Journey Complete!
Finisher #458 to complete the list
1089
Albums Rated
3.63
Average Rating
100%
Complete
Selling England By The Pound
Genesis
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Rating Timeline
Average rating over time
Ratings by Decade
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When do you listen?
Taste Profile
2010s
Favorite Decade
Grunge
Favorite Genre
other
Top Origin
Generous
Rater Style
261
5-Star Albums
43
1-Star Albums
Taste Analysis
Genre Preferences
Ratings by genre
Origin Preferences
Ratings by country
Rating Style
You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trout Mask Replica | 5 | 2.28 | +2.72 |
| Devotional Songs | 5 | 2.58 | +2.42 |
| The United States Of America | 5 | 2.61 | +2.39 |
| Pictures At An Exhibition | 5 | 2.65 | +2.35 |
| A Grand Don't Come For Free | 5 | 2.67 | +2.33 |
| Yank Crime | 5 | 2.69 | +2.31 |
| Movies | 5 | 2.7 | +2.3 |
| Phaedra | 5 | 2.73 | +2.27 |
| Alien Lanes | 5 | 2.75 | +2.25 |
| Two Dancers | 5 | 2.75 | +2.25 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Genius Of Ray Charles | 1 | 3.63 | -2.63 |
| Ramones | 1 | 3.58 | -2.58 |
| Raising Hell | 1 | 3.51 | -2.51 |
| 3 Feet High and Rising | 1 | 3.46 | -2.46 |
| This Is Fats Domino | 1 | 3.38 | -2.38 |
| B-52's | 1 | 3.3 | -2.3 |
| A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector | 1 | 3.28 | -2.28 |
| Bongo Rock | 1 | 3.26 | -2.26 |
| Elvis Is Back | 1 | 3.18 | -2.18 |
| Music For The Jilted Generation | 1 | 3.07 | -2.07 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Radiohead | 6 | 5 |
| Bob Dylan | 7 | 4.86 |
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | 5 | 5 |
| R.E.M. | 4 | 5 |
| Beatles | 7 | 4.57 |
| David Bowie | 9 | 4.33 |
| Leonard Cohen | 5 | 4.6 |
| Joni Mitchell | 4 | 4.75 |
| Pink Floyd | 4 | 4.75 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 5 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 5 |
| Yes | 3 | 5 |
| Kraftwerk | 3 | 5 |
| Led Zeppelin | 5 | 4.4 |
| Sonic Youth | 5 | 4.4 |
| Tom Waits | 5 | 4.4 |
| Miles Davis | 4 | 4.5 |
| Steely Dan | 4 | 4.5 |
| Stevie Wonder | 4 | 4.5 |
| Neil Young | 4 | 4.5 |
| Kate Bush | 3 | 4.67 |
| Arcade Fire | 3 | 4.67 |
| Simon & Garfunkel | 3 | 4.67 |
| Marvin Gaye | 3 | 4.67 |
| Michael Jackson | 3 | 4.67 |
| Johnny Cash | 3 | 4.67 |
| Rush | 2 | 5 |
| The Flaming Lips | 2 | 5 |
| Megadeth | 2 | 5 |
| A Tribe Called Quest | 2 | 5 |
| Cocteau Twins | 2 | 5 |
| Genesis | 2 | 5 |
| Fela Kuti | 2 | 5 |
| Coldplay | 2 | 5 |
| Elton John | 2 | 5 |
| King Crimson | 2 | 5 |
| Joy Division | 2 | 5 |
| Emerson, Lake & Palmer | 2 | 5 |
| Oasis | 2 | 5 |
| The Smashing Pumpkins | 2 | 5 |
| Metallica | 4 | 4.25 |
| Talking Heads | 4 | 4.25 |
| U2 | 4 | 4.25 |
| PJ Harvey | 4 | 4.25 |
| Van Morrison | 3 | 4.33 |
| Deep Purple | 3 | 4.33 |
| Nick Drake | 3 | 4.33 |
| Bob Marley & The Wailers | 3 | 4.33 |
| Blur | 3 | 4.33 |
| Neil Young & Crazy Horse | 3 | 4.33 |
| Pixies | 3 | 4.33 |
| The Doors | 3 | 4.33 |
| Brian Eno | 5 | 4 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| The Specials | 2 | 1.5 |
| M.I.A. | 2 | 1.5 |
| k.d. lang | 2 | 1.5 |
Controversial Artists
Artists you rate inconsistently
| Artist | Albums | Variance |
|---|---|---|
| Ray Charles | 2 | 1.5 |
| Happy Mondays | 2 | 1.5 |
| Run-D.M.C. | 2 | 1.5 |
| The Prodigy | 2 | 1.5 |
| Elvis Presley | 3 | 1.41 |
5-Star Albums (261)
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Popular Reviews
The Damned
5/5
What a record - I felt paralyzed during the entire run!
The instrumentation is great, it’s bursting with humor and energy.. And then it’s catchier than the songs most hit-songwriters could even dream of composing.
This is everything I want in a punk record.
18 likes
Elvis Presley
1/5
Elvis is obviously more of a phenomenon than he is a recording artist.
Genuinely didn’t truly enjoy a single track.
Elvis said of himself: “I don’t know anything about music. In my line you don’t have to.”
I’m a firm believer that this would have been more enjoyable had he just known a tiny bit.
9 likes
Björk
4/5
This is the most Björk album ever.
A horrible start for anyone new to the singer and the perfect album to test wether or not you really like Iceland’s most adventurous musician.
Claustrophobic, haunting, devastating but still stunningly beautiful. A unique album to be sure; but what a thrill.
This is THE Björk album I would love to hear performed live.
6 likes
Youssou N'Dour
5/5
The African entries on this list are mostly top class.
This album by the former Senegalese minister of tourism is no exception.
5 likes
Ramones
1/5
I mean, if you really, really, really like Blitzkrieg Bop this is great. Because it’s literally just 30 minutes of the same inane song.
No amount of attitude and cool leather jackets can change the fact, that Ramones is one of the most overrated bands to ever release a record.
Best: Blitzkrieg Bop
Worst: Blitzkrieg Bop (the next 13 times)
5 likes
1-Star Albums (43)
All Ratings
Sister Sledge
3/5
En håndfuld vanvittigt stærke sange; særligt Dancer, Lost in Music, titelnummeret og Easier to Love.
De taber mig med Somebody og One More Time, der simpelthen ikke er stærke nok. Ikke nok til at ødelægge oplevelsen fra Rodgers guitar, dog. 3,5
The Stranglers
4/5
Jeg kan ikke nævne ét moderne britisk punkband, der ikke har skamhørt Stranglers.
Alice In Chains
4/5
Best: Rain When I Die / Rooster / Would?
Worst: God Smack / Hate to Feel
Iron Maiden
3/5
I’d completely forgotten how great Di’Anno sounds!
Best: Remember Tomorrow / Phantom of the Opera / Strange World
Worst: Running Free / Transylvania
Elvis Presley
1/5
Elvis is obviously more of a phenomenon than he is a recording artist.
Genuinely didn’t truly enjoy a single track.
Elvis said of himself: “I don’t know anything about music. In my line you don’t have to.”
I’m a firm believer that this would have been more enjoyable had he just known a tiny bit.
Songhoy Blues
4/5
Songhoy enters the legendary Mali music scene and somehow finds themselves at home from the very first strum.
OutKast
3/5
Just enough good tracks to keep this boat afloat. I can’t comprehend that a group who can produce a beat like the one on Ms Jackson can also produce something as ridiculous as Snappin’ & Trappin’.
Also contains 7 interludes too many.
Best: So Fresh / Ms Jackson / B.O.B. / Humble Mumble
Worst: Snappin’ / I’ll Call B4 I Cum / Toilet Tisha
Low 3, borderline 2.
Sugar
3/5
The unlikely love child of Pixies and Dinosaur Jr.
Doesn’t really bring anything new to the table. But everything kinda works nonetheless.
Includes the 2nd best “Man on the Moon” released in 1992.
Best: Changes / Helpless / The Slim
Worst: If I can’t change your mind / Slick
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Compared to both albums of Cohen’s discography surrounding this one, Songs From a Room seems like the weaker option.
I understand the sentiment of a record as sparse as this, but more than a few times it doesn’t quite hold up.
Bird On a Wire and especially the Partisan more than makes up for it, but it seems like something is still missing altogether.
The B-52's
1/5
Lennon said after hearing the album: “It sounds just like Yokos music.” What a weirdly backhanded compliment…
Nothing really does anything but slightly bore and annoy me until Rock Lobster kicks off - always a fun thrill.
The last two songs are just plain ridiculous and unnecessary. Why on earth are they included?
Possibly the world’s most heavily sedated party band.
Best: Rock Lobster
Worst: 6060-842 / Downtown
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
3rd times the charm.
1st and 2nd time was great as well.. But it doesn’t make for a great review start.
What an awesome record from start till end. The mix is great, Kiwanukas songwriting is it great, his blend of genres is more than great… And there’s a Womack-like quality to his vocal!
I’m on the verge of handing this a 5. But I feel like I need the final nudge. Maybe it’s one or two interludes too many that does it? Because overall there isn’t a bad song on this thing.
Consider this the biggest possible 4.
Best: You Ain’t the Problem / Piano Joint / Hero / Final Days
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
A couple of really great tracks like Kicks, Steppin’ Stone and Take a Look at Yourself keeps this record fun throughout.
A few fillers here and there is almost unavoidable on a record like this, so I’m really not that bugged about that; even though it’s a shame that two of the weakest tracks, Get It On & Louise is right next to each other.
A fun record nonetheless!
Mekons
3/5
Not sure I quite get the almost surreal hype that, apparently, surrounds this album.
Sure, for the most parts it’s a thrilling and enjoyable ride, but the first half feels slightly too long. The second half picks up the pace nicely but unfortunately ends on a lackluster note.
Best: Trouble Down South / Hard to be Human Again / Last Dance
Worst: Darkness and Doubt / Lost Highway
The Waterboys
4/5
Unbelievably strong start. As in I genuinely don’t believe how great the first half is!
With more than 100 songs recorded during this session and a runtime of more than 50 minutes, I don’t understand the inclusion of the Jimmy Hickey’s Waltz. A filler on an album that most certainly don’t need fillers.
Steve Wickham’s violin proves to be the secret weapon on a record that is already loaded with great musicians. Blown away!
Best: We Will Not Be Lovers / World Party / Sweet Thing / The Stolen Child
Worst: Jimmy Hickey’s Waltz
Beatles
5/5
Listened to this album the other day.
Listened to it again today.
Will most certainly listen to it again soon.
The cover also prominently features Lennon with a fake beard. Very cool.
Best: Eleanor Rigby / I’m Only Sleeping / She Said She Said / For No One
Amy Winehouse
3/5
It’s been years since I last listened to this. And I forgot that the singles are really doing some truly heavy lifting on this thing. Especially Tears Dry… Jesus Christ is that well written or what?!
The Spectoresque sound is ridiculously well produced, Winehouse’s voice is obviously incredible and the lyrics are at times hard hitters.
Nevertheless my interest slowly fades away during the songs filling out the space between the album singles.
Best: You Know I’m No Good / Back To Black / Tears Dry On Their Own /
Worst: Just Friends / Wake Up Alone / Some Unholy War
Radiohead
5/5
Somehow this isn’t in my Radiohead top 3.
With most other bands this ranking would’ve meant a good but not GREAT album. That isn’t the case here.
I would have liked for a couple of the tracks to be a bit more focused, but with Pyramid Song, Knives Out and Life in a Glasshouse appearing on this thing… Who actually gives a shit?
Best: Pyramid Song / I Might Be Wrong / Knives Out
Worst: Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors / Hunting Bears
Ramones
1/5
I mean, if you really, really, really like Blitzkrieg Bop this is great. Because it’s literally just 30 minutes of the same inane song.
No amount of attitude and cool leather jackets can change the fact, that Ramones is one of the most overrated bands to ever release a record.
Best: Blitzkrieg Bop
Worst: Blitzkrieg Bop (the next 13 times)
John Coltrane
5/5
From the first sound of the gong you are aware that you’re about to witness greatness.
Jones’ cymbal washing and later use of timpani is breathtaking, but it is nonetheless Coltrane that stands out as the main character in what can easily be described as his magnum opus.
Another milestone by Coltrane that still stands tall almost 60 years later.
Sparks
3/5
Balancing the thin line between hyper-tense and insane, the Mael Brothers delivers a record that is the exact opposite of the B-52’s… Festive and fun in just the right way.
While a few of the songs seem to miss the mark, I never feel bored - maybe it’s the excitement and energy in Russell’s falsetto or maybe it’s the playful songwriting. I’m entertained nevertheless.
Best: This Town … / Thank God … / Equator
Worst: Falling In Love … / Complaints
George Michael
3/5
A stark but most welcome departure from the Wham! and Faith-days!
It really suits Michael’s vocal to be accompanied by less synth and kapow and more guitars and piano. Freedom of course being the huge but amazing exception.
A sizable deduction for thinking that pan flute is appropriate anywhere else than in the lobby of a mid-range all-inclusive Greek hotel chain.
All in all Mother’s Pride is really the start of a 2nd half that’s nowhere near as strong as the 1st.
Best: Freedom! / They Won’t Go When I Go / Cowboys and Angels
Worst: Mother’s Pride / Heal the Pain / Soul Free
SAULT
3/5
I couldn’t imagine a more appropriate Juneteenth release. Filled with anger, sorrow, power and a demand for change.
The production is so raw and in your face (especially the drums) that at times it almost hurts. Absolutely brilliant!
Unfortunately I also knew what to expect when I saw the 20 song tracklist… And this album doesn’t change my mind regarding the overflow of interludes.
The lyrics in general are strong enough to get Sault’s message across. There really is no need to keep hammering the same nail; even when delivered via whispering poetry.
Best: Stop Dem / Bow / Why We Cry Why We Die / Monsters
Worst: Don’t Shoot Guns Out / Black / Pray Up Stay Up / almost every interlude (but especially June Child)
The Smiths
3/5
Why this is consistently considered to be one of the greatest albums to ever be released is simply beyond me.
The first half features only one great song and by “Never Had No One Ever” I’m always about to call it a day.
Luckily the second half puts on a show and almost manages to save the day with a couple of extremely well-crafted songs by Marr. But in the end I think it all comes down to wether or not you find the character of Morrissey interesting enough.
And I just don’t.
Best: The Queen Is Dead / Bigmouth Strikes Again / There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
Worst: Frankly, Mr. Shankley / I Know It’s Over / Vicar in Tutu
Van Morrison
4/5
Van Morrisons voice is such an incredibly powerful instrument. They could’ve stripped the record of instruments and it would still sound intriguing.
The songwriting is beyond incredible (especially on Beside You), even though the scarce instrumentation is beginning to wear out towards the very end.
It’s feels like one cohesive stream of consciousness - and what a journey it is.
Kanye West
5/5
More than a decade after its release MBDTF still stands as a monolith of modern hip hop… Fuck it, modern music in general.
If released today it would be just as fresh, progressive and impressive as it was 12 years ago.
Best: Dark Fantasy / POWER / All of the Lights / Runaway
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
An album by Cubans, recorded in Cuba, sung by Cubans, written by Cubans… And now selected for preservation by the United States National Recording Registry.
What a milestone!
Eels
3/5
Novocaine and Susan’s really did a great job getting my attention with unusual songwriting, structures and production.
I like the simplicity that seems to haunt the entire record… Even though it at times also turns out to be its greatest weakness. Especially regarding the lyrics.
A solid 3 for having My Beloved Monster appear in Shrek.
Duran Duran
5/5
Rio is one of the greatest album openers of the 80’s. The energy, the composition…. THE SAXOPHONE…. Jesus!
The songwriting is beyond great, Le Bon sounds amazing and the band plays their hearts out. I almost cried due to the sheer emotions on display in Save a Prayer.
It’s worth noting that ⅗ of the band is surnamed Taylor. Without being related.
A British band if there ever was one!
Deep Purple
3/5
Deep Purple is certainly at their best when they allow for their songs to build up. They possess a skill for grandiose songs but unfortunately they only really showcase it on the magnificent Child in Time.
Apart from Gillan’s singing, Blackmore and Lord are the absolute highlights of the record. Blackmore seems to overshadow Lord on this record, but when the organ gets to shine it’s always a joy.
While a shocker in 1970 for sure the more classic blues and jam heavy parts don’t quite hold up today. In the end, while having some excellent and timeless moments, it just doesn’t hold my attention throughout.
Pavement
4/5
The lo-fi approach almost feels like a direct attack on the growing grunge sound of the same era. Still noisy as hell, but with absolutely no obvious attempt at writing something even resembling a hit.
Also the fact that Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins was genuinely furious at the band for referencing them in Range Life is hilarious!
Depeche Mode
4/5
Music For the Masses is ironically the record where Depeche Mode really embraced the darkness and minimalistic approach... And in this gloomy realm the band truly seems to shine.
Gahans vocal is haunting and the compositions are, for the most parts, incredibly subtle yet powerful.
Pimpf is not an ending though. Feels like the introduction to an epic album but somehow only leads over in a hidden interlude. Just plain ridiculous.
Best: Strangelove / Little 15
Van Morrison
4/5
An almost surreal successor to Astral Weeks. What a musical journey Van Morrison undertook in those years.
An incredibly impressive track list with a few minor misses.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Opening with "Zero" and "Heads Will Roll" is really setting the bar high.
A brave move that doesn’t always pays off. Especially when you drastically change direction right after.
The subsequent nosedive into despair manages to calm my excitement a bit.
While containing great songs that aren't as danceable as the lead singles, the massive "Runaway" being the prime example, it just doesn't manage to keep me truly engaged all the way through.
I actually think that just spreading out the lead singles would have earned this another star. Tracklists are an artform.
Dr. Octagon
1/5
It’s fair to say that these doctor’s orders weren’t meant for me. Neither is the humor - if you can actually call it that.
The production is solid and there’s some interesting scratching. Not that impressed by most of the rap in itself… And the record itself is just way, way too long!
This would’ve gotten an extra star if not for the non-stop jokes and skits.
Nirvana
5/5
Without a shadow of a doubt Nirvana’s strongest record.
Grunge really peaked with In Utero and everything grunge beyond this release is slowly fading into alternative rock to be honest.
New Order
4/5
I’d forgotten how much this album at times screams Ibiza!
Quite often it sounds like a band struggling to realize wether they are a dance or rock-band. I mean - going from “Love Less” to “Round & Round” is a surreal move.
But at the same time it never fails to keep me engaged entertained. Maybe Hook’s melodic bass-lines are making me feel generous!
My Bloody Valentine
5/5
One of the best sounding records to emerge from the 90’s.
I genuinely can’t comprehend how Shields produced such an intense and dense wall of noise while managing to maintain dreamy vibe and pop sound of the songs.
I think it’s fair to assume that a decent amount of my favorite records of the late 90’s and forward wouldn’t exist without Loveless. A legacy almost as massive as it’s sound.
Massive Attack
2/5
I don’t dig the reggae influence on this record at all. And I absolutely adore reggae!
Is it a good thing if one of the best track on a trip hop album is the closest thing to a classical piece; “Weather Storm”?
I was gonna hand this a 3 until I was reminded of the horrendous cover of “Light My Fire”. How on earth this was included on the original track list is beyond me.
Prince
3/5
I was lucky enough to experience Prince live twice. Two of the greatest musical moments I’ve ever witnessed!
Listening to his albums doesn’t quite bring out the same magic though. It sounds like no one told Prince no in quite some time (and why would they think to do so, he’s a genius)… It might have been healthy once in while.
Enduring tracks such as Housequake and Forever In My Life makes this feel way too long… Prince is simply better with a band than stripped down; as beautifully showcased on I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man.
At least 20 minutes could easily have been cut.
Björk
4/5
This is the most Björk album ever.
A horrible start for anyone new to the singer and the perfect album to test wether or not you really like Iceland’s most adventurous musician.
Claustrophobic, haunting, devastating but still stunningly beautiful. A unique album to be sure; but what a thrill.
This is THE Björk album I would love to hear performed live.
Muddy Waters
2/5
This is obviously good. The musicianship is great, Waters sounds great… And still it does little to nothing for me.
Straight up blues just isn’t my thing.
And I’m not really particularly sad about it.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Led Zeppelin at the peak of their creativity. There is an abundance of legendary tracks on this and side two (Houses through Kashmir) is absolutely ridiculous.
It might have proven better had they left the 4th side blank, but this is nonetheless a show of sheer strength.
Also, how beautiful is Page’s playing on “The Rover”?
Goldfrapp
2/5
This sounds like a collection of theme songs to movies I’ve never seen.
I feel strangely emotionally severed from this record and despite beautiful moments I need to remind myself to keep focused on the songs… Quite often in fact.
Pretty sure I’ve heard “Oompah Radar” in RuneScape at some point.
Soft Cell
1/5
I feel fru-fru-fru-fru-frustration listening to this.
How is this a serious record!?
The lyrics sound as if improvised a lazy afternoon.
The production is equally lazy and just plain boring.
Also Almond's vocals are horrendous. He almost seems to deliberately avoid hitting any tones on the entire record. This is the sound of the high school singer you all applauded out of pity and then talked about behind his back.
Imagine being this bad and still have the courage to release "Sex Dwarf".
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Absolutely insane that this is a debut album. And released in 1969? I mean...
Side one is non-stop perfection with an absolute highlight in "Dazed and Confused" (inspired by Jake Holmes).
Side two is not quite as strong but still contains incredible tracks such as "Communication Breakdown" and "How Many More Times".
Even when the record gets almost too close to just being blues Plant's voice comes roaring in and saves the day.
This is not on the verge of being handed a 5/5 but it's definitely not a 3/5 either.
GZA
4/5
How is this the first time I hear this record in it’s entirety?
GZA’s vocabulary is insane and his flow likewise. Surgical precision; nothing less.
While not flashy the beats are the perfect backbone for GZA and his guests often rough, harsh and honest storytelling.
The focus on extremely lyrically heavy songs ends up being almost physically exhausting. But with lyrics like these it takes a lot more to actually grow tired of it.
Soundgarden
4/5
The one album that really makes Soundgarden deserve their spot in grunge history alongside Nirvana and Pearl Jam.
Super unknown is the first truly great Soundgarden album; it’s heavier and more harrowing, it’s faster and more experimental and it’s the absolute peak of the band’s songwriting - especially when it comes to range and complexity.
It’s greatest strength, beside from Cornell’s awesome vocal, is the variety in genres. The heavy stuff is great, the ballads are great. But I’ve never truly understood the brutal 70 minutes playtime.
While there are few actually weak tracks you feel full when it’s over; and I would have loved being left wanting way more!
David Bowie
4/5
Is this a contender for best 25th album by an artist?
One of rock’s greatest comebacks. Incredible to return to the stage and deliver this after 10 years of absence.
Like so many of Bowie’s records this is best when he steps away from the conventional road and experiments.
And while I still find the first album to be strong it’s the second half that really shines!
Bob Dylan
5/5
It might have been a brave and important step for a folk singer to use a rock band as backing… But ending on an 11 minute folk ballad? Dylan at his best!
There are so many excellent tracks and Dylan’s storytelling is as good as it ever gets; “Ballad of a Thin Man” and “Desolation Row” being prime examples.
If you rate Dylan-albums by the sheer volume of harmonica (and you should), this is quite good.
Elvis Costello
2/5
I’ve never quite understood the appeal of Elvis Costello. I’ve listened to a couple of records but I was never blown back.
So imagine listening to this record for the first time… And still don’t care.
“Alison” is great and there’s some great breaks and musicianship. And knowing the popularity of this guy it doesn’t please me one bit that I still feel totally indifferent to Costello’s discography.
Venom
3/5
There’s no way three guys in Newcastle Upon Tyne could have predict the mayhem (pun intended) this would cause in Norway half a decade later.
“Buried Alive” and “Raise the Dead” are absolute highlights on the first side while the harrowing tale of “Countess Bathory” dominates the second half.
The artwork and lyrics are almost comically extreme and the production on especially the drums leave some to be desired.. But this is just, almost surprisingly the cover taken into consideration, an extremely fun record!
For the sake of my sanity I try to ignore the fact that the album closes on a teaser of the first song of Venom’s next album… Because… Who in hell would actually do such a thing? Nobody, right? Nobody.
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
Tusk is a legendary album - especially due to its absurd cost.
It feels more evident than in previous and later albums, that the three main songwriters (Buckingham, Nicks and McVie) wrote these tracks individually.
Especially Buckingham’s songs stand out.. But often not for the better. “Not That Funny” and “That’s Enough for Me” are totally misplaced and it’s clear that he had wanted the band to go in a whole new direction - not an easy goal to achieve when the songwriters are given almost total individual freedom.
Nicks’ provides some of the best songs, “Storms” and “Sisters of the Moon” while McVie offers both great moments and easily forgettable ones.
At almost 75 minutes this is filled with both classic Fleetwood and a glimpse into a new direction for the band. In the end neither are pursued all the way and the result is, though most often great, somewhat incoherent.
Billie Holiday
2/5
Considering the fact that Billie Holiday's take on "Gloomy Sunday" was so depressing that it was once banned for decades on BBC, I am not surprised that this record didn't exactly lighten the mood.
At the age of only 43 it's remarkable that her voice sounds like it has already lived a full life - and then some. It's not as vibrant as in earlier recordings and while Ray Ellis (and his Orchestra) provides a beautiful tapestry Holiday paints almost every song with the exact same emotions as the ones before and sticks to the same vocal formula through every song.
The end result, beautiful and emotional as it surely is, simply isn't enough to keep me invested.
Beatles
5/5
Ending on “Cry Baby Cry” and only 28 songs was a really good decision by the Beatles. Really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really glad nothing comes after.
You can almost physically sense the creative overflow of the Fab Four on this record. You never sense the turmoil going on behind the scenes; on the contrary actually.
In many ways this is back to basic compared to Sgt. Pepper. Simply just expertly written songs one after the other.
Joni Mitchell
5/5
For someone who starting smoking at the ripe old age of 9, Mitchell sounds stunning.
The complexity in her vocal schemes, the innovative sudden changes in keys and the sheer mastery of the songwriting is beyond most recording artists of the early 70’s.
Her relationship with James Taylor becomes apparent on a couple of tracks; and we’re all the more lucky for that. Taylor’s playing suits Mitchell’s voice perfectly.
Mitchell is one of the most important songwriters of the 60’s and 70’s. And there’s really very little to debate right there.
Dire Straits
4/5
Quite the debut album!
Knopfler (the not David one of them) is a laid back frontman when it comes to vocals, but on the guitar he’s a living legend. His picking style out of this world!
There’s a few almost misses, but overall there’s nothing truly bad to find here.
I completely forgot how fun it is listening to Pick Withers. Especially his work on the hi-hat and ride is intriguing while he still manages to stay well in the background just sitting tight in the pocket.
TLC
3/5
I was honestly surprised at how good the first half is. The interludes didn’t bother me, the productions and beats are killer and there’s a fair amount of bangers.
Then the second half kicks in and I slowly lose interest. I don’t particularly care for their vocals when they rap and the songwriting is simply more boring.
Just as I was about to almost defend the inclusion of interludes, “Sexy-Interlude” kicks in. Oh how I love me some potty humor; just what I needed.. Fuck you whoever thought of this. The last interlude is likewise about 2 minutes too long.
Luckily André 3000 swoops in and saves the day on the awesome last song - this offers just enough redemption, along with the first class production on this whole thing, to deserve a 3.
The Teardrop Explodes
2/5
I mean… This had some fun songs on it, but as a whole I didn’t really care much for it. I don’t remember a single chorus or hook just hours after listening.
It’s not a bad record, but I don’t actually see the point of it being on here.
Maybe I would’ve been blown back in 1980?
Or maybe it’s an album that needs some time to grow on you?
But as of right now it didn’t do much for me.
Eagles
3/5
Eagles’ strongest card by far is the fact that they’re all solid vocalists and their ability to write strong vocal harmonies. It shines through on almost every song alongside the joy of just playing together.
There are obvious low point, such as “Chug All Night”, where they let straight up rock have the upper hand. Everything sounds more in place when they take it down a notch and let the melodies lead the way; as on “Take the Devil”.
This is a great template of everything that was to come for one of history’s best selling bands!
Taylor Swift
4/5
This, and its sister album folklore, was were I first really understood the hype surrounding Swift. Working with Dessner did wonders to her songs; this sounds like an artist finding her true calling and potential.
Lyrically this is by far the peak of her career with her storytelling beating her contemporaries by quite a few miles.
folklore is more immediately available, containing a few more upbeat songs, but after listening a to both a few times I’m starting to be convinced this is the superior twin by a hair.
Nick Drake
5/5
I doubt you find a folk artist or band in the last 20 years who isn’t massively inspired by Drake (the one with a first name).
While all of Drake’s albums are emotionally sublime, there’s something deeply ominous about this, his last album.
The production fits the tone of the compositions perfectly and both his guitar playing and vocal is haunting and eerily beautiful. Undoubtedly one of the best albums to clock in at just under half an hour.
Meat Loaf
5/5
Legendary record. Ridiculously over the top, way too grandiose and at times it feels almost like a straight up spoof on rock operas.. In other words; it’s just perfect.
Steinman’s songwriting is incredible and the feeling of impending doom is perfectly supported by one of the most impressive bands ever put together and Meat Loaf’s almost absurd vocal. What a performance from just everyone involved.
Few albums are as much pure fun as this. And while it contains every recipe to be well over an hour long, the fact that the runtime is just over 45 minutes is almost a miracle.
Screaming Trees
5/5
Dust stands as a monument to what a beast of a singer Lanegan was.
Scrappy and hoarse yet fragile and beautiful. An absolutely unique voice mainly comparable to singers such as Waits and Cave.
While a bit more polished than earlier Screaming Trees records this still sounds extremely raw at points. And while the string section delivers it is Barrett Martin's exceptional drum and percussion work that earns Dust the last star for me personally.
Bee Gees
2/5
There are some good intentions on this record. I understand where most of it comes from and I can even sense, what Bee Gees were trying to accomplish. But it just doesn't work.
You can feel the concept album that this was supposed to become in the title track and the instrumentals. But instead of a grandiose concept Odessa is strewn with half finished and often lazy songs without much weight behind them.
It's obvious that there was turmoil behind the scenes when this was recorded. I truly think that Bee Gees could have done something great here channeling all that energy. It's just not the case at all.
The Beau Brummels
4/5
I don’t know where I went wrong in my high school obsession with the 60’s, but I honestly don’t think I ever heard of the Beau Brummels. And if I did, they didn’t do that much of an impact.
But this time they did!
“Only Dreaming” really caught me off guard and from there on I was blown away by their grasp of melodies. Among the best examples are “Painter of Women” and “The Wolf of Velvet Fortune”, where especially the latter should rank along the best choruses of the 60’s.
I don’t care as much for the fast driven “Nine Pound Hammer” and the pub sounding “Old Kentucky Home” but luckily they don’t tend to stay long with those sounds.
Glad to have found the victim of my next vinyl hunt.
The Cure
4/5
There are few singers out there capable of conveying despair and helplessness in the same way as Robert Smith. And rarely is he more present than on this record. And oh my, does his guitar sound absolutely amazing as always?
If you’re used to only listening to The Cure’s more uptempo and (used with quite a bit of restraint) “joyful” later material, Pornography is extremely bleak - as perfectly illustrated by the brutally sparse “Siamese Twins”.
This is by no means their most accessible or easy album; but I think that actually makes it that much greater.
Sepultura
4/5
First; Igor is an absolute beast behind the kit. Few combines the incredible speed and sheer power that he puts behind every hit.
Arise is where I really start paying attention to the Sepultura discography.
Venturing further away from their death metal roots (get it? lol) and experimenting with latin instrumentation and industrial really suits their take on thrash metal.
I say this with absolute no knowledge of the subject whatsoever, but this is one of the greatest records to come out of Brazil in the early 90’s.
Boston
4/5
This is peak dad rock if there ever was one.
Even though I was nowhere near being alive when this released I feel weirdly nostalgic listening to it. Like reminiscing about a sweet memory.
There’s no reason this is as good as it is, but with an opener like “More Than a Feeling” you have no other option than to give in. Scholz is the perfect classic rock guitarist and Delp was one hell of a singer.
Banger after banger and great choruses followed by even greater ones. Had B-side been as strong as the exceptional A-side this had been an easy 5. But this is a thrill nonetheless.
Black Sabbath
5/5
Few albums actively defined a whole genre like Black Sabbath. But even fewer albums contain songs that lunged more than one genre almost a decade out into the future; as is the case with “Black Sabbath” and “N.I.B.”.
It’s unbelievable that this was recorded in just half a day from just the band playing their live set. Jesus, what I wouldn’t give to have seen an early Sabbath-show.
The whole band is as good as they ever were - which is almost surreal considering this is their debut. Especially Ozzy’s vocals are mixed to perfection. The panned production on “Behind the Wall of Sleep”? Holy shit.
It’s hard to fathom that this record is actually more than half a century old.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Let's just address the elephant in the room right away. Yes, "Brown Sugar" is icky as hell lyrically. But musically it's as strong an opener as the Rolling Stones ever delivers.
After the disbandment of the Beatles the previous the year, Sticky Fingers feels like the Stones proving, that those hyper popular 60's bands would continue to have a voice leading into the next decade as well; with the Stones later proving that they would still have a voice even some 50 years later.
This also finds the band venturing further into both jazz and country which really suits the frantic sound the Stones is equally capable of delivering.
Also a review of Sticky Fingers without a mention of the absolute pinnacle of this record: "Wild Horses". So here goes.
"Wild Horses"? Wow.
ABBA
4/5
If you’re expecting another ABBA album for your nights of partying, you’re sorely mistaken.
Like the title suggests, this feels like an alien that tries to blend in with the ABBA discography - in the best way possible.
I mean, who would’ve thought of an ABBA record containing lyrics about nuclear war in 6/4 and strong Cold War references?
While not being their most catchy album it is by far the most interesting album by the group and it solidifies Andersson and Ulvaeus’ exceptional songwriting partnership.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
What a voice; absolutely surreal that it took 10 albums for her to finally strike some much deserved success.
It really sets the bar high opening with “Respect” and while the A-side continues to deliver solid songs, it’s not until Franklin herself gets songwriting credit on “Don’t Let Me Lose This Dream” and “Baby, Baby, Baby” that I can really sense her full presence accompanied beautifully by her sisters on backing vocals.
I would’ve liked for the drums and guitars to be a bit more present in the mix, which is heavily dominated by bass and the horn section. But with Franklin’s vocal in front, it doesn’t bother me that much.
The White Stripes
3/5
While the rest of the world was falling head over heels over the White Stripes, I always had a harder time fully understanding the hype. I don't really care for Meg's simplistic drumming and Jack's heavily blues-inspired songwriting rarely hits me.
That's not to say that there isn't a lot of things I really appreciate about the band and Elephant in particular.
Jack's absurd guitar sound is as always a thrill (especially on "Ball and Biscuit") and there's a fair amount of great songs on this thing; not only counting the of course legendary "Seven Nation Army" and the banger "The Hardest Button to Button".
In the end it all feels a bit to sparse, even with White's ear for production. I get the idea of dropping the bass, but the lack of it makes an otherwise explosive chorus as the one on "Little Acorn" feel like it was ripped directly off an early demo.
A big 3. But a 3 nonetheless.
Crowded House
4/5
This is just booming with variety!
I was okay with the first couple of songs, but starting at “Fall at Your Feet” things really started moving fast.
The chorus on “Tall Trees” is amazing, “Four Seasons In One Day” touches something Beatles-esque, the harmonica on “There Goes God” is just incredible and all of a sudden they hit you with vocal harmonies on the powerful “Fame Is”.
Australia (and NZ) are really capable of some great things musically.
Anita Baker
3/5
Started listening to this in my car but quickly realized that it truly deserved being played on my actual hi-fi system instead. The production is insane!
I had absolutely no expectations going into this… If anything I wasn’t that hyped. But I genuinely really enjoyed both Baker’s incredible tone and range and the extreme smoothness of the production. Everything single detail stood out clear as day - especially the bass.
I probably enjoyed this way more than I should have; but what a voice and what a collection of musicians. I almost gave this a 4 due to the taste of red wine during my listen and the fact that it sounded incredible on my speakers. But on any given weekday I don’t think there’s quite enough memorable moments for it to actually deserve it.
Metallica
2/5
I really want this to be good. But it just isn’t.
Let’s start of with the wrongs.
Only few of their early songs really benefit from the addition of a string orchestra and while some tracks off of Load and ReLoad benefit quite a bit, I still don’t really care about many of songs in the first place. Which might be why the second half of disc 1 seems so long. Just an overload of the (Re)Load-era.
Who’s honestly happy to see “Devil’s Dance” here?
Dishonorable shoutout to a hopeless rendition of “Fuel” by the way. Who got the idea of adding strings to that?
I also don’t enjoy the tone the often obvious autotune adds to Hetfield’s vocal. It always feels kinda off. Just listen to “Wherever I May Roam”. Jesus…
On the other hand the new song “No Leaf Clover” is among the best post-Black Album 90’s stuff Metallica did - absolutely incredible. The same goes for the S&M-rendition of “The Memory Remains” and “The Outlaw Torn”; possibly one of the most underrated Metallica songs ever.
Would I have loved to have been there? For sure. The atmosphere in the room must’ve been awesome. But listening to it at home? Except for a few tracks, I’d much rather listen to the original studio recordings once again.
Kanye West
3/5
I really need to get this off my chest before I dig into the album.
This would have been under an hour an, had it not been for the skits and “Last Call”. Just putting it out there.
I was pretty underwhelmed during the first songs, nostalgia telling me, that I should expect more. Then “All Falls Down” happens and my curiosity awakes.
Kanye’s strongest card is his productions and beats and while most of the album isn’t as experimental and progressive in its ideas as his later material, there are still tracks that ranks among his best in this.
I’m of course talking about the insanely great duo of “Jesus Walks” and “Never Let Me Down” (and the later on “Through the Wire” as well).
On the Pablo-track “I Love Kanye” West exclaims: “I miss the old Kanye”. Personally, with the exception of a few tracks, I actually prefer the newer Kanye.
Tito Puente
3/5
While everything about this is wholeheartedly enjoyable, I might not be built for this much mamba.
The legendary Tito Puente and his band play their hearts out and I truly feel like being transported to the Americas during “El Cayuco” and “Llegó Miján”.
I’ve got nothing really bad to say about this; in the end I’ve just had enough mamba for the week.
Carpenters
2/5
There’s no getting around it; Karen was an incredible singer and Richard really knows his way around arranging vocal harmonies.
The obvious highlights are the title track and “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” (both originally by Burt Bacharach). The cover of “Help” on the other hand adds very little new.
And while there’s no getting around the talent on this record, it just never actually moves me. In fact, I’m quite bored when we reach the end.
All respect to the Carpenter’s - it’s just not my jam.
The Lemonheads
2/5
I remember stumbling into this when I was about 14 - and I really liked it. But for some reason I never returned to it after I listened to my friend’s CD 2-3 times. And I think that might be the reason, that I don’t care that much for the record today - because this has all the elements of a 90’s record that require some nostalgic attachment for you to really appreciate it.
At times it’s quite fun and I like their jangley sound, but it often feels monotonous and without any true emotions. It’s a shame.
Willie Nelson
2/5
Released in 1975; how is this Nelson’s 18th record?!
While I never grow tired of listening to Nelson’s timeless vocal, the same can not be said of the instrumentation. No one plays badly, and Bobbie Nelson’s piano and Jody Payne’s mandolin are especially beautiful - the mixing of the backing vocals are spot on as well.
But as everything goes on in almost the exact same tempo it all becomes rather dull in the end. I don’t get the big picture of the concept album that this should be either; but putting together an actual concept having only written under half of the songs yourself is everything but easy.
The first time I feel that the band puts something on the line is during the wonderful instrumental “Bandera”. And by then it’s already time to wave goodbye for now to the Red Headed Stranger.
Aerosmith
3/5
I’ll never be the big Aerosmith fan. They’ve got a handful of bangers, but other than that I just don’t care that much for one of Boston’s horniest and most cocaine sounding bands - quite an achievement by the way.
For some reason I didn’t dislike this as much as I would’ve thought going into it. I don’t love it, but I most certainly don’t hate it.
“Young Lust” was a surprisingly strong opener almost sounding like the Toys in the Attic-era. “Janie’s Got a Gun” and “The Other Side” are highlights as well, the first being one of the band’s absolute greatest songs.
While most of the record still falls victim to many of the Aerosmith cliches I don’t enjoy, I wasn’t nearly as annoyed as expected. I actually rather enjoyed most of their antics.
Well done, Aerosmith.
I won’t give you a listen for the next many months. But quite well done, nevertheless.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
It’s been possibly years since I last heard this, and I always remembered this as perhaps the greatest Rolling Stones album; maybe in part due to the almost universal consensus that Exile is one of the greatest albums ever made.
There’s no denying the fun and greatness of “Rocks Off”, “Let it Loose” and “Shine a Light”.
And while few other songs are as bad and boring as “Shake Your Hips”, “Casino Boogie” and “I Just Want to See His Face”, the rest is not particularly great or interesting either. Most of them are just… Kinda there.
I found this 2003 quote from Jagger concerning the record: “I'm not too sure how great the songs are, but put together it's a nice piece. However, when I listen to Exile it has some of the worst mixes I've ever heard.”
It’s harsh, but he’s not completely wrong.
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
What a show of power Kendrick Lamar enters the mainstream music scene with. That I’m able to call this my least favorite of TPAB, DAMN and Mr. Morale feels almost surreal, considering just how great good kid, m.A.A.d. city is.
Possibly the greatest album streak in hip hop-history!
Lamar is an extraordinary storyteller and matched with his unique vocal, masterful flow and ability to convey a full range of emotions, you are left with a rapper that easily ranks above the rest of the game.
It takes a few tracks, but by “The Art of Peer Pressure” it feels like Lamar has fully moved on from his earlier efforts and emerges as a fully developed artist. From there on there are no missteps.
By the time of the overwhelming masterpiece “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” I’m ready to just hand this a 5 star-rating. Maybe it’s knowing where Kendrick takes his sound from here or maybe it’s the few songs I’m not fully invested in, but i gently lower the 5 stars and saves it for Lamar for a later time.
Also includes the unlikely, but nonetheless extremely popular, party song “Swimming Pools (Drank)”.
Alice Cooper
3/5
You have to dig deep to find a 70's rock band with more theatricals and sick humour - even though they do their best to hide it behind very competent and serious musicianship.
Musically Alice Cooper is best on the great title track, the classic "No More Mr. Nice Guy" and the violently graphic and tongue in cheek "I Love the Dead".
At times I reach a point where the gimmicks and humour is almost overwhelming, especially on "Unfinished Sweet", but in the end Cooper wins you over by way of antics and simply just being one of rock's most iconic individuals.
Manu Chao
4/5
You might not expect a French/Spanish singer armed with an acoustic guitar, sound collages and the ability to sing in French, Spanish, English, Portuguese, Arabic and Greek (just to mention a few) to be one of the world’s foremost figures when it comes to progressive musical thinking challenging a variety of political and humanitarian causes globally.
Nevertheless, that’s exactly what Manu Chao is as he encapsulates the spirit of punk way more than most contemporary bands of the genre.
Recorded in Estudio Clandestino (basically his laptop) I’m amazed at how alive this album sounds. Being recorded on the go and whenever the opportunity and creativity allowed for it really works wonders for the songs.
Whether he sings of the King of Bongo, welcomes you to Mexico or challenges the state of the world in enough languages for at least a couple of world leaders to understand, time just flies by when you’re in the great company of Manu Chao.
Queen
3/5
I guess I like my Queen progressive, dark and more conceptual. Sure, I like the band’s Greatest Hits as much as the next person, but I’ve rarely enjoyed entire Queen studio records.
Queen II isn’t exactly an exception but it comes closer than many of their later efforts.
I’m hooked during the first tracks of the White Side until May and Taylor takes over vocal duty; then I quickly lose interest again.
Overall Black Side is way more interesting with “The March of the Black Queen” as the grandiose centerpiece setting the tone for many of the band’s later masterpieces; I mean, this is straight up the prototype for “Bohemian Rhapsody”.
In the end Queen’s 2nd effort doesn’t stand out as much as I would like it to.
As with most of their albums: A genuine but underwhelming effort from one of the most overwhelming bands of all time.
50 Cent
3/5
Firstly; big shoutout to 50 for not plastering this is skits and interludes. He’s got something to prove and demands for the name 50 Cent to be respected. I appreciate that.
I haven’t heard this album in it’s full length since… 6th-7th grade maybe. And I fully expected it to be horribly outdated, silly and maybe even just plain bad. And while some of the aspects of the album hasn’t aged that great and the strange balance of seriousness and fooling around is a bit crazy, i was a bit surprised that this is by no means a bad record. Quite the contrary.
Among the outdated things, some of the lyrics really hasn’t aged that great; “P.I.M.P.” and 50 rapping about a fax machine and a Subaru in “High All the Time”.
The production and beats are most certainly a personal preference; but somehow I actual came to enjoy the nostalgia of something sounding like it’s straight outta Los Santos Radio.
50 Cent you bona fide legend.
I feel a strong 3,5 / 5 on this.
David Holmes
1/5
There’s electronica that’s for me.
Then there’s electronica I don’t care for.
And then there’s this.
Am I simply not fashionable enough to understand this?
I almost skipped “My Mate Paul” when I checked the playtime for the third time and realized I still had 2 minutes 30 to go.
As background music at a trendy NYC club this would probably be fire. But at home this gets really tedious, really fast. Put it in a movie and count me in.
Marilyn Manson
1/5
This album contains a song about beautiful people written by one of music’s ugliest personalities.
Gorillaz
4/5
There was an entire year during the early years of high school where I didn't listen to anything but this and Demon Days. And while Demon Days still receives heavy rotation I don't listen to Gorillaz half as often as I used to.
2001 is quite late for Albarn to dive head first into trip hop. But the once leader of the past decades most prominent british music genre nevertheless resurfaces as strong as ever and ready to spearhead music for many years to come.
There's the obvious classics: "Tomorrow Comes Today", "Clint Eastwood", "Rock the House" and "19-2000" (the far superior Soulchild remix is unfortunately only available on the deluxe edition).
And while later Gorillaz records further developed the sound of this record, songs like "New Genius (Brother)", "Sound Check (Gravity)" and "Latin Simone (Que Pasa Contigo)" passes any Gorillaz vibe check.
The inclusion of the "Clint Eastwood" remix as the last track almost made this a 3 / 5. But the absolute insanity of being so proud of your own ability to write a riff in 5/4 that you name the song just that.. Well if that alone doesn't deserve a 4 nothing does.
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
“Turn To Stone” is a great opener and “Across the Border” is a fun closing bit but im not terribly invested in side 1 as a whole.
Right out of the gate “Night in the city” makes it feel like there’s more on the line on side 2. It’s more progressive (as progressive as soft rock ever gets) and more experimental on whole.
Everything comes together on the excellent side 3, perfectly titled “Concerto For a Rainy Day” and “Mr. Blue Sky” is the culmination of everything Lynne tries to do with ELO.
In the end everything becomes a bit repetitive with a runtime of more than an hour, but there’s nothing I actively dislike on this record as well. A shorter runtime and this might have gotten an extra star!
Bee Gees
2/5
When Odessa disappointed me earlier on this list I was sure that the pre-disco Bee Gees still had something great to offer. Surely, Odessa was just a failed concept?
Now I’m quite adamant that they don’t.
There’s absolutely no joy to be heard in neither the songwriting, singing or musicianship. Everything is rather dull and somehow uninspired. It’s not all bad, but I just don’t particularly care for any of it.
Starting with “When Do I” and culminating with “Lion In Winter” it’s as if the three brothers embarked on a quest to see who could deliver the most ridiculous vocal performance. I honestly burst out laughing at the vocals on “Lion In Winter”. How is this not a parody or sketch?
I was ready to really love the early 70’s Bee Gees. But I simply don’t think they want to be loved.
Carole King
4/5
There’s absolutely no denying the songwriting ability of Carole King. Tapestry is filled with hit after hit, the musicianship is excellent and King always feels extremely present in every song.
I don’t feel the same emotional connection with the songs and album in general as I do with Joni Mitchell’s outstanding Blue from the same year. There’s just something lacking here that makes me feel more like a bystander to a great experience than being included in the ride of the album itself.
With that said it’s hard to actually dislike anything about this and with both James Taylor and Mitchell featuring and songs like “I Feel the Earth Move” and “You’ve Got a Friend” it’s no wonder Tapestry is still considered a true classic.
Wire
4/5
Pink Flag is by no way an easy listen.
The production is extremely raw and bleak. The songwriting is uncompromising and the length of most tracks forces you to be bombarded by new impressions almost every minute. What a ride!
I am not as blown away as I was the first time I listened to Pink Flag almost a decade ago; maybe I’ve just been exposed to more (and more extreme) punk since? Nevertheless there’s no denying the influence this would’ve had 45 (!) years ago - and still has to this day.
And while its the few longer songs that lingers after, it’s the shorter ones that truly binds it all together.
This is also the first appearance of “Strange” on this list. Already looking forward to listening to it again when Document appears.
Talking Heads
3/5
This is not exactly as strong as some of their later albums; but it’s stills quite an impressive start!
Byrne is still in the progress of really finding himself, but you still get occasional glimpses of why he’s one of the greatest front figures in music; “Psycho Killer” is the perfect example of that.
The rest of the material is pretty solid as well but the distinct expressiveness of Talking Heads still needs that finish polish before they (only a few years later) emerges as a world class act.
I’m starting to repeat myself so I’ll let Byrne have the last word: “Say something once, why say it again?”
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
A truly legendary live album; not only because of its release just months before Duane Allmans tragic death.
The first side, consisting solely of covers is only fine and feels more like a warm up compared to the rest of the record. 'Cause this record doesn't really start until the songs start to break the 10-minute marker.
By "You Don't Love Me" there's no turning back and especially Duane Allman's guitar sound and the drumming of Johanson and Trucks is par excellence.
You can just feel the energy from the band in a way that was just uncapturable in a studio setting - somehow the fusion of blues, rock and jazz just didn't blend together anywhere but live.
The last 35 minutes in the company of "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" and the legendary rendition of "Whipping Post" just flies by.
They might not be as critically acclaimed as improvisers as the Grateful Dead.. But on At Filmore East they are just as fun.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
5/5
Finally! An album to convince this website that I don’t hate post-punk; only their shitty choices of the genre so far.
I simply can not praise the guitar playing of McGeoch enough. “Spellbound” easily ranks among the best guitar tracks of the 80’s and for the rest of the album there’s never a track where he doesn’t deliver something truly unique and interesting.
Siouxsie sounds as great and gloomy as ever and the songs seem as fresh today as they would have done more than 40 years ago.
An absolute masterpiece!
The Pogues
3/5
Probably the most Irish-sounding band consisting almost solely of people born in England.
There’s a huge amount of simultaneous drunken charm, punk and folk to be found on this album and for the most parts you find yourself in excellent company when Spider Stacy gets going with the tin whistle. It all starts out great and the playfulness is equally present on “A Pair of Brown Eyes” and “And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda”.
At the same times I find myself losing focus along the way. Had this been a few songs shorter, I think I would have found myself entertained for the entirety of the ride. Unfortunately this is pushing the limit ever so slightly.
The Divine Comedy
4/5
I actually wasn’t that keen on this after the first listen. I somehow didn’t know what I was going into and simply wasn’t ready. But I had a feeling that I was missing something. So I gave it another listen.
And BANG. There it was. I was totally blown back the second time around. The grandiose orchestration, the wonderful songwriting and Hannon’s raw and honest emotions.
Especially the four songs starting with “Everybody Knows (Expect You)” and concluding with “If I Were You…” stands out as phenomenal.
How have I wasted 25 years not listening to this sooner?
5/5
55 years after its release this sounds as incredible, fresh and progressive as ever.
What is there to say about Sgt. Pepper’s that hasn’t already been said a million times?
A landmark in music history.
The Who
2/5
Such a weird album. And definitely one of the most off the mark The Who concept album.
A few of the radio interludes are quite fun but mostly it just feels distracting. At the same time the idea of writing songs as commercials often makes for not very interesting songs. In fact there’s only one really great song on side 1; but the fact that “I Can See For Miles” is as good as it is almost makes up for it.
With “I Can’t Reach You” and “Rael” on side 2 it’s a bit more approachable but even with the band’s heavenly musicianship most of the songs on this album is just forgettable or plain boring.
D'Angelo
2/5
First of all. Shout out to D’Angelo for playing essentially all instruments himself and naming a sexy R&B song “Shit, Damn, Motherfucker”.
Apart from that this record really bored me. D’Angelo is obviously extremely talented but the songs are way to long and tends to just be mere repetitions after 2 minutes.
I enjoyed “When We Get By” and I didn’t hate the other songs. This just isn’t for me.
The Icarus Line
3/5
What the hell just attacked me?
I feel completely run over by the sheer amount of feedback, heavy bass and noise.
Hidden underneath it all is a palette of punk, hardcore and garage rock that works perfectly on itself; the overlaying elements of aggressive noise just further adds to the experience. Especially the guitars are extremely well mixed almost slapping you in your face every time a solo is about to start.
Towards the end I feel like more and more of the songs start blending together and I’m left wishing that this would have been cut to 11 songs.
Quite the thrilling ride nonetheless that left me exhausted and my ears pleading for some smooth jazz.
Supergrass
3/5
I found myself thoroughly enjoying the album from start to finish. Unfortunately I couldn’t recall a single track half an hour later. And a full day later I barely remember listening to it.
Not half bad but not memorable either.
Ryan Adams
2/5
Am I somehow not white enough for this album?
Rarely during the 70 minute playtime does Ryan Adams display any true emotions while at the same time trying his hardest to sound like he’s playing and singing with only half an interest in the songs.
There are highlights in the delightful “La Cienega Just Smiled” and “When the Stars Go Blue”, but songs that were obviously considered centerpieces, by length alone, like “Nobody Girl” falls flat through.
If this is Adams’ Gold I’m not looking forward to his coming silver and bronze albums that are to appear on this list.
Solomon Burke
3/5
I’ve never listened to anything by Burke other than his 2002 release Don’t Give Up On Me - so traveling back almost 40 years from that is quite interesting.
Solomon Burke is a powerful singer and delivers a great performance on this record.
But while there are no bad tracks nothing ever sticks out as truly extraordinary either.
I don’t think that this would have been as out of the ordinary for 1964 as the person placing this album in this list would like us to believe. But nevertheless I feel entertained by Burke’s company.
Gil Scott-Heron
4/5
I doubt you’ll find a more accessible and groovy look into life in the inner cities, the African-American communities and political injustice in the 1970’s than this album.
The partnership of Scott-Heron and Jackson as as if blessed by a higher power. What a unique and fresh approach to the whole genre.
Scott-Heron proves his mastery of the spoken word on the entertaining “H2Ogate Blues” while I am truly moved by “Your Daddy Loves You”.
Sonic Youth
5/5
What an insane trip Daydream Nation is.
Sonic Youth grips my by the first notes of the extraordinary “Teen Age Riot” and doesn’t let go until after “Trilogy”.
Shelley’s drum and Gordon’s bass goes together perfectly and provides more than just the backbone of the songs, but it’s Moore’s and Ranaldo’s whirling, disorienting and unorthodox guitars that stands out as the main characters of the album.
Even after dozens of listens I’m still blown back by “‘Cross the Breeze”, “Eric’s Trip” and “Hey Joni”.
There’s simply no denying the greatness of this entire thing - even though they’re probably pushing the limit with the 70 minute runtime.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
The debut album from mbv is not quite as strong as their later efforts, by there’s still plenty that works wonders and you can definitely see this as the pillar on which they build their future sound.
Especially Shields’ amazing and truly innovative guitar and Butcher’s dreamy vocal are highlights while Ó Cíosóig’s energetic, erratic and snare heavy drumming (I mean, “Nothing Much To Lose”?!) provides just the right amount of insanity to the front persons’ ethereal tones.
I played this at a level where my neighbors wouldn’t kill me. Maybe if I decided to fully turn up the volume, as is mvb etiquette, this would have received the last half star.
Elbow
4/5
Elbow is one of those bands that manages to be praised universally by reviewers while flying just below the public’s radar. And that’s, to put it mildly, a shame.
Guy Garvey’s emotional and heartfelt vocals haunts every minute of the album and it’s as if his presence fills up the entire room.
The Seldom Seen Kid is both intimate and at times truly grandiose - and Elbow manages both equally perfect. It’s one of those albums where you just kick back and enjoy the entirety of the ride completely.
T. Rex
3/5
There’s a charm and immediacy to Bolan’s music that’s hard not to like - it also makes for extremely approachable and catchy songs.
I like the tone and production a lot but as time passes I start to grow tired of the repetitive nature of the songs and lack of change.
I start to get into the record again with the powerful “Chariot Choogle”, but I think this would’ve been better had Bolan just kept this as a short 35 minute album.
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
Few bands hit me in quite the same way as Dinosaur Jr. As noisy, screeching and hysterical as it may be - the amazingly tumultuous “Don’t” being the prime example - there’s always raw emotions and a feeling of honesty hiding just beneath the surface; most often in the form of Mascis’ delicate and bare vocal and brutally beautiful guitar.
While I love their older material there’s a special vibe about their post-reunion albums that isn’t quite present here. Maybe it’s because they matured along the way or maybe it’s the heavier focus on their punk aesthetic on the early records? I nevertheless enjoy the ride every bit of the way!
Roxy Music
4/5
Roxy Music have always been hovering around in the outskirts of my musical interest. I have a couple of their records but I never truly made a deep dive into their discography; and I don’t think I ever heard this album in it’s entirety before.. But being a child of geniuses, Ferry and Eno, I’m a fool for not have done it earlier.
Ferry’s vocal is absolutely breathtaking throughout the entire album; especially on the haunting and stunningly beautiful “In Every Dream Home a Heartache”.
But even with a vocalist as strong and unique as Ferry every other aspect of the group has plenty of time to stand out.
The presence of Eno is obvious throughout, while Mackay’s saxophone and Manzanera’s guitar never misses the mark.
“The Bogus Man” is obviously way too long and “The Beauty Queen” does nothing for me, but with songs like “Strictly Confidential”, “Editions of You” and the title track I really don’t care that much.
Elliott Smith
4/5
If you’re only listening to Elliott Smith’s songwriting and recordings you might find, that he’s just quite the talented singer-songwriter. But when you get the chance to dive deeper into the lyrics behind the songs - that’s when you find out just what a genius Smith truly was.
The songs are extremely fragile and combined with Smith’s shivering and shy vocal they’re almost threatening to crumble beneath their own weight - but somehow they never do.
Kate Bush
4/5
Listening to The Dreaming is very much like experiencing a play. Bush is extremely theatrical in both her songwriting and production incorporating sounds effects as easy as if it was just another breath.
Her vocal performance is, of course, beyond belief and ranges from impressive dephts to full on screams and something almost resembling avante garde metal on "Houdini".
The instrumentation, relying on an array of experimentation with the list including didgeridoo, bouzoki and uilleann pipes and a sound ranging from baroque to avante garde and Irish folk music.
This is such a bizarre piece of work. Brutal as on "Get Out of My House" yet wonderfully beautiful as on "Night of the Swallow". But under the careful command of Kate Bush everything works and comes together.
Also - is it any wonder TIDAL went straight into Björk after this?
The Only Ones
4/5
Is it new wave? Is it punk? Is it pop?
I don't know and I honestly don't care if the product is as fun as The Only Ones.
Peter Perrett is terribly British and half the time it sounds like he's only half invested in recording the songs - but somehow it only adds to the experience.
Songs like "Another Girl, Another Planet" and "Language Problem" are especially fun with Perrett really showing off on the latter.
On the other hand I'm not quite as interested when they go for a more straight on punk(ish) approach like on "City Of Fun".
Huge praise for keeping this at a length of barely more than half an hour. Thight and with absolutely no time for bullshit.
KISS
2/5
Whoever told Kiss that it would be fun if "Detroit Rock City" opened the album with a minute and a half of car sounds and radio noise need to be fired.
It's especially a shame since it's actually quite a powerful opening song.
While I'm initially intrigued by "God of Thunder" Simmons' vocals doesn't do anything for me and follow-up with "Great Expectations" is simply dreadful.
I can sense what the hype is about on Destroyer with songs like "Detroit Rock City" and the anthem "Shout It Out Loud". But even after seeing the band live I simply have to admit that Kiss just isn't for me.
Fun side note. "Beth" is Kiss' biggest commercial hit in the States. Boy, would I've liked to the fly on the wall to experience the disappointment in the face of whoever bought this album expecting more orchestral ballads.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
How do you not instantly love an album that opens with “Sympathy For the Devil”?
From the sound of the initial congas there’s no turning back.
Beggars Banquet is stuffed with some of the Stones’ best 60’s work like “Street Fighting Man”, “Salt of the Earth”, “No Expectations” and “Jigsaw Puzzle”. The band itself is vibrant and almost seem destined to play with each other.
What a powerful return to their bluesy roots this is!
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
I've got exactly two problems with this record.
The exhausting length and the amount of covers.
Had they cut the covers to only include "Little Wing" the sole musical output from Derek and the Dominos would have stood that much sharper.
Also... Taken into account that this is essentially a love letter to a friend's wife... Covers? Not really that romantic.
Musically there's absolutely nothing wrong with anything though. Clapton is as good as he ever is when he's in his bluesy mood and Whitlock provides the backbone of it all.
There are too few truly memorable songs but "Layla" almost makes up for anything problems I have with the album. Jesus Christ, is it possible to ever get tired of listening to Clapton crying his heart out and Duane Allman almost playing his guitar to shreds?
I think not.
The Replacements
4/5
This is basically all I want from my alternative rock/punk record. To the point, without any real filler and just filled with energy and great musicianship.
The only time I almost lose interest is when the band focus too hard on their punk roots on “Tommy Gets His Tonsils Out” and “Gary’s Got a Boner”.
Other than that I really enjoy Westerberg’s vocals and the first trio of songs, ending with the amazing “We’re Coming Out”, and the middle section with “Androgynous”, the great Kiss cover “Black Diamond” and “Unsatisfied” is unbelievably good.
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
It’s impossible not to have a good time when Pet Shop Boys are playing. Somewhat presented as a party and dance band, there’s actually (lol) only a few tracks that wouldn’t be a mood killer at any ordinary party.
The production on hits such as “What Have I Done To Deserve This” and the extremely dramatic “It’s A Sin” is absolute perfection but there’s so many more excellent songs to be found scattered around this record.
Especially the goosebump inducing Rent”, “I Want To Wake Up” and “Heart” is just as good as any Pet Shop classic.
Goldie
3/5
This is such a difficult album to review. First of all - at 100 minutes, it's too long. The runtime of most tracks is excessive and I could have done without songs like "Adrift".
On the other hand... I just might have listened to this under the right circumstances. I listened to the title track at home and felt that it was, of course, too long but I was drawn in by the atmosphere and Diane Charlemagne's vocal.
The rest of the album I listened to while driving on the freeway at night during a light rain. And then everything just made kind of sense.
I mean it's excessive and too ambitious and some of the choices I can not defend. But I think I enjoyed this way more than I expected too.
The Young Rascals
2/5
How is this released in '67 and not '63-'64?
It sounds really outdated and I'm sure it must have done so at its release as well.
There's a few fun songs, "I'm So Happy Now", "A Place In The Sun" and "It's Love". But mostly it just sounds like discount Beatles.
Tina Turner
3/5
Tina Turner might just be the most powerful Swiss (say what now?) singer to be alive.
Her gravelly voice and attitude is prominent in every aspect of the album and you’re sure to have a fun time while it lasts.
The iconic “What’s Love Got to Do With It” might be the song to go down in history, but the incredible “I Can’t Stand the Rain” and “Private Dancer” is where Turner really shows off.
The two covers at the end are fun but altogether I don’t particularly remember them shortly after. Some aspects of Private Dancer are a bit dated, but on a whole you’re always in safe hands with the Queen of Rock and Roll.
Incredible Bongo Band
1/5
Now That’s What I Call Bongos Vol 1.
Having the word “incredible” in your band name is like North Korea having the word “democratic” in its name.
It doesn’t necessarily make it true.
Brian Eno
5/5
Ambient 1/Music for Airports is exactly as breathtaking and innovative today as it was when it was first released.
Time simply flies by as you lose yourself in both the ethereal music and your own mind.
This is genius. Pure and simple.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
Ocean Rain is one of albums I return to once or twice a year without ever being disappointed. It’s dramatic, melancholic and incredibly grand. The accompanying orchestra does wonders to the songs.
“Nocturnal Me”, the beautiful title track and “The Killing Moon” are especially breathtaking with the latter being one of the absolute peaks of the entire post-punk genre (just listen to Sergeant’s solo).
Looking forward to join the Bunnymen’s gloomy gondola trip once again.
The Band
4/5
You just know you’re quite an early group, when that name was still available.
The Band is fully able to distinguish themselves from the sound of Dylan even though this is basically from the same period as the Basement Tapes.
Everything is fresh and alive and you can tell how dynamic the process of writing and recording this album must have been.
There are plenty of highlights; especially “The Weight” still sounds absolutely brilliant.
The Kinks
4/5
What a weird, weird collection of songs. Ranging from the serious to the almost silly, the Kinks somehow captures the essence of the late 60’s better than most contemporaries and manages to not sound dated whatsoever - even when held up against the Beatles. Truly not a feat most bands accomplished.
This is simply pure fun and imagination from start to finish.
Liz Phair
3/5
I'm having a really hard time rating this album.
There are certain parts that are deserving of a 4 / 5. And then there are parts that I get bored of really quickly and deserves a 2 / 5.
Phair's songwriting is quite unique and she's great at sounding innovative - even as the album progresses.
But on the other hand I'm having a hard time coming to terms with her vocal.. It's really not that good, is it?
The lo-fi approach to production really has its positives; the excellent "Dance of the Seven Veils" and "Fuck and Run" being prime examples.
On the other hand I find that the album is 6-7 songs too long for it to still be interesting as the guitar fades away on the otherwise great closing track, "Strange Loop?".
I'm going to listen to this again; for sure.
But the next listen is just as likely to make this lose a star as it is to make it gain one.
Dirty Projectors
4/5
What an absolutely uncompromising album.
By no way a clean and easy listen but it’s overflowing with complexity, ideas on the verge of collapsing under their own pretentiousness (a few exceptions actually falls flat) and creativity.
Dirty Projectors are fighting to keep their avant-garde thoughts inside the framework of ordinary pop structures - and somehow they manage to get away with it.
One of the few exceptions is the middle break of “Useful Chamber”, which consists of a weird beat and misplaced spoken words. The rest of the song is just explosive.
This really had a hold on me from start till finish even though I never fully knew where I was about to be taken to next.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
There are few artists that I could listen to for days without end. Bob Marley is one of them.
The first album to not feature original Wailers Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh proves that Marley was fully capable of not only carrying on without the others - he was able to do it just as well.
Family Man provides one perfect bass line after the other and the spiritual and politically charged lyrics are mesmerizing - especially on one of my favorite tracks of the entire discography, “Them Belly Full (But We Hungry”.
Miles Davis
5/5
It’s almost impossible to fully comprehend the names that appear on this record.
Shorter, Zawinul, Corea, McLaughlin, Cobham and of course the main character, Davis. This could just as well been a random listing of greatest jazz musicians on their respective instruments. Mind blowing!
There’s something about Bitches Brew that feels almost illegal to listen to. Like you’ve ventured into an area where only a select few have set foot before.
This must have sounded extremely revolutionizing back in 1970. And the reason I know that is because is still sounds just as groundbreaking 52 years later.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
4/5
One of those albums that deserve to be heard in one sitting. Oldham’s songwriting is haunting and longing and I See A Darkness only makes use of sparse instrumentation.
I feel moved with almost every word uttered by Oldham and while the first listen made me consider a 3 / 5, the second listen won me over.
Teenage Fanclub
4/5
Spin’s Album of the Year 1991.
That’s the same year Nirvana released Nevermind. Talk about setting a high bar!
It’s no secret that I love me some jangle and noise - and Teenage Fanclub delivers a great blend of exactly that and fun song writing.
The R.E.M. and Dinosaur Jr. influence shines through; and when “Is This Music?” ends of the album I’m left with nothing but a smile.
Lorde
4/5
Extremely polished and a dramatic shift from her debut, Lorde is battling a broken heart and the lust for partying on Melodrama.
I absolute love the first couple of tracks and while there are a few lesser lows along the way, I was really entertained and quite frankly a bit shocked about the quality pop songwriting on this.
Throbbing Gristle
4/5
I went into this on high alert.
Then I started letting my guard down after the extremely fun sped up rendition of the single “United”.
A question came up: “Why do I not actively hate this?”
Then it dawned on me.
Nothing really overstays its welcome.
The krautrock influence is apparent but this is still something completely new and groundbreaking - especially for a ‘78 release!
I was equally curious, horrified and alienated - just as I believe was intended.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
So... That's the entire MBV discography, huh?
That was quick.
After 22 years of album silence from My Bloody Valentine they returned with a self-titled album that somewhat honored the legendary Loveless and somewhat went in an entirely new direction.
Shields is still masterful at creating beauty in noise and the first three tracks really blows me back.
The following "Is This and Yes" and "If I Am" then suddenly stops the freight train of sound that was set in motion by the opening songs.
And although the rest of the album is in no way bad or boring, I don't feel like we're moving at full speed again until the closing "Wonder 2".
Pulp
4/5
There’s no denying that Pulp was the grown-up in the room regarding 90’s britpop.
There are more Oasis and Blur albums that I listen to a couple of times a year, but there’s a certain charm, confidence and (the keyword here) ability to convey social stigma in Cocker that neither Gallagher nor Albarn possess.
Different Class is unfortunately too long - I think maybe cutting it a full 10 minutes would have done wonders. But it’s nevertheless one of the quintessential British 90’s records.
Belle & Sebastian
2/5
I don’t particularly care for Murdoch’s vocal or songwriting. I also think the instrumentation is rather bland - especially considering the fact that Belle & Sebastian have strings and horns.
There are a couple of fine tunes on Tigermilk.
But other than there’s nothing truly memorable on this record.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
I can not fathom the amount of times I’ve listened to this in my teens. There’s barely a bad track on it (some of the heavier funk stuff, “Get on Top” and “I Like Dirt”, I don’t care for) and the band is amazing - too put it mildly. Especially the return of Frusciante is evident and much welcomed!
Most of the lyrics are plain awful, but at this point it is by far Kiedis’ best vocal performance.
Californiacation is just pure fun and nostalgia - and I can easily look past the lyrical mess.
Blur
5/5
“When our third album comes out, our place as the quintessential English band of the '90s will be assured. That is a simple statement of fact. I intend to write it in 1994."
- Damon Albarn, 1990
Adele
4/5
Pleasantly surprised to see Adele on this list - I have absolute no idea, why I didn’t expect that, when she so obviously belongs here.
Adele, for me, is clearly at her strongest when the piano is at focus and everything is grandiose and a tad dark. Obvious highlights are “Hello” and “When We Were Young”, but “I Miss You” really is the one that takes my breath away. What a powerhouse of a track!
On the other hand I don’t get the hype about “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” which I find totally misplaced and heartless.
I really don’t need that much radio-pop on my Adele album.
Nevertheless; on 25 Adele once again proves that she just might be her generations greatest singer. And that’s saying something.
Nick Drake
4/5
I will never grow tired of Nick Drake’s haunting and beautiful vocals. Simply beyond comparison when it comes to singer/songwriters.
In this matter his debut album is no exception.
Somehow Five Leaves Left might still be my least favorite of Drake’s three albums.
Some compositions overstay their welcome by just a bit and nothing seems as eerily close and personally important as on Pink Moon.
Being my least favourite Nick Drake album is nevertheless far from bad. It’s like being my least favourite gourmet chocolate.
At the end of the day the quality is still in a league of its own.
Paul Simon
5/5
The full force of Paul Simon’s creativity and ingenuity is on full display on Graceland.
The controversies regarding his trip and work in South Africa taken aside, the mbaqanga influence is what makes this album - and there’s no way that could’ve been this successfully recreated in a US studio.
For such a rather complex album it’s impressive that it managed to create singles in the scale that it did - everything just works here.
Looking forward to re-listen to some more Paul Simon later on this list.
Queen
2/5
I was not looking forward to this. Entire Queen albums generally aren’t my vibe.
Then “Brighton Rock” and “Killer Queen” opened up the record - and for a moment I thought to myself: “Huh, I really underestimated Shear Heart Attack!”
Spoiler: I didn’t.
Most songs from here on feel half finished and Side B is especially horrendous with only Stone Cold Crazy at least trying to do something. “Dear Friends” is plain boring, “Bring Back That Leroy Brown” sounds like a parody and everything finally collapses with the May-led mess, “She Makes Me (Stormtrooper in Stilettos)”.
The production is killer and the vocal harmonies and exceptional understanding of mixing these are par excellent. Enough in itself to deserve at least a couple of stars.
Buck Owens
3/5
Honky-tonk, beer and candle light.
This might just be how you’re supposed to listen to this. It worked for me at least!
I’m not that familiar with Buck Owens, but I’ve listened to a fair share of Merle Haggard, so I’m quite familiar with the charming, foot-tap inducing Bakersfield Sound.
Everything works without overdoing it but nothing truly stands out - it just flows and does its things… And with that I’m rather content.
5/5
Easily my favorite U2 record.
How can it not be with that trio of opening songs? Slow down guys!
Bono really developed as a vocalist leading up to this record and while he’s still emotional as ever his technical abilities much improved.
The Edge must’ve heard his fair share of talk about his guitar playing over the years - and while he’s by no mean a flashy guitarist every single thing he does on The Joshua Tree just works. His use of effects is magnificent and the general feeling he creates is the glue that binds this album together.
U2 was never better than on The Joshua Tree. And, given their recent releases, they probably won’t surpass it any time soon.
Talking Heads
5/5
How does an album with this amount of repetition sound this varied? It’s like it’s never standing still!
Everything on Remain In Light is just peak innovation and creativity. Talking Heads was already one of America’s most interesting rock bands. This is just showing off.
Byrne delivers career highlights in almost every song while Frantz’ pulsating drumming breathes live into every second of runtime.
Peak lyricism, peak new wave, peak post-punk, peak dancable rock (side one at least), peak Talking Heads.
Remain In Light is simply peak music.
Hugh Masekela
5/5
This caught me completely off guard!
Apparently South Africa’s been hiding a true jazz classic - without ever mentioning it to me.
Nothing is rushed as every track takes its time to fully develop and unfold its potential.
The production is stellar as well with Makhaya Ntshoko’s drumming blowing me away.
I didn’t know that I needed this.
But I did.
Primal Scream
2/5
Arguably one of the most 90’s-sounding records ever.
I’ve tried to get through Screamadelica earlier but never made it in one sitting. I’ve always opted out at some point. Now is the chance for Primal Scream to live up to the hype.
First of all - this actually contains more elements that I was genuinely interesting in and wanted more of. “Movin’ On Up”, “Higher Than the Sun” (the The Orb mix, that is) and Loaded are all great. And there are ideas of pure genius spread across most tracks from the kaleidoscopic track list.
The unfortunate part? The band rarely manages to catch their own ideas as they come flying towards them.
Releasing an album as a remix album from the get go? Interesting.
Does it work? No.
A great deal of songs greatly surpassing the 6 minute mark?
Not when it includes the ridiculous “Come Together”.
But at least I’m able to dance and throw a party to this 62 minute acid dance album, right?
Once again the answer will disappoint you.
The La's
3/5
Let’s get it out of the way: “There She Goes” is one of the greatest pop songs ever written.
Had the rest of the album been as good, I’m sure I would’ve heard this album earlier than this.
Unfortunately it isn’t.
I really love me some jangle rock and I was really into the first half, where especially the incredible backing vocals wowed me.
It all seems to slip toward the end and I really don’t care for “I.O.U” and “Failure” at all.
This isn’t bad; it’s just nowhere near as good as I’m sure it could have been.
The Rolling Stones
2/5
There are some really great tracks on this; let’s get that out of the way straight ahead. “Mother’s Little Helper”, “Lady Jane”, “Under My Thumb” and “I Am Waiting” especially!
I appreciate that this is the first album containing only self-written material; but I can tell that they just aren’t capable of writing almost an hour of memorable music yet.
How is most of this written at the same time as “Paint It Black”? And how is this the version NOT containing that absolute masterpiece? I live to wonder.
I was contemplating giving this a 3 for a moment. But I think the Stones really suffered some sort of megalomania when they recorded the catastrophically long “Going Home”. I’m not a huge enough Rolling Stone or blues fan to enjoy that… Cause let’s face it: they are not exactly The Grateful Dead or Phish when it comes to improvisation.
Miles Davis
4/5
This is pretty cool, Miles.
Pretty cool indeed.
Public Enemy
3/5
There are few, if any, voices as powerful, raw and at the front as Chuck D. The man is an absolute powerhouse, his technique is perfect and at times it seems as if he’s on a mission to include the entire dictionary on this album.
The beats are mostly insane as well and especially the idea to sample “Angel of Death” on “She Watch Chanel Zero?!” gets me every time.
But - and it’s a big but - if I have to listen to Flavor Flav yell “yeah, boyeeeee” one more time right now I will lose my shit.
Everything starts to blend a little too much for me on Side Black and my mind slowly starts drifting; I mean this is extremely dense lyrically.
But most of I I’m just tired to the bone of listening to Flavor Flav.
Who thinks this would’ve improved drastically with just half the amount it Flav?
This boyeeeeee!
New York Dolls
4/5
Legendary debut by notorious New York proto-punkers. Tightly packed with interesting takes on the quickly evolving punk scene with “Personality Crisis” being the perfect opener for what’s to come.
Other highlights include the insane “Vietnamese Baby” with its heavy use of panning and “Frankenstein” being almost an epic.
The synergy between Sylvain Sylvain and Johnny Thunders is as if made to be and David Johansen delivers one powerful performance after another.
This might not be perfect. And there might be better musicians to be found in New York.
But this? This is just damn effective.
Sebadoh
4/5
I’ve always enjoyed the Barlow-led songs of Dinosaur Jr. I don’t enjoy him any less in Sebadoh.
Bubble And Scrapes ranges from the frantic and hysterical, “Fantastic Disaster” and “No Way Out”, to absolute pieces of beauty like “Soul and Fire” and “Think (Let Tomorrow Bee”.
George Michael
3/5
Jesus Christ, 1987 George Michael was one horny man.
The production is simply incredibly and crystal clear - both when it comes to the softer pop approaches and the more rock/funk inspired songs such as “Hard Day”.
I fully appreciate the songwriting and the mix of grand and breathy vocals.. It just rarely hits me emotionally.
Tori Amos
4/5
I never really known Tori Amos for anything but her name and a few songs. But if any of her other albums are just remotely like Little Earthquakes that’s a mistake.
Amos possesses an incredible vocal and an ability to write complex, intriguing and almost theatrical songs. Just listen to the breathtaking “Crucify” and “Precious Things”.
Jane's Addiction
3/5
I know how monumental this record is. I still can not fathom that is was released 1988.
This really paved the way for a lot of artists and genres throughout the 90’s and 00’s.
Still; there’s something I’ve never been able to put my finger on. Something that just doesn’t sit right with me. Farrell’s vocal somehow works. Navarro is great. And there are some incredible stuff on this.
As a whole I’m just not vibing as much as I would’ve hoped.
It’s not you, Jane. It’s me.
Minutemen
4/5
Equal parts shitty punk and prolific jazz band.
What a feat!
Exceeding 70 minutes I am amazed how fun this entire thing is. Time simply flies by in the company of Minutemen.
Sidenote: "Political Song for Michael Jackson to Sing" might be the greatest song title ever.
Don McLean
4/5
How can you not love an album that includes both “American Pie” and the incredibly beautiful “Vincent”? Aside from those stellar tracks this is packed with great folk songs reaching a climax on the haunting and breathtaking “The Grave”.
U2
4/5
Yet another great U2 album - a perfect transition to the 90’s.
Some of the tracks are among the greatest ever written by the band; “One”, “Mysterious Ways”, “Ultra Violet (Light My Way)”.. What a collection of songs.
The leaning into more industrial territory, especially on the drums, doesn’t sit that well with me though. I’ve always felt rather alienated by “Zoo Station” for example.
That being said, I don’t hate it. It just doesn’t hit me in the same way as the sound on The Joshua Tree does it - even though Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois once again did an awesome job producing this.
The Sonics
3/5
If The Beatles had an evil twin.
This is unbelievably noisy and aggressive for a 1965 release.
I do like the straightforwardness and early lo-fi/garage aesthetics of a lot of the songs. I can also hear many bands, especially the grunge sound, finding some inspiration in this.
I probably wouldn’t spin this record that often though.
N.W.A.
2/5
It’s difficult to define the influence this album has had on rap. The two opening tracks alone are legendary.
Quite a few tracks unfortunately feels somehow dated today; and that’s without mentioning the deeply misogynistic lyrics.
There’s no doubt that N.W.A. is here to deliver a message. There is barely no messing around and I get the idea that no one showed up in the recording room in order to just have fun.
I sure didn’t have as much fun as I thought I would.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Tremendously beautiful and mellow output from the Boss.
It’s no secret that I’m not a huge Springsteen fan - even though he has arguably delivered his fair share of great hits.
The intimacy created on Nebraska shows a more delicate and extremely personal aspect of Springsteen’s exceptional songwriting skills and I always find myself almost spellbound listening to his storytelling on this.
Sometimes it pays off to take it down a notch and let the E Street Band sit back and relax.
David Bowie
5/5
This was the first Bowie album I ever owned.
Looking back, it might not be the obvious place to start the journey into this vast discography.
But it worked perfectly.
Low is packed with an emotional baggage so heavy, that at times it feels like an almost unbearable load.
Side one is great, delivering sharp and shorter songs at great pace - but it’s when the almost completely instrumental side two sets in that I drop whatever’s in my hand and dives head first into the world of Bowie.
I always forget the impact the end of Low leaves on me.
It might not be what you expect of a Bowie album - but if you went into this expecting a certain formula, you probably don’t know Bowie that well.
Marianne Faithfull
3/5
Not only did this album resurrect Faithfull’s career - I’m sure it might just have saved her life as well.
Her raspy and emotional vocal suits the rock/punk/new wave aesthetics, but we have to reach “Guilt” before everything really starts paying off.
The following “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” and the closing “Why’d Ya Do It” are the absolute highlights with the tom toms and the guitar sounding especially great.
There are highs and barely any lows on Broken English. But there’s a bit too many mids where I’m just not that invested.
Various Artists
1/5
If you don’t think Christmas is quite stressful enough already, Spector might just have the cure for that.
Public Enemy
4/5
Fear Of A Black Planet is one of those quintessential rap records and quite the step up from their sophomore album.
Chuck D delivers once again but the real surprise is that Flav is not only WAY less annoying… Most of the times he’s actually almost great!
The sampling is on another level and easily outsmarts not only their contemporaries but almost all other hip hop artists.
This being a Public Enemy record it is quite lyrically dense and you feel a bit exhausted after more than an over; even when I’m Chuck D’s capable grasp.
If just a few of the outros had been shortened or a skit or two been omitted this might have deserved a flat 5.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
“I’d like to hear some British music, please.”
“Absolutely. What genre and age could I interest you in?”
“Why not all of them?”
Ananda Shankar
3/5
I honestly don’t know how, but this worked to some extent. Not the The Rolling Stones and the Doors covers; those were absolutely horrific.
But I was quite impressed with “Snow Flower”, “Sagar (The Ocean)” and “Dance Indra”. I don’t know exactly why, it just worked.
That being said, I hope we’re not getting another sitar album the next month.
Sigur Rós
5/5
Listening to Sigur Rós feels like you’ve been granted access to a world where you were never meant to set foot.
I started writing down songs to highlight, but quickly stopped as I became aware of the fact I was just listing the tracklist one by one.
Ágætis Byrjun might easily be one of my all-time favorite albums and I feel completely overwhelmed every time I listen to it.
Nothing’s meant to sound this good.
Somehow Sigur Rós just do.
ZZ Top
3/5
The start of Eliminator is like being run over by a V8 engine. At this point ZZ Top began using synths and drum machine more heavily, and the result is an extremely tight and tempo filled album.
Most of Eliminator is just pure fun with the band fully acknowledging that they are here to party, show off and have a good time - and nothing else.
My interest fades away on the way too long “I Need You Tonight” and side B isn’t as exciting as the beginning either. But this is nonetheless still extremely fun to rock along to.
New Order
3/5
I fully understand, why someone would fall completely in love with New Order.
Their sound is haunting, desperate and still quite danceable at times - a feat.
This is the album, where New Order emerges as a complete band after Joy Division. I find myself fully emerged in the sound and I’m almost lulled into a trance.
Then it’s all over. And I have a hard time pinpointing standout tracks. It’s all just kind of there.
When I’m in the mood this is easily a 4.
But in general I think this grading is more true to my gut feeling.
Iron Maiden
5/5
An absolute masterclass in heavy metal.
The power that Bruce Dickinson brought to the band on this, his first album, can not be understated.
Harris is to no surprise an absolute beast and Burr does an outstanding job on his last record with the band.
Side A is great, but it’s side B that really steals the show. “The Number of the Beast”, “Run to the Hills” and “Hallowed Be Thy Name” is one of the greatest collection of metal tracks on such short space ever.
It’s a shame that they ended up including “Gangland” instead of the FAR superior “Total Eclipse”.
Still, The Number of the Beast is an insane record. And it’s not even Iron Maiden’s best.
It might not even be their second best!
Beastie Boys
4/5
SOMETHING ABOUT LISTENING TO BEASTIE BOYS MAKES YOU WANT TO WRITE THE REVIEW IN ALL-CAPS. I will abstain from it, though - mainly because I’m afraid I am not the first to make that joke.
Beastie Boys paints a vivid tapestry through their work of sampling more songs than I dare guess. You could spend a week just trying to decipher the specific samples of each song.
The B-Boys balances on the edge of insanity. They might even cross it on the brilliant “B-Boys Bouillabaisse”.
But who cares? This is pure fun.
Laura Nyro
3/5
Only ever heard of Laura Nyro in the context of Monterey. Her voice is quite incredible ranging from the beautiful and emotional to an almost screeching high pitch.
The band delivers one heck of a performance, and their ability to rapidly and precisely change tempo and incorporate multiple genres almost makes this seem like Captain Beefheart gone jazz pop.
This might grow on me in the future but after just one listen there are too many loose ends, that I don’t know how to tie yet.
Todd Rundgren
4/5
It’s not only a wild musical trip Todd Rundgren provides us with A Wizard, A True Star. I dare not even consider the trip the man must have been on himself making this.
The first half simply flies by in a flash of drug induced creativity and you’re never allowed the chance to even stop and think if this might not be for you.
It’s only really when Medley hits that I fully snap back to reality. From there I lose some of my initial interest and also start becoming a bit dizzy from the many impressions so far.
Then “Just One Victory” ends it all and Rundgren manages to pull himself out of his maniacal frenzy and produce one of the greatest pop songs of the early 70’s.
What a way to end a thrilling yet somewhat disturbing ride.
Baaba Maal
5/5
I’m in shock. Where did Baaba Maal emerge from? And how am I only hearing of him this moment?
With Djam Leelii Maal and Mansour Seck have created one of the most hauntingly beautiful albums I’ve ever heard coming out of Africa.
Maal’s vocal is both powerful and full of emotional range while Seck’s guitar playing will haunt my ears for days - not to mention the effect kora and balafon has on this record!
Djam Leelii might easily end up in the top 5 of African records for me.. Until I’m sure I’m going to dive deeper into Baaba Maal’s discography and look forward to the March release of his upcoming album, Being.
Arcade Fire
4/5
Apparently, Win Butler shares the same feelings towards the USA as he does consent.
That being said, Neon Bible is an incredibly strong record that showcases almost everything that makes Arcade Fire a great band.
I’m not hooked on “Black Mirror” but soon after the album really takes off and with the exception of the Régine Chassagne-led part of “Black Wave/Bad Vibrations” (a part I actively dislike) the band almost hits just around the mark.
Especially the grandiose “Intervention”, “Ocean of Noise”, the closing “My Body Is a Cage” and of course the song that inspired White Lies to write their entire discography, “No Cars Go”, are extremely well written and shows just why Arcade Fire receives the praise they do.
The Black Keys
3/5
Brothers shares some of the same problems I found with The White Stripes’ Elephant. It’s too long and I find myself losing interest in the similarity of the bluesy garage rock.
There are undoubtedly some great tunes on this, the streak of “Ten Cent Pistol”, “Sinister Kid” and “The Go Getter” for example, and Auerbach’s vocal and guitar playing is really good - I just need more variation. It gets a bit too monotonous and the songs almost blend together after a while.
Brothers is in no way a bad album.
It just doesn’t live up to the hype.
Pink Floyd
5/5
A lot have already been said about this.
So I won’t waste too much time.
Everything about this record is just Pink Floyd at their best - which automatically makes The Dark Side of the Moon peak rock as well.
I could listen to the four songs starting with “Us and them” and ending on “Eclipse” for the rest of the year and never grow tired of it - absolutely, astoundingly beautiful.
Also, the 30 quid spent on Clare Torry might be the wisest money ever spent.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
There’s no guitarist quite like Hendrix. A virtuoso with a sound unlike anyone else.
Electric Ladyland opens strong with a brilliant Side A with “Voodoo Chile” as the centerpiece. But then it dawns on me, why it’s been so long since I last revisited this album.
Side B is almost completely unnecessary taken into consideration that this is almost an hour and 15 long. “Gypsy Eyes” is good but it might have been wiser to cut the side all together to avoid the sense of fatigue towards the end.
Hendrix picks up the pace again on “1983…” and more or less keeps everything interesting from there on out.
Everything is forgotten when “All Along the Watchtower” and “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” kicks in though.
Especially the first of the two final songs is an absolute masterpiece and easily one of greatest covers of all time. It sounds almost surreal, like nothing else on the record. I’ve heard it countless times and every time I hear it it still sounds fresh, new and exciting.
What a way to end what turned out to be his final album alive.
MC Solaar
4/5
My French is so good that I immediately, upon seeing the MC in the name, knew that this was hip hop. The lyrics? Not so much.
This is an extremely strong record. Solaar’s flow is great, the jazzy beats are catchy and there’s something about the French language and hip hop that’s a match made in heaven.
Hip hop made for looking cool, smoking and drinking red wine.
I’m doing neither but I like it no less.
Ice T
4/5
Time flies when you’re having fun.
And Ice T is just extremely good fun.
He manages what most rappers don’t; to deliver serious messages while maintaining his humor. Hell, I even enjoyed the skits.
Ice T truly is the O.G.
Def Leppard
3/5
Def Leppard is by no means big art.
But it sure is helluva catchy and it leaves you smiling. Imagine putting on Side B for the first time and “Foolin’” is the first thing on?
Good times!
Pyromania is also the birthplace of the legendary Gunter Glieben Glauchen Globen.
So there’s also that.
Rush
5/5
The priests have the same feelings toward guitars as most people at a party have when someone strikes the first chord of Wonderwall.
My feelings toward this album is the exact opposite of that.
The Byrds
3/5
The Byrds were able to write some mighty fine pop tunes; "So You Want to Be a Rock 'N' Roll", "Rennaisance Fair", "My Back Pages" and more. Jangly, pretty and solid. But nothing groundbreaking og breathtaking.
When they try something new and different, as on "C.T.A. - 102", The Byrds seem to break their wings.
Younger Than Yesterday is fine, it's short and there are plenty of great tunes. It's just not remarkable.
Elvis Presley
4/5
Last time Elvis appeared on this list it prompted a 1 star review. That is not the case with From Elvis In Memphis. At all.
Elvis sounds absolutely incredible on this record. His powerful vocal performances on “Only the Strong Survive”, “Long Black Limousine” and of course “In the Ghetto” blew me back.
But even with Elvis delivering one great performance after the other, this wouldn’t have been nearly as good as it is if not for The Memphis Boys - ditching RCA Studios for this one was a genius decision.
The band is just incredible and especially Gene Chrisman’s drumming left me stunned.
I was ready to dismiss Elvis’ discography and stick to the hits after Elvis Is Back!
God, was I in the wrong.
Gary Numan
4/5
Gary Numan is one weird musician.
And I’m all here for it.
Released in 1979 this is truly ahead of its time. The lyrics are really fun to dive into, focusing on robotics and “modern” technology with Numan at times sounding almost like an android himself.
Especially the surprisingly heavy “M.E.” (I had no idea this is where Basement Jaxx sampled
from) and the hit single “Cars” are standouts, but The Pleasure Principle is just a parade of well crafted beep boop-sounds and tight drumming.
Talking Heads
4/5
Not the album I would’ve picked for the last of the three Talking Heads albums on this list - but that doesn’t make it any less great.
Byrne is on fire throughout the entirety of More Songs About Buildings And Food (A+ title by the way) and Frantz and Weymouth are equally amazing!
There’s not a bad song on this; but there’s a couple I would have loved for them to dive deeper into. The length is almost perfect - but for once I wouldn’t have minded this being a bit longer!
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
The fact that I find this to be the superior of the three albums spanning “Everybody Knows This is Nowhere” to “Harvest” just proves Young’s incredible ability for songwriting.
His voice is as beautiful and emotional as ever on this record and Crazy Horse delivers just what’s needed of them. And while having two songs fill up almost half the record might seem daring for the genre, Young knows just what he is doing.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
“I sure love pop, but I just can not stand the sugarcoated productions.”
Jesus Christ and his mother Mary, are you in luck!
Beach House
4/5
Let’s say you are completely unaware of the existence of the genre. If sat down to listen to Beach House and you were to take a wild guess at the genre, dream pop would probably be your first guess.
Legrand’s vocal is mesmerizing and haunting.
The tracks are extremely well crafted and there’s just something about the sound that takes you on an emotional journey for 50 minutes straight.
I might later regret not giving this a 5/5.
But at the same time, I always feel like the bubble bursts some time after listening to Teen Dream and you realize that there’s just this tiny piece missing. I might never find that piece though.
Ryan Adams
2/5
This is somehow an improvement of Gold, the first Ryan Adams album to appear on this list.
Note; Heartbreaker is not good. At all.
But there are a few excellent songs such as “Amy”.
Ryan Adams is nonetheless still the epitome of quantity over quality and quite the shitty singer. But I’ll hand this a 2, simply because I wasn’t as angry as I was the last time he was here.
I sure hope this was the last of Ryan Adams, though.
Tim Buckley
3/5
For whatever reason, I was not expecting two Buckleys on this list.
I get while some might lose interest along the way of Happy Sad, but my curiosity was already piqued when I saw that this album only contained 6 songs.
I don’t get “Gypsy Woman” (which of course is more than ¼ of the album). I mean, what was he thinking?
But “Buzzin’ Fly”, “ Love from Room 109 at the Islander (On Pacific Coast Highway)” and “Dream Letter” are all excellent and I truly enjoyed the tone David Friedman’s vibraphone. What a sound!
I could imagine listening to this again later this year. But not often.
The Flaming Lips
5/5
There’s simply no denying the pure genius that is Wayne Coyne. The man might not have the most flashing vocals, technically speaking, but that is exactly what makes Coyne the perfect pop singer. His emotions are always on full display and it’s as if he could break down in front of you every second. It’s quite astonishing.
The Soft Bulletin is easily one of the Flaming Lips’ greatest records, where the band’s understanding of intricate songwriting, instrumental layering and balance between delicate and noise is on full display.
It’s too rare that I remember to let myself get lost in the Flaming Lips’ universe - and listening to this I’m reminded that that’s a damn shame. Please, let Yoshimi show up soon.
Shack
4/5
Another 1001 album with barely a Wikipedia page - always exciting!
Oasis if they were from Liverpool.
How come I’ve never even come across the name Shack before? This is great!
The opening trio of songs are extremely well written and for a moment there I almost thought this might be a hidden masterpiece.
There is some heavy R.E.M. vibe going on and I’m all in on Mick Head’s vocals.
Unfortunately my interest starts to fade along the way but after just one listen I was still quite taken aback by this.
Well hidden, Liverpool. Well hidden.
Megadeth
5/5
Megadeth is, if nothing else, just Dave Mustaine showing off his technical prowess.
That’s plenty enough for me.
Everyone’s playing as if their lives depended on it in this record; apparently letting two, though greatly heroin addicted, jazz fusion-musicians into your thrash band wasn’t that bad an idea.
The only songs that disappoints and feels unnecessary is “I Ain’t Superstitious”.
But when your album already contains songs such as “Peace Sells”, “My Last Words” and one of the greatest thrash songs of all time, “Good Mourning / Black Friday”, one miss is completely allowed.
Pere Ubu
1/5
Talking Heads, but no one know how to sing or play any instruments.
The Who
5/5
Tommy is arguably one of the greatest rock operas to ever be recorded. And it was released only a year and a half after the ridiculous The Who Sell Out. What an evolution!
The Who is easily one of the greatest individuals on each of their instruments with especially Moon shining ever so bright; there’s barely a minute where he doesn’t show off some energetic fill.
The story itself can feel slightly rushed at times (“Pinball Wizard” and the sudden emergence as a cult leader), but aside from that I simply have nothing bad to say about this masterpiece.
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
A Tribe Called Quest, and Q-Tip in particular, really paved way for a new era of hip hop with The Low End Theory blasting it’s way into the 90’s.
The beats are kept to a jazzy minimal with Q-Tip and Phife Dawg providing almost flawless lyrical performances one after another.
When it comes to hip hop, Quest truly is something else.
3/5
São Paulo Confessions is an obvious traveling-at-night-album. In that regard I was quite lucky, as I got to experience this during an hour long train ride at night - there was even a woman that got arrested next to me.
Couldn’t have asked for better circumstances for this album.
Sometimes you got to learn about the true nature of a place through the eyes of foreigners. And Serbian-born Suba sure does his absolute best at providing us with a glimpse into the city that he somehow fell in love with.
It’s excellent in glimpses but I still feel that it lacks in certain parts - maybe just like São Paulo does?
But in conclusion… Where is that Suba biopic?!
The Damned
5/5
What a record - I felt paralyzed during the entire run!
The instrumentation is great, it’s bursting with humor and energy.. And then it’s catchier than the songs most hit-songwriters could even dream of composing.
This is everything I want in a punk record.
The Band
4/5
There are days where I prefer The Band’s sophomore effort over their debut.
Especially considering songs such as “When You Awake”, “Whispering Pines” and the three closing songs.
Today is one of those days.
Ministry
4/5
Al Jourgensen, you terrifically weird man.
Everything about this is pure chaos and insanity; from the bonkers album title to the production and general songwriting.
This feels utterly inhuman. And, somehow, we’re all better for it.
I still don’t get how Bill Rieflin went from drumming on this to semi-joining R.E.M. in 2003. What a career move!
Cream
5/5
Starting the record off with “Strange Brew”, ignoring the sleep inducing “Blue Condition”, and ending the streak of perfect songs on “We’re Going Wrong”. This album is almost pure perfection.
I really enjoy “Take It Back” as well and the runtime is remarkably short. Had it been 2-3 tracks longer the more purebred blues songs would’ve annoyed me a bit.
But this still stands out as one of my favorite 60’s releases. And that’s saying something.
a-ha
4/5
If you come here expecting nothing but “Take On Me”, you’re to be disappointed.
Kicking off this debut album with one of the all-time greatest pop songs, a-ha soon takes a sharp turn and turns everything down a notch. It may not be as danceable as you’d think it would, but tracks like “Hunting High And Low” and “Here I Stand and Face the Rain” are nothing but outstanding.
Then there’s of course “The Sun Always Shines On T.V.” opening the B-side - the only song on the album that’s actually able to withhold side by side comparison to the opening track.
This doesn’t quite deliver on it’s initial promise of head bopping, feet tapping 80’s pop. But it’s a great record nonetheless.
The Fall
4/5
It’s as if whenever Mark E. Smith opens his mouth he is possessed by post-punk itself - also amphetamine - but mainly post-punk.
The album opens perfectly with the hauntingly great “Frightened” that really helps set the tone for the entire record.
Throughout I was mesmerized by Karl Burns’ erratic drumming. It really encapsulates almost everything I want in a punk drummer. Nothing short of phenomenal.
There are a few misses along the way, but not once did I lose interest.
What a stroke of luck that Mark E. Smith fell ill during the first days of recording. Being limited to only one day of recording must’ve been the main factor in the frantic vibe on this. And for that I’m glad.
Otis Redding
4/5
While there is no denying Booker T (the non-wrestling one) & M.G.’s excellent work on Otis Blue, it is Otis Redding himself that steals the entire show.
Otis Redding possessed a voice like very few before or after his untimely death.
Powerful, emotional, raw, pained and in total control. I get goosebumps just thinking about it.
For me personally, songs like “Shake” and “Rock Me Baby” keeps this from being the perfect album it is often made to be.
But looking at the rest of the track list I am almost inclined to ignore those songs and just go with it. Almost.
Jerry Lee Lewis
3/5
Jerry Lee Lewis stint to this German club sees him hitting the piano almost as violently as he was hitting his underage cousin-wife.
Bet let’s try to set that aside for a while and focus on the music.
JLL is in the zone on this live recording and the band plays focused and almost aggressively fast-paced. The main character delivers a powerful vocal performance and it’s evident from the cheering and shouting that the audience got exactly what they came for.
Almost 60 years after I don’t feel half the effect that those people did back in the club. But I can’t help to admire the sheer force of entertainment that is Jerry Lee Lewis either.
Did I mention that he married his 13 year old cousin?
Incubus
3/5
This is really 1999. And somehow I just dig it.
This isn't quite nu metal, not quite funk, not quite rock. Incubus' breakthrough album sits somewhere in between it all.
Mike Einziger's riffs are interesting, José Pasillas' is on fire - but it's Brandon Boyd's vocal that impresses me the most. Not when he semi-raps on "Pardon Me" but his understanding of melody just hits me.
There are some incredible songs on this that turns the nostalgia all the way up for me. Of course there's also stuff like "Battlestar Scalatchtica" whis is horrible and dumb - and I don't care that much for the turntables in general.
I never noticed that this was almost 50 minutes long.
And that's something.
Ella Fitzgerald
4/5
Did I really need 3 hours of Ella Fitzgerald on a Thursday night? Apparently, yes.
Rush
5/5
The 80’s saw progressive rock groups exploring radio friendly material, leaving the 20+ minutes suites and incorporating more elements from pop music.
Yes - 90125.
Genesis - Invisible Touch.
Pink Floyd - …
Maybe not Pink Floyd.
For Rush that album was Moving Pictures.
A perfect collection of songs that I am nowhere near growing tired of.
I begin smiling at Pearts first beat on “Tom Sawyer”. And that feeling doesn’t leave me until “Vital Signs” has faded completely.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
It’s hard to fathom that this was released in ‘67. It’s even more unfathomable to what extent The Velvet Underground & Nico influenced not only future bands but future genres altogether.
Lulling you into a state of false safety with “Sunday Morning” everything involves into a state of frenzy the further the album progresses. In the end you don’t even know what hits you as “The Black Angel’s Death Song” and “European Son” collapses into sonic dismay.
I’m not always sure that this record wants for me to stay. But long ago I firmly decided against it’s possible wishes.
T. Rex
3/5
Peak Marc Bolan. Even better than the follow-up, The Slider, containing more than a handful of really great tracks - and then of course the anthem that it “Get It In”.
As with most T. Rex records I start to lose interest toward the end as the songs slowly start blending together; simply just an effect of the Bolan signature sound and tempo. I really enjoyed this nonetheless.
DJ Shadow
5/5
Endtroducing… contains a song called “Why Hip-Hop Sucks In ‘96”.
Endtroducing… sure as hell isn’t why.
Cocteau Twins
5/5
Imagine the nightmares this must have caused back in 1984. Who was ready for this?!
Almost 40 years after its release Treasure still sounds completely otherworldly. An ethereal journey from start to finish.
Glad this isn’t the only Cocteau Twins album on this list!
Def Leppard
2/5
I was surprisingly happy about Pyromania when it appeared on this list. I found it quite fun and charming.
With Hysteria Def Leppard removes most of the fun, cuts down on the charm and for some reason most of the songs far exceed their allowed runtime. Who the hell thought of all these intros, outros and frustratingly long middle sections?
There are still some highlights in "Rocket" (minus the outro), "Armageddon It" and its catchy chorus (minus the length) and of course the amazing title track.
But the length is just plain silly and the charm, which is normally where Def Leppard is strongest to me, quickly wears off.
Genesis
5/5
Selling England By the Pound will probably always feel like a first love to me.
I have listened to this countless times, own multiple editions and never grow tired of anything about it.
It contains everything I love about the Peter Gabriel-era.
Amazing prog-suites in "Dancing With the Moonlit Knight", "Firth of Fifth", "The Cinema Show" and the monster that it "The Battle of Epping Forest".
Beautiful classical inspired pieces like "After the Ordeal" and enough British references to scare off almost anyone.
This is also Hackett, Rutherford and Collins at the absolute height of their career, delivering one awe-inspiring performance after another.
I know many people insist on The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway being the better Genesis record. But they are wrong. Plain and simple.
Bill Callahan
4/5
I could probably have lived a good life without listening to this. But I’m glad I don’t have to.
I was never completely blown away by this, but I quickly fell into a trance-like state where only Callahan’s voice and compositions existed.
The songs are rather sparse, emotional, a bit droning and often gives off a feeling of existential dread.
This had somehow avoided me until now but I’m certain I’ll look into more releases from his hand.
Love
3/5
This is a semi-bumpy ride.
The first side is quite forgettable but still shines on tracks like “Orange Skies” and “The Castle”.
Then there’s the B-side - entirely made up of one single 19-minute song. Where on Earth did that suddenly appear from?
An absolute beast of a track. Luckily it takes up half the album and completely overshadows the somewhat lackluster first half.
Sarah Vaughan
4/5
What a voice. What an absolutely stunning voice.
The atmosphere on this live album is sublime. You can hear every clink of glasses, every laugh and even the microphone stand fall over at some point. It’s almost like you can smell the dense cigarette smoke that must’ve filled the air.
The only thing missing from this being a five star experience is being there yourself.
The The
3/5
I generally like the overall vibe on Soul Mining.
There’s also a couple of really killer tracks.
And Matt Johnson is undoubtedly a genius.
But in the end this simply becomes too monotonous and I am never completely hooked.
R.E.M.
5/5
Easily one of the greatest debut albums ever.
R.E.M. emerge on the music scene with a sound that came to define entire genres and influence many of the biggest bands of the 90’s.
Mike Mills’ bass lines are innovative and melodic, almost taking on the traditional role of the guitar. Bill Berry’s drumming is extremely tight and playful. Peter Buck’s guitar is wonderfully expressive. And Michael Stipe is just a once in a lifetime singer - even when mumbling his way through anything but the choruses.
“Radio Free Europe”, “Pilgrimage”, “Talk About the Passion” and “9-9” are some of the absolute highlights of Murmur. And by “Perfect Circle” it’s hard not to tear up - just a bit.
Morrissey
2/5
If you were ever in doubt about whether Morrissey or Marr was the true genius in The Smiths.
There are very few songs I love on Morrissey’s debut album, “Every Day Is Like Sunday” and “Angel Angel Down We Go Together”. The majority of the other songs I simply don’t care much about.
But then there’s also absolute dog shit like “Little Man, What Now?” and “I Don’t Mind If You Forget Me”.
Not a huge The Smiths fan; definitely not a Morrissey fan either.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
This is a review of the original UK release of Hendrix’ legendary debut album.
Jimi plays a mean guitar as always and Mitch Mitchell plays an even meaner set of drums. One of the greatest drum performances of the 60’s.
I understand “Can You See Me”. But as to why they decided to include the twelve-bar blues “Red House” and the plain boring “Remember” over the singles “Hey Joe”, “Purple Haze” and “The Wind Cries Mary” will never cease to amaze me.
I’ll give the US version a 5/5 rating.
This is slightly worse.
Dr. Dre
4/5
Reviewing The Chronic is not as easy as it may seem just after finishing a record filled to the brim with some of the best beats and hooks hip-hop has ever delivered.
The positives:
The beats are beyond terrific. Dre never fails to deliver and it's astounding how many classics fills up The Chronic.
I'm especially surprised at how awesome Snoop Doggy Dogg is as well. Not that I should be. It's not my first time listening to this, but I somehow always forget just how good he is in particular.
The skits are kept to a minimum as well - something I always appreciate in a rap album.
Then there's the negative:
The amount of misogyny, homophobia and unsettling violence is - maybe not shocking the era of hip-hop taking into consideration - but at least unnerving.
Times are a-changing and yada yada yada.. But still.
At times it feels like a party dedicated to degrading women and shooting people.
Robert Christgau negatively described The Chronic "sociopathic easy-listening". I tend to agree.
For that reason it's quite an accomplishment that I after listening were able to take a step back and come to the conclusion that I enjoyed it 90 % of the time.
Maybe I should feel somehow bad about it?
But I don't.
Slipknot
3/5
I genuinely love Slipknot. Let’s just get that out the way.
The live theatricals, the antics, the excessive and monstrous percussions, the energy and the wall of sound provided by the sampling and scratching. It’s all too much - and it’s great.
But the thing I love most about the Iowa nonet is their blend of aggressiveness and melodic choruses. And I’m missing a lot of that on their eponymous debut album.
It’s mainly just aggressiveness and then some.
It starts of strong with everything from “(sic)” until “Spit It Out”. Everything I like about the group is present in almost every moment of that part of the album.
Then “Tattered & Torn” kicks in and I lose my focus somehow. I need those strong melodies in order to not get overwhelmed by the hate and anger of the songs. And a lot of the time it’s not present enough on the second part of the record.
This is a great blueprint of the monster that Slipknot was to become. But they weren’t quite there yet.
It would still be worth a listen because of, if nothing else, the percussive overload. Anyone saying that it’s just a gimmick is lying to themselves.
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
I adore Jorge Ben (Jor). He’s a legend in samba and South American musical in general. He’s always capable of delivering catchy tunes and África Brasil is no exception.
I felt drawn towards the majority of the songs and the inclusion of the electric guitar brings an extra element of funkiness to his music.
I was gonna hand this a four star review, but at the end of the album I had grown so tired of the relentless use of the cuíca that I found myself giving up every time it reappeared.
Ray Charles
1/5
Ray Charles must have recorded this through a series of tin cans and managed to sleep his way through it as well.
The true genius of Ray Charles was him somehow getting this album included on the list.
Rufus Wainwright
4/5
Balances elegantly on the line between painstakingly beauty and extremely demanding.
Rufus Wainwright is pretentious as fuck.
And it doesn’t bother me one bit.
Hüsker Dü
3/5
Let’s get it out of the way.
Warehouse: Songs And Stories is obviously too long. You can sense that neither Mould nor Grant were willing to give up any of their own songs.
The result is a bit unfocused at times due to this and their are songs that could have been easily cut.
I feel mainly drawn toward Mould’s songwriting which is way more melodic and interesting than Grant’s - not to say that Grant doesn’t deliver. Mould is just more consistent. Especially on “Ice Cold Ice”; what a track!!
Cut at least 15 minutes and Hüsker Dü had gotten an extra star.
Solange
2/5
Truth be told. I have never listened to this album in full before. I know the hype and all. I just didn’t jump on the train. Sue me.
Now I have. And my expectations were high.
But I leave disappointed.
The production is stellar.
Most songs are beautifully written.
Solange is a great singer.
But this whole album is going nowhere.
The songs have little to no room to evolve and after a few seconds of any given song you’ve heard the entire thing.
Steely Dan
5/5
Pretzel Logic was one of the first records I owned on vinyl - so this is easily the Steely Dan album I’m most familiar with.
I won’t try to even begin analyzing Becker and Fagen’s obscene lyrical universe but I’m always intrigued by the vague hints of obscure meaning in the songwriting.
Steely Dan might come across as just a 70’s pop rock band but the jazzy complexity of the songs, air tight instrumentation and warm production makes the duo anything but ordinary.
If this is dad rock then I’m ready to settle down with a wife and a couple of kids.
Hanoi Rocks
2/5
I understand that this is highly influential.
Unfortunately I’m not a huge fan of a lot of the bands that Hanoi Rocks influenced.
Most of this just sounds plain silly and it only really shines at times on “Tooting Bec Wrecked” and “Beating Gets Faster”.
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
I was getting ready to get groovy with Earth, Wind & Fire. But while I still mostly enjoyed this record I never truly felt the legendary groove of EWF.
The instrumentation is (of course) great, their are some funky tracks and those vocals rarely fail to deliver.
There just seem to be something amiss. A lack of soul (this is a soundtrack, keep in mind)? A lack of that one big, phenomenal hit EWF are known to deliver? Maybe it’s the overall lack of cohesion as the band delivers soul, jazzy grooves, funk and African rhythms all in one?
Whatever it is I just don’t feel that impressed.
Steely Dan
4/5
It’s only been a couple of days and I’m once again presented with a Steely Dan record.
Countdown To Ecstasy opens with one of Dan’s greatest blues-inspired songs. After that it moves into heavier jazz territory as is the case with Steely Dan records you’re never completely sure where you’re being taken.
It might be due to nostalgia but I’m leaning heavier toward Pretzel Logic than this record.
But that being said - Steely Dan proves, on this album as well, that almost nobody wrote more intelligent and refreshing pop music in the 70’s than they did.
The Kinks
3/5
I don’t mind the earlier The Kinks, but Face to Face feels like a transition album where they’re trying to master their own sound.
There are a few great songs like “Rainy Day In June” and “Sunday Afternoon”.
The rest of the record feels like Beatles-leftovers. That is, of course, rarely a bad thing. I just don’t feel any particular connection to it.
Waylon Jennings
3/5
If you’re new to country, Waylon Jennings is not a bad place to start the journey.
Honky Tonk Heroes is approachable, at times both raw and melodic and Jennings’ vocal is country at its finest.
The record clocks in at just under half an hour (which I like) but I never feel any connection to most of the songs - and for me that’s the most important thing in this genre.
Then, right at the end, Jennings gets me with “We Had It All” and I end up leaving Honky Tonk Heroes a little teary eyed.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
Nick Cave possesses the unique ability to create works of insurmountable beauty when faced with great personal tragedies and sadness.
In many ways The Boatman’s Call was the first album to truly show this ability in full scale. It was also the album where Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds took the definitive move away from their early post-punk sound and stepped into a new era.
The Boatman’s Call deals, in large parts, with Cave’s faith diminishing and taking on a new and more questioning form.
It is in his search for answers that Nick Cave is at his best - and this album finds Cave frantically searching for answers like never before.
CHIC
4/5
And Nile said, “Let there be funk,” and there was funk.
- Genesis 1:3
Pixies
3/5
On Bossanova Pixies combine the unapologetic sound of Surfer Rosa with the more melodic approach of Doolittle.
It just never reaches the heights of either of those records. Not bad but not great.
Leonard Cohen
5/5
L. Cohen could have used up the entirety of the record telling knock-knock jokes for all I care, as long as “Avalanche” and “Famous Blue Raincoat” were featured.
Fortunately, he doesn’t.
Nevertheless it wouldn’t have altered my score significantly. What an emotional ride.
Funkadelic
4/5
Who the hell opens an album with a 10 minute guitar solo with little to no backing band? George Clinton, the genius madman, that’s who!
When that solo is Eddie Hazel’s legendary “Maggot Brain”, without a doubt one of the greatest solos ever recorded, I’ve got nothing to complain about either.
The rest of the album is a weird mixture of dark, gritty funk and Clinton’s LSD-trips come to live.
There’s a lot to love but it doesn’t hit a home run.
The Who
4/5
The Who really enters the music scene all guns blazing.
Their debut album is incredibly hard hitting for its time and it feels like a label representative is standing by, telling Entwistle and Moon to take it down a notch once or twice a song - everything sounds like it’s on the verge of explosion.
Then the sides end with “My Generation” and “The Ox” respectively and the label has apparently gone home. Everything is off the rails and The Who makes it clear that they are the most ferocious of the British mod bands.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
5/5
What I find most fascinating about this record is that the instrumentals were recorded in a single eight hour sessions.
How well rehearsed and disciplined did the Magic Band have to be in order to achieve that and be able to play these extremely complicated songs like that every time? What an achievement!
Captain Beefheart delivers one of the most challenging records of the 20th century with Trout Mask Replica. It’s polyrhythmic, polytonal and at times almost incomprehensible. Spoken words, free jazz, dirty blues, progressive rock and avant-garde is thrown together in a seemingly random order.
The product on the other hand is not random at all. The sheer discipline of the band points toward that. There is a great amount of humor but the album is not a joke at all.
“Moonlight In Vermont”, “My Human Gets Me Blues”, “Ant Man Bee” and the closing “Veteran’s Day Poppy” (a song that almost displays a certain beauty) are what this album is all about. Horribly demanding but nevertheless extremely well thought out.
Nothing tops the legendary opening that is “Frownland”. It’s not rare that I find myself singing parts of the song alone at home. Despite all its complexity. Despite the weirdness. Despite of the fact that it seems that the song itself wants me not to like it.
This is genius in its purest form.
Or maybe it’s madness?
That’s not for me to decide.
And I don’t care.
Joni Mitchell
5/5
When reviewing Blue earlier on this list I called Mitchell one of the, if not the, greatest songwriters of the 60’s and 70’s.
Maybe ever?
I was right then and after Hejira I still am.
Other than Joni Mitchell herself that fretless bass is the true winner of this entire album. What a sound!
Billy Bragg
3/5
"Greetings To the New Brunette" opening this album had me hooked. I felt fully encapsulated in the universe of Billy Bragg. Then the horrendous "Train Train" followed and I was pulled back to reality.
Billy Bragg is a great songwriter and I appreciate his no-bullshit lyrics - to some extent.
The in-your-face style of his writing with an almost complete lack of metaphors at first felt refreshing but soon I found myself bored by his sheer bluntness.
There's some great tracks on this.
There's some really stupid track on this.
The cover is great though.
Sonic Youth
4/5
The first truly evol record in the Sonic Youth discography.
EVOL is gritty, discordant, eerie - but most of at it’s dark. It’s just really, really dark. And Kim Gordon is standing at the center of it all omitting a strange, seductive light.
I believe Ranaldo to be a genius and one of the most innovative rock guitarists in the game, but he comes close to bring Side A to a full stop with his only lead song on the album, “In the Kingdom #19”.
Luckily Sonic Youth picks it up again on Side B and ends on a high with “Expressway To Yr. Skull”.
This right here is where Sonic Youth embarked on their road to greatness.
Bad Brains
3/5
My favorite jazz fusion turned hardcore punk band.
There’s some really great songs on I Against I.
There’s some really weird and borderline terrible stuff on it as well.
This is just all over the place.
But it never fails to entertain.
Grizzly Bear
4/5
I love the adventurous, complex and experimental sound of Grizzly Bear.
Rossen and Droste’s vocals blend perfectly and their songwriting never fails to leave you emotionally overloaded.
Veckatimest drags on just a bit too long (maybe just a song length) and I lose some interest halfway through the record; only to be regained at the end.
But how can you not feel joy at the end, when a record features a track like “Two Weeks”? What a masterpiece!
Massive Attack
3/5
Blue Lines is way ahead of Protection in terms of quality. But while I adore trip hop there’s just something about Massive Attack that I never quite get.
The reggae feel of “One Love” and “Five Man Army” does nothing for me.
It’s really only on “Safe From Harm”, “Unfinished Sympathy” and “Hymn Of the Big Wheel” that Massive Attack proves their true potential. But boy oh boy, what a potential!
Radiohead
5/5
The Bends is not one of Radiohead’s greatest albums. And it’s still a 5/5.
This band is just plain ridiculous.
Hole
3/5
Hole is obviously a better band when they get others to write their material.
Especially the Corgan-written title track and “Malibu” are instant classics.
When Hole take the reins themselves toward the end they threat to bring everything crashing down on “Boys on the Radio” and “Heaven Tonight”.
In conclusion I will, somehow reluctantly, say that…. Hole is actually pretty cool.
John Cale
4/5
A work of immense beauty.
In many ways a straightforward pop album - but it’s never that simple when John Cale is involved.
Paris 1919 is one of the more accessible albums in Cale’s discography. And yet it’s hugely innovative and challenging at times.
An absolute genius, this man is.
Minor Threat
4/5
This review contains 21 words.
The same amount as the minutes of this insane sole record by Minor Threat.
Fuck yes.
The Afghan Whigs
3/5
I went into this record with high expectations. I’m quite aware of The Afghan Whigs but never really dived into them.
I like the raw production and shift in intensity. The layers are somewhat intricate and Greg Dulli explores multiple genres on this, his defining work of art.
On paper I love this.
But in reality I leave disappointed.
It’s hard to put my finger on what it is exactly.
Is it the vocals?
Is it the lyrics?
Maybe it’s the feeling of emotional distance on an album that’s supposed to be all felling?
Maybe it’s just me.
But I don’t care half as much about this as I expected I would.
Fats Domino
1/5
You can hear that this album was recorded in the span of five years. There’s absolutely no cohesion musically or production wise.
It says “Story of Soul” in the top right of the cover.
I first read it as “Story of Sad”.
I feel the latter is more appropriate.
Rahul Dev Burman
3/5
I ended up being pleasantly surprised with this.
I wasn’t enjoying the first three songs but then “Countess’ Caper” and “Naag Devta” turns up to the party.
I might actually go watch to movie after listening to this.
Television
4/5
It always takes some time for Marquee Moon to fully open itself up to me.
I’m never fully invested on Side A (with the exception of the behemoth that is the title track). I like the sound but I have the feeling that I’m not allowed to enter Verlaine’s universe - at least not yet.
Side B is the complete opposite and I lose myself in every second of it. Maybe it’s because “Marquee Moon” opened everything up just moments before?
This is one impressive debut that helped pave the way for so many bands to come.
Pulp
4/5
Following the success of Different Class, Jarvis Cocker pulls Pulp in an all new direction on This Is Hardcore. It’s bleaker, bolder and more daring. It’s as if we’re experiencing Cocker’s midlife crisis and the end of britpop firsthand.
On “Dishes” JC (the non-Judean one) comes as close as possible to comparing himself to Jesus Christ. A move that, considering the other JC’s popularity, must have been quite huge for Jesus.
I was close to handing this a 5/5.
But having to sit through the droning ending, that is 1/7 of the album, never sits well with me.
Merle Haggard
4/5
Whenever I think of country, Haggard’s voice is one of the first to pop up.
Iconic, warm and with an emotional depth to it. He’s really all you want in a country singer.
This quintessential American sound brings back memories of cruising down the lonesome highway, heading West towards the sunset, an arm around my girl, evergreen upon evergreen bursting from the stereo.
Memories that aren’t mine, to be honest. But memories that live well within the music of Merle Haggard.
Pavement
2/5
How the hell did Pavement go directly from this to Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain?
I actually had to go back and listen the other album, just to be sure I wasn’t temporarily deaf when handing it a 4/5 when it showed up on this list earlier.
I wasn’t though. Slanted And Enchanted just isn’t good.
Kate Bush
5/5
Opening with “Running Up That Hill (Deal With God)”, easily one of the best songs ever written, immediately puts a record on course to a 5/5.
On the rest of side A, Hounds of Love, Kate Bush once again delivers some of the most intricate and intelligent pop ever written while remaining fully accessible.
The true masterpiece, though, is side B - The Ninth Wave. A story in seven parts where Bush demands full attention in order to fully grasp what she’s trying to accomplish. But when you sound as mesmerizing as her it’s an easy task.
Wu-Tang Clan
4/5
For a group named after Wudang there sure is a lot of Shaolin references on this defining hip hop release.
Spearheaded by RZA the legendary Wu-Tang Clan are among the most notorious hip hop groups out there - and when listening to their debut album you can understand why. Every single member brings their a-game and deliver punches that reach far wider than the genre itself.
A few misses along the way and some dated lyrics here and there (this is 90’s hip hop) but the influence of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) is hard to ignore.
Red Snapper
2/5
Red Snapper?
More like Bread Frapper… Or something.
I don’t particularly care.
Jeff Beck
2/5
Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, Keith Moon, Nicky Hopkins… The list of legendary musicians appearing on this debut album is legendary in itself.
The product not so much.
Miriam Makeba
3/5
Really excited to see an African album from the 60’s on this list. Miriam Makeba is a great singer and her incorporation of Xhosa musical traditions brings this debut album to life.
But what the fuck is “One More Dance”? This train wreck of a song almost makes the entire album collapse. It’s one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever listened to. Who in their right mind allowed that to happen!?
Joan Baez
3/5
An incredible voice. Joan Baez was already the voice of Woodstock almost a decade before it actually took place.
Her debut album is mesmerizing but the sparse and beautiful arrangements of traditional folk songs aren’t quite enough to keep my interest from start to finish.
Madonna
3/5
Ray Of Light is obviously too long. There, that’s out of the way.
Madonna is a musical chameleon proving time and time again that she’s still somehow relevant in the world of pop. Nowhere is that more evident than Ray of Light.
Incorporating techno, trio hop and new-age, this album feels decades away from her previous efforts. There are misses, I don’t particularly like the title track for example, but taking risks and adapting also brings forth something brilliant from time to time - the brilliant and beautiful “Frozen” being an example of this.
I’m not exactly an avid Madonna fan. And I’m not really a fan of techno either.
But on Ray Of Light Madonna proved her longevity once and for all.
Bob Dylan
5/5
Last time Dylan appeared on this list I rated the album based on the amount of harmonica. This is perhaps his most insisting and loud harmonica playing to date. Excellent!
The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan almost feels like a compilation. There are no bad songs on this record and even after tons of listens I’m still equally surprised by the quality every damn time.
5/5
If you’re not into progressive rock this album is a nightmare.
Opening with an 18+ minutes title track in four parts, odd time signatures, eccentric and extended instrumental sequences, lyrical material concerning literature and mysticism. There’s a lot to swallow here.
Which is exactly why Close To The Edge, and Yes in general, is among the greatest 70’s music you will ever come across.
Anderson is arguably one of the genres best singers and the rest of the band delivers incredible performances with every note.
You can literally sum up the idea of progressive rock with Close To The Edge.
Skepta
3/5
Skepta hits hard on this Grime-reviving album. His flow is on point and the deep bass demands you to listen to this at high volumes.
I was pleased to see that there were no interludes or skits on the track list - only to find out that Skepta cleverly hid them at the end of songs. Not cool. Not cool at all.
The Crusaders
4/5
The opening track is one of the finest tunes ever written. I can not help but smile through the entire thing. Absolutely wonderful!
In general I can’t help but feel good as The Crusaders gently take me by the hand and lead me through their street of catchy and charming jazz-funk.
Is part of the album borderline elevator music? Sure.
But it’s an elevator I wouldn’t mind taking a couple of extra floors every time.
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
Some 30+ years after its release (wow, that felt weird writing…) their debut album is still as relevant as it was back in 1992.
The fact that de la Rocha is able to even deliver lines with this amount of rage and fury is beyond belief. Rarely, if ever, have straight up content and anger been delivered with his power and passion.
Wilk’s hard hitting playing, Commerford funky yet aggressive bass lines and the unique and innovative nature of Morello’s guitar style puts Rage Against the Machine in a league of its own.
Well done for really hitting a nerve back then.
And shame on us that we still allow it to hit those same nerves today.
David Gray
3/5
White Ladder really starts out strong.
Especially the very late 90’s sounding “Babylon” is a truly fantastic song.
I understand why this inspired a lot of British artists in the early to mid 2000’s.
The rest of the album is not as strong as the opening and at times I feel as if it’s just background music. I enjoyed it and never once got actually bored.
Also - did anybody tell Bono that a man from Cheshire recorded the best selling album Ireland of all time? Anyone?
Jane's Addiction
3/5
On this, their second album, I still have a hard time fully understanding Jane’s Addiction.
Their sound is great and innovative and they are good songwriters (“Been Caught Stealing” and “Three Days” are the peak of this album) - there’s just something that never seems to get to me.
Ritual De Lo Habitual starts of pretty strong but as we move into the conceptual b-side I quickly lose interest as both “Then She Did…” and “Of Course” drag on and on and on.
There’s a lot I would like to love about Jane’s Addiction. But I end up just liking it instead.
Janelle Monáe
5/5
A masterclass In modern songwriting.
Beautifully drawing inspiration from Prince, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie to OutKast, drum and bass, orchestral scores and even big band and Afro funk.
Janelle Monáe is truly one of a kind and just makes everything work on this epic journey.
Also - “Cold War” is easily one of the greatest pop songs of the 2010’s.
Also also - how fun is “Wondaland”?!
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
James Murphy makes me dance and weep at the same time. A feat to behold.
Destiny's Child
3/5
I was worried Destiny’s Child would’ve exhausted themselves starting off the album this strong.
While they sure seem less inspired along the way Survivor still manages to keep me rather involved throughout - mainly due to Beyoncé’s pipes.
Dolly Parton
2/5
Whoever approved this horrendous album cover was hopefully fired immediately.
I adore the three members of Trio as much as the next person. Legends each in their own right.
I’m sure they had a fun time recording this together. I just don’t see the point in it.
Black Sabbath
5/5
Despite the generic title, Vol. 4 delivers highlight after nightlight and remains one of the most overlooked albums in the Black Sabbath discography.
Sabbath clings to their trademark heavy riffs and Ozzy’s mesmerizing vocals on classics such as “Wheels Of Confusion”, “Supernaut”, “Under the Sun” and the coke-induced “Snowblind”.
Then there’s also the perhaps most beautiful Black Sabbath song ever, “Changes”.
Often overlooked but up there with the rest of the early records.
Iron Butterfly
3/5
Come for the title track.
Stay for the title track.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
3/5
Let’s for a moment do something Lynyrd Skynyrd never quite got around to doing - forget about the confederate flag.
“Tuesday’s Gone” is a treat and “Simple Man” is a great tune. But the only real reason this debut album is on the list is because of its legendary closing track.
Not quite enough in itself. But almost.
The Vines
2/5
Energetic and varied rock album with nothing particular exciting about it. It’s just kinda there.
Pixies
5/5
Easily one of the greatest rock albums of the 80’s.
Pixies really mastered their dynamic songwriting on this milestone of an album.
love how they play really quite
AND THEN REALLY FUCKING LOUD!
Tortoise
2/5
First and foremost, post-rock needs to move me.
That is why I love the genre. The way it affects you emotionally.
Tortoise rarely moves me at all.
There’s some interesting ideas along the way, but I’m never really engaged.
I understand how influential this album has been to some of my favorite artists.
It doesn’t change the fact that this blueprint has been improved time and time again.
Country Joe & The Fish
3/5
A quite psychedelic album from a man called Country Joe.
Country Joe and The Fish and their band coincidentally named Country Joe and The Fish delivers some nice tunes and while I’m never over the top, I’m never bored.
Paul McCartney and Wings
5/5
While Ram was the first indication of the longevity of McCartney’s post-Beatles, Band On The Run was the album that cemented the fact.
There’s a handful of legendary tracks, McCartney’s vocals and musical playfulness is fully intact - and opening and closing with “Band On the Run” and “Nineteen Hundred And Eighty Five” is just pure magic.
LL Cool J
4/5
Ladies Love Cool James?
Nah.
Men Love Cool James.
Adele
5/5
Considering the significant airplay a lot of these songs received, 21 feels almost like a best of. A collection of some of the greatest pop songs of the last 20 years.
There are bangers such as “Rolling In the Deep” and “Set Fire To the Rain”, beautiful piano ballads in “Turning Table” and “Take It All” and then there’s the funky “Rumour Has It” and “He Won’t Go”.
The piece that finally convinces me that this is as good a pop album as they come is the cover of the Cure’s “Lovesong”. Once in a while a cover comes along that sounds so convincing that it could easily have been the original - take the Johnny Cash cover of “Hurt” as an example.
Adele’s “Lovesong” is one of those.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
The first album where Led Zeppelin truly embraced the folk nature behind their sound.
John Paul Jones emerges as the multi-instrumentalist he would be known for later on. In many ways LZIII is almost his album.
While not remaining as interesting as their previous efforts all throughout, kicking things off with “Immigrant Song” is extremely iconic - and Led Zeppelin is just always fun.
Fela Kuti
5/5
The father of afrobeat puts on a phenomenal show accompanied by one of the greatest drummers of all time!
Ginger Baker also appears later on.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
The Chemical Brothers take you on a journey of their electronic home planet on this, their almost soundtrack-like debut album.
I find it hard to stay engaged through it all, but my head keeps bobbing and their sound is just classic.
Nirvana
5/5
Oh, you wanted “Smells Like Teen Spirit”?
Well, here’s “On A Plain” and a bunch of songs by the Meat Puppets that Cobain can barely sing.
This unplugged live album is the essence of Nirvana. Heck, it’s not even unplugged.
There are glimpses into what Nirvana could have been in the future. Where they were heading.
Of course, we’ll never know.
All we have is Cobain screaming: “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?”
I take some kind of comfort in that.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
A constant reminder that while Collins was a great successor as a lead singer, Gabriel brought along much more than just his unique vocals.
So is filled with great rhythms, grand ambitions and all-round complex pop.
“Red Rain” is as great an opener as they come and you just feel overwhelmingly safe in the arms of Peter Gabriel. There’s a few songs that doesn’t quite live up to the heights of the highs.
Nevertheless, So is still an album to be reckoned with.
Moby
2/5
There’s absolutely no cohesion on this schizophrenic Moby album.
Starting with the glorious “Porcelain” the album reveals its qualities for a while and I start to think that we just got off on the wrong foot after the horrible opening tracks.
But after “Bodyrock” and “Machete” I’m forever lost and just kinda waits for the album to be over.
There are glimpses on light shining through the cracks of the tunnel along the way.
But Play ends up being quite a long walk.
Buzzcocks
3/5
Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Here’s the Buzzcocks.
The Specials
2/5
There’s really nothing special about this Specials album.
Metallica
5/5
Metallica might just be the quintessential “12-years-old-and-discovering-metal”-album.
It’s been a while since I heard it.
It’s still heavy, it’s dense, it’s filled to the brim with classics. It’s Metallica quitting their faster, thrashier and more complex sides in order to finally emerge as the biggest metal band ever.
And overplayed, as some songs on this album are, this is a landmark album.
Charles Mingus
4/5
I don’t really get ballet.
What I do get is Mingus.
The grand ol’ angry man of the double bass tests your patience on this experimental piece of jazz history that seems years ahead of even some of his great contemporaries.
De La Soul
1/5
Legendary rap trio, De La Soul, utilizes some great samples, innovative sound and a handful of guests on this albu…. Ok, who am I kidding?
3 Feet High and Rising is basically the birthplace of the 90’s hip hop skit craze. And that’s just unforgivable.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Led Zeppelin sing about sex, love and Tolkien as time just flies by.
Arrested Development
3/5
Clever, conscious and organic 90’s hip hop album. Quite the contrast to the eras dominant gangsta rap.
The skits are on a minimum as well - but 3 Years… is still too long and meandering at times.
My second favorite Arrested Development in entertainment.
The Louvin Brothers
2/5
A series of charming murder ballads by the brother duo perhaps best known for their amazing cover to their Satan Is Real album.
The harmonizing has become iconic but the whole vibe of this albums becomes one-sided rather quickly as the Louvin Brothers reveal that their tricks, effective as they might be, are not that diverse and many.
Neu!
4/5
NEU!? Don’t you mean: “NEIN!”?
Unfortunately this German piece of krautrock history is excellent, so my otherwise well-thought-out joke falls flat.
If we could only pretend “After Eight” wasn’t part of the album, NEU! 75 would be the flawless masterpiece it deserves to be.
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
Horrible cover, ridiculous name.
Now that’s out of the way.
I went into this album fully expecting to love every second of it. Their harmonies are beyond wonderful and “California Dreamin’” is one of those songs that I could play on repeat forever and never grow tired of.
Unfortunately I don’t feel the same towards the rest of the album. It’s quite good and I really do like those harmonies a lot. It just rarely moves me.
It’s as if it’s too polished for its own good. Too far removed from the original emotions of the songs.
Nine Inch Nails
5/5
Trent Reznor said: “I’ve written this techno-inspired metal album about a person’s suicidal downfall. Why not dance?”
Ok, he might not have said those words exactly.
But dance we did.
The Zombies
4/5
Considering the band name, this album is very much alive.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
The perfect blend of the aggressive political stance of Catch A Fire and the love-based songs of Kaya.
When you are done listening to Legend, Exodus is the place to start the journey into Marley’s studio discography.
X-Ray Spex
3/5
I wish more punk songs started with someone shouting the title at you.
Booker T. & The MG's
2/5
Booker T. recorded this at the age of 17. Let that sink in.
The title track is instantly recognizable and probably one of the greatest instrumentals out there.
But while I won’t hesitate to recognize Booker T. for being the Hammond-genius that he is, the formula very quickly becomes too boring and predictable.
I love many of the songs individually.
As an album, I’m not so sure.
The Electric Prunes
1/5
Thankfully, they kept it brief.
Green Day
5/5
It’s hard to overstate the impact American Idiot had on the music scene in the years following its release.
Green Day outperformed themselves and delivered an era-defining record that gave a voice to millions of angsty teens longing to be heard under the post-9/11 Bush administration.
It’s been a few years since I heard this album last but nothing seems to have aged badly. Hit after hit after hit of perfectly written punk rock songs - and an especially honorable mention to the fantastic “Letterbomb”.
I remember growing into my music taste with American Idiot. I don’t think I will ever outgrow it.
AC/DC
3/5
Malcolm Young is one hell of a riff maker.
And Brian Johnson’s snarling voice is the epitome of hard rock.
There are some real bangers on Back In Black that are sure to make me shout along every time they pop up - “Hells Bells”, the title track and “You Shook Me All Night Long” being the best examples.
But as with many a hard rock band the formula is just too repetitive in the end. And many of the songs I simply don’t care for altogether.
Beatles
3/5
On With the Beatles the Fab Four starts showing signs that they would later turn out to be some of the finest song writers ever.
“Don’t Bother Me” and “It Won’t Be Long” are the best examples of this while the covers of “Please Mister Postman” and “Devil In Her Heart” also work great.
With the Beatles is enjoyable through and through but there’s still some way from this to what those four Liverpool lads were destined to become.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
A Southern sounding album if there ever was one. Played by four California guys. What a marvel!
As CCR was nearing its end the rest of the band wanted more individual songwriting credits. Fogerty (you know which brother) allegedly replied: “My voice is a unique instrument, and I will not lend it to your songs.”
Granted. He may sound like a douche.
But listening to “Born On The Bayou”… I kinda get him.
Eurythmics
2/5
The obvious highs are really high.
But the lows are equally low.
This really made me want to listen to some Yazoo.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
A large dose of Paul Simon is never a bad thing.
But I’m in dire need of more Garfunkel after finishing Bookends.
In many ways this could’ve been the first Paul Simon solo album.
Morrissey
3/5
Still not a huge fan of Morrissey. But Vauxhall And I comes close to being my favorite album of his.
Maybe I’m just a bigger fan of Whyte and Boorer?
Nonetheless there’s a vibe on this album that I appreciate a lot more than I did Viva Hate.
The Notorious B.I.G.
3/5
Guns, sex and drugs. Everything you come to expect.
Biggie flow, complexity and tone is one of the greatest ever. But I'm not quite hooked for 70 minutes straight.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Neil Young really revitalized himself when he joined up with Crazy Horse and later Promise of the Real.
The longer compositions really shows of his strength as a rock composer but too many of the shorter songs never gets me interested.
The Kinks
2/5
Ray Davies completely loses it on the silly-train toward the end of this otherwise critically acclaimed cult album.
John Lennon
4/5
Imagine a world without Imagine.
It is quite hard to do.
Joni Mitchell
5/5
There’s absolutely no one who’s able to match the tone of Joni Mitchell. What a voice!
Supergrass
3/5
Not particularly a fan of Cockney rhyming slang.
Otherwise this is pretty fun.
Common
4/5
There’s nothing groundbreaking about Be, but it’s one heck of a solid rap album with a length that is just right.
James Brown
3/5
As is evident from the crowd reaction on this live album, James Brown was one hell of a showman.
His band is airtight and when told to scream everyone at the Apollo joins in. Fortunately that’s quite fun being a part of - even from your own living room!
But - and there’s a big but…
James Brown, the singer not the showman, might just be among the most overrated in history.
His voice is generally okay, but his shouting and screams, his signature, are nothing but average at best. Sue me.
Wilco
5/5
Calling Jeff Tweedy a minor genius after listening to Yankee Hotel Foxtrot would be an easy feat.
So that’s exactly what I’ll be doing.
M.I.A.
1/5
Wow, thanks, this is unbearable.
If innovation = plastered in cheap sound effects, then M.I.A. is innovative as fuck.
4/5
Absolutely deserving of the Mercury Prize.
PJ Harvey’s songwriting is haunting and even Thom Yorke blesses us with his presence.
I wonder if she might have released another Mercury Prize winning album precisely a decade later, that we could enjoy later into the journey of this list? Let’s hope.
Stereo MC's
3/5
Is it a bit monotonous in the end?
Sure.
Does is really need to be on this list?
Probably not.
Is it funky?
Yes!
Badly Drawn Boy
4/5
What a surprise. I wasn’t really looking forward to dig into this due to the length, but I was really taken aback.
It’s a bit unfocused at times and I must admit that a few moment could have been omitted. But the general songwriting is so strong that it makes up for it all.
Twists and turns and weird intermezzos that bears some resemblance to Elephant 6 records of the 90’s.
A gem that I will definitely return to.
Happy Mondays
1/5
I’ve rarely seen a more fitting album title.
It seems like no one in Happy Mondays is able to write even decent song.
Luckily they are all, at best, mediocre instrumentalists, so even if they had written a good song it would probably go to waste.
I’m just glad they didn’t decide to butcher any Beatles-songs.
*cue closing track*
Dusty Springfield
3/5
This 1964 release could easily have been a 1954 release.
There’s nothing revolutionary about this Dusty Springfield collection of cover songs, but she’s a charismatic and charming singer - and it’s not the last time I’ve enjoyed her debut album.
Especially “You Don’t Owe Me” and “Twenty-Four Hours From Tulsa” are worth a few listens at least.
Radiohead
5/5
It has come to my attention that Radiohead seem to have 6 albums on this list.
That seems like way too few.
Hail To the Thief is the return to a more organic and rock-y sound after their full on electronic studio albums. And what a return it is!
Bring me more Radiohead soon, please.
Radiohead
5/5
Yesterday my review of Hail To the Thief ended with the words: “Bring me more Radiohead soon, please.”
Someone listened. Thank you!
In Rainbows is easily my favorite Radiohead album and I’ve listened to it a lot (understatement of the year). Today I still learned something new about it.
If you ever find yourself walking through a crowded airport, In Rainbows is the perfect soundtrack for making you feel like the main character.
Therefore, my tip for the summer:
Buy tickets to the cheapest flight possible, arrive early and enjoy your moment!
Bill Evans Trio
5/5
The line-up of this trio is absolutely insane.
Evans, LaFaro and Motian all revolutionized how their individual instruments were to be played in a jazz ensemble. And while this is the Bill Evans Trio it is Scott LaFaro’s bass that steals the show entirely.
There is just enough chatter and clinking of glasses in the background to make this live album truly come alive. You could’ve almost fooled me if you said I was actually there.
Elastica
4/5
Elastica manages to perfectly blend britpop and punk in an unholy union that just works.
Justine Frischmann and Donna Matthews are both excellent songwriters and with a few touches of Dan Abnormal himself this debut album is one to behold.
Meat Puppets
3/5
Cobain could have gone with Vedder, Cornell… But he went with Meat Puppets on Unplugged. That alone says a lot.
At times they come across as brilliant songwriters on “Oh, Me”, “Lake of Fire” and “Plateau”. At other times the level is not quite there.
It’s still a record I would easily recommend.
Van Halen
5/5
There’s a reason my friends don’t call me Hard Rock Andy. Mainly because my name isn’t Andy, but also because I’m not really a fan of hard rock.
With Van Halen it’s something else completely.
The songwriting is brilliant, Lee Roth is a complete singer, Anthony plays extremely well - and then there’s the brothers. Their playing is sublime and especially Eddie is flashy without ever letting it overrule the underlying song. This is simply the perfect hard rock line-up.
Also - who really cares about lyrics? Well I do.
But I can easily let it slide for half an hour.
Arctic Monkeys
5/5
Did Arctic Monkeys come out strong or what?
Their debut album never misses a moment as they take you on a journey through Sheffield from the viewpoint of a young man who just wants dancing and romancing.
I sorely miss this era of those freezing primates.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Somewhere between 1974-1975 Joni Mitchell apparently got her hands on a Moog.
Even though The Hissing Of Summer Lawns is not as strong as some of her previous efforts, it’s still a record that would easily be considered the best album in the discography of nearly every other songwriter.
Also, is this the birthplace of Björk?
Fugees
4/5
Pointing out references and samples on The Score is a pastime in itself.
A bunch of legendary tracks where all members of the trio step up.
Could’ve done without the skits though - just to shorten the whole thing a bit.
The Pogues
4/5
Given the heavy amount of stomping around, my downstairs neighbor should consider herself lucky, that I was on holiday while listening to this.
Leonard Cohen
5/5
The first Cohen album I ever owned.
He’s my man for sure.
Black Sabbath
5/5
Imagine releasing a genre defining debut album and half a year later think: “Nah, we can do one better.”
Paranoid is perfection from start to finish and you can still hear its concepts flowing through the genre to this day.
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
In high school I lied about loving Manic Street Preachers in order to engage in a conversation with a girl I liked.
And while loving turned out to be a bit too extreme, I sure turned out to really like them a lot.
Run-D.M.C.
1/5
Run-D.M.C. dedicate an entire song to their perfectionism and follow it up with the sloppiest beatboxing ever recorded.
Listen to the hits and then run. You Run-Da.Most.(you)Can away from this.
Os Mutantes
4/5
Certain bands entered the late 60’s like it was still 1963. Os Mutantes is not one of those groups.
Billy Bragg
4/5
Who knew what wonders could come out of a collaboration between Bragg and Wilco?
Their interpretations of Woody Guthrie’s lyrics are magnificent and his writing is powerful in itself.
The early highlight “Way Over Yonder In the Minor Key” almost has me in tears and the album never quite reaches that high again.
But this and its successor are not to be missed.
Paul Simon
4/5
Paul Simon comes really close to delivering a perfect solo record. Unfortunately he fumbles at the end, and you’re left a bit unsatisfied.
Being a Paul Simon record “a bit unsatisfied” it still more satisfied that you are after listening to almost everything else.
Roxy Music
4/5
While not reaching the same extreme heights of the follow up, the debut album by Roxy Music comes pretty close.
Ferry’s vocals are haunting and crooning in all the right ways, the production is great and otherwise straightforward tracks like “If There Is Something” becomes anything but in the hands of Roxy Music.
Once again Brian Eno, “ the balding, long-haired eunuch lookalike” as dubbed by Christgau, is there to steal the show time and time again. It’s so easy to hear how he helped shaped the sound that helped them break through.
Those first Roxy Music albums really are something else.
Turbonegro
3/5
Turbonegro, or Turboneger as they are somehow called in Norway while winning prizes, are just immense fun. They roll up their sleeves and just starts pounding while Hank von Helvete, may he rest in peace, just serves one ridiculous line after another.
It’s stupid. It’s rather iconic. It’s not really that groundbreaking or fantastic. It’s just a whole lotta fun.
The Offspring
5/5
From the first lines of John Mayer’s (not that one) vocals on “Time To Relax”, I feel incredibly safe and nostalgic in the arms of Dr. Dexter Holland (look it up) and the rest of The Offspring.
One of the greatest punk rock records of the 90’s, I have listened to this so many times that I was honestly shock that “Nitro (Youth Energy)”, “Bad Habit” and “Something To Believe In” didn’t even have their own Wikipedia pages - in my mind they were definitely singles.
There’s not a bad moment from the intro until after “It’ll Be A Long Time” where it takes a minor dive until “Smash” once again brings it all back.
I’m rounding this up due to it having a hidden track - how 90’s is that?
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
This is one way to end the 60’s, kick off the 70’s and simultaneously end a duo.
There are a few tracks I don’t care that much for along the way, but when you open an album with “Bridge Over Troubled Water” only for that to only be the best second song on the album… What else could you wish for?
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
On rare occasions an album single-handedly revolutionizes an entire genre.
This is one of those records.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
2/5
This is an anthology before it’s an album.
There are great passages and I appreciate the fact, that every song was recorded in the 1st or 2nd take - it gives it a feeling of authenticity and urgency.
But for an album that so prominently features the confederate battle flag on its cover, I’m surprised to say that the most problematic thing about it is the sheer length.
Nas
5/5
Nas delivers some of the illest and most contagious beats and lyrics ever put out on a hip hop record.
Not a single moment could have been left out on this milestone album. Perfection from start to finish.
OutKast
3/5
There really is no reason for this to be this long.
It’s outrageous. It’s not even an OutKast album if we’re honest. It’s just two solo albums sold under one flag.
But when that’s said and done, it’s surprising how few times I find myself actually bored during its run.
Speakerboxxx is easily the best of the two album.
Big Boi delivers some of his best work to date and the list of guests is insane. It becomes a bit too interlude-heavy toward the end, but it’s an easy 4/5 album. Just listen to “Flip Flop Rock”.
André 3000’s The Love Below is not half as tight and focused as his musical partner’s effort.
The singles are still great, the humor most often works and he knows how to put together unconventional beats and make it work.
Unfortunately the highs are not enough to counter the lows. André 3000 really needs Big Boi to toil some of his weirder ideas.
I probably won’t give The Love Below another listen for the next years. Speakerboxxx on the other hand….
Jeff Buckley
5/5
The tragic circumstances surrounding Buckley’s way to early death surely helped lift this album to surreal acclaim.
Exactly where it belongs.
Grace is one of the strongest albums of the entire 90’s and I’m shocked every time I listen just how great everything is.
Buckley might have been the greatest songwriter of his generation. It’s definitely what Grace is pointing towards.
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
I’m quite the Zappa fan. And I really like the sarcasm and the fact that this album was in part a response to him particularly not liking one of the most critically acclaimed albums of all time.
But as I’ve listened to this many times through the years some of the initial shock value has slowly worn off. Had this been my first ride, I would probably raise my score a bit.
Nick Drake
4/5
Bryter Layter is a great album.
More than that actually.
Nick Drake was unable to write anything but fantastic tunes.
But what I like most about Drake is his ability to create intimate spaces where you have no means of escaping his presence through the music.
I have that feeling all the way through Pink Moon, but it’s not quite present here.
I think I simply prefer the raw sound of Drake solo.
Joe Ely
2/5
Unfortunately, I seem to have misplaced my chaps and cowboy boots.
Thelonious Monk
4/5
One of those inevitable albums, when talking about the foundation of modern jazz.
I don’t quite have the same relation to Monk as I do Davis, Brubeck, Coltrane etc.
But Brilliant Corners is nevertheless a regular spin at home.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
Possibly the greatest post-Genesis album by any member.
Pixies
5/5
I’m not sure we could have physically entered the 90’s without Pixies doing what they did in the late 80’s.
Foo Fighters
4/5
“Ladies and gentlemen. Foo Fighters.”
- Christopher Walken
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
Stellar production, stellar sampling, stellar guests.
The Chemical Brothers sure know how to produce an album.
Eagles
4/5
This is pretty dad for a rock.
Laibach
4/5
The lyrics of Queen's "One Vision" certainly carry another kind of symbolism when performed in German by Slovenian industrial export #1.
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
Pleasantly surprised with this one.
Thought I would absolutely hate it based on the cover art alone. Incredibly chill.
But why one earth would one end on “Gambia Via Vagator Beach”? Dreadful move.
Arcade Fire
5/5
I still have a hard time understanding that Funeral is a debut album.
Arcade Fire revolutionized the entire genre with this. There is an edge and a sense of awareness to this that their more polished and pretty contemporaries lacked.
Arcade Fire, for me, peaked early on.
They just don’t get any better than this.
Ice Cube
2/5
Compared to his icy cousin, T, Cube is all attitude and misogyny and no fun.
The Fall
4/5
An absolute blast of a record.
Mark E. Smith is as good as post-punk singers come and with titles like “Paranoia Man In a Cheap Shit Room”, you know you’re in for a good time.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
The length of Axis: Bold As Love is perfect, the musicianship of the trio is insane and songs like "Little Wing" and "Castles Made of Sand" are legendary.
Hendrix pretty much changed rock and I love him for it.
But, with the exception of the US version of the debut, none of his albums stand out as perfect to me.
Many of the songs do. His live performances do.
But not always the albums.
Re-reading this I realise that it sounds like, I hate this.
I don't. Not at all. But it is Hendrix, which means I expect nothing short of perfection.
Talking Heads
5/5
There’s just no going wrong with Talking Heads.
It’s amazing that a band can sound this odd and excluding while still feeling like a safe harbor for everyone willing to groove along.
Fairport Convention
3/5
The voice of Sandy Denny was was probably the best thing to happen to traditional British folk music since the songs were originally written.
Especially the longer, traditional songs are beautiful and well-arranged.
But while Swarbrick’s fiddle was essential in giving live to this entire genre, I just can not enjoy the times he is given too much control as on “Medley”.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
… and just like that rock would never be the same again.
Joan Armatrading
4/5
I first stumbled upon the name of Joan Armatrading when I visited St Kitts and Antigua and looked up local musicians. I never actually gave her a serious shot though.
Look at me now, huh? What a fool I was.
Nico
3/5
Not only is Nico not from Chelsea … She’s not even British!
The first two tracks on Side A is absolutely mesmerizing, but the rest of it falls somewhat flat and grinds long the same minimalistic ideas.
Then it’s as if everything opens up with “Chelsea Girls” and from there on, Nico manages to get me fully invested in her baroque beauty and avant vulnerability.
It really is a shame that the middle section drags on.
The Avalanches
4/5
Good looking even coming close to naming all the samples featured on this extremely detailed and well produced album.
The Avalanches is spewing beats at such a pace that it’s hard to keep track of everything; and somewhere along the ride I almost lose the grip myself.
The Clash
5/5
It’s hard to say what hits harder:
London Calling or the Fender Precision Bass on the cover?
Motörhead
4/5
Let’s try to forget “Jailbait” ever happened.
No band is more quintessential rock’n’roll than Motörhead and no person has ever breathed the genre the same way Lemmy did.
An absolute classic with one major, horribly aged (it might even have been bad during the release) hiccup.
The Cramps
1/5
If the Lord really taught them these songs, you should seriously consider renouncing your religion.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
2/5
Franti’s lyrics are still relevant today and there are some solid beats to support his iconic spoken vocal style.
But I still find it extremely exhausting sitting through more than an hour of it.
It’s not really bad. It’s just way too much.
R.E.M.
5/5
Document is there to prove that R.E.M. is not all inaudible, absurd lyrics and jangly guitars.
Okay, the guitar is still pretty jangly, but the lyrics are political and clear as day!
Ravi Shankar
4/5
An excellent glimpse into the vast world of Hindustani music. Ravi Shankar is the definition of a legendary musician and proves why he became an inspiration to so many beyond the borders of his home country.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
A divorce album, dedicated to and profiting his ex-wife with artwork depicting Gaye as a Roman sculpture. The energy on this is wild!
Sam Cooke
4/5
What a voice, what a band, what a sound, what a crowd!
ABBA
4/5
What? An ABBA album filled with meticulously crafted pop songs? *acts surprised*
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
In today’s edition of how to make a man cry in 30 minutes or less…
Kraftwerk
5/5
The greatest homage to roads since John Denver.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
This is undeniably cool. Everything is unpolished in a gorgeous fashion. And while there are a few lows, “Tick” and “Black Tongue” especially, the highs in “Pin”, “Maps” and “Y Control” are incredibly high.
Primal Scream
3/5
Part dystopian noir, part psychedelic acid trip, part britpop.
Vanishing Points is definitely more interesting than Screamadelica, but having listened to both of those albums now I’m convinced Primal Scream had absolutely no clue what band they wanted to be.
It’s all over the place.
Patti Smith
5/5
My first meeting with Patti Smith when I was quite young was on R.E.M.‘s “E-Bow the Letter” and I instantly fell head over heels for her vocals.
Horses contains some of her greatest songs ever including “Birdland” and “Free Money”.
Patti Smith is a legend in every right and Horses is the quintessential sound of New York City.
Tangerine Dream
5/5
On Phaedra Tangerine Dream call on all the wonders of the cosmos and the myths of old to create a truly breathtaking piece of electronic music history.
10cc
4/5
Every member plays a shit ton of instruments, they all sing lead and you never know exactly what to expect around any corner when listening to a 10cc record. They are just delightfully weird and intriguing. Especially “Old Wild Men” and “Somewhere In Hollywood” are gorgeous.
And let’s not forgot that one part of the quartet is called Lol Creme. How great is that!?
Gram Parsons
3/5
When I read that Gram Parsons’ considered his own music Cosmic American Music I was intrigued.
When I found out that it just covers country rock I was a bit let down.
But then I was pulled back in when I realised that almost everything is pretty solid.
A noteworthy mention of Parsons’ jealous widow who removed Emmylou Harris’ picture and name from the cover. Cause this is indeed a double album and not just a Gram Parsons record.
Sonic Youth
5/5
Sonic Youth just delivers every time.
Though the album peaks early on with the perfect “Theresa’s Sound-World”, where Moore delivers an incredible performance, the entirety of Dirty (not including “Nic Fit”) is just brilliant.
There’s no denying what an incredible drummer Steve Shelley is, but on this album he shows up to become one of the greatest alive. His playing is so varied, expressive and explosive that I find myself in awe every time he hits just anything.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Little Stevie Wonder really grew up on this one.
Mature, funky, soulful and a small wonder both instrumentally (of course, performed almost exclusively by Stevie himself) and compositional.
The Birthday Party
4/5
Nick Cave has two modes: wildly erratic or deeply emotional. With the Birthday Party he does a bit of both … But mainly he screams and roars as if possessed. What a treat!
Also; find me a better song title than “Big Jesus Trash Can”. I dare you.
Miles Davis
5/5
The jazz equivalent of just doing one line of coke that late night in town. It might seem innocent at first until you wake up 10 years later going through every record store looking for that one John McLaughlin bootleg where, rumor has it, he unintentionally skips a beat.
Jazz. Just do it kids.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
There are signs of the madness that was to come on “Electricity”, but it’s still hard to fathom that there’s only two years between this and the insanity that is Trout Mask Replica.
Also it seems that there is no proper way of getting into Captain Beefheart.
Start at Safe As Milk? Trout Mask Replica will eat you alive.
Start with Trout Mask Replica? Everything else will seem sane and borderline boring in comparison.
Richard Hawley
4/5
I was only aware of Richard Hawley by name so this really hit me out of nowhere. Beautifully composed and atmospheric - Hawley’s vocals and his melodies really go together like bread and butter.
Minus one star for not bothering shooting the album cover photo at the actual Coles Corner. Lazy much?
The Adverts
4/5
Melodic, catchy, well (and at times sloppy) played with chorus hooks to die for. That’s punk to me!
Serge Gainsbourg
4/5
The musical equivalent of drinking wine and having a mistress. This album is unequivocally French.
Also; did Serge Gainsbourg somehow invent trip hop in 1971?
Coldplay
5/5
If you decide to make fun of Coldplay, please make sure it’s of the band post-Viva La Vida.
Parachutes is an almost unbelievable debut album with a sound so developed most groups never achieve anything like it. It helped define the 00’s as a whole, there’s no way around it.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
It’s a Sinatra record with Swingin’ in the title, so you know what to expect - and it’s not bad.
Songs For Swingin’ Lovers just doesn’t do the same for me as some of his other great recordings. Maybe the orchestration is a bit too predictable? Or maybe the choice of songs just aren’t as varied?
The Coral
3/5
Just like the album cover, the music itself is pretty much all over the place as well.
Some of it works. Some doesn’t.
I definitely don’t hate it.
Not quite sure why it’s on this list, though.
Gene Clark
4/5
Gene Clark was an incredible songwriter who deserved way more recognition than he received.
Except for the Dutch reviewers. Apparently they fucking loved the guy. Good on you, Dutch reviewers. Good on ya.
Iggy Pop
3/5
Whenever I listen to this I’m impressed at how two such talented musicians can make me feel this little.
It’s fine and parts are even really good, but I don’t really care for it. It’s as if nothing is truly on the line until the closing track.
Okay, this may sound more negative than it actually is. But… It’s Iggy and Bowie for crying out loud!
Jeru The Damaja
4/5
Jeru is certifiably delivering some of the freshest beats of the 90’s on his debut album.
The cover on the other hand probably won’t be that prominently featured in most US record stores today, will it?
LTJ Bukem
3/5
I think we can all agree that 2+ hours of drum and bass is a little too long. Luckily the music is pretty good while it lasts. It’s airy, cold, drumm and bassy.
I could have done with perhaps half of it to be brutally honest - but I enjoyed it way more than I initially thought I would.
Elton John
5/5
There’s a strong case to be made for Goodbye Yellow Brick Road being the greatest double album of all time. It’s what every 60+ minutes album should strive towards.
Scissor Sisters
4/5
Not many bands can get away with a Pink Floyd disco cover on their debut album. Scissor Sisters truly hit the scene with something else almost 20 years ago.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Talking Book is the album that most reminds me of watching Stevie Wonder live. There’s no denying the greatness, especially on the focused an funky stuff, but at times it’s also a bit meandering; live it would be the long, god fearing speaking passages - on this album it’s the jam-like soul sessions that at times never seem to end.
That being said, Talking Book is a truly innovative album and one of the peaks of Wonder’s career - even when he seems to have lost track.
Fishbone
1/5
The members of Fishbone are obviously talented musicians. And there might be a great ska, rock or funk album hidden somewhere here - but definitely not a combination of those.
I was physically angry at the album from start to finish. Apparently certain members were concerned with their image being to cartoonish prior to the release of this… And then they decided to release this?!
Grateful Dead
4/5
Opening on the magnificent “Box of Rain” is what ultimately does it for me with this album. It sets the exact tone needed for experiencing the rest of American Beauty. Beautifully crafted songs with very few minor misses in between.
Weather Report
4/5
The duo that it Zawinul and Pastorius really is something else entirely, so it goes without saying that the instrumental on Heavy Weather is amazing.
The only thing I’m missing is longer compositions that would let the instruments explore and progress further.
American Music Club
4/5
This came completely out of nowhere. Never even came close to hear about American Music Club.
Beautiful, varied and never hiding even an ounce of emotion. This is not the last time, I have visited their discography.
The Beach Boys
2/5
Obviously, plastering otherwise boring songs with vocal harmonies is not going to safe them, Brian.
Billy Joel
4/5
The Stranger should be more than enough to put all the negative comments about Joel’s music to rest.
Dwight Yoakam
2/5
It’s not exactly bad.
But I couldn’t for the life of me tell you why this was chosen over other country albums. It’s “just” another country album, isn’t it? Why do I need to listen to this?
Coldplay
5/5
Another early pop rock masterpiece from one of the world’s most divisive groups.
Coldplay is following in the footsteps of Radiohead but further polishing the sound and making sure it reached literally every person on the planet. You can clearly hear, that ARoBttH and Parachutes are from the same era - the scope on this one is just infinitely larger.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
4/5
It’s a rule of thumb that countries that include the word democratic in its name rarely is exactly that. The same goes for superlatives and band name (I’m especially looking at you Incredible Bongo Band).
Alex Harvey seems to be one of the exceptions.
You can clearly hear how much fun everyone had recording this and furthermore how this must have inspired several early post-punk outlets.
It’s charming, over the top, perhaps a bit too silly at times - and Alex Harvey sounds incredibly charismatic.
It loses some momentum in the middle, but the start and ending is high octane and just a lot of fun.
Django Django
4/5
It’s been quite some time since the last time I indulged in some Django^2.
Django Django is one of those albums that sounds exactly like its cover. It’s a thrilling yet somewhat confusing ride that takes every unexpected turn presented to it.
Probably won’t be that long before I visit these guys once again.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Francisco Alberto Sinatra.
The Style Council
1/5
I could’ve almost forgiven the lazy jazz were it not for the horrendous rap.
Do not, I repeat, do not accept councel from this council.
Janet Jackson
3/5
Yet another album in the continuing series: “Is this released today or have issues sadly stayed the same for (insert year since release) years?”
Rhythm Nation is overproduced in just the right ways, there’s a combination of absolute pop bangers and soulful love songs and many hip hop artists could learn from the lengths of these interludes.
But I can’t get over the fact that this social commentary of a concept album has so many love songs on its track list. Even though some of them are among the strongest tracks, it keeps me from fully emerging myself into the idea of the album.
Iggy Pop
4/5
Iggy dives deeper back into his Stooges roots while still keeping up with the incredible partnership with David Bowie. It’s what I missed on The Idiot.
Supertramp
5/5
An all time favorite of mine. I’m an absolute sucker for this period of the Supertramp discography.
It’s classic 70’s prog but while several of their contemporaries were battling in the difficulty game, Supertramp brought amazing melodies and a level of emotion to the field that was almost unheard of.
The Doors
5/5
It’s no wonder this album contains some of The Doors’ best love songs, since La Woman is obviously “the woman” in Spanish.
Well executed jokes aside, L.A. Woman is perhaps the greatest blues record ever. It initially took me some time getting into The Doors, but then it hit like a sledgehammer.
The entire Side A is a piece of perfection and while Side B is not as good, songs like “L’America” and especially the legendary closing track is something to behold.
Tom Waits
5/5
Tom Waits’ vocals alone makes Rain Dogs an easy 5/5.
Waits further explores the fascinating and experimental depths that musicians like Captain Beefheart first came across, but he does it with such an ease and raw beauty that he suddenly opens up this weird musical world to a much larger audience.
Lucinda Williams
4/5
Given the history of country albums in this list I was slowly losing faith in the genre altogether.
Of course, all I longed for was for Lucinda Williams to appear to make it all okay.
Thank you country.
Thank you Lucinda Williams.
The Verve
2/5
I listened to this album yesterday… And I can’t recall a single tune.
It was decent britpop but featured nothing truly memorable.
And the length? Oh shit… They could have easily cut 15 minutes had every song not been 1-3 minutes too long.
King Crimson
5/5
One prog album to rule them all, one to find them, one to bring them all and in the light unite them.
If you’re not having goosebumps at the beginning of “Epitaph” are you actually alive?
Herbie Hancock
5/5
An unbelievable line-up on an equally unbelievable jazz record. There’s really not a bad second on this legendary piece of work.
Common
2/5
Like Water For Chocolate just keeps going. It’s easily half an hour too long. Why is it 70+ minutes? Just why?
Common is still a great rapper. But it was, among other things, the tightness that made Be such a great record.
There are some very good tunes on this… There’s just so much else as well.
Orbital
3/5
If I ever need to listen to techno, please let it be the likes of Orbital.
This would probably receive an extra star if played in the right place, at the right time.
Judas Priest
4/5
I mean… It’s Priest. So it’s pretty damn good heavy metal.
It’s a bit too radio friendly to be my favorite of their records - especially “United” is a mess that should have been left for a live album.
The Cardigans
4/5
I honestly never listened to this because while I thought “Lovefool” was fine the band probably didn’t have much else to offer. Boy, was I wrong.
I could have done without the Sabbath cover, but everything else feels incredible fresh with Nina Persson’s vocal being the finishing touch.
Flamin' Groovies
3/5
Hate the cover, like the music.
The Divine Comedy
4/5
The Divine Comedy continues to be one of my favorite discoveries from this list so far. Hadn’t expected another of his albums so that was a pleasant surprise.
The songwriting is amazing and his balance of extremely heartfelt and comedy is on point.
As “Through a Long & Sleepless Night” suddenly arrives out of nowhere with its epic sound I find myself thoroughly convinced that Neil Hannon is one if the genre’s most underappreciated artists.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
2/5
Sounds as plain today as it must have been refreshing 60+ years ago.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
Those Bunnymen really were up to something great right from the get-go.
Guns N' Roses
3/5
I honestly think that Guns N’ Roses never made a single truly great albums. They are a greatest hits band (mainly). But what a greatest hit album that is.
The fact that this album includes “Welcome To the Jungle”, “Paradise City” and “Sweet Child O’Mine” is beyond insane. Honorable mention to “Think About You”. I’m just a sucker for that chorus.
The rest of tracks range from plain boring to outright annoying. But Rose’s pipes and those few absolute masterpieces are just difficult to really hate.
Cat Stevens
4/5
Hauntingly beautiful record from Cat Stevens displaying grande emotions, storytelling that feels as contemporary today as during its release and all of that is topped with the undeniably strong vocal that is Stevens’.
The greatest tracks are among the best of the entire genre. And the few songs that are not as good as those are never actually bad. It’s just hard being on the same album as “Wild World” and “Father And Son”.
Everything But The Girl
2/5
This is like a meal made from great produce only to be undercooked and seasoned with air and false hopes.
The songs are like attending a high school dance. Everyone pretends to be rather unique and interesting. But just below the surface everyone is either the same amount of pretentious, boring or insecure - or a combination.
Also, did I mention the horrible lyrics?
Linkin Park
4/5
You probably need a certain degree of nostalgia to appreciate the first Linkin Park records as much as I do. But even without the nostalgic goggles, Hybrid Theory is still hard not to fall in love with. They don’t make music like this anymore - and that might actually be a good thing. Records like these have a better life trapped in its time vacuum.
Meteora is the 5/5 record for me. The debut is a close second.
The Stone Roses
5/5
There’s no excuse for it being that long since I last heard this. Every song is brilliant and you’re left with an almost perfect debut album.
Then to close it off “I Am the Resurrection” comes along and finally makes it just that. A perfect debut album.
Stan Getz
4/5
There would be less conflict in the world if more people just listened to Jazz Samba.
Slipknot
4/5
The last Slipknot album to include the original lineup is also one of their best.
The songs are more structurally listener friendly and there are even ballads on this thing (“Snuff” in particular) but at the same time Slipknot manages to never lose the anger and dizzyingly massive sound and even delivers some of their heaviest material on “Gematria (The Killing Name”.
Especially the trio from “Sulfur” through “Dead Memories” are as perfect as it gets, but there are still moments on All Hope Is Gone where I can sense the difficulty of being 9 people in a band all contributing to the songwriting to some extent.
Cypress Hill
3/5
Those are some funky beats. It’s almost too ridiculous at times, but it’s still fresh and fun.
Extra credit to Cypress Hill for producing better metal covers than a lot of metal bands.
Lana Del Rey
5/5
For whatever reason I’ve never really dove into the world of Lana Del Rey until this forced me to do it. Did I have a premonition that it was boring? Was the hype too much? I don’t actually know.
The fact is I finally listened to Chemtrails Over the Country Club now. And if you have an appointment with me in the next week I would like to apologize in advance, as I am busying digging through the rest of her discography.
What an absolutely stunning record. I already had goosebumps from her vocal performance on “White Dress” and it just never let go from there.
Also; Jack Antonoff is a huge part of this so of course it was foolish of me to doubt it all.
I feel very stupid now. But also glad.
Thank you, Lana.
Green Day
4/5
90’s Green Day was such a power trio. Dookie truly shaped an entire genre almost entirely by itself. A true piece of music history.
The rhythm section is incredibly tight and Armstrong’s vocals are as iconic and youthful as ever. Some of the shorter and faster closing songs don’t quite live up to songs like “Longview” and “Basket Case” but Dookie is just one of those nostalgic albums you simply are unable to not enjoy.
The White Stripes
2/5
Jack White continues to be one hell of a blues guitarist. There’s no denying that. The songwriting of The White Stripes still doesn’t quite get to me though and there’s just too many moments on White Blood Cells I wouldn’t care about if it weren’t for the name Jack White.
Also the entire situation that is Meg White on drums doesn’t help either. Did you know that she has won more Grammys than Neil Peart, John Bonham, Mike Portnoy, Danny Carey, Dave Lombardo and Buddy Rich combined? What a world, huh?
Robert Wyatt
4/5
A stunningly complex, atmospheric, unique and mystic recorded under pretty unusual circumstances.
Robert Wyatt certainly isn’t for everyone but if you catch his vibe and let yourself into his world there a lot to unpack on Rock Bottom.
Side A is great, but it’s on the soundscape-y, artsy and altogether brilliant Side B that you fully get why this album is on the list.
Adam & The Ants
2/5
Infuriatingly bad album cover and a solid amount of equally horrible production choices.
There are a few solid songs on the album that keeps it from being unlistenable to anyone but die hard new wave fans.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
Blood Sugar Sex Magik was the album that finally saw RHCP finding their way into more melodic based songwriting - no doubt thanks to the invaluable contributions from one Mr. Frusciante.
It took them 70+ minutes to get there which, considering songs like “Apache Rose Peacock” and “The Greeting Song”, is obviously a bit too long. But the end result is still one of the most iconic records of the entire 90’s - even considering the majority of those damn lyrics.
Happy Mondays
4/5
Okay, hear me out… This might sound conspiratorial but I think I’m onto something.
Following the horrendous mess that was Bummed, I firmly believe that the record company got rid of the entire group and replaced them with actual instrumentalists and competent songwriters. Nothing else makes sense considering the change in quality in the short amount of time.
I deduct one star as I normally wouldn’t condone such KGB methods. This time I will make an exception though.
Lightning Bolt
3/5
Would you have guessed that these two guys met as students at a private design school? Oh you would, okay.
Lightning Bolt presents some cool and bonkers idea on Wonderful Rainbow, but it’s never enough for it to really work for me. It’s not bad - it’s just not anything extraordinary either.
5/5
Bob “Judas” Dylan puts on the show of a lifetime in this legendary era of his career between his folk origins and going electric.
The same people that are booing at the end of what is essentially one of the greatest live albums of all time are the same people scolding people for listening to modern music today and insisting that everything Dylan touched turned to gold. It’s a funny thing, retrospect.
My new favorite pastime activity is watching old clips of those 1966-era 4chan users losing their minds from Dylan having the audacity of being within 10 feet from anything electrical. It’s just hilarious.
The Gun Club
2/5
I really like the cover art. Gave me hope that Fire Of Live could easily be one of those post-punk gems I’d missed.
Instead I learned that I really don’t care for punk blues at all. What a turn of events.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
2/5
Momentarily inspiring tunes drawing from both Middle Eastern and African traditions. There’s some great production choices on this record as well.
In the end, unfortunately, Rising Above Bedlam is just wildly unfocused, unable to convince the listener that there’s any sort of plan - but most of all it’s just rather tedious.
5/5
This is basically where it all started. The birthplace of what was to become the great, big battle of the 90’s British music scene.
Blur are at times leaning noticeably closer to a rougher and more heavy guitar driven style on Modern Life Is Rubbish - and I’m all here for it.
While songs like “For Tomorrow” and “Chemical World”, “Oily Water” stand out, there’s not a single bad track on this monster of a record.
Parklife might be the quintessential Blur album.
But this is their best.
B.B. King
3/5
There’s no denying the force that is B.B. King. The wailing guitar and powerful voice. He is a legend for reason - and the audience at The Regal this night obviously agreed.
Personally, I’m just not feeling the blues that much.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
It’s normally hard to defend a runtime of 80+ minutes. But this is essentially two albums in one.
And even if it wasn’t… It’s Nick Cave, he can do what he wants, shut up.
I first fell in love with the band around Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! and the opening record of this double album, Abattoir Blues, hits that exact vibe with a howling and mad Nick Cave accompanied by the bluesy and frenzied Bad Seeds on a never ending stream of perfect songs where “Get Ready For Love”, “Hiding All Away” and “There She Goes, My Beautiful World” stand out in particular.
The second album, The Lyre of Orpheus, is a completely different record altogether. It’s more melodic and mellow with a Nick Cave in front that seems more aware of what The Bad Seeds would eventually become. In that regard, this double album seems to serve as a kind of portal leading from one era and into the next.
I personally prefer the first half, but both albums are undoubtedly 5 star records. So there’s no actual consideration going into the final score.
The Velvet Underground
2/5
A stark contrast to their legendary debut album, White Light / White Heat sounds as if it was produced by a deaf horse in a hurry.
“Oh, but the sound was highly influential on noise rock and shoegaze. You like those, right?”
Well, this still sounds horrible for a considerable part of the runtime.
Peter Tosh
3/5
Tosh sure did his part in the attempted and at times successful legalization processes of ganja.
When Tosh is at his best he easily matches the songs of his former band: “Legalize It”, “Igziabeher (Let Jah Be Praised)” and “Till Your Well Runs Dry” being the strongest outputs of this record.
Peter Tosh fails to keep it interesting throughout the entire album with “Watcha Gonna Do” being especially bad. But it still stands as a proof that Peter Tosh was more than able to manage on his own.
The Everly Brothers
3/5
Just enough variations to keep you guessing as to never be quite sure where The Everly Brothers are turning next.
The lyrics are dated but surprisingly alright considering the release year.
It’s under half an hour long. And it’s just enjoyable.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
The Jesus And Mary Chain fully embrace their romantic side on Darklands. And while it works (more than) great, I’m still left missing parts of the noisier approach of their debut.
Björk
3/5
Björk either completely nails it or takes everything a bit too far on all of her releases.
Vulnicura falls into the latter category. The string arrangements are interesting but I grow tired of the concept along the way. This is somehow both too Björk and not quite Björk enough for me.
That being said, it’s really not a bad album. It rarely is with Björk.
Lupe Fiasco
4/5
I’ve spent years underestimating Lupe Fiasco.
His music is so much more conscious and clever than the floating Nintendo DS on the album cover leads one to believe.
The lyrics are strong, the beats fresh and Fiasco himself delivers some great bars even when the hooks occasionally leave something to be desired.
The Police
3/5
When The Police are good, few trios are better.
Stewart Copeland is to no surprise as good as ever on this.
It starts out excellent. The title track is simply pure brilliance. Then everything takes a nosedive before completely going of the rails on the train wreck that is “Mother”.
The from title track 2.0 and for the remaining album everything is back on track and The Police deliver a few of their greatest songs.
I just can’t get over the fact that most of Side A is that boring and/or bad.
John Lee Hooker
3/5
The Healer not only boasts an impressive array of guests - John Lee Hooker himself also sounds incredibly vigorous considering he recorded this after turning 70.
I’m still not a blues man to be honest.
But Hooker is far from the worst choice, should I put on a blues record one late evening.
The Strokes
4/5
Undoubtedly highly influential to bands that in the end turned out more exciting that The Strokes themselves.
Is This It isn’t quite the bomb I remembered it as - even though it is really effective. The songwriting is tight, the instruments even tighter… I guess, when all is said and done, I just don’t really have a special thing for Casablancas.
Klaxons
4/5
Almost offensively British. Sound of the 00s in its purest form. All over the place … and I just dig it.
I had all but forgotten “Golden Skans”. What a tune!
Dion
2/5
A few interesting tunes. Other than that it’s just a Spector-produced snoozefest.
Donovan
3/5
A pleasant visit into the realm of Donovan.
Pleasant, but not that special.
Joy Division
5/5
The shape of post-punk to come.
Lou Reed
5/5
This is simply Lou Reed firmly proving that he would do just fine without The Velvet Underground.
4/5
Despite the band name, War delivers an incredibly enjoyable album with The World Is A Ghetto.
A tight 6-song album containing a great combination of soul and jazz. I was fearful that this would just be “Low Rider” for an entire album (great song though). It was not.
The Isley Brothers
5/5
I expected this to be good, but The Isley Brothers completely blew me away. The vocals are perfectly mixed and smooth as hell - but it’s Ernie Isley’s Hendrix-inspired guitar playing that turns out to be the scene stealer time and time again.
This is funky soul trip is in a class of its own. Simply excellent.
The Stooges
4/5
Gritty, raw, ugly and ahead of its time.
Who thought that all The Stooges needed was a saxophone? Well, props to that guy.
The Stooges
4/5
An important lesson on album structuring.
. It’s obvious that Side A & B should’ve been switched. I’m emotionally and mentally exhausted when the first three songs are over. There’s no reason “We Will Fall” is not the final song of the album.
Tha being said it’s still one hell of a debut album.
Had Side B not been this good I would quickly have lost interest. But it’s hard not taking an interest in whatever The Stooges are up to.
Beatles
4/5
Beatles’ first venture into an all original album is a musical landmark. You start to fully grasp what the partnership of Lennon/McCartney would become.
Especially on songs such as the title track and the fabulous “Any Time At All”.
A Hard Day’s Night is not the Beatles at their full potential yet. But it’s the Fab Four showing where they’re heading.
Maxwell
3/5
At first glance I was pretty overwhelmed by the stellar production and almost nausea-inducing butter-smoothness of the vocals.
But as I dove deeper into the album I fell myself slowly losing interest. The last few songs are particularly monotonous and easily blends together into a soft, mushy pillow of delicious but boring songs.
Had this been shortened by 2-3 songs it would have been so much better.
Mudhoney
3/5
You can hear just how many bands listened to this record. I’d rather listen to a lot of those bands though.
2,5 / 5 content. 5 / 5 cover art.
Kacey Musgraves
4/5
I knew that this received a good amount of praise when it was released. I enjoyed some of the songs but never thought more of it.
Sometimes you just gotta listen to the critics and fans though. The production is great, the songwriting a well mixed breed of pop and country with lyrics that are… Yeah okay, they are not all that good to be honest.
I really enjoy the more upbeat pop songs like the fun “High Horse” with its iconic opening - but Musgraves also hits right at home on the mellower title track and “Slow Burn”.
It’s as catchy as a cowboy with a notorious aim.
Eminem
4/5
Go easy on the women, Slim.
Eminem is one hell of a rapper and his ability to go back and forth between styles and personalities in a matter of seconds is superb.
There are a few bad songs that could’ve been cut and a few skits that go on for too long. But other than that this album is just filled with hit after hit.
Youssou N'Dour
5/5
The African entries on this list are mostly top class.
This album by the former Senegalese minister of tourism is no exception.
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
Laid back and smooth samba album from an easily recognizable surname. The production is good and there’s some great tracks along the way.
As a whole it just turns out a tad too bland to fully support the playtime.
Astrud Gilberto
2/5
Do not let yourself be fooled by the title.
Your friends will not appreciate it, if you bring this to a beach day.
Michael Jackson
4/5
Off the Wall (the unofficial debut album of the Not-Jackson-5-Michael) is often overshadowed by its big brothers Thriller and Bad. That’s just not fair.
Side A is as good as anything of the following records, and while I find Side B to be not as good (surprising giving its songwriters), Off the Wall is not to be underestimated one bit.
Janis Joplin
4/5
Joplin was a vocal power house not to be messed with. The Full Tilt Boogie Band provides her with less of a live feel on Pearl - and it really suits her studio output. Too late this would be released under the saddest circumstances possible.
Blur
3/5
While still sounding rather British, Blur distances themselves from the UK and glances toward the US. A bold move that doesn’t quite pay off.
Sheryl Crow
2/5
There’s really no need for this to be on the list.
Some songs are good. Most are okay. Some are just kinda there. Overall it’s a forgettable experience.
Leftfield
3/5
Usually not my preferred genre(s), but Leftism still had a lot to offer. From deep progressive house to danceable jungle beats featuring none other than Johnny Rotten himself this a great ride.
I think it easily too long and there are moments where I simply lose focus. Maybe I’m meant to? But when I notice that I’m losing focus it’s rarely a plus.
Fred Neil
3/5
Fred Neil (the album) is at most times pretty generic. At other times it hits you with the wonderful “Everybody’s Talking”, a surprise raga and song pretty melodies.
It’s not much. But what it is is rarely bad or boring.
Korn
3/5
Nü-metal is definitely a nostalgic thing for me.
I was way more into Linkin Park and thought Korn was a bit too silly at times.
I can still appreciate Davis’ manic vocals (when he’s not doing monkey sounds) and the at times bonkers instrumentals. There’s even the singles to back up this album.
There’s also a feature from Fred Durst though.
It’s despite of that this still lands on the number of stars that it does.
Beth Orton
4/5
I’d heard the name Beth Orton before but this was the first time I actually listened to her music.
There are some obvious comparisons to Joni Mitchell, but Orton still manages to stand out as her own entity entirely. Everything just works and the compositions are works of art.
I would probably trim a few of the songs, but Central Reservation is as close to a 5/5 record you will hear without it actually being one.
Little Richard
2/5
It doesn’t necessarily get more rock ‘n’ roll the louder you mix it.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
5/5
Two words: Armadillo tank.
Lavish, virtuous and complex. Emerson, Lake & Palmer are pillars of 70’s prog.
The Streets
5/5
If “So You Think You Can Britain” was a competition, Mike Skinner would win every year.
His flow is unique and might take some getting used to, but he’s always on point, sharp-witted and fun with a knack for storytelling.
A Grand Don’t Come For Free is so British it hurts. And I just love it.
Bobby Womack
4/5
Womack delivers hit after hit on The Poet.
Funky, soulful beats accompanies Womack’s golden voice and the dirty slap bass really brings it all together.
There’s a few songs that doesn’t quite live up to the rest, but with songs like “Secrets” on the track list it’s really no problem.
Heaven 17
3/5
Beep boop 80’s music.
It’s not a bad record but I need one or two big, bombastic dance hits to really breathe some life into it.
Pere Ubu
3/5
Almost infinitely better than the follow-up, Dub Housing, which is almost unlistenable.
Randy Newman
3/5
Had Sail Away gone on for a song or two more, I’d have lowered the rating. Clever move by Newman keeping this at just half an hour.
He’s a good songwriter but I’m never fully invested in the album whatsoever. But who can resist the warm fuzzy embrace of Newman’s cozy vocals.
Jacques Brel
4/5
In 2019 I visited the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Every morning I went for a shower in the marina and every morning in the stall next to mine a French gentleman loudly sang what I only now realize was a rendition of “Amsterdam”. What a dramatic way to start the day.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
2/5
Skip recorded this as a demo only for his producer handing it to the record company who released it and was unable to sell it. Wonder why.
There are a few interesting ideas on Oar but as a whole… Well it just isn’t an actual album.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
Is it too much? Obviously!
Is it too American? You bet!
Are we better people because of it? Hell yeah!
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
1/5
If you release a shit experimental album, I can hate it but still appreciate what you were trying to accomplish.
If you like Ramblin’ Jack Elliot just release an all round boring album with boring stories and unoriginal guitar playing? Well, then you’re doing nothing but wasting my time.
Cowboy Junkies
4/5
The raw atmospheric feeling of the instrumentation combined with Margo Timmins’ ethereal vocals really makes Cowboy Junkies stand out when compared to some of their contemporary genre colleagues. An absolute pleasure.
Air
4/5
Engaging from the first to last note.
The sound is one minute taking you through space, the next it’s forcing you back down to Earth.
There’s not much I would chance on this.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Let It Bleed is the pinnacle of The Rolling Stones for me.
If opening with “Gimme Shelter” and ending on “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” isn’t enough to prove just that, I don’t know what is.
Madness
4/5
Madness is often overlooked as a gimmicky one-hit wonder due to “Our House”. In itself an actually terrific song.
The rest of the Rise & Fall is just such great fun.
A combination of witty yet daunting lyrics, playful instrumentals and a Britishness that’s wonderfully charming.
Don’t underestimate the quality of Madness.
Baaba Maal
4/5
Whenever an African album appears on this list, you’re in for a treat
I was expecting something similar to his magnificent debut - and the he totally surprises you with synths and pop vibes and… But of course also some wonderful West African rhythms.
To me it’s not quite as good as his debut, but Baaba Maal is still one of those artists whose discography you should definitely dive deeper into.
The xx
3/5
I See You is very fine and pretty, but it rarely resonates with me. It feels too sunlit and airy without any sense of consequence - the exception being “A Violent Noise”.
It’s not bad, don’t get me wrong.
But I would probably rather put this on in the background while competing chores.
Emmylou Harris
4/5
Emmylou Harris was mainly a cover artist for 31 years only for us to discover that she was able to write complete albums of beautiful material. What a shame it would have been, had he stuck to the covers.
Radiohead
5/5
Kid A was both the start and peak of the beep boop part of Radiohead’s career. A genre-bending and era changing musical experience from a band, and especially a lead singer, that wasn’t comfortable staying comfortable.
Traffic
3/5
At times Winwood reaches the highs of Hendrix. At other times it almost sounds like kids music for adults; the opening track.
It’s really not easy figuring out what Traffic was up to. Overall it’s not bad though - but it’s obvious that the members of the band were in some disagreement over the direction of the group.
Skunk Anansie
4/5
I’m obviously not listening to nearly enough Skunk Anansie. I don’t care as much for the sound when they go full hard rock, the worst example being “On My Hotel TV”, but the rest of the album works incredibly well.
That Skin is just one of those vocalists you could listen to all day doesn’t hurt either.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
3/5
Never before or since in the music industry has there been a discrepancy as obvious as the one between one of the coolest album titles and one of the silliest band names.
Doves
4/5
Doves hit you with some dreamy shoegaze-infused rock of the kind that could only be produced in the late 90’s/early 00’s.
There are moments of outstanding beauty, claustrophobic introspection and plainly hidden odes to the British nightlife. It’s most of the stuff that works for me in British rock.
Jethro Tull
5/5
An absolute classic and easily one of the finest prog albums of the 70’s. The shorter songs could have just been fillers, but Anderson’s undeniable talent for songwriting makes them stand out as some of the most emotional experiences of the entire album.
“Locomotive Breath” is possibly one of the greatest blues rock recordings of all time - and if you’re Danish you will most likely recognize that Dizzy Mizz Lizzy must have listened to the guitars of “Wind-Up” when recording their debut album.
Fatboy Slim
4/5
Fatboy Slim is nothing if not good times.
Let go, down an entire pitcher and enjoy yourself!
Underworld
3/5
Man, those longer tracks hit hard.
The ambiance, the progressions - it just works.
I’m more reluctant when it comes to some of the shorter tracks, where Underworld don’t get around to fully immerse the listener in their world building.
When this works, it really works though.
The Young Gods
2/5
Not today, Switzerland.
Pas aujourd'hui.
Bauhaus
4/5
Easily accessible to new listeners of the genre, but without giving up its dark and ominous vibes.
It just flies by and ends on a high note!
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
3/5
Is it beautiful and captivating? Yes.
Is it also very similar from start to finish? Yes.
Aerosmith
3/5
Aerosmith is at their best on a lot of the songs on Rocks. “Back In the Saddle” is a great opener and “Nobody’s Fault” is so good that Metallica might even have stolen the opening for “Damage Inc.”
At other times Aerosmith goes full Aerosmith and delivers songs like “Lick And A Promise” plunging me back into a reality where I’m reminded that Aerosmith is only great in certain doses.
John Prine
4/5
One of those albums where you have to indulge in the lyrics to fully appreciate it. Prine is a quintessential country and folk songwriter and one of the few characters of the genre who can be compared to Dylan without overselling his talent.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Stevie Wonder is at his best on this, the tongue-twistiest of his albums. There’s a wonderful balance between the slower, more soulful songs and groovy masterpieces like “Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away” with everything coming together on the harrowingly beautiful “They Won’t Go When I Go”.
The Yardbirds
3/5
When it’s good, it’s great! Early psychedelic rock featuring Jeff Beck’s guitar playing is a treat.
But considering the runtime only just exceeds half an hour, I feel that there are way too many fillers.
The cover art is an easy 10/10.
Super Furry Animals
5/5
Rings Around The World feels like the missing link between Blur and Gorillaz. It’s the transformation from britpop to whatever you would like to call the schizophrenic mashup of genres that the British scene of the early 00’s experimented with.
There’s very little cohesion as Gruff Rhys and the band throws every musical idea towards you - and somehow succeeds to hit the target time and time again.
It shouldn’t actually work, but it does.
It’s too much, it could almost be misinterpreted as a joke of a band with no musical direction.
Somehow Super Furry Animals gets away with it - and it’s sublime.
The Doors
3/5
The Doors are a weird band.
When they’re good, they are among the greatest to ever play the blues. “Waiting For the Sun” and “Peace Frog” are clear examples of that.
I just think that a lot of their other material sounds like any other blues rock band. And I don’t quite get the hype, when they fall into that pit.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
One of the coolest jazz records ever recorded.
Dave Brubeck’s visionary approach to time signatures came from even more visionary musical cultures - Turkey just to mention one.
No matter how many times I listen to Time Out it feels as fresh and new as it did when I first discovered it. Counting along to “Blue Rondo à la Turk” and listening to Joe Morello solo in 5/4 will never not be fun.
ZZ Top
3/5
Don’t take it too serious and just enjoy. ZZ Top do whatever they do on Tres Hombres - and then “La Grange” comes along and almost makes this worth a spot on the list.
It shouldn’t be on here, don’t get me wrong.
Enjoy it nevertheless.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Funky effort from an undeniable legend of the genre. It’s just missing that special spice that I get from George Clinton. There’s something that’s just not quite there.
Hint: It’s not the drugs.
Jean-Michel Jarre
5/5
The epitome of electronic music.
Oxygène sounds like something out of a Jules Verne novel. Wonderfully imaginative and decades ahead of its time.
Sometimes I wonder, if the rest of the world have actually caught up to 1976 Jean-Michel Jarre yet? Most likely not.
Björk
4/5
There’s no one quite like Björk on the music scene … And whether you love or hate her, it’s probably for the better.
Vespertine is minimalistic in an almost claustrophobic way. I absolutely adore the intimacy.
Find me crying “Unison” on public transport near you.
Aerosmith
3/5
What can I say? It’s an Aerosmith record.
It has its ups: The title track is fun and “Sweet Emotion” is brilliant.
It has its downs: The infuriating “Big Ten Inch Record” and a lot of Steven Tyler.
It’s not good, it’s not bad. It’s just Aerosmith.
I think Toys In The Attic is my 3rd record by the band on this list so far. Here’s to hoping that it’s the last.
Metallica
5/5
The Wikipedia page doesn’t include the word “progressive” other than once in a quote from a single review. Which is just nonsense. Master Of Puppets is thrash, but it’s undeniably a progressive metal album as well.
Every single track kills, the tempo on “Disposable Heroes” is beyond intense, and the songwriting is as good as Metallica will ever be.
Also, say what you will about Lars Ulrich.
He delivers an incredible performance on Master of Puppets and I couldn’t imagine the record without those at times messy but always fun fills.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
There’s a lot to love about Dexys Midnight Runners.
There’s a lot that’s simply too much as well.
It’s fun. But I’m also done with it for now when the record is over.
Ian Dury
2/5
I’m three albums behind. Two of them are British.
Not particularly looking forward to that after this overly British show.
The Jam
4/5
I was getting really tired with the britishness of this list. Luckily The Jam really managed to pull me out of that hole.
It’s still really British, don’t get me wrong.
It’s just also quite fresh.
David Crosby
4/5
The opening track features Neil Young and Graham Nash on vocals.
I guess that’s all you need to know.
Suede
4/5
I never really gave Suede an honest chance in the past. It was britpop that my stepmother really liked - it didn’t feel “edgy” enough.
But there’s just no denying the greatness of this record. It’s extremely charming, well written and is almost exclusively made up of highs.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
5/5
So prog that it should come with a warning.
The only thing wrong with Pictures At An Exhibition is that Lake doesn’t sing more than he does.
Speaking of which… I would like to start a petition for Greg Lake to sing on every album on this list from here on out. Cool? Great!
Frank Zappa
5/5
It’s almost completely lacking of the Zappa trademark humor, but everything is composed and produced to perfection. There’s a reason Hot Rats is often regarded as a highlight in his vast discography.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
It’s a shame they wasted a cover artwork this great on such a mediocre album.
There are certainly highlights like “Goon Squad” and “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout)…” (not on the original track list, not an original Costello song), but I still don’t get the extreme hype surrounding Elvis Costello.
Faust
4/5
Krautrock at its finest. It’s incredibly how easy Faust moves from droning instrumentals to more accessible song structures.
A few times Faust is almost too close to abandon their kosmische rock in favor of komische rock, but luckily they ultimately don’t go that far.
Slint
5/5
Slint paved the way for several genres with Spiderland and disbanded before it was even released. Legendary.
Neneh Cherry
2/5
Neneh Cherry is cool and all and her debut album is at times quite the fun listen. It’s also exhaustingly dated.
I know it’s from 1989 but even back then nobody could have thought that releasing “The Next Generation” would be a good idea.
Later she even raps:
“Chocolates, bananas, doughnuts and salami
Ain't gonna fit coz you're full of boloni”.
You’re better than that, Neneh.
AC/DC
4/5
Sure, as with all AC/DC releases it gets a bit repetitive at times, but there’s no doubt that Highway To Hell ranks among the top of their records.
The title track is the obvious highlight of the entire first side. It’s Side B that really gets this album moving and makes sure it sticks the landing every time - hard not to when you’re closing on “Night Prowler”.
Van Morrison
5/5
Backed by an unbelievably tight band, Van the Man does what he does best. For 90 minutes straight. What a treat.
Deep Purple
5/5
Deep Purple could have done nothing to make Machine Head better than it is.
It’s an obvious contender for greatest hard rock release of all time.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
Easily the most pleasant kill streak of all time.
Queens of the Stone Age
4/5
I always forget how great this debut is due to it having one of my least favorite cover art works of all time.
Is it the one QotSA album I would have picked for this list? Probably not.
Is it just as good a representation of the band as any of their other albums? Probably.
Beck
3/5
Beck is crazy talented and on Odelay he uses every trick from the Beck handbook. Twice.
It’s fun - and it’s also somehow too Beck-ish.
Culture Club
3/5
I would never in a million year pick up a record with that album cover. It’s horrible - but what a banger opening!
The second half is better than the first, but all in all it’s just fun and quite catchy. Just good times at your aunt’s dance party.
Talvin Singh
4/5
Singh explores the tabla depths of the electronic music scene with an incredible ease.
Clocking it at just over an hour it’s no surprise that OK might be a bit too long. But the ideas are never not interesting and I would’ve had a difficult time deciding what to get rid of.
The mix of the bass is beautiful and I have no problem overlooking the slightly problematic runtime. The name is underselling this record.
Isaac Hayes
4/5
I now want a 20 minute version of “Chocolate Salty Balls”.
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
The Last Shadow Puppets’ debut album was the first real meeting with the more sore serious and less playful Alex Turner we would later come to expect.
The opening title track is easily one of the greatest songs of its year and the idea of putting on the symphonic soundtrack to a James Bond movie on every song also works to some extent.
But brief as it might be… I just get bored of it all rather quickly.
The Verve
4/5
Giving the amount of British britpop (and new wave) on this list, was almost physically exhausted by merely seeing this 75 minute record show up.
Of course I know the record and know I shouldn’t have been. The opening track is a myth in and of itself but by “Sonnet”, one of the greatest tracks of its genre, I was once again won over by Urban Hymns.
There’s still no need for it to be this long. It’s quite ridiculous. But it’s really good.
Le Tigre
4/5
Riot grrrl infused with sampling and electronic elements while Kathleen Hanna provides her trademark vocal and lyrics. What’s not to enjoy?
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
Tom Petty’s debut album is quite good, not the best in his catalogue, but it’s never truly great. I mean, up until “American Girl”. What a track!
M.I.A.
2/5
I have this feeling that M.I.A. is deliberately trying to make music that speaks as little to me as possible. Why? What have I ever done to her?
There’s no denying that Arular is a better record than the horrendous follow-up Kala. The beats are more fresh and there are fewer annoying sound effects.
Still… Saying it’s better than Kala really isn’t saying a lot.
Method Man
3/5
Dark and gritty RZA productions.
Method Man is cool and brings a lot of his Wu-Tang tricks with him. It works.
It’s a bit too one sided for me to be fully engaged; definitely worth a listen though.
Prince
3/5
I was lucky enough to see Prince live a couple of times. The great thing about that is obvious - duh.
The setback is that songs like “Delirious” sounds rather bland in its studio version in comparison to live editions. Not “Little Red Corvette” though, still banger!
1999 is a massive work that requires applause for what it is. But it’s also too massive to bear its own weight in the end. Unfortunately, as there is a lot to love about this.
There’s a shorter version of the record to be found on vinyl. Go find that.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
“I am here and you are where you are.”
Should have picked a different time to be cutting onions.
Ray Charles
4/5
An incredible selection of songs modernized by an incredible talent. The arrangements are beautiful and though it may not seem as revolutionary today, you can still easily get lost in the voice of Ray Charles.
Suzanne Vega
5/5
Instantly one of the best albums of 1985.
Suzanne Vega’s debut is a work of pure beauty; the intricate lyrics, the Pastorius-like bass and flawless songwriting. As Joni Mitchell used the 80’s to dig into the trends of pop music, Vega stood ready to take over.
I was getting ready to listen to some more albums today. I might just end up putting “Small Blue Thing” on repeat.
Björk
3/5
There’s a lot to love.
There’s a lot to hate.
Björk is a divisive artist as it is, but her debut, Debut, is not nearly as cohesive as some of her later excellent efforts.
There’s even a few truly terrible songs on this one - I’ll let you guess which one is objectively the worst. You’ll know.
Black Flag
4/5
One of the first definitions of punk in the dictionary.
Portishead
5/5
There are few better produced albums available worldwide. It’s purified beauty.
“Pedestal” is in my list of songs I always use to test speaker systems. I could get lost in that bass all day.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
4/5
If all guitars were as jangly as this, the world would be a better place. This was a very pleasant surprise - and one I will revisit rather soon.
Deerhunter
2/5
If you manage to stay awake through the first couple of critically acclaimed snoozefests, there’s a decent indie rock album waiting ahead with a couple of great songs.
It’s just a shame it’s produced in the dullest way possible by an entire room of tired insomniacs.
I really can’t get over that hurdle in order to try to appreciate this record for what it might be.
Tricky
3/5
The second time this week a sample of Chris Hayes’ “Ike’s Rap II” appears; the first being the obvious one on Dummy. I can’t complain.
Maxinquaye is a playful and fun album with some cool visions erupting from Tricky’s mind. I’m not all sold on the whole thing; but at times it’s almost excellent.
Syd Barrett
3/5
Says Barrett basically managed to get 13 demo recordings on this list. Probs.
I’m not onboard with Syd giving it his best as The Bad Beatles on the forgettable “Love You” and its sister track “Here I Go”, but the peak into his troubled and deeply weird mind on e.g. “Dark Globe”, “Long Gone” and “Feels”.
Is it a good album? Not really.
Is it interesting and deserving of a spot? Sure.
Arcade Fire
5/5
One of my friends once foolishly pointed to Halcyon Digest by Deerhunter as one of the prime examples of indie rock, should you introduce the genre to someone. Blasphemy.
This is of course a much better answer.
Maybe it’s even the answer?
White Denim
4/5
I have no idea what exact genre this is and I don’t care. It slaps.
1/5
No one wants this album here.
It’s not critically acclaimed.
The users seem to hate it even more.
It’s not groundbreaking in any way.
It’s just fucking terrible.
The Smiths
3/5
I can easily look past the pretentious prick that is Morrissey. But even then, having listened to the entire The Smiths discography multiple times, I might have to conclude that they’re just not my jam. There are some great tunes along the way, but I would never just put it on at home myself.
Leonard Cohen
5/5
Leonard Cohen had already attracted critical acclaim as a poet before launching his music career - so it should come as no surprise that this masterful grasp of lyrics was already fully developed on his debut album.
Tim Buckley
3/5
Incredibly funky output from Buckley Sr, alas one where you should probably ignore large parts of the lyrics.
There’s really no reason for him to have two albums on this list but here we are. So just enjoy the funky feelings.
Roni Size
1/5
There are some obvious things to like about New Forms. Unfortunately there’s also one truly unforgivable thing wrong with New Forms.
How did anyone ever agree to release it as one album? It’s unlistenable in its entirety. Even the things I like gets lost in the 87 (I think?) 6+ minutes track. I could’ve learned a valuable skill in the time it took me to get through this.
Circle Jerks
4/5
It’s fast, fun and well executed. Considering that it’s 14 tracks in 15 minutes, Circle Jerks manage to make most tracks sound distinct. Not bad.
The Fall
4/5
Yet another example of the idea that if you put Mark E. Smith on an album, it’s hard for it to miss.
Little Simz
5/5
GREY Area is the album where you started to realize that Little Simz could be one of the greatest rappers of her generation.
Joanna Newsom
5/5
I totally understand Samberg.
Had I met Joanna Newsom the same year this was release I would have fallen in love too.
Ys is uniquely complex, fragile and beautiful.
It’s like nothing else. A rare work of utter brilliance.
I don’t think there’s ever a time when I’m not in the mood for this.
The Cars
5/5
How come I’ve neglected to listen to one of the greatest new wave album of all time for so long?
Every single song is iconic and delivers on every possible scale.
I’m going to buy this immediately.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
Solid pop album by Aguilera containing some of the defining bangers of the 2000’s.
It’s just a shame that they included the 20 song, 77 minute anniversary deluxe edition for this list.
What? Are you telling me that’s just the regular edition? Well, that’s embarrassing - and completely uncalled for.
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Incredibly cool start, falling a bit short toward the end and then closing with the title track.
Mayfield’s vocals are like butter throughout and you barely notice that you’re actually listening to a soundtrack.
Keith Jarrett
5/5
Listened to this immediately after Joanna Newsom’s Ys. Beauty overload.
Keith Jarrett’s spontaneity and ability to improvise even under difficult circumstances puts in a spot where few other pianists come close.
Violent Femmes
5/5
Quite a few of my favorite artists wouldn’t have existed without Violent Femmes and this album in particular.
Also, it’s nice to be reminded once in a while that “Gone Daddy Gone” wasn’t written by Gnarls Barkley.
Sex Pistols
5/5
Everything about the history of Sex Pistols is chaotic. They were really just there to make some noise, stir shit up and leave - and that’s exactly what they did.
The Cure
5/5
“Fascination Street” is one of the greatest 80’s-songs of all time. Keeping that in mind it’s wild that it doesn’t really stand that much out quality-wise from the rest of Disintegration.
Robert Smith was apparently but unsurprisingly moody as hell and refused to speak at times during the recording of this to create an uncomfortable atmosphere. A lot of the other guys just had a great time and tried to remain somber whenever Smith was in the room. Pure fun.
Faith No More
4/5
It really did wonders for Faith No More to get Mike Patton to join the band. He’s a creative force of nature who seem to master every genre and sound thrown at him.
Some aspects sound a bit dated, but considering this was released in 1989 it might actually just be more revolutionizing than dated.
The Go-Betweens
2/5
Completely harmless effort by these Australians.
The quality of the songs varies a lot, with the drum machine songs being mostly bland and the full band songs delivering some needed energy.
I don’t actively dislike it.
It’s just harmless and easily forgettable.
Marty Robbins
4/5
Marty Robbins possesses one of the most iconic country vocals there is. I could listen to him tell me tales of the open prairie and its many outlaws day in and day out.
Prince
4/5
It’s the same with most Prince records when comparing it to his live sound - the production can seem a bit flat and robotic. Purple Rain is no exception, but it’s nowhere near to the extend of some of his others albums.
That being said, Purple Rain contains hit after hit of legendary tracks with especially Side B being a stone cold classic. It’s still closer to a 3 than to a 5.
But it’s so obviously better than a 3.
The Darkness
3/5
The Darkness’ music is at times as hollow and inane as a lot of hard rock; but they have their secret weapon in lead singer Justin Hawkins.
The singles have become classics and if you just let go and indulge yourself in the over the top vocals, most of the album is actually quite fun.
The first side is definitely stronger than the second, but I never find myself truly bored.
Hawkwind
3/5
This must have been an awesome concert to witness. Unfortunately the experience doesn’t quite transfer to whatever media you prefer in your living room - unless of course that media is somehow the actual 1972 Hawkwind lineup live.
Also; Lemmy was great on this!
Ozomatli
3/5
This was the first album on the list, about 600 in, that I was unable to find anywhere online. Luckily a lovely guy in Germany sold it to me.
In the form of a CD …
Which I listened to on my friend’s PS2 …
A true 00’s album experience.
I could have done without some of the more rap oriented songs. The turntables as well.
But it’s mainly just Santana lite.
And due to the fact that I now somehow own this record I might be more positive towards it than I should be - but I feel like we’ve been a journey together already.
The Psychedelic Furs
4/5
The amount of post-punk and new wave (especially the British variant) on this list is obviously excessive and maybe even problematic… But this is one of the albums I sure wouldn’t remove.
The songwriting is fun and catchy and Butler’s vocals are iconic - but what really makes this record stand out is Ashton and Morris’ jangly and playful guitars.
3/5
A bunch of fully developed ideas and a bunch of half baked ones. It’s never bad but it rarely soars high for long.
The War On Drugs
5/5
You don't come to The War On Drugs for variation.
You come to them for brilliance.
That's exactly what Lost In the Dream delivers.
Santana
4/5
Whenever the rhythms and Santana’s electrifying guitar hits you, it all seems rather swell.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3/5
When I first got this record on vinyl I had no idea Joplin sang; who would’ve known given the name?
It’s an incredibly strange album (both song and art wise), never doing anything to hold on to any sound for long.
Janis Joplin’s vocals are of course powerful and raw, but it’s never been quite enough to keep me fully engaged throughout every idea thrown at the listener.
Frank Sinatra
5/5
You’d almost want to break up with the love of your life to enjoy this record to its fullest.
My grandpa owned 4 versions of In The Wee Small Hours on vinyl. I only own 2… So he’d probably had given it a score of 10, right?
Fleet Foxes
5/5
Fleet Foxes' debut sounds like every other indie band before anyone else even had the idea of such a sound.
But while many were to come, very few came close to truly imitate what Pecknold created on this almost mythical debut.
Hot Chip
4/5
Hot Chip is not exactly the Michelangelo of electronic music. Luckily it’s often much more fun to hang out with his dumber brother and just enjoy yourself.
Yes
5/5
Yes wrote and recorded a few of the greatest progressive rock tracks of all time and the decided to let every member goof around due to budget and time restrictions. Legendary.
Bruford’s drumming on “Heart of the Sunrise” is phenomenal and the introduction of the wizard on keyboards doesn’t exactly hurt either.
Beatles
5/5
The progression in songwriting, experimentation and lyricism from Help! to Rubber Soul is unbelievable. If some should have doubted it earlier, this album made it clear that The Beatles was on track to become the most important group of all time.
Kings of Leon
4/5
For a few years Kings of Leon were one of the most interesting US bands.
Aha Shake Heartbreak is gritty, fast and fun - and Followill (the lead singing one) is a powerhouse whose distinct vocal is enough in itself to make them stand out from the crowd.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
I probably say this each time I listen to an album from their discography, but this is an absolute highlight.
Cave’s vocals are mesmerizing and filled with emotions, the songwriting is brilliant throughout and the balance between The Bad Seeds being maniacs and the more calm, atmospheric songs taking over is perfect.
Kate Bush
5/5
Kate Bush utilizes the bouzouki, uilleann pipes and a damn fishing rod on the first track - and I'm all aboard.
It's a bit less dreamy and more grounded (if any Kate Bush album from this era can be called that) and it suits the songwriting, production and her vocals immensely.
The Sensual World ends an insane trio of albums by Kate Bush, with this, the last of her 80's-albums, being slightly better than The Dreaming and almost as good as Hounds of Love.
Pink Floyd
5/5
I love reading old reviews of Wish You Were Here, as everyone seemed out of their minds and found it uninspiring, dull and insincere - only for them to later realize the magnitude of the record and praise it as one of the greatest album ever released.
Devendra Banhart
3/5
There are certain elements about Rejoicing In the Hands that I really like. The sincerity and spontaneity that seems to be a constant in his Banharts songwriting and recording technique for one.
On the other hand I’m getting a bit tired of his rather one-sided folk approach about 8-9 songs in.
It’s a fine record but I have no idea why it should appear on this list.
Talk Talk
4/5
We should all be happy that Mark Hollis led Talk Talk in new direction on The Colour Of Spring. His progressive view on 80’s pop brought out some of the most unique pop records of that century.
Not everything is a perfect home run on this, but the vision and result is great nonetheless.
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
You could think that the main reason for this album to be here is “Take Me Out”, but FZ’s debut album boasts quite a few more sure hits.
Unfortunately I have this nagging feeling that Franz Ferdinand never performs to capacity. As if a lid prevented especially the choruses from delivering the power that so obviously dwells just underneath the surface.
The extreme compression of Alex Kapranos’ vocals, recognizable as it may be, doesn’t exactly help with the problem either.
It’s a shame. I really wanted to like more than I end up doing.
Radiohead
5/5
I can’t possibly add anything to the legacy of OK Computer that hasn’t already been said. It’s often called the greatest album of all time for a reason.
So I’ll just leave you with this.
This review that is.
Alanis Morissette
4/5
It’s rare that I pick up Jagged Little Pill, but every time I do, the power and songwriting blows me away. It contains some of the greatest 90’s rock tracks available and while a few aspects may sound dated almost 30 years later it takes very little from the overall experience.
What narrowly keeps this from being a 5 is the book’s inclusion of the CD and not the vinyl version, which means that we end on a worse version of “You Oughta Know”, a meaningless a cappella sequence and a runtime of almost an hour.
So I’ll end with my tip of the week:
Stick to the perfect vinyl version.
The Zutons
2/5
Reasons why this mediocre and easily forgettable indie album is on then list.
# 1:
Thanks for reading my list.
The Cure
3/5
There’s no questioning the effect this gothic and sonic album would have on The Cure moving forward.
In and of itself it’s a rather one-sided affair delivering the same idea again and again for almost its entire run.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
The fact that the people behind this list looked at each other with a straight face and included not one but two double albums by Christina Aguilera baffles me.
It’s absolutely ridiculous.
The first side is just a plain ol’ Aguilera pop album; great production, some hip hop beats and a strong vocal. It’s fine but nothing extraordinary.
The second side sees Aguilera experimenting more with a whole new sound. And while the first part of it is borderline sleep inducing, the final half is great.
There’s no reason for this to be a double album. It’s a sign of a complete megalomaniac who’s never told a “no”.
But with those harsh comments in mind, I find myself a bit confused that I never really hate Back To Basics - at the same time it’s way too unfocused for me to love it.
Animal Collective
4/5
Animal Collective never fail to surprise and with Merriweather Post Pavilion they further developed their unique sound.
It's rarely fully perfect product, when you decide to experiment as much as AC does; but it's always exciting.
Kraftwerk
5/5
It might be the English and not the German version included in the book - but when it comes to Kraftwerk, I don’t care.
If it’s available in German, you damn well listen in German.
Death In Vegas
2/5
Never heard about Death In Vegas before, but I can see that they, as well as so many, many other albums on this list, were nominated for the Mercury Music Prize.
Maybe we should start not including every nominee, right?
Jamiroquai
3/5
It's hard not to be charmed by Jamiroquai and the iconic Jay Kay. Everything is groovy, slightly futuristic and psychedelic (for a 90's record), while still being comfortably stuck in the 70's.
Along the way the band constantly, but ever so slightly, seem to loose more and more grip of the situation before the end almost collapses in long instrumental passages leading to nowhere.
The Who
5/5
This was the first The Who album I owned, so I may be a bit biased.
Then again - name me another album that both starts and ends this strong?
The Saints
3/5
The Saints bring along a few “new” ideas, but they never have the courage to fully rely on them.
The Smiths
3/5
First of all - I really hope this is the last The Smiths album on the list. Morrissey has long overstayed his welcome by now.
Side One is surprisingly good and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Side Two on the other hand starts out fine, but then goes on to become everything I really dislike about The Smiths - especially the last 3 songs are just shite.
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
Run-D.M.C. came along with “Rock Box” and it changed everything.
Germs
4/5
From the minimalist cover to the crystal clear Joan Jett production, this is quite the unique punk album for a 1979 release.
(GI) is dirty, gritty and at times perfectly ugly especially due to the sneering presence of Darby Crash. They’re overdoing it with the live version of “Shut Down (Annihilation Man)”, but other than that it’s just a fun ride.
It’s no wonder Pat Smear went on to become a touring member of Nirvana with a calling card like this.
George Harrison
5/5
The Beatles’ main song catalogue consists of 188 original songs. Only 22 of those were written by George Harrison.
Listening to the creative powerhouse that is All Things Must Pass those numbers seem completely outrageous.
Harrison somehow never makes a wrong move on what is undoubtedly the greatest post-Beatles achievement by any Beatle.
5/5
I have rewarded The Kinks everything from 2 to 4 on this list so far.
Arthur is the Kinks album that finally makes them deserving of the highest rating available … and then some.
It’s easy to compare 60’s-artists to The Beatles, so I will do just that, as Arthur is as good as anything the Fab Four released - it’s a quintessential 60’s release deserving of all the praise you can thrown in its direction.
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
I enjoyed this way more than I was prepared for. While side two is at times a bit heavy on the new wave, side one is packed with bangers and classics.
Cindy Lauper possesses a mesmerizing attitude and songs to back it up; how could you not enjoy “Time After Time”?
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
Behaviour is to its core a rather sad listening experience. That doesn’t change the fact, that I always leave the Pet Shop Boys in a good mood - depressing lyrics or not.
Muddy Waters
2/5
Muddy Waters plays a mean blues (probably), but if he wants to change my opinion on blues being repetitive and rather boring, he shouldn’t play “Got My Mojo Working” twice in a row.
The Prodigy
1/5
Had this nightmare of a record been two minutes longer, I would have needed to call in sick from work due to stress.
James Taylor
3/5
I would definitely have chosen a different James Taylor album, but I guess they wanted “Fire And Rain” on the list.
When he gets too bluesy on Sweet Baby James I lose interest - but at every other moment there’s just no denying the quality of Taylor’s vocals.
U2
4/5
U2 fully knew who they were at this point - even though it’s definitely their harshest and least delay-filled album.
It’s no wonder they became one of the biggest rock bands ever, when they could produce material like this.
Especially Side A is completely without flaw - Side B is not as instantly recognizable and catchy, but War is a classic nonetheless.
Khaled
3/5
Let’s all agree that there are plenty of “Imagine” covers out there - thank you.
Kenza is also too long and could have easily been shortened by removing “Imagine” and the Arab version of “C’est La Nuit”.
Now that we’ve moved past the negatives - this album is just a jam!
It’s hard to sit still when Khaled does his thing and I find it difficult not to be instantly charmed by both music and vocals.
Raï is one of the many African genres I have only briefly delved into before this.
I doubt this’ll be my last encounter though.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
I think it’s rather unfair to include a greatest hits on this list.
What’s that?
It’s a regular studio album?
His 18th studio album?!
Jesus!
Stevie Wonder doesn’t miss a single beat on this monumental achievement.
Dolly Parton
4/5
What can I say? Dolly is hard to hate.
Gang Of Four
4/5
I’m honestly tired of the amount of British post-punk on this list - it’s excessive to say the least.
But… You know…
When it’s good, it’s bloody good.
Can
5/5
I could listen to this era of Can all day.
It’s absolutely gorgeous.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
Edgy blues for edgy boys.
Beyoncé
3/5
Let’s not kid ourselves and pretend like every Beyoncé record is a life altering.
This is a good pop record, but it’s really not that special compared to some of her other achievements.
About halfway through someone maxed out the volume of the bass - and that’s when this album really gets going.
Other songs rely too heavily on plain electronic ideas, without offering anything new or exciting.
It’s not a bad record.
It’s just not as groundbreaking as people would like you to believe.
Robbie Williams
2/5
I a frenzied pursuit to distance himself from his boy band past, Robbie Williams’ debut is a mediocre britpop album that just happens to also contain one banger rock anthem and a legendary ballad.
Butthole Surfers
3/5
I hate how much I enjoy this.
It’s pure creative insanity… And of course it comes with ups and downs.
Portishead
4/5
Portishead returns to the stage with new musical inspirations and a sense of maturity - especially on Gibbons half.
Some of the instrumental ideas are more grotesque and noisier than ever but they still retain their iconic Portishead-sound.
It’s not the peak of their career (since they pretty much started out on top); buts it’s more than just a solid return to the stage.
Pink Floyd
4/5
If you invited people by your house to listen to Pink Floyd and then only listened to this, you could ruin a lot of friendships.
Piper is lacking a lot of what would later make Pink Floyd a household name; it’s just as exciting as most of their post Dark Side-releases.
It’s a psychedelic trip through the weird wonders of early Floyd. It’s unclear if they knew what they were doing at all times, but it almost always works - even though the mixing will make you fear for the condition of your stereo.
The Undertones
4/5
Short, fun, energetic and catchy.
Quite the incredible pop-punk release from 1979.
Genesis
5/5
It’s impressive that Genesis was able to produce one of the greatest prog albums of all time, when you read about the problematic writing and recording sessions.
It’s too rare of an occasion that I get to listen to the entire thing in one sitting … And while that’s shame, I wouldn’t want it to be even a second shorter.
Chicago
4/5
Chicago was a brute force of sheer creativity starting with their debut album and all the way up through the 70’s.
Their complex jazz rock and many records exceeding the 1 hour marker was somehow what people were looking for. I for one completely understand.
The xx
2/5
All The XX want to do is tease you.
“Intro” is such a great piece of music promising an album full of power and energy - at least that’s where it leaves us after leading up to it the entire time.
Unfortunately this is the second The XX album on this list delivering nothing but intros, teasing us, promising a grand outro - only to abruptly ending everything without ever progressing.
There’s absolute no reason you should actively listen to this album. It’s harmless and at times rather good, when it’s just playing in the background.
But you could honestly play it in a supermarket without offending anyone.
The 13th Floor Elevators
4/5
A most fitting album title if I ever saw one.
Queen Latifah
2/5
I’m probably not the target audience, but even if I was, most of the beats on All Hail the Queen are quite bland.
Latifah delivers some great bars along the way and “The Pros” is an absolute highlight - overall it’s just not that interesting, no matter how important of a record it might be.
PJ Harvey
5/5
PJ Harvey’s greatest album vocally.
The songwriting is absolutely gorgeous and she never misses on yet another masterpiece.
Stephen Stills
4/5
Go take a look at the list of musicians appearing on this solo debut. It’s insane.
Tears For Fears
5/5
80’s music doesn’t get much better than this. Many people tried, but Tears For Fears really mastered the formula.
While Side One contains the two most instantly recognizable songs, the album eventually peaks with “Head Over Heels”.
Calexico
4/5
Calexico are masters of blending their indie rock with a wide array of Latin sounds and genres.
It’s always an enjoyable ride exploring the desert landscape with these guys.
The Bees
3/5
Another great example of the people behind this list finding a Mercury Music Prize nominee and cramming them on here.
Sunshine Hit Me is actually rather nice and pleasant - but it’s neither truly innovative or influential. There’s really no good reason for this to have a spot on a list like this.
Anthrax
5/5
Easily the most underrated of thrash metal’s Big Four. The classic Anthrax lineup is a powerhouse and they never seemed more fully developed than on Among The Living.
Their New York-inspired punkier approach to the genre makes Anthrax quite distinct when compared to the other heavyweights - and makes for some perfect stadium singalong choruses.
Bob Dylan
5/5
Even the electric side of this is still pretty damn folky. People in 1965 being angry about this needs to chill the fuck out.
It’s an incredible record and Dylan makes everything work.
Dead Kennedys
5/5
This album sees Dead Kennedys stealing mail and killing the poor, the landlord and children. It’s brilliant.
Neil Young
5/5
Unbelievably beautiful.
Another great addition to the How-to-Make-Me-Shed-A-Tear list.
Spacemen 3
2/5
A snooze fest with only a few truly redeeming qualities.
It’s not half as clever as they seem to think it is.
Nirvana
5/5
Just a reminder that Nirvana’s radio friendly album still contains “Territorial Pissings”.
The 90’s wouldn’t have been the same without Nevermind.
Thundercat
5/5
Thundercats is a madman.
His creativity is through the roof and his sound spectacular. I also happen to be a sucker for whatever Flying Lotus is involved with, so his presence is very much welcomed as well.
2/5
There’s a few standout tracks on this otherwise middle of the road punk rock record. It’s mostly harmless - which is exactly what a punk record shouldn’t be.
Caetano Veloso
4/5
Yet another reminder for me to listen to more Brazilian 60’s records.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
3/5
Definitely not what I was expecting.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing.
The ideas are at times not developed enough to be truly interesting, but their musicianship is worth a listen nonetheless.
Snoop Dogg
4/5
I hate interludes as much as the next person … But when they’re as fun as “Class Room Intro” and followed by beats as funky as “Gz and Hustlas” I have a hard time being mad. I’m as surprised as you are.
Snoop Doggy Dogg’s flow is impeccable and everything about Doggystyle is just pretty damn iconic.
The Youngbloods
3/5
The Youngbloods really don’t know which genres they would like to play. Is it folk? Is it rock? Is it jazz? Who knows.
Luckily they play them all rather well.
Elephant Mountain is rarely thrilling but it’s easily enjoyable and contains a few stellar tracks - the opener “Darkness, Darkness” being a prime example.
Simply Red
3/5
Surprisingly good. There are some boring songs along the way but most of the album is really rather good. Not excellent, but entertaining nonetheless.
Machito
4/5
If I had not already listened to Incredible Bongo Band on this list, I would have sworn that this was that album. It’s definitely more fitting - and a lot better.
Abdullah Ibrahim
4/5
Extremely pleasant jazz record.
It’s almost too pleasant, as I never get a sense of who Abdullah Ibrahim actually is - it simply lacks some character to be another perfect jazz addition on this list.
Roxy Music
4/5
This list has been a pleasant reminder of how much I love Roxy Music - pre- and post-Eno.
fIREHOSE
3/5
On some tracks you can definitely hear the early R.E.M. inspiration. I really dig that.
The rest of the album and all the short drum thingies are a bit of an unorganized mess though. Quite entertaining, but a mess nonetheless.
Brian Eno
3/5
A fine rock effort from Eno. It just doesn’t do the same for me as his legacy in Roxy Music and ambient records do.
Haircut 100
3/5
The first half is wonderfully funky and exciting. Unfortunately the second half loses some momentum, but it never stops Pelican West from being a fun record.
4/5
At the end of “Chippie” someone exclaims: “Oh my god”.
Oh my god, indeed.
This is a jazz album thanking Napalm Death in the liner notes!
An absolutely horrendous introduction to both jazz, hardcore punk and grindcore.
It really makes me appreciate the hours and hours of jazz I’ve already heard - if not I would have no idea what was going on here.
Most of the time I still don’t, but after a while I start to grasp what Zorn is doing with Spy Vs. Spy. Especially towards the end the band start churning out exceptional renditions of compositions like “Feet Music” and “Mob Job”.
I might be in dire need of a Xanax and another week of vacation - but as challenging as this might be, it is a record you should at least try listening to.
David Bowie
5/5
Station To Station is peak Bowie, but you could honestly say that about so many of his records. It almost seems unfair.
XTC
4/5
For a band with such a boring name as XTC, this semi-conceptual, semi-psychedelic trip sure sounds like some of the member indulged in ecstasy while … Wait a minute?!
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
I keep telling myself that Elvis Costello just isn’t for me. That said he does a pretty good job of convincing me otherwise.
I start to get why he is such a big deal for some people. The quieter and more jazzy songs I could have done without to make the record more tight - but it’s really quite good Costello, gotta give you that.
The Roots
4/5
A phenomenal hip hop album proving that you can produce a 70-minute album without filling it with skits. It stills overstays its welcome a bit, but there’s no denying the greatness of this Roots-era.
Simple Minds
3/5
Some pretty synth pop that never exceeds any expectations. No surprises, but no real let downs either.
Ash
4/5
A strong collection of pop songs neatly disguised in a cloud of J Masic-esque distorted guitars. A great rock record that is just slightly too long.
The Byrds
5/5
As good psychedelia and folk rock gets.
Sabu
1/5
How many congas players are too many?
On Palo Congo there are 5, so the answer is somewhere lower than that.
Kelela
3/5
Airy productions and great vocal performances by Kelela.
It’s all fine but maybe not inventive enough to deserve a spot on this list? I can appreciate it though - but I’m not exactly the target audience.
Kings of Leon
5/5
One of the major releases of the late 00’s.
The Followills really nailed what everybody seemed to long for at exactly the right time.
Caleb’s vocals are extremely emotional and powerful, Jared’s bass playing is playful and Nathan’s drumming is always a breath of fresh air.
There’s a chance this might be dated - I might still be too much in love to notice it.
And when you close an album on “Cold Desert” (a go-to late night favorite of mine) I have nothing bad to say.
Steve Winwood
4/5
Winwood is an excellent instrumentalist, songwriter and producer - and this completely homemade record shows.
John Martyn
2/5
It’s not until the brilliant last song that I finally get what John Martyn tried but ultimately failed to do with One World.
The rest of the record is just boring and uninspired…
Beastie Boys
4/5
You never know what to expect when Beastie Boys arrive - you only know that it’ll be good.
There’s simply no denying the greatness of BB’s innovative mix of sampling, raunchy vocals, live punk instrumentation and insane attitude.
They start to lose grip of the record around “Eugene’s Lament” but luckily they regain it with “Heart Attack Man” and keep on delivering for the rest of Ill Communication.
Cocteau Twins
5/5
Nobody sounds quite like Cocteau Twins.
It might just be one of my favorite overall sounds of all time. They’re absolutely brilliant.
Ride
4/5
What really makes Ride stand out from their showgaze contemporaries is their heavier and more straightforward approach to the genre. When they fully emerge themselves in this, as on “Dreams Burn Down”, they really are in a league of their own - it’s just not often enough that they fully indulge in this.
The Human League
3/5
Pretty good synth pop, but I can’t help feeling that this album is mostly here because of its smash hit closing track.
It really takes something unique within this genre to blow me away - and The Human League don’t quite deliver that.
The Specials
1/5
A horrible take on ska and humor that absolutely nobody other than the band itself think is funny. Luckily the production is always boring.
It’s no wonder most of the band decided to quit after releasing this.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
5/5
This supergroup debut contains some of the greatest folk songs ever recorded with some of my favorite vocal harmonies to go along with them.
They really do suit each other unbelievably well.
Yes
5/5
The album where Yes truly began defining the band they were to become.
The grandeur starts to show and especially the stereo mix on “Perpetual Change” is out of this world.
Mix it up with the drumming of Bill Bruford (easily one of my favorites) and bass playing of Chris Squire and you have yourself a winner.
Louis Prima
5/5
Prima record!
Try not having a good time listening to this, you rascal you.
Cornershop
1/5
I hate this record with a passion.
I hate it, I hate it, I hate it.
I would officially like to retract every one star review I’ve given to other records and award them at least a two.
There are absolutely no redeeming qualities on this record. The instrumentals lead to nowhere, apparently the good version of “Brimful Of Asha” is a remix so we have to listen to this sleep inducing original - and Cornershop never seem to be able to come up with an idea that works.
If the title is to be trusted, I would like to thank the person that ended Cornershop the first 6 times.
MGMT
4/5
The first half of this MGMT’s debut record is some of the best work recorded during the 00’s. The track list is beyond insane, sprawling with hits and huge anthems that you can’t possibly have missed.
That being said, the latter half isn’t bad at all - it’s really quite good. It’s just difficult following in the footsteps of the epic that is the 5 opening tracks.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
It’s not quite Bayou Country, but it’s still half an hour of John Fogerty’s iconic vocals.
Tom Waits
5/5
Swordfishtrombones is as wonderful and unique as its name implies. It lives in a world completely of its own - such is the land of Tom Waits.
One minute you find yourself listening to the most beautiful piano driven ballad; the next someone is banging recklessly on a steel pipe.
I guess it’s one of those albums you either love or hate.
Ray Price
3/5
It might get a little repetitive a little to fast - but boy can Ray Price sing.
Peter Frampton
4/5
It’s not hard to understand why this is one of the best-selling live albums of all time.
Frampton is an excellent guitarist and most of his repertoire is harmless - which is also his weakness.
There are some stone cold classics along the way and ending on this legendary rendition in “Do You Feel Like We Do” is masterful. It’s not enough to fully forgive the cover of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” but it’s close.
k.d. lang
1/5
Might actually be the most boring album on here… k.d. Lang isn’t really that great of a singer and her band sound like they are on autopilot.
It’s not offensively bad - it’s just boring.
Morrissey
3/5
Some 700 albums in and I start to think this might be the last Morrissey album for me? I hope so.
I might be repeating myself in this review:
- He is obviously not a bad singer.
- There are some GREAT tracks on this record (“Irish Blood, English Heart” and “I Have Forgiven Jesus” being two).
The rest I don’t really care for.
- His discography really isn’t diverse enough to grant him this many spots on the list. What is You Are The Quarry doing that his earlier albums didn’t showcase?
David Bowie
5/5
“Look up here, I’m in heaven”
It might not have been intentional, but releasing those words just days before your death … That really hits hard.
Inspired by both jazz ans hip hop artists, Blackstar perfectly exhibits the ever-evolving, curious and experimenting artist that Bowie was right until his final moments.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
I really miss John McGeoch’s sublime guitar in this debut record. It’s the thing that made Siouxsie And the Banshees truly shine on their masterpiece, Juju.
The Scream is just fine - and that’s not quite enough coming from such an influential group.
Burning Spear
4/5
Burning Spear’s politically charged roots reggae feels almost like a manifest at times. Backed by the impressive Black Disciples, Marcus Garvey is a reggae album not to miss.
With a runtime of just over half an hour it still manages to contain a few songs, that doesn’t quite hold up to the rest of the track list - it’s nevertheless an intriguing listen if you’re into the 70’s reggae scene.
Parliament
4/5
I have a tendency to grow tired of too much funk - but whenever George Clinton is involved, it doesn’t seem to be the case.
I’m not as much in love with the Parliament side of P-Funk, but its groove is still unmatched.
Lou Reed
4/5
Lou Reed tells a captivating story on Berlin. It’s not my favorite Reed album, as I feel there are too many tracks that just don’t quite reaches the highs you would expect from an artist like Reed.
I especially feel this way about the 2 “Caroline Says” tracks - but he manages to close this concept album with such force that Berlin still manages to stand out.
Fairport Convention
4/5
The fiddle takes a less dominant spot on Unhalfbricking as it did on Liege & Lief.
It really suits the songs and gives Denny’s vocals a more prominent leading role.
The fact that most songs are also written by the band and not “just” rearranged traditional also makes the album feel more alive.
Finley Quaye
2/5
When there’s barely any info to be found on either artist or album on this list, it’s usually either a good sign or a massive red flag. This is most definitely the latter.
Quaye’s father (who he grew up without) was of African heritage but born in London. Yet Quaye still chooses to deliver the entire album in a fake Jamaican patois - it’s not exactly the greatest of choices.
Les Rythmes Digitales
3/5
I have absolutely no idea what this album is. It’s probably a 2 if I’m honest - but it really made me want to dance.
Beastie Boys
4/5
Beastie Boys took hip hop places no one ever imagined hip hop would go with Licensed To Ill.
Dire Straits
5/5
Brothers In Arms was obviously an attempt at writing bigger and more radio friendly songs suited for stadiums - but if writing “So Far Away”, “Money For Nothing” and “Walk Of Life” is you selling out, I don’t care.
Knopfler’s songwriting is on point all the way through and especially “Your Latest Trick” and the closing title track are chillingly beautiful.
Joy Division
5/5
Listening to Closer it’s no surprise the remaining members of Joy Division would go on to form New Order.
It resembles dance music much more than the debut whole never letting go of the dark substances in which Ian Curtis seemed to thrive musically.
A haunting and beautiful epitaph from one of the most important post-punk bands.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
Emmylou Harris’ vocals are hauntingly beautiful. I’m just not that interested in this style of country.
John Lennon
5/5
I don’t take any offense in the religious disowning on the sublime “God”.
But no five words on any post-Beatles record hurt more than: “I don’t believe in Beatles”.
Al Green
4/5
So much emotion, so much soul.
Just enjoy and let Al Green take over for just about half an hour.
The Boo Radleys
2/5
The Boo Radleys have no idea what kind of band they are. Giant Steps is all over the place and almost feels like a compilation of different genres or a random playlist.
I will end on a conversation that must have taken place during recording:
“Guys, this song is also kind of bland. Can we do something about it?”
“You know what worked the last 11 times?”
*all band members in unison*
“AN OUTRO WITH NOISY GUITARS!”
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
I really appreciate the pretentiousness of Rufus Wainwright for some reason. He’s in a world of his own.
That being said, this didn’t have the same impact on me as Want Two had; it’s still good, but I never felt as involved.
Hole
4/5
Not particularly a fan of Courtney Love, but there’s no denying the importance of Hole on the 90’s rock scene.
The United States Of America
5/5
Joseph Byrd is an under appreciated genius. This is far ahead of its time.
Pushing boundaries and both provocative and innovative in themes as well as production.
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Sublime cover art. I could just sit and watch it the entire time listening to the record. Love it.
Curtis Mayfield's smooth vocals and striking political message provides an excellent listen. Despite its short length it still comes across a bit one-sided - but it's definitely worth a listen.
Frank Black
4/5
Teenager Of the Year is a bit like watching Pixies live - the songs just keeps coming and coming and coming.
Is 22 songs too many? Probably. It seems excessive.
Should the record be any shorter? I mean, it’s Black Francis doing his thing. So probably not.
Bob Dylan
5/5
Dylan probably never had a better band than the one on Blonde On Blonde. Another peak in his 60's discography, almost making it seem like an entire mountain range.
Astor Piazzolla
5/5
The opening track, “Milonga Is Coming”, instantly became one of my favorite instrumental compositions - devastatingly beautiful.
A captivating live recording that made me forget about anything else during its entire duration.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
While I think Doug Yule is great, you can still sense that John Cale is missing from this line-up.
“Pale Blue Eyes” is an obvious highlight, but the record truly peaks with the chaotic “The Murder Mystery” that is just pure imagination run amok.
Metallica
5/5
Metallica’s first albums relied heavily on Burton’s impressive bass playing - it’s a big part of what makes them so good!
After his tragic death the band chose to somehow honor his legacy by producing an album with almost no discernible bass … And it turned out to be one of their greatest accomplishments.
Dennis Wilson
4/5
Stone solid record by the group’s only actual Beach Boy. The ambience is spot on and the songwriting is great, as it should be on a Wilson-record.
Pantera
4/5
Sometimes you don’t know why a band picked a certain album cover.
Other times you feel it physically.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
3/5
Slightly more sophisticated but just as avant as its successor, Club Penguin.
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
Pet Shop Boys at their most danceable.
It’s simply a thrill. They could have probably cut a song or two to make it more streamlined and tight - but I don’t really care that much.
Orange Juice
3/5
I was really excited about this after the opening tracks - and while it never became bad, I had a hard time understanding some of the instrumental choices. Maybe it was just a tad too goofy at times?
The Undertones
4/5
The angsty punk vs. girls girls girls balance in the songwriting is a bit off, but it’s a really fun listen nonetheless. It sounds like it’s just a bunch of friends in a garage shouting the backing vocals into a single mic - as it should be.
The Mothers Of Invention
4/5
Legendary and highly influential album by one of the most creative musicians ever.
Freak Out! is not quite as provocative and extreme as it would have been in ‘66 - remember that this was just the second rock double album to be released; almost immediately after Blonde On Blonde.
Today it is still fun, exciting and way, way ahead of its time - but it’s important criticism is not as relevant.
Dr. John
3/5
Swampy, psychedelic and bluesy.
Dr. John is one of the best at what he does. He has proved that countless times.
It was with Gris-Gris that he unfolded his voodoo world for the world to explore with him. A lot of the record works really well and he knows when to demand your attention, as in “I Walk On Guilded Splinters”.
Unfortunately there is also room for songs like “Croker Courtbullion” - and those really aren’t working.
Silver Jews
2/5
Dreary vocals and only half-interesting songwriting. Quite the drag.
Lenny Kravitz
3/5
Definitely not the biggest fan of Kravitz.
His production in this debut is a bit rough, and there are definitely some improvement needed on some of the songs - but he still enters the stage early thinking he’s the next Prince. And you kinda have to admire the confidence (he isn’t, of course).
What ultimately makes this a 3 is the great “I Built This Garden For Us”. A nice revisit.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Marley, Tosh and Wailer never failed to produce world class and genre defining music.
Catch A Fire is no different.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Imagine being allowed to sing the lyrics of “San Quentin” in front of the actual inmates.
Then imagine doing it twice.
Cash delivered the performance of a lifetime, but unfortunately the people putting together the format of the physical release didn’t.
808 State
2/5
Acid House is a bit like heroin.
I’ve seen what it does to people, so I’d rather not get too involved.
Marvin Gaye
5/5
It’s been 53 years since Marvin Gaye raised these questions … And it’s as relevant as ever.
What’s going on?!
LCD Soundsystem
5/5
If James Murphy wants to become the new Talking Heads, why not let him?
Deee-Lite
1/5
I had a feeling this would be bad.
Then I found out the members are called Super DJ Dimitry, Jungle DJ Towa Towa and The Lady Miss Kier Kirby.
That’s when I knew all hope was gone.
Deee-Lite is the reason the 1001 Songs list exists.
Dexys Midnight Runners
4/5
Rowland’s crazy vocal is probably enough to carry this entire album alone - but solid songwriting is absolutely helping as well!
Elvis Presley
4/5
Released in 1956 it’s no wonder Elvis became immensely popular.
Elvis is definitely cool and the song choices are just as you’d expect.
Ultimately it’s one song that really stands out; “Blue Moon”.
The distant guitars makes the entire song have an ethereal feeling and at times this version almost feels like it touches on a psychedelic vibe way before it was close to being a thing. It’s easily the most progressive piece of work he ever did and the obvious stand out track on this legendary debut.
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
This was a “nope” even before “Fodderstompf”. Easily one of the worst songs on this list so far.
The KLF
1/5
For a brief moment one section reminded me of the soundtrack to Spyro the Dragon by Stewart Copeland, so I put that on.
Amazing soundtrack; nostalgic, fun and immensely creative. 5/5
Everything The White Room isn’t.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
5/5
With a cover like this you could be cheated into thinking you’re getting a banger thrash metal record - instead it’s one of the greatest big band albums ever produced.
Either way, you won’t leave disappointed.
Grant Lee Buffalo
5/5
Michael Stipe called Fuzzy the greatest album of 1993. Since its release falls just in between two years of stellar R.E.M. releases, he might actually be right.
John Martyn
2/5
I’ve already had One World by Martyn on this list - a boring album with a phenomenal closing track. So I’m honestly surprised to see, that he’s got more albums on this list.
Solid Air is more bluesy than One World and I don’t really get the point of that. I found him way more interesting, when he experienced with ambient music.
Suede
3/5
With Dog Man Star Suede seemed to distance themselves from the britpop wave. And while it’s by no means a bad record, it’s not as captivating as the debut - and a lot more grandiose and borderline pretentious.
Killing Joke
4/5
There's so much British post-punk present on this list, it's fair to call it a pandemic.
Luckily some of it is still as exciting as Killing Joke - even though you probably know the formula by heart at this point.
Guided By Voices
5/5
Blink and you miss a song.
So you should probably apply some duct tape; it'd be a shame to miss any of Pollard's creative overload.
(I know it's a shit metaphor for sound, so please insert a better one mentally, if you have one at hand. Thank you in advance)
Sepultura
4/5
According to Max Cavalera, Roots ends on “Dictatorshit” with “Canyon Jam” playing after the record is over. For the purpose of this review, I’ll stick with that being the truth.
Sepultura fully embrace their Brazilian heritage and incorporates a great amount of culture and rhythms on this beast of a 90’s metal record. I remember discovering this when I was 13 and being gobsmacked by the entire rhythm section.
It’s still a bit too long, but the intensity delivered by the Cavalera brothers especially is wild.
Orbital
2/5
I actually quite enjoy this horrendously titled album when it focuses on the ambient jazzy techno. The opening song is a great example.
What I don’t like is Goldfrapp, the length and “Quality Seconds” in particular.
FKA twigs
5/5
Pop has a tendency to age rather quickly.
It's a genre closely tied with the present fashion.
LP1 is now 10 years old (a lifetime in pop years) and it still holds up brilliantly. The production is stellar, FKA Twigs' vocals are hauntingly beautiful - but the most impressive thing is that if this was released tomorrow, it would still feel new and fresh.
The Auteurs
4/5
The darker and more intelligent cousin of early britpop. It’s not without its flaws and it might also be part of the britpop fatigue this list gives birth to.
It’s nonetheless both charming, funny and well written.
Shuggie Otis
2/5
It started of as a soulful trip with psychedelic vibes, but soon turned into a great occasion for me to practice my napping skills.
Nothing is particularly bad - just boring.
Wild Beasts
5/5
Was not expecting this. Impressive vocals and creative use of the instrumentation.
The use of two excellent lead vocalists makes it hard to guess where Wild Beasts are heading next. I was blown away for the entire ride and need to dive into their other albums in the near future.
Dagmar Krause
3/5
I have come a conclusion that Tank Battles doesn’t really fit this list. I just don’t get, why everyone would need to sit through this cabaret-style record in their lifetime.
When that it said, I was strangely compelled by Krause’s emotional vocals and, at least to some extent, the storytelling as well. You can hear in the delivering alone, that this is an important album - maybe only to Krause, maybe because of its themes, maybe to a lot of people understanding this slightly better than I do.
I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
So I’ll finish this review now, before I change my mind and hand it 2 stars.
Mercury Rev
4/5
Listen to the great Deserter’s Songs, then listen to its magnificent sister record The Soft Bulletin - proceed to just enjoy life.
The Charlatans
3/5
The Charlatans sound as if they’re dedicated to only playing Oasis b-sides.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Randy Newman
4/5
Few white men can get away with using the sort language and words, that Newman carefully weaves into his sharp and satirical storytelling.
It’s a thin line, but he balances perfectly.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
No Echo And the Bunnymen records are uplifting per se - but there’s something about Porcupine that still feels more joyous than a lot of their other efforts.
It’s a band that rarely misses.
This is their third album on this list for me - and they still manage to hit the mark.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
4/5
Great, great record, made slightly worse by the inclusion of two very long and very unnecessary instrumental sections on “Sealand” and the title track.
The Sabres Of Paradise
2/5
I think I rather enjoy some of what SoP (do people call them that?) try to achieve here. They fully explore each song and let them evolve organically.
I just don’t remember if I truly like it or not after 75 minutes of techno… But as I’ve come to learn from this list, it seems to be the excruciating standard runtime of any techno album.
TV On The Radio
4/5
A bleak and dark debut focusing almost entirely on the bottom half of your speakers.
It’s one of those rare albums on this list where I had to give it another listen, as I wasn’t quite ready for what hit me. Did I actually like? Was it simply too barren?
Turns out I really dig it!
Looking forward to revisiting Dear Science later on.
Julian Cope
2/5
I didn’t really care for Cope when he was with the Teardrop Explodes. I don’t much care for him as a solo artist either.
With this many skippable songs it’s almost a crime to include 18 of them.
Wilco
4/5
Yesterday I gave Julian Cope a hard time for including 18 song on his boring album.
Wilco included 19 on this.
Is it too long? Sure.
Is it somehow fine by me? Also sure.
The Clash
4/5
The Clash proving that you don't have to be a bad musician to play punk. It's controversial, but nonetheless true.
Digital Underground
1/5
The cover and the fact that 2Pac was involved at some point (later on) was somewhat promising.
But after what felt like a hundred 6+ minutes hip hop songs with little variation, I had to give up hope and just let the record play out while doing more important stuff like organizing cleaning supplies.
Tim Buckley
5/5
The THIRD Tim Buckley album. I’m as surprised as you are. I’ve liked the other two; but Goodbye And Hello is the album of his that truly deserves its spot on the list.
The experience of this album is almost that of a fairy tale. His vocals are phenomenal and the compositions never fail to both surprise and astound you. There’s magic to be found here.
Scritti Politti
3/5
It’s almost nauseatingly sweet, but the production is magnificent and ultra smooth.
It’s not revolutionary. It’s doesn’t even progress that much during its runtime. It’s just there - and somehow enough.
The Beta Band
2/5
Feels like a filler album. As if they reached 1.000 and just needed 1 more.
It’s okay and I don’t mind it, but there’s no need for The Beta Band to take up room, when so many albums seem to be missing.
Fiona Apple
4/5
Fiona Apple has always been above and beyond. Her jazzy and wonderfully emotional debut proves that.
The Mars Volta
5/5
The Mars Volta came crashing in and defined the entire prog scene for decades. The combination of Bixler-Zavala and Rodríguez-López is a creative force to behold.
Brian Wilson
4/5
The fact that Smile was never originally finished is a crying shame.
The question now rises; which one is the truest edition? Brian Wilson’s Smile or the almost complete The Smile Session?
I’m honestly not sure.
The latter lacks the production value of the first - the first lacks the psychedelia and young Beach Boys energy of the latter.
But what a relief nonetheless that Smile eventually was realized one way or the other.
Ice Cube
4/5
This is the sort of material that makes Ice Cube worthy of a spot on this list.
His debut was a misoginystic mess, but on The Predator Cube proves his worth as both a lyricist and rapper with an impeccable flow.
I have some problems with the production side of the beats, but this is still a solid record.
Elvis Costello
2/5
Another day, another Elvis Costello album.
I wake up at least once a week and wonders what it must have cost him to get this many albums included.
Brutal Youth is number 4 so far.
There are a few decent tracks on here, but most of them are either boring or just horribly written.
But that's not the worst part.... No, no, no.
*sigh*
The worst part is knowing, that there's a few more of his albums waiting for me.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
As Cosmo's Factory opens it promises us a new CCR. Space rock and psychedelia? It's phenomenal.
"Unfortunately" they quickly fall back into a more classic rock'n'roll/country style. It's not bad, I just yearn for more of what "Ramble Tamble" showed me.
Side two manages to return to more creative and, at least for CCR, less traditional songs such as a great rendition of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine".
Also - this is the FIFTH Creedence album since the release of their debut just 2 years prior.
Maybe Fogerty should have slowed down just a bit?
System Of A Down
5/5
If Frank Zappa was an American-Armenian metal band.
What's not to love?
Frank Ocean
5/5
Channel Orange is a cornerstone of modern R&B. The monolithic centerpiece of “Pyramids” followed by “Lost” is easily enough to make this album deserve its runtime.
Also, I had forgotten that it starts with a PlayStation booting up. Love it!
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
3/5
Definitely more fun and funky than furious.
The title track is legendary and the humour on especially the ode to Stevie Wonder is still intact.
But while I acknowledge the important of it, I am just now blown away by The Message in 2024.
Alice Cooper
2/5
The title track is a classic. No doubt about it. It’s great!
The rest of the album? Not that much.
Cooper and the band try to be clever and incorporate everything from jazz to progressive rock - they just never pull it off, and it ends up being more comical than impressive.
Rod Stewart
4/5
At age 26 Rod Stewart sounded like he had lived a full life. An under appreciated gift.
The folk influence really suits the songs and Stewart’s style - you really feel at home and safe with a record like this.
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
Hot tip for listening to albums like this: Only listen when traveling alone by night - by car, train or walking through a busy city centre… The mode of transportation doesn’t matter. Just don’t listen in broad daylight.
Antony and the Johnsons
5/5
Anohni is blessed with the voice of a literal angel, and if you don’t get moved by I Am A Bird Now, you probably don’t deserve to.
Magazine
4/5
Who came up with the idea of creating the bass/guitar duo of McGeoch and Adamson? I just wanna thank you.
Ground breaking post-punk that only gets more creative as you go further into the album.
It’s of course the 1000th album of its genre on the list so far - but this is one that should stay.
Queen
5/5
A Night At The Opera is the only studio album where Queen fully live up to their immense hype.
The production is superb and each song is masterfully crafted. “Bohemian Rhapsody” is the obvious stand out, but to me it’s “39” and “The Prophet’s Song” that ultimately sells this as a perfect rock album to me.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
2/5
Mostly included to showcase the early guitar playing of Eric Clapton. It might do that - but it accomplishes very little beside from that.
Blue Cheer
4/5
The earliest examples of metal is sometimes attributed to everyone from The Who to The Beatles and The Kinks.
And while those bands definitely was an early influence on the genre, Blue Cheer just went straight ahead and played heavy metal - no influence needed.
Mariah Carey
1/5
I was expecting not to care for this - but I was expecting Mariah Carey to at least deliver some impressive vocal performances.
I don’t even think she delivers on that.
It’s a horrible addition to this list.
Giant Sand
2/5
Before mumble rap there was mumble rock. Don’t care that much for either.
I understand that the vocal is an aesthetic choice and all… It’s just a boring one.
Missy Elliott
2/5
I was really taken aback by the quality of the samples and the production itself in the first half - it’s brilliant. The same goes for having Busta Rhymes introduce you on your debut album.
But of course Supa Dupa Fly has to go on for just over an hour because of megalomania, I can only assume. It’s way too long… Exhausting, actually.
Cut 20 minutes and this is quite a good hip hop album. Like this it’s way too much.
The Beach Boys
5/5
You probably wouldn’t expect that a masterpiece of this caliber would hide behind such a silly cover art.
The sound is massive and every indie band to this day still looks to Pet Sounds when producing their over the top vocal productions.
Short and simple; a landmark record.
Mudhoney
4/5
23 minutes of super fuzz and big muff.
Essential early grunge at its core.
Paul Simon
3/5
Paul Simon’s inevitable contemporary pop album. The genre itself is perfectly non-offensive - and so is this album. It’s still Paul Simon though, so there’s enough strong songs and melodies to not make it dull.
During the otherwise bland “Cars Are Cars”, Simon proclaims that “cars are cars all over the world”. I would really like it to be a commentary on racism - but there’s a real possibility that it’s just about cars.
The White Stripes
2/5
This is the third White Stripes album in the list. Please don’t force me to listen to any more of Meg’s drumming.
A big plus that she actually isn’t doing a lot of drumming on this one, but at the same time it’s definitely not Jack White’s songwriting at his strongest.
Ms. Dynamite
1/5
The authors must have predicted an entirely different course for Ms. Dynamite when they opted to include this totally unnecessary record on the list.
The best thing about it is Kymani Marley who appears for a minute or so - the rest is irrelevant beyond belief.
Femi Kuti
4/5
Hailing from the legendary Kuti-family it should come as no surprise that Femi Kuti delivers.
Fiercely political and wonderfully groovy.
Even the most opinionated folk singer will have a hard time keeping up with angry and oppressed African musicians.
Slade
2/5
Slade is doing Slade-stuff. It’s overrated.
Hookworms
3/5
It’s good. It’s not great, but it’s good.
There’s very little information on this record - and I have a hard time understanding why it should be a necessity to listen to this album.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
One of his better albums vocally.
I still don’t get why you would need to listen to this much Elvis Costello in one lifetime. His songwriting really isn’t that impressive.
Almost done with him for this list - and maybe for good?
Napalm Death
4/5
Extremely influential metal record.
You can clearly hear the difference in style between the two sides - weird that changing everyone but the drummer does that, huh?
I prefer the first side where Broadrick and Bullen helps develop a sound that would later be perfected and somehow commercialized by bands such as Slayer.
Another plus with these kinds of records; if you don’t like the song, a new one will start in about a minute.
Robert Wyatt
4/5
I have a hard time understanding that this was released in the late 90’s.
Robert Wyatt always takes you places you wouldn’t have foreseen - and Shleep is no exception. It’s a journey.
Slayer
5/5
Possibly the greatest metal album ever.
It’s just absolute perfection from start to finish.
Jane Weaver
3/5
When this book is the greatest source of an album it tends to be either brilliant or a disaster. Rarely is it just quite good - but that is the case with Modern Kosmology.
There are songs where I fully get why Jane Weaver deserves her spot on this list; then there’s the rest where Weaver seems out of ideas and just ploughs on.
Spiritualized
3/5
1001 albums leading up to 1001 albums you must hear before you die.
Lazer Guided Melodies is good - the later half is great even with “Shine A Light” and “Angel Sigh” being Amazon tracks.
You can really hear where Spiritualized was heading; they just wasn’t quite there yet. It’s a debut, so it’s more than fair to be honest.
I’m not on board from the start.
That’s the sole reason why this isn’t the 4 it could so easily have been.
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
You will have a hard time finding a more organic sounding hip hop record from this era than this.
A Tribe Called Quest was an entirely different entity than the majority of their contemporaries. It’s a long record, but time flies by.
David Bowie
4/5
Legendary record from one of Bowie’s most prominent eras. The title track is one of the greatest songs ever written - and I feel like it’s doing its fair share of lifting on this album.
I’m not calling the rest of ‘Heroes’ bad; that would be downright blasphemy.
I just don’t think it’s as strong as what he presented on Low. Especially the instrumentals of side 2 doesn’t leave me moved in the same way as Low does.
Michael Jackson
5/5
Michael Jackson moonwalks through this entire record and still manages to never make any missteps.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
4/5
Surprisingly pleasurable debut.
It's too long and touches on more genres and ideas than Frankie Goes To Hollywood can handle ... At the same time, that is exactly what makes this feel more like a play than an actual album to me.
There's a clear narrative in the order of the songs and I just have a really hard time not enjoying this.
Mike Oldfield
5/5
Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day.
Give a man access to every instrument conceivable, and he feeds us all for eternity.
Introducing 5 star reviews.
Jazmine Sullivan
3/5
Conceptual character studies disguised as R&B.
I like the concepts and themes.
I will probably forget the music itself rather quickly.
Donald Fagen
3/5
A wonderfully pleasant listen, that ultimately leaves only a little mark.
Jack White
4/5
Oh, so your choice of drummer actually matters? Huh?! Who knew?
Everything But The Girl
2/5
When I reviewed Idlewild, I criticized EBtG for writing very similar and boring pop songs.
On Walking Wounded they explore a new genre by focusing on downtempo electronica - mainly to prove that they manage to be boring in more than one genre? It’s rather admirable.
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
Jefferson Airplane could have yelled into a well for 30 minutes and this would probably still be a 4 due to “Somebody To Love”. Grace Slick sounds unbelievably good.
Paul Weller
4/5
Very solid record from Mr. Weller.
It’s rarely anything too unusual and spectacular - it’s just really well crafted.
Can
4/5
Can is pushing the limits with the length of Tago Mago - parts of the half end of the record could easily have been cut.
At the same time Can is also pushing the boundaries of what music should sound like at the time of its release. Highly influential and never boring.
Moby Grape
3/5
A blend of the most common musical ideas of the 60’s. They do those ideas justice but not much else.
Elliott Smith
4/5
Solid songwriting, strong lyrics and great vocals. You’re never going wrong with Elliott Smith.
Holger Czukay
5/5
Slowly realizing that Can and its members might be some of my favorite music.
Czukay delivers some wonderfully challenging yet approachable pop music on Movies. Quite the masterpiece.
Blood, Sweat & Tears
4/5
Crazy that this was released in ‘68 prior to the debuts of both Chicago and King Crimson. I am definitely adding this to my vinyl collection.
Norah Jones
5/5
You probably can’t make this genre any better, than Norah Jones does on Come Away With Me. The title track is so hauntingly beautiful that it could carry this entire album alone.
Thankfully it doesn’t have to.
Miles Davis
4/5
Miles fully commits to jazz fusion on In A Silent Way - only to later perfect it on Bitches Brew.
5/5
Someone: “There’s no such thing as a perfect rock’n’roll album.”
Ziggy Stardust: *exists*
Scott Walker
3/5
Contender for the most French album to ever come out of the UK. It’s rather atmospheric and Walker knows what he’s doing, but at the same time it’s also just too much and too monotonous.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Born To Run contains some of his career highs - the magnificent title track and “Jungleland” being just two of those.
Having such iconic and powerful tracks also means that some of the other songs tend to feel less grand and more like fillers.
They’re obviously not though and Born To Run is still a great, AMERICAN record.
Drive Like Jehu
5/5
Go ahead and sign me up for the 1001 Post-Hardcore Albums-list, please.
The Shamen
2/5
I hate that it’s a thing for some electronic acts to release their albums in a myriad of different ways. Please decide on a mix and go with it.
Now that that’s out of the way, there are a few interesting choices on this album. Other than that it’s quite a bore.
Grateful Dead
3/5
If you know Grateful Dead in any way, you know exactly what you’re getting.
I’m still not at all sold on the idea of this 15 minutes rendition of “Turn On Your Love Light”. I know that they can jam out some standout blues - this just isn’t it.
Malcolm McLaren
1/5
That one shit radio station in every GTA you scroll past every time.
Oasis
5/5
Definitely Maybe?
Definitely Yes!
Afrika Bambaataa
2/5
It’s not actually an album album, is it now?
It’s fine for a few moments, but I ultimately don’t care about it.
Pink Floyd
5/5
It’s only been a few days since I ranted about some electronic acts releasing several versions of the same song.
Pink Floyd put 3 parts of the same song on The Wall. And I applaud them for it and award them 5 stars.
The world’s not a fair place. Too bad.
Jimmy Smith
4/5
Soulful jazz drenched in organ? I’ll take it.
Bert Jansch
4/5
Really surprised by how solid this debut from Bert Jansch is. I know him mainly by name but he sounds like one I just probably look into.
Madonna
2/5
Who is that much of a Madonna fan that you think everyone should listen to Music? It’s mental.
The hits are hits for a reason but “Nobody’s Perfect” is easily one of her worst songs.
Madonna is a chameleon, changing with every musical trend to blend in - no real integrity, she just wants to be relevant.
Ultimately I can sorta respect that; it just doesn’t always make for a great listen.
CHVRCHES
5/5
Synth-pop of the 2010’s peaked with “Night Sky”. CHVRCHES entered the scene hard with this sublime debut album!
Elton John
5/5
Madman Across The Water is one of Elton John’s more complex albums - it’s also a strong contender for his greatest album in a world where Goodbye Yellow Brick Road didn’t exist.
Bon Jovi
4/5
Overly commercial, borderline silly and not my genre at all - yet Slippery When Wet just rocks.
Richie Sambora is phenomenal and the songwriting is some of the best this genre has to offer. You just have a good time in the company of this.
Spiritualized
5/5
There’s just no denying the masterpiece Jason Pierced pieced together here.
From the utter beauty of the title track to chaos of “Cop Shoot Cop…” - it’s just a flawless record.
Buffalo Springfield
4/5
Feels more like a collection of songs than an actual album … Perhaps because it is.
You can easily tell the different members songs apart from each other. Young’s contributions are without a doubt the strongest of them. Stills and Foray deliver some great work, but it’s no surprise Young went on to become the biggest star of the three.
The Beach Boys
4/5
Depressing to think that the lyrical themes of this record are from 1971 when it’s still as important today - if not more.
Megadeth
5/5
Proof that rage is one hell of a motivator.
Undoubtedly Mustaine’s greatest attempt to emerge victorious in the Metallica/Megadeth battle.
And dare I say it? It might just be a tad better than anything Metallica ever produced.
Brian Eno
3/5
Haunted world music befitting of its title.
I adore both of the gentlemen behind the record, but I ultimately have a hard time truly connecting with it despite its intriguing ideas.
The Triffids
4/5
Terrific record - it’s not perfect, but I can’t find anything I actively dislike. Just great songwriting and musicianship.
Genuinely shocked at how low this is rated. Why?!
Public Image Ltd.
3/5
Highly influential and infinitely better than the horrible debut. The instrumentation is great and I can easily hear how some of my favorite groups of the last decade have been influenced by songs like “Poptones”.
It’s not an easy listen and there’s definitely aspects of it I’m more into than others - it’s also too long, but that’s not really a surprise.
Neil Young
5/5
I’ve got nothing bad to say about Harvest.
It’s a perfect record. Pure and simple.
No notes.
Thank you.
Goldfrapp
3/5
First of all - there’s really no need for two Goldfrapp albums on this list. I’ll scream if there happens to be a third later on.
Not as boring and generic as the other Goldfrapp on here. There is definitely a lot to enjoy here, but I really hate the static noise every time the vocals appear on the quieter songs.
Is it an aesthetic choice? Is it a mistake?
I sure hope it’s the latter.
It’s a low three, but I feel like a two is too harsh.
Blondie
5/5
State of the art new wave / power pop.
If you don't find yourself grooving with a smile to the playful time signatures on "Heart Of Glass" are you really human?
The Monks
3/5
Pre-punk-post-punk.
Aphex Twin
4/5
Aphex Twin began reinventing techno as early as age 14. That’s no easy feat.
The album could easily have been just a wonderful background piece, but it manages to always remain playful and even the smallest changes of pace demand (and are worthy of) your attention.
Travis
4/5
It’s easy to underestimate Travis.
You definitely shouldn’t, though.
It does very little to offend anyone but still manages to leave its solid mark.
Rod Stewart is great as always and Ronnie Wood delivers one stellar guitar performance after another.
Especially the piano and guitar parts of McLagan and Wood on the beautiful “Love Lives Here” are stunning.
I don’t really care much for the cover of “Memphis” and a few of the bluesier performances, but the charisma, charm and musicianship of Faces somehow always makes it work anyway.
Small Faces
4/5
You have to embrace unreasonable amounts of Britishness to make it through this record.
Luckily for me I accepted it right away and rode with it. I guess you either find it hilarious and brilliant or incredibly stupid.
Aimee Mann
3/5
It’s fine, but there’s really nothing on here I haven’t heard a better version of somewhere else. I would probably listen again, but does it actually belong on this list?
The Incredible String Band
4/5
Music budget < acid budget
I really don’t understand how this is so poorly rated on here? Highly imaginative and interesting - but also too long.
Erykah Badu
3/5
One of the greatest snare productions this list has ever seen - no wonder with Questlove behind the kit.
Badu is a great singer, but there’s simply not enough interesting material on here to warrant the runtime.
Isaac Hayes
2/5
There’s a song on this soundtrack with the powerful title: “Shaft Strikes Again” - and it’s the most mellow and boring thing, you’ve heard in a long time.
I listen to Isaac Hayes for his vocal, a thing that is almost completely omitted from Shaft. It’s not a bad soundtrack; it’s just not an album.
Looking forward to listening to Howard Shore’s LotR-soundtrack further into this list.
Boards of Canada
2/5
Pleasantly weird but ultimately boring beep boop sounds.
JAY Z
4/5
Named The Blueprint because of all the music shaping Jay-Z up until this album.
Turned out to be an actual blueprint for the direction of hip hop in the 00’s.
There are a few near misses along the way; out of all the songs on this, why would you choose “Girls, Girls, Girls” to appear twice?
Christine and the Queens
4/5
Listened to both the English and French version of Chris. Liked the English, loved the French.
The artist is definitely more confident in the native tongue and it shows - it's simply just more charming and feels more complete.
Big Star
3/5
Decent 70’s pop.
Nothing is really bad, nothing is really excellent. You can’t be mad at this.
The Flaming Lips
5/5
I was about 12 when I gave my cousin this as a birthday present. Fell in love with the cover immediately and the music soon after.
It’s as excellent today as it was back then.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
The fact that Billy Corgan wrote this at 28 proves that being an angry, angsty teen has nothing to do with age.
N.E.R.D
3/5
Surprisingly fun rap rock album by Pharrell and those other guys - at least until we’re halfway in, at which point N.E.R.D. seem to lose focus and produce one boring middle of the road song after another.
Still going to be kind to Fly Or Die due to the blast that is the first half.
R.E.M.
5/5
R.E.M.’s biggest record is filled with desperate songs about death and mourning. Who else can sell 18 million copies of an album containing mandolin and songs like “Star Me Kitten”?
This is also further proof that John Paul Jones is a secret, deadly weapon to any album he’s credited on.
Throwing Muses
4/5
Throwing Muses was only a faint acquaintance before this, but I definitely need to dive deeper into the works of Kristin Hersh. Great songwriting and another take on a genre we’ve already been through a hundred times.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
5/5
Adding Neil Young to this trio is just showing off.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
Massive, massive, massive production.
Billy Corgan wrote some of the greatest alternative rock songs of the 90’s.
I once wrote a song with my old band only to find out that the intro was exactly the same as the one on “Soma”. Really wish we’d been able to write the rest of Siamese Dream as well.
Shivkumar Sharma
3/5
Beautiful and atmospheric album from Northern India. I could only find a vinyl ripoff on YouTube - the scratching didn’t worsen the experience.
It’s a bit monotonous in the end and I don’t really get the feeling of the apparent concept, but I rather enjoyed it nonetheless. I was happy to hear the link to neighboring musical traditions - especially obvious on “Bhoop”.
The Slits
1/5
There’s absolutely nothing I enjoy about this record. It’s a disaster.
Cheap Trick
2/5
The people of Japan enjoyed this way more than I did. I don’t care for the vast majority of the song and even though the band plays well, it’s not enough to keep me engaged.
David Bowie
3/5
I adore Bowie, but I’ve always had a hard time with Aladdin Sane. As a follow-up to Ziggy Stardust, Bowie and the Spiders goes all in on the American way in ways that feels strangely alienating to me.
A few songs still surprises me and feels complete - but too many ends up sounding like “just a fine hair rock song”.
10/10 cover art, 6/10 music.
Ute Lemper
4/5
It unfortunately ends up being too long, but the overall aesthetics and ideas are great. Lemper’s vocals are mesmerizing and the songwriting is stellar - even though it’s difficult to keep up the pace when opening the album with a Nick Cave-song and the powerful “The Case Continues”.
Gang Starr
4/5
Cool beats, great scratching and an impeccable flow is really the cornerstone of every good East Coast hip hop album.
Gang Starr tick off every box.
Johnny Cash
5/5
Some live albums make you wonder if the live element makes an actual difference.
That is not the case for At Folsom Prison.
Raw, alive and at times chaotic - there’s just no faking the energy of Cash and the inmates of Folsom Prison.
Ali Farka Touré
5/5
Touré’s greatest album until his later collaborations with the brilliant Toumani Diabaté.
Talking Timbuktu is a journey through a wide variety of languages and cultures - and even though Ry Cooder probably deserves a lot of praise for this, Ali Farka Touré is the true star of this record.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
Rundgren is a wonderfully creative and talented musician and songwriter. His albums always burst with ideas and this is no exception.
Well - it’s not really an actual album now, is it? It could easily be a clumsy affair with no cohesion; but it is instead divided into four separate, shorter albums with their own individuality.
The first three are rather brilliant, but I don’t really catch the vibe of the fourth and final which ultimately makes the album too long.
1 and ⅓ star for each of the first three - and then a deduction for the fourth side.
The Byrds
4/5
Does an album require more than Dylan covers and great vocal harmonies to be really good? Apparently not.
Tom Waits
4/5
“Okay, so how did you imagine getting that live sound on your upcoming album?”
“Hear me out. We will all play at the same time - in front of an audience!”
“Oh, so it is a live album then?”
“WHAT?! No! I must be explaining it badly … You see … “
Rocket From The Crypt
3/5
A few really strong songs keep this record from ultimately collapsing under its own weight - “On A Rope” being the prime example.
Rocket From The Crypt don’t know whether they should stick to their hardcore roots or fully embrace the commercialization. The result is a weird middle road - one that I don’t hate, but it’s weird nonetheless.
I read a bit about their live performances; I wasn’t around to see that, but I rate them higher than this.
Eric Clapton
4/5
Easily one of Clapton’s greatest solo efforts. 461 Ocean Boulevard showcases his skills on the six string while never making him seem flashy - he just goes with the arrangements and binds everything together like hot glue.
Brian Eno
4/5
The bridge between Eno the band member and Eno the ambient artist.
Another Green World is strongest when Eno gets everyone to do as little as possible and just lets the magic slowly evolve - they are not bad by any means (how could they be when you look at that backing band), but I probably would have preferred a non-vocal version.
Japan
5/5
One of my favorite new wave goes synth-pop albums.
The gloomy and almost gothic ambience makes it incredibly intriguing - especially due to Mike Kern’s layers of saxophone.
It’s never busy and you feel that Japan take the time needed to let their arrangements breathe. It’s just as great listen!
The Thrills
3/5
I mean … It’s pretty good.
Is it extraordinary? No.
Is it unique? No.
Should it really be on this list? No.
I’ll cut it some slack due to the great nature of the quieter tracks though.
Neil Young
4/5
The fact that this might not be in my top 5 Neil Young albums just speak to the quality of this man’s songwriting.
3/5
This couldn’t possibly have been produced in a studio at the time - obviously needed to be a live album.
MC5 was really ahead of their time and while I’m not really down with all of their choices I’m always ready to kick out the jams, motherfuckers!
Tracy Chapman
5/5
23 year old Tracy Chapman sings with the power, maturity and wisdom of a woman who’s lived a full life already.
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
The 90’s would have sounded vastly different if not for the blistering noise of 80’s Dinosaur Jr.
Also, what the fuck is “Poledo”?
5/5
Quite surprised that Absolution is not on this list instead. It’s as accessible and even better - Origin of Symmetry is a less obvious (but even better) choice.
That said - I love BH&R.
Muse, and especially Bellamy, suffers from megalomania and the result is an over the top and massive album ranging from somber ballads to aggressive and paranoid rock pieces.
You’re probably not into the rest of their discography if this isn’t for you.
Brian Eno
5/5
While side A is great, it's side B that's truly gets me going on Before And After Science.
It's a goodbye to Eno, the rock musician, and a welcome to Eno, the avant/ambient mastermind.
This album is the definition of best of both worlds.
Big Star
3/5
More experimental and daring than the debut. The fact that so many versions of this album have been released proves just how revered it is so some.
I still don’t get the hype of Big Star after this one though. It’s fine but is it really THAT good?
Suicide
3/5
No wonder such harsh and bleak beats were divisive in the late 70’s. It’s not exactly easy listening.
I like it though. I think?
Fever Ray
4/5
Both more fragile and claustrophobic than early The Knife albums, Fever Ray proves without shadow of a doubt that they can go it alone - and do it just as well.
Marvin Gaye
5/5
The first two seconds of this album?
Iconic beyond belief!
It’s short, sharp and sexy.
What else do you want?
Sinead O'Connor
2/5
The middle of the album, ”Black Boys on Mopeds” and “Nothing Compares 2 U”, almost makes this a 3. I just don’t care one bit about the rest of the record.
It’s really just there. Harmless, but I wouldn’t recommend you go listen to it.
Morrissey
2/5
Morrissey album #271.
Still sad and insufferable.
I will never understand how he came to deserve this amount of praise.
Disclaimer: I will award the next Morrissey album to appear on this list 1 star out of sheer spite.
Funkadelic
4/5
Funky funk for the funky bunch.
Hard not to groove along to this.
And why would you even try not to?
Barry Adamson
3/5
An insane idea that for some reason works.
My initial thought is a ⅘.
BUT - is this list really the right home for this imaginary soundtrack? I don’t think so.
Nina Simone
5/5
Goosebump inducing from start to finish.
"Four Women" is among most powerful songs released in the later 60's - that's saying something.
William Orbit
2/5
Sounds like a soundtrack to an obscure 90’s vídeo game. Is that good? I don’t know, actually.
It’s too long - a problem it shares with most of its genre buddies.
Bonnie Raitt
3/5
Pretty straightforward. Raitt’s vocals are great and the tunes are well written.
It doesn’t stand out to me as extraordinary, but I wouldn’t skip this LP in a record store.
The Prodigy
4/5
And award for “Most improved album when compared to the massive shit the band released as their previous effort” goes to The Fat Of The Land.
Air
3/5
I really like Air and their sound, but I have a feeling this album is a lot more engaging if you have actually seen the film - and last I checked this isn’t “1001 albums and their accompanying movie”.
As a stand alone album it’s really not bad though. But I get a feeling that an element is missing from the equation.
Pearl Jam
5/5
You either think this is the greatest grunge album of all time or you’re wrong.
Steely Dan
5/5
As tight and playful as debut albums get.
The production is stellar and with an opening track like “Do It Again”, you know you’re in for a good time.
Depeche Mode
5/5
Must have been difficult deciding if they should release the first or second half of “Enjoy The Silence” as the single.
Violator is a master class in dark yet catchy, gothic yet pop-ish music.
Depeche Mode at their finest.
4/5
Yet another creative and intriguing powerhouse of a pop album by XTC.
1999 probably wouldn’t be my first guess at a release date.
The sensational “The Last Balloon” almost brings this to a 5 / 5 for me - brilliant finish and great album altogether.
Lauryn Hill
4/5
One of the best productions the genre has to offer. I was a little sad to be reminded, that the music of the skits doesn’t always lead directly into the next song - I expected that from Ms. Hill.
It’s stellar, no doubt about it. But it’s also 77 minutes long and the hidden tracks could easily have been cut.
Kraftwerk
5/5
Oh, so you can make an electronic album that is not at least an hour long?
Sehr gut, Kraftwerk.
Sehr gut.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
Thinking about all the important albums omitted from this list, I’m baffled to find that Fatboy Slim has got not one but two albums on here.
This is not as good as his second album - it’s still fun nonetheless.
Michael Jackson
5/5
And the winner of: “Album being the exact opposite of what the title leads you to believe” goes to…
Manic Street Preachers
5/5
The Manics at their finest.
The Holy Bible is full of suffering and quite depressing - and so is this magnificent rock album.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
If you’re familiar with story of Rumours (and let’s face it, you are), then it’s obvious that the fact that I’m able to listen to it today is a miracle - no less.
Easiest 5 I’ve awarded an album so far.
Lambchop
2/5
Quite pretty but ultimately forgettable chamber pop album.
I actually liked a few of the songs, but even if I listened to this album 10 times, I probably wouldn’t immediately guess “Lambchop” if someone put on a random song from it.
Justin Timberlake
2/5
Timbaland’s production is great, Timberlake’s vocals are smooth as silk and the songwriting on songs like “Cry Me A River” is as good as pop gets.
There’s way too few of songs like that to make the runtime make sense - I’m essentially lacking the higher level of creativity present on some of his later albums.
It’s not really that bad, it being here is just not justified.
Stephen Stills
2/5
There are enough good songs on Manassas to make it a great album.
Unfortunately they’re drowned in just as many unnecessary ones.
Stills and co went full-out here - it’s too much and the end result is a way too long album and not enough outstanding ideas to warrant it.
The Modern Lovers
4/5
Quite the sound for an album recorded in ‘71-‘72. Love the proto-punk/garage sound and the songwriting never ceases to be fresh and fun.
Daft Punk
3/5
I think I subconsciously like this better because it is Daft Punk. There’s a lot of really great house on Homework including a few of their greatest and most recognizable songs.
I still find the runtime of almost 74 minutes excessive - and I know that they went on to produce even better albums in the future.
TV On The Radio
4/5
I remembered this as being a lot better than their debut (which I really, really enjoyed, FYI).
It's drastically different, no doubt about it - but I don't know if it is THAT much better?
Even if it isn't, it's still a great record deserving of its praise.
Röyksopp
4/5
I had completely forgotten that "Eple" appears on this album.
Very dreamy and catchy debut from the cold North.
I would listen to this again before most of the other electronic albums on this list.
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
So much better than their debut album, which they released less than half a year before this.
The songwriting is way more interesting, the instrumentation feels more alive and the overall vibe is just day and night - though it's still obviously the same band.
I'm almost handing If You're Feeling Sinister 3 stars, but the number of songs stuck in my head after the first listen makes me feel generous.
Thin Lizzy
3/5
A sort of best of live album comprised of songs from several different shows only to then be overdubbed in a studio - and no one knows exactly to which degree? I’ll do my best to pretend this is just a regular live album.
I don’t actually care that much for hard rock, but when Thin Lizzy is at their best on songs like “Massacre” and “The Boys Are Back In Town” they’re an undeniably great live (or studio?) band.
I was surprised to find that I wasn’t bothered by the length, there’s just too many songs I don’t find that interesting.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
It’s hard not to get a 5-star rating when you decide to both open and close an album with “My Hey, Hey My”.
The Residents
4/5
The Residents are one of the most cleverly disguised pop bands to ever exist.
If you don’t rock along to “Constantinople”, are you really any fun?
Paul McCartney
4/5
Who could've known that the sound of The Beatles breaking up would be this lo-fi?
Tom Tom Club
4/5
If I were a member of Talking Heads, I too would use my off time to record albums in The Bahamas.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
5/5
Few, if any, is on the level of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan when it comes to the world of qawwali music.
Devotional Songs is partly inspired by some Western traditions which makes for thrilling listen that never fails to amaze you.
The Cult
2/5
If it wasn’t for the horrendous cover of “Born To Be Wild”, this would have been a 3 / 5.
I prefer The Cult and Ian Astbury over a lot of hard rock acts, but as with the rest of the genre it’s too much of the same and not enough truly memorable songs to really stick out.
The Sugarcubes
3/5
There’s (insert genre) and the there’s Icelandic (insert same genre).
Post-punk is no exception.
Björk’s vocal is, not surprisingly, powerful and easily the most recognizable thing about this album. Whenever Benediktsson takes the wheel, you more or less wait for Björk to reemerge.
4/5
Loretta Lynn and country music is almost synonymous. Lynn is a great storyteller and the short runtime makes it hard not to want more when it’s over.
Willie Nelson
3/5
Willie Nelson is great at expressing himself and creating a mood. I also like the idea of Wilson moving into, for him, almost controversial territory on Stardust.
It’s rarely THAT exciting, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
SZA
3/5
Never actually listened to SZA’s debut before. Easy to hear why she became the star that she is today.
Great vocals, likewise productions and a runtime that isn’t as excessive as so many of her genre colleagues. Everything isn’t for me, but I didn’t expect it to be either.
Kings of Leon
2/5
When looking at Kings Of Leon’s early discography, Youth And Young Manhood is probably the album to skip.
Followill’s (the vocal one) singing is the highlight, but I’m a bit underwhelmed by Followill’s (the drum one) performance - on most other albums he is the centerpiece.
It feels dated and their songwriting just isn’t as distinct as it would soon become.
The Dictators
4/5
Often imitated, rarely duplicated.
The Hives
4/5
Short, to the point, in your face, and stupid rock’n’roll. I hate to admit it, but the Swedes know how to have some fun.
Public Enemy
4/5
Almost as good as Fear Of A … Not quite, but almost!
Chuck D still delivers like his life depended and the arrangements are solid as well; a higher degree of live musicianship helps bring the songs to life.
The fact that Anthrax collaborated with the group on the closing remix of “Bring Tha Noize” slams dunk the ending and helped pave a change in direction of the genre.
Garbage
3/5
Garbage is a weird mix of being outdated at the time of release and still sounding new today. The singles are the strongest songs on the record and apart from those I really wasn’t that drawn towards the record.
It’s alright, but I thought I would’ve liked it even more.
Leonard Cohen
5/5
You Want It Darker is the perfect end to Cohen’s wonderful career. His voice became progressively more fitting for his songwriting as he aged and the songs are filled with both sorrow and humor - a most excellent full stop.
Neil Young
4/5
If I was still coming to terms with the massive weight of Harvest, I too would need to take it down a notch and hit the beach.
Rod Stewart
3/5
Rod Stewart sounds like he has lived a full life at the ripe old age of 25.
Gasoline Alley is excellent when Stewart the storyteller is in play - not so excellent when Stewart the ladies man is present.
The Byrds
4/5
You can at times hear, that some of the songs lack a bit of leadership due to the departure of Gene Clark, but everything else is incredibly well-written and fresh - parts of it even has a sound and production ahead of its time.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Time Out Of Mind is from the part of Dylan’s vast discography I don’t often pay attention to.
Daniel Lanois’ airy production really suits the sound of the record - even though I’m not completely sold on the number of blues rockers present.
“Not Dark Yet” is an absolute highlight and almost deserves a spot on this list itself. It’s not carrying the album though, as Dylan’s songwriting is solid throughout.
It’s not his greatest work, but with a bar as high as his, it would be weird if a ‘97-Dylan-album was.
Johnny Cash
5/5
American IV is less of a cover albums and more a collection of songs finding a new home.
His talent for interpreting stories and breathing new life into them is unmatched - there are new meanings to be found in these songs and lyrics when delivered by Cash.
Why do people seem to dislike this so much? It’s a U2 album produced by Lanois and Eno opening with a strong set of singles.
A daring move, as the closing half is not as great as the first - but then again … It doesn’t contain EVERY single from the album in continuation, so how could it be?
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
If all blues came from the desert, I would be a bigger fan.
The Byrds
2/5
Going straight from a string of great psychedelic rock and folk albums into an album consisting mainly of country covers is a weird choice.
Gram Parsons was to become somewhat of a legend, but as a newcomer in the group, I don’t really get why they would abandon their sound so drastically in such a short time.
It’s fine I guess, but I wasn’t compelled to it in the way that I had hoped.
The Temptations
2/5
What a weird inclusion.
It doesn’t feel ambitious enough for it to be the factor and the arrangements are rarely more than fine.
Feels a lot longer than what it actually is.
Sade
4/5
Smooth indeed.
Sade reeks of the 80’s - and I’m all aboard.
Van Halen
3/5
The fact that Van Halen decided that “Eruption” wouldn’t be the album opener should act as a warning that this might not be among the greatest rock debuts, as it if often called.
I’ve read people argue that it would otherwise sell the album as an Eddie-one-man show - but why, oh why, is the rest of the album when just an explosion of Eddie playing great guitar with some guys playing instruments alongside him?
I don’t actually hate it, as you would probably think from reading the above - it’s quite good, considering the genre.
Sleater-Kinney
5/5
Totally forgot just how great Sleater-Kinney is. Phenomenal record - energetic guitars, insisting vocals and attitude for days. Oh yeah and the bass? No need!
You think Spice Girls was the feminist group of the 90’s? Think again.
Beck
4/5
With Beck you never know quite what you’re gonna get. This time he went a decade back in time and revisited a sound closer to his mid 90’s-albums.
If you like those, you will ultimately like this. If not, you will probably be quite bored - and I totally understand.
Me? I’m in the first camp fortunately.
2/5
Fred Durst is lucky that he has such great musicians behind him. The drums are tight, the bass playful and Borland’s guitar playing is quite creative. It ends up making this a somewhat enjoyable listen - I’m more surprised than you are.
But whenever Durst opens his mouth I lose hope. There are times when I amaze myself and actually get the overall idea of Limp Bizkit, like on “Boiler”, but I can’t get over the awfulness of Durst’s vocal, inane humor and his edgy political statements of how everything sucks and should be destroyed - very profound.
There’s a part of me that would like Limp Bizkit were they not Limp Bizkit.
But alas, they are.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Funky stuff by legendary Sly Stone and his family of funksters. There are some great cuts on the record, including “Family Affair”, but I find myself struggling to really pay attention. It’s good for playing in the background but I’m not really that invested.
Best track? “There’s A Riot Goin’ On”
David Ackles
4/5
Completely taken aback by this unique record. There’s some French chanson-vibes, musicalesque compositions and an insisting on doing everything exactly your way.
Really interesting record that is deserving of both a listen and your focus.
Soft Machine
2/5
I like prog.
I like jazz.
I like Robert Wyatt.
I like long compositions.
But what is the actual meaning of this?
Some redeemable features along the way, but it really is far too long and meandering.
Milton Nascimento
5/5
Incredibly easy 5 stars.
I’ve been loving the MPB sound, and Nascimento in particular, introduced it to me when I was just starting high school.
Just an incredible record I will never grow tired of.
The Temptations
3/5
A lot better than their other inclusion, Cloud Nine - which I had just days ago.
“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” alone makes All Directions worth a listen; a bonafide classic.
PJ Harvey
3/5
Should come with a label telling you, that your speakers aren’t broken. I really struggled to find the right volume to play this at - and never actually found it.
Harvey’s songwriting is strong and her raw emotions mixed with the insane production is really an experience. It’s not always pleasant - and given more listens I might appreciate it more.
As for now? I will put on some Springsteen and take care of my speakers.
The Soft Boys
4/5
My favorite band, R.E.M., was formed the same year as Underwater Moonlight was released. It's not hard to hear, how the jangly sound of The Soft Boys would have influenced the wave of college rock bands in the early 80's.
Great record, mixing post-punk, psychedelia and jangle pop as easy as 1-2-3.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Darkness On the Edge Of Town has got a little bit of everything Springsteen has to offer. There’s the American storytelling, the piano driven tracks and the grander epics - it’s hard to truly go wrong with this record, if you’re into the mood for the Boss.
Girls Against Boys
2/5
"I hope you don't have a good time", McCloud monotonously sings on "Satin Down".
I didn't, so he must be rather pleased with himself.
Fela Kuti
5/5
'75-'78 must have been some intense years in Fela Kuti's life.
He released 18 albums, including Zombie, an album so powerful and political that it potentially resulted in the Nigerian military murdering his own mother, was banned from entering Ghana and married 27 women.
I mean.. Slow down man.
Not musically though, that afrobeat shit slaps.
Soul II Soul
2/5
Better than I initially feared.
Those Jazzie B beats are quite funky.
I don't see myself visiting this at any point though.
Not really my jam.
Harry Nilsson
4/5
I could have told myself that "Coconut" would come from an album called Nilsson Schmilsson.
It's quite brilliant and, at times, wonderfully beautiful.
The Associates
2/5
Listened to a few of the songs right after my first listen, and I couldn’t remember having heard one of them before.
Some interesting drumming on Sulk, but it’s overall quite the boring listen that I will soon forget.
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
Had this not been released when it was, it would have made little to no impact.
There’s plenty of great Springsteen albums on this list. No need for The Rising to appear as well.
The Jam
4/5
So, apparently the greatest Bloc Party riff is actually the greatest The Jam riff. Who knew?
Another great Paul Weller-fronted album?
Cee Lo Green
2/5
Instantly recognizable and iconic voice.
Cee-Lo really didn’t become the fun and interesting artistic that I enjoy until he teamed up with Danger Mouse and created Gnarls Barkley - he really needs that creative and playful musical force behind him.
This, his hip-hop-persona, doesn’t really speak to me. There’s simply not enough to hold onto along the loooong runtime.
The National
5/5
I’ve always liked The National but it didn’t fully dawn on me, that they might just be the best band of this century until I saw them live.
High Violet is just further proof of that.
Beck
5/5
Sea Change is without a doubt the Beck album that I've listened to the most. It's a departure from his more samplepedia and hip-hop inspired records, but Beck being Beck, he still manages to hit the mark and create an beautifully harrowing album.
"Lonesome Tears" and "Little One" are highlights, but the album wouldn't be the masterpiece that it is, if it didn't work as great as a whole as it does.
Duke Ellington
5/5
Stunning “live” performance from Duke Ellington and his band. Textbook definition of what a jazz recording should be.
Traffic
4/5
The following is a really niche review meant for a maximum of 5 people, I think.
I apologize in advance.
John Barleycorn is for British music scene what Knud Lavard is for the Danish.
He must have been quite the terrible person to deserve a faith as brutal as death by jam band.
Fugazi
4/5
Legendary band, legendary record.
If you haven’t already you should definitely go read up on the history of Fugazi.
Taylor Swift
5/5
It's been described as a modern pop Bible - and it probably is. Almost every song could have been a single; and more than half of them actually were one.
I ended up listening to Taylor's Version.
Is it cheating? Probably. Do I care? No.
What will you do? Fire me? Go ahead.
Pretenders
2/5
Chrissie Hynde is pretty cool.
This album is not.
Too smooth to be punk, too plain to be new wave. There’s not much to really enjoy on here.
Justice
5/5
With the sole exception of “Tthhee Ppaarrttyy”, † is just banger upon banger.
It’s the perfect mix of electronic noise and danceable pop production.
French perfection.
Doves
4/5
It’s British 2000’s pop-rock, but it’s executed extremely well. Great variation, solid songwriting and time just flies by.
The Who
3/5
“You know what people crave after having listened to Tommy? Our most bluesy songs!”
The songs on this live album are such a weird selection - especially Magic Bus; a song I never truly understood.
The My Generation / medley is great and of course The Who manages to once again show their exceptional musicianship, but it’s not entirely enough.
Barry Adamson
4/5
I really thought about reusing my 3-star review of Moss Side Story for this one.
But Oedipus Schmoedipus is the one of the two soundtracks truly deserving its spot on the list, so I won’t.
And no, it’s not only because of its fantastic title.
Does it help though?
Abso-schmutely-lutely.
Dexys Midnight Runners
1/5
Why, oh why, does it feel like Kevin Rowland just spends the majority of the album talking? It’s unbearable.
One of the highlights of the album is the riff on “One Of Those Things” - and that is actually just Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves Of London”.
Don’t Stand Me Down crumbles under its own ambitions and boring sound.
Koffi Olomide
2/5
I'm guessing this album isn't included in the post-2012 edition of the book.
G. Love & Special Sauce
3/5
Fun, but not close-to-60-minutes-runtime fun.
Scott Walker
4/5
A slight improvement over Scott 2 - the instrumentation works better for me and his voice matches the, at times, grand compositions well.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Aretha Franklin is not the Queen of Soul for nothing.
David Bowie
5/5
Hunky Dory is where Bowie becomes Bowie. I don’t need to explain my score any further.
UB40
2/5
I actually like both reggae and the political side of UB40, but Signing Off is just too slow and the dub bass too monotonous for me to ever really be invested.
Dizzee Rascal
1/5
I was almost hooked in the start, but by “Fix Up, Look Sharp” I lost the will to live - it might be the worst song on this list 1000+ albums in.
This album was probably made with the antithesis of me in mind - or me if Dizzee Rascal secretly hates me?
It might be good? I really can’t judge to be honest.
3/5
Devo is stupid, so it’s easier to just give in and enjoy the weird ride. There are plenty of catchy tunes along the way to not make you go insane.
Dusty Springfield
5/5
Having "Son of a Preacher Man" on an album is enough to warrant a 5-star review. The fact that the rest of the album and Springfield's vocals are as great as they are is just a wonderful bonus.
Coldcut
3/5
It’s indeed flawed, but I think that there’s enough interesting beats and ideas to make the runtime make sense.
I was quite entertained - but I probably won’t revisit anytime soon; if ever.
Big Black
3/5
Steve Albini was a crazy man - you can probably tell.
Atomizer is manic, powerful and raw to its core. I don’t particularly enjoy it all the way through; but I’m not sure that it’s the intension anyway.
Fiona Apple
5/5
If INSIDE is THE comedy piece to incapsulate the pandemic, Fetch The Bolt Cutters could very well be the album equivalent of that (even though its timely release was more of a coincidence).
Saint Etienne
1/5
Infuriatingly boring record.
Too bland to just listen to on its own.
Too artsy to be suitable for any party.
Foxbase Alpha has nothing to offer, but pretends that it's a full-course dinner. Saint Etienne is not nearly clever enough as a group to pull this off.
Love
3/5
I had to listen a few times before reviewing this. I was absolutely sure, I was missing something.
I thought I was gonna love Forever Changes - but I just think that it’s fine? I’m really not that excited after multiple listens and I don’t understand exactly why.
The The
4/5
Great, great album by Matt Johnson.
An almost dystopian vision coming to live as clear as day through his bleak lyrics.
Infected is not quite as good as the excellent Dusk, but it’s a thrilling album through and through.
Elis Regina
4/5
Reading about Vento De Maio makes you realize that it’s a strange inclusion - it’s essentially compilation.
That being said, I really enjoyed Elis Regina’s vocals and the compositions. Exciting yet strange record.
Q-Tip
4/5
Few hip hop artists are as effortlessly cool and intelligent as Q-Tip.
The Renaissance might not be an actual renaissance for hip hop, but I would spin this over most rap albums on this list any day.
Mylo
3/5
This definitely didn’t destroy rock & roll.
It is quite fun and great for playing in the background while you dance around the room though.
Then why isn’t this a 4? I’ll tell you.
I’m doing this list with a friend and Mylo decides to mention Pink Floyd but not R.E.M. on the title track.
Giving my friend that kind of fuel won’t do Mylo any good as far as I’m concerned.
The Magnetic Fields
4/5
Extremely ambitious project by Stephin Merritt. Even with a runtime of just under 3 hours, an illegal length under most conditions, there’s enough variation for time to fly by.
The idea is mad and shouldn’t work.
Yet it does.
Mike Ladd
4/5
Clever industrial hip hop from the future.
I had never heard of Mike Ladd, but that appears to be a mistake.
It might be slightly too long, but there’s enough variety and interesting concepts to keep you engaged.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
3/5
Dangerously close to becoming too stupid for its own good. It’s a fun listen though - that saves it in the end.
Amy Winehouse
3/5
The highs are nowhere near as high as those on Back To Black, but I prefer the sound of the “filler songs” on Frank a slight bit more.
I still don’t prefer Frank, but it’s really not that far behind.
The Black Crowes
3/5
Weird inclusion considering this is a 1990 release and must’ve almost been dated by its release.
That being said, I did actually enjoy it - it’s rather fun and there are some catchy tracks; when they are not too bluesy that is.
Sufjan Stevens
5/5
Had Sufjan Stevens somehow gone through with his 50 States project, it would have been one of the greatest musical achievements of all time.
Instead we are left with Illinois(e) - and I can’t complain. Absolute masterpiece.
The Doors
5/5
Come for the iconic hits and Jim Morrison, stay for Ray Manzarek - the secret weapon that really makes The Doors stand out from the crowd.
Terence Trent D'Arby
2/5
Fine and totally harmless pop record.
I would have liked to call it Prince from Temu, but it wasn't actually that bad. That being said, I don't remember any of it a few days later.
Gene Clark
5/5
No Other has gone completely under my radar this entire time. It’s a perfect record.
Sad to find out that Gene Clark never got to see the much deserved recognition this album would later receive. I already listened to it twice since my initial listen and it will definitely find its way to my collection soon.
The Rolling Stones
2/5
On their debut record The Rolling Stones proved themselves better musicians than The Beatles did at the same time.
Jagger is a charismatic front figure from the get-go, but even with all of that the many blues covers quickly become too trivial to really make a lasting impression - go listen to their later releases instead.
CHIC
4/5
You couldn’t program the songs to be any tighter than what they already are.
CHIC is a well-oiled machine.
Risque runs the risk of starting off to strong with “Good Times” followed by the beautiful but less exciting “A Warm Summer Night”, but they still never fails to hold onto my attention. Another great Nile Rodgers record for the books.
Stereolab
2/5
I kind of like it? Maybe?
But I really don’t get it.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
5/5
On “Mariá Lionza” they open up with one of the greatest horn intros of all time just to totally abandon it afterwards. Legendary.
The partnership between Colón and Blades works perfectly and Siembra is a testimony to both musician's craft.
Drive-By Truckers
5/5
HUGE album by Drive-By Truckers.
Dealing with both harsh political subjects, adolescence, idolization and life in the South it’s a monumental album that I’m surprised they manage to not lose track of along the way.
The obvious highlight of Act One is the goosebump-inducing “Three Great Alabama Icons” (the “Fire Coming Out Of the Monkey’s Head” of southern rock) while the album’s closing track beautifully ends Act Two.
Southern Rock Opera is dangerously long, but it’s worth the runtime.
David Bowie
3/5
Amazing opening, legendary closing.
The in-between is good, but it doesn’t compare - and given the number of Bowie albums already on this list, Young Americans might have been one to omit.
Missy Elliott
3/5
It reeks of Timbaland (that’s not necessarily bad) and it’s hard to grasp the reason behind the spoken introduction (that, in the other hand, is quite bad).
Apart from that there’s a lot to really like on Under Construction. The cast of guests is legendary but they somehow don’t take away from the talent of Missy Elliott.
k.d. lang
2/5
Is it a boring album? Sure.
Is the most boring album on this list? No - but mainly because her debut album, Shadowland, also appears on here.
Tom Waits
5/5
“Dirt In the Ground” made me pause my walk to the station and almost miss my train - outstandingly beautiful. I almost can’t believe it.
Bone Machine is an insane album. It’s definitely not pretty, but you can find immense beauty in ugly. This album is proof of that.
Prefab Sprout
4/5
Steven McQueen opens with a promise to be one of the greatest 80’s albums of all time. It doesn’t quite keep that promise as we approach the end, but it’s a great album nonetheless.
The Pharcyde
3/5
Old skool kool.
I’m not head over heels and there were parts of it I didn’t quite get - but I mostly enjoyed it.
The Monkees
3/5
B-Sides by the The Beatles.
King Crimson
5/5
Be ready to act as DJ on the volume button - King Crimson mixing is in a league of its own.
Larks’ Tongues In Aspic contains some of what you would expect from a KC album from this era - but then it also contains what could easily be described as progressive metal … In 1973.
It’s an insane album and a formidable journey through an ocean of ideas and inspirations. Fripp is a mad man, but a welcome one.
5/5
Basically a greatest hits record. Beyond insane that this is Oasis’ second album.
I don’t think I will ever grow tired of listening to this. I might just put in on again right now in fact.
Raekwon
2/5
The rap is good and so is RZA’s production - though not as interesting as it usually is.
It might be 90’s hip-hop fatigue on my end, but very little caught my attention in the end. Also I get the feeling that there’s as much talking as there’s rapping on this. There isn’t, but you can’t convince me otherwise.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
So this is it. We’ve come to an end (for Costello-albums at least).
There is absolute no need to throw 6 of his albums in our faces, but I can’t argue with the fact that he should probably have one or two records on here - and This Year’s Model is one of those.
Stan Getz
5/5
Peak bossa nova.
Easy 5.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
5/5
Damon Albarn is easily one of the most important musical figures of this generation. He seems capable of doing just about whatever he wants to, while still letting everyone else have their place in the spotlight.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen is the perfect example of supergroups not having to be flashy and showing off individual skills. No one stands out in particular and that’s really part of what makes this album so good; it’s just excellent musicians creating incredible music.
The Pretty Things
4/5
It’s pretty much the birthplace of the rock opera. Some of the wild ideas might not have worked as well as they do if it wasn’t for the story behind it all - so if you’re not buying into that sort of stuff, this might not be for you.
Basement Jaxx
2/5
I hate dancing, so this “dance album” should be right down my alley. It isn’t though.
PJ Harvey
5/5
Incredible debut from PJ Harvey.
Clear vision from the get-go and the ability to make it work.
Tom Waits
3/5
I really, really like Tom Waits - but there’s too many of his albums on here.
Heartattack And Vine is a good album, but it does nothing that his other albums aren’t already better at.
Britney Spears
1/5
A rare 1 star album that actually deserves a spot on this list. Because of course it does!
The title track is a pop milestone, but there are so many horrible tracks on here that it’s hard to fathom - “Soda Pop” anyone?!
Some of the lyrics are also weird if not problematic when you consider Britney’s age.
Nevertheless - this should definitely be here, 1 star or not.
George Jones
2/5
There’s something strangely homely about this type of country; and I’m from Denmark.
George Jones has me intrigued in the start, but The Grand Tour quickly turns out to be a one trick pony.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Aside from the opening track, Gabriel spends the entire Side A trying to find himself after his departure from Genesis.
Side B, with its longer songs, seems much more well-structured, but Gabriel’s solo debut didn’t quite see him emerge as the legendary solo artist he would become.
Richard Thompson
4/5
Beautiful. Just beautiful.
The melodies are wonderfully crafted and the vocals, especially when they both join in, are as good as they get within the genre. Just sit back and enjoy.
The Go-Go's
5/5
Why would you want to release a new wave-record after listening to this? Do you really think you can improve the formula? Pff…
Deep Purple
5/5
It’s probably THE hard rock album.
A genre I usually grow tired of after half an album, but Made In Japan manages to keep me entertained and engaged for its entire duration.
There’s more than a few standout moments but it would be weird if I didn’t mention “Child In Time” - mind blowing performance.
Gotan Project
3/5
I ultimately like my tango less electronic and my electronica less tango-y.
R.E.M.
5/5
R.E.M.’s first album on Warner sees the band going in a new direction. There are still the non-negotiable stadium rockers like “Orange Crush” and “Turn You Inside-Out”, but Green is also the birthplace of the more experimental sound fueled by mandolin and major keys.
Green provides a little bit of everything you want from an R.E.M. record - it’s a farewell to the IRS years and a hello to the signature sound that was to come.
Sonic Youth
4/5
Sonic Youth do what you would expect on Goo. It’s equal parts noisy, pretty and kool.
What else did you expect?
Steely Dan
4/5
Aja is easily Steely Dan’s best produced album - but it’s not quite as interesting as their debut and Pretzel Logic.
It’s still one heck of an album and even though this might be the 4th of their albums on this list, I wouldn’t remove a single one.
Bob Dylan
5/5
A formidable return to stripped down and acoustic songs by Dylan.
Blood On the Tracks is arguably his best album. That’s saying something.
Living Colour
2/5
Living Colour are lucky “Cult Of Personality” is such a strong opener.
Vivid is most often just silly and in search of something sturdy to lean on. Muzz Skillings’ bass tries delivering that, but it’s not enough in its own.
Sonic Youth
4/5
It’s Sonic Youth so it’ll be noisy.
On Sister it seems as if the noise is more controlled though and the melodies gets to take center stage.
It’s the perfect lead up to Daydream Nation.
Pentangle
4/5
Time really flew by listening to this.
It’s not perfect at all, but it’s interesting and very much enjoyable.
If you’re into late 60’s alternative folk and perhaps Malicorne this will be worth exploring.
Gillian Welch
3/5
Fine americana record that didn’t feel that much out of the ordinary until the final two songs where especially “Everything Is Free” stood out as an actual masterpiece.
Bad Company
3/5
I was ready to dismiss Bad Company after the first few tracks, but then the ballads started rolling and I came to enjoy it more and more.
It doesn’t end up being outstanding, but it’s enjoyable.
Beatles
5/5
In just 47 minutes The Beatles deliver some of their greatest hits, Harrison’s finest songwriting, the most memorable medley in history and also inadvertently creates doom metal - huh?!
Perfect album from the iconic opening of “Come Together” until the grand finish of “The End”.
Perfection.
Then there’s also “Her Majesty”.
Mj Cole
1/5
Ah shit, here we go again.
Jurassic 5
3/5
Impeccable rapping and some fine lyricism. The beats never won me over and I didn’t find them to evolve enough throughout the record, so I actually had a hard time keeping focused all the way through - it didn’t help that it ends on 6,5 minutes of nothing important.
The Libertines
4/5
The Libertines are not quite as good as some of their British contemporaries, but they’re still a joy. They just miss that one key component that really makes them stand out.
Einstürzende Neubauten
2/5
For the first half of Kollaps it seems as if Blixa Bargeld is in a mission to actively destroy my speakers.
There’s a clear vision but it’s almost unlistenable.
Then something magical happens as the title track starts. It’s as if the group find some compassion and the compositions (let’s not kid ourselves and call them songs) begin to find some structure and purpose.
It continues for the rest of the record, which doesn’t make it a pleasant listen but makes it absolutely deserving of a spot on this list.
Also, all you guys calling Rammstein German industrial should probably try this.
The Blue Nile
4/5
The Blue Nile is somehow both nothing out of the ordinary and completely their own entity all at once.
They are in no rush as they paint their chilling and melancholic stories - and it’s that calm and thoroughness that makes them stand out.
Every song is not as good as the masterpiece that is “Tinseltown In the Rain”, but as a whole A Walk Across the Rooftops still delivers something else than a lot of the other genre colleagues on this list.
The Police
4/5
Regatta De Blanc suffers from The Police Syndrome - too many filler tracks, but the hits are hits for a reason.
The fillers are more interesting here than on Synchronicity, but there’s also tracks like “Contact” keeping the record from being a joy all the way through.
It’s not a massive 4, but there’s enough great tracks on here to keep it from being a 3.
Ghostface Killah
4/5
I enjoyed this WAY more than I anticipated.
Great beats and choice of producers, rock-solid flow and enough skits to normally make me go insane.
Didn’t think I had pushed enough drugs or shot enough folks to get Fishscale, but somehow I do.
Am I actually born for the streets?
Tune is as I will write a very positive review of The Killers next.
Now that’s what I call street!
The Stooges
4/5
Raw Power still sees The Stooges explore both their punk and ballad sides.
It’s deep, aggressive and most of all raw - it sounds almost like a live record at times.
The Killers
5/5
When “Mr. Brightside” is one of the first songs you write as a band, it should be smooth sailing from there.
My Danish edition of the book told me to listen to the version with “Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll” on it - lucky, as it’s easily the superior track. It would have almost made sense as a track on The Black Parade; killer track.
Hot Fuss and Sam’s Town was quite the one-two combo, influencing the direction of rock in the 2000’s.
Jungle Brothers
2/5
Important but ultimately rather ordinary hip hop with great lyricism. It falls right into my old school hip hop fatigue that this list has put me in 1000+ albums in.
Eminem
4/5
The fact that Marilyn Manson refused to feature on “‘97 Bonnie & Clyde” as he found it too misogynistic is absolutely hilarious.
If you take every word on The Slim Shady LP literally, you’re in for a rough time.
Eminem paints absurd pictures so ridiculous that it’s almost comical - no wonder Wikipedia even labels it as comedy hip-hop.
Eminem delivered something quite unique and new here and the only one to ever fully copy it is Slim himself on later albums.
4/5
“Hmm, not sure I actually know these guys”
*knows half the songs*
Great, powerful synth-pop.
2Pac
4/5
There are too many hip-hip records on my list at the moment - but who cares when 2Pac shows up and saves the day?
Huge amazing beats and productions and a flow unlike most other rappers.
It’s a few songs too long, but there’s a reason 2Pac is still a reference point in rap today.
Nanci Griffith
4/5
I expected a fine country record, but I was quite taken aback by how good it is.
The music is often quite mellow, suiting Griffith’s wonderfully. A special shoutout to the legendary Béla Fleck on banjo and Mark O’Connor on violin.
A few stand out tracks where everything really comes together are “More Than A Whisper”, “Goin’ Gone” and “Fly By Night” - ultimately making this a 4 and not a strong 3.
Mott The Hoople
3/5
There are some great songs on Mott, there are some pretty bad songs on Mott.
Mott the Hoople is a weird band with a weird name. They have some absolute bangers, but I’m never really sure, what they’re trying to achieve as a band.
Mott is no exception.
It’s not bad. I just don’t fully get it.
Motörhead
4/5
Löud and röwdy. Just how a Motörhead album should be.
It’s more a collection of live songs, but it’s got the energy of an actual Motörhead concert.
The variation is not that great, but why would it be when the formula works this well?
Steve Earle
1/5
I’ve tried to find out, why I really disliked this album for a few days now.
Then it got to me. It feels completely dishonest.
Steve Earle doesn’t really have anything important to say and the result is an album you definitely don’t need to listen to - ever.
John Grant
4/5
Come for the great songwriting, but stay for the perfect lyricism - the absolute main character of Queen Of Denmark.
John Grant took a break from music and somehow emerged as one of the greatest modern lyricists, confronting his own past and hardships in a beautiful manner.
The middle section, beginning with “Chicken Bones”, is not as good as the strong opening and closing ultimately keeping this from being a 5 to me.
Please don’t rob yourself the pleasure of listening to Grant’s later albums.
Kid Rock
1/5
Surprised that this didn’t turn out to be the worst album on this list as I would’ve guessed - but fear, it’s still quite shitty.
There’s a few catchy choruses and interesting hooks, but the overall vibe of the album is just off. It’s Rage Against the Machine for nu-metal country conservatives - that’s obviously not high praise.
Of course it’s all almost excusable until “Only God Knows Why” comes along and ultimately seals the deal of this being a horrible release.
Oh, and I haven’t even touched upon the fact that it is 71 minutes long !!! (imagine the numbers being in caps lock for dramatic effect)
Madonna
2/5
Not really a big fan of Madonna.
This album doesn’t change that.
The opening title track is obviously great, but it’s followed by a lot of predictable and uninspired classic Madonna-songs.
She’s trying to do something interesting on “Dear Jessie” and “Oh Father”, but it’s short lived as it’s followed by one of the worst endings of an album to be featured on this list. I mean, “Act of Contrition” is actually unlistenable, right?!
The Beta Band
3/5
Laid back, relaxing - and almost a bit lazy.
Considering how minimalistic Hot Shots II is, I have a hard time focusing throughout then relatively long runtime.
There are a few highs and I ultimately enjoyed it, but I’m not sure it’s a great and necessary fit for this list.
The Dandy Warhols
2/5
I don’t care that you make an otherwise fine 90’s rock album. If you release 66 minutes of music where the last two songs, worth 15 minutes alone, is total waste of everyone’s time, it’s unforgivable.
Total lack of discipline and respect from a the Dandy Warhols.
Kanye West
4/5
2013 Kanye: “I am a god”
2025 Kanye: “I am a nazi”
I miss the old Kanye.
Yeezus is a stark contrast to his previous effort, the grand MBDTF, but it still shows Kanye on top of his game - both as a songwriter, producer and innovator.
There’s a few weaker songs on the second side of the album, but it’s more than made up for by the fact that it also contains “Blood On the Leaves” and “Bound 2”.
Yeezus is another testament as to why Kanye was on everyone’s lips back then - that being totally different reasons than they are today.
Sisters Of Mercy
4/5
So… I guess this might be it. The final album on my list. What a ride it has been!
AND - is there really anything more beautiful than the final album being a dark, British new wave(ish) album?
It feels like an appropriate ending.
If this isn’t the final album for me, I would like you to ignore the previous review and read the following.
Quite beautiful and haunting dark wave record where especially the chilling backing vocals makes it stand out.