On the Wild Side is just a classic and has had such an impact on all genres of music.
Unfortunately, some songs on Transformer come off as plain corny. Some may say that these songs are "camp", but that doesn't mean I have to like them. Reed even decides that some of the songs need a random tuba feature, that in my opinion, makes some songs feel straight out of a circus.
Best Songs: Vicious, Perfect Day, Walk On the Wild Side, Satellite of Love, Goodnight Ladies
Worst Songs: Make Up, NY Telephone Conversation
The Beach Boys
5/5
Maybe I've just gotten older, but this feels like the first time I've "gotten" Pet Sounds. In the past, I thought it was fine, but didn't understand the cultural significance it has.
In 1966, this had to be revolutionary and honestly, many of the sounds on this have yet to be reproduced. The Beach Boys nailed a uniquely 60s ethereal sound here, especially on songs like God Only Knows.
The only song that feels out of place, to me, is Sloop John B. I have never liked this song and probably never will. It feels like the label wanted a "safe" single and the Beach Boys came up with this song.
Even with Sloop John B, the album is timeless and I'm glad I spent my afternoon listening to it.
Best Songs: Wouldn't It Be Nice, God Only Knows, I Just Wasn't Made For These Times
Worst Songs: Sloop John B
The Cult
2/5
This feels like classic 80s hair metal. It's fine, but there isn't a ton to digest here. The guitarist is by far the best musician of the group.
Best Songs: Aphrodisiac Jacket, Love Removal Machine
Worst Songs: Outlaw
Pink Floyd
5/5
This has to be one of the best albums ever made. Every time I listen to it, I legitimately picture floating in space and landing on the moon. Dark Side of the Moon merges, pop, rock, jazz, and prog to make a concept album that people are still trying to replicate.
Best Songs: Breathe, Time, Us and Them, Brain Damage
Worst Songs: NA
The Beach Boys
4/5
Surf's Up is an interestingly experimental Beach Boys album. I can't believe I've never heard of it. Of course, it's not Pet Sounds, but there are still interesting and innovative production choices. On top of that, there is a surprising political/counterculture tilt that I was not expecting. It sounds like that was a deliberate choice, but it still makes this album interesting.
Best Songs: Long Promised Road, Surf's Up
Worst Songs: Take A Load Off Your Fee
Deep Purple
1/5
You know it's dire when I'm debating between a 2 and a 1. I think just based on how unnecessary this album is to include, I'll give the project a 1.
Deep Purple has some good songs, but nothing on Deep Purple in Rock feels influential or important enough to include on the list. Most of this album just feels like a rip off of Led Zeppelin.
Best Songs: Speed King
Worst Songs: Into the Fire
The Flaming Lips
5/5
Somehow this album makes me feel like I'm tripping balls. I don't like everything The Flaming Lips has put out, but this album is actually a masterpiece. I'm glad I'm doing this project so I would give this album a chance. It's my best discovery so far!
Best Songs: Fight Test, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Ego Tripping at the Gates, Do You Realize
Worst Songs: NA
The Style Council
3/5
I don't feel like this album had a clear theme other than 80s. I can't say it's boring though.
Best Songs: My Ever Changing Moods, Here's the One That Got Away, Headstart for Happiness
Worst Songs: Strength of Your Nature
The Verve
2/5
This album is pretty generic 90s brit-rock. It reminds me a bit of the band Spiritualized. This isn't anything special.
Best Songs: On Your Own, History
Worst Songs: So It Goes, No Knock On My Door
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
This is fine. It feels like pretty generic 90s rap. I don't think this album is essential, but I did enjoy listening.
Best Songs: Da Bichez, Jungle Music
Worst Songs: Brooklyn Took It
Beatles
4/5
The Beatles might be my favorite band of all time, but A Hard Day's Night is not their best album by any means.
While it doesn't have the same cultural influence like the White Album, Abbey Road, or Sgt. Peppers, A Hard Day's Night still feels innovative and interesting compared to other pop music of the 1960s. Songs like Can't Buy Me Love and A Hard Day's Night are catchy, but still have something intangibly exciting about them. Almost every song on the album has glimpses of what the band was capable of.
A Hard Day's Night isn't the best Beatles' album, but it's impossible to tell the story of the Beatles, and modern music, without it.
Best Songs: A Hard Day's Night, Can't Buy Me Love, I'll Cry Instead, I'll Be Back
Worst Songs: You Can't Do That
Dire Straits
4/5
I always thought Dire Straits was a late 60s or early 70s band. Their music doesn't feel like it should be popular around the emergence of hair metal. They are a solid band, but they just feel so old, even for the time. They honestly feel like an old version of Steely Dan. Sultans of Swing is still iconic, even though I always thought it was a Doors song.
Best Songs: Down to the Waterline, Sultans of Swing, In the Gallery
Worst Songs: Setting Me Up, Wild West End,
The Hives
4/5
The Hives bring me right back to playing old Madden and Fifa games. These games used to have banging soundtracks, and the Hives are no exception.
Best Songs: Hate To Say I Told You So, A.K.A. I-D-I-O-T, Hail Hail Spit N' Drool
Worst Songs: Automatic Schmuck
The Who
3/5
This album is surprisingly mid. With Baba O'Riley as the opening track, I assumed this album would be something legendary. Instead, this album is just okay.
Best Songs: Baba O'Riley, Behind Blue Eyes, Won't Get Fooled Again
Worst Songs: The Song Is Over
5/5
I finally understand people's Bowie obsession. Great album, no notes.
Best Songs: Five Years, Moonage Daytream, Starman, Ziggy Stardust
Worst Songs: NA
The Charlatans
2/5
Generic 90s Brit-Pop-Rock. It's fine, but not anything I need to listen to over and over.
Best Songs: One to Another, How High
Worst Songs: Area 51
Beatles
5/5
To most people, The White Album is the opus of the Beatles career. To me, The White Album feels like an overflow of disjointed creativity instead of a purposeful artistic vision. I don't think the album is bad - in fact I think some of the best and most unique songs of their careers are on The White Album. Helter Skelter is a template for metal and punk. While my Guitar Gently Weeps is reminiscent of a Prince ballad. Some of these songs are genuinely ahead of their time and probably influenced countless artists.
Unfortunately, there are some low-ish lows on here with Wild Honey Pie and Revolution 9. I understand the experimental nature of these songs, especially Revolution 9, but I would definitely skip them if I chose to listen to the album all the way through again.
While The White Album isn't the Beatles best, the double album is still better than most bands best work. I know nostalgia also plays a part in the rating, but I'd have to give it a 4.5/5 (rounded to a 5/5).
Best Songs: Back in the USSR, Dear Prudence, Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Happiness is a Warm Gun, I'm So Tired, Blackbird, Rocky Raccoon, Helter Skelter, Honey Pie, Savoy Truffle,
Worst Songs: Wild Honey Pie, Piggies, Revolution 9
Depeche Mode
4/5
This is goth music and I'm here for it. The last two instrumentals feel very out of place on this album, but I still ended up loving it overall.
Best Songs: Never Let Me Down Again, Strangelove, Behind The Wheel
Worst Songs: Pimpf, Agent Orange
Steely Dan
4/5
This is Steely Dan at their most accessible, and it's great! I really enjoyed these songs, and they are much more "poppy" than some of their later work.
Best Songs: Do It Again, Dirty Work, Kings, Reelin' In The Years, Fire In The Hole
Worst Songs: Turn That Heartbeat Over Again
Funkadelic
4/5
Maggot Brain is one of my all-time favorite songs when I discovered it back in 2017. It will forever hold up. On top that song, this album has to be one of the most influential funk albums of all time, even if I don't love the second half.
Best Songs: Maggot Brain, Can You Get To That, Hit It and Quit It
Worst Songs: Wars Of Armageddon
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Cosmo's Factory is full of CCRs best hits. While it doesn't feel like a cohesive project, it has banger after banger after banger.
Best Songs: Lookin' Out My Back Door, Up Around The Bend, I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Worst Songs: Ooby Dooby, Long As I See The Light
The Mars Volta
4/5
Somehow, The Mars Volta escapes from too many dated sounds on Deloused in the Comatorium. The beginning of this album feels like something that could have come out in the 2020s. It must have been revolutionary in 2003. This album honestly feels like the baseline for many screamo/emo punk bands of the 2000s and 2010s. Personally, I don't love screaming, so this album is much better than any of its derivatives.
Best Songs: Inertiatic Esp, Roulette Dares, Eriatarka
Worst Songs: This Apparatus...