1002
Albums Rated
3.67
Average Rating
92%
Complete
87 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
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Rating Timeline
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When do you listen?
Taste Profile
1950s
Favorite Decade
Rock-and-roll
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Generous
Rater Style
237
5-Star Albums
38
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tragic Songs of Life | 5 | 2.58 | +2.42 |
| Raw Like Sushi | 5 | 2.7 | +2.3 |
| Phaedra | 5 | 2.73 | +2.27 |
| The Grand Tour | 5 | 2.79 | +2.21 |
| I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail | 5 | 2.81 | +2.19 |
| Sweetheart Of The Rodeo | 5 | 2.83 | +2.17 |
| Kings Of The Wild Frontier | 5 | 2.83 | +2.17 |
| Colour By Numbers | 5 | 2.84 | +2.16 |
| You Are The Quarry | 5 | 2.86 | +2.14 |
| Destroyer | 5 | 2.86 | +2.14 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rust Never Sleeps | 1 | 3.53 | -2.53 |
| Songs Of Leonard Cohen | 1 | 3.37 | -2.37 |
| The Yes Album | 1 | 3.31 | -2.31 |
| The Slim Shady LP | 1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
| Beautiful Freak | 1 | 3.28 | -2.28 |
| Frampton Comes Alive | 1 | 3.19 | -2.19 |
| Unhalfbricking | 1 | 3.14 | -2.14 |
| Queen Of Denmark | 1 | 3.14 | -2.14 |
| Drunk | 1 | 3.12 | -2.12 |
| Deserter's Songs | 1 | 3.02 | -2.02 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Beatles | 7 | 5 |
| Led Zeppelin | 5 | 5 |
| David Bowie | 6 | 4.67 |
| Pink Floyd | 4 | 4.75 |
| Radiohead | 4 | 4.75 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 5 |
| Elvis Presley | 3 | 5 |
| Prince | 3 | 5 |
| Creedence Clearwater Revival | 3 | 5 |
| Michael Jackson | 3 | 5 |
| The Rolling Stones | 6 | 4.33 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 4.67 |
| Simon & Garfunkel | 3 | 4.67 |
| The Doors | 3 | 4.67 |
| The Beach Boys | 3 | 4.67 |
| Peter Gabriel | 3 | 4.67 |
| U2 | 3 | 4.67 |
| Echo And The Bunnymen | 3 | 4.67 |
| The Cure | 3 | 4.67 |
| The Clash | 2 | 5 |
| Beastie Boys | 2 | 5 |
| Van Halen | 2 | 5 |
| Joy Division | 2 | 5 |
| Aretha Franklin | 2 | 5 |
| Iggy Pop | 2 | 5 |
| Depeche Mode | 2 | 5 |
| Dusty Springfield | 2 | 5 |
| Ray Charles | 2 | 5 |
| The Jesus And Mary Chain | 2 | 5 |
| Jimi Hendrix | 2 | 5 |
| The White Stripes | 2 | 5 |
| AC/DC | 2 | 5 |
| The Smashing Pumpkins | 2 | 5 |
| Sonic Youth | 5 | 4.2 |
| Brian Eno | 5 | 4.2 |
| Björk | 4 | 4.25 |
| Aerosmith | 3 | 4.33 |
| Morrissey | 3 | 4.33 |
| Metallica | 3 | 4.33 |
| Public Enemy | 3 | 4.33 |
| Queen | 3 | 4.33 |
| Talking Heads | 3 | 4.33 |
| Kanye West | 3 | 4.33 |
| Miles Davis | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 3 | 1.67 |
| Emerson, Lake & Palmer | 2 | 1.5 |
| Joni Mitchell | 3 | 2 |
Controversial Artists
Artists you rate inconsistently
| Artist | Albums | Variance |
|---|---|---|
| George Michael | 2 | 1.5 |
| The Prodigy | 2 | 1.5 |
| John Martyn | 2 | 1.5 |
| Massive Attack | 2 | 1.5 |
| Neil Young & Crazy Horse | 3 | 1.41 |
5-Star Albums (237)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Peter Gabriel
5/5
I have this album on cassette & have had it since 1990. It's quintessential 80s Peter Gabriel & it's perfect. Don't Give Up ft. Kate Bush, Red Rain, Sledgehammer, Big Time, and In Your Eyes - Jesus, this is a juggernaut. Something about his voice, cadence, and emotion draws me in. I've been revisiting Peter Gabriel in both his Genesis & solo years lately, and I wish I would've taken a deeper dive sooner. He's touring this year, so I'm taking this as a sign to see him live. I'll regret it if I don't. 5 out of 5.
21 likes
Morrissey
5/5
When I first saw this pop up, I audibly sighed because Morrissey is such a miserable & whiny twat. I decided to push my feelings aside & listen...after all, I do love some of his & The Smiths music.
Well I ended up enjoying this so much, I listened twice. First of the Gang to Die is fantastic, and the rest sounds like classic Moz. Moz wins this challenge. 4.5
13 likes
ZZ Top
5/5
ZZ Top is Texas Rock. This album gives groovy blues & touches of early metal. I've always loved La Grange, and Beer Drinkers & He'll Raisers is classic metal - who would've thought they could rock this hard?
I'm glad I'm finally listening to a ZZ Top album in its entirety. Being born & raised in TX, this band reminds me of home. They've got some heat in this album - if someone were to ask what the Lone Star state sounds like, I'd play this album. Gonna listen to their entire discography thanks to this challenge.
9 likes
The White Stripes
5/5
That was such a great listen. I had forgotten I had a healthy White Stripes phase while I was living in Nashville, which was also the same time Jack White was living there. Once, he came into J.Alexander's (it was the flagship restaurant & lots of celebrities liked it for some reason) and dude was dressed head to toe in a crushed purple velvet pimp suit complete with pimp hat & cane. It's surreal & bad ass. He was nice as hell, too. I once ate one of his onion rings...a big deal for me since he was my top crush at the time.
This album, along with Meg White's drumming, is solid 2000s rock. Meg deserves far more credit than she gets. Girlfriend is talented as hell, and Jack ain't bad either. My favorites are Blue Orchid & My Doorbell, and I like the mix of garage, blues, and pop. I'm so glad this popped up. I was also a big fan of their album, Icky Thump, so I'm taking this as a reminder to revisit their catalog. 4.5 stars.
8 likes
Depeche Mode
5/5
Depeche Mode is one of the few bands I will go to great lengths to experience live. They were part of my bucket list - see one of my favorite bands on their home turf - and that I did. I saw DM in London at Queen Elizabeth Stadium surrounded by an English audience in 2017. The pinnacle was the first track of this album, Never Let Me Down Again. It started raining, the entire audience was swinging their arms back & forth, and the energy was electric.
Fast forward to 2022 and I get to see an epic lineup at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA - Cruel World Fest. I couldn't help to think about the infamous 1989 Depeche Mode show at the same venue - Depeche Mode 101. They pulled heavily from Music for the Masses (arguably one of the best live shows in modern history). If you've never experienced 101, I highly recommend it. It will make you wish you could travel back in time.
Depeche Mode, my 4th favorite band & my favorite band to see live, will always get high ratings from me.
7 likes
1-Star Albums (38)
All Ratings
Black Sabbath
5/5
Pixies
2/5
One of the few bands I cannot get into
The xx
5/5
Minimalist electro with deep tones & sleepy vocals. I had forgotten how great this album is. Excellent listen.
Travis
5/5
How in the heck have I never heard of this band? Dude's soothing vocals are calming, and it reminds me of the early 2000s indie rock/folk era that became super popular at the time. This album sounds timeless, though, and I ended up listening to hours of Travis. What a great find. 5/5.
The Clash
5/5
Another great classic-one of the foundations of punk. Reminds me to mention the punk history bit Fred Armisen did on Jimmy Fallon. Definitely worth a watch.
Arctic Monkeys
2/5
What a mess. This album was all over the place with no real theme or direction. It wanted to be pop, punk, and rock all at the same time. Even though I like Alex Turner's voice and I like some of AM's songs (seen them live), this album left me annoyed and irritated. I couldn't wait for it to be over so I could sonically rinse my ears with something else.
Fatboy Slim
5/5
This album got me pumped and reminded me how fun it was to be a twenty-something in the 90s. I was a college kid at UT Austin, and the city was still very weird at the time. I remember clubbing & going to raves...so many weirdos, gays & club kids...so much Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy, and Daft Punk. A solid 5 stars for this album.
Eels
1/5
Boring & generic with that one song from Shrek. Terrible.
Les Rythmes Digitales
3/5
Decent dance album, but not the best. I did learn that "Music Makes You Lose Control" is a full Les Rythmes Digitales song & not just a Missy Elliott blip. I had no idea of this band's influence on some of my favorite artists, so kudos to the artist. It just didn't move me (pun intended) the way I had hoped.
D'Angelo
5/5
Superb. 90s R&B at its finest. Every track is gorgeous, and I love his rendition of Smokie Robinson's Cruisin. A new favorite.
Beach House
3/5
I love the dreamy sleepy soundscapes of Beach House. This album is not my favorite, though. The vocals seem out of place, and their 'sound' is underdeveloped. I think first time listeners should skip this album & go straight to Depression Cherry - that album is ethereal, wavy & emotional.
Bobby Womack
3/5
Wild Beasts
3/5
I'm a sucker for weirdo vocals- what an interesting sound. The Two Dancers track was my favorite but wasn't wowed by the album as a whole. I still ended up listening to a few of their other songs. They were so so.
Duran Duran
5/5
The perfect 80s synth-pop-funk album. Not enough credit is given to bassist, John Taylor, whose funky bass lines make this album & much of DD's catalog more than lip gloss pop. Rio sits on my top 20, and is the perfect listen start to finish. The Chauffeur is haunting & sultry, and the video is film noir erotica. I adore this album. 5/5.
George Michael
2/5
Freedom '90 is one of my all-time favorites, but the rest of this album is a real chore. I appreciate George Michael's vocal talents, but I prefer his pop tunes over his gospel ones.
Madness
5/5
Such an underrated band. I've been listening to Madness more this year than any other year. I love their playfulness mixed with serious punk-ska beats. This is one of the bands I wish I were old enough to see live. Thankfully, YouTube exists & I can watch their videos & live performances there. Excellent album.
Jacques Brel
4/5
Reminds of a French Leonard Cohen. Thanks to French class, I was able to follow along pretty decently. There's a lot of passion, pain, art, and angst in this album - not sure what it is about Western Europeans, but they seem to delve right into the feelings of things & let it flow out of them like poetry. I've just added this to my Edith Piaf playlist.
P.S. While listening on YouTube, I found a 1001 Albums Journey YT channel
Roxy Music
4/5
I love all of Roxy Music's catalog. This is definitely during their more experimental years with Brian Eno's strange compositions & Bryan Ferry's drug fueled cabaret style vocals. I deeply appreciate this band & their influence on rock n roll.
The The
4/5
The The is such a unique band. They don't fit into any of the traditional 80s genres, and they are not an easy listen - I think that's why I like them so much. Kudos to Matt Johnson for creating great music. I love his voice & the band's videos are strange af..into it!
Ghostface Killah
3/5
This genre is my Achilles' heel, but I'm glad I listened. I enjoyed the story telling, vignettes & the weaving of other musical genres into the songs. My major criticism is the overt use of curse words & sexually explicit content - that has been the main reason I'm generally turned off by this genre (it's lazy, in my opinion). But the album was solid & ended up listening to more of his music. 3.5 stars.
Beatles
5/5
"If I Fell" is one of the best love songs ever recorded, and "Things We Said Today" stops me in my tracks. This album gives me the warm fuzzies, and the film is a fun watch. I will always love The Beatles.
4/5
Damon Albarn's naggy yet playful in your face we're-fucking-British vocals always amuses me. I didn't appreciate them back in the 90s, but I'm glad I gave them another chance a few years back. Solid.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
One of my favorite go-to jazz albums with the most recognizable jazz tune of all-time. This is cool cat jazz. Smooth & hip. Excellent album.
FKA twigs
4/5
FKA twigs sounds like Portishead & Bjork had a baby. I dig her weirdo vocals.
The Go-Go's
3/5
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
Just spectacular from start to finish. I've always been a fan of The Boxer & Cecilia but never gave the entire album a listen. It's no wonder this album is considered one of the greatest ever recorded. It's emotional, uplifting, and playful. And those harmonies - blew me away. I just added this to my favorites.
Badly Drawn Boy
3/5
Better than I expected, but not the best.
Killing Joke
5/5
So glad this is on the list. I enjoyed it so much I listened to it twice along with two other albums. I was already a fan of their most popular songs, Eighties & Love Like Blood, but this album was rougher with a mix of rock, punk & industrial. At times, they reminded me of Ministry. I'll be listening to Killing Joke regularly (which is something I've been meaning to do anyway). They've got a new lifelong fan.
Pulp
4/5
Common People & Disco 2000 are my favorite Pulp songs, so it's nice to see they're on the same album. I especially like the lyrics to Common People, and I've read it's autobiographical. Pulp (and Blur) are quintessential 90s Britpop, so next time I'm feeling nostalgic for that era, I'm putting on this album.
Fleet Foxes
2/5
Boring & unoriginal.
4/5
My original notes got erased, but my synopsis is this band fkn rocks. I'll be listening to more of X.
The Byrds
3/5
A lot more psychedelic than I prefer
Carpenters
4/5
I never paid close attention to the harmonies or Karen's vocal rage, so this album was a treat. I had already enjoyed their music & I know a fair deal about Karen's demise. In all, this is a beautifully composed album & is now part of my "chill' playlist.
Ute Lemper
2/5
Rejected James Bond/Twin Peaks songs. Insufferable.
Peter Tosh
4/5
I very much enjoyed this album. I've seen him live & it was the smokiest show I've ever attended. Solid listen.
Lana Del Rey
3/5
Lana is one of the few talented modern artists (great songwriter & singer), but this album was too snoozy & cheesy for my liking. I like her work, but this album just wasn't for me.
Sinead O'Connor
4/5
So many different styles of song in one album. Beautifully sung & underrated. A reminder to listen to more Sinead.
Suede
2/5
Nothing special about this album. They almost sounded like Echo & the Bunnymen & Bowie at times, but the songs never developed into anything. A real bore.
The Avalanches
4/5
Eclectic R&B house that kept me pumped for hours. Sometimes I need music with few lyrics & a good beat. The album felt like musical mixed media with bits & pieces from everywhere coming together cohesively in funky way.
Barry Adamson
2/5
A few songs were chill & melodic, then it got creepy & off kilter. I did not enjoy this.
5/5
Hard fast 60s in your face rock. Totally my style.
The Doors
5/5
I never listened to the entire album in one go, and it blew me away. I can imagine it knocked people off their feet when it was first released in the 60s. The Doors will always remain one of my favorite bands. Incredible album.
The Undertones
4/5
Much like The Buzzcocks, The Undertones are masters of playful punk. Fun listen as my day got started.
David Bowie
4/5
Sober more mature Bowie still put out some great tunes. Gonna have to listen to this phase of his music more often. Love me some Bowie.
The Isley Brothers
4/5
Fantastic 70s soul. Groovy.
Foo Fighters
4/5
I mourned Nirvana so deeply I could never get into the Foo Fighters. It sounds silly, but it was a deeply personal feeling that I still carry. For the first time, I listened to a FF album in its entirety - and it was pretty great. Sure it's mainstream rock, but it's done well & some of the songs go pretty hard. I'm glad this was on the challenge, otherwise I never would've listened on my own.
GZA
3/5
3.5 I enjoyed it more than I expected
The Jam
4/5
I very much enjoy this band & album
The Prodigy
2/5
Annoying. I had high hopes because Fat of the Land is one of my favorite albums, but this was intolerable.
The B-52's
4/5
Classic. Rock Lobster is one of those crazy infectious songs you can't help to dance to. From my 20s to now, I have countless memories of dancing to it with friends. I love the sound of Planet Claire, and the whole album is quintessential B-52s.
The Chemical Brothers
5/5
90s dance techno at its best. Every song drew me in, and few times I stopped what I was doing to dance. Some of these tracks had some super funky beats, which is next level techno mastery. I'm adding this album to my favorites. 5 outta 5.
Doves
2/5
Generic & dull. Did not enjoy.
Beatles
5/5
A personal favorite
My Bloody Valentine
4/5
Far more shoegaze & reverb than I expected. I was wrong for intentionally passing them up in the past. This is some damn good stuff.
Roxy Music
4/5
Roxy Music will always get a 4 or 5 from me
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
3.5 solid American blues-folk-rock. I'm someone asked what New Jersey sounds like, I'd put on Springsteen.
The Smiths
5/5
Fitting that this album pops up a day after the Queen died. New Wave perfection.
Gene Clark
2/5
Terribly dull
Shack
2/5
Unremarkable
Le Tigre
5/5
Bad ass girls rocking out
Emmylou Harris
4/5
Love her voice & her music. Great album.
Fugazi
4/5
Solid punk album
2/5
Aside from a couple of songs & that one samba, I didn't care for the album. Just not my thing.
Beastie Boys
5/5
Peak Beastie Boys
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Sounded like Leonard Cohen with a sprinkling of Bryan Ferry at times.
Ash
2/5
Nothing special 2.5
Joni Mitchell
2/5
I hate that style of vocals. I never understood its appeal. Not my bag.
Iron Butterfly
4/5
The beginnings of metal
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
A good mix of punk & rock. I love Karen O's voice, and Maps is one of the best love songs ever recorded.
The Beach Boys
5/5
Stellar. One of my favorite bands & albums. I'd argue that Beach Boys are the best American band.
Don McLean
3/5
Not my favorite genre, but I'll give credit for the musicianship.
The Beach Boys
5/5
I hear some of my favorite bands in here (MGMT, Foxygen, Beach House). I've always gravitated to Pet Sounds, but this album is spectacular with its psychedelic beachy sounds. This is when this 1001 challenge pays off - I'll be listening to this on repeat.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
4/5
Finally a Spanish album. I remember my mom telling me about Ruben Blades when I was a kid. This guy is incredibly talented & has a bona-fide music career. I enjoyed this album so much, I listened to three more. I'm certain Blades influenced many modern artists including Ricky Martin. I'm glad this was part of the challenge. Love me some salsa.
The Verve
3/5
Definitely a 90s album with sounds reminiscent of U2, Stone Roses & Oasis. It was a bit too long for me, but enjoyed it all in all. 3.5
David Bowie
5/5
One of the best listening experiences is starting with Bowie's Station to Station and ending with Heroes. Yes, I know the Berlin trilogy includes Lodger, but I find the others far superior.
Bowie is one of my musical heroes, and I have Nine Inch Nails/Trent Teznor to thank for that. Heroes is one of those albums many acclaimed artists drew inspiration from - no wonder. It's fucking fantastic with a dash of experimental weirdness. Heroes is one of those songs that if I let it, will drift me to another emotional space. I've also heard it covered live covered by my favorite bands, and it's always a visceral experience. This is one of the greatest albums every recorded. Everyone should listen to this era of Bowie.
Country Joe & The Fish
2/5
This whole genre of folk rock can take a hike
XTC
4/5
I've listened to this band more this year than any other. While Earn Enough for Us & Dear God are the radio friendly hits, I'm blown away by 1000 Umbrellas. I love the strings & structure of the song. I'm wowed! Love me some XTC.
Van Halen
5/5
Hell yeah, this is 80s rock. Love love David Lee Roth, the percussion, and those guitar riffs. One of the things I've had on my bucket list is to learn the drums on Hot for Teacher. The drums really get you going right from the start. Damn good stuff. 🤘
Funkadelic
4/5
Funky & fantastically arranged. These are some skilled & talented artists, and I can hear where Prince got a lot of his sound from. I've just added this album to my library. 4.5
Joy Division
5/5
Dark, moody, intense. One of my favorite albums of all-time.
Femi Kuti
2/5
Not my thing
Mudhoney
4/5
Ministry
3/5
I'm team "Make Ministry Synth Again" (With Sympathy is one of the best synth-goth albums of all-time), but I appreciate Ministry's industrial era. It's not my favorite, but Jesus Built My Hotrod is a classic. 3.5
P.S. Uncle Al, you're a weenie for turning your back on your synth roots. You were so great with that fake British accent. Good times.
Sonic Youth
4/5
I'm ashamed to admit that I've only been actively listening to Sonic Youth for less than a year even though they're from my generation. Looking back, I wouldn't have appreciated them as much as I do now.
Drunken Butterfly is my favorite off this album. I'm glad I finally added them into my rotation. Great 90s alt rock.
Lauryn Hill
4/5
I adore Lauryn Hill's voice. Every time I hear one of her songs, my ears perk up. She has a lot to say on this album, but the one thing I didn't pay attention to in the past is her songs of faith. What a risk that must've been for her, hip hop, and popular music. Most artists aren't that open with their faith, and I'm sure record companies prefer to steer clear.
My new favorite is Everything is Everything, I'll always love Doo Wop (That Thing), and what a great rendition of Can't Take My Eyes Off of You. Solid album.
Sarah Vaughan
4/5
This is the music I often crave - swanky, soulful & cool. I had never heard of Sarah Vaughn, but I'll be listening to her on a weekly basis (she fits perfectly my work playlist of chill-jazzy artists). Gorgeous voice.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
I wanted to like this more, but I wasn't a fan of the heavy sampling. I'm not giving up on this band, though. I'll definitely give their other albums a listen. 3.5
Nas
4/5
I enjoyed this album more than I expected
Liz Phair
2/5
I never got into her music, and now I remember why. I really didn't like this.
Drive Like Jehu
4/5
MGMT
5/5
One of my favorite bands & albums of the time. Modern psychedelic with touches of synth & funk.
Beck
4/5
Stripped down to mostly strings, guitar, and vocals - this album has a moody, chill feel & I enjoyed it.
ZZ Top
5/5
ZZ Top is Texas Rock. This album gives groovy blues & touches of early metal. I've always loved La Grange, and Beer Drinkers & He'll Raisers is classic metal - who would've thought they could rock this hard?
I'm glad I'm finally listening to a ZZ Top album in its entirety. Being born & raised in TX, this band reminds me of home. They've got some heat in this album - if someone were to ask what the Lone Star state sounds like, I'd play this album. Gonna listen to their entire discography thanks to this challenge.
Machito
3/5
Reminded me of West Side Story. Not something I'd actively listening to.
Parliament
5/5
I'm realizing that I truly enjoy 70s funk. Thanks to this challenge, I'm regularly listening to Funkadelic, and I'm adding this album to my work playlist. Anything with a groovy beat gets me going.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
I very much like Elvis Costello, but this album was a snoozefest. I'll stick to his earlier stuff.
Wilco
3/5
Elis Regina
3/5
Really not a fan of world music. It did have some jazzy elements, though.
The Temptations
4/5
Socially conscious and far less sugary than 60s Temptations.
50 Cent
5/5
Now I fully understand why 50 was & has remained so popular. Every song had a hook or featured a big time rapper. There's also a lot of layering in his songs - more instrumentation than most rap albums, which I like very much. 4.5 rounded up to 5 nostalgia's sake.
Norah Jones
4/5
Better than I remembered. Jazzy with a touch of country.
Sonic Youth
5/5
Post punk shoegaze guitar is one of my favorite styles of guitar. This album & band are right up my alley. I only wish I had listened to this album when it was first released. 4.5
Jane's Addiction
4/5
Solid 90s rock. I've always loved Perry Farrell's voice.
George Michael
5/5
Sexy album by one of the best pop stars in history.
Aerosmith
5/5
A juggernaut of an album with some of my all-time favorites.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
Electric acid Talking Heads. On paper I should like this band, but I find them a bit annoying.
De La Soul
5/5
This has got to be regarded as one of the best hip hop albums of all-time. It was like listening to a musical collage with great lyrics & vocals on top of bits of sampled a songs with creative instrumentation. Everything fit together beautifully by masters of music. Excellent album.
Donald Fagen
1/5
Just because you can record an album doesn't mean you should. This was easy listening hell. Hated it.
N.W.A.
5/5
Excellent debut album by rap legends. I wasn't much into this album when it came out (mostly because I was into rock & didn't like that some of the lyrics were misogynistic) but listening to the album at this age give me a fresh take. It's a big F'U to the powers that be along with being prideful of where these guys came from. Glad I got a give it another chance. 5 outta 5.
John Martyn
4/5
Just weird enough for me to like. Sounds like 70s psychedelic prog mixed with a bit of country & Funkadelic's Maggot Brain (which I listen to on a weekly basis). What an odd album - and I mean that as a compliment. I'm adding this to my chill/funk playlist.
Missy Elliott
5/5
Green Day
3/5
I was a big fan of early Green Day. This album was good, but too poppy for me.
Supergrass
4/5
I had no idea this band was this good. So glad to get past their one hit & give the other songs from this album a try. I have a feeling the more I listen to this album, the more it'll become a favorite. Wow. Good stuff.
Alice Cooper
4/5
So many styles of music & vocals composed in one album. I hear early metal, but enjoyed also the cabaretesque piano & heard a few strings, too. How creative! Aside from No More Mr. Nice Guy, I very much enjoyed I Love the Dead. Into this.
Boards of Canada
4/5
Ambient electro glitch. I listened to it twice as it made good concentration music. I'm a huge fan of electronic music, but it starts to lose me at Glitch..that's probably my least favorite electronic subgenre. Aside from that, this album had a nice flow & reminded me of Daft Punk's Tron soundtrack at times. I'll be listening to more Boards of Canada.
Nina Simone
5/5
Nina Simone is perfection. I learned that one of my favorite songs, Wild is The Wind is a Nina Simone tune & not a David Bowie original. I've listened to Bowie's Station to Station dozens of times & always take a reflective pause at the song. It's hauntingly beautiful - just like much of Nina's work. I ended up listening to hours of her music. She's incredible.
Astor Piazzolla
2/5
There is such a things as too much xylophone
Brian Eno
5/5
Ambient art. Brian Eno is brilliant. One of the most talented people in the history of music.
The Slits
3/5
I didn't like this as much as I had hoped, but I'll definitely dive into the rest of the discography.
The Pogues
4/5
Unapologetically Irish. I was already a fan of Fairytale of New York thanks to the film Basquiat and had always wondered what other Pogues songs were like. This album had the same folk-gypsy energy as Gogol Bordello's work & I bet Pogue live shows were pretty amazing. Gonna take a deeper dive into this band.
The Prodigy
5/5
The best album of its time & genre. I remember dancing to these songs at clubs, and it's my workout go-to. Running to this album is pure adrenaline. This album will always be a personal favorite.
Taylor Swift
2/5
Her vocals aren't terrible, but the lyrics are weak. Giving this two stars cause I hate most modern pop.
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Destiny's Child
4/5
Some real chart topping bangers. What a fun time for early 2000s pop & interesting to see the start of Beyoncé & Kelly's career. And let's not forget Charlie's Angels - good times.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
I was blown away by this album. I had already known that Kendrick Lamar was one of the most talented rap/hip-hop artists of our time, and man does this album prove so. I'll definitely be listening to more of his work.
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
Reminded me of Afro Harping by Dorothy Ashby mixed with Alice Coltrain with dashes of electric guitar and other eccentric musings. The album was a bit long, but it fits a certain mood & vibe. I dug it.
2/5
I used to hate Bob Dylan, but I like some of his work - not this, though. I can't stand the nasal-ly harmonica Dylan. It's insufferable.
The Doors
5/5
The Doors will always rank at the top for me
Beatles
5/5
One of the best albums by one of the greatest bands in pop history
Kate Bush
4/5
I've never been a fan of Kate Bush even though I should...I'm big into weird female vocals & arrangements. After giving her another listen, I now realize how incredibly talented she is. I still stand by not liking her style of piano. It's a bit too melodramatic for me. Still, I'm glad she came up on this challenge.
T. Rex
4/5
T.Rex are glam rock gods. Some of my favorites are on here, but there are some sleepers too (which are not as great, in my opinion). Overall good album.
Massive Attack
2/5
Not enjoyable. Too bad cause they have some good tunes, but they weren't on this album.
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
Great techno/dance album
Morrissey
4/5
Some of Morrissey's solo work is pretty great. Can't stand the person, but man did he have some good stuff.
Terence Trent D'Arby
3/5
Terence Trent D'Arby has an incredible voice. I've always loved that raspiness. I actually own this album so I could play Wishing Well on repeat. That song and music video are sultry (it's one of my all-time favorites). Sign Your Name is great, but the rest of the album is a miss for me.
Bob Dylan
3/5
I prefer the blues-rock version of Dylan, but there was still too much harmonica folk happening here. It grinded my nerves so much, I had to listen in two parts. It was ok. I'll never fully get into Dylan.
Willie Nelson
4/5
What a lovely & soothing album. I very much enjoyed it.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
Absolutely incredible. So perfect from start to finish, I listened to it twice in a row. How I got this far in life & had never listened to one of her albums in full is a shock. It's no wonder she's The Queen of Soul.
Metallica
5/5
My city is a huge on metal & Metallica. Even though I didn't actively listen to them in the 80s, I knew their songs & they've always felt like home. As an adult, I've grown to greatly appreciate this band & have seen them live - what an electric show. One is a favorite, and the others are just sheer hard metal perfection. This is one of the few albums where I actually enjoy a 7 minute song. I'll have to revisit their other albums & take a trip down hometown memory lane.
Blur
3/5
One of the most Bri'ish pop albums ever recorded. My all-time favorite Blur song is Girls & Boys, and I enjoy Parklife (I sometimes sing this on my way to the park with my pup). I wasn't sold on the rest of the album, though. It's just ok.
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
Boring & unoriginal. Lyrics were terrible, but music was ok.
Cheap Trick
3/5
I wanted to be vowed, but I was bored instead. Their two hits are good, but this album just didn't do it for me.
David Bowie
5/5
It took several months after his death to be able to listen to this album. Once I did, I wept. Bowie is one of my all-time favorite artists & it still saddens me that he's gone. The song Blackstar is a masterpiece telling the story of transformation with layers of sounds & styles. I honestly reminds me of a mini opera. The rest of the album sounds like bits & pieces of his work from over the years. This will always be an emotionally beautiful album for me.
Public Enemy
4/5
Haircut 100
4/5
I'm impressed. This band is far more than their one hit. They're multi-talented instrumentalists with a mix of pop, new wave & world - this album is just a great mix of genres. My only criticism is it's too long. Aside from that, solid listen.
Robert Wyatt
3/5
I like this just enough. It's odd prog rock & I'm ok with that.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
I'm realizing I've become a fan. Very much enjoyed the album & hope for more from this duo.
Brian Eno
5/5
Beautifully crafted ambient landscapes. Brian Eno will always get 4-5 stars from me.
Lightning Bolt
2/5
This gave me anxiety. When punk turns to noise, I'm outta there.
Joni Mitchell
2/5
I've realized that I do not like folk harmonica & folk in general. This was boring & a bit annoying.
Madonna
4/5
Spiritual Madonna with trance tracks. I was never a huge fan of the song Ray of Light but have always enjoyed the album as a whole. Little Star was an ode to her eldest daughter, Lourdes, which always warms me, and Frozen is one of my favorite songs of all-time - I can listen to it on a loop & the video is spectacular. Solid 4.
Leftfield
3/5
EDM/House is best enjoyed live or in a club. Listening to this as part of this challenge was not great, bur still decent music all in all.
The Mothers Of Invention
4/5
Dadaist, experimental, bluesy, and 60s rock goodness. I very much enjoyed this album & I can hear some of favorite bands here. I appreciate Zappa far more than I already did, and stoked to listen to more.
The Byrds
3/5
This felt like one long Byrds song. It was good but not core shaking.
The Mamas & The Papas
4/5
Incredible harmonies & beautiful arrangements. Fantastic album.
Pixies
3/5
Good with a couple of favorites. I've yet to listen to a Pixies album & be completely moved.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Under My Thumb & Paint It Black are spectacular, but the rest of the album is okay. I do recognize that The Stones are masters at country-rock, and you can hear a little of that here. Solid album.
Neu!
3/5
This was strange, but I kinda liked it. It was like a cross between prog rock, punk, and stripped down electro a la Kraftwerk. I'd probably listen to a couple of tracks again. 2.5 stars (wish this thing had half stars for rating).
Sufjan Stevens
2/5
Indy rock that reminds me of a cheesy version of Vampire Weekend. I'm not a fan of polished overly produced soft rock. A miss for me.
The Beau Brummels
2/5
Keith Jarrett
4/5
Cypress Hill
4/5
3.5
Various Artists
5/5
Spector's Wall of Sounds plus The Crystals, The Ronnettes & Darlene Love make for a spectacular Christmas album - in my opinion, the best Christmas album. I'll be listening to this every year thanks to this challenge.
Boston
4/5
We all know this band & its 70s organ rock sound. Sometimes they annoy me (not sure why), but I know a lot of their songs & lyrics. Maybe because they're actually pretty good at what they do? They're a bit overly polished for me, but I'll sign along if one of these songs comes on.
Dwight Yoakam
4/5
Excellent country album by my favorite country artist. There's a nice blend of country, rock, Southern hymns & conjunto featuring my hometown hero Flaco Jimenez on accordion. I've seen Dwight & Flaco play live in Helotes, TX at a watering hole/live music venue called Floores Country Store (more than once), and it's always electric. I love Dwight's twangy-nasaly style but this album isn't about the fun hits - there's a lot of storytelling here & some of it is dark as hell. Dwight is highly underrated, but he'll always be #1 in my heart.
4.5 stars
P.S. I own \"Live from Austin TX -Dwight Yoakam\" recorded in 1988.
Fun fact: After a lot of rejection from Nashville, Dwight's career started to take off in Southern California punk bars. No joke.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
3/5
I wasn't feeling this. The album felt like it was all over the place with no cohesiveness. The lead signer's voice did remind of of Lux Interior, which I found interesting. Aside from that, this is just so so.
Iggy Pop
5/5
This is exactly the type of weirdo Eno/Bowie-esque sound I'm into. Definitely a departure from the sound of the Stooges, this album is more experimental, artsy, and electronic. I've always loved Nightclubbing & I have a feeling this will become one of my favorite listens going forward.
4.5 stars
Screaming Trees
3/5
R.E.M.
4/5
I used to say that I hated REM, but recently I realized that isn't true. Michael Stipe's voice grates on my nerves after too many songs, so that's true. But the band & this album are pretty great. Radio Free Europe is catchy & the rest is just good stuff.
Joni Mitchell
2/5
Slightly better than the last Joni Mitchell album but boring overall. Sounds like generic elevator music played while you wait at the dentist office...and your dentist should've retired 30 years ago & the paint is chipping off the walls. Joni Mitchell is not for me.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
5/5
The Monkees
5/5
I've loved the The Monkees since I was a ten yr old kid. Thanks to my aunt & Nickelodeon, watching The Monkees TV show was part of my afternoon schedule. It was then when I developed one of my first crushes on Michael Nesmith. It was as an adult that I learned that he was from TX & spent quite a bit of time in my hometown.
Childhood aside, this group is incredibly talented. My favorite songs are those led by Mike, but Mickey is also a fantastic lead vocalist. Also cool to note that at least one of these songs is written by Neil Diamond (he's a phenomenal song writer IMO) and that wins points too. I hope we see more from The Monkees. They're definitely a favorite.
Gang Starr
3/5
3.5
Led Zeppelin
5/5
This album is sex, drugs, & rock n roll. It's a juggernaut & will forever be one of the best albums in history. If I'm ranking this album out of 1001, it's gotta be top ten.
Björk
4/5
Ethereal chimes & Björk's beautifully weird voice. This album is much softer than her others, and some of these songs remind me of Icelandic lullabies. I hope we see more of her on this list.
Marty Robbins
5/5
Stellar Country-Western ballads by one of the most talented artists in country music history. Not only is he an incredible music writer, he's an impeccable singer. It's no wonder he's considered one of the greats.
James Taylor
3/5
James Taylor has a soothing voice, but his music is far too easy listening for my taste.
Nick Drake
2/5
I don't care for this chill mellow guitar stuff
Throwing Muses
4/5
Nice to see some post punk/alt on here. It's a genre that deserves more attention. I hope we see more albums from the 80s. 3.5 stars.
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
It was ok. Definitely not memorable. I think this is the third or fourth bossa nova album on the list while other genres are completely ignored. I'm getting a bit annoyed. 2.5 stars
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
I'm a fan of Elvis Costello, so it was nice to see this on the list.
Janis Joplin
5/5
Janis is one of my favorite vocalist & she nailed the Southern blues-rock genre. This album's got great story telling & all the feels. Cry Baby shakes me to my core every time hear it, Mercedes Benz makes me wish I could sing like her, and Bobby McGee nearly makes me cry every time I hear it. Love love Janis.
Depeche Mode
5/5
Depeche Mode is one of the few bands I will go to great lengths to experience live. They were part of my bucket list - see one of my favorite bands on their home turf - and that I did. I saw DM in London at Queen Elizabeth Stadium surrounded by an English audience in 2017. The pinnacle was the first track of this album, Never Let Me Down Again. It started raining, the entire audience was swinging their arms back & forth, and the energy was electric.
Fast forward to 2022 and I get to see an epic lineup at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA - Cruel World Fest. I couldn't help to think about the infamous 1989 Depeche Mode show at the same venue - Depeche Mode 101. They pulled heavily from Music for the Masses (arguably one of the best live shows in modern history). If you've never experienced 101, I highly recommend it. It will make you wish you could travel back in time.
Depeche Mode, my 4th favorite band & my favorite band to see live, will always get high ratings from me.
Steve Earle
4/5
Fantastic twangy country music
David Bowie
4/5
70s Jazzy-Funk Bowie isn't my favorite, but it's still Bowie. Fame is my favorite off this album with John Lennon on backup vocals.
Thundercat
1/5
This wanted to be Prog, but it ended up being an album of nonsense & crap. This doesn't deserve to be on this list. I can think of 10 other albums that do. Awful.
David Bowie
5/5
This is my favorite Bowie album & era. I learned of this album when reading that Trent Reznor listed to it heavily while recording The Downward Spiral. Since then, I've learned a ton about the two artists and their tour in the 90s. I credit Reznor for getting me into Bowie.
The first half of this album is soul-funk with my two of my all-time favorite songs - Sound and Vision & Be My Wife. The piano on Be My Wife is spectacular & grabs you right away. Sound and Vision is the diary of a despondent loner sung with just a touch of humor.
The second half is the Eno-Bowie ambient alien sound & I'm all for it. I could get lost in it and float away...it's beautiful. I genuinely like the weird stuff.
This album, and Station to Station, are my two favorite Bowie albums. 5 stars.
Motörhead
5/5
Excellent. Fast, hard, energetic. Can you imagine what it would've been like to be at a live Motörhead show? And in the pit? I wish.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
Not really my go-to genre, but this album has a couple of favorites & it's probably the best of the country-folk that was out at its time. I absolutely love the harmonies (I'm a sucker for them), and this trio really melds well together. I listened to this album twice in a row today - it was an enjoyable experience.
King Crimson
4/5
I've been taking a deep dive into Prog thanks to a question posited in a Facebook group, "How Prog was Bowie?" The answer: The Man Who Sold the World. Thanks to this discussion, my curiosity, and the movie Mandy, I've been actively listening to King Crimson, early Peter Gabriel Genesis, Can & more of Pink Floyd. To be fair, I had already been lightly dipping my toes into Prog & Krautrock for the last few years.
Back to the album - I enjoyed it. It was atmospheric, calming, unnerving, alien, ethereal, and beautiful. You bet I'll be listening to this again. Probably cued up after Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. 4 out of 5 but will likely turn into a 5 pretty soon.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
The dark side of Siouxsie. I absolutely love Hong Kong Garden and their cover cover of Helter Skelter, but it's a bit too brooding for me. I am happy to see post punk/new wave on this list...we need more of it. 3.5 stars
The Killers
5/5
The perfect early 2000s alt-pop album. Hot Fuss is one I revisit a few times a year. The Killers is a solid band all around.
Todd Rundgren
2/5
This was like a bad mix of Supertramp & Frank Zappa. Maybe we'll hear some of his other work because I like him as a vocalist, but this was a loss for me.
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
Solid synth pop album but no hits or songs that really get me going. Still, it's the Pet Shop Boys & they're a fantastic band. 3.5 stars.
Beatles
5/5
Incredible album & my favorite by the band. Every song is a hit, and each of the Fab Four gets at least one song on lead vocals. Keen writing & storytelling with both classic & experimental Beatles sound. This is peak Beatles. 5 out of 5.
Miriam Makeba
2/5
I don't like world music. Sure, she's got a lovely voice, but this isn't enjoyable.
The Smiths
4/5
Solid Smiths album. I'm glad to see this genre & band represented again, but I took a peek at the 1001 list & many other notable albums & artists are missing. It's a real shame to have so many albums & so few post punk/new wave bands on here *big fkn sigh* Anyway, 4 stars for Meat is Murder.
Sade
5/5
Beautiful. I can & have listened to hours if Sade. Her voice is soft velvet.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Classic Stevie
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
Aging hippies who did too much LSD got a hold of keyboards & made this dumb Prog album. I rolled my eyes as soon as I saw the cover..WTF is up with the armadillo?! It's frightening & looks like something out of the movie Jacob's Ladder. Kudos for the unique arrangements, but that's the only positive thing I can say about this album.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Of the Leonard Cohen songs I've heard, I liked these very much. His voice & style reminded me of Serge Gainsborough at points, and I liked the use of synthesizers/key boards. I'll definitely revisit this.
System Of A Down
4/5
Eminem
3/5
I know I'm going to be in the minority, but this album is so violent I couldn't finish listening to it. I'll give it 3 stars because Eminem is talented & a good story teller, but the misogyny & anger is off the charts. This is my main gripe about rap & hip hop, and it honestly turns my stomach. I couldn't listen to this album when it was released & I couldn't finish it now.
Suede
3/5
Meh
Talvin Singh
1/5
Nope
Billy Joel
5/5
Fantastic with some of his hits. Classic Billy Joel.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Little Simz
3/5
Better than I expected
Janelle Monáe
3/5
I wanted to like this more because I like her & she's great live...maybe I just wasn't in the mood. I'll try again another time.
Dusty Springfield
5/5
Dusty is the best of the best - incomparable
R.E.M.
4/5
Solid album. Man on the Moon is one of my all-time favorites (love the ode to Andy Kaufman), and Everybody Hurts was a big hit at the time. The video was shot in my hometown & my high school friend is in the video. He recently told me the whole story & it's pretty fantastic. 4 stars.
Pretenders
5/5
Essential Pretenders & top tier post punk. Chrissie Hynde is in a class of her own with that snarky sultry rock voice. Great band & great album.
Kacey Musgraves
4/5
I had listened to some of her other songs & didn't care for them, but this album was surprisingly good.
Beatles
5/5
One of the best albums by one of the best bands.
Elastica
4/5
Happy Mondays
3/5
2.5 stars
2Pac
4/5
David Holmes
4/5
I enjoyed this more than I expected. It's solid chill house & was a great listen while I walked my dog in the dusk.
Queen
5/5
How fantastically gay in both the Oxoford dictionary & Queer way. I fell in love with Queen thanks to Wayne's World, no joke, and I've been fascinated with this band ever since. In who's right mind would think recording an Opera/Rock/Country album would be a good idea? It had to be one of the most outrageous & risky recordings in pop music history. Nonetheless, they pulled it off & some of these songs are the most recognizable across the globe. I adore Queen, I loved that they embraced the double meaning of the band's namesake & they didn't shy away from being pretty gay. What wonderfully talented hard rock weirdos.
Depeche Mode
5/5
This CD lives permanently in my car, and it's the album I've most listened to over the last 15 years. The first time I saw the Enjoy the Silence video, I was stunned & amazed. I was 14 going on 15 spending time at nerd summer camp when the video comes on in the lounge area of our school. I stopped in my tracks as it started & I couldn't walk away -WHAT IS THIS?! My eyes must've been as big as saucers as I let the song drench me in dark disco synth. There I was, nerdy & weird, instantly in love with Depeche Mode.
The album cover still seduces me & I plan on getting that wilted rose tattooed (eventually). Halo, Blue Dress, and Clean are non-radio favorites & I just scored tickets to see them this year on my bday. I'm actually seeing them twice in 2023. It will be undoubtedly different without Fletch, but I AM STOKED. This band is me...14 year old me, 20 something me, 30 & 40 something me, forever me.
Buck Owens
5/5
Owens is one of the most influential country musician & I have him to thank for inspiring some of my favorite artists (Dwight Yoakam, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones to name a few). This album has classic 60s country tunes along with the beginnings of rock n roll. Act Naturally has been a favorite for years & throughly enjoyed this album. I'm adding it to my country music rotation.
Björk
4/5
The vocals on this album are incredible. I don't know what kind of training it takes to sing like this, but it's gotta take a lot of work for both Björk & her backup vocalists.
Ethereal, surreal, soothing, and beautifully foreign. A nice rounded 4.
Air
4/5
I think this is the first soundtrack that's come up in this challenge, and it's one I'm very familiar with thanks to a close friend. As much as I love Air, this isn't a particularly riveting listen. My favorite is Playground Love & heard it dozens of times, but Suicide Underground is just a creepy recap of what happens in the movie & the rest is a tad boring. I prefer Moon Safari over this album, but I'll give it four stars for nostalgia, the movie, and because I love this band.
Green Day
5/5
I was late to the punk scene (mostly because I had new wave/metal head friends), so this is was my first intro to pop-punk. This album came out the year I was a freshman & I instantly loved it.
Solange
5/5
After hearing only great things about Solange, I can honestly say that I am WOWED. She's got a gorgeous voice, her songs & interludes are beautifully told, and the vibe vibe is wonderfully chill. I've officially added her to my library. 4.5 stars
*On a separate note, I wish we'd have the ability to edit our reviews since I accidentally hit the vote button before I finished writing my last review.
The Electric Prunes
3/5
Garbage
4/5
Better than I remember. Kudos to Shirley Mason & the band for still drawing crowds at their shows. Solid 90s alt rock.
Venom
4/5
This is my kind of metal. Dark, heavy, loud, fast & with a healthy amount of Satan worship. Fucking classic. Reminds me a bit of Motorhead. After another listen, I'm sure I'll bump this up to 5 stars.
The Who
3/5
I know this album is supposed to be an epic, but I found it hokey & a little dull. I know this band is crazy talent, but I never really enjoyed them - they're my least favorite of the big rock English bands of that time.
Patti Smith
4/5
This is good stuff! It's like punk meets spoken word with hella style. I'll be listening to this again.
John Lennon
4/5
I've been listening to Lennon's solo work for many years, so this was like revisiting old favorites. I've always admired his writing style & sometimes wished I had just a sliver of his talent. Solid album.
The Cardigans
4/5
I was hoping for more from this album since Love Fool is one of the best 90s pop songs, but it fell a little flat. It was pretty voice music with not much to offer. I did enjoy Losers & an interesting take on Iron Man, but everything else was just ordinary. 3.5 stars.
Elton John
5/5
Elton John is one of my all-time favorite artists & pianists. I'd listen to him so much that one of my cats took a strong liking to him. Eventually, he became her favorite & she'd roll around in bliss to his music. As she became increasingly ill with cancer, I'd let her watch his old concerts on my iPad & I'd serenade her. It was sad & beautiful.
This album, and cover art, is wonderful. I adore Goodbye Yellow Brick Road & its somber lyrics & I enjoy the opening tracks, too. Bennie and The Jets always pulls me in & Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting is full-blast fun. What a great listen. This definitely deserves to be on the list & I hope those not familiar with his work found something they enjoyed here. 5 stars.
P.S. there was a bad ass arcade in Austin, TX that had a Goodbye Yellow Brick Road pinball machine & playing it was one of the best memories ever.
Paul Simon
4/5
You Can Call Me Al brings back vivid memories of the video with Chevy Chase. That song was a mega hit at the time, and little kid me loved every bit of it. 80s Paul Simon was pretty fantastic...great song writer & composer, but I've always felt a little uncomfortable with a wealthy white dude making Afro-Carribbean music. Is it homage or is it appropriation? Especially since some of the singers & musicians were from apartheid South Africa. Definitely something to think about.
Musically, I thoroughly enjoyed this & will absolutely listen again. Paul Simon is just that good.
Herbie Hancock
5/5
Dang, this album is funky jazz hotness! As soon as the first track started playing, I stopped what I was doing & started dancing. This fits right in l with my James Brown/Funkadelic/Alice Coltrane playlist. I'm so glad this popped up in the challenge, otherwise I probably would've missed out. I'll be listening to more of his work. 5 enthusiastic stars.
5/5
Fantastic album by a fantastic band. I think people pass Devo off as a one hit wonder, but they couldn't be more wrong. They're a electronic punk band with a message of devolution & were founded after the founding members witnessed the Kent State Massacre. If you listen carefully, those aren't just pop songs, and I'm grateful to have seen them live last year at Cruel World Fest. The energy was off the charts complete with the band ripping their signature suits to shreds. Do yourselves a favor & watch their old 80s shows on YouTube.
Nearly the entire album is made of my favorites. I remember first hearing their version of (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction on the movie Casino & was amazed. How in the world can a band recreate THAT song so perfectly? Again, wow. This album is pure joy for me. 5 stars.
Dolly Parton
4/5
Stunning album. These are three of the strongest & most memorable vocalists in country, folk, and rock. All three are legendary in their own right. Separately, these ladies sing some of my favorite songs: Dolly - Jolene, Emmylou Harris - Wayfaring Stranger, Linda Rondstandt - Blue Bayou & her mariachi songs (an ode to her Mexican-American roots). Together, they sing in perfect harmony & cover some classics. I'm also sucker for sappy country, banjo, fiddle & guitar...partly thanks to hearing country growing up & living in Nashville for 8 years (Emmylou lived in my neighborhood). I'm so happy this is one the list & I hope we get to hear their solo albums. What a lovely listen.
PJ Harvey
4/5
I should like this more than I do, but I don't. I'm strangely picky with female led rock/alt bands. 3.5
Pink Floyd
5/5
Pink Floyd is the best psychedelic prog rock band in rock history. I've loved this band & album for a long while & have seen the movie at a local music venue. The whole thing is a misanthropic journey with nightmarish visuals, sharp lyrics, and guitars that will pull you in for an atmospheric ride.
Aside from Another Brick In The Wall Part 2, Mother, Young Lust, Hey You & Comfortably Numb are my favorites. I remember first discovering Pink Floyd my freshman year at UT Austin when my intro to psych professor talked a about tripping balls to Floyd & Zeppelin...and somehow he'd weave it into our lectures. Such a liberal arts & hippy-rocker thing to do & very telling of Austin at the time. I used to hate Comfortably Numb because it reminded me of one of my first college jobs doing phone surveys & that song was part of the survey, but years later the association between song & job have faded and have come to deeply appreciate that tune. Floyd also reminds me a bit of a ex...we'd have discussions about the band & it's movies - good times.
5 stars. I can't wait for Dark Side of the Moon.
The Kinks
3/5
Not my favorite by The Kinks. Aside from David Watts, the rest was unremarkable. That's too bad 'cause I like this band.
Lou Reed
4/5
This is exactly what I was in the mood for today. Thanks to this challenge, I went down a Lou Reed, Velvet Underground, and Iggy Pop rabbit hole. Perfect Day & Walk On the Wild Side are classics, and I love Satellite of Love. The album gets a little sleepy at times, but it's such a solid listen, I left it on repeat. 4 stars.
The Fall
4/5
Great post punk album. It even went a little techno at one point. Will be listening to this again.
Bad Company
4/5
Classic rock done right. Great album.
Britney Spears
4/5
When I saw this album, I thought easy 4 or 5. Yup, I give it a solid 4 for some of the best pop songs in modern history. It's easy to hate this & pass it off a bubble gum pop, because it is, but this album & its singles never stopped being played at gay clubs, drag shows, and at parties. Britney isn't a strong vocalist, in fact she has a lot of support from her backup singers on this album, but damn those tunes are catchy. I will always love Britney & she deserves pop music accolades.
Frank Sinatra
2/5
Even with Old Blue Eyes on lead vocals, I found this boring.
The Stooges
4/5
Classic punk
Digital Underground
4/5
Reminds me of the late 80s & the school dances I'd go. Loved doing the Humpty Dance. Good times.
Black Sabbath
5/5
Such a bad ass metal album. The arrangements & Ozzy's voice just make this a spectacular listen. Long live Sabbath!
Living Colour
5/5
This is fantastic - what incredible talent it takes to write such poignant songs & slap with high energy guitars, percussion, brass & vocals. 5 stars.
Ray Charles
5/5
I love his music & his style of piano playing. I'm glad this came up on a day I was feeling blah...it lifted my spirits & ended up listening to hours of him, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke & the like. Yes, Ray Charles is a genius.
Nirvana
5/5
Of all bands & albums, this is one of two where I have to brace myself. It's so fucking emotional, I can barely stand it (the other is Blackstar by David Bowie).
Stripped down & raw. Covers of old songs & original work. This is what beauty & pain sound like. I ADORE this album & love this band in a way I love no other.
I'm going to keep this short because it still pains young me & I never got over what happened. I'll never forget the news I received that high school morning about Kurt's passing, all us kids sobbing & none of us being able to breathe.
5 sad depressing beautiful stars
Aphex Twin
4/5
Fits in nicely with what I've been listening to lately.
Sonic Youth
4/5
The Stranglers
4/5
Holy smokes, this was their debut album?! This band is hard to describe & I think a little hard to get into, but after a few listens, you'll get pulled in & end up listening to more of their work. Hugh Cornwell has a naturally strong & brooding voice that isn't typical of most punk/post-punk bands. It lends to a deep & rich sound, which stirs up the senses & gives the album gusto. Great listen.
Faces & this era of Rod Stewart is pretty spectacular. They're rockin, bluesy, and witty. The lyrics to Stay With Me are hilarious...it's a one night stand, but ya better be gone by the time I wake up. The brutal honesty is on another level. Most bands use innuendo, but not this one. It's a perfect song. The rest of the album is just as good. Definitely one to revisit. 4.5 stars.
Laura Nyro
2/5
This was not enjoyable
Solomon Burke
4/5
Cry to Me has been a favorite for a long while thanks to Dirty Dancing, but I was surprised to find new favorites. What a voice! It feels like he's signing straight to your soul. I was raised on 60s soul & rock, so this felt warm & familiar. Great addition to this challenge. 4 stars.
The Blue Nile
4/5
A wonderfully crafted post-punk/new wave album.
Steely Dan
4/5
Chill 70s Dad Rock. The first two songs are my favorites, and I learned they sing Reelin' In The Years. I dig it.
OutKast
4/5
The Triffids
1/5
Atrocious
Nirvana
5/5
You know when you taste or smell something that takes you back to a certain place & time? That's exactly what this album does to me. I'm a freshman in high school feeling all the feelings & have found my catharsis. Nevermind is hard raw poetry that makes all the sense in a senseless world. I lost myself in the words, angst & heavy guitars. It's a phenomenal album by a phenomenal band. 5 out of 5.
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
If I could go back & re-rate the other Bruce album, I'd give it a perfect 5. This one, though, is not my favorite. I've never been a fan of folk/Americana, and what's up with that shouting? No, thanks.
Steely Dan
2/5
Aside from Peg, this album fell flat & was boring.
The Divine Comedy
3/5
Not great, not bad. Chamber pop will never be something I truly enjoy.
Alice Cooper
5/5
Solid album. If I were a teen in the 70s, I would've gone nuts over his music. What an interesting collection of songs, and I especially like the inclusion of brass instruments - I was just thinking about horns in rock songs & how they often add that extra kick. Metal heads & goths owe a lot to Alice. He's the Godfather of the macabre.
Elvis Presley
5/5
I was raised on Elvis, early rock n roll, country, and R&B, so this is something I've been looking forward to. His early stuff is wonderfully sappy, fun, and saucy. He perfected that country-rock twang & rhythm. I love Elvis & listen to his music fairly often.
Did he exploit black music & musicians? Probably. Or is it homage to black music? Something to think about.
The album cover is so iconic, The Clash copied it for London Calling. I'm listening to this on repeat for a while - it's that flippin good. I look forward to more Elvis.
John Prine
4/5
I used work at an Italian restaurant in downtown Nashville & waited on John Prine several times. He was a big man with a soft presence. I didn't know who he was at first, but everyone was quick to tell me he was one of the most respected & revered artists.
I very much appreciate his songwriting & this is a solid debut album, but folk-country just isn't my thing. I give it 3.5 stars.
DJ Shadow
4/5
I enjoyed this album for chill background office music
Bad Brains
3/5
I was hoping for more from this band, but the album was mediocre.
Wire
3/5
Unremarkable
Prince
5/5
The night before this popped up, a friend asked what song would I listen to if the world was ending. I said if I had enough time for two songs, my first would be One Hundred Years by The Cure because it's pure gloom & doom followed by the song 1999. The lyrics to that song a wholly apocalyptic, but you can also dance your ass off & feel good about the world ending.
Prince had a knack for introspective song writing paired with catchy funky dance beats. This is album is excellent across the board & Prince will always be one of my favorite all-time artists.
Megadeth
4/5
I started listening to Megadeth a few years ago when I rediscovered metal, and I'm glad I did. They're fast, their loud, their lyrics are poignant, and it's entertaining as hell...let's also not forget about Eddie.
I really need to sit down & have a Megadeth marathon because this band is that good
Tricky
3/5
I know this band was pretty popular at a point, but I never got into them & find them just moderately interesting. I'd rather listen to Portishead.
Genesis
2/5
It's weirdo prog rock Genesis. I don't care for it. The Peter Gabriel era is interesting & I prefer Nursery Crime over this album.
Van Morrison
3/5
I enjoy his voice & some of his music, but this was a little on the boring side.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
5/5
In My late 20s & early 30s I had a rock/blue phase. I'd go to blues clubs & festivals, so this album fits that part of me perfectly. I love this style of guitar & vocals...it sounds like soulful sex. I'm taking this as a reminder to revisit this genre. 5 outta 5.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
One of the best rock albums of all-time. Zeppelin is my second favorite band, so I have this album memorized. There a lot of favorites, but In My Time of Dying is one of my funeral songs. It starts off slow & slowly builds to wailing with out of this realm vocals. Yes, I want Plant & Paige played loudly with an open bar nearby - not joking. The album has several of my other favorites, and I'll never tire of them. This is rock n roll, this is sex, and Plant & Page are bona-fide Rock Gods.
Supergrass
4/5
Solid 90s album. I'll have to revist this.
Metallica
5/5
Fuckin fantastic headbanging metal. It's no wonder this is a lot of people's favorite band. Strong vocals, excellent guitar & bass, and perfectly executed percussion. As a side note, I'm glad Master of Puppets was featured on Stranger Things. I hope the younger generations carry on with the meal tradition. I never want it to die. 🤘
Christine and the Queens
3/5
It's decent French pop. I'd listen as background music while working. I'm sure if I were in a certain mood, I'd very much like some of the songs. Overall, it's an okay album.
Everything But The Girl
4/5
A great electronic album with house & jazzy elements. Beautiful vocals by the lead singer, Tracey Thorn, and excellent mixing by Ben Watt. If anyone wants to know what the late 90s sounded like, this is it. Glad to hear they're putting out a new album 20+ years later. It'll be a nice welcome back.
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
A bit too hippie folk rock for me. I did like a few bits when it veered into chill soundscapes & made me realize some of my favorite bands must've been inspired by that particular sound, but the rest was not my bag.
SZA
3/5
I've never been a fan of overt sexual content in music, so the album lost points for me. It was a decent listen for this genre, but I would not listen again.
Portishead
5/5
Spectacular album. I was thinking about this band & album the other day. Most of the songs were already marked as my favorite, so it was an anticipated listend. I ended up enjoying this album four times in one day - it's that good. Trip hop with gorgeous vocals...it almost veers into industrial/Goth territory. 100% up my alley. Love love love this album. 5 outta 5.
Violent Femmes
5/5
What a fun album! Listening brought back several friend memories, so this was a joyous listen. I'm also impressed this was their debut album. Aside from the pop hit Blister in the Sun, Add It Up, Kiss Off, and Gone Daddy Gone are my favorites. Seeing them live three times has been a real treat. They've been performing for decades, and you can tell they still love what they do. 5 outta 5.
ABBA
4/5
ABBA is always fantastic. Some songs are super hits while others are so so, but I enjoyed this overall. I have a list of favorite Swedish bands, and ABBA is #1.
The Icarus Line
3/5
The Jesus And Mary Chain
5/5
Beautiful melancholic shoe gaze. It's raw & emotional. This band reminds me that guitar is my favorite instrument & they're masters of their work.
I adore JAMC, but I've never seen them live despite having the chance last year...I have a regretful feeling I'm never going to see them. Excellent album & band.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
I have this album on cassette & have had it since 1990. It's quintessential 80s Peter Gabriel & it's perfect. Don't Give Up ft. Kate Bush, Red Rain, Sledgehammer, Big Time, and In Your Eyes - Jesus, this is a juggernaut. Something about his voice, cadence, and emotion draws me in. I've been revisiting Peter Gabriel in both his Genesis & solo years lately, and I wish I would've taken a deeper dive sooner. He's touring this year, so I'm taking this as a sign to see him live. I'll regret it if I don't. 5 out of 5.
Orbital
4/5
Very good electronic music
The Kinks
4/5
This era of The Kinks is pretty great. I enjoyed this.
Cee Lo Green
4/5
Good, but not spectacular. 3.5 stars rounding up to 4.
Teenage Fanclub
3/5
Beyoncé
4/5
Good pop album. Beyoncé definitely knows pop, but it's just my thing. 3.5 stars.
Tom Waits
4/5
I totally understand Tom Waits' following, but this album didn't do much for me. 3.5 stars.
On a side note: I barely learned that he played Redfield in Bram Stoker's Dracula in 1992. I feel silly for not knowing that because it's very obviously him.
Traffic
4/5
3.5 stars
Can
4/5
I've been actively listening to Can for a couple of years, and I dig their stuff. They're a little weird, psychedelic, and experimental. Some tracks remind me of the t.v. show, Twin Peaks - there's definitely an ethereal haunting quality to this album. The more I listen to Can, the more I enjoy. Solid 4 with the possibility of 5 stars in the near future.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
I wanted to lie this more, but I didn't.
CHIC
4/5
Such fantastic disco funk. Pretty much anything Niles Rodgers touches turnstiles into gold. I'm glad I finally got the opportunity to listen to an entire CHIC album...I'll add them to my playlist cause this was fun & I'll see them in about a month opening for Duran Duran. Niles Rodgers helped revitalized DD's career, so it'll be cool to see both bands on the same night. 4 solid stars.
Judas Priest
4/5
So very good. I wish I had gotten into Judas Priest years ago. Rob Halford has one of strongest vocals & widest ranges in music history, and I'd bet seeing JP live back in the day was spectacular. If you follow Rob on social media, you'll see a sweet & kind man that adores cats. Great album.
Burning Spear
3/5
It's so so
Fugees
4/5
The Crusaders
3/5
Elevator jazz
Robbie Williams
3/5
I know this dude has a huge following, but it sounds like standard British pop. Meh.
Pantera
5/5
Loved listening to this album. I feel like I can always reset my mood when listening to classic metal.
Elton John
4/5
Tiny Dancer is my favorite Elton John song, and Levon is great. A solid album by one of my favorite artists.
Dire Straits
4/5
Better than I expected. 3.5 stars.
Kate Bush
3/5
It was ok
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Much better than the last album we rated. I enjoyed this.
Moby
4/5
Reminded me of the time I had a brief Moby phase.
PJ Harvey
4/5
3.5 stars
Skepta
2/5
Just a notch above truly awful
Sleater-Kinney
4/5
I'm embarrassed to admit that I barely found out about this band last year after seeing them live at Riot Fest. How did I miss out on this great all-female indy band? For shame. Better to have discovered them late than never.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Something about Bob Marley & The Wailers that puts me in a good mood even though some of their stuff is pretty heavy lyrically. I'm not a big fan of reggae, but this was solid.
Van Morrison
4/5
I've always enjoyed Van Morrison's voice, and Moondance is one of my favorite songs. I enjoyed this.
New Order
5/5
Rock forward synth - this is a fantastic album by one of my favorite bands. I've known some of these songs for decades, particularly Elegia for being in Pretty In Pink & Perfect Kiss for its cute as heck frog noises (I could probably just hear a loop of the frog noises & be happy). This album is a mix of joy, sorrow, and anguish done in a danceable fashion. I've never seen New Order live as a whole, but I have seen Peter Hook and The Light, and that show was PHENOMENAL. It was at an intimate venue & he did a full Joy Division & a full New Order set. Just spectacular. Great album by a great band. The more I listen, the more I want to get lost in it. 4.5
David Bowie
5/5
This album is gay-rock-art-glam with hints that Bowie is a poetic alien. I think most people getting to know Bowie's work generally start at this phase of his career (although I started at Low thanks to NIN), and it's a good place to get to know his work. I've know Changes since I was a kid and later realized that it's quoted at the beginning of The Breakfast Club. Of all the songs, Life on Mars? gets me right in the feels - I have to catch my breath nearly every time I hear it.
Oh! You Pretty Things, Kooks, Andy Warhol, and Queen Bitch are all fab. Great Bowie album.
Tito Puente
4/5
I imagine hearing this live with people dancing is the best way to enjoy the album.
Slayer
4/5
Super hard & fast. I can imagine the live shows were dangerously fun.
ABBA
4/5
A more mature less disco version of ABBA. The song The Visitors sounds like a Sparks composed tune, which was a pleasant surprise. The rest reminded me of what you might see as part of a theatrical musical. Good but not fantastic. 3.5 stars.
Aerosmith
4/5
Good classic Aerosmith
Spacemen 3
1/5
That was bad
4/5
This album definitely deserves to be on this list.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Incredible from start to finish. One of my favorite albums by my second favorite band of all-time. It's rock, folk, soul, and the beginnings of metal. And if I could emulate anyone's voice, it would be Robert Plant's - dude can wail! I ended up listening to hours of Zeppelin, as I often do when I feel like I need to a hard reset. Zeppelin is where my musical foundation lays, and everything else is built upon it. 5 perfect stars.
Mercury Rev
1/5
Awful
Sigur Rós
4/5
Soothing orchestral background music 3.5 stars
Arrested Development
3/5
I remember Mr. Wendel & Tennesee pretty well and enjoyed both back in the day & today. The rest of the album was ok but not stellar.
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
It's good & nice, but how many Brazilian albums are we going to continue to get? I wish this list had albums from other countries. This feels skewed.
The Who
5/5
Fantastic. I think this is my favorite phase of The Who.
Sex Pistols
5/5
Excellent English punk
Frank Zappa
4/5
I really liked this. It was far less wacky than I expected. I'm a fan of acid jazz, so this is good listening. Adding this to my "chill" playlist.
George Jones
5/5
Just fantastic classic country. I've always been a fan of George & his voice. 5 stars.
Jamiroquai
5/5
Very enjoyable. I've heard a fair amount of Jamiroquai but never a studio album. Wow! That was funky, soulful & groovy. Feel good 70s vibe. I'll be listening to him during my workdays. 4.5 stars.
Metallica
3/5
I'm sure being there live was pretty fantastic, but it felt cheesy as an album.
Talking Heads
4/5
I remember having a Talking Heads phase & knew no one that enjoyed the band. They quietly became one of my favorites & I've appreciated them ever since. The whole album feels like one piece with Burning Down the House as it's standout. The video for that song was a core MTV moment for me. I remember trying to figure out the faces on the side of the house - what did it all mean?
Talking Heads made great music. 4 stars
808 State
4/5
808 State laid the groundwork for electronic dance music. It may sound dated, but they are pioneers for their genre. Gotta love when Speak & Spell was used as a musical instrument.
Stan Getz
2/5
WTF is up with all the bossa nova albums?! It's so irritating. Like I mentioned before, there are international albums that deserve attention. Boooo!
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
Although none of their mega hits appear on this album, it's still Fleetwood Mac. Beautifully written & performed, this was an enjoyable listen. Sara & Tusk are my favorites with new tracks added to my liked songs. What a band. 4 stars.
The Gun Club
2/5
I had a coworker play the hell out of The Gun Club, and now I can't stand them. If I hadn't had that experience, I'd probably like this just enough.
Fairport Convention
1/5
That was boring. Did not care for it.
Pink Floyd
4/5
So Pink Floyd has always been it weird, it seems. This album is very prog rock & good to be played in the background...and possibly under the influence of fungi. 3.5 stars
Thelonious Monk
5/5
I very much enjoyed Thelonious Monk & often listen to him when I'm in a jazzy mood. 4.5 stars
Iggy Pop
5/5
I'd been listening to this album quite a bit in the last few months in preparation of seeing Iggy at Cruel World, and it gets better as I continue to listen. Lust for Life is one of my funeral songs & Success is something I play for myself to get pumped for my work. The rest of the album is fantastic & I love Bowie as a background vocalists. Excellent album. 5 stars.
Emmylou Harris
4/5
She's got a gorgeous voice and I like the genre just enough, but it isn't an album I'd reach for. 3.5 stars
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
I never thought I'd like this band as much as I do, but it's something I'll admit after listening thanks to this challenge. I love the harmonies & the lyrics. It's solid stuff.
New York Dolls
4/5
My knowledge of punk is mostly British, so I'm glad this was part of our challenge. Interesting that they sound more rock in this album & not what I expected for punk. I very much enjoyed it & will listen to more of them.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
I love Janis & all of her work. There's lots of soul & 60s folk-psychedlic vibes in the album, and her voice is stellar. Enjoyable listen.
Big Black
3/5
Sounds like a cheap version of Ministry. 2.5 stars
Duke Ellington
4/5
I enjoy this style of jazz & enjoyed this album
Drive-By Truckers
3/5
I got about halfway through & stopped listening cause it got boring. I love Southern rock, but this feels like an ode to Southern rock not the actual thing. 2.5 stars
Neneh Cherry
5/5
I was so stoked to see Neneh on this challenge. She's incredibly talented and should've risen to stardom but just didn't make it. Her song, Buffalo Stance, is on high rotation cause it's that good - perfect, in my opinion. The video is equally captivating & is a true example of late 80s hip-hop.
I took a Neneh Cherry deep dive about 5 years ago & learned she's from Sweden (score another for the Swedes...they're some of the most musically innovative artists in the world).
I enjoyed this album so much, I ended up listening to it on repeat. What a talent. 4.5 stars
Elbow
3/5
The Libertines
3/5
Unremarkable indie rock 2.5
Todd Rundgren
4/5
Just quirky & interesting enough. Hello It's Me is a 70s classic, and some of the stuff here touches on the experimental. I need to give him props for helping other artists (Sparks comes to mind), so this guy is talented. It's just not something I'd reach for. 3.5 stars.
Isaac Hayes
4/5
What a great listen. Very groovy & 70s chill. And let's not forget how smooth Isaac Hayes' voice is.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
I have a big appreciation for CCR & wore out one of their albums in college. That twang & that Southern soul really struck me (eventhough the band is from California). Excellent listen. 4.5 stars
Grizzly Bear
4/5
Classic late 2000s indy. Great vocals & arrangements. Solid album.
The Adverts
4/5
I liked this quite a bit & they reminded me a bit of The Damned at times. The album was far too long, though. Good listen. 3.5 stars
Bill Evans Trio
5/5
I really enjoy 60s jazz, on the verge of even loving it. Mellow & smooth. Definitely something I'd listen to again. 4.5 stars
R.E.M.
4/5
There are some good songs and a couple of songs that were just alright. 3.5 stars
The Incredible String Band
1/5
It's just a bunch weirdo forest hippies making crap music. Even my dog looked at me & wondered what the hell is this. Hard no.
U2
5/5
U2 was my favorite band for many years, and this era is just spectacular. They were one of the best post punk bands, and it's because of them I learned a bit about Irish religion & politics. Sharp songs & lyrics. Excellent. I hope we get to hear Boy & October since they feel like part of an early U2 trifecta. 5 stars.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
I'm surprised at how much I liked this. I've said numerous times that I can't stand Neil Young's whiny nasal voice, but I enjoyed this entire album. Glad my opinion of him was challenged cause this was good folk rock.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
2/5
This is generic boring new wave. Nope.
The Byrds
5/5
Right as I was pining for the old feel of Austin & San Antonio country, this album pops up. I'm impressed with this Californian band, and it seems Gram Parsons had a lot to do with the sound on this album. When I think of country rock, I usually think of The Rolling Stones, but I'm stunned at how good this is. I love classic country & country-rock, so I'm adding this to my favorites. 4.5 stars
James Brown
5/5
This has got to be one of the greatest live performances ever recorded. It's top-notch funky soulful James Brown.
Funkadelic
5/5
This album is an emotional, physiology, psychological, and psychedelic journey. If shrooms were an album, it would be this. The first song is like holy shit - yes Mother Earth is pregnant for the third time & it ain't good.
I remember challenging myself to listen to this about a year or so ago, and I'm so glad I did. It's so weirdly funky & poignant it leaves me breathless. It's also jam & dance worthy. Absolute perfection. 5 stars.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3/5
I may be in the minority, but I don't like the harmonies & I can't stand Neil Young's voice on this album. I enjoyed Almost Cut My Hair but didn't care for the folksy Americana tracks. The ones with a rock sound were pretty good, but I wouldn't play this again. Our House is grates on my nerves & just can't stand that song.
Fats Domino
4/5
Fats Domino was a rock n roll pioneer. Good stuff.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Someone recently asked to define myself with 3 bands. I can't narrow myself to just three in total, but when it comes to classic 60s & 70s rock my top favorites are The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd.
This album is gnarly, psychedelic, experimental, emotional prog rock at its absolute finest. I love this album so much (my 2nd favorite of the band) I played it in a loop today. I get lost in it every time, and Wish You Were Here is one of the greatest songs ever written. This band & album gives me goosebumps. Someone better play this at my funeral. 5 stars.
Blondie
5/5
I heavily got into 70s music during the first two years of college, and Blondie was often on repeat. Excellent post punk with unique vocals from Debbie Harry. Gotta love the band's look, too. 4.5 stars.
Kanye West
3/5
I like Kanye, but this is not his best.
Amy Winehouse
5/5
I love this album & Amy Winehouse so much, I created a YouTube playlist YEARS ago dedicated to her.
She absolutely nailed the 60s girls group soul vibe. Her voice gives me chills, and her lyrics were sharp & biting. How she managed to make music sound retro & modern at the same time is beyond me.
I've seen many live performances & the documentary, Amy. It guts me every time and wish she were still with us. What an incredible talent. 5 brilliant stars for Amy & this album.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Solid listen
Adele
5/5
Absolutely fantastic. Without Amy Winehouse, we wouldn't have Adele. She has one of the most soulful & powerful voices in modern music. Beautifully performed. I ended up also listening to 21 since this album got me in the mood for Adele. 4.5 stars
The Modern Lovers
3/5
I know this band thanks to M.I.A.'s cover of Roadrunner. The rest of the album felt like it was trying to take off, but it just didn't go anywhere. Maybe I should listen to another of their albums since I'm intrigued enough. We shall see.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Classic & enjoyable
Jeff Beck
4/5
How I never had a Jeff Beck phase is beyond me. I love 60s & 70s rock, so I'm sore to have missed out on his music most of my life. It's rock, it's blues, it's country...it's great stuff.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
I'm a fan of artsy weirdos
4.5 stars
Nick Drake
4/5
I must've been in the mood for this because I found this relaxing & enjoyable 3.5 stars
Cat Stevens
4/5
Something about Cat Stevens' voice sooths me. Although I'm not a big fan of mellow folk, this album was enjoyable. 3.5 stars
Stephen Stills
3/5
Better than I expected
Dusty Springfield
5/5
Best of Blue Eyed Soul. Absolutely fantastic. 4.5 stars
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Of the Stevie Wonder albums we've listened to thus far, this is my favorite. He definetly found his own groove here. Living for The City & Higer Ground are classics, and the rest was quite enjoyable. I can also see how this particular album must've inspired modern R&B/pop artists. 4 stars.
Yes
2/5
The first song was good & that's about it. This is a NO for me.
G. Love & Special Sauce
3/5
P
Nine Inch Nails
5/5
This album influenced me so greatly, I discovered David Bowie, his album Low, and the love for music that challenges me. The Downward Spiral came out the year I graduated high school & went to a giant state college. The video for Closer was on heavy MTv rotation, and it simultaneously scared the shit out of me, intrigued & excited me - these were feelings about music I had never had before.
My favorite NIN song, March of the Pigs, is burned into my brain also thanks to the video. It's raw, angry, and I loved the contrast of a blank room with super angry dudes in black going at it. Sidenote: the still image of Robin Fink standing with his guitar with that hair, leather & boots is permanently saved to my phone. If someone were to ask what 1994 looked like, I'd show them that pic.
This is much darker album than its predecessor, and it was recorded during Trent's heavy drug phase. You can hear the self-loathing, dark depression, and the fuck you to Christianity...which spoke to me as a 20something having experienced a traumatic childhood. I'm so grateful to this band & this album. Last year was the first time I saw them live & was three rows away from Trent. I lasted three songs then crowd surfed my way out at the age of 46. I then gave myself a concussion from body slamming so hard. I also had this album on cassette & passed it onto my nephew when he was a teen. I think it helped him while he was going through his own muck.
Incredible band, album, and memories.
Anita Baker
5/5
I fondly remembered Anita Baker thanks to my aunt & uncle listening to R&B stations back in the day. Every time Anita came on, I'd stop to listen. To this day, I think about her - I'm so glad this was on the challenge. This is classic R&B, and it's done right. I loved this album so much, I listened to it three times & let the algorithm run free after the album was over. What an awesome day of beautiful & chill R&B. It was like hearty chicken soup for the soul. 5 stars.
Madonna
3/5
This is my least favorite Madonna album, but I do love Impressive Instant. The rest sounds dated & bland compared to her other work. It's honestly disappointing to see this one & not Confessions on a Dance Floor - that one has an ABBA sample for christ's sake!
I will always love/hate Madonna, and she'll always be The Queen of Pop, but this album is a general dud.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
This band is in my blood. Every song is stellar, and Thank You is one of the best love songs ever. Can't believe a band can be this brilliant on their second try. 5 stars.
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
I enjoyed this album & this era of rock. Take Me Out will always be a favorite. Fun listen.
Mariah Carey
1/5
She annoys the hell outta me and can't stand to listen more than one song. No thanks.
Gorillaz
4/5
Fantastic. Some of this still sounds fresh today, and I enjoyed the trip down memory lane with their classics. I particularly enjoyed the ambient tracks. Well done. 4.5 stars.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
Such a damn good album. This is Southern rock at its best - swampy, full of grit & soul. 5 stars, easily.
Cornershop
3/5
Mediocre and they ruined Norwegian Wood. Boo!!!
Brian Eno
3/5
This is definitely Eno & Bryne, but it's muddled with no direction. I love their own stuff, but this felt like wasted air. What a shame.
The Roots
3/5
Not as good as I hoped it to be
The Clash
5/5
Animal Collective
2/5
I'm just not into this
Brian Eno
4/5
This had a few of my favorites thanks to the movie Velvet Goldmine. It stars a very young Christian Bale along with Ewan McGregor, Toni Collette, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and Eddie Izzard. It's a great intro to Eno, glam rock, and Queer cinema.
Not every song was a favorite, but I enjoyed the album overall. It's a bit glam, ambient, experimental, and prog rock. I'm into that kind of weirdo music. 4 stars.
R.E.M.
4/5
It turns out I like R.E.M. more than I thought. Solid album, although Stand has to be one of the most annoying songs. My favorite song, Orange Crush, still has that special something after all these years. I don't think I could listen to hours of this band, but I could certainly listen here & there when the mood strikes.
Aerosmith
4/5
Classic Aerosmith
John Martyn
1/5
This mega sucked & took the spot of an album that deserves to be here. Dumb.
Kate Bush
5/5
This album has officially converted me - Kate Bush is far more talented & creative than I originally gave her credit for. What a challenging & thrilling listen. This album moved me so much that I played the album twice. It's creative, odd, eccentric, theatrical, brooding, and bold. I'm surprised that I enjoyed this more than her commercially successful albums. I honestly never thought I'd get around to truly enjoying her work, but I'm REALLY into this. 4.5
Doves
3/5
Good background music, but that's about it.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Great album with some of my favorites
Tears For Fears
5/5
I've been taking a deep dive into TFF over the last few years & saw them live, again, a month ago. It's not easy to sing like Roland & Curt, but they make it seem effortless. They're sensitive rockers & this album feels like 80s comfort nostalgia.
I love their big hits with a soft spot for Head Over Heels (thanks, Donnie Darko), Everybody Wants to Rule the World, and Mothers Talk. The music videos for their hits are also memorable. Excellent listen.
P.S. Roland's birthday just passed & I learned that his full name is Roland Jaime Orzábal de la Quintana with family from Argentina. Who knew?!
Air
4/5
One of my favorite albums at the time. It's mellow French synthpop with dreamy landscapes.
The Band
3/5
The Weight is a good song, but the rest is too Americana folksy for me.
2.5 stars.
The Who
3/5
This is better of The Who albums we've listened two with a couple of classics, but they are my least favorite of the big British bands of the time.
Soul II Soul
4/5
I forgot how much I used to like this. This was very much my thing in the late 80s. Soulful electronic house. Good stuff.
Weather Report
2/5
Not my thing
Method Man
3/5
I understand the significance of Method Man & Wu-Tang, but this isn't for me.
Serge Gainsbourg
4/5
I know Serge Gainsbourg via his daughter, Charlotte, and his popular song Bonnie and Clyde. He's definitely a French staple, but the nature of this album is creepy & pedophilic. There's something about European men in the 70s that got away with A LOT of grooming of young women (read how Bill Wyman of The Rolling Stones married & took custody of a teenager).
Back to the album...I liked it. Maybe it's because I studied French for seven years & sometimes enjoy spoken word concept albums. I like the tone of Serge's voice & it made me want to revisit French (something I put back on my to-do list last week). I would listen again. 3.5 stars
Quicksilver Messenger Service
3/5
A little too jam band for me, but still decent..
Slipknot
2/5
Not my kind of metal
Sparks
5/5
Finally a Sparks album! I was introduced to this band about 12 years ago by ex & took a deep dive a few years after. Sparks sounds like theater nerds who didn't make it in acting but killed it at making quirky music. I didn't realize how influential they were until I watched the Edgar Wright documentary. I was wowed at how many of my favorite bands were influenced by them.
This album sounds like the older cousin to Kate Bush's The Dreaming but funnier. It's astounding that the Mael brothers have made decades of music and no two records sound the same. Kimono My House is one of three of my favorite Sparks albums with the big opener, The Town Ain't Big Enough for the Both of Us. It's over the top glam with oddball lyrics...and that voice! I honestly love the entire album with a soft spot for Amateur Hour, Falling In Love With Myself Again & Equator. This album is in my usual rotation along with Angst In My Pants & The Number One Song In Heaven.
I absolutely love this band & have seen them live twice. These guys are almost 80 and they're doing world tours with a new album that dropped this spring. This band brings me such joy that I cried at their show. They feel like the dorky older brokers I wish I had. I adore this band & this album.
Simply Red
3/5
80s blues & soul. Great voice & I enjoy Holding Back the Years, but it's not my speed.
Rod Stewart
4/5
I love Rod Stewarts voice & a few songs on this album, but it doesn't quite hit the mark for me. 3.5 stars
Cowboy Junkies
4/5
I already had their cover of Sweet Jane marked as a favorite and was pleasantly surprised by the rest of the album. I've heard the band name many times before, but I never dove in until now. It's very David Lynch-esque with its dramatically slow & mellow vocals & vibes. It's the type of bluesy country you'd find in Twin Peaks. I dig it & will definitely listen again.
Arcade Fire
3/5
Aside from their mega hit Wake Up, the rest was ok. Not something I'd actively want to listen to.
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
Classic rock blues
The Bees
4/5
I liked this more than I thought I would 3.5 stars
Blue Cheer
4/5
I liked it 3.5 stars
Stereo MC's
4/5
Connected & Step Up are two of my favorite jams of the era. The rest of the album made for good background dance. 3.5 stars.
The Go-Betweens
4/5
This was pleasant & reminded me of Echo & The Bunnymen at times. I will definitely listen again.
Billy Bragg
2/5
I'm sure this guy has an audience, but that audience isn't me.
The Style Council
3/5
I liked the jazzy songs, but the album took a weird turn & was all over the place.
Tim Buckley
2/5
This is like a cross between Van Morrison & Jimmy Buffet except it's forgettable.
fIREHOSE
2/5
Another mediocre album taking the spot of far better album that could be on the list.
B.B. King
5/5
Finally something with soul. I loved this & it reminded me to revisit one of my favorite genres. I had a good Blues listening streak long ago & would go to a couple of Blues bars in Nashville, including B.B. King's. His voice & guitar playing are recognizable from the first note. Just brilliant stuff.
Portishead
4/5
Fantastic trip down 90s memory lane. Beth Gibbons' voice is gorgeous & the band essentially created the trip hop genre.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
5/5
I loved this. It was a wonderful listen throughout the day.
Echo And The Bunnymen
5/5
Absolutely iconic album & album cover. I'll never forget the times I saw The Bunnymen live. The first time was pure magic, but the second time was an utter mess thanks to Ian's alcoholism...but I digress.
The Killing Moon is superb, and the video is essential 80s goth. The rest of the album is dark & romantic. I could go on about how Ian is a huge wanker, but the music he made with his band is wonderful. This album, along with others of its time, is part of my regular listening. Fantastic album.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Firey, psychedelic, bluesy rock n roll. Everything Jimi Hendrix did was superb.
Randy Newman
3/5
All I can hear is Toy Story & Pixar songs. If my mind wasn't predisposed to think about kids' films, I'd say this is an okay album.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
5/5
I was so happy to see this one the list. I've been listening to Buddy Holly since I was a wee kid thanks to my aunts & uncles. And one of my youngest memories was learning that Buddy Holly was from Texas - it was like a badge of honor for my Texan family.
This era is when country turns into rock n roll, and it will always be one of my favorite pivot points for music. I absolutely love Holly's nasaly hiccupy voice. It's so distinct, and a personal favorite. There's so much I could say about Buddy Holly & his band, but I'd go on forever. Let's just say I'm a big fan & I truly loved this.
Malcolm McLaren
3/5
I understand the significance of Buffalo Gals, but the rest of the album was all over the place. It was strangely part rap & part world. No cohesion.
Jeff Buckley
5/5
Excellent. I never had a Jeff Buckley phase, but I now understand why most of my friends absolutely loved this album. I really missed out at the time but glad to have listened as part of this challenge. Beautiful piece.
Justin Timberlake
4/5
Some of these are jams from the era, but listening now feels dated. 3.5
Hot Chip
3/5
Some songs were good & others were not. I like Hot Chip, bit not this album. 2.5 stars
Super Furry Animals
3/5
I liked it but probably have to be in a certain mood to really enjoy it
Ms. Dynamite
2/5
Meh
Echo And The Bunnymen
5/5
Very dark, noisey, melodramatic post punk with wailing vocals - love this! I've been in a Bunnymen kinda mood, so this fit perfectly. The Cutter is my all-time favorite from the band & it's so in your face, it overstimulates the senses in the most gothy way possible.
I've heard some of these songs live (seen the band twice), but I've never listened to the album in full - shame on me. Damn, this was jarringly good. I loved it so much, I listened to it five times. There are so many layers of instruments & sounds that you normally don't hear in rock music. It's intricate & reminded me of The Beatles Revolver mixed with The Cure Pornography. Wow...fucking brilliant.
Pentangle
1/5
I tried but I just couldn't
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
4/5
Pretty good 3.5 stars
The White Stripes
5/5
That was such a great listen. I had forgotten I had a healthy White Stripes phase while I was living in Nashville, which was also the same time Jack White was living there. Once, he came into J.Alexander's (it was the flagship restaurant & lots of celebrities liked it for some reason) and dude was dressed head to toe in a crushed purple velvet pimp suit complete with pimp hat & cane. It's surreal & bad ass. He was nice as hell, too. I once ate one of his onion rings...a big deal for me since he was my top crush at the time.
This album, along with Meg White's drumming, is solid 2000s rock. Meg deserves far more credit than she gets. Girlfriend is talented as hell, and Jack ain't bad either. My favorites are Blue Orchid & My Doorbell, and I like the mix of garage, blues, and pop. I'm so glad this popped up. I was also a big fan of their album, Icky Thump, so I'm taking this as a reminder to revisit their catalog. 4.5 stars.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
1/5
I'm in the minority, but I can't stand this. It's boring folk with Neil Young's whiny voice. A close friend & I talk about this because she loves Neil Young, but I've yet to find the majority of his work redeeming. Honestly, this whole genre can take a hike.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
I've been listening to this album on repeat for months & it's become one of my favorites. I got into a discussion with friends about Games Without Frontiers and pointing out that the female voice is singing in French, but the misheard lyrics sounds like, "she's so popular." I'm sure others mishear that, too.
It's a solid tune & his most popular of the tracks on this album.
Intruder is eerie & dark (I bet Nine Inch Nails could cover this beautifully) & And Through The Wire is an upbeat favorite. I appreciate Biko after learning about its message, and I hear that's how he's closing out his set on his current tour.
Peter Gabriel was never a pop sensation, but he's incredibly talented & underrated. The way he crafts a tune is like no other. 5 stars.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Better than expected. I found this a relaxing listen but not something I'd rush back to. 3.5 stars.
Pere Ubu
3/5
I'd swivel between a 3 & 3.5 depending on my mood. Decent punk/post-punk.
This was the last good U2 album. I've been a fan of the band for over 30 years, and this bookends their career for me. It's solid pop rock, and some of these songs still sound fresh today. Nice listen.
Chicago
4/5
Solid dad rock. I've always enjoyed this band. 3.5 stars
Primal Scream
3/5
Sounds like a soundtrack to a 90s thriller sci fi movie. 2.5 stars
The Monks
2/5
I was hoping to like this since garage is a genre I enjoy, but this was disappointing.
Adam & The Ants
5/5
I've been a fan of Adam Ant's pop music since I was a kid, but I hadn't listened to Kings of the Wild Frontier until a few years ago. Ant was one of my first crushes, but I learned to deeply appreciate his work after rewatching Sofia Coppola's film, Marie Antoinette & taking a deep dive during the pandemic.
He & his band were tired of the gritty punk scene & wanted to do something colorful and "heoric." In the book, Mad World - An Oral History of New Wave Artists and Songs that Defined the 1980s, he says he tapped into and studied the Regency dandy, military history, pirates & Native Americans. He grew to deeply appreciate Native Americans and even got a tribe's blessing to wear the Apache war stripe. For him, the stripe represented war against the record companies. He also felt a kinship to the Native Americans & adopted some of their philosophies. (Having a Romani Gypsy grandfather born in a caravan, he understood to be culturally mindful & respectful). It's evident in the lyrics, "I feel beneath the white, there is a redskin suffering from centuries of taming." What a brazen political statement made by an English band. I can't recall any American bands taking these types of stances in their music at the time.
The album is interestingly a bit of everything: spaghetti western, pirates, and Burundian drum music. Let's not forget those twangy guitars. It's very entertaining, and his style was like no other. It turns out Michael Jackson asked Ant where he got his jacket, so Ant directed him to Bermans in London. It's a hussar jacket - a theatrical costume. Michael said, "I want an Adam Ant jacket." And that's how his famous red military jacket look was born.
Adam Ant deserves FAR more credit than he gets. He & his band are the forefathers of post-punk, and they were incredibly creative & bold. Personally, I love this album. I had hoped to dress as Ant for Halloween (I enjoy gender bending, so a female as Ant would've been rad), but I don't have the time. Maybe next year. And I hope to see him live next year since he canceled Cruel World 2023. If I never see him live, I'll always have his music. 5 fucking stars.
LL Cool J
4/5
Some of the lyrics are too much, but I've always enjoyed LL Cool J's style of rap & his voice. 3.5 stars
The Offspring
4/5
This dropped in '94 when I graduated high school & went off to college. It was one of the first CDs I purchased on my own & it instantly became one of my favorites at the time. Gotta Get Away, Come Out and Play, and Self Esteem were at the top, and I always found the content in Self Esteem a bit jarring. Here's a song about a dude who has such little self esteem that he let's a slutty chick use the hell outta him. The role reversal blew my mind - it was the first time I had heard a song about a guy getting used and abused the way women often do in music. I respected the band for this perspective & thought it was pretty ballsy. Solid listen. 4 stars
Tangerine Dream
5/5
I know Tangerine Dream thanks to the movie Legend. Their score is beautifully woven into the film, and it's the only version of the movie I'll watch (there's another version that has a generic orchestra & it's just no good).
I loved listening to Phaedra. It's eerie and lovely at the same time. Along with Kraftwerk, Sparks, Eno, and Giorgio Moroder, TD were fundamental in influencing all electronic & synth music that followed.
This reminded me a bit of Eno's Music for Airports with its soundscapes. I'll admit that it wasn't an easy listen, but music shouldn't always be an easy experience. Beautifully done & I'll definitely revisit. 4.5 stars.
Death In Vegas
3/5
I liked this just enough
Fairport Convention
3/5
It was lovely & soothing, but I'd have to be in the mood for this.
Sebadoh
2/5
This was very blah 90s rock
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Musically good but not something I'd rush to listen to again. This was a pretty heavy album thematically. 3.5 stars.
Gene Clark
3/5
I liked it ok
UB40
2/5
All songs were British reggae with no differences between them. On the boring side.
Sister Sledge
5/5
What an absolutely delightful listen. I started the day with this album then continued with funky disco all day. He's the Greatest Dancer is one of my favorite 70s hits, and we all know the title song. We are Family reminds me of the movie The Bird Cage...soooo fabulous! And Nile Rodgers is largely responsible for making music funky & popular across the decades - Chic, Duran Duran, and Daft Punk to name a few. What a great disco album. I hope to see more of this. 4.5 stars
Public Enemy
4/5
Supertramp
2/5
It was boring, but I didn't completely hate it. I just wish the challenge had been Breakfast in America instead of this. Oh well.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Perfect listen for the Halloween weekend. A great mix of post punk & goth.
Fatboy Slim
4/5
Solid dance house music. Definitely the type of thing you need to be in the mood for. 3.5 stars
Blood, Sweat & Tears
3/5
I absolutely love the classics on here, but what was up with the rest? It was like folksy music you'd hear at a play? So weird. Their soulful music is top notch, though.
Pulp
4/5
A more mature album than the previous Pulp album. It has later stage David Bowie & Blur vibes. It's good, but I think I need to listen to to again to really like it. It's one of those that probably gets better the more you listen. 3.5 stars for now.
Peter Frampton
1/5
Man, I cannot stand Peter Frampton. He annoys the heck outta me.
Pere Ubu
1/5
I wanted to like thus, but I couldn't finish the album.
Madonna
4/5
Some of these were hits, while others were duds. Like A Prayer sits at the top along with Express Yourself & Cherish. And that duo with Prince was fabulous.
The video for Like A Prayer was banned on MTv back in the day. But it was eventually aired (only at night) and pre-teen me couldn't get enough of that erotic & blasphemous imagery. Madonna had a knack for that in the 80s & 90s. Musically, it's both pop & gospel with a lot of spirit. Love it.
The rest was a bit boring, but the album as a whole was a nostalgic listen. Solid 80s pop album. 4 stars.
John Grant
1/5
Did a child write these songs? Those were the stupidest lyrics I think Ive ever heard. This is bad music.
Germs
4/5
Right up my alley. Loud aggressive punk. Great energy.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
4/5
What a fun listen! This is like a mix of Alice Cooper & T. Rex with a dash Iggy Pop & Sparks. These guys definitely have a flair for dramatics & clever lyrics.
I stumbled upon this band earlier this year & watched a few of their live performances - what a treat. This band knows how to put on a show. Easy 4 starts.
Brian Wilson
5/5
This felt like revisiting the best of Brian Wilson & The Beach Boys. Throughly enjoyed this. 4.5 stars
Hookworms
4/5
Pleasant & upbeat Indie rock. Made for good background music while I worked. 3.5 stars.
Beastie Boys
5/5
One of the best albums of the 80s. Beastie Boys were masters of blending rock & rap with a punk sensibility. A high energy & nostalgic listen - easy 5 stars.
Morrissey
5/5
When I first saw this pop up, I audibly sighed because Morrissey is such a miserable & whiny twat. I decided to push my feelings aside & listen...after all, I do love some of his & The Smiths music.
Well I ended up enjoying this so much, I listened twice. First of the Gang to Die is fantastic, and the rest sounds like classic Moz. Moz wins this challenge. 4.5
John Cale
3/5
Better than I expected
Neil Young
3/5
There are some real gems on here. Neil Young does rock/blues very well, and it's a nice break from his whiny folk stuff. I liked this album just enough.
Slipknot
2/5
Not for me
Kanye West
5/5
Kanye West twenty years ago is not the same person/persona we know today. And as problematic as he is now, he's one of the most talented artists of our time. This album is sharp, imaginative, and poignant. He masterfully blended rock, soul, rap, electronic, spoken word into one cohesive album. I love Kanye's work, especially his older stuff. 5 stars.
Crowded House
4/5
Solid chill pop 3.5 stars
The Boo Radleys
4/5
Kinda long but not bad. 3.5 stars
U2
5/5
U2 was part of my top three favorite bands in high school & at the beginning of college. I still have this worn out CD & revist it every now and then. What a rock pop trip down memory lane. 5 stars.
Kraftwerk
5/5
Excellent. Kraftwerk are synth pioneers & largely responsible all synth genres that followed. I especially like The Model, and the rest is classic modular. 5 stars.
AC/DC
5/5
Good old fashioned hard rock n roll 4.5 stars
The Louvin Brothers
5/5
Wow, this was fantastic. I love old country & bluegrass, but I'm surprised I've never heard of this band before. I'm willing to bet The Louvin Brothers influenced a lot of country that followed them, and I can distinctively hear hints of Dwight Yoakam on this album. I'm thankful this was on the challenge.
Big Star
4/5
This album is a mix of classic rock with hints of glam. I liked it. 3.5 stars
Isaac Hayes
5/5
Hot Buttered Soul is a perfect title for this album. I absolutely loved his version of Walk On By - in my opinion, it's one of the best songs ever written & recorded. I've added his version to my favorites. The rest is wonderful with the exception of the spoken word part of the last track. All in all, great listen. 4.5 stars.
Oasis
4/5
Oasis is great 90s Brit pop. I know it's popular to hate them, but they're just too good. 4 stars.
Saint Etienne
4/5
Gang Of Four
5/5
I first heard this band thanks to Sofia Coppola's film Marie Antoinette, and I'm embarrassed to say I thought Natural's Not In It was a DEVO song...ugh, I was so wrong.
BUT I got to see Gang of Four live and was blown away. The show was performance art complete with smashing a microwave on stage. I later learned they've been doing this for ages, so I was glad to have witnessed it myself.
I missed out on this band while young, but quickly listened to this album in May after I came back from Cruel World. It's excellent high energy post punk. 4.5 stars.
2/5
I wasn't in the mood for this
Hole
5/5
I'll always remember hearing this album my freshman year of college. It was core shaking & everyone at the dorm was listening to it. A lot of us had mixed feelings because of her husband's death, but we had to admit this album rocked.
I saw Hole at Red Rocks amphitheater, and I was a stoned & drunken mess (fitting considering the band).
Great album with cutting lyrics and grunge angst.
Muddy Waters
5/5
Hot damn, this is blues perfection! I love this genre for its grit, soul, storytelling, and guitar playing. Without blues (and country) there would be no Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, etc. I listened to this album twice, it's that great. And what a beautiful way to experience the guitar. This is peak musicianship. Anyone who disagrees can take a hike. 5 stars.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
Such a classic 90s album. Lots of gems on here. 4.5 stars
Hanoi Rocks
4/5
Ooh, I liked this one. I've heard the band name many a time, but I never took the time to delve into their music. 80s glam rock with lots of energy. Will listen again.
5/5
Fantastic
The Psychedelic Furs
5/5
The Psychedelic Furs as a band are a class act. I've seen them a few times live with the first show being the most memorable. It was an intimate setting & got to shake Richard Butler's hand as he was performing & caught his brother, Tim's, guitar pick. Of all the stories I hear of 80s bands still touring, I hear nothing but praises for this band & Richard specifically - he truly appreciates his fans.
Pretty In Pink is an 80s staple & the movie is my second favorite all-time film. The rest of the album is classic Furs with Richard's raspy vocals, Mars William's sax, and a nice balance between post punk & new wave. RIP to Mars Williams who recently lost his battle to cancer.
If you liked this album, take a listen at the rest of their work. It's great stuff. 4.5 stars.
Billie Holiday
4/5
Lovely & classic
Turbonegro
1/5
I feel dumber having listened to this
Napalm Death
1/5
Big time no
Incubus
4/5
Decent album with their top three hits on here. I'd admit that I have to be in a certain mood for this. 3.5 stars
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
I'm disappointed at how awful this is. I like PIL, but not this album.
Michael Jackson
5/5
What a juggernaut of an album. This has to be one of the highest rated albums of all-time. What a fun & nostalgic listen. Yes, we've got the big singles on here, but my favorites are The Girl Is Mine with Paul McCartney & Human Nature. Easily a perfect 5 stars.
Meat Puppets
4/5
Damn, Nirvana was hella influenced by this band. And I feel like a dummy for not knowing about the details of their Unplugged performance - wow.
I enjoyed this album far more than I expected. It's dusty Western prog/alternative rock. I'm glad this was on the challenge. I'll listen to more of this band.
The Cramps
4/5
Spooky rockabilly. What a fun album! Sure The Cramps are kitschy, but I bet their live shows were wild & raucous. This band makes me wanna dance every time I hear them (which I did in my kitchen during a work break). Thoroughly enjoyable.
The Young Gods
1/5
I love industrial, but this was bad.
Holger Czukay
4/5
What an interesting & weird album. I'm a fan of Can, so this is pretty close to what I was expecting. 3.5 stars.
John Coltrane
5/5
Yes, this is fantastic. I visit Coltrane during the winter months, so this hut just right. My little dog loves him too.
4/5
Very sugary 80s pop. I like this, but I don't love it. I saw them live this year & they did a great job. 3.5 stars
2/5
I liked the organ, but that's about it. It's a no for this Yes album.
Spiritualized
2/5
Meh
Maxwell
4/5
This reminded me of Trammell Starks' music on The Weather Channel & I'm here for it. No joke, I'm into this. It's chill, jazzy, soulful, smooth & silky. I'll definitely listen again. 4 stars.
The Youngbloods
3/5
Hippy dippy music. Not bad but not something I'd want to listen to again.
The Young Rascals
3/5
The title song is a 4, but the rest of the album is maybe a 3.
The Divine Comedy
1/5
This sounds like a parody album by a less talented Robert Cheese. No thanks.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
4/5
I like this weird early psychedelic bluesy album. It's interesting & unique. I listened to it twice.
Lenny Kravitz
3/5
Good album but not fantastic. I hear hints of Prince & Jimi Hendrix blended into pop rock.
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
Ok for background music but overall too folksy for me.
Bill Callahan
2/5
Absolutely dull. Sounds like the dude was trying hard to be John Prine but completely missed the mark. A real snooze fest.
Neil Young
3/5
This was decent
The Cure
5/5
If I were to describe myself using albums, this would be in my top ten. This is peak 80s goth eventhough Robert Smith hates that label. Whatever, Goth Grandad. This is spectacularly dark & rhythmic with some of the best guitar playing of the genre.
One Hundred Years is my black SUV's theme song (yeah, I'm one of those weirdos that christened my car & named her Morticia) and I'll blast it as often as I can while driving.
The Hanging Garden and A Strange Day are my other favorites, and I could listen to this album on repeat & find something new. Pornography, The Head on the Door, and Disintegration are my favorites of the band. And if you're a fan, do yourself a favor and read Lol Tolhurst's book, Goth. This gets a perfect 5 from me.
Slade
4/5
Fun 70s glam rock with some nods to 60s jams. I can also see how this band greatly influenced 80s hair bands like Quiet Riot & Twisted Sister. 3.5 stars
Eminem
1/5
Imagine taking your baby to murder the baby's mother, or raping someone, or putting your hamster in the microwave. Let's not forget the homophobic stuff, kids. I've never liked Eminem. Sure he's got a talent for cleverly stringing lyrics together, but this is vile. I guess he didn't get the memo when the Beastie Boys said, "the disrespect to women has got to be through." Or what DEVO meant when they sung of de-evolution. Slim Shady was too busy stewing in his violent fantasies to notice.
Hole
4/5
Solid 90s rock album. No matter how conflicted I feel about Courtney Love, I'll always enjoy Hole.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
I'm not the biggest fan of RHCP, but this album is a 90s staple. Reminds me of living in my college dorms with MTv always on everywhere you turned. Great times.
Django Django
3/5
It's ok 2.5 stars
The Shamen
2/5
Run of the mill Euro-dance that went nowhere
The 13th Floor Elevators
4/5
Solid 60s psychedelic rock 3.5 stars
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
4/5
Finally a bluegrass album! I appreciate being immersed in Appalachian culture the years I lived in Tennessee. The food & music are beautiful, and I yearn to return. The banjo is one of my favorite instrument, so this was fun for me. I love the twang & storytelling, too. Great listen.
Björk
5/5
Björk, you beautiful weirdo. This was another nostalgic listen with the video for Human Behavior forever burned into my brain. Venus as a Boy & Big Time Sensuality are my favorites from this album. 4.5 stars.
Lambchop
2/5
What a bore
Julian Cope
1/5
Oof, no thanks.
T. Rex
4/5
T. Rex are glam rock gods. Metal Guru is one of my favorites of the genre & it's rumored that Morrissey was so taken with the tune, he was inspired to write The Smiths song Panic. The rest of the album is top notch rock.
Dennis Wilson
2/5
Not for me
Sly & The Family Stone
5/5
Absolutely fantastic. One of the things I've learned about myself during this challenge is I love funk & soul. What a delightful album with lots of groove. I listened to it three times it was that good. 4.5 stars.
The Verve
2/5
Didn't do much for me
Nick Drake
3/5
Soothing vocals for background music but not something I'd actively listen to. It's a little to snoozy for me & actually fell asleep while listening.
Arcade Fire
3/5
Not an album I'd actively listen to 2.5 stars
Robert Wyatt
2/5
Not the kind of prog I like
Hawkwind
1/5
Did not like
The Mothers Of Invention
2/5
Meandering weird elf music. No thanks.
Elvis Presley
5/5
I was raised on Elvis, so this was a nice revisit. Loved this album.
Tortoise
3/5
2.5 stars
Jethro Tull
3/5
I'm drawn to this, but I don't know why. Why do I like this? I'm perplexed. 3 stars for now.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
Listening to this as an adult hits harder than it did when I first heard these songs as a kid - I get it now. Its themes of the working class, aging, American politics, and relationships feels like a hard look in the mirror. I wasn't expecting to be moved by this album since I was already familiar with several of these songs, but experiencing the album in its entirety made me weep. It's a depressing album, but I love The Boss for giving this to us.
The Birthday Party
1/5
I can't tell what genre this is supposed to be, but it's terrible. Stopped after a few songs.
Soft Cell
5/5
This is one of the first Queer coded albums ever recorded. There are themes of BDSM, sexual encounters, and anxiety about aging in a heteronormative society. The main character in this album is split between being a good husband & father and a gay sex fiend seeking erotic encounters. This isn't an approachable album & Marc Almond's voice can be grating, but it's an important piece of 80s Queer synth history. Everyone knows this band for their cover of Tainted Love, but the standouts for me are Sex Drawf and Chips on My Shoulder. The uncensored video for Sex Drawf is wild, so watch it if you can find it. I'm lucky to have seen Soft Cell a few months ago, but I wish I was old enough to have seen them in the 80s. I bet their shows were wonderfully slutty & gay as hell. 4.5 stars.
The Cure
5/5
My favorite & most often visited Cure album. I love this album so much, every NYE for the last three years, I time Plainsong to play at the stroke of midnight. It's atmospheric, ethereal, melodic, gloomy, and lush. This album also plays well on a rainy or cold day. Gorgeous listen.
I love you, Robert Smith.
Magazine
2/5
Did not care for this
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
This is the second Bruce album in one week & I've learned that I appreciate his work. His songwriting style is deeply relatable, and his voice draws me in. Solid listen.
Eric Clapton
4/5
I throughly enjoyed this & think Clapton makes great music. Cocaine will always be one of my favorite drug songs.
Shuggie Otis
4/5
I very much like this. Check out his single, Purple. Solid bluesy soulful rock.
Paul Simon
3/5
Okay for a Sunday morning listening, otherwise too soft & quiet for me.
The Velvet Underground
2/5
Didn't care for this album. It's too bad because this band has some great stuff.
The Police
3/5
The Police are one of those bands whose good stuff is scattered throughout their career. The album has some good tunes, but it wasn't a core shaker for me.
Paul McCartney and Wings
5/5
One of my favorite post-Beatles albums. This is a comfort album whenever I feel blah & need to mentally & emotionally reset. Wonderful listen.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
1/5
I can honestly say that this a terrible band with crap music. I think this was the second time an album of theirs popped up in this challenge. I hope we're done because this was dreadful.
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
It was okay. Nothing I'd listen to again.
Sonic Youth
4/5
Absolutely solid rock 4 stars
Bert Jansch
3/5
Not riveting but fine 2.5 stars
Mott The Hoople
4/5
Great glam rock album
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
3/5
Nice if you want something to fall asleep to 2.5 stars
Little Richard
5/5
This man is largely responsible for all popular music that came after. He was a pioneer of rock n roll, loud, and flamboyant as fuck. Imagine being a black sissy in 1957 singing the devil's music - it could've killed him. Instead, we were gifted with rambunctious rock n roll that still stands today. I loved this album & thank Little Richard for his contributions to music. I'll listen to his music until the day I die.
Sisters Of Mercy
5/5
The Gothiest band who hates being called Goth. I still dance to these tunes thanks to my city being heavily into dark wave, new wave, synth pop & industrial since the 80s. Lucrative My Reflection & This Corrosion has been a staple at the clubs & always gets the bats on dance floor. What a wonderfully dark album.
P.S. Patricia Morrison is a vampiric hottie
4.5 stars
Massive Attack
5/5
This still sounds fresh 33 years later. Chill trip hop with soul. Massive Attack is one of my go to's for background work music & my ears always perk up when I hear Unfinished Sympathy. This album definitely deserves to be on this list. 4.5 stars.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
This was one of Gen X's defining albums. Perfect 90s rock.
Van Halen
5/5
David Lee Roth era of Van Halen will always rock.
Pixies
3/5
I don't care for this album. It's ok, but it's nothing I'd want to revist. 2.5 stars. Sorry, Pixies, you're not for me.
Morrissey
4/5
I can't stand Morrissey the person, but I thoroughly enjoy his music. Damn you Moz & your lovely tunes.
Dagmar Krause
3/5
Sounds like the German version of a Baz Luhrmann score. Definitely performance art reminiscent of Kate Bush & Sparks but not quite in the same league. I kinda liked it.
George Harrison
5/5
This is one of my go-to comfort albums. George Harrison summed up the human experience with his clever writing with themes of love, life, disappointment, spirituality, and death. All songs are beautifully performed & I have a soft spot for What Is Life & My Sweet Lord - both need to be played at my funeral. Wah-Wah is fantastic in that it was written after a spat with Paul McCartney yet it sounds so uplifting & catchy. This is music gold & definitely deserves to be on the list.
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
Highly relevant & should be required listening. This is a big fuck you to the Machine & bigots. If you felt motivated to advocate for the oppressed, do something about it. Don't just talk the talk by posting on social media to feel like you've done something. You'd better be taking actionable steps to fight the Systems. And if you feel scared or intimidated, listen to this album. FUCK THE MACHINE.
Television
3/5
I've unwilling listened to this album dozens of times thanks to a pizzeria I used to work at. Marquee Moon has no business being over ten minutes long - tedious. Eh, this is ok.
Richard Thompson
3/5
Nice album but not something I'd normally want to listen to. Has an Irish folk flare.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
This sounds like cocaine and champagne with lots of fuck yous. I adore this album & love that Silver Springs was added on the extended version. That song is witchcraft sung by the witchiest woman in rock. Time cast a spell on all of us. Phenomenal album.
The Residents
2/5
This is where Noel Fielding probably got some of his inspiration for The Mighty Boosh's crimps. It's feverish, dadaist, and just plain off the wall. I appreciate weirdos, but this is too out there to be enjoyable. I do like their giant eyeball heads with tails & coat look, through. Maybe we'll revisit them again & it'll be better? We shall see..
Charles Mingus
2/5
Didn't care for this style of jazz
Ray Charles
5/5
This was wonderful
Antony and the Johnsons
4/5
Björk's album Volta introduced me to Antony (now Ahoni) & have been enamored with Ahoni since. Also, how am I just learning this is Candy Darling on her death bed? WOW.
I don't think this style of music & vocals is for everyone, but I think it's gorgeous and intense. Ahoni has the voice of an angel in despair. If you want to listen to a certifiable bop, check out Hecules and Love Affair's track, "Blind." Ahoni also does a mean Beyonce cover, "Crazy In Love."
Deerhunter
3/5
Some songs I didn't care for & some I really liked. 3 stars for now.
Tori Amos
3/5
I used to loathe her music (I wasn't a fan of females playing the piano in an obscure way), but I can now say I appreciate her style. It's still not exactly my taste, but she's definitely talented & I enjoyed some of these songs.
Ramones
5/5
Hell yeah, Ramones! What a fun & energetic album. Instantly put me in a good mood. Classic American punk.
Kanye West
5/5
Absolutely brilliant album. Kanye West is a garbage person, but he's one of the most talented artists of the 2000/2010s. I was wondering when this album was gonna show up - I was obsessed with it & the film, Runaway. This is artistry & lyrical genius. Every song is memorable and perfectly executed. Absolute banger. 5 stars.
Louis Prima
5/5
What an upbeat way to start the day. I remember my mom telling me a story of my aunt performing Just A Gigolo as a little kid at a school performance. I immediately imagined my aunt as a little girl with lots of sass singing on stage (to an inappropriate song). Of course, it also reminds me of the Van Halen cover & music video. Jump Jive An' Wail is also a swing classic. I bet this album was all the rage in 1956. A fun 5 stars.
k.d. lang
5/5
I remember K.D. Lang being kind of a big deal in the 80s, but I was a kid & wasn't paying attention. As a fully fledged adult, I'm glad this challenge has introduced me to her music. Holy smokes, this is fantastic. I'm a fan of country music, and I love her particular style of country. It's got soul, melody, and depth. I feel nourished after listening to this. I don't normally give 5 stars to something so brand new to my ears, but this is excellent.
Genesis
4/5
Genesis' prog era with Peter Gabriel as frontman. I liked it just enough because I've listened to it before, but I prefer Genesis after their prog era & Peter Gabriel's solo work - same for Phil Collins. 3.5 stars
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Zeppelin is on fire here. Loud, raucous, sexual, soulful, bluesy, folksy - this album is perfect. It's also arguably one of the first metal albums. Personally, it's one of my all-time favorite albums & I'll forever be obsessed with When the Levee Breaks. Let the Led out, kids. 5 stars.
Dr. Octagon
1/5
Pass
Orange Juice
4/5
Firstly, I think they were an English band - shame on me for making an assumption. Secondly, I first knew Edwyn Collins from his 90s hit A Girl Like You. I didn't know who OJ was until about 4-5ish years ago, but the title track has become a boppy 80s new wave favorite. I hear bits of Talking Heads with a less punchy more chill vibe. 3.5 stars.
Yes
1/5
I hope this is the last of Yes 'cause I don't like this band
Shivkumar Sharma
4/5
This was a wonderfully calming experience. I enjoyed it twice during my work day & felt soothed. For those who couldn't find it streaming, someone has almost always uploaded the album on YouTube.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
4/5
This album is an 80s hip hop classic. I was already pretty familiar with The Message, but thought that Mariah Carey sampled Tom Tom Club. It turns out that both sampled the song It's Nasty. Wow. I definitely learned something today. 4 stars.
Adele
4/5
Adele popped up on a previous challenge, so I ended up listening to her all day. She's incredibly talented & I love her soulful voice. This album has my favorites & her first mega hits. It also reminds me of a time when I was behaving badly. Memories. 4 stars.
Kings of Leon
5/5
I didn't want to leave this challenge. It brought back wonderful memories of living in Nashville & the excitement there was knowing this was a local band making it big. There was so much buzz in the air & a bunch of us knew or had seen Kings of Leon play before this album. Electric times.
Musically, this is fantastic rock album. If someone were to ask me what the 2000s sounded like, I'd play this. Sex on Fire immediately followed by Use Somebody is a strike to the senses. Love this album & will revist it often. 4.5 stars
Michael Jackson
5/5
A chunk of this sounds cheesy & outdated, and the other chunk is classic on fire MJ. Favorites are Man in the Mirror, Dirty Diana, and Smooth Criminal. 4.5 stars for the King of Pop.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
4/5
Breakdown & American Girl get a perfect 5, but the rest of the album lags. You can hear the beginning of something great, though. When I think of my favorite artists of all-time, Tom Petty is in my top 20. He's sorely missed, but at least we'll always have his music.
Tracy Chapman
3/5
Very good but too easy listening for my taste.
The Band
3/5
Mostly boring
Taylor Swift
3/5
Her hits are ok, but this is just generic pop music. Does not belong on this list. 2.5 stars.
Raekwon
2/5
Not for me
Einstürzende Neubauten
4/5
Without this band, bands like Nine Inch Nails, Rammstein, Ministry & a whole lot of others wouldn't exist. EN are Industrial pioneers. There's a YouTube video of them in an industrial complex literally banging on pipes & discarded metal. This album isn't for everyone, but I appreciate their abrasiveness & fuck you attitude. A big shout out to EN & Kraftwerk for birthing some of my all-time favorite music.
The Waterboys
3/5
Upbeat Irish rock that was okay to listen to
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
I didn't expect to hear a cover of Van Morrison's Jackie Wilson Said, but it was unexpectedly good. And so were some of the other bluesy songs. Still, it wasn't the best. 5 stars for Come On Eileen & 3 overall.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
This album weird, quirky, off-the-wall and gets a lot of attention for having a cult-like following. This is my third or fourth time listening, and I like it just enough - specifically the jazzy & bluesy parts. We've heard weirder on this challenge.
The Afghan Whigs
2/5
Not good. The vocals were really bad on this one.
White Denim
3/5
It was ok for background music
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
I like Elvis Costello & think this is a solid post punk album. It's not as accessible as the mega popular stuff, but it's solid nonetheless. 3.5 stars.
Röyksopp
4/5
Like visiting an old friend. This album marked the beginning of me getting into modern electronica, specifically from Sweden & Norway. This is a good intro to the group. They get better & I very much enjoy their stuff with Robyn & Karin Dreijer of The Knife & Fever Ray.
The Sonics
4/5
So this is the band I've been calling the "shouting garage band" all these years.
I've been trying figure the name of Have Love Will Travel for a long time, too. What a relief to FINALLY get it. What a fun & raucous album. I wish more garage bands had this raw enthusiasm & talent. This is definitely an album I'll eagerly revisit.
Linkin Park
4/5
It's no wonder Linkin Park became a huge hit right from the start. This album is a juggernaut with the hits & then some. Great listen.
Santana
5/5
Fantastic latin psychedelic rock. I have a lot of respect for this band & Carlos Santana. Nearly all of their songs sound like Santeria practiced through their guitars & percussion. I have a memory of doing a full on performance with maracas to Black Magic Woman at a party when I was in my 20s. No other music could make me move like that. 4.5 stars
The xx
3/5
Not their best album, but chill enough to lighten your day.
JAY Z
3/5
Some classics on here with a song that samples David Bowie's fame. That was the first time I've heard the song. The others were ok.
The Zutons
2/5
Poor man's White Stripes
Fishbone
2/5
Not for me
Tom Waits
2/5
It gave me the heebie jeebies at times. Didn't care for this.
Wilco
3/5
Nice enough
The Replacements
4/5
Pretty good 3.5
Tim Buckley
2/5
Forgettable
The Specials
4/5
What a fun album & band. Over time, I've grown to appreciate this genre of punk & I bet they put on one hell of a live show. Definitely adding The Specials in the mix from now on.
AC/DC
5/5
One of my favorite bands from the land down under. AC/DC reminds me of home with all its old school metal heads. I love this album so much, I listened five times & even dreamed of Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution. Listening while driving rocked especially hard. 5 stars.
Mylo
3/5
M.I.A.
4/5
I remember listening to her first two albums repeatedly back in the day. Seeing her lived was so much fun with off the charts dance energy. This was a nice revisit.
The Saints
4/5
Never heard of these guys before. Really good old school punk. 3.5 stars.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Don't listen to this if you're trying to stay awake
Lorde
4/5
Really good & reminiscent of Kate Bush at times. This is quality pop.
The Only Ones
3/5
Lou Reed
2/5
Once that baby started crying, I had to stop listening. The most disappointing Lou Reed album.
Al Green
5/5
This is fantastic. Put me in a good mood & I added it to my work playlist.
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
This sounds like American blues & African creole mixed together, which definitely perked my ears. I don't know exactly what he's singing about, but I could somehow relate. I'd bet if you played this album on a hot summer night while drinking hooch with your friends, it would be a certain kinda vibe. This album deserves to be in this challenge. 3.5 stars.
Dion
4/5
This was weird in a wonderful 70s fever dream way. It reminded me of John Lennon's solo work - a fair amount of meandering with different genres and covers of songs. Honestly, I liked it. The album sounds like something my hip aunts & uncles would've listened to while chilling & smoking pot. I listened twice & I'll listen again. It's quirky enough to be interesting.
M.I.A.
4/5
I played & danced to this album a ton when it dropped. It's an in your face, high energy commentary about politcs, war, immigration, government, drugs, and violence. Loved the beats & multicultural representation. I'm usually not a big fan of sampling, but it's done cleverly here. 4 solid stars.
Nico
2/5
Nicole without The Velvet Underground is dreadful
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
This band is good at soul. It's sorta a shame they're known as a one-hit wonder. I liked this.
Carole King
4/5
This was a pleasant listen
New Order
4/5
I prefer early 80s New Order, but it's still classic & danceable.
Goldfrapp
4/5
I remember loving this album when it came out. So dreamy & airy. Ahh, what a lovely listen.
Electric Light Orchestra
5/5
This album is pure bliss. I imagine floating around space on the album cover's spaceship while neon lights glow all around. Everyone's dancing, singing, and having a great time. I wish I could've seen ELO live in their heyday - I bet everyone was high & happy. Big kudos to Jeff Lynne & the band for making some of my favorite 70s favorites. I absolutely adore the Xanadu soundtrack & totally love this album. Will revisit this when I need a good pick me up.
Erykah Badu
4/5
Oooh, this is funky good. Love her voice. Ahhh, very nice.
Guns N' Roses
5/5
This takes me back to twelve year old me riding the Gravitron at the local carnival. Hard rock & metal was always blasting on the rides, and I was all about it. This album is grab you by the balls rock with Axl's wailing & Slash's hot guitar playing. I don't care what anyone says, GNR is one of the best rock groups of all-time & this is one of the greatest rock albums of all-time.
Van Morrison
3/5
Nice background music for doing the dishes
Mekons
1/5
No thanks
The Beta Band
3/5
The Temptations
4/5
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
I think this is my favorite Nick Cave album. They do blues/gospel really well...I'm surprised! I also learned they're from Australia. How did I miss that all these years?! Definitely a bit long, but a nice listen.
Suzanne Vega
2/5
Boring
5/5
I absolutely loved this album when it came out & saw them live at ACL Fest. This is definitive 2000s rock. Great revisit. 4.5 stars.
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
I love the psychedelic 60s. Grace Slick's vocals on Somebody to Love is iconic & powerful. This was a nice break from what I normally listen to.
Radiohead
5/5
I'm not a big Radiohead fan, but I remember the debut of this album & all the buzz surrounding it. It's really damned good, beautifully crafted, and timeless.
Dr. John
3/5
Psychedelic New Orleans hippie voodoo. Some of these tunes are pretty good while others meander too long. Dude's got a great voice for this genre, though. Depending on my mood, this is between 3-3.5 stars.
Marilyn Manson
3/5
I'm a fan of this genre but not of MM. There was always something about him I didn't care for.
Neil Young
4/5
Being forced to listen to Neil Young has changed my opinion. Do I think a lot of his songs are annoying as hell? Yes. Do I think he overdoes the nasal singing? Yes. But some of his music is pretty solid, and I like it. 3.5 stars.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Classic
Buena Vista Social Club
5/5
A great way to start the day 4.5 stars
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I very much enjoy bluesy Stones. They'll always be one of my all-time favorite bands.
Everything But The Girl
3/5
Lovely voice & good for mellow work music but not something I'd actively listen to.
The Doors
4/5
Great band & solid album. Some songs are definitely the ramblings of a drunken hippy, while the others are my favorite Doors tunes.
Roxy Music
4/5
This hits the spot when I'm craving glam, nerdy, art music. I'm probably in the minority, but I enjoy the vocals & odd saxophone. Good stuff.
Circle Jerks
4/5
I get the appeal & I'm impressed this was released in 1980 - I'm certain this album pissed off a lot of people. GOOD. I love the raunch & the attitude. Great hard core punk.
Bee Gees
3/5
This is mellow 60s rock opera. I eventually tuned it out, but it wasn't bothersome. Hopefully, we'll get 70s Bee Gees soon.
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
Some of this was painful to listen to. There were a couple of good tunes on here, but I'm definitely never gonna stay away from this album.
Klaxons
3/5
Flamin' Groovies
4/5
I dig this. It's got that gritty blues psych rock feel & I swore one of the songs sounded exactly like The Black Keys. I'm certain many rock bands owe a great deal to Teenage Head. It's albums like this challenge enjoyable.
The Beta Band
3/5
The Beach Boys
4/5
I love this band, and I'm glad this was part of the challenge. Good album.
Goldie
2/5
I like this genre, but this was a miss for me.
Girls Against Boys
3/5
The Black Crowes
4/5
I was deep into Led Zeppelin when I bought this album, so it was an easy crossover for me.
Laibach
1/5
Nope
Fred Neil
3/5
Sonic Youth
4/5
An album for Gen X
Beatles
5/5
This album is home base for me. Anytime I need a pause & reset, I come here. It's a masterpiece.
The Who
3/5
This challenge has confirmed that I don't really care for The Who. Of all the major bands that came from Britain during this era, they're at the bottom for me.
The Byrds
4/5
I was in the mood for this & I enjoy this band. 3.5 stars.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Wonderful
CHIC
4/5
Throughly enjoyable funky disco
10cc
2/5
Pass
TV On The Radio
4/5
Great indy 2000s record that reminds me a bit of Talking Heads & a certain era of my life. I'll definitely be coming back to this band.
Elliott Smith
3/5
Jane Weaver
4/5
I liked this quite a bit. 3.5 stars.
Talking Heads
5/5
I've have grown to love this band exponentially over the years. A former coworker recommend Stop Making Sense about 20 years ago, and I've been intrigued ever since. I saw Stop Making Sense on the big screen last year & it made me weep. This band is multi-talented, funky, and weird - pretty spot on for a group that formed in art school.
Crosseyed and Painless is my favorite on this album & Tina Weymouth is a phenomenal bass player. Girlfriend is a bad ass. Let's not forget all that percussion & David Byrne's oddball vocal stylings. 4.5 stars.
Lupe Fiasco
4/5
I liked this quite a bit. It definitely falls into the category of rap I'll listen to again.
Anthrax
4/5
I bet this is hellish fun live. Those high vocals reminds me s little of Judas Priest. This is an album I'd have to listen to if I were in a certain mood. 3.5 stars
Pavement
4/5
I liked this
The Kinks
3/5
Some songs are great while others are just okay
Kid Rock
2/5
Does this album deserve to be on the list? No. Is it a reminder of how low we once were in our music taste? Yes. Does it have one or two bangers? Also, yes. Is KidRock a piece of crap? One hundred percent.
We all should be embarrassed for ever giving this guy a musical career.
Rush
5/5
Oooh, that was good! I was familiar with several Rush songs, but I had never listened to a full album. I liked this very much. 4.5 stars.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
5/5
Raucous gay synth fun. I saw a couple of documentaries recently referencing FGTH, and Soft Cell (of all bands) said that Frankie was too outrageous for the sake of being outrageous. That's a pretty bold statement from a band who's also known for their strong themes of sexual encounters and bondage. The second documentary noted that the lead singer, Holly Johnson, was outright gay in the 80s. This was bold & dangerous for the time, but Holly gave zero fucks. There are multiple video versions of Relax, but one shows guys in bondage gear getting doused with ejaculate - it's wild. Aside from the obvious homosexual theme in Relax, Two Tribes is a fantastic anti-war anthem and is accompanied by an equally stimulating music video. Welcome to the Pleasuredome is the perfect name for this album because it felt like physically entering a space where erotica & angst roam free. Side note, Holly Johnson was also in the band Big In Japan.
This is wild & I'm "coming" back again. 5 stars.
Japan
4/5
This band helped pave the way for others that followed, specifically Duran Duran. Nick Rhodes & DD has been accused over the years for stealing David Sylvian's look (I can see that), but Japan still has a following of their own. They were never a big 80s band, but that's probably because they were the bridge from 70s glam rock to 80s New Romantic/New Wave.
Japan is like a mellow Roxy Music, and there's definitely room on the musical spectrum for them. I know Japan isn't for everyone, but I enjoy them.
Milton Nascimento
2/5
I'm filing this under the 20% that doesn't deserve to be on this list. Nice but forgettable.
TLC
5/5
How is the album not more highly rated? Y'all are scrubs. This album is classic.
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
Joy Division
5/5
This band helped paved the way for so many who followed. It's a damn shame we lost Ian at such an early age. Can't wait to see Peter Hook again this year - he always plays Joy Division.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
This era of The Stones makes my soul happy. They're so good at doing American blues and rock. I flippin' love this band.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
This was too much Chili Peppers for one sitting. I enjoyed the hits, though.
The The
4/5
I saw this album pop up before I fell asleep & woke up to Uncertain Smile playing in my head. This is the best of alt 80s. This Is The Day is their only hit, but they deserve more recognition. Giant is my favorite & this album definitely belongs on this 1001 list.
Earth, Wind & Fire
5/5
I saw Earth, Wind & Fire at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium which used to be a church & the original Grand Ole Opry. It was one of the most memorable live music experiences of my life. They played several songs from this album & it was incredible. What a nice day I had after listening to this album.
Talk Talk
5/5
I adore this album. It feels like the cover...fresh, airy, lush, and lovely. I'm whisked away to another place, especially with Time It's Time. I want to live in that song.
I got myself into Talk Talk about ten years ago after intentionally exploring bands I should've known earlier. My only regret is not being able to see them live before Mark Hollis passed. I hope he knows how much his music was loved. 5 stars.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
The vocals are good, but this style of music is boring. I could see these songs being cinematically, though. Pass. 2.5 stars.
Spiritualized
4/5
Electro ethereal soundscapes. I liked this album very much.
The Stone Roses
5/5
The Stone Roses started off their career with I Wanna Be Adored?! Damn, talk about starting off with a banger. This is essential late 80s post punk shoegaze. 4.5 stars.
Coldcut
2/5
Aptly named "What's That Noise?" cause this was definitely some sort of noise.
Johnny Cash
5/5
Hell yeah, Johnny Cash. This is as raw & real as it gets. It's also very metal & punk, so I never understand when people say they don't like country. Have y'all heard this album?? Johnny talking about cocaine, murder, and whiskey is hardcore. I'm a big fan of old school country & Johnny Cash, so this was an enthusiastic listen. A memory of his passing also crossed my mind. I happened to be living in Nashville, and the entire city was buzzing with a mix of sadness and reverence - it was a strangely beautiful thing to be a part of. God Bless Johnny Cash.
Common
4/5
I'm not big on hip hop, but this is solid & I've always appreciated Common for being a more mature & sophisticated artist. And I gotta say, I liked that Kanye was present on this album. 4 stars.
Skunk Anansie
2/5
I couldn't finish this. The vocals could be decent, but it sounds like she's straining her voice. Eek. I also don't care for this style of music. Pass.
Gotan Project
4/5
I like how they blend electronic music with tango. This made my workday enjoyable.
Queens of the Stone Age
3/5
Meh, it's okay.
Scott Walker
3/5
Not the best, not the worst. 2.5 stars.
Tom Waits
3/5
Some parts were quirky & humorous, but this honestly reminded me of that one jazzy Gremlin from the first movie. This was just too on the nose.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
Was never a big fan of Xtina. Fighter was every female's anthem at the time, but the rest of the album is pretty weak. 2.5 stars.
Bee Gees
3/5
Blur
4/5
Beck
3/5
There are some catchy tunes, but this isn't an album I'd be eager to listen to again.
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
Dexys Midnight Runners again? Sadly, this was a real dud. No one needs a mostly spoken word album with a song that's over twelve minutes long. I was also disappointed that Werewolves of London was sampled and used poorly.
Fever Ray
5/5
I'm a huge fan of The Knife and Fever Ray. I love their Swedish electronic weirdness and their witty and sharp lyrics. This album has a lot of dark droning soundscapes, and it feels uniquely Karin versus what she was doing with The Knife. It's darker and more melancholy than her previous work. If you fast forward to today, her Radical Romantics feels almost exactly like The Knife (maybe because her brother contributed to the album). Ahh, I adore this band. I swooned when I saw them perform with Christeene in Austin last year. It was easily my favorite show of the year, and it was the queerest, gayest audience ever. It makes sense given how uniquely strange Fever Ray is. Karin always performs in some sort of freaky character, and there's a good amount of raunch a la John Waters. Excellent album, and I wish The Knife would pop up on this challenge.
Sabu
4/5
I really like this and was in the mood. Gotta love the African influences on the Latin world. 3.5 stars.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
4/5
Classic 60s garage psch rock. Good stuff.
Buzzcocks
5/5
I got into the Buzzcocks way late, but better late than never. Love this band. My kind of punk. 4.5 stars.
Steely Dan
3/5
I've come to the conclusion that Steely Dan has some bangers and some snoozers. This was just okay aside from their opening track.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Hot damn this was good. Love this era of the Stones.
Baaba Maal
2/5
This was alright
Marianne Faithfull
5/5
Oh man, this is fantastic. I had no idea Witches' Song was a cover and this was the original. Wow! This album is definitely for me. I had no idea this 70s alternative electronic rock artist existed. Her voice and musical stylings remind me of bit of Patti Smith. I'm so glad this is on the challenge. I learned to like something new today.
Frank Ocean
4/5
I liked this more than I expected. Definitely the more mellow side of rap.
Paul Weller
3/5
Tom Tom Club
5/5
Ooh yeah, I absolutely love Tina Weymouth and this wacky off shoot of the Talking Heads. Genius of Love is one of my fun go-to songs, and you gotta love how zany, funky, and lighthearted this is. I consider this album a treat.
The Lemonheads
3/5
Run of the mill 90s rock
Michael Jackson
5/5
I heard one of these songs while at the doctor's office a few weeks ago, so I've been putting the album into my weekly rotation since then. I had forgotten how superb early Michael Jackson was. It's got all the good grooves and vibes. An easy 5 stars.
Stan Getz
4/5
Good jazz for doing Sunday chores
3.5 stars
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
I don't like Neil Young's solo folk albums, but I can get down with this. His voice is still whiny, but he and the band do a good job at making a solid folk-country/rock album. I actually enjoyed this.
Kings of Leon
3/5
I can't stop laughing over someone else calling them the Southern Fried Strokes. Hahaha, accurate. I still found this kinda meh, though.
Manic Street Preachers
2/5
Forgettable
Elvis Presley
5/5
Love this 4.5 stars
Derek & The Dominos
4/5
I had a nice blues phase in late college, and some of these songs were part of that phase. Can't go wrong with Clapton.
Jane's Addiction
4/5
Good 90s rock. Jane Says is one of the best recorded songs of the time, and I enjoy Perry Farrell's vocals.
Dead Kennedys
4/5
If I had a punk phase growing up, Dead Kennedys would definitely be one of my favorites. Raucous, silly, sharp lyrics, interesting lead vocals.
Gram Parsons
4/5
I wasn't expecting good country music, so this was a surprise. 3.5 stars.
Calexico
4/5
Woah, how have I not heard of this band until today? They've got a nice Mariachi folk bluesy rock thing going on, and I'm here for it - color me impressed. As a Mexican-American from Texas, I'm used to hearing blends of tejano, conjunto, and country in these parts, but I've never heard anything quite like this. Well done, amigos. You've gained a new fan.
Moby Grape
3/5
Abdullah Ibrahim
4/5
I judged the album by its cover and expected new age boringness. Instead I got a nice, uplifting jazz album reminiscent of the jazz that's played on Charlie Brown cartoons. This was lovely.
Brian Eno
4/5
I'm a fan of Eno & his work
SAULT
2/5
Nope
Ozomatli
3/5
This is the second Latin influenced band in one week, and I ain't mad about it. The vocals reminded me of Ricky Martin at times, which was unexpected. Unfortunately, there were some flops here. Maybe they have another album that's better? I guess there's only one way to find out.
David Ackles
2/5
I don't know who the target audience is, but it's certainly not me.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Aside from a couple of overly folky songs, I very much enjoyed this. He does bluesy rock well.
Dirty Projectors
3/5
Basement Jaxx
3/5
Tom Waits
3/5
After listening to multiple Tom Waits albums on this challenge, I can honestly say I'm not a big. I do like his bluesy songs and some of his ballads. Aside from that, I could go on with the rest of my life not listening to his albums.
Soundgarden
5/5
I was 18 going on 19 and attending my first year of college when this album dropped. Everyone I knew loved this album and band, and rightfully so. Chris Cornell's voice paired with a super talented band meant instant MTv and radio success.
What a great visit down memory lane. Some of these songs will forever burned into my memory. Oh, and the Blackhole Sun video was trippy as hell. Great times.
The Sabres Of Paradise
1/5
The first song sounded like a wonky toilet, and the second song sounded like they were saying rat terrier. This was terrible.
Hüsker Dü
4/5
I like this, but I can't explain exactly why. They remind me of a mix of other bands, yet they sound like their own thing - a little punk, a little grunge, a little alt? Interesting. The album was a little long, but it made for good driving music. 3.5 stars.
Prince
5/5
This may not have been Prince's big commercial success, but it's still fucking Prince. It's political (Sign 'O' The Times), saucy, funky, groovy, and classic purple pop.
I didn't know that he had an alter ego named Camille, but it makes perfect sense. I loved that he was always in touch with his feminine side - I believe that's part of the reason why he was such a fantastic lyricist and performer. That and the fact that he was a multi-instrument genius. This album is fire. 5 stars.
Sepultura
3/5
So this is what Sepultura sounds like. I've had many Latino metalhead friends tell me this is one of their favorite bands - I get it. It's very hard, raw, and has a ton of indigenous sounding instruments. Perhaps a nod to Brazil's indigenous populations. This album isn't exactly for me, but I know this band means a lot to my peers.
Koffi Olomide
3/5
Yikes, this guy was a sexual predator? What a POS. I will rate the album, though.
Had I not know about his past, I would've thought this was created by a light-hearted joyous individual because that's what I get from the album. Oof. Still, I don't think this a must listen before you die album. It's fine.
Devendra Banhart
3/5
This was nice
Eurythmics
5/5
I could go about this band and Annie Lennox, but I'll abbreviate my review:
•Annie Lennox live (solo) was the best show of my entire life. I saw her at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, and she could fill the venue with her voice at least three times over. That show was powerful.
•I think Lennox is the best female vocalist due to her range, strength, and her ability to sing multiple genres.
•Eurythmics are not so much pop as they are alt-new wave. I think that's why they were never really popular.
•Lennox is Scottish and Stewart is English
•Dave Stewart co-wrote Don't Come Around Here No More with Tom Petty. The Heartbreakers didn't want Stewart on the album (after all, he was British and the album was called Southern Accents, but the single was a huge success).
•Lennox and Stewart were a great match and pushed electronic music to another level, and they were MTv video pioneers.
•Lennox was gender bending before it was a thing. She wore men's suits and cross dressed more than once on MTv. No other female had done that before consistently on TV.
•As a kid, I stopped in my tracks with mouth agape when I first saw Sweet Dreams on MTv. My little kid mind was blown to smithereens.
My favorites from this album are Love Is a Stranger, I Could Give You (A Mirror), and Jennifer. Jennifer sounds like it could be in an 80s thriller-mystery movie, specifically Michael Mann's Manhunter. That film has neon hues, dark shadows, and ominous synth. I highly recommend it. (Plus, it's the first time we see the character Hannibal Lector on screen).
I know this album and band aren't for everyone, but if you like 80s or modern synth, this album is definitely worth multiple listens. And as a side note, I absolutely adore Annie. She's a humanitarian and cares about the world. 5 stars.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Poignant and beautifully performed
Ananda Shankar
4/5
I was expecting this to be annoying and boring, instead I found this delightful and entertaining. I especially liked the covers of Jumpin' Jack Flash and Light My Flower. 3.5 stars.
Queen
4/5
Ah, Queen! One of my all-time favorite bands thanks to watching Wayne's World too many times in the 90s. I love Killer Queen, and Sheer Heart Attack goes hard. The rest is solid Queen.
Janet Jackson
5/5
My girl, Janet! This era of Janet's music changed my life forever. The video to Rhythm Nation made me realize that I wanted to learn to perform. As an 8th grader looking for something bigger than kid stuff, I decided to join the pep squad, dance team, and cheerleader once I got to high school...and so I did for all four years.
To this day, I have a video playlist dedicated to Janet Jackson complete with the Rhythm Nation choreography with the original choreographer. My dream was to BE Janet, not like her. She's an incredible dancer and one of the best all-time pop performers.
Miss You Much, Escapade, Black Cat, and Love Will Never Do (Without You) are always on my playlist. The video for Love Will Never Do is sooooo sexy. Hello, Antonio Sabato Jr. The album does seem to lag at the end, but it's cohesive and keeps me entertained. 13 yr old me deeply appreciates this album, and adult me will forever love Janet. 5 stars.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
There are some classics and some songs that are just ok. I do enjoy when the Stones do country.
Ryan Adams
4/5
I liked this more than I expected. It's like Americana mixed with pop and a touch of blues. I would listen to this again. 3.5 stars.
Nirvana
5/5
One of the best albums of the 90s
Elliott Smith
3/5
Fine for background music but kinda forgettable.
The Pretty Things
4/5
A Beatlesque psychedelic album that reminded me of Tame Impala at times. Good listen. 3.5 stars.
OutKast
4/5
A hefty but fantastic hip-hop/pop/art jazz album. The classics still stand the test of time, and Andre 3000 is a musical genius.
Sheryl Crow
4/5
I wish more of these songs were played back in the day than just her mega hit. This was surprisingly nice.
Elvis Costello
4/5
Watching the Detectives is my favorite Costello song, so it gets a 5. The rest of the album is good but not great. 3.5 stars.
The Hives
4/5
I liked this more than I thought I would 3.5 stars
Justice
4/5
I used to love this album when it came out, but it feels a bit dated now. 3.5 stars.
Common
2/5
I couldn't get into this
King Crimson
4/5
I liked this very very much. I can definitely tell Pink Floyd and The Moody Blues were highly influenced by this band.
I enjoy the richness of this album. There's a lot happening here, yet I don't feel overstuffed. It's a musical feast for the senses. I also learned that Kanye sampled 21st Century Schizoid Man - is there any genre West didn't sample?
Anyway, I will definitely revisit this. I am a fan.
The Auteurs
2/5
Forgettable
Public Enemy
5/5
I have a ton of respect for this band and agree that this is the golden age of hip hop. The album is raucous, political, and perfectly crafted. It's a history lesson and history in the making - we are still dealing with bullshit almost 35 years later. 5 stars.
The Sugarcubes
4/5
4 stars for young Björk
The Associates
2/5
I wanted to like this since 80s post punk is one of my favorite genres, but it got annoying after a while.
The Fall
3/5
If I'm in a certain mood, I'd like this, but it's a 2.5 star listen for me.
Cyndi Lauper
5/5
What a fantastic and nostalgic album. I've always loved her unique vocals and spunky attitude. I didn't own this album, but I did have Twelve Deadly Cyns. I can't wait to see her live in a couple of months...it'll be a childhood dream come true.
The Undertones
4/5
Oh yeah, I like this. Even though their big hit isn't on here, they're still quirky and keep me entertained. The vocal stylings sorta remind me of The Buzzcocks - it's that's silly snarky attitude. 4 stars.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
3/5
This band was trying too hard to be country musicians. 2.5 stars.
Paul McCartney
4/5
I always enjoy McCartney's solo work. Maybe I'm Amazed is an fantastic song. 4 solid stars.
Red Snapper
3/5
Rod Stewart
4/5
I think Rod Stewart has one of the best rock-blues voice, so I was happy to give this a listen. Sure, there are no mega hits on here, but it's still solid. It also reminds me of the time I made a Rod Stewart altar cause I'm a weirdo, and I thought it was funny. 3.5 stars.
Tina Turner
5/5
One of the best performers of the 80s. I'll always remember the roadtrip I made with a friend from Nashville to Chicago to see Tina live. It was incredible. This album has some of my favorites along with a few I've never heard before. I love her feist, strength, and raspy rocker voice. 4.5 stars.
The Magnetic Fields
2/5
Not a fan
Frank Black
1/5
I really couldn't get into this. I honestly skipped over almost all of it.
Alice In Chains
5/5
4.5 stars for their influence, their talent, and nostalgia for 90s grunge. Definitely a band and album worth listening to.
The White Stripes
5/5
Yeah, this album freakin rocks. I had forgotten how great this band was. Love the stripped down and raw drums and guitar. Jack White's vocals ain't bad either.
Off topic, Jack was my #1 rocker crush when I lived in Nashville and I waited tables. I'd see him every now and then and once ate one of his onion rings cause I'm gross like that. He's also a natural blonde and once saw him dressed in a head to toe crushed purple velvet pimp suit with matching hat and a cane. Early 2000s were a great time for Jack White. 5 stars.
The Soft Boys
3/5
I thought I'd like this more, but it was just alright. 2.5 stars.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
3/5
I liked ths songs with instrumentals versus the ones with lyrics. Overall, this was soothing and relaxing.
4/5
I'm 80% sure I owned this CD. Am I embarrassed about it? Yes. Do I still know the lyrics? Yes. Did I have a good time revisiting this album. Also yes. I'm pretty sure everyone of a certain age had a Limp Bizkit phase.
Joan Armatrading
4/5
This makes for a chill and vibey Sunday morning. 3.5 stars
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
This was good but not something I'd listen to again
Cocteau Twins
5/5
An absolutely gorgeous album. I hadn't appreciate this band in the past, but this year I spent time going through their catalog. Their work and Fraser's vocals are airy, ethereal, and lush. Two of my favorite songs are on this album: Cherry-coloured Funk and Heaven or Las Vegas. What a lovely listen. It made my day.
The Stooges
5/5
Great to hear where it all started. 4.5 stars.
Kings of Leon
3/5
This was fine
The Dictators
4/5
I had fun with this one and listened to it twice. I'll definitely come back to this.
Scott Walker
1/5
This was like a combo of a poor man's Sinatra and Tom Jones. It was pretty awful.
Ella Fitzgerald
5/5
Lovely listen for puttering about the house. This somehow reminded me of the Christmas holidays.
Traffic
4/5
Steve Windwood is better here than he was solo. Overall, I liked this 70s rock/folk album.
Randy Newman
2/5
A disappointing snoozefest
Bob Dylan
3/5
This style of Bob Dylan is too folky for me. Sorry, but I'm not a fan. It's fine for background music, though.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
2/5
That's first song with Sinead O'Connor is spectacular (the video is fabulous), but the rest of the album sucks. How disappointing.
Eagles
4/5
Nice to hear where the Eagles got their start. Take It Easy and Peaceful Easy Feeling are classics, but the rest is just okay. 3.5 stars.
Ian Dury
1/5
What the heck was that? I had to stop listening.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Classic Cash
Coldplay
4/5
I wanted to hate this because their hits are annoying, but I found this to be a nice listen. Maybe they're an ok band after all? 3.5 stars.
Beck
4/5
Brings back memories of my college years
MC Solaar
3/5
This was okay then it got weird in a bad way 2.5 stars
Stereolab
4/5
This was interesting. It was like a mix of Brian Eno, Nico, and indie. Depending on my mood, I'd give it between 3.5-4 stars.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Dreadful and not for me
Ray Price
4/5
This album made me realize that I truly love country and have a soft spot for classic country. This album put me in a great mood for the whole day. I'll be back to give it another listen.
The KLF
3/5
90s Blade Eurodance. I know for sure German vampires danced to this in warehouses. 3 stars.
David Gray
3/5
I remember a couple of these songs. I found this to be a pleasant listen, and I was surprised he did a Soft Cell cover (Say Hello, Wave Goodbye).
Prince
5/5
This album is a masterpiece, and Prince is a rock god. An easy 5 stars.
Heaven 17
2/5
I love synth-pop, but this album went nowhere. Early Human League could've easily taken this album's spot. It's a shame that 20% of this must listen list is crap and notable albums are left off. Oh well.
Def Leppard
4/5
Love me some Def Leppard
The Everly Brothers
4/5
This music reminds me of hanging out with my aunts and uncles when I was a kid. Cathy's Clown is my favorite and I learned that The Everly Brothers originally sang Love Hurts. I'm always happy to hear some Everly Brothers.
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
Small Faces
3/5
Fuckin British people. Sigh.
Bauhaus
4/5
I saw these guys live at Cruel World 2022, and it was absolutely incredible. Kick in the Eye is definitely a favorite, and the rest of the album is dark goulish goodness. 4 stars for being godfathers of goth and for a memorable live experience.
The United States Of America
1/5
One of the worst things I've ever heard. I couldn't finish even three songs.
Songhoy Blues
3/5
Meh 2.5 stars
Elvis Costello
3/5
I like Elvis Costello, but this was just okay for me.
The Specials
5/5
This was such a fun listen! This is a band that I didn't actively pay attention to back in the day, but I'm glad I get to appreciate them now. I'm definitely coming back to this album.
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
Fine for background music, but this is nothing special. 2.5 stars
David Crosby
4/5
I was expecting to be irritated by this since folk is my least favorite genre, but this was pleasant and lovely. I'm a bit wowed.
Deep Purple
4/5
Oh yeah, early heavy metal. Into it.
Meat Loaf
5/5
This is such a fun album, and I have a soft spot for Meat Loaf. This was also a nice reminder to rewatch Rocky Horror Picture Show since it's just a few days before Halloween. Rock opera and over the top vocals and production is a cheesy good time.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
This was fine
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
Almost all of my favorite CCR songs are on this album? Wow, I had no idea! I love swampy Southern rock. Funny considering that the band is from California. Can't go wrong with John Fogerty and the gang.
Beth Orton
4/5
This was pleasant 3.5 stars
Khaled
3/5
Not terribly impressed and not what I was in the mood for. 2.5 stars
The Pogues
4/5
You gotta be in the mood for this, but it's good if you're feeling like listening to high energy Irish folk-punk. 3.5 stars.
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
I don't get what the big fuss is with this guy. 2.5 stars
The Flaming Lips
5/5
I remember when this album was all the rage. It's interesting that it still sounds fresh after 22 years. Even though I'm not a fan who's followed their career, this is wonderful. 4.5 stars for being a solid album and .5 stars for nostalgia.
Kelela
4/5
This was pretty and relaxing
N.E.R.D
3/5
This was strange 2.5 stars
The Jam
4/5
The Jam is the jam
Korn
3/5
Haha we were dummies for liking this at one point 2.5 stars
Youssou N'Dour
4/5
World music is my least favorite genre on this challenge, but I found this enjoyable and uplifting. 3.5 stars.
Rush
3/5
Good but not great
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
Not great
Fela Kuti
4/5
This was fantastic. I found myself dancing in my seat to this. It made my day.
Big Star
3/5
I thought this was an indie album from the 2010s. Nice enough.
Megadeth
4/5
This was fun, hard, and fast. I know now why all the boys in junior high and high school loved this band.
Suicide
3/5
I was really into this until the screaming.
Jean-Michel Jarre
4/5
This remained me of the film Fantastic Planet and Plantasia. Very 70s electronic yet captivating. I enjoyed this very much.
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
Oh yeah, this is good. I found myself grooving in my kitchen as I was making Sunday dinner. I'll admit that Pusherman makes me want to time travel and do all the drugs mentioned in the song - times must've been wild. I need to listen again since I know I missed some poignant lyrics, but what a great listen on the first go round. I'm giving this an enthusiastic 5 stars.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
Average 90s rock
Fiona Apple
3/5
I've realized that Fiona Apple is not for me
John Lennon
4/5
Great album with some of my favorites. I'll always be a fan of Lennon's solo work even though he was a jerk in life.
Waylon Jennings
4/5
I love this era of country, and I love Waylon's voice. This made me feel at home.
Sam Cooke
5/5
This flooded me with memories of my aunt, uncles, and my pets. I adore Sam Cooke and thank my family for turning me onto this era of music. I cherish it so much that Cupid and Bring It On Home To Me are songs I dedicate to my bird and kitty who have since passed.
I also think about how amazing it must've been to witness such an incredible singer perform live. I loved this, and I'll be certain to revisit.
Manu Chao
3/5
Good for background music
Coldplay
3/5
Very meh
Grateful Dead
4/5
I was expecting to be annoyed by this since I don't care for folky stuff, but this was really nice. 3.5 stars.
a-ha
4/5
The album is much better than their one mega hit. Good stuff. 3.5 stars
Stevie Wonder
4/5
A double album is a bit much, but several of my favorite songs were on here. I also learned that Coolio Gangsta's Paradise is a near copy of Pastime Paradise (this makes me conflicted in that I love Coolio's version, but it feels ripped off).
All in all, this is a good album. 3.5 stars.
Giant Sand
2/5
Nah
The Black Keys
5/5
Excellent rock blues album. My eldest nephew reminded me I got him into this band, and that's a nice feeling as an aunt. Great listen.
Joanna Newsom
3/5
I wanted to hate this, but I didn't. She falls somewhere between Kate Bush and Tori Amos with a touch of Björk. I wouldn't rush to this again, but I wouldn't mind if it were playing in the background.
Radiohead
4/5
There's something about this band that I really like and I really don't like. Why is that? Maybe Thom Yorke's voice gets on my nerves after a while? Lyrically and musically, I enjoy them. I'm not sure why I feel this way about Radiohead. 3.5 stars.
TV On The Radio
4/5
I really, really liked this. This is one of those bands that I overlooked when they first came out, but now I'm able to appreciate them. They are permanently going into my rotation.
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
I like this for the sake of nostalgia and their influence. 3.5 stars.
The Flaming Lips
3/5
Nothing special here 2.5 stars
Cream
5/5
Finally an album I was stoked for. Late 60s rock is like no other - raw sonic explosions with loud guitars and no holds barred. I would love to travel back in time and experience this era of music live. Loved this.
Ice Cube
3/5
I wasn't in the mood for this, but I appreciate the significance of the album's message.
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
This was fine but wouldn't say it's a must listen before you die. 2.5 stars.
Can
4/5
I know I'm in the minority, but I really like this band and album. I discovered Can about 7 years ago and have been a fan since.
The Teardrop Explodes
3/5
Decent but forgettable new wave
Miles Davis
4/5
Ooh yeah, acid jazz. This made my ears perk up. I'm glad I finally got around to listening to this album.
4/5
The Kinks go experimental and prog rock here. Very into it.
Iron Maiden
4/5
I appreciate this band now that I'm an old lady pining for 80s metal. 3.5 stars.
The Damned
5/5
A raucous good punk album. Can't wait to see them live again in a few months. 4.5 stars.
Mike Oldfield
3/5
My mind can't separate Tubular Bells I from The Exorcist, so the song naturally gave me the creeps - well done. TB II is way more folky than I expected. What a weird album. It does deserve to be on this list even though this was a tedious listen.
Joan Baez
2/5
I couldn't do this. This is the kind of folk I absolutely can't stand.
Syd Barrett
3/5
I liked this just enough. Poor Syd and his struggles.
Snoop Dogg
4/5
So many kids in high school were into this album. The hits are good, but the rest of the album was just alright. 3.5 stars.
Leonard Cohen
1/5
My opinion of Leonard Cohen went from neutral to negative after hearing his albums on this challenge. This one was particularly terrible. I played it while my assistant and I worked, but we had to stop listening. It was putting me in a bad mood, and it was making her sleepy. I hope this is the last of him. I think we've listened to four of his album, and I've had enough.
Jurassic 5
3/5
Meh 2.5 stars
The La's
3/5
Nanci Griffith
3/5
Folk-country is not my thing 2.5 stars
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
Fun album with the hits
Caetano Veloso
2/5
Not for me
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Beautiful album with the hits
Scritti Politti
3/5
This is just an ok 80s band
Dr. Dre
4/5
This takes me back to high school. It's relevant for its time, although I agree that some of the content did not age well. Still, this album was highly influential and regarded as one of the best albums of the Westcoast rap scene. I have to say, I appreciate this more as an adult who's just a few years younger than Dre & Snoop.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
5/5
I loved this album when it came out, and it's still holds up 15 years later. What a fun and nostalgic listen.
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
I can hear where Nirvana & Foo Fighters got their inspiration from. An okay listen.
3/5
This felt tedious. Not for me. 2.5 stars.
Jazmine Sullivan
3/5
Dizzee Rascal
1/5
Utter garbage
The Fall
2/5
A bad 80s version of The Cramps
Harry Nilsson
4/5
I had no idea this was the same guy who sang Coconut and Without You. This was also quirky listen, but my brain can't quite categorize what this is...this intrigues me. I will mostly certainly resist. 3.5 stars.
The Darkness
4/5
This is an example of how to just have a fun rockin time and not take things too seriously. They remind me of 70s glam bands, specifically Sweet. 3.5 stars.
Ride
2/5
Noisy and not memorable.
Mudhoney
2/5
I'm sure this is for someone, but it's not for me. Really didn't like this.
Fela Kuti
4/5
This was really good
The Charlatans
3/5
Pretty generic late 90s rock
Aimee Mann
3/5
Very meh 2.5 stars
Love
4/5
This is beautifully crafted psychedelic folk rock. I must say that I'm partial to the opening track thanks to The Damned's cover (I've been obsessed with the cover and music video for the last couple of years), so this album has already been on my radar. The string and horn arrangements are gorgeous and lush without being overbearing. The vocals are soothing yet captivating. It's albums like this that make me appreciate this challenge. I will certainly explore more of Love.
Ravi Shankar
4/5
Very nice for soothing background music. I kept expecting for some of these to breakout into a Beatles song (my brain has been wired that way). 3.5 stars.
The Human League
5/5
Oooh, one of my all-time favorite synth pop bands! I don't own a lot of vinyl, but I own this one. The big hits are on here, but I also enjoy how moody and dark some of these songs get (Seconds is about the assassination of JFK). The Human League are underappreciated synth pioneers and deserve more attention - especially their early stuff.
I got to see them live in 2023, and they sounded and looked just as fantastic as they did 40 years ago. I vote for Don't You Want Me as the best 80s synthpop song and video of all-time. It's very film noir...dark, brooding, and beautiful. 4.5 stars.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
I've always been slightly underwhelmed by this particular album.
Butthole Surfers
3/5
This one's pretty wild. I like these guys, but I wasn't really feeling this one. 2.5 stars.
Faust
2/5
Eh, not as good as I had hoped. Can is better at krautrock.
Radiohead
5/5
I'm not a big fan of Radiohead, but this album is perfect. It's lush, melancholic, and gorgeous. It makes me yurn for the 90s when I was a 20-something college kid. Loved this.
Lucinda Williams
4/5
There's something about Lucinda that I really enjoy. 3.5 stars.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
I was just thinking we need more Aretha on this list. Hell yeah. Love her.
Slint
1/5
I couldn't even get through two songs
The Zombies
4/5
I saw these old geezers live at a local venue. It was pretty fantastic. 3.5 stars.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
This album feels like a bridge to Porcupine. Thanks to this challenge, I've become a bona fide Bunnymen fan - a bit ironic since I've seen them twice live but vowed never again due to Ian's alcoholism. It's all good. I can still love an appreciate a band for their craft.
Billy Bragg
4/5
This is better than just regular Wilco. I enjoyed it so much, I listened twice. 3.5 stars.
Def Leppard
4/5
One of my comfort albums. Reminds me of the headbanging kids in middle school.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
5/5
Fuckin great shoegazy album
The Thrills
2/5
Generic and forgettable
Willie Nelson
5/5
This really made my day. What a beautiful album. I've listened three times just to make sure I got it right. God Bless Willy.
Miles Davis
5/5
Fantastic
Pink Floyd
5/5
This album amazes and stuns me. It feels like floating amongst the stars and galaxies. I hope, when I die, this is played at my funeral. I'm letting this be my reminder to rewatch The Wizard of Oz with this in the background. I saw it at an indy movie theater back when I was in college in the 90s...trippy times.
This is one of the best albums on the planet.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
I couldn't wait for this to be over
Deee-Lite
3/5
I wanted this to be better than it was, but it got tedious after a while. 2.5 stars
Joe Ely
4/5
This must be where 90s country gets its influence from. I liked it. 3.5 stars.
Barry Adamson
3/5
Interesting that this is the soundtrack to a fake crime film. It's not something I'd want to listen again, but it is creative.
Cocteau Twins
4/5
Dreamy and lovely
Guided By Voices
3/5
Generic indy 2.5
Muddy Waters
4/5
Solid
The Strokes
4/5
Good times
Queen Latifah
4/5
Respect for Queen Latifah 3.5 stars
CHVRCHES
3/5
I was hoping this would be better since I like this era of electronic music, but it was just alright.
Booker T. & The MG's
5/5
So glad this album popped up. I've always been a fan of the song Green Onions but never got a chance to listen to the entire record. I absolutely loved the funk organ. Easy 5 stars.
Pavement
4/5
Interesting enough 3.5 stars
Leonard Cohen
3/5
It's so frustrating to see the same male artists pop up multiple times during this challenge. No one needs to hear 4+ albums from crusty old white dudes. This is my biggest gripe about doing this - there are so many unique artists that should be on this list, but they're not. It's a real damn shame. With that said, I give this album 3 stars. I seriously doubt I'll ever intentionally listen to Leonard Cohen again.
Gary Numan
4/5
Classic new wave. I highly recommend seeing him live. He puts on a fantastic show.
Ryan Adams
4/5
This was nice 3.5 stars
Prefab Sprout
4/5
I really liked this. It reminded me a bit of The Smiths without the whining, violent lyrics, and Moz - this was pleasant and polite 80s new wave/rock. 3.5 stars.
Gillian Welch
4/5
Pleasant 3.5 stars
Incredible Bongo Band
5/5
Funky and hella fun! 4.5 stars
Missy Elliott
4/5
This was soulful 90s rap. Great use of sampling without it being overused. I thoroughly enjoyed this.
KISS
5/5
Wedged between glam rock and hair metal was KISS. This album has a bit of everything - rock, musical theater, and a ballad. At the time, Christians were in a panic because this band was the epitome of Satanic worship - "Knigts In Satan's Service" - but they were just goofy guys making 70s rock for teens.
I'll always have a soft spot for this band (my girl cousins used to have KISS posters in their room), so this was a fuzzy feeling listen for me. 4.5 stars.
Orbital
2/5
No thanks
Os Mutantes
2/5
Eh
Bob Dylan
4/5
This is the best of what we've listened to. Of the 4+ Dylan albums, I think I like this one the best.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
Prog rock Peter Gabriel with a hint of Randy Newman and a little taste of what was to come in the 80s. I adore Solsburry Hill, both the song and the music video full of artsy montages and cabbages. Love this guy.
Talking Heads
4/5
Offbeat, nerdy, art music. Favorites are Life During Wartime & Heaven.
The Mars Volta
4/5
Such a weird but fantastically loud and rockin album. This definitely deserves to be on this list - this band challenges my ears and brain every time I listen to them. I get to see this band live for the first time in a few weeks.
Dire Straits
4/5
80s kids were either freaked out or mesmerized by the Money for Nothing music video. Great times. There are some gems on here, but the albums loses its momentum near the end. I'll still give 4 stars for nostalgia's sake.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
I enjoyed this album at the time of it's release, but this sounds outdated and meh. Some songs are alright, but I honestly couldn't wait for it to be over. So weird because I used to love this band. Eh, things change.
The Dandy Warhols
4/5
I need to revisit this one cause it's good stuff
Q-Tip
4/5
It's like rap but with smooth R&B. Into it.
Black Flag
4/5
Ooh, raucous fun!
Ice T
2/5
I wanted to like this, but it aged poorly and I couldn't get into it. Sorry, Ice T.
Daft Punk
4/5
They hadn't quite figured out their sound yet, but it a couple of the songs are classics.
Alanis Morissette
5/5
I was not a huge fan of Alanis, but this album is pop-culturally significant and the hits are pretty fuckin fab - I still love Head Over Feet. 5 stars for taking me back to a time when all scorned women blasted You Oughta Know.
William Orbit
3/5
2.5 stars
Paul Simon
4/5
Thanks to this challenge, I've learned that I really enjoy Simon & Garfunkle and Paul Simon. Good stuff.
Kraftwerk
4/5
Groundbreaking and influential. One of the coolest things I love about this album is how it helped shaped early hip hop and rap. Kraftwerk helped pave the way for many artists and for that, I am grateful.
Amy Winehouse
3/5
Amy was an incredibly talented writer and gifted singer, but this album doesn't do much for me.
John Lee Hooker
3/5
I was disappointed at how slow and drugs out this was. Bummer. 2.5
Rahul Dev Burman
3/5
That had some funk and spaghetti western elements. I enjoyed this just enough.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
I forget that I love Jimi Hendrix. So much of my music tastes of that era hails from the UK, but Jimi is one of the few Americans that just blew music off its lid. He could make a guitar weep, scream, wail, and moan. Then you've got those guttural and soulful vocals. They don't music like this anymore. God bless Jimi Hendrix.
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
Ok, but not for me. 2.5 stars.
Afrika Bambaataa
4/5
Brown and black kids of a certain era know this to be one of the first albums to combine eltro-synth with hip-hop & rap. I still hear Planet Rock played at local events since we have a large Latino population that was into this and freestyle back in the 80s. Good times.
Björk
4/5
Beautiful Islandic weirdo songbird
4/5
I enjoy XTC, but I didn't know this band existed. This is an album for me.
Mj Cole
2/5
Forgettable
Richard Hawley
4/5
This is very pleasant 3.5 stars
Bon Jovi
4/5
Classic 80s
Culture Club
5/5
Sure this is a little sappy at times, but it's also got some danceable tunes. I personally love this album and own the CD. Culture Club live is fantastic, and I'll always love Boy George. 4.5 stars.
Radiohead
5/5
Thanks to this challenge, I learned that my dog really liked Radiohead. 4.5 stars.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
3/5
This was nice for the workday
The Who
3/5
The Who are my least favorite of all the major British bands of their time. They're just not my cup of tea.
Eagles
5/5
One of the best American bands
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
3/5
Arcade Fire
3/5
I remember a couple of these songs being really popular at the time. Good for background music.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
3/5
5/5
I still own my original CD from '95. This was a nostalgic revisit from 30 years ago. I can still remember jamming out to this on my boombox in my college apartment. Great times and great album.
Pet Shop Boys
5/5
I still listen to some of these songs on a very regular basis (every week or every other week). They're one of the best 80s synthpop bands ever created. There are a few songs that aren't my favorite, but I love the album as a whole. 4.5 stars.
American Music Club
2/5
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
Meh 2.5
Gil Scott-Heron
4/5
Great voice & message. I'd like to revisit this one. 3.5 stars.
Iron Maiden
4/5
ThiI didn't have appreciation for this band as a teen, but I'll always remember the metal-head boys with their Eddie tshirts. I'm glad I'm relistening with adult ears. This rocks. 🤘🏼
Queen
4/5
Not my favorite, but it's still Queen. 3.5 stars.
The Police
4/5
All great tracks with the exception of Mother...that was weird. Sting's gotta great voice, and I've always liked the band's drumming style. 4 stars.
Simple Minds
4/5
What an underrated band. I'm adding this to the mix of the albums I regularly listen to. I was already a fan some of these songs, but I particularly enjoyed the last two tracks. They're beautifully orchestrated and performed. 4 stars for now, but it'll likely turn into 5 stars over time.
The Cure
4/5
I'm nearing the end of this challenge, and it makes my little black heart happy to see The Cure on here again. While not my favorite album of their goth years (that goes to Pornography) this album deserves praise. Those droning and moody guitars along with Smith's sad wails makes for a fantasticly dark 80s album.
Minutemen
4/5
This was really good, but 45 tracks is just too much in one sitting. I'll give this another listen when I'm in the mood for mood for American punk. 3.5 stars.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
I think this is the fourth or fifth album from this band, and I'm over it because this challenge is slated for crusty old white dudes. The album itself is actually pretty good, but I don't think anyone needs to hear 4+ albums from one artist/band. This is my biggest gripe about this challenge, but it's almost over for me.
*sigh* Good album
Soft Machine
3/5
Jazz-Prog that's good for a bit, but I got a little tired of it at the end of Moon In June. I'd still listen again and maybe give a higher rating. 3 stars for now.
Deep Purple
4/5
Easy 4 stars 🤘🏼
Nightmares On Wax
4/5
Good for chill background music
3.5 stars.
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
I'm not sure how I missed this album, but it's really good. A solid 4 stars.
Miles Davis
4/5
What a wonderful way to end this 1001 albums challenge - it was exactly what I was hoping for. I need to listen to more Miles Davis cause he's fab. 4 stars.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
4/5