204
Albums Rated
3.35
Average Rating
19%
Complete
885 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1990
Favorite Decade
Jazz
Favorite Genre
other
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
21
5-Star Albums
7
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
|
5 | 2.91 | +2.09 |
|
Music For The Jilted Generation
The Prodigy
|
5 | 3.07 | +1.93 |
|
Ambient 1/Music For Airports
Brian Eno
|
5 | 3.07 | +1.93 |
|
Homework
Daft Punk
|
5 | 3.29 | +1.71 |
|
There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
|
5 | 3.29 | +1.71 |
|
The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
|
5 | 3.39 | +1.61 |
|
The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
|
5 | 3.4 | +1.6 |
|
Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
|
5 | 3.51 | +1.49 |
|
Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
|
5 | 3.52 | +1.48 |
|
In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
|
5 | 3.61 | +1.39 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
|
1 | 3.36 | -2.36 |
|
Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
|
1 | 2.8 | -1.8 |
|
Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
|
1 | 2.74 | -1.74 |
|
The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
|
2 | 3.67 | -1.67 |
|
The United States Of America
The United States Of America
|
1 | 2.6 | -1.6 |
|
The Clash
The Clash
|
2 | 3.53 | -1.53 |
|
1984
Van Halen
|
2 | 3.5 | -1.5 |
|
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
|
2 | 3.48 | -1.48 |
|
Oar
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
|
1 | 2.46 | -1.46 |
|
Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
|
2 | 3.46 | -1.46 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| The Prodigy | 2 | 5 |
| Stevie Wonder | 3 | 4.33 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Prince | 5, 4, 2 |
5-Star Albums (21)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Napalm Death · 1 likes
1/5
Awful
Ms. Dynamite · 1 likes
3/5
It's fine. I enjoyed the singles that I remember from its original release. There's quite a bit of filler. Don't really understand why it's on the list but I didn't hate it.
Aerosmith · 1 likes
2/5
Hang on, didn't I already have this one? Oh, no, that was another Aerosmith album. Didn't like that one. Didn't like this one.
1-Star Albums (7)
All Ratings
John Coltrane
4/5
I don't know if I understood it. But I enjoyed it.
3/5
Good nostalgia and some songs I remember. Not stacked with classics. Enjoyed For Tomorrow, Villa Rosie.
Talking Heads
3/5
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Once in a Lifetime is a classic, didn't know any of the others. Not a huge fan of the vocal performance but it's a good listen.
Muddy Waters
4/5
I don't consider myself a blues afficionado. Blues to me conjures up images of a weird high school teacher who would roam the campus with a harmonica or listening to the blues.
So this is probably the first blues album I have ever listened to. And what an introduction. What an amazing voice and energy. The recording is clear and the musicality is evident. Really enjoyed this.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Didn't finish. It was fine but not really my thing.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
I'd only ever heard Sweet Home Alabama before by this band. I don't think they were particularly popular in the UK. I enjoyed this album. Short and punchy with very musical guitar playing. That Southern twang is quite unmistakable and good fun for someone who has never been anywhere near the US South. Would relisten.
Yes
2/5
It's as if Spinal Tap never happened. Wellz obviously, it hadn't at this point but... Y'know. Very over the top, rock nerdery. Mostly not my thing. I did enjoy Roundabout. I definitely prefer the Paul Simon version of America.
Aerosmith
2/5
It's just too try-hard bad boy rock. First three tracks all seem to be about hot girls and so on. Just a bit boring to be honest. Not a fan of Steve Tyler's vocals. Overall it's fine as a relic of its time but it's incredibly dated.
Teenage Fanclub
2/5
Fairly forgettable. Pleasant enough early 90s indie. The kind of thing I listened to at the time but I don't really remember much teenage fanclub. Maybe sparkys dream but that's not on this album. All in all a bit samey and not helped by a lack of nostalgia.
John Grant
4/5
Never heard of him before. This started out sounding fairly bland (if pleasant) indie folk. Then it got a lot more interesting. I really liked his voice and there was plenty of different styles on show (some more successful than others). Overall a good listen. Highlights: Chicken Bones, Silver Platter Club and Sigourney Weaver.
Muddy Waters
4/5
Second Muddy Waters album so far. Not as energetic as the live recording but a good solid blues album. The 15 year old seemed to like it too.
Radiohead
5/5
This is pure nostalgia for me. First year of uni, plenty of time to listen to music. As much as I love Pablo Honey, this album just lifted their music to another level. So many good songs on here and mountains of atmosphere. Highlights: Just, Street Spirit, High and Dry.
Daft Punk
5/5
Every track is a banger. Hard to believe this is 25 years old and to remember that this was pretty revolutionary when it came out. The video for revolution 909 is still one of my favourites.
3/5
Not my usual listen, I'll be honest. I don't know much about country. Not something I would listen to again but it was quite fun and she has a superb voice.
Bad Brains
2/5
I didn't like this when it first started. It definitely improved. Not sure I'd listen to it again. I don't know what I was listening to in 86 but it wasn't this. If this had come out 10 years later I probably would have been all over it.
Napalm Death
1/5
Awful
Spiritualized
3/5
I can't say this one really grabbed me. It's definitely musically very impressive but I didn't really latch onto any tracks in particular.
Eminem
2/5
Yes, he has a talent and there's absolute classics like Stan. But you can't look past the content of so many of the tracks. The homophobia and misogyny just ruins it.
Arcade Fire
3/5
It was ok, I guess. Nothing stand out. Pleasant enough but not something I would go back to.
Manu Chao
4/5
Enjoyed this. I'd only heard Bongo Bong before but there's lots of variety here.
Frank Sinatra
5/5
Absolute classic. How anyone can not give old blue eyes 5 stars is beyond me. Maybe I'm just an old fart. That voice so smooth, the orchestra so jazzy, the overall effect is like slipping into a warm bath. I feel relaxed.
Nick Drake
3/5
I quite enjoyed this as background music. Can't say I listened too closely. Don't know if I'm motivated to go back to it and listen more carefully.
Gil Scott-Heron
3/5
Mostly not a fan of the slower stuff although the musicality is to be commended. The uptempo tracks such as the Bottle and Back Home did it for me more. Somewhat depressing lyrical content. Especially in current times.
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
This was completely unexpected. What a great album. Never heard of it before.
Fela Kuti
4/5
Very very cool. Not heard this before but really enjoyed it.
The Shamen
2/5
I liked the Shamen in the 90s. Can't say this has aged well. Still enjoyable but not a great album.
Traffic
4/5
I saw the year, the cover and read "english rock band" and thought "oh no". You know what? I actually enjoyed this. Very musical and listenable. Jazzy, folk influences. Good discovery.
4/5
Some real classics on here. I didn't know the non-single tracks but I enjoyed them. This is my era so not a surprise that I enjoyed it.
Miles Davis
5/5
Never heard this album before. I've mostly heard his earlier stuff. I love this.
Röyksopp
4/5
An album I am quite familiar with. So many strong tracks on here and this album was quite influential in its time. Worth a relisten.
Michael Jackson
4/5
One of the first albums I bought on cassette back in the day. I was too young to know about Thriller when it came out so this was my introduction to MJ. It stands up to the test of time with some classics on here. I seem to remember pretty much every track was released as a single. Shows the strength of the production, songwriting and musicianship on display.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
A great reminder of teenage years. Funky, fun, lewd, rocking.
Pavement
2/5
Not a band I'd heard before although I knew of them.the singing was quite discordant and none of the songs grabbed me.
Mudhoney
4/5
Not heard them before. I was probably just a few years too young. Enjoyed this - some good grooves.
Supertramp
3/5
Pretty good. Not great, not terrible. Few good songs on there but no standouts
Bob Dylan
3/5
Never listened to Dylan before. Not sure if this is the best introduction. It's fine but a bit samey.
Nine Inch Nails
4/5
I liked it more than I thought I would. Not an easy listen but it is actually quite musical. Would listen again.
Run-D.M.C.
5/5
Just a classic. This makes a nice change from the 70s prog rock albums.
Carole King
5/5
So many amazing songs on here. The voice, the production, the music is all just perfect.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
This list make me realise how many classic bands/artists I've never really listened to. I actually enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. Especially the first half.
The Sugarcubes
4/5
Love this. Björk's voice is so unique and the sugar cubes really rocked. Not heard any of these songs before (I think Hit is the only one of theirs I know). Good fun.
Can
3/5
So, yes, the last couple of tracks are a pretty tough listen. Overall I didn't hate this as much as I thought I might and I can hear how it influenced some of the electronic artists I enjoy.
Britney Spears
3/5
Starts off strong with some absolute pop classics. Then it goes off the boil quite quickly.
The Smiths
2/5
Tricky. I really don't like Morrissey. His voice grates. It's ok on uptempo tracks but is unlistenable on slower ones. But then I like the Smiths musically. Maybe I can just say I like Johnny Marr.
Crowded House
4/5
Crowded House seemed sophisticated when I was of an age listening to indie music. I never got it then. As I've grown older I've appreciated it more. Some really great songs on here.
Belle & Sebastian
2/5
Inoffensive but boring
Kraftwerk
4/5
This album is almost as old as I am but it really doesn't sound it. The influence that Kraftwerk had can't be understated. And this is not just a historical relic but still very listenable. I'd heard the robots and the model before but the rest were new to me. A good listen.
The Beach Boys
4/5
After listening to the Strong Songs episode on "God Only Knows", I really appreciate that track. Trying to turn on my ears to the other tracks on the album. Not sure I am sophisticated enough to completely get it but I did enjoy this album. Even listened to the mono and stereo mixes. Definitely prefer the stereo mix.
Sex Pistols
4/5
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Definitely an influential album.
k.d. lang
3/5
Country's not my thing. But this has some good tracks. Favourite (waltz me) once again...
Dolly Parton
4/5
Coming off the back of another country album (which I didn't mind), I wasn't too enthusiastic to get into this. But, boy, am I glad I did. Some great storytelling, low key production, really good. I especially liked the title track.
Kanye West
4/5
I actually enjoyed this when it first came out. I still like it now. Not too sure about Kanye himself but I guess you can divorce the music from the person to some degree.
Pearl Jam
5/5
I find it hard to listen to this critically as it forms such a part of my teenage listening. Alive has to be one of the best songs ever recorded.
Brian Wilson
3/5
Bit of an odd one this. I mostly enjoyed it but it was a little bit too "zany" for me.
The Prodigy
5/5
This album is the perfect bridge between Experience and Fat of the Land. I first saw The Prodigy live around the time of Experience. That was full on rave, whistles, fluoro, lots of white. This album was much darker, more experimental and angry. Set against the background of the criminal justice bill (later act) and the crackdown on rave culture, this was clearly a political album in many ways. Being in my last years of secondary education, this album was perfectly timed to be the background of many hours of gaming. No Good, One Love, Poison, Their Law. All really strong tracks. Not as commercial as Fat of the Land but hugely influential.
Rush
3/5
A bit out there but a good listen.
Talking Heads
3/5
I've never really "got" Talking Heads. David Byrne's singing just doesn't do it for me. Instrumentals are good.
Common
3/5
Enjoyed the flow and vibe. But the homophobia stood out like a sore thumb and spoiled it.
Liz Phair
4/5
This is new to me and I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. Reminded me a bit of L7 who I loved back in the day. Yes, her voice isn't the best and that comes out more on slower tracks, but it's unique. Would listen again.
Beyoncé
3/5
Not usually my style and I don't really know much of her work other than the big hits. Enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Not sure if it's just the platinum edition but it went on a bit. Not sure I'd listen again.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Perfectly listenable. Smooth, funky. But also not really that memorable.
Alice Cooper
2/5
Not my favourite. Couldn't really place it. Not really heavy metal. Not really rock.
Serge Gainsbourg
1/5
I only knew Gainsbourg from "je t'aime". I enjoyed the music. But the subject matter? Ick. No.
Willie Nelson
3/5
Not my usual listen. Chilled and basic. Enjoyable enough.
The Who
4/5
I went to Leeds Uni and attended gigs in the refectory. I remember hearing about this album back then and thinking it was amazing race that our little uni was forever remembered as part of the history of a band as big as The Who. But did I listen to it? Nope. I never did until now.
And I wish I had heard it earlier. Loved it. Only complaint? Too short!
Beastie Boys
4/5
Once I got over the style (the parody by Morris Minor and the Majors kept popping into my head) I really enjoyed this. I wasn't really into it at the time but I can appreciate the innovation.
The Mothers Of Invention
2/5
I'm really not sure what to make of this. After the first track I hated it. Off key droningz kazoos. But it grew on me. Then I got to the last three tracks and I was back to hating it.
Miles Davis
4/5
I've not listened to this all the way through before. Found it hard to get into the first time. Being used to Kind of Blue, Sketches of Spain and others, this always stood out as quite chaotic. But I am glad I stuck with it. You can see the progression that Davis was making and appreciate his mastery.
Tim Buckley
3/5
Having listened to Jeff Buckley a bit, I had no idea that his dad was also a singer. You can definitely hear some common vocal traits in the way they approach songs.
I really appreciate the jazz inflections on this (mallets!) and generally enjoyed it.
CHIC
4/5
Good Times is a banger. I didn't know the rest but I will definitely listen again. Then again, I e always been a closet disco fan.
Madonna
4/5
I loved Immaculate Collection growing up but never really got into her "newer" stuff (yes, I know this is over 25 years old now). Excited to listen to this properly beyond the singles I heard at the time.
The blend of pop and electronica is right in my sweet spot.
Starting off with Substitute for Love, I was struck by the beautiful lush production. Looked it up and it's William Orbit so that tracks.
I recognised the singles but listening to them in the context of the album gave them much more meaning.
Definitely one to relisten to. How did I miss this first time round?
Guns N' Roses
5/5
Classic. How can you not enjoy this?
The Modern Lovers
3/5
Did not enjoy. Actually couldn't finish it. Life's too short.
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
One of the first albums I bought with my own money was "A Salt with a Deadly Pepa" and I listened to it endlessly. Lots of similar vibes here. Love the simple production, the big drums, the clever lyrics.
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
None of the EWF tunes that I know are on here but I enjoyed it. Africano a stand out track.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
1/5
This is a mess. Some interesting moments and the backstory is interesting. Not really sure how this made the list.
Black Flag
2/5
Can't say I particularly enjoyed. A bit too shouty. Good energy, can see where it fits in the timeline but not something I would listen to again.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Loved this. So many great tracks on this album.
Portishead
5/5
I am lucky to have been at just the right age to appreciate this when it came out. The trip hop sound with Portishead, massive attack, and tricky was really influential. So many great tracks on this but you can't go past Roads.
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
It's fine. I enjoyed the singles that I remember from its original release. There's quite a bit of filler. Don't really understand why it's on the list but I didn't hate it.
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
This is another one which seems like it was big when the book was written but has not stood the test of time. Sure there's some good tracks on here. And it's short and high tempo but it did leave me wondering "I wonder what they're doing now". Apparently they have a new album this year. So that's me wrong!
Prince
5/5
This is an album that truly deserves its place on the list. You don't need to know about its place in history or even much about Prince. It's just beautifully put together with some very strong songs.
Cream
4/5
Listened to this twice back to back. This definitely grew in me. Don't think I've heard much Cream before. I knew Eric Clapton was in there but my opinion of him growing up in the 80s and 90s was not of someone whose music I enjoyed. So this was definitely a surprise. Highlight was Take It Back.
Tears For Fears
4/5
I knew a few of the songs on here. Everybody Wants to Rule the World will always remind me of the movie Peter's Friends. This album is complex and a lot more layered than other albums of the same period. A good listen.
The Prodigy
5/5
Banger after banger after banger. I don't feel I even need to listen to this one but I did. Because it's a modern classic.
I first got into the Prodigy when they were doing Experience. In fact I saw them live with a bunch of ravers doing that album. When Music for the Jilted Generation came out, we listened to it incessentantly. It's fascinating to hear the progression through those two albums to this one which was so innovative.
There are some iconic tracks on there (Smack My Bitch Up, Firestarter, Breathe) but my favourites are some of the less known ones (Diesel Power, Narayan). This album brings back so many memories but it's also a complete good time. Couldn't be anything less than five stars.
Frank Ocean
2/5
Not my favourite style of music at all. There was some inventiveness here that kept it a bit interesting but I wouldn't rush back to this.
Brian Eno
5/5
Not my first listen to this, so I know it relatively well. Amazing how influential this was and how early it was. Listened on a drive home and it was perfect. Eno truly deserves all the praise for inventing ambient music.
The Go-Betweens
4/5
Despite being an adopted Aussie, I have never listened to the Go Betweens. I don't know if they were big overseas.
Enjoyable album. Some good tracks, some which were less memorable. Worth another listen.
4/5
Complicated feelings on this one. In the 90s I was very much Team Blur. I didn't appreciate Oasis or what they were putting out. Listening to this 30 years on and with my son going to see them live and wearing their t shirts, I feel I need to reappraise.
I still don't like Liam's whiny vocal style. But this is a really solid album. So many tracks were released as singles. So many have gone on to become iconic.
Gotta hand it to them, I prefer this to The Great Escape these days.
Shuggie Otis
3/5
Funky. I enjoyed this as background but can't say it really grabbed me.
Genesis
2/5
Boy this was long. Feels like it could have been a single album if they kept the good songs.
Didn't hate it but it was a slog.
Prince
4/5
Another Prince album. Can't beat this for funky pop perfection. Maybe not suitable for listening to in the car with the kids ..
The Stooges
4/5
This is cool. Heavy, dirty, raw. Love it.
Elliott Smith
3/5
It was fine. Enjoyed a few tracks like LA but it was mostly pretty forgettable.
The Cult
4/5
This absolutely rocks. Never heard it before. Going on high rotation for sure.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Shockingly I've never really listened to Led Zeppelin. Yes, I know Immigrant Song and Stairway to Heaven.
Enjoyed this one. Varied styles, interesting instrumentation.
Looks like there's more opportunities to get to know them in this list.
Dolly Parton
4/5
Country is not usually my vibe but pretty much any of the female country singers that have been on the list so far have been great. This is no exception. Although I was surprised it was released it 1987. It sounds older than that. Loved it way more than I thought I would.
The Kinks
3/5
Enjoyable and innovative for the time. Some classics like Waterloo Sunset.
Peter Tosh
2/5
Reggae not really my thing. Opening track was very meh. In fact, overall it was meh.
Jack White
4/5
Not heard this before although Love Interruption was familiar.
Enjoyable and inventive. Will listen again.
Giant Sand
2/5
I really didn't get this one. The vocals are bad. Some of the instrumentation is fine. A few tracks I didn't mind but an overwhelming number of tracks that were hard to get through.
Jane's Addiction
3/5
Another new one to me. Have heard of them but never really heard them. Enjoyable rock/metal.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
This is my kind of hip hop. Laid back, innovative production, great lyrics. Standouts are Bonita Applebum and Can I Kick It.
The Clash
2/5
I know it's punk and all but they don't really even seem to try and sign. But overall there were some good tracks.
Hot Chip
3/5
I didn't mind it but it wasn't very memorable. Not really sure why it's on the list. There's plenty of other electronica out there that has been more influential.
Mott The Hoople
4/5
For a 70s album I enjoyed this more than itl thought I would. Some songs I would happily have listened to in the 90s or 00s. Would listen again.
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
Ok conflicted on this. Sometimes it's awesomely groovy. I know the title track already and like that. But other times it just feels like a crazy uncle at the front of the local RSL with his Casio keyboard.
Nothing to hate.
The Rolling Stones
2/5
I get that this is their first album and so somewhat historically significant but it's pretty meh. Trying too hard to sound American, covers of other people's songs. Not a great introduction to what was an era defining band.
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
A few big hits and a lot of meh.
The Notorious B.I.G.
1/5
I remember now why I never got into gangsta rap. Too many guns, bitches, casual homophobia drops, etc. Not for me. Can't separate the beats and rhymes from the content.
Throbbing Gristle
3/5
Alright. It finally happened. Where do I start?
Firstly, I don't hate it. I can see a lot here that has influenced other music that I like. Some of the more ambient tracks could easily have been made in the 90s or even later. That this came out in 1978 is startling. You compare this to Jeff Wayne or Genesis or Rush who all had albums out in the same year. Different planet.
Then there's tracks that really are just noise. And they're not pleasant to listen to.
Did I like it? Hard to say. Would I listen again? Maybe. Not the whole way through but there were some good bits.
Nick Drake
2/5
Pleasant. Good background listening. Not much more interest than that.
The Isley Brothers
4/5
Smooth, funky, varied. Enjoyed this.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
This feels like the kind of album that is "important". A bit like poetry with some music attached. I've never really been into poetry.
Deep Purple
4/5
Another discovery through doing this. I knew Smoke on the Water but none of their other stuff. This is really enjoyable. Would listen again
Johnny Cash
4/5
Ok, that was pretty cool. The atmosphere and crowd really makes this recording.
Common
2/5
Too much Kanye.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Having had Leonard Cohen and Johnny Cash recently, I guess it was only a matter of time before Dylan. This holds school memories of a somewhat eccentric teacher who was very into Dylan and played the harmonica. Once I got past that block I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
Boards of Canada
5/5
Love it. But then I know it well.
Elliott Smith
3/5
Enjoyable enough.
The Cars
3/5
So 80s. Although it was from the 70s.
Aerosmith
2/5
Hang on, didn't I already have this one? Oh, no, that was another Aerosmith album. Didn't like that one. Didn't like this one.
M.I.A.
4/5
Of course I knew Paper Planes before but didn't know the rest of the album. Really great storytelling and incentive music. Enjoyed this.
Beatles
5/5
I think this is the first Beatles album on here for me. Not one I've listened to all the way through before. Seems I have the US release which omits Drive My Car and Nowhere Man. Folky, strong vocals, enchanting. I'll seek out the UK release and relisten.
Lenny Kravitz
2/5
Look, it's fine. Perfectly listenable. But also quite forgettable. Not sure what made it a candidate for the list.
The Afghan Whigs
4/5
This is something of a rarity. An early 90s alternative album that I've not heard before and really enjoyed. I was aware of the band but have never listened to them. This is a great album.
The Jam
3/5
Fine I guess. Nothing really groundbreaking that I could hear.
Joan Armatrading
4/5
Really funky. I liked this. Love her voice. Would listen again.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
His voice is such a drone. I'm sure the words were really meaningful but it didn't do anything for me.
The Fall
2/5
Ugh. Did not enjoy. Atonal, yelling, not much redeeming about it.
Janelle Monáe
4/5
I love the breadth and ambition of this album. It's like a movie soundtrack with so many different styles and stories. And Tightrope is just a massive banger.
The Verve
3/5
It's fine. I like 90s indie. But I don't see how it's notable or fits on the list.
Gene Clark
2/5
"It only achieved commercial success in the Netherlands". Enough said.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
I do have a soft spot for Frank Sinatra. Although reading that this was up against Sgt Pepper at the Grammys puts into perspective how dated this must have seemed at the time. With the benefit of time passing, I really appreciate this album.
Queen
4/5
Imagine hearing this for the first time in 1975. Must have been mind-blowing. All building up to Bohemian Rhapsody.
I've never actually listened to a Queen album (other than a greatest hits compilation). This was a revelation.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
1/5
Not for me. Boring, discordant in many places, out there without any structure. Pass.
Incredible Bongo Band
4/5
Now this is more like it! Pure fun and funky drumming. I know Apache already and enjoyed the rest. Kitsch but fun.
Ella Fitzgerald
4/5
I've always had a soft spot for the works of Ella. Such an amazing voice. Yes, the Gershwin songs are generally quite dated but there are some absolute classics on this album.
David Bowie
3/5
I know you're supposed to like David Bowie but I didn't really enjoy this.
Fairport Convention
4/5
I only knew Autopsy before (discovery via Groove Armada many years ago). At first I thought this was like the music my parents listened to (in a good way) - kind of folky. I enjoyed it and then the last few tracks really grew on me. Really liked Tam Lin.
The National
3/5
A bit depressing really. Didn't get into it.
Radiohead
4/5
I was really into early Radiohead - Pablo Honey, The Bends. Then I went off them when they got more experimental. So it was interesting to listen to this with fresh ears. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
Eurythmics
4/5
Sweet dreams are made of cheese.
Some great tracks on here. So ahead of their time and you have to love Annie Lennox.
Christine and the Queens
4/5
Never heard of before. Reminds me of Haim. Listened to the English version and enjoyed it.
Black Sabbath
3/5
Hey, this is good. Enjoyable. Not amazing. Funny to think that this was out there heavy in its day. Seems quite tame now.
The Doors
3/5
Bluesy. Not too bad but not really my style.
Kraftwerk
4/5
Such an influential group. There is so much here that you can hear as early echos of later electronic music.
3/5
"Oh, another 1970s prog rock album. Great."
Surprisingly I actually liked this one.
4/5
This is one of those albums that it's hard to review objectively because it's so familiar and I love every second of it. Origin of Symmetry was the first album I was familiar with having seen them live around this time. This album, when it was released, almost came close to that. Listening with the distance of time, I think this is actually the better album.
Arcade Fire
3/5
Sigh. First The National, now this. I mean, it's ok but I could do with less whiny indie.
George Michael
4/5
Pop classic. From the first strains of a church organza through the guitar.
N.W.A.
3/5
Hard to review. The misogyny is a big woah. But there's some great rhymes and beats on here.
Talk Talk
2/5
That was an album. It had some songs on it. Some were ok.
Soul II Soul
3/5
Strong open. Kind of loses it way a bit after that. And I prefer the single version of Back 2 Life.
Van Halen
2/5
Juvenile hair metal. "Hot for teacher"? Really? C'mon.
Prince
2/5
Prince was certainly prolific. And horny. Nothing on here really stood out.
Michael Jackson
5/5
Classic. Not much more you can say than that.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Nick Cave is one of those people I know of and have probably heard some of their stuff but don't really know. My impression has always been of quite difficult music to listen to. So I went into this expecting not to like it. At first I didn't. But when I came back to it with an open mind I actually rather enjoyed it. Quite uplifting in fact.
Not really sure what it's about, mind you, but it was a good listen.
Green Day
3/5
I grew up listening to Dookie in my teenage years. That was the perfect album. 40 minutes of high energy and fun. As I grew up I never bothered to listen to their subsequent albums. There's some good songs on here and the messages seem as relevant now as they were then. But it could have been 20 minutes shorter. I'll stick with Dookie.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
Spiky, enjoyable. Liked this more than I expected.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Not really to my taste. I can see how it was influential but a bit out there for me.
Beastie Boys
4/5
Liked this more than the last Beastie Boys album I was served up. Lots of good samples and interesting production. And Sabotage is a banger.
Metallica
5/5
Almost didn't need to listen to this one. What a classic.
50 Cent
2/5
Really not my thing. All bling and guns. That said, In Da Club got popular because it's a great track.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Preferred this to the first Rolling Stones one I was offered up. But why do they sound like they are trying so hard to be American?
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
It was good I guess. Didn't really grab me - sounded a bit country, a bit standard rock. It was short though.
The United States Of America
1/5
What on Earth? Couldn't finish. No wonder it was their only album.
Taylor Swift
3/5
Not a Swiftie. Surprised by how many of these songs I actually knew already. I think Taylor is one of those artists whose music is so omnipresent that you probably know it even if you don't think you do. Enjoyed this more than I probably should have. At the end of the day it is a fun pop album.
Various Artists
4/5
First off, I am assuming that lots of people got this today? Or did I just really luck out by getting it on Christmas day. Actually, a few of these appeared on my Christmas playlist.
Obviously amazing music and production. But getting a gift from the murderer Phil Spector is just a bit chilling. Hard to separate the music from the man. But it is a great album.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
As well as the songs I already knew, I really appreciated this. A great accompaniment to a sunny post-christmas lazy day.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
Great album. Sledgehammer obviously a classic. And having listened to the Strong Songs breakdown of In Your Eyes a while back I really appreciated that one. Overall a solid album.
Sigur Rós
4/5
Weird. Haunting. Beautiful.
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
Rap not my thing. I didn't know much about the artist except for recent beef with another rapper. Can't say I really followed it.
So I went into this fully expecting to hate it. You know what? It was actually pretty good. Probably wouldn't listen again but this was a good use of my time.
Nightmares On Wax
4/5
This is the kind of music I like in general. Not heard this particular album before but I enjoyed it. Even so, I am not sure why it gets onto a list of albums like this. It seems somewhat unremarkable.
Sly & The Family Stone
5/5
Awesome album. Not heard any of it except for Family Affair before. First off, it's funky. I could feel myself getting cooler after every track. Second off, it's been so influential. That's really clear. Amazing that this album is 55 years old. It sound amazing.
Travis
2/5
Ugh. Weak, uninspiring, insipid indie nonsense. Look, it's fine as background music but this is not something you have to listen to. I wasn't a massive fan at the time and I've probably mellowed a bit since but I still wouldn't choose to listen to this.
The Stone Roses
5/5
Absolute classic. Defines the Madchester era and sounds as good tofay as it did then. RIP Mani.
Bill Callahan
4/5
Well this was a great find. I am still a bit confused by it but I liked it.
Neu!
3/5
I don't think I knew what krautrock was other than it being associated with Kraftwerk. This was an interesting listen. Definitely some tracks on here I really enjoyed.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I know it may be sacrilegious but I have never got Bruce Springsteen. It's fine but it didn't blow me away.
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
Unenjoyable.
Slint
2/5
Not for me. Weird whispered and spoken vocals and nothing that can reasonably described as a tune.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
3/5
Of course I'd heard The Message before but none of the rest. This is a real mixed bag of styles. Some of it just sounds so dated and cheesy (and reminds me, weirdly of Ditch rap duo MC Miker G & DJ Sven - guess this was part of their influence).
Definitely listenable and deserves credit for the last track.
The White Stripes
4/5
Another album which I feel I should have heard but never did. Enjoyed this one.
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
Meh.
3/5
This is really intriguing. I quickly realised that it was a concept album and then looked up the back story. The fact that it was supposed to be a TV drama/play really made sense. I would love to have seen how that turned out. As an album, it's fine - some good tracks but I think the story is the interesting part here.
Black Sabbath
4/5
This sounds pretty tame by modern standards but it is clear how transformational it was. RIP Ozzy.
Prefab Sprout
3/5
Very 80s. Enjoyable enough but not world changing.
Keith Jarrett
5/5
Wow. Just wow. This is what I do this for. Discovering new things like this. This is beautiful.
Orange Juice
3/5
More early 80s post punk? *Sigh*
It's fine. But there just seems to be so much stuff like this on the list.
Willie Nelson
3/5
Country's not really my thing. I don't mind some of Willie's works. This was just OK for me.
Stephen Stills
4/5
I think I am the wrong generation for Crosby Still Nash and Young. When I was growing up they were old people music. So I don't think I've ever consciously listened to them. I was a bit wary going into this because of that. But it's actually a great listen throughout.
Garbage
3/5
Not my favourite 90s band but not a bad album.
Van Halen
3/5
I didn't know what this was. Heavy metal? Hair metal? Confusing.
The Police
3/5
Joni Mitchell
4/5
How can you not love Joni. Such an amazing voice.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
3/5
Well. I hated this from tbr first track. Then I grew on me. I don't like it all but it's intriguing and I think it deserves another listen.
Dire Straits
4/5
My nextdoor neighbour's mum had this when I was growing up. I always thought of it as old person music. And it is. But it's good old person music. And I am now an old person.
Animal Collective
3/5
"what if we combined whiny indie folk and electronica?" Is the question that noone was asking. But Animal Collective answered it.
I didn't mind this.
Haircut 100
3/5
A proper 80s record this one. Sounds pretty dated now but it's fun.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Pretty enjoyable bluesy album.
Tina Turner
4/5
Oh yeah! Tina! So 80s but in a good way. And the power of the voice. Yes the production creaks a bit these days but couldn't you just listen to her sing all day long?
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Stevie. Don't really need to say much more. This is such an important album. Enjoyed every minute of it.
Youssou N'Dour
4/5
This is what I come to this list for. An album I would never have discovered otherwise. I knew 7 Seconds (with Neneh Cherry) so I had some idea what to expect. He has such a soulful voice. I don't think it matters that I have no idea what the songs are about. Great listen.