Journey in Progress
Discovering music one album at a time
420
Albums Rated
2.78
Avg Rating
16
5-Star Albums
39%
Complete
669 albums remaining
Rating Speed
4.4
Per Week
672
Days Active
Reviews
418
Written
100%
Review Rate
vs Global
-0.51
Avg Diff
2.78
Avg Rating
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How you rate albums
Rating Timeline
Average rating over time
Ratings by Decade
Which era do you prefer?
Activity by Day
When do you listen?
Taste Profile
2010s
Favorite Decade
Grunge
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Harsh
Rater Style
54
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Violet | 5 | 3.24 | +1.76 |
| System Of A Down | 5 | 3.26 | +1.74 |
| You Want It Darker | 5 | 3.34 | +1.66 |
| Hybrid Theory | 5 | 3.38 | +1.62 |
| Brothers | 5 | 3.58 | +1.42 |
| Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) | 5 | 3.61 | +1.39 |
| L.A. Woman | 5 | 3.67 | +1.33 |
| Atomizer | 4 | 2.72 | +1.28 |
| Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not | 5 | 3.73 | +1.27 |
| Group Sex | 4 | 2.74 | +1.26 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brothers In Arms | 1 | 3.74 | -2.74 |
| Heaven Or Las Vegas | 1 | 3.37 | -2.37 |
| Brilliant Corners | 1 | 3.33 | -2.33 |
| Melodrama | 1 | 3.31 | -2.31 |
| Achtung Baby | 1 | 3.3 | -2.3 |
| Bitches Brew | 1 | 3.3 | -2.3 |
| Inspiration Information | 1 | 3.27 | -2.27 |
| Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 | 1 | 3.17 | -2.17 |
| Loveless | 1 | 3.17 | -2.17 |
| The Sensual World | 1 | 3.17 | -2.17 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums and high weighted score
| Artist | Albums | Avg | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nirvana | 3 | 4.67 | 3.83 |
| Led Zeppelin | 3 | 4.33 | 3.67 |
| Leonard Cohen | 3 | 4.33 | 3.67 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums and low weighted score
| Artist | Albums | Avg | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| My Bloody Valentine | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Everything But The Girl | 2 | 1 | 2.2 |
| Cocteau Twins | 2 | 1 | 2.2 |
| Emmylou Harris | 2 | 1 | 2.2 |
| Talking Heads | 3 | 2 | 2.5 |
| U2 | 3 | 2 | 2.5 |
5-Star Albums (16)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Soft Machine
1/5
I knew from the first track that I was going to hate this album. An 18 minute track where it takes more than half the duration to get going. Even after that it just sounds like noise.
The rest of the album isn't much better and I gave up before the end.
11 likes
Kid Rock
1/5
This album is shite and Kid Rock is a cunt.
Highlight:
Bawtidaba
4 likes
Everything But The Girl
1/5
Sounded like very generic and bland electronica. It was fine as background but as soon as I paid attention to the music I was extrememly bored.
The biggest question I'm left with is, how do these guys have two albums on the list!?
3 likes
Kacey Musgraves
1/5
I don't have much of an affinity for Country music and this album didn't change that.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (54)
All Ratings
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
Nearly every song overstays its welcome. The album has some decent tracks though.
Meat Loaf
4/5
Most of the songs are really good, the highlights being:
- Bat out of hell
- Paradise by the dashboard light
- All revved up with no place to go
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Tricky
2/5
Very mellow sounding, bit too much for me. Barely noticed the album was even playing sometimes.
Supergrass
4/5
The first 8 tracks are bangers, unfortunately I didn't enjoy the subsequent songs as much. Still a very good album overall.
The Magnetic Fields
1/5
Felt like an experimental album. Did not enjoy at all.
Blur
4/5
A very good album that has a stronger first half
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Thought it was a decent album
Beatles
4/5
It's a pretty long album at 30 tracks but was found it quite enjoyable overall.
Lorde
1/5
Couldn't bring myself to enjoy even a single song on this album
Taylor Swift
2/5
A few of the songs seemed alright but the album isn't really for me
The Cure
3/5
It was a nice album to have on in the background but I couldn't pick out any standout songs.
The Killers
4/5
I haven't listened to this album for a long time. Brings back a lot of memories. Really enjoyed listening to it again.
The Smiths
3/5
I liked the first two and last two songs which is 40% of the album.
The Isley Brothers
4/5
A really good funk album, enjoyed almost all the songs. Was nice to listen to something I wouldn't usually pick.
Gang Starr
2/5
Thought it was okay, nothing stood out to me.
Kraftwerk
2/5
It gets a bit samey but works alright in the background like a retro video game soundtrack.
Hole
2/5
Quite a mixed bag, enjoyed a couple of songs.
Bill Evans Trio
3/5
A mellow jazz album that works nicely has background music. Not sure I concentrated on the music enough to appreciate it fully.
Black Sabbath
3/5
Has some good tunes, I prefer some of their other albums though
3/5
Thought it was decent but I enjoy their later albums more.
Hanoi Rocks
2/5
Thought it was fairly "meh" for glam rock. Didn't particularly dislike it but nothing stood out either.
The Prodigy
4/5
SMBU, Breathe and Firestarter are classics but the rest of the album is pretty great too.
Gene Clark
2/5
Think I almost fell asleep listening to it.
The Stooges
2/5
Thought I would have enjoyed this more. However, the bizarre 10mins of "We Will Fall" taking up 1/3 of the runtime left a sour taste.
The Pretty Things
3/5
Thought I was listening to The Beatles or The Who in some parts. Quite enjoyed the rock opera story of it.
Listening to the album on my earphones I wish the
mono and stereo mix wasn't so jarring, that might have been an artistic choice but didn't work for me.
The Verve
3/5
A few good songs with Bitter Sweet Symphony being top tier. Overall an alright album.
New York Dolls
2/5
I can definitely see how this was a precursor to punk rock, but I didn't enjoy it much. None of the tracks really grabbed my attention.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
A very enjoyable jazz orchestra album. The tracks are short and sweet, nothing overstays its welcome. I really enjoyed it.
Sister Sledge
3/5
I'm not really into R&B but found this to be a decent album. We Are Family, Lost in Music and He's the Greatest Dancer were the highlights.
Sarah Vaughan
2/5
I'm not a big fan of live albums and this one didn't change my mind. I would have liked to hear the instruments more but they are background noise to Sarah's singing.
Lot of the songs sounded very similar and I got easily bored before the 20 track album had ended.
Aimee Mann
1/5
Couldn't even make it through the whole album, thought it was shite.
Elliott Smith
3/5
Quite mellow and chilled out. Thought it was good, gave it a couple of listens. Stupidity Tries was a highlight.
Kacey Musgraves
1/5
I don't have much of an affinity for Country music and this album didn't change that.
Talking Heads
2/5
Thought some songs were okay but didn't really enjoy it.
Radiohead
2/5
I haven't really listened to much Radiohead, was a lot more instrumental than I expected. Thought it was okay, I may enjoy it more with subsequent listens.
Wire
4/5
This album is short and sweet, a great classic punk album. Highlight of the album was Pink Flag.
Garbage
2/5
Apart from the hit singles I didn't like this album.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Album starts with a banger and doesn't quite reach that height again. Still I really enjoyed it and thought it was a great album overall.
Queen
4/5
Overall a weird but enjoyable album with a great variety of instruments and styles. The absolute classic tracks on this album are fantastic.
The Mamas & The Papas
2/5
Liked the big singles from the album but overall thought it was just fine.
Fishbone
4/5
A really good funky ska-ish album. Enjoyed almost every song and will definitely listen to their other albums.
Dion
2/5
Youtube Music combined Born to Be With You with another Dion album called Streetheart. I did not like the former album, mostly very slow and soppy. Highlight of the album was Good Lovin' Man.
I did enjoy the album Streetheart, had more of a rock n roll sound. However, that album still has a few soppy songs too.
Le Tigre
2/5
Has a bit of a pop punk style to it which I liked in parts. But overall wasn't a big fan.
Jerry Lee Lewis
3/5
A super short album but had some enjoyable rock n roll. I'm not a fan of live albums but this one sounded quite balanced between the vocals and instruments.
Mylo
2/5
"Drop the Pressure" was the highlight. Otherwise I found it a fairly forgettable album of background house music.
Culture Club
2/5
Enjoyed it more than I expected but each song and the album definitely over stays it's welcome. Wouldn't listen to it again.
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
I liked parts of the album but don't think I'd listen to it again, his warbly singing becomes tiresome.
The opening track didn't start the album off well and should have been removed in favour of "The One You Love" which is far superior.
Other highlights were "Little Sister" and "Waiting for a Dream"
Tori Amos
4/5
Had not heard of her before but I ended up liking it a lot.
"Crucify", "Precious Things" and "Leather" were my highlights.
The Strokes
3/5
Just like the name of the first track I also wondered "is this it?". That's a bit harsh because I did enjoy more than I disliked.
I thought "Someday", "Last Nite", "Hard To Explain" and "Take It Or Leave It" were the best tracks.
The xx
3/5
A chilled out album that I thought was decent.
"Heart Skipped A Beat", "Islands" and "Crystallised" were the highlights for me.
The Doors
5/5
Had no heard this before but thought it was a fantastic bluesy rock album. So many great tracks, loved it.
Highlights were "L.A. Woman", "L'America" and "Riders of the Storm".
Songhoy Blues
3/5
Found it to be quite an interesting album that I ultimately liked. Not understanding the lyrics didn't take away my enjoyment of the album.
I think the first half of the album is the stronger side. Highlights for me were "Nick" and "Soubour".
The Doors
4/5
Didn't think it was good as their L.A Woman album but I still really liked this.
"Break On Through", "The End" and "Light My Fire" were highlights of the album.
The Kinks
2/5
Sounded like The Beatles but not as good.
Queens of the Stone Age
4/5
As others have said it's not as good as SFTD but I did really like it. Highlights for me were "Mexicola" and "Regular John".
Beach House
3/5
Had a very mellow dream like sound to it which I enjoyed. I think I might like it more with some extra listens but it was quite nice as background music.
Highlights were "Real Love" and "Silver Soul"
Simon & Garfunkel
2/5
Had only heard the odd song from Simon and Garfunkel before and didn't particularly enjoy them. Unfortunately this album didn't change my mind.
Highlights were "Baby Driver" and "Why Don't You Write Me".
Fats Domino
4/5
What a fantastic short and sweet blues rock n roll album. Really enjoyed almost every song. Felt like I should have been listening to it in a smoke filled bar wearing a fedora.
Highlights were "Blue Monday", "Reeling and Rocking" and "Blueberry Hill".
The B-52's
2/5
Quite a strange album, liked only "Hero Worship". Wasn't really for me.
Metallica
4/5
This isn't Metallica's best album but its still pretty high up on my list. Could the album be shorter, yes. Would I want it shorter, hell no!
Soul II Soul
1/5
Not really my kind of music. Didn't like any song, sounded very repetitive.
Pulp
3/5
The more I listened the more it grew on me. Might get a higher rating with a few more listens.
Highlights were "This is Hardcore" and "I'm A Man".
Leonard Cohen
5/5
Think I've listened to this four times already. His voice sounded like he smoked and drank his whole life but it fit the style and lyrics of the album perfectly.
I really liked the darkness and melancholy of the album. Easily goes into a list of best albums I've ever heard.
Highlights were "Steer Your Way", "You Want It Darker" and "It Seemed the Better Way".
The Black Crowes
3/5
"Hard to Handle" is the best song by far but I thought the rest of the album was alright.
Animal Collective
1/5
The nicest thing that I could say about this album is randomly discovering the album art was an optical illusion.
Unfortunately I thought all the songs were shite.
Caetano Veloso
2/5
Found it quite chilled out but I didn't really like it. Not understanding the language feels like I'm missing out on a lot of the album's nuance.
D'Angelo
2/5
Not usually that into R&B and thought this was okay. I think the songs just go on longer than they need to.
"Shit, Damn, Motherfucker" could have been easily cut in half to make the same point.
Highlight was "Brown Sugar".
4/5
Great album with so many good tracks
Highlights were:
With a little help from my friends
Lucy in the sky with diamonds
When I'm sixty four
Tina Turner
2/5
I had heard her famous tracks like "What's Love Got to do with it" but never properly listened to her music. She has a great voice but it's quite a dated album.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Had not really heard these guys before but I really liked the bluesy rock style. Definitely will be listening to their other releases. The album flies by in 30mins and I really enjoyed it.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Hadn't heard anything from Dusty except the popular song or two. The album has a chilled out relaxed sound to it which I liked.
Highlights were "Son of a Preacher Man" and "Don't Forget About Me".
Big Star
2/5
I found very little to enjoy in this album.
Pink Floyd
4/5
Previously I had only heard "Another Brick In The Wall" but that was because of the cover by Korn!
However, I was very impressed with the album, I've always enjoyed a good rock opera and this one is top class.
Adele
3/5
Adele has an amazing voice and I'm not usually into her music.
However, I did like it more than I thought and when I am concentrating on the music I found I liked many more songs. Overall I thought it was decent.
Highlights were "Hello", "Water Under the Bridge" and "Sweetest Devotion".
M.I.A.
3/5
When "Bamboo Banga" started I thought I was going to hate this album. However, as the album progressed I found myself slowly enjoying it. I wouldn't listen to it again but overall I thought it was surprisingly decent.
Highlights were "20 Dollar", Paper Planes" and "Come Around".
Iggy Pop
2/5
I'm don't particularly like Iggy Pop's music but because this is produced and composed by Bowie it had a more interesting sound.
However, nothing stood out to me and I didn't really like most of the songs.
Laibach
2/5
I like a bit of Rammstein and I can hear they've definitely taken inspiration from Laibach. I think the album is too long and the last third of is pretty awful.
I swear it sounds like they're saying "I have not pooed" in the song "Herz-Felde".
Highlight was "Leben - Tod"
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Think I expected more rock from this album and instead got a mix with quieter ballad type songs.
Highlights were "Beginning to see the Light" and "I'm Set Free"
Bad Company
4/5
Fantastic rock album, short and sweet. Must have listened to it about 4 times.
Apart from "Bad Company" and "Can't Get Enough" they're fairly forgettable songs but that didn't stop me enjoying the album.
Mj Cole
1/5
Only managed to listen to a quarter of the album, thought it was shite. What is this album doing on this list?
Def Leppard
3/5
Album has an interesting mix of glam and the classic 80s rock sound. Overall thought it was decent album, might get an extra star with more listens.
Was interesting to learn "Gunter glieben glauchen globen" came from "Rock Of Ages" because I always thought it was a weird way for The Offspring to start off "Pretty Fly For A White Guy".
Highlights were "Rock Of Ages", "Rock Rock Till You Drop" and "Too Late For Love".
New Order
2/5
Wasn't really a fan of this. Best thing I can say is that it seemed alright as background music.
Highlights were "Mr Disco" and "Vanishing Point".
Billy Bragg
3/5
Not really into folk rock but thought this was decent. It has a relaxed sound to it and I enjoyed more of the songs than I thought I would.
Highlights were "Hoodoo Voodoo", "California Starts" and "Christ for President".
4/5
I love a good rock opera or concept album and thought this was really good.
The first 7 tracks are especially strong, I just wish they didn't sound so much like The Beatles.
Highlights were "Yes Sir, No Sir", "Some Mothers Son" and "Shangri-La"
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
1/5
Did not like this at all, was almost a mess of incoherent sounds. Perhaps this album did something revolutionary when it came out in the 70s but it just doesn't hold up.
Devendra Banhart
2/5
Found this to be a very dull and boring album. It's not terrible but it's just not the type of music I enjoy.
Shuggie Otis
1/5
Disappointing, found the album quite lacking in all areas. Needed far more funk to liven it up.
The instrumental parts are not interesting enough to have so many.
Various Artists
3/5
There's not much to say about this, a Christmas album of mostly Christmas classics. The recordings sound pretty rough compared to modern standards. Everything is overplayed at this point so can't say I listened to the album properly.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
Apparently there are multiple versions of this album with some being 3 hours long. I instead listened to the 1hour version and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this.
She's got a lovely voice and I found the whole thing quite pleasant.
Highlights:
Sam and Delilah
Lets Call The Whole Thing Off
Nice Work If You Can Get It
Coldplay
3/5
I don't mind Coldplay too much, unfortunately their stuff is overplayed. However, apart from their singles I'm not sure I've ever properly listened to a Coldplay album.
This debut album is pretty good, I liked a lot more of the tracks than I thought I would. But by the end I did get a little tired of the melancholy.
Highlights were "Shiver", "Yellow" and "Spies".
Supergrass
4/5
I'm sounding like a broken record, but again I had not properly listened to Supergrass before.
They have an interesting sound which means the album never became boring. I really liked it, will definitely listen to this again.
Highlights were "Tonight", "Richard III" and "Cheapskate".
The Stranglers
4/5
I love some classic British punk and this was no exception. It's less political and more silly but found that a refreshing change.
Highlights were "Sometimes", "Peaches" and "Hanging Around".
Funkadelic
3/5
This is an album I'll never listen to again, basically someone fucking about on a guitar for 30mins.
While I did enjoy parts of the guitar work, the album as a whole was not that interesting.
Highlights were "Hit it and Quit it" and "Maggot Brain".
Yes
4/5
Had never heard of these guys but I really enjoyed this. The prog rock sound on the album had an enjoyable funky sound.
The album is bookended by two great tracks but "Roundabout" is definitely the highlight. It's a shame the rest of the album never quite reaches those heights.
Dolly Parton
2/5
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would, it has a nice mellow sound. Their voices work really well together.
It's not something I'd listen to again but it was alright in the background.
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
Really enjoyed this album, has a great raw grunge sound to it. I don't know much about guitars but it sounded especially good to me!
Definitely will give this a few more listens.
Pantera
4/5
Finally some heavy metal! Pantera kind of passed me by in the 90s while I was in my Punk phase but I really enjoyed this.
Some great riffs and a high level of anger/shouting throughout (what more could you need). The first 4 tracks are my highlights.
Nina Simone
3/5
Overall quite a beautiful sounding album. The album switches between Jazzy songs to Folk tunes, I preferred the former. I found "Four Women" to be an especially powerful song.
Highlights were "Either Way I Lose", "Break Down And Let It All Out" and "I Love Your Lovin' Ways".
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
I found it difficult to enjoy this album the first time I listened because I wasn't paying enough attention. On a second listen I realised it was far more interesting than initially thought. Especially after I read the background about the album.
I think I'll like this album more and more with subsequent listens. It's got a really good production so everything is really clean and easy to hear.
I listened to the "Deluxe Edition" to hear the bonus tracks and "The Recipe" is a fantastic track that should have been on the original.
Highlights were "Backstreet Freestyle", "M.A.A.D City" and "Money Trees".
Belle & Sebastian
2/5
As soon as this album started I knew I wasn't going to like it, I found it to be very boring.
On one of the public reviews on this site someone wrote, "So inoffensive it makes me want to go commit crimes just to make up for how fucking boring it is.".
That is a bit harsh but not far off how I'm feeling.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Not a big reggae fan but found this to be a nice mellow album. Some of the songs seem to blend together because they sound so similar.
I probably wouldn't listen to this album again.
Highlights were "Concrete Jungle" and "High Tide or Low Tide".
David Bowie
3/5
I had never listened to a David Bowie album before but I really enjoyed this. I recognised a lot more songs than I thought I would.
I found the first half of the album to be stronger than the second.
Highlights were "Changes", "Light On Mars" and "Oh! You Pretty Things".
Beastie Boys
3/5
Never listened to a Beastie Boys album before but I recognised quite a few tracks. I thought it was pretty good overall, some great guitar riffs that work well with their rock rap style.
Highlights were "Fight For Your Right", "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" and "Brass Monkey".
Jeff Beck
3/5
Had not heard any Jeff Beck before but I enjoyed the albums kind of blues-ish rock sound. So many of the tracks have some great guitar riffs, "Becks Bolero" is especially packed with them.
Highlights were "Rock My Plimsoul", "I Ain't Superstitious" and "Hi Ho Silver Lining".
Dr. Dre
2/5
This is nowhere near as good as his second album 2001. I don't think it ages particularly well.
I can understand the cultural significance of this album but apart from starting Snoop Dogg's career there wasn't much I liked on this album.
Pixies
4/5
Not listened to the Pixies before but I enjoyed it more than I expected, they have an interesting style for the late 80s.
The lyrics are not the strongest aspect of the album. A lot of them just end up repeat the same lines over and over again.
Highlights were "Monkey Gone to Heaven" and "Debaser".
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Overall I thought it was good but it didn't move me like his album "You Want It Darker", his voice and lyrics felt quite raw on that album. Although his gravelly voice really comes out in "Diamonds in the Mine".
A very good album that I'd have not heard without this list.
Highlights were "Avalanche", "Diamonds in the Mine" and "Joan of Arc".
Beatles
3/5
Thought it was just okay, not many of the tracks stood out to me. Felt it was quite boring compared to their other albums.
Highlights were "Drive My Car" and "Run For Your Life".
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
Thought it was okay, had some good tracks but many of the tracks sound quite similar.
Highlights were "Separate And Ever Deadly" and "Only The Truth".
Slipknot
3/5
I love the heavy metal sound of Slipknot, the big drums and Corey Taylor's voice are amazing.
This was never my favourite Slipknot album but it was better than I remembered.
Highlights were "(sic)" and "Wait and Bleed".
Hookworms
4/5
I didn't like this album at first but felt there was something there, so I gave it another listen and I'm glad I did.
I preferred the more electronic/psychedelic tracks and the longer songs were some of were my favourites.
Highlights were "Each Time We Pass", "Opener" and "Ullswater".
The Who
2/5
I enjoy a good rock opera, unfortunately this isn't one of them. Found it very difficult to get through the +1h runtime.
Highlight was "Pinball Wizard".
The Cure
2/5
I thought I hadn't listened to a Cure album before but apparently Disintegration was album number 12. I gave that 3 stars which in hind sight was too generous.
I'd hoped The Cure would be more interesting. Unfortunately it's a fairly quiet and moody album where the lyrics are drowned out by uninteresting music.
Highlights were "A Forest" and "Play for Today".
Johnny Cash
2/5
I don't usually like live albums and this one didn't change my mind. Johnny Cash does a lot of chatting in between the songs which just took me out.
Cash is obviously a great musician but I didn't care for this live album.
Highlight of the album was "San Quentin".
Michael Jackson
4/5
I've always really loved Michael Jackson's music but had never listened to a whole album before. His voice is really good and the album has a great funky disco sound to it.
Overall this was very good but the first half is definitely stronger. The highlights were:
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
Working Day and Night
Burn This Disco Out
UB40
3/5
Not really listened to UB40 before, was surprised to learn the singers doing reggae are white guys.
I didn't dislike it but so many of the songs blended together. It's all abit too samey.
Highlights were "Food for Thought" and "Little By Little".
Dire Straits
3/5
Was lot more mellow than I was expecting. The album almost passed me by in the background.
When I tried to properly listen I got a bit bored. It's not bad but not much stands out.
Highlights were "Sultans of Swing" and "Southbound Again".
Neu!
2/5
Enjoyed the first 2 tracks but mostly because its inoffensive background music. The rest of the album was shite.
Sex Pistols
4/5
Was surprised to learn this is their only studio album, I always thought they had a bigger back catalogue. Being from 1977 the production sounds great and I can easily see how this influenced other bands over the years.
Overall I quite liked this album.
Highlights were "Anarchy In The UK", "Submission" and "God Save The Queen".
Nick Drake
2/5
Tried a couple of times to listen to this but I just never found myself in the mood for it.
I'm not into folk music and this album sounded like all the stuff I usually dislike.
Highlights were:
Hazey Jane II
Northern Sky
Genesis
3/5
The prog rock sound has aged really well and the 2008 remaster I listened to was nicely balanced.
Some of the songs go on a bit too long but it didn't spoil my overall enjoyment.
Highlights were:
Dancing With The Moonlit Knight
Firth Of Firth
The Battle Of Epping Forest
3/5
Was surprised to see this on the list. Thought it held up better than expected, mostly because of the great guitar riffs. It's definitely not the 5 stars my teenage self would have given.
The album is too long and some of the tracks should have been edited down too. It shouldn't really be on the list when you consider some of the other more interesting nu-metal that was out at the same time. It's easy to see why it was removed from subsequent books.
Having said that I still enjoyed many of the tracks, nostalgia still going with this one.
Highlights:
My Generation
Rollin'
Take A Look Around
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
I thought the prog rock sound aged quite well and the 2008 remaster I listened to was nicely balanced.
Some of the songs go on a bit too long but it didn't spoil my overall enjoyment.
Highlights were:
Dancing With The Moonlit Knight
Firth Of Firth
The Battle Of Epping Forest
Depeche Mode
3/5
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Had not heard much of Depeche Mode but liked their moody/synth sound.
Some of the songs go on too long, especially "Enjoy the Silence" which could have been cut in half.
Highlights were:
World In My Eyes
Personal Jesus
Crosby, Stills & Nash
2/5
As soon as I saw it was folk rock I knew I was not going to enjoy it. After vaguely listening to the album I was right.
Highlight was:
Marrakesh Express
Everything But The Girl
1/5
Didn't like this at all, found it to be very boring.
Queen
3/5
I do like Queen but did not recognise any of the tracks on this album. It's not their best but I thought it was overall a good album.
Highlights:
Father To Son
Ogre Battle
Seven Seas of Rhye
The War On Drugs
3/5
There was a nice sound to the album but the tracks sounded very samey. Nothing stood out it was just plesant to listen to in the background.
Doubt I would listen again because the runtime is too long for the repetitive feeling of the songs.
Highlights:
Under The Pressure
Red Eyes
Burning
Radiohead
2/5
I'm not a big Radiohead fan, I always feel Tom Yorke is wailing more than he's actually singing.
Thought this album was just okay but so much of it seems like them fucking about rather than anything cohesive.
Highlights:
You And Whose Army?
I Might Be Wrong
Dead Kennedys
4/5
I always enjoy Punk Rock but had not heard much of the Dead Kennedys. Really enjoyed the album but I listened to the Expanded Edition which gets abit long with 20 songs.
Highlights:
Kill the Poor
Holiday in Cambodia
Let's Lynch The Landlord
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
This is the kind of of stuff I love on the list, something I'd never listen to but thoroughly enjoyed. Thought it had a great funk sound and will definitely listen again.
Highlights:
Stand!
I Want To Take You Higher
Everyday People
Gorillaz
2/5
I've enjoyed the odd Gorillaz song but not listened to a whole album before. Didn't really come away with a strong willingness to listen to any more of their albums. Too many of the tracks sound like a jam session.
Highlights:
Clint Eastwood
Rock The House
Nirvana
5/5
Don't think I had listened to this whole album before but its fantastic. This is a proper good grunge rock album, it might even be my favourite of theirs. Although I haven't listened to Nevermind for a while.
So many highlights:
Scentless Apprentice
Heart-Shaped Box
Rape Me
Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle
Very Ape
Björk
2/5
This album has a really good production and sound but it is just not my kind of music. Theres a bizarre airy fairyness to it that just doesn't click with me. It's alright to listen to in the background I suppose.
Highlights:
Hidden Place
Pagan Poetry
The Offspring
4/5
I haven't heard this album for a long time, it sounded a a lot more raw than I remembered.
This is not The Offspring's best album but I still enjoyed it.
Highlights:
Self Esteem
Come Out And Play
It'll Be A Long Time
Super Furry Animals
3/5
Had not listened to these guys before and was more genre bending than I expected. Think it was okay but a bit all over the place. Wouldn't listen to them again.
Highlights:
(Drawing) Rings Around the World
It's Not the End of the World
No Sympathy
Metallica
4/5
This is a quality album containing a lot of Metallica's classic hits. I'm one of the outliers in that I quite like their more recent albums too but this is probably their best.
Highlights that aren't the classics Enter Sandman, Sad But True or Nothing Else Matters:
Holier Than Thou
Wherever I May Roam
The Struggle Within
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Its quite nice background music but nothing stood out to me. The whole album just kind of passed over me and I felt whelmed.
Fela Kuti
3/5
Enjoyed the jazzy African funk sound of it all. It's something I never would have listened to but I'm glad I have now.
It's definitely not boring background music like some other albums in this list but this does work nicely in the background.
Morrissey
3/5
I've not really heard much from The Smiths so I have no past affinity for his music, I thought this was alright. Unfortunately he's a massive cunt so he can get fucked.
Highlights:
You're Gonna Need Someone on Your Side
I Know It's Gonna Happen Someday
Astrud Gilberto
1/5
If I wanted a whole album of on-hold or elevator music then this would be it. But I didn't and thought it was extremely forgettable.
The Jam
3/5
Thought I had not heard The Jam before but immediately recognised "That's Entertainment".
Side one definitely contains the better songs. I liked the punk-ish sound of the album and thought it was good overall.
Highlights were:
That's Entertainment
But I'm Different Now
Amy Winehouse
5/5
I had heard Amy's hit singles which I enjoyed but this was her first album I've gone through.
Thought it was fantastic, she has an amazing voice which works perfectly with the sad nature of her songs. At 34mins the album is balanced nicely and doesn't overstay its welcome.
Highlights:
Rehab
Back to Black
You Know I'm No Good
John Lennon
3/5
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would, he uses a lot of interesting styles of music.
Think Imagine was his only song I had before but overall I was pleasantly surprised.
Highlights:
Imagine
Crippled Inside
It's So Hard
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
The album has a definite 60s sound for better and worse. It's abit of mixed bag but there are plenty of enjoyable tracks.
Highlights:
Kicks
Ballad of a Useless Man
I'm Not Your Stepping Stone
Thundercat
1/5
Did not like this at all, thought it had a strange funk-jazz sound with even weirder lyrics.
The album is like someone threw a load of stuff to the wall to see what would stick, but then decided to use the shite that fell on the floor.
Highlight:
Them Changes
Ute Lemper
1/5
Ute has a decent voice but I didn't particularly enjoy the album, it's not really my kind of music. Ending the album with a messy 11min song also left a sour taste.
Highlights:
The Case Continues
You Were Meant For Me
The National
5/5
Had never heard anything by these guys before but I thought this was an awesome album.
I really like a band called The Airborne Toxic Event and I can definitely hear some of the influences from The National. I listened to the Expanded Edition which has a far better version of Terrible Love.
Will definitely listen again and check out some of their other stuff.
Highlights:
Bloodbuzz Ohio
Runaway
Terrible Love (Alternate Version)
Cocteau Twins
1/5
The album has a very psychedelic and dream like sound which I was not a fan of. I really struggled to get through all of the tracks.
I'm sure it was intentional but I hated the production/mixing because at times it felt like they were singing in another language.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
Thought it was an alright album, had an interesting rock/electronic mix to the tracks.
However, having most of the album be 5+ min tracks felt fatiguing with the repetitive beats. Sound of Silver being the most egregious of them all.
Highlights:
North American Scum
All My Friends
Mike Oldfield
3/5
I was immediately put off by seeing it had two 20+min tracks however it was better than I expected. Learning it was entirely made by a 19 year old in the 70s is quite impressive.
It's fine as background music but I wouldn't listen to it again.
Tortoise
1/5
Another album with a 20+ min song except this time it sounds like they've just slapped together a load of random sounds.
Perhaps this was ground breaking in 1996 but it didn't hold up. I didn't even enjoy it as background music.
Cream
4/5
Really enjoyed this album, has a great funky blues sound. Thought I had not heard any of their tracks before but immediately recognised Sunshine Of Your Love.
The only blemish is the album ends on a bizarre note which sounds nothing like the rest of tracks.
Highlights:
Strange Brew
Sunshine Of Your Love
Tales Of Brave Ulysses
Outside Woman Blues
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
This album has a cool grungy punk sound so I would have expected to enjoy it more. However there was something missing to really elevate it.
Not a bad album, but not great either.
Highlights:
Maps
Pin
Black Tongue
JAY Z
3/5
I really like Jay-Z's rapping style, it sounds so clear and crisp. There are some great beats and raps on the album, however he has far better albums than this.
Highlights:
Izzo
Renegade
U Don't Know
Heart of the City
XTC
1/5
Couldn't even manage to finish this album. Thought it was god awful.
Sonic Youth
3/5
I thought this album was decent but could have been a lot tighter if they trimmed the fat a bit. It's great in places but the "noise" of a whole album got tiring.
Highlights
Teen Age Riot
Candle
AC/DC
4/5
Love a bit of AC/DC and this album starts with a banger. Not sure I had listened to a whole album of theirs before but thought this was great. Does get a bit samey by the end but it didn't put me off.
Highlights:
Highway to Hell
Walk All Over You
Touch Too Much
If You Want Blood (You've Got It)
Madness
2/5
I had not listened to a whole album of The Madness previously, just their big hits. I occasionally enjoy a bit of Ska but this wasn't that good, sounded quite boring.
Highlights:
Rise and Fall
Tomorrows Just Another Day
Our House
The Saints
4/5
I often enjoy Punk Rock and this album starts with a banger. Had not heard anything by these guys before but thought it was really good. For something released in the 70s it sounds quite ahead of it's time.
Highlights:
Know Your Product
Lost and Found
This Perfect Day
I'm Misunderstood
The Rolling Stones
2/5
Not a fan of The Rolling Stones and this album hasn't changed my mind. There's something about the singing that really annoys me.
There are some good tracks here but there are far too many duds.
Highlights:
Rocks Off
Tumbling Dice
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
1/5
It's like someone decided to fuse a load of music together without realising it sounds awful. I found the singing to be especially grating. Couldn't manage to finish it.
Snoop Dogg
2/5
Just like The Chronic the gansta rap lyrics get tiring very quickly.
I doin't like album skits at the best of times and this one has far too many.
Highlights:
Gin and Juice
Ain't No Fun
Adele
3/5
After listening to 25 I said, "I'm not usually into her music" but I think I'm becoming a fan. I found lots to like in this album and her singing voice is quality.
Not every track is great and after a while some blend together but overall I quite liked this album.
Highlights:
Rolling In The Deep
Rumour Has It
I'll Be Waiting
Someone Like You
Bad Brains
3/5
Thought this album was alright, short enough that it didn't overstay its welcome. It had an interesting heavy punk reggae style to the songs which I enjoyed. Although the production sounds a little rough compared to modern standards.
Highlights
I Against I
House of Suffering
The Black Keys
5/5
Thought this was a fantastic album, so much so that I listened to it twice. Had not heard much from these guys before but I will definitely be listening to more of their stuff.
I liked their cool blues rock sound and felt it was a consistent album with hardly any shite songs.
Highlights:
Everlasting Light
Tighten Up
Howlin' For You
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
This is one hell of a debut album, some of the best hip hop you'll ever listen to.
There's some great beats but the lyrics are on another level. The intro to Method Man is pretty funny the first few times but wears on me after a while cause I just want to hear the great song.
Highlights:
Shame On a Ni**a
Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing to Fuck Wit
C.R.E.A.M.
Method Man
Grizzly Bear
2/5
I did not find much to like about this album, it had too much of a folky indie sound which I hate. Then the album just felt like it went on forever.
Highlight:
Two Weeks
The Dictators
2/5
I thought I would enjoy it more but was very forgettable. I didn't dislike it but think it just hasn't aged well.
Highlight:
The Next Big Thing
Weather Report
2/5
Nice as background music but don't think I'd ever listen again. It's short enough that it doesn't overstay it's welcome.
Rumba Mama is the odd one out from the album, sounding nothing like the other tracks.
Highlights:
Birdlands
Teen Town
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Had never listened to Velvet Underground before but thought this was pretty good. Apparently it was very influential in its day, I can see why.
Highlights:
All Tomorrow's Parties
Heroin
Venus In Furs
Rush
4/5
I've not listened to much Rush but this is an awesome album. Neil Peart's drumming is legendary and works so well with the great guitar riffs.
The album flies by with a tight 40min runtime, will definitely listen again.
Highlights:
Tom Sawyer
Limelight
YYZ
Rush
3/5
Having this be back to back against Moving Pictures has not helped this album because it's not as good.
I'm not usually fan of stupidly long songs however there is something really enjoyable about the 20min 2112 Overture track.
Highlights:
2112 Overture
Lessons
A Passage To Bangkok
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
I didn't like everything on this album but the good tracks are top quality. The interludes and skits I am never a fan of and didn't enjoy them here either.
Think this might get a higher rating with subsequent listens, but overall another great album from Kendrick.
Highlights:
Wesley's Theory
King Kunta
Alright
i
Gang Of Four
3/5
Never heard of these guys before but I thought they had quite a good punkish sound. Might get a higher rating with subsequent listens.
Highlights:
Damaged Goods
Natural's Not In It
I Found That Essence Rare
Basement Jaxx
2/5
Have not listened to a whole Basement Jaxx album before but this one opens with a banger. However, I'm not really into House music and apart from the three tracks below most of the album didn't do anything for me. Nearly a whole hour of this was quite tiring by the end.
Highlights:
Rendez-Vu
Red Alert
Bingo Bango
Miles Davis
3/5
While I can appreciate Jazz I'm just not that into the genre. I found this to be interesting and "cool" but it was basically just background music. Maybe I'd have enjoyed it more if I really concentrated on it.
The 12 tracks flyby so I could easily listen to it again.
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
I don't think I've ever heard a whole album of theirs before but there are some absolute classics here.
Thought I would have enjoyed it more but songs about Adidas trainers, and KFC just don't resonate with me.
Highlights:
It's Tricky
Walk This Way
Korn
3/5
I have always enjoyed odd Korn song but not listened to a whole album before. There's something about those down tuned guitars that just hits right.
I thought it was overall alright just a bit too long. Don't think I'd listen to the whole album again but I really enjoyed the below tracks.
Highlights:
Freak On A Leash
Got The Life
Dead Bodies Everywhere
Children Of The Korn
Kid Rock
1/5
This album is shite and Kid Rock is a cunt.
Highlight:
Bawtidaba
Deep Purple
3/5
Not heard much Deep Purple before and thought this was some decent rock music. I didn't particularly dislike anything but nothing blew me away either.
Highlights:
Highway Star
Smoke On The Water
Space Truckin'
Doves
4/5
Had not heard much of these guys but thought it was really good. Reminded me a lot of Feeder who I also like.
Highlights:
Words
There Goes The Fear
N.Y.
Pounding
Caught By The River
Harry Nilsson
4/5
Had never heard of Harry Nilsson before but immediately recognised the opening song. I can see why he was called "The American Beatle". Overall thought this album was great and will listen to it again.
Highlights:
Gotta Get Up
Down
Without You
Jump Into The Fire
The Electric Prunes
2/5
There were some interesting tracks but overall I didn't like this.
Highlights:
I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)
Get Me to the World on Time
Tim Buckley
2/5
Thought this was okay but most of the songs didn't stand out to me. I wouldn't listen to this again as I found overall a little boring.
Highlights:
Move with Me
Eagles
3/5
Quite a chilled out rock album that I thought was decent. A bit folky in parts so not sure I'd listen to it again.
Highlights:
Take It Easy
Take the Devil
Tryin'
Muddy Waters
4/5
When the guitars and drums started in "Mannish Boy" I thought I was about to hear "Bad to the Bone" and I had started the wrong album. Anyway, thought this was a great Blues album, enjoyed almost every song. Will definitely listen to again.
Highlights:
Mannish Boy
The Blues Had a Baby and They Named It Rock and Roll
Deep Down In Florida
Carole King
2/5
Had not heard of Carole King before and after hearing the first track I thought I would enjoy it more. However I didn't really like it, was very slow and felt quite bored by the end of it.
Highlights:
I Feel the Earth Move
Fiona Apple
3/5
Another artist I had never heard before but I quite enjoyed this album, especially more than Carole King yesterday. Don't think I'd listen to it again but perhaps some of the highlights I would revisit.
Highlights:
Sleep to Dream
Shadowboxer
Criminal
Carrion
R.E.M.
3/5
I'm not a big R.E.M. fan and this album didn't do much for me. I think the thing that puts me off most is the singing, find whiny and hard to understand. Was okay as background music but definitely won't listen to this again.
Highlights:
Radio Free Express
Pilgrimage
Talk About The Passion
Beatles
4/5
I think I've come to appreciate The Beatles more since listening to their albums fully. They have such a great style and are able to switch their sound so easily.
Highlights:
Come Together
Oh! Darling
Here Comes The Sun
Carry That Weight
David Bowie
3/5
This was not as good as Hunky Dory but I still thought it was decent. Not sure I'd listen to it again but there something interesting about his weird rock style.
Highlights:
TVC15
Stay
The Vines
3/5
Haven't listened to The Vines since I was in school. Thought it was okay, the second half of the album drags a bit but there are some bangers here.
Highlights:
Highly Evolved
Outtathaway
Get Free
Orbital
1/5
I'm not that into electronic music, unless its Ronald Jenkees, but I'm surprised this was on the list because I found it fairly boring. Was okay as background music I guess, but I can't say anything good about it.
David Bowie
2/5
I think I'm learning I don't really like Bowie's albums. I'll happily listen to the odd single but his music/style is not for me.
At only 41mins I really had to fight through each song. It all sounded so random and incoherent to me.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
This album was probably on par with Dusty In Memphis. Not many of the tracks stood out to me, it wasn't a bad album but I wouldn't listen to it again.
Highlights:
Will You Love Me Tomorrow
Wishin' And Hopin'
Don't You Know
Tears For Fears
3/5
Apart from the three highlighted songs I did not like this album. However that is 3 out of the 8 songs on the album so maybe it's overall okay. It just sounded very 80s, in a bad way.
Highlights:
Shout
Everybody Wants To Rule The World
Head Over Heels
Marty Robbins
3/5
A lot of the songs sound quite similar so the whole album kind of blended into one. I wouldn't listen to it again but I'm glad it was on the list, it's something I wouldn't have sought out.
Highlights:
Big Iron
El Paso
Adam & The Ants
3/5
Not heard of these guys before but thought it was alright. Nothing particularly stood out but there were some enjoyable tracks.
Highlights:
Antmusic
Killer In the Home
Moby
4/5
I've never particularly liked Moby when I was younger but I recognised many more songs than I would have thought. The songs where he mixes Electronic and Blues work really well and I enjoyed a lot of the album.
The songs can get quite repetitive and I think some should have been cut down. Overall, really liked it and will definitely listen to it again, so close to 5 stars
Highlights:
Honey
Porcelain
Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad
Bodyrock
Natural Blues
Beastie Boys
3/5
Thought this was a good album, has some absolute classics on it but it goes on for too long. Heart Attack Man was a nice surprise, didn't expect something like that from the Beastie Boys.
Highlights:
Sure Shot
Sabotage
Heart Attack Man
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
It was a decent album but I do not like the voice of the lead singer. His "singing" sounds quite whiny and annoying. However, there are some good tracks and the music is pretty good.
The main problem I had was listening to his voice for far too long because this album goes on for forever. I had to take a break half way through the 28 tracks to try and finish it.
The second half definitely has some heavier songs and I enjoyed the change of pace.
Highlights:
Jellybelly
Zero
Bullet With Butterfly Wings
X.Y.U.
U2
1/5
I like the odd U2 song, but not a single one of those was on this album. This was a really awful album. I think my feelings are best summed up by the face on the album cover.
Terence Trent D'Arby
2/5
Found little to like about this album, it just wasn't my type of music. Its not bad just not for me.
1/5
This is just classic Country music shite. Mercifully its only half hour long.
Yes
3/5
I didn't enjoy this as much as Fragile but it's still a good album. The songs go on a bit too long sometimes but its nice to get lost in the music.
Highlights
Starship Trooper
I've Seen All Good People
Thin Lizzy
3/5
Not a fan of live albums but apparently this was overdubbed so it sounded better than usual live albums. That doesn't really make it a live album and I can see why it rubbed people the wrong way.
The album is incredibly long but there's some good guitar work here. Don't think I'd listen to it again though.
David Holmes
1/5
I did not like this album, felt quite monotonous and just doesn't go anywhere interesting.
I particularly disliked Let's Get Killed that goes on forever with some stupid talking about beating some guy up. However Freaknik tops this with some guy shouting about releasing energy and then the worst electronic music ever follows it.
"Radio 7" sampling the James Bond theme starts well but he doesn't do anything remotely compelling with it.
Giving this 1 star feels to generous.
Queen Latifah
3/5
This album definitely sounds like it's from the 80s/90s which makes it feel quite dated.
I thought it was okay as she is quite a good rapper but I wouldn't listen to it again.
Highlights:
Dance for Me
Latifah's Law
Ladies First
Aerosmith
4/5
I always enjoy a bit of Aerosmith and this album was no different. They know how to do decent glam rock and it has that classic sound to it. There's some awesome guitar riffs on here too.
Highlights:
Back In The Saddle
Last Child
Rats In The Cellar
Charles Mingus
3/5
Like previous Jazz albums this was fine as background. I just don't think I like pure Jazz albums that much.
Oasis
3/5
I don't particularly like Oasis although my teenage self was known to belt out Wonderwall in the clubs.
I listened to this a couple of times to see if I was missing something but I thought it was just okay. Fairly non offensive but boring Brit Pop.
Highlights:
Live Forever
Supersonic
Cigarettes & Alcohol
The Darkness
3/5
Had not really listened to much from The Darkness but this album was a pleasant surprise. Really enjoyed the singing and guitar work here.
I think the first half of the album is the better half.
Highlights:
Black Shuck
Get Your Hands off My Woman
Growing on Me
I Believe in a Thing Called Love
2/5
Another weird electronic album that does nothing for me. I enjoyed the tracks where there was a female vocalist but I thought the pure electronica was rubbish.
Ok as background but wouldn't listen again.
Highlights:
Tantos Desejos
Segredo
Felicidade
Megadeth
3/5
I expected to enjoy this more but unfortunately most of the songs blend into one. There are some amazing guitar riffs but I'm not sure that the rest of the music is on the same level.
The album goes by fairly quicky in 36mins but there weren't any tracks that stood out for me. I wouldn't listen to this again but I also didn't hate it.
Isaac Hayes
4/5
At first seeing a 4 track 45min Soul album I was dreading listening to this. However I was pleasantly surprised by how lovely the album is, it doesn't sound like an album from 1969. The voice of South Park's Chef does not disappoint!
Walk On By has beautiful instrumentation throughout, great song.
Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic has more of a funky sound which is a nice change.
One Woman is slower than the others and the most "Soul" sounding track.
By The Time I Get To Phoenix wastes the first 8 minutes telling a meandering story. When the music actually starts it becomes a fantastic track with sweeping music. It's a shame the remastered single edit of the track also doesn't cut out the fluff.
Overall really enjoyed the album, will listen again.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Overall I thought it was decent but an hours worth of sad songs really gets too much by the end.
Also ending on Green Eyes leaves a sour taste. Having two singers staggered over one another was an awful idea.
I would listen to certain songs again but have no interest in revisiting this album.
Highlights:
Into My Arms
People Ain't No Good
The Fall
3/5
This is apparently "Post Punk" which I don't think I'm a fan of. Sounded very loose with jangly guitars. Almost like lo-fi punk music.
The repetitive lyrics also annoyed me by the end. Their musical sound was interesting enough but nothing stood out to me.
I wouldn't listen to it again but there were some enjoyable tracks.
Destiny's Child
2/5
The first 4 tracks of this album are really good but the album falls off dramatically after that.
Highlights:
Independent Women part 1
Survivor
Bootylicious
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
This was a very political album which became a bit tiresome by the end. I did enjoy a lot of it but don't think I'd listen again.
Television The Drug Of The Nation is by far the best track and I think that will be going on some of my playlists.
It's pretty damning how some of the stuff he's rapping about from 1992 hasn't gotten any better today.
Björk
2/5
I was not a fan of the experimental/dance airy fairy sound she was trying here. I only liked a couple of the tracks, the rest I couldn't even enjoy as background.
Highlights:
Human Behaviour
Big Time Sensuality
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
I have no nostalgia for RHCP but the first half of this album is really quality. While the second half doesn't quite reach the same heights I still enjoyed most of the album.
Highlights:
Around The World
Scar Tissue
Otherside
Californication
N.W.A.
4/5
There are some absolute classics on this album but I hadn't listened to the whole thing before. A whole hour of "bitches" and "hoes" gets old by the end with Dopeman being the worst of track by far.
I listened to the 2022 remaster which sounds really good. The fact that some of these tracks are still relevant is sadly not surprising as this keeps coming up in other albums too.
Overall I enjoyed the album and will listen to it again.
Highlights:
Straight Outta Compton
Fuck Tha Police
Parental Discretion Iz Advised
Express Yourself
Fred Neil
3/5
Liked this more than I expected because I'm not into folk music.
It was fairly enjoyable as mellow background music, however, I don't think I'd listen to it again.
Crowded House
3/5
Didn't think I had heard anything from Crowded House before but immediately recognised their big singles. However, half of the album is god awful.
Definitely wouldn't listen to this again, overall quite mediocre.
Highlights:
Fall At Your Feet
Weather With You
Fame Is
Jorge Ben Jor
4/5
This was a very nice surprise, not sure I had listened to a funky samba album before.
Thoroughly enjoyed the upbeat nature of the album, great for a Monday morning. Will definitely listen to again.
Highlights:
Ponta De Lanca Africano
Xica Da Silva
A Historia De Jorge
Keith Jarrett
3/5
It's quite nice and chilled out piano music. It's nice as background but I wouldn't listen to it again.
Sheryl Crow
1/5
All I Wanna Do is the best track by far. The rest of the album was dreadful and I found myself skipping many half way through.
Chicago
4/5
The album has a soul/jazz/rock/funk fusion going on that I quite enjoyed. It made it quite an interesting album, I was never bored.
"Free Form Guitar" is easily the worst track, at first I thought they were recording some dodgy car engine before I read the title.
Would listen to again, a nice surprise.
Highlights:
Questions 67 and 68
Poem 58
I'm a Man
Pavement
2/5
Listening to this album made me think I could have been a singer because the guy on this album is dreadful. It made listening to the whole album very difficult.
There are some decent songs on here but the singers voice was too grating for me.
Highlights:
Summer Babe
Trigger Cut
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I don't have any prior love for Springsteen but I enjoyed the hit singles here. However, the rest of the album was pretty forgettable.
Feels like the album is targeting a specific type of person and I am not in that camp.
Highlights:
Born In The U.S.A.
Cover Me
Dancing In The Dark
The Specials
4/5
Really enjoyed this album, had heard of a couple of tracks but this was some top class Ska. Can't believe this was released in 1979, feels well ahead of it's time.
Will definitely listen again.
Highlights:
A Message to You Rudy
Too Much Too Young
Monkey Man
Little Bitch
Primal Scream
1/5
This was an awful album. I didn't even enjoy it as background because there were so many jarring/annoying sounds throughout the album.
I couldn't even finish the album because it annoyed me so much.
Circle Jerks
4/5
Really enjoyed this, the definition of short and sweet. This is proper hardcore punk, just plain fun.
Must have listened to it 4 times which is a good sign. Hard to pick any particular highlights because the songs finish so quickly but I did quite like "Live Fast Die Young".
1/5
It's a very 80s album, containing all the things I don't like about that style of music. That dated pop sound just hasn't aged well in my opinion.
Alice In Chains
3/5
Had not listened to Alice In Chains before but I always have time for a bit of a grunge/heavy rock.
The album opens with a banger but then goes through peaks and troughs.
In the end a whole hour of misery was a bit much. Don't think I'd listen to the album again but will revisit a few of the tracks.
Highlights:
Them Bones
Down In A Hole
4/5
I liked this more than the other Bowie albums, perhaps his weird style his growing on me.
This album has some great tracks and it ends on real high note. This is probably his first album I'd listen to again.
Highlights:
Starman
It Ain't Easy
Rock 'N' Roll Suicide
Beck
2/5
Had not really listened to Beck before but I was not into an hour of misery and sadness. Perhaps if it caught me on a better day I'd have enjoyed it more. I don't think the album sounding so repetitive helps it either.
Black Sabbath
3/5
Don't think I had listened to a whole Black Sabbath album before but I really enjoyed this. I'm not sure that I like Ozzy's voice that much but the instrumentation is amazing.
First half has the better tracks but overall a good album.
Highlights:
War Pigs
Paranoid
Iron Man
My Bloody Valentine
1/5
Emmylou Harris
1/5
How are there this many Country albums on the list! This is about as generic country as you're going to get. Same old shite, same 1 star rating as the others.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
I didn't think this album was that different from the earlier Sound of Silver. I have the same complaints of the repetitive nature of songs that I think go on too long.
It's not a bad album, just not particularly for me.
Highlights:
Oh Baby
Call The Police
American Dream
Alanis Morissette
3/5
I liked the album more than I thought I would, however it sounds quite dated.
Apart from the big tracks there wasn't much else I enjoyed and after the album finished I had had enough of her voice.
Highlights:
You Oughta Know
Hand In My Pocket
Ironic
3/5
I enjoyed this far more than the awful "Achtung Baby" album. The big singles are memorable and I liked couple of the other tracks too.
Highlights:
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
With Or Without You
One Tree Hill
The Yardbirds
2/5
This album had a strange mix of Psychedelic and Blues music but it turned out more like a shit version of the Beatles. Enjoyed the start but it fell off quickly, I wouldn't listen to this again.
Highlights:
Happenings Ten Years Time Ago
The Nazz Are Blue
James Taylor
3/5
I didn't find much to like about this album, except for the Blues songs. "Suite for 20 G" is the perfect example of contrasting styles.
Overall it is quite dull and inoffensive.
Highlights:
Steamroller
Oh Baby, Don't You Loose Your Lip On Me
Suite for 20 G
The Undertones
4/5
Had not really listened to The Undertones before but I thought this was great. I love a bit of Pop-Punk and didn't realise these guys were one of the first bands in this genre.
Highlights:
More Songs about Chocolate and Girls
Hypnotised
Tearproof
I Told You So
Bob Dylan
2/5
I had not listened to much Bob Dylan before, it had a lot more harmonica than I expected. As people rave about Bob I felt like I needed to give this a proper listen.
For me it almost hits that middle ground where I can appreciate it but not enjoy. However, his voice is so whiny and annoying it loses a star just for that.
Highlights:
Rainy Day Women
Most Likely You Go Your Way
Obviously Five Believers
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
This was an easy 5 stars because there are some absolute classics on here. A tight 40 minute album that doesn't fuck about (unlike the members of the band).
The fact that this was made under all that relationship turmoil is crazy, how do you even continue to collaborate with people after all that mess.
Highlights:
Dreams
Don't Stop
Go Your Own Way
The Chain
Gold Dust Woman
4/5
I enjoyed a lot of this album, felt like the longer it went on the more I liked it. I preferred the more rockier songs to the psychedelic stuff but will definitely listen to this again.
Highlights:
Mr Skin
Street Worn
Animal Zoo
Morning Will Come
The Crusaders
2/5
Like many of the Jazz albums before it just sounds like boring background music. Wouldn't listen to it again.
Ramones
3/5
Hearing about the Ramones over the years I thought this would be better than it actually was. The album had a couple of great tracks but otherwise they just sounded too similar. I wouldn't listen to this again.
Highlights:
Blitzkrieg Bop
Beat On The Brat
Havana Affair
ZZ Top
3/5
Not really listened to any ZZ Top before, I knew them more for their cameos in the TV series Bones.
I liked the Blues Rock style, but it never seemed to elevate to that next level. It was enjoyable and short enough that I'd probably listen to it again.
Highlights:
Jesus Just Left Chicago
Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers
La Grange
Hole
4/5
Not listened to much Hole before, was better and grungier than I expected.
I liked more than I disliked so I'll probably listen to this again.
Highlights:
Violet
Plump
She Walks On Me
I Think That I Would Die
The Young Rascals
1/5
This was awful, sounded like a shit version of The Beatles.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Another melancholy album from Cohen, seems that's his bread and butter. At first I didn't enjoy it as much as the other two albums we've had, but his poetic lyrics kept me coming back.
On a second listen it grew on me, just so simple and beautiful.
Highlights:
Bird On A Wire
The Partisan
The Butcher
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
How these guys were not the biggest thing going is crazy. They have such crisp lyrics and simple flowing beats.
I really enjoyed the Hip-Hop/Jazz mix, will definitely listen to this again.
Highlights:
Buggin' Out
Check The Rhyme
Jazz (We've Got)
Scenario
The Band
2/5
Thought this was bearable. It had some good tracks, some awful and most just forgettable.
Highlights:
Rag Mama Rag
Jawbone
King Harvest (Has Surely Come)
Simple Minds
1/5
This album is so 80s, I just hated it all. That sound just has not aged well.
Elis Regina
3/5
Thought this album was fairly relaxing and pleasant. Like other non-English albums I feel not understanding the language means I'm missing something significant.
Was okay overall but wouldn't listen to it again.
Highlights:
Sai Dessa
Trio Ao Alvaro
Aprendendo A Jogar
Talking Heads
2/5
I don't like the New Wave sound and it was hard getting through this album. There are plenty of okay songs but I hated most of it. It all sounded very experimental.
Highlights:
Once In A Lifetime
Crosseyed and Painless
Motörhead
2/5
I've listened to Ace of Spades so many times because of Tony Hawk Pro Skater, it's a great song. The rest of the album is very meh.
I don't understand why they made Jailbait, what an awful and cringy song to make. The Chase Is Better Than The Catch ain't much better either. This album loses a star just for those.
Highlights:
Ace of Spades
Shoot You In The Back
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
Had never heard of Jeru before but thought he was pretty good. There are some nice simple beats and good flow. However parts haven't aged well and I probably wouldn't listen to it again.
Highlights:
D. Original
You Can't Stop The Prophet
Ain't The Devil Happy
Big Black
4/5
The first track opens with a bang and I knew I was going to like this album. I hadn't heard of them before but they have a great raw shouty sound.
The last two tracks on the album end on a whimper but I throughly enjoyed it overall.
Highlights:
Jordan, Minnesota
Passing Complexion
Kerosene
Os Mutantes
1/5
Brazlian Beatles, how strange. Enjoyed a couple of tracks but it gets very psychadelic and the language barrier makes it hard to enjoy too much.
There is also a weird tinnyness to the album which really annoyed me. It was espeically grating on Bat Macumba.
Highlights:
A Minha Menina
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Not listened to a whole Jimi Hendrix album before but this was quality. There isn't a bad song on the album and the Blues sounding Rock is just so catchy. Everything about this album is so effortlessly cool.
Highlights:
Purple Haze
Hey Joe
Love Or Confusion
Foxey Lady
The Who
4/5
I think this album has great openers and ending, with Baba O'Riley being an absolute banger.
The middle is a bit of a slog to get through. However, the fantastic bookends means I'm definitely going to revist this. Far better than previous Tommy album we had.
Highlights:
Baba O'Riley
Bargain
Behind Blue Eyes
Won't Get Fooled Again
Bob Dylan
3/5
I'm not big into folk music so I was surprised that this was better than I thought. He has quite a relaxed, simple style which I liked. Don't think I would listen to it again though.
Highlights:
Blowin' In The Wing
Masters of War
Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
Soft Machine
1/5
I knew from the first track that I was going to hate this album. An 18 minute track where it takes more than half the duration to get going. Even after that it just sounds like noise.
The rest of the album isn't much better and I gave up before the end.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
Another Prog Rock album full of seemingly random noise. This was slightly better than yesterdays band Soft Machine but I still didn't enjoy it.
Joan Armatrading
3/5
Thought this was pretty good, didn't blow me away but am really glad I got to hear it.
I enjoyed the jazzier, more groovy sounding songs but I didn't expect her to bust out multipe guitar solos on the album. Overall this was a pleasant surprise.
Highlights:
Down To Zero
Love And Affection
People
Like Fire
Duran Duran
3/5
It's pretty 80s but just about gets away with it. Enjoyed it more than I thought I would but defintiely won't be revisting this.
Highlights:
Rio
Hungry Like the Wolf
The Chauffer
Linkin Park
5/5
I vividly remember playing Championship Manager on my PC and having all my ripped CDs playing in the background on RealPlayer. This was one of those albums that looped around with Jimmy Eat World's Bleed American, Green Day's Warning, Eminem's Marshal Mathers LP, Blink 182's Enema of the State and Limp Bizkit's Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavorured Water.
Like "Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavorured Water" teenage me would have given this 5 stars without question. Now I find myself questioning that, its a good album and I throughly enjoyed all the tracks (except "Cure for the Itch" which I always hated) but is it 5 star great?
Chester's voice is incredible and got better as their albums went on, it's a damn shame we won't hear anything more from him. As I've grown up and changed so has Linkin Park's sound, and I do prefer some of their later albums.
But reading some of the public 1 star reviews shows me this is not getting anything lower than a 5. Fuck all the haters, this is a great album.
P.S. In Champ Man I did get Aston Villa to the Champions League final and I definitely didn't save scum ;-)
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
I didn't think this was as good as Juju, which feels like a lifetime ago. It was alright but I wouldn't go back for another listen.
Highlights:
Carcass
Metal Postcard
Hong Kong Garden
Peter Gabriel
3/5
More experimental sounding than I thought it would be. First half was the stronger side for me, gets pretty weird in that latter half.
Highlights:
I Don't Remember
Not One Of Us
Hugh Masekela
3/5
Like previous Jazz albums this was fine as background but I'm not really into pure Jazz. Glad I heard it but wouldn't listen again.
Elton John
3/5
The album opens with an amazing 11min track that just flies by. Unfortunely, it brings you back to down to earth with the awfully boring Candle in the Wind.
This album has some big peaks and trophs but overall I liked it. I'll probably listen to the highlights again but the album is far too long and should have been trimmed down.
Highlights:
Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding
Bennie and the Jets
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting
John Coltrane
2/5
If this is the pinacle of Jazz then I just don't like Jazz. Half the time it just seems like random noise. Not my tempo.
Joy Division
3/5
Thought this was okay but it's a bit too dreary for my liking. Has a bit of that New Wave sound to it which I dislike.
The guitar work is the best thing about this album and I enjoyed it a lot more than Talking Heads.
Highlights:
Disorder
Interzone
Aerosmith
3/5
Thought this was alright. Some of the lyrics are pretty cringe but there are some decent riffs and drums. I also don't mind Steve's voice which has it's moments.
Highlights:
Young Lust
Going Down/Love In An Elevator
What It Takes
The Notorious B.I.G.
2/5
The Intro starts the album off with a bang. It was a really cool idea to have sampled songs that influenced Biggie starting the album.
There are some great tracks here but the overall package is lesser because it has far too many skits. It's a shame Puffy Daddy/Puffy/P Diddy/Diddy couldn't shut the fuck up and just let the rapping shine.
Like previous rap albums of this era it suffers from the same gansta rap problems I had with "The Chronic" and "Doggystyle". The long duration of this album also doesn't help.
The Stone Roses
3/5
Can definitely hear the big influence that these guys were to Oasis. I thought it was a pretty enjoyable album. There are a lot of good tracks but I'm not sure any ever elevate to exceptional.
I thought quite a few of the tracks blend together and sound very similar, the middle of the album espeically drags. Overall a pretty solid album.
Highlights:
I Wanna Be A Door (there is no one that can convince me he is enunciating that last D in adored)
She Bangs The Drums
Fools Gold
Cocteau Twins
1/5
This sounded exactly the same as the previous Cocteau Twins album so I'm just going to copy/paste that review:
The album has a very psychedelic and dream like sound which I was not a fan of. I really struggled to get through all of the tracks.
I'm sure it was intentional but I hated the production/mixing because at times it felt like they were singing in another language.
Beatles
2/5
As this list has gone on I've enjoyed The Beatles more and more, however this album is not one of their best. Their lyrics and sound is pretty generic.
I liked a few tracks and the runtime is so short that I can forgive it but most of the songs are written espeically for women.
Highlights:
It Won't Be Long
Please Mister Postman
Money (That's What I Want)
The Everly Brothers
1/5
This is so incredibly dated in the worst way. If I was a white bloke in the 60s I might have liked this but I'm not and instead think it's dog shit.
Miles Davis
1/5
I didn't find a single thing I liked about this. To me it was an album of ridiculuoisluy long tracks, music that sounded like random noise and an unsuitably long runtime.
It is far too expermental and chaotic for my taste. I definitely don't enjoy pure Jazz, just songs that take Jazz influence.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
3/5
Compared to "Bitches Brew" this album was very pleasant. Perfect as background music but doubtful I'd listen to it agian.
Blood, Sweat & Tears
3/5
Thought there were a few good jazzy/funk tracks on here but I didn't enjoy the ones that slowed everything right down.
Blues Pt. 2 really goes all over the place and I was not a fan of the annoying organ for the first 3mins.
Overall okay, wouldn't listen to it again but I did quite enjoy the highlights.
Highlights:
Smiling Phases
More and More
Spinning Wheel
Neil Young
2/5
If I wanted to listen to someone who clearly can't sing then I'd just listen to recordings of myself. Tired Eyes was espeically painful to listen to.
It's not all bad but I definitely won't be revisiting this album.
Highlights:
Tonight's the Night
Lookout Joe
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Not listened to much Stevie but I found this to be fairly enjoyable. He's got a great voice and the Soul Funk sound blends well. Might listen to this again because I think it might grow on me.
Highlights:
Living For The City
Higher Ground
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
As the kids say these days, this was a very "mid" album. There are some interesting guitar riffs and the highlight tracks are great but there isn't much substance to the album. Luckily with it's 38min runtime it doesn't stick around for too long.
Highlights:
Jacqueline
Take Me Out
The Dark of the Matinée
The Smiths
3/5
Morrissey is an odious prick. However this album is pretty decent, it has an 80s sound but not in the bad way.
The guitars on "Barbarism Beings At Home" are really good but the song goes on for far too long and then you get subjected to Morrissey's wailing.
It's a shame the album ends with "Meat is Murder" because it's a massive miss.
Highlights:
The Headmaster Ritual
That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore
Barbarism Beings At Home
Faith No More
4/5
Enjoyed this album, has some great songs and there is a real mix of styles which keeps it interesting.
The first half of the album is stronger than the later but I did enjoy the faster paced version of War Pigs.
When Serj Tankian and Corey Taylor cite your band as a big influence then you really are in good company. Will definetly give this another listen.
Highlights
From out of Nowhere
Epic
Surprise! You're Dead!
ABBA
3/5
I'm not particularly into ABBA but I've always enjoyed their songs. Listening to this reminded me of being at Uni in a Reflex or PopWorld singing my drunken heart out.
It's just catchy pop but high quality pop. I wouldn't listen to it again but I throughly enjoyed it.
Highlights:
Dancing Queen
Knowing Me, Knowing You
Money, Money, Money
Tiger
The Mothers Of Invention
2/5
I didn't like most of this album, it was just too weird and psycadelic. There is some interesting music here but then the album ends with three bizzare tracks.
Highlights:
Hungry Freaks, Daddy
Trouble Every Day
Massive Attack
2/5
This album largely passed me by while I was listening to it. It felt like the album never really got going.
Highlights:
Five Man Army
Unfinished Sympathy
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
Like the previous album we had "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" I still don't like the voice of the singer. However the sound of the band is great. The heavy guitars and bass just hit right.
Highlights:
Cherub Rock
Today
Geek USA
Michael Jackson
4/5
I always enjoy MJ's music and this album was no exception. There are a few slow more boring tracks that bog down the album a bit but overall this is has a great Pop/Disco sound.
Highlights:
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
Thriller
Beat It
Billie Jean
P.Y.T.
Tom Waits
1/5
Did not enjoy this at all, could not finish all 73 mins of his gravely voice mumbling the lyrics of his songs.
Half the album is skits or as he calls them "Intros", which felt like he was wasting my time.
The bass player is working overtime carrying this album while Tom just fucks about on the microphone.
Stan Getz
3/5
I quite liked this, it was pretty relaxing. It had nice jazzy beats throughout and kept at a good pace. Nothing overstayed its welcome like traditional Jazz seems to.
None of the tracks partifcularly stood out of me but I did enjoy "The Girl from Ipanema".
Sufjan Stevens
4/5
What a strange and beautiful album. The singer has a great voice and the backing vocals with the sweeping instruments all fit perfectly.
Like most of the song titles the album goes on a bit long but it was mostly a great listen. This might get 5 stars with subsequent listens.
Highlights:
Come On! Feel the Illinoise!.....
Jacksonville
Chicago
The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts
They Are Night Zombies!!
Nas
3/5
This is a very good hip-hop album, no stupid skits just the rap doing all the talking. It's aged better than some of his contemporaries and overall I enjoyed it.
Nas has a great flow and there are some interesting beats but I don't think I'd revist it.
Highlights:
N.Y. State of Mind
The World Is Yours
It Ain't Hard to Tell
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
New Wave music just sounds so similar, not a fan.
Highlights:
Do It Clean
Crocodiles
The Mars Volta
3/5
A very good album, I really enjoyed the high energy of it.
The singer definitely has an interesting voice/style, to the point where the lyrics are almost unintelligible. but I never found it too annoying.
If they trimmed the fat I could have easily given this 4 or 5 stars. Cicatriz Esp is indicative of this, there's a great 4 minute track here.
I think this album could grow on me with subsequent listens.
Highlights:
Inertiatic Esp
Eriatarka
Don McLean
2/5
I found this far too folky and sad for my mood. The album went by so fast I thought I'd accidentally skipped a load of tracks.
I didn't hate it but I was not felling it.
David Bowie
3/5
I think there are far too many Bowie albums on this list. This could have easily been cut for another artist.
However, having said that I did like this but I'd struggle to say much more about why.
Highlights:
Where Are We Now?
Valentine's Day
Dancing Out In Space
(You Will) Set The World On Fire
George Michael
1/5
Why does George Michael sound so far away in nearly every song. I wish I was far enough away so I didn't have to hear this.
Highlights:
Freedom
The Police
2/5
Not listened to much of The Police before and I'm not clarmouring to listen to anymore.
Has a very 80s New Wave sound that I generally hate. "Mother" kinda of put me off the rest of the album but it did get slightly better after.
Highlights:
Synchronicity II
Every Breath You Take
George Harrison
4/5
When I saw the 2 hour runtime I was dreading listening to it and had very low expectations. Surprisingly I liked quite a lot of it.
While I did enjoy the last three blues guitar tracks, all of them out stayed their welcome. The album is far too long and in dire need of trimming down.
It's a shame George couldn't include more of this work into The Beatles because this is a very good album.
Highlights:
My Sweet Lord
Wah-Wah
Isn't It A Pity
What Is Life
Let It Down
Pentangle
3/5
This is the kind of music I'd except to hear in a tavern in medieval times. It's not really my type of music but this is what the list is all about, listening to something I wouldn't seek out.
It has a very pleasant mellow sound and there are some really interesting guitar sections throughout.
Having three version of "Sally Go Round the Roses" is pretty ridiculous, especially when the "Extended Version" is only 2 seconds longer!
Highlights:
Hunting Song
Sally Go Round the Roses
The Cuckoo
Rahul Dev Burman
2/5
Of all the Bollywood movies this is the soundtrack he chose to put on the list!? I'm not super into my Bollywood but this would never be a soundtrack I'd choose.
Overall the OST sounds very dated and I wasn't a fan, especially "Aaina Wohl Rehta Hai" with the very high pitched singing just grates on me.
Highlights:
One Two Cha Cha Cha
Hum Bewafa Hargiz Na Thay
Billy Joel
4/5
I really enjoyed this album, it's held up incredibly well from the 70s.
Highlights:
Movin' Out
Scenes from an Italian Restaurant
Vienna
Only the Good Die Young
She's Always a Woman
The Kinks
4/5
I'm constantly reminded of The Beatles everytime these guys come up. Which is to say I really enjoyed this.
Highlights:
Picture Book
Johnny Thunder
Last of the Steam-Powered Trains
Animal Farm
Wicked Annabella
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
Had not heard much from Janis before but I definitely want to now, she is a great singer. I also enjoyed the guitar work throughout this album.
Overall I quite liked this album and will give it another listen.
Highlights:
Piece of My Heart
Turtle Blues
Roadblock
David Crosby
2/5
This album seemed to get worse the longer it progressed, good thing it was only 37 minutes long. Felt like folky nonsense to me.
Highlights:
Cowboy Movie
What Are Their Names
Everything But The Girl
1/5
Sounded like very generic and bland electronica. It was fine as background but as soon as I paid attention to the music I was extrememly bored.
The biggest question I'm left with is, how do these guys have two albums on the list!?
Meat Puppets
2/5
The style of vocals on this album were an interesting choice. It was pretty unintelligible in large parts and I didn't enjoy it much.
The best thing I can say was that the instruments sound pretty good.
Highlights:
Split Myself In Two
Stan Getz
3/5
Just like his previous album I quite liked this, it's fairly relaxing and nice in the background.
Easy listening jazzy samba style (which I've now found is called Bossa Nova) that doesn't overstay its welcome.
Thelonious Monk
1/5
This is the kind of jazz I dislike, long, self indulgent and too jarring to just have on in the background.
PJ Harvey
4/5
On my first listen I didn't quite liked it, sounded more raw than I was expecting. However I felt like there was something there and listened to it again.
The choice to have her vocals mix lower than the instruments is interesting and the more I listened the more I enjoyed it.
Will definitely listen to this again because I think it's got legs to become a 5 star album.
Highlights:
Sheela-Na-Gig
Plants and Rags
Water
The Louvin Brothers
1/5
I lasted two songs before I gave up, pure shit.
TV On The Radio
3/5
I find it hard to pin point my feelings on this album. It was kinda all over the place and has a large mix of styles. Feel like there is something decent here but its crushed under all the random ideas.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
As we listened to III first, this album was far more blues sounding than I expected. It was a nice surprise but I don't think it's as good as III.
The acoustic guitar with a tabla in Black Mountain Side was interesting to hear, it worked quite nicely.
Overall a great album and I'll definitely listen to it again.
Highlights:
Babe I'm Gonna Leave You
You Shook Me
Dazed and Confused
The White Stripes
5/5
I used to listen to this album all the time when it came out. It's great to be back after having not heard it in many years. So many great tracks and the guitar work is just sensational.
Highlights:
Seven Nation Army
Black Math
I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself
Ball and Biscuit
The Hardest Button to Button
Talking Heads
2/5
Not another Talking Heads albums on this list! Just like the others I liked a couple of tracks but most had that annoying New Wave sound that I heavily dislike.
Highlights:
Thank You for Sending Me an Angel
Take Me to the River
Jean-Michel Jarre
2/5
Was just about okay as background music but there was little for me to enjoy. Seeing how it was made in the 70s I imagine it was well ahead of it's time.
DJ Shadow
3/5
Was fine to have in the background but I wouldn't be interested in listening to it again.
Arcade Fire
4/5
If the album stopped at 2/3 the way through this might have been 5 stars but it just goes on for too long.
I'll definitely give this another listen though because I feel it could grow on me.
Highlights:
The Suburbs
Ready to Start
Modern Man
Suburban War
Black Sabbath
3/5
Musically this album is really good and while Ozzy's singing isn't the best but it didn't annoy me too much. Glad I listened to it but don't think I'll revisit this album.
Highlights:
The Wizard
NIB
Warning
Badly Drawn Boy
2/5
I enjoyed bits of this album but an hour of BDB was too much.
"This Song" especially annoyed me because on headphones BDB is doing some strange stereo mixing which really fucks with you.
Highlights:
The Shining
Another Pearl
Bewilderbeast
Missy Elliott
1/5
Painfully boring. Who's stupid idea was it to end the album on a double track outro.
The Only Ones
2/5
The first track started with some promise but then the singer had to open his mouth. I didn't enjoy most of the tracks because I found his singing to be pretty awful.
Highlights:
Another Girl, Another Planet
City of Fun
The Allman Brothers Band
2/5
There's some good musical talent here but it's far too long and self indulgent. You can't be having a 23min track where it sounds like you're just fucking around.
It ended up becoming just background music which to me isn't the sign of a great album.
Highlights:
Statesboro Blues
Done Somebody Wrong
Otis Redding
4/5
Even though its an album of covers I really enjoyed this. He puts his own style/spin on them which makes them feel different enough for me.
A short and sweet album that I'd listen to again.
Highlights:
My Girl
Rock Me Baby
I Can't Get No Satisfaction
Iggy Pop
4/5
This album is miles better than "The Idiot" that we had previously. I can barely believe that these two albums were made in the same year.
The first four tracks are so good it makes the later half seem less than. Overall really enjoyed.
Highlights:
Lust for Life
Sixteen
The Passenger
My Bloody Valentine
1/5
Maybe if they had turned down the distortion and not drowned out the singers this would be a good album.
A real mess that just annoyed me more the longer it went on.
Donovan
3/5
This album has held up pretty well from the 60s. It can get a bit too folky/psychadelic for my tastes but overall I liked it.
Highlights:
Superman Sunshine
Season of the Witch
Arctic Monkeys
5/5
This is a great album, I used to listen to this all the time at Uni. It was nice to revist it as I haven't heard it in years.
There are hardly any bad songs here. Easy 5 stars.
Highlights:
The View from the Afternoon
I Bet that you Look Good on the Dancefloor
Dancing Shoes
Parliament
3/5
This album is too funky for its own good! The songs almost blend together so it gets a bit reptitive.
I did enjoy this album but I'd never want to listen to it again.
Highlights:
Give Up The Funk
Mothership Connection
Emmylou Harris
1/5
Shite Country music. Need I say more.
Shack
3/5
This was a pretty pleasant album but didn't do much else for me.
Highlights:
Natalie's Party
Streets of Kenny
Since I Met You
Merle Haggard
2/5
More shite Country music! However this was so quick and short that it almost didn't bother me.
Highlights:
Life In Prison
Jeff Buckley
2/5
If this album was shorter I think I'd have enjoyed it more, his singing style just became very tiresome by the end.
Hallelujah is the obvious standout here but I don't think this album would make the list without it.
Highlights:
Grace
Hallelujah
Eternal Life
Lynyrd Skynyrd
5/5
I know Lynyrd for Free Bird but the rest of this album is just as good. A tight 40min album where no time is wasted, just high quality Rock throughout.
Highlights:
I Ain't The One
Simple Man
Free Bird
Mott The Hoople
2/5
This was alright but they sounded too much like a knock off Bowie.
Frank Black
3/5
I enjoyed this album but it does go on for a while. I don't think I have any desire to revisit this.
Highlights:
Abstract Pain
The Vanishing Spies
Headache
Bad Wicked World
My Bloody Valentine
1/5
He put three of their album on this list, wtf was he thinking!? This is just as bad as their other albums, couldn't finish it.
The Temptations
3/5
This was fairly pleasant but overall just okay. The album goes by quick enough that it didn't overstay its welcome. Although there isn't anything compelling enough to revisit this.
Eminem
3/5
I always preferred "The Marshall Mathers LP" so this album doesn't hold the same nostalgia for me. It's a decent rap album but it really doesn't hold up, like a lot of other rap on this list.
It sounds very cringy now, "97' Bonnie & Clyde" was especially bad. Come to think of it "Kim" is probably going to be worse if that album comes up.
If any musician has ever made a good skit I've yet to hear it, they're all god awful here as well.
Highlights:
My Names Is
Guilty Conscience
Rock Bottom
Fun Lovin' Criminals
3/5
I enjoyed a lot more of it than I expected, it has an interesting mellowness. It's not ground breaking stuff but the rapping and rock tunes hit just right.
Methadonia is an awful track to end the album on and a bigger downer.
Highlights:
The Fun Lovin' Criminal
Scooby Snacks
Crime and Punishment
Pearl Jam
4/5
Not really listened to Pearl Jam properly so was glad this came up. Thought it was some great rock music, banging drums, quality riffs and a lead singer who can properly sing.
Highlights:
Once
Even Flow
Black
Jeremy
Robert Wyatt
1/5
The best thing I can say about this album is that it's only 33minutes long. The rest of it is just awful.
Justice
4/5
I've listened to Justice before so it was nice to revist this album. I personally prefer their second album "Audio, Video, Disco" but this is a hell of debut album.
DANCE is a bit overplayed for my liking but there are many other great songs here. Theres a great tempo to the album and it never got boring.
Highlights:
Genesis
Phantom
Waters of Nazareth
One Minute to Midnight
Nirvana
4/5
I'm not a fan of live albums but this has much less of the random live nonsense that other albums have.
Was quite interesting hearing an acoustic Nirvana doing covers and more unknown songs. I quite enjoyed it, felt quite raw and emotional.
OutKast
3/5
The album goes on for far too long and has too much filler. There are some great tracks sprinkled about but as a whole it's just alright.
Just because you call the skits "Interludes" doesn't make them any better!
Highlights:
So Fresh, So Clean
Ms. Jackson
Bombs Over Baghdad
Xplosion
50 Cent
3/5
I used to like this album as a teenager and I thought it was alright now. It suffers from the same issues that other rap albums have but some reason it bothered me less. Perhaps its because the beats throughout the album are fantastic and mixes well with the rapping.
Unfortunately it's goes on far too long and the last four tracks are some of the weakest. I definitely had enough by the end. I'm so glad this album didn't have any stupid skits!
Highlights:
What Up Gangsta
In Da Club
If I Can't
P.I.M.P.
Don't Push Me
Gotan Project
2/5
This was fine as background music while I was working but as soon as I paid any attention to it I was extremely bored.
B.B. King
4/5
Loses a star for being a live album but I otherwise really enjoyed this album. It had a great pace and energy to it. The Blues music and BB King's voice mix so well that I'm going to go listen to his back catalogue.
Metallica
3/5
This isn't my favourite Metallica album but it's almost worth listening to just for "One". I think this is probably their first album where I felt the tracks went on for too long.
Overall a good album with one essential track, but not an album I'd be revisiting.
Highlights:
Blackened
One
Harvester of Sorrow
Sonic Youth
2/5
Did not enjoy this as much as Daydream Nation. Found this to be more annoying with all the seemingly random noise.
Highlights:
Schizophrenia
Hot Wire My Heart
The Beach Boys
2/5
Leans far to much on the psychedelic side for my liking. I'm just not into the dream like sound their music has.
Highlights:
Wouldn't It Be Nice
T. Rex
3/5
I enjoyed this to start with but 3/4 of the way though I had definitely had enough.
Highlights:
Metal Guru
The Slider
Telegram Sam
The Who
2/5
Why another live album!? The 15 minute version of My Generation didn't help either.
I'm sure it was great to see it live but not with headphones in an office.
R.E.M.
4/5
I've not listened to much R.E.M. so this album kind of blew me away. It has beautiful lyrics and equally lovely music to accompany it.
I'm definitely going to listen to it again and I think it could grow on me.
Highlights:
Drive
The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite
Everybody Hurts
Man On The Moon
I enjoyed the first three tracks but everything after was awful.
Highlights:
Beautiful Day
Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of
Elevation
ZZ Top
4/5
I feel exactly the same as when I listened to Tres Hombres, its good but not great.
It has some really nice sounding Blues Rock guitar throughout, goes by at a nice pace and is bookended by two great tracks.
I think I just convinced myself to give it an extra star.
Highlights:
Gimme All Your Lovin'
I Got Six
Sharp Dressed Man
Bad Girl
4/5
I'm really glad to see Muse on this list, I really enjoy their sound and high energy. There's real ferocity to some of their tracks and they love a good guitar riff.
Not all of the tracks on the album reach the levels of the highlights but here's hoping for more Muse albums.
Highlights:
Starlight
Supermassive Black Hole
Knights of Cydonia
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
Thought this was decent, liked almost half of the tracks on the album but the rest were very meh.
Highlights:
Band On The Run
Jet
Mrs Vandebilt
Nineteen Hundred And Eighty Five
LTJ Bukem
1/5
This was just the worst kind of electronic/DnB music. Was unable to finish it.
System Of A Down
5/5
How is it I've never listened to this album because I love Toxicity.
So many great tracks especially if you're feeling angry/angsty. Will definitely listen again.
Highlights:
Know
Sugar
War?
Peephole
Neil Young
2/5
Just like "Tonight's The Night" I did not enjoy this. I really dislike Neil's singing voice, it sounds off key and quite whiny.
The music and lyrics sound quite nice but the voice just ruins it for me.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
The first Neil Young album I didn't actively dislike. Suppose I can mostly attribute that to Crazy Horse.
Highlights:
Cinnamon Girl
Down by the River
Cowgirl in the Sand
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
The album finished and I could barely tell you anything about it. I found it was very middle of the road, didn't hate it but didn't love it either.
The Sabres Of Paradise
1/5
Random noise the album. I don't understand how you could justify the inclusion of this album on the list.
Highlights:
Theme
Sinead O'Connor
2/5
She's got a great voice but I didn't like much else about the album. I was just not in the mood for such a sad album.
Gets an extra star just for "Nothing Compares 2 U" which is sensational.
Highlights:
The Emperor's New Clothes
Nothing Compares 2 U
Elvis Presley
2/5
There's something chilled out about his voice/music but I wouldn't choose to listen to Elvis.
There is barely anything good on this album, I don't understand how this made the cut.
Highlights:
Wearin' That Loved On Look
Suspicious Minds
Power of My Love
R.E.M.
3/5
Thought this was okay, had some catchy songs and but most I found fairly dull.
Stand is the best track on the album and I'll be adding that to some of my playlists.
Highlights:
Pop Song 89
Stand
Orange Crush
Kanye West
3/5
Too many damn skits! There are some good songs sprinkled throughout but the album overall is just okay. I prefer his later stuff, shame he's an asshole.
Highlights:
All Falls Down
Spaceship
Never Let Me Down
Jesus Walks
Throbbing Gristle
1/5
1 star is far too generous for this random noise album.
Cypress Hill
2/5
"How I Could Just Kill A Man" is the best track on the album but unfortunately for them Rage Against The Machine did a far superior cover.
Highlights:
How I Could Just Kill A Man
Hand On The Pump
Dire Straits
1/5
After listening to this album I think I'm in dire straits!
Joni Mitchell
3/5
This was nice, her voice is lovely.
It's not really my kind of music so I wouldn't listen to it again but I'm glad it came up.
Highlights:
California
River
A Case of You
Minutemen
3/5
I quite enjoyed this album they have a really interesting Punk blended sound. However, I would find it hard to pick out the best tracks because most of them ended far too quickly.
It's a long album at over an hour and most tracks ending within 2mins, made it hard for me to really love it.
Fever Ray
3/5
"If I Had A Heart" is an amazing song, I remember hearing it on Breaking Bad and being blown away.
Unfortunately the rest of the album doesn't reach the highs of that first tack. Her singing voice is quite strange but it somehow works with the music, sometimes.
Highlights:
If I Had A Heart
Keep The Streets Empty For Me
Coconut
Carpenters
1/5
Just not for me at all.
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
I enjoyed this album but by the end I had, had enough. Although I think I'll revisit it because it might grow on me.
Highlights:
Oh What A World
14th Street
Beautiful Child
Ravi Shankar
2/5
An album with a tutorial, it's interesting but does that make it essential? I don't think so.
In the background it was fairly nice to have on but its just 50 minutes of sitar and tabla.
Stephen Stills
4/5
These guys definitely loved a bit of slide guitar!
This album was a mixed bag which isn't surprisingly considering there's 21 tracks here. They could have done some trimming of the fat.
I preferred the Blues style songs more than the Folk stuff so think I'll revisit this one.
Highlights:
Song of Love
Rock and Roll Crazies/Cuban Bluegrass
Anyway
Jet Set (Sigh)
Coldcut
1/5
What's that noise? Oh, it's this shite House album!
Steve Winwood
3/5
Thought this was okay, it sounds quite dated in large parts but I did like Steve's voice.
It's short enough that it didn't irk me but the album ends on the worst track.
Roxy Music
3/5
Thought this was okay, gets a bit too New Wavey in parts which brings it down for me.
Highlights:
Do The Strand
Editions of You
In Every Dream Home A Heartache
Sigur Rós
2/5
I had not heard this before but I've previously enjoyed their songs Hoppípolla and Rains of Castamere (where they have a cameo in Game of Thrones).
Unfortunately a whole album of Sigur Rós is too much. The album goes on for too long, over an hour of instrumental music and wailing sounds is not my idea of a good time.
Perhaps if I understood Icelandic I would have enjoyed it more.
Brian Eno
3/5
The first track is a stinker however the album gets progressively better. Overall it's a bit slow for my liking but there was a lot I enjoyed here.
Highlights:
Backwater
King's Lead Hat
By This River
Spider And I
The Sugarcubes
2/5
It's a blend of some of my most hated genres, New Wave and Post Punk 🤮
Highlights:
Motorcrash
Birthday
Coldsweat
Led Zeppelin
5/5
God damn this is a truly outstanding album.
I loved everything from the hard rock of "Black Dog" all the way to the blues of "When the Levee Breaks". Easy 5⭐
Highlights:
Black Dog
Rock and Roll
Stairway to Heaven
When the Levee Breaks
Deee-Lite
2/5
Has a very 90s sound and it was okay in the background but this isn't my kind of music.
Bee Gees
1/5
The Bee Gees pre-Disco were pretty awful and dull.
The Youngbloods
2/5
I liked parts of this but it was just on in the background. I hadn't even realised the album had finished as YouTube Music was playing such similar sounding stuff.
Highlights:
Darkness, Darkness
Quicksand
Elvis Presley
2/5
This was okay, I liked parts of it but he can barely sing. The originals tracks are far superior to anything Elvis covered on this album.
This is especially evident on "I Got a Woman" where Elvis sounds out of breath most of the time. The original by Ray Charles is better in every regard.
Highlights:
Blue Suede Shoes
One-Sided Love Affair
Arcade Fire
4/5
Since "The Suburbs" came on this list I have grown to love it more and more, so getting another Arcade Fire album is a nice surprise. Just like "The Suburbs" I think this is an album that I'm going to enjoy more with subsequent listens but I don't think it quite reaches the same level.
I really like Peter Gabriel's version of "My Body Is a Cage", I had not realised it was originally an Arcade Fire song. This version is also phenomenal, I love the build up of the organ.
Highlights:
Keep the Car Running
Intervention
My Body Is a Cage
Orange Juice
1/5
Why is there so much god damn New Wave and Post Punk on this list!?
Highlights:
Rip It Up
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
I enjoyed parts of this album but it goes on for too long that it just got lost into the background.
Highlights:
Block Rockin' Beats
Dig Your Own Hole
Setting Sun
Bob Dylan
4/5
For me, this is probably the best Dylan album we've had so far. The longer it went on the more I enjoyed.
Highlights:
Love Sick
Dirt Road Blues
Not Dark Yet
Cold Irons Bound
Steve Earle
1/5
Shite Country music
Kings of Leon
3/5
Thought this was a fairly decent but standard rock album. It goes by so quickly I almost forgot I played it.
Doesn't do anything that is going to blow your socks off but was worth a listen.
Highlights:
The Bucket
Razz
Four Kicks
The Byrds
2/5
I liked parts of this album but it mostly felt like I was listening to a poor mans Beatles.
Highlights:
Have You Seen Her Face
My Back Pages
The Monkees
3/5
I remember liking their TV show when I was a kid. This album doesn't have many of the hits that I remember but it was okay.
By the end of the album I definitely had enough because it gets a bit samey.
Highlights:
Randy Scouse Git
No Time
Fairport Convention
4/5
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this because I don't usually like Folk music. It's probably because this almost sounds more Rock than it does Folk.
The album has a nice rhythm to it and sounds really good for something from the 60s. Definitely one to revisit.
Highlights:
Come All Ye
Matty Groves
Tam Lin
Goldfrapp
2/5
Didn't enjoy this for the most part, gets quite weird in places. Won't be revisiting this.
Highlights:
Lovely Head
Utopia
The Jesus And Mary Chain
3/5
Thought this was alright but those last three tracks drag this album down for me.
It goes by so quick that it doesn't overstay its welcome but I just wish it had a stronger finish.
Highlights:
Nine Million Rainy Days
April Skies
Fall
Kate Bush
1/5
This album comes across very dated and I hated the mixing, it sounded like she was really far away.
Far too New Wavey sounding for me.
The Teardrop Explodes
2/5
There is far too much New Wave and Post Punk on this list. Unfortunately this is a combo of both!
Highlights:
Second Head
Reward
Gary Numan
3/5
The album goes on for much longer than necessary, especially when the synthyness tracks sound so similar. I'll give it a pass because I bet it was cool as fuck in 1979.
Overall I kinda liked this.
Highlights:
Metal
M.E.
Cars
Bauhaus
2/5
This was not what I expected when I read Gothic Rock, seemed much more New Wavey to me.
Was not a fan of this, I enjoyed a couple of tracks but this was mostly a miss
Highlights
Kick in the Eye
The Man with X-Ray Eyes
Jimmy Smith
3/5
Pleasant relaxing Jazz to have on in the background.
The Cult
3/5
A very bog standard Rock album. I'm surprised this is on the list, not because it was bad but it just felt more like "babies first rock band".
Highlights:
Peace Dog
Lil' Devil
Love Removal Machine
Green Day
4/5
I really like Green Day and this is a solid Punk album. It's been a long time since I've heard this and I can see there is a 30th anniversary edition now which makes me feel proper old.
It's not my favourite album that they've made but there are so many great tracks. A younger me would have given this 5 stars. This is fun, short and sweet.
Highlights:
Longview
Welcome to Paradise
Basket Case
When I Come Around
Silver Jews
2/5
The first half wasn't too bad but the second half gets too slow and boring. It's a good thing this is a short album because his singing voice would have annoyed me more otherwise.
Highlights:
Slow Education
I Remember Me
Nirvana
5/5
What a fantastic album! There wasn't anything I disliked here.
I think this might edge "In Utero" as my favourite but on another day it could go either way.
Highlights:
Smells Like Teen Spirit
In Bloom
Breed
Lithium
Stay Away
Something In The Way