1001 Albums Summary

I'm not quite sure why nearly every song is so long - they drag. Layla is a proper banger though, even at the 7 minute run-length.

Pretty decent this. Monitor has a brilliant bassline, and Arabian Nights is superb. Varied, pretty thumping, solid solid album. Closer to 3.5, but it is definitely worth a listen. Super punky.

Hell Is Round The Corner is brilliant. I like this kind of music, just enough lyrics and structure to be interesting, but still able to have it on in the background and work. I completed much of my undergrad to Heligoland by Massive Attack, big fan of Martina Topley-Bird's contributions to both that album, and this one. However, some of this is as dull as dishwater.

Much, much better than I anticipated. They are more than Alright. Well, one track more - Man-size Rooster is cracking, and I didn't mind I'd Like To Know. Album drops off a bit mid-way through, but the majority of it is a real ride. Indie pop at its finest.

Some good stuff, but a little self-indulgent. Did not listen to the whole three hours.

Blur never really did anything for me - the battle of Britpop was a little too early for me, but being from Manchester, I can't not side with Oasis. Parklife is a cracking tune, the spoken word parts are pretty distinct compared with a lot of indie music of the era. Girls & Boys is good too, but the rest is a bit filler-esque. Lovely album cover though.

I enjoyed one or two songs. I didn't enjoy the rest.

The quality of the top songs outweighs some of the more madder stuff. While My Guitar Gently Weeps is a masterclass, and Blackbird is haunting. Really, genuinely fantastic album. Standard - not a Beatles fan - disclaimer.

Not terrible, just not for me.

Can't really argue with her more recent releases, and that 1989 album, but this isn't a good one. Really bland.

A bit dreary. No bangers, other than Lovesong.

Good album, nice memories of listening to it when younger.

Was pretty fun.

Not on my radar, fairly fine, wouldn't listen again.

Pretty good

Quite enjoyed it.

Dreary

The first few tracks put me on edge, but I got into it after a while. Pleasant surprise, have since listened to a few more of Bill's albums.

Not quite as many memorable songs as on Paranoid.

Another Blur album

Fine - probably wouldn't listen again, but didn't dislike it.

Holds up well.

Loved that

Couple of hits.

Great start, a little meandering in the middle, and ends strongly enough. A really nice surprise.

I can appreciate that the album is very good, just not for me.

Just fine

Pretty cool.

Better than I expected. The album has a good flow, and can't really argue with good R&B/soul music.

Charming and relaxing.

Found it a bit dated, however clearly some very good songwriting going on. The album seemed rather consistent too, which was nice.

Melancholy and hip. Great stuff, even gave it a second listen.

Perverse to include in this list.

Decent album. Realised I'd not heard much outside of their first album, will be going back and listening to more.

Just not a Radiohead fan.

Plenty of impact, nice and short.

Not my thing.

More mellow than I was expecting, apart from Immigrant Song. Pleasant to listen to, not sure I'd go back and listen again though.

Not a big queen fan, found it a bit of a slog. Love of My Life is always good, but I've heard better versions, I found the album version a bit overproduced.

More like it. Fantastic stuff, strong sounds of the era.

Interesting stuff.

Nicely bland and listenable. Can't say I'd listen again, but also can't say I didn't like it, on the whole. First half of the album is stronger than the second half.

Met my expectations

Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Pleasant enough background music, seems a little dated now. Enjoyed a few of the "hits" but not memorable. I've listened to better background music, probably won't listen again.

Didn't enjoy it, +1 bump for bad behaviour from Boy George

I think the guy has a lot of artistic integrity and is consistent. Big fan of some of his music, Poses and Release the Stars are good albums. But this album never really took off for me. Unfortunately underwhelmed.

Not bad at all - didn't know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised.

After a recommendation from a renowned music journalist, listened properly to the second half of the album. Four stars for that part, two for the first half.

Not for me, enjoyed the intro.

The album jumps around a bit thematically, but top quality and happy to re-listen. Great memories of Need For Speed Underground 2 for the Riders on the Storm remix, as good as the original.

Quite enjoyed that, something different. I definitely recognised one or two of the songs, no idea why or where from.

Double doors. Marginally better than L.A. Woman.

Nice. Real nice.

I expected this to be a bit more interesting, as I know Songs for the Deaf pretty well. I was disappointed - quite a lot of it was forgettable.

Definitely not for me, found it quite dreary.

Bridge over Troubled Water is a strong opener, ending triumphantly. Possibly their most famous song, Art sounds particularly good. How Paul Simon came up with the lyrics I will never understand, I find the whole composition striking and timeless. El Condor Pasa is one of my two favourite songs on the album. Seems like it fades in and out, really captures the mood of the Peruvian Andes, despite both Paul & Art being from New York. Cecilia is a classic – faster than most of the other songs, poppy and less plaintive, works as a nice counterpoint to most of the wonderful mournful songs on the album without jumping out as not belonging. Keep the Customer Satisfied is a little more middling. I find it not necessarily reflective of Simon & Garfunkel, more of a world pop sound that reminds me more of Simon rather than the both of them. I like the general sound of it, jangly guitar and the refrain, but is overproduced. So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright is pleasant but doesn’t really do anything for me. The Boxer – this is my favourite song. I read it took them 100 hours to record, which I can believe. I’ve probably listened to it at least 100 times in the past two years. Punchy, memorable, imaginative, and I love the melody and complexity with the way the lyrics are transposed. Outstanding. Baby Driver is very reminiscent of the era. Long break sections, a shouty chorus, can’t complain. The Only Living Boy in New York is good. I know this is a particular favourite of a renowned music reviewer, however I can’t get as excited as he is about it. Would still listen to it over 95% of songs though. Why Don’t You Write Me is probably my least favourite song, I find it a little derivative and weird. My LP skips on the chorus, giving it a frantic drum and bass sound. Bye Bye Love is also excellent, especially the live version, quite a sing-along. Song for the Asking is right up my street. Introspective, mournful, and lovely light guitar work. To summarise, it really is an excellent album. Lots of range with it all fitting well together. What a time it would have been to be alive!

Many classics that I had no idea were Fats Domino. Good to put a face to a sound.

Much of it was quite hard to listen to. Rock Lobster was a welcome reprieve.

Thoroughly enjoyed it. Master of Puppets was great of course, but also really enjoyed Leper Messiah.

Not really my thing at all. Started off incredibly blandly. Was going to give one star, but enjoyed the flute solo on African Dance, and Back to Life is a club banger. Two will do!

I had a bit of a negative view going in - I missed Pulp when they were big, but rather enjoyed the album as a whole. His singing has a certain style to it that lends itself to the melancholy numbers. The composition of the songs is overall excellent.

Solid 4 star. Memorable and melancholy.

Seems quite dated, nothing particularly sticks out. One star feels harsh, I can appreciate that it was well received at the time.

Really couldn't get into it. I don't understand why it is in this list.

I thought I'd like this more than I actually did. I like music from Central and South America, but I found this rather disappointing.

Some of it was fine, but again not really my kind of thing. Guy has a good voice.

Not a classic - I found it incredibly indulgent. About 4 good (and to be fair they are very good) songs, and the rest wanky psychadelic nonsense.

A lot of the songs sounded the same as each other. Powerful voice. Didn't enjoy the Let's Stay Together cover, -1 star.

I have one of their compilation CDs in the (old) car, so I'm quite partial to this stuff. They pioneered a certain classic rock sound. This is one of the better albums, which, according to Google, they were churning out at an incredible rate. Green River, Bad Moon Rising, and Tombstone Shadow are my favourites.

I'd had enough of this one a lot quicker than I thought.

Hadn't heard of them, but it seems that they are meant to be quite good.I thought the album was just fine, but still not overly memorable. I liked For You.

I do like a concept album, but I struggled to get into this one. Sure, there are the famous songs, but the rest of it was a bit on the quiet side, and it dragged. Not for me, I'm afraid.

The extra star is for Hello, undeniably a good song. I didn't enjoy it - lots of wailing. The majority of the album is made up of forgettable easy-listening café music. Sorry Adele, better luck next time.

A difficult listen. This kind of music doesn't hold up very well, in my opinion. The sound has been designed to be as annoying as possible. I forgot Paper Planes was 90% gunshots.

The first two songs seemed near identical. I wasn't thrilled with the rest of it.

4 stars for audacity. What works works, what doesn't work is terrifying. The album is unsettling, and I believe that was the goal. A great introduction to the neo-folk martial industrial genre! Raus!

I'm afraid I found this rather dull, coming off the back of Laibach. I'm sure it is great, Wikipedia seems to suggest so, but many songs felt like they never got going.

Enjoyed the sound, but a few too many tracks were on the forgettable side.

I found this challenging to listen to, rather dull and repetitive. I have to admit I didn't finish the album, sorry MJ Cole.

Probably wouldn't listen again but I found it pretty reasonable. Reminded me of a lot of Classic Rock of the same era, of which I think there are better examples.

I expected a bit more really, I found it pleasant enough background music.

I enjoyed this rather a lot - Eisler on the Go and Way over Yonder in the Minor Key were great. Really wistful, really tempered. Billy Bragg has a great voice, loved the political elements, and Wilco contribute massively. Absolute romper.

I enjoy a concept album but only really liked Some Mother's Son.

Some of this was pleasant as background music, but it was forgettable. Sorry penguins, should stick to swimming and fishing.

A lot of this album was rather strange. The guy either sings in an annoying baby voice, or wails atonally. The lyrics are mostly nonsense. However I did enjoy the actual music behind the singing, which was creative and different.

Not quite for me. Half way through it seems like he gives up on singing, lots of instrumentals.

I prefer other versions of almost every song. The Wall of Sound effect doesn't help. +1 bump for bad behaviour.

Beautiful voice, but almost every song sounds the same as the choices are all on the maudlin side.

I enjoyed it slightly more than I thought I would, but it isn't half dreary. Still finding their feet, I guess. Most of the album tracks are forgettable.

I couldn't finish it. Super bland, really not my thing.

Quite enjoyed that. More memorable than I expected, if I have time I'll explore their back catalogue.

I will instantly forget this album, only remembering that the title track is some impressive guitar spread over 10 minutes. Can appreciate the musicianship, just not for me.

Roundabout is one of my favourite songs ever. It's insane, I've enjoyed it long before it acquired the meme status. I don't think the rest of the album quite lives up to Roundabout, despite being thoroughly listenable and clearly influenced by heavy drug use.

Considering the talent on the album, I expected more. I am disappointed, unfortunately. A lot of this is maudlin, forgettable stuff. Quite good as background music though.

A weird one, couldn't decide if I really liked it or not. Great musicianship, although a few too many tracks veered into "noise". I liked Little Fury Things, Kracked, and Just Like Heaven.

Really pleasantly surprised. I thought this would be lame, but it's very listenable. Great memories of 2006-2008 with Walk being on in most clubs, never knew it was Pantera. If you could distill the smell of a sweaty goth into a record, this is it. My olfactory bulb is tingling.

Not the best from Nina. I find her best work to be the piano pieces where her voice really soars, but this album feels very dreary and overproduced.

Irritating

Jack tried to convince me this was akin to Simon and Garfunkel. I'm afraid I found it quiet and forgettable. I have heard that their other albums are good, if I have a respite from this task I might take a look through their back catalogue.

I presumed all reggae sounded the same - I was very wrong, this album is coherent and full of individual crackers. Brilliant rhythms and artistry on display. Lots of complexity in the lyrics. Reminds me a lot of Tabac in Liverpool, they had reggae on repeat but at the stage of the evening we ended up there, I wasn't using my ears. Concrete Jungle, No More Trouble, High Tide or Low Tide - all great. Despite Kinky Reggae being a misstep, 5 stars feels deserved.

I've never been a big Bowie fan. I don't think this was the album to ch-ch-ch-change that, however I enjoyed patches of it.

No Sleep till Brooklyn is great, but a whole album of very similar songs became a little bit too much.

I'm not sure what I expected, but I found it didn't really go anywhere. I'm not sure I'd listen to any of the songs again, and unfortunately I didn't find it memorable.

Feels dated now, and Snoop does all the heavy lifting.

Never really listened to anything by the Pixies before. I like their sound.

I preferred You Want It Darker, but this was still excellent. I'd never heard any of the songs before; Joan of Arc and Avalanche were probably my favourites.

One of the good albums.

A few interesting sounds, but I found most of this unremarkable. Less than the sum of its parts.

I enjoyed parts of this more than I'd care to admit.

Can appreciate the sounds, just not for me.

Very strong outing by The Who. Not sure about some of the longer songs, but the majority of it was good enough.

This is a better album than Disintegration, though without any big tunes. Everything was pleasantly listenable, pleasantly forgettable.

Big fan of Johnny Cash. I'd heard most of these songs in one way or another in different formats, and it made me remember the slightly more obscure songs - Starkville City Jail is great fun, and I don't listen to Wanted Man enough. Unlike many other artists, I think his live albums have an added edge, he's very comfortable in front of an audience, and prisoners, and that comes across in this album. His calm voice rings loudly through every song.

I'm finding it hard to consider anything higher than a 2. Most of the songs on the album are filler, and I'm convinced Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough and Rock With You are too long. I really like She's Out Of My Life, but I think I've heard better covers of it. Bad boy bump seems inappropriate in this situation. Sorry MJ. He has better albums, in any case.

Quite funky and jazzy, better than I would have thought. Listenable.

It is okay. Sultans of Swing is fantastic, but the rest of the album never really got going. Pleasant enough. +1 for Sultans of Swing.

Unfortunately bland. Too much like background music.

Still pretty good. Much more listenable than I would have imagined. Couple of songs I'd never heard that are memorable enough, I liked New York.

From the first couple of songs, I thought I was going to really enjoy it, but the album slowly petered out. I found myself unable to remember any of it. A few too many instrumentals. On paper, this was my kind of thing, but I've read he has two better albums, likely also in this list, so I'll wait for those.

I found this album an extreme example of prog/psychedelic rock. Firth of Fifth is a masterpiece, but I hated Dancing with the Moonlight Knight. I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe) is fantastically odd. There's no clear story running through the album, and often seemingly within the longer songs themselves. Overall I liked it, it provoked a strong reaction from me.

Rather bracing

Very odd album. I didn't like it overall, but you cannot fault the commitment to a naff concept. Much of it was dreary and monotonous, however I didn't mind Where the Wild Roses Grow - nice to break things up. Red Right Hand is a good song, so I might be tempted to go and listen to some of his other work with the Bad Seeds, but I do feel there's no stylistic range.

The hits are great, as are a few of the album tracks. Hypnotic.

I have their greatest hits for my car, so I am partial. Judy Blue Eyes is a great start to an album, loads going on, iconic sounds. Jangly folky rock, smooth harmonies, thoughtful lyrics (for the most part), what more could you ask for? A second peak for the album is Lady of the Island, Helplessly Hoping and Long Time Gone. Helplessly Hoping in particular is a top 10 song for me - melancholy, introspective, but powerful. Exactly my kind of music. I just like the era and this kind of sound. I have to say that this is not my favourite album of theirs, I prefer Deja Vu (with Neil Young) as I think it is stronger as an overall product, but this one is a 5 nonetheless.

I thought the cover of I Don't Want to Talk About It was the best song on the album. Everything sounded near exactly the same, I barely noticed where one track stopped and the next started. Saying that, it was inoffensive easy background listening.

I'm not a Queen fan - never have been. This album is so different from their later work - in particular the guitar is excellent, but it falls short of other prog rock artists and albums of the same era. Too many non-descript songs. Despite "finding" their sound over the next few years, I would probably still prefer their earlier work.

Utterly inoffensive, some nice sounds, but won't be going back.

Alright

Feels kind of dated, not the most interesting thing to listen to.

Most songs sounded the same, and I was a bit disappointed.

Apart from Clint Eastwood, this seems like one long jam session. Not a lot of thought into the album, lots of bells and whistles, very little enjoyment.

Quite enjoyed it, rather cohesive.

I found this a bit of a weird one. Totally forgettable noise, except that I didn't mind it on in the background. I can't remember anything about it, despite fully listening, but I'm glad I've heard at least one Björk album. Wouldn't listen again, but +1 for a background bonus.

I didn't listen to this type of music when young, so it doesn't resonate with me from a nostalgia perspective, nor now from an enjoyment perspective. I see some merits, but not enough for a higher score.

Nothing stood out, but I didn't mind it and would listen again.

Very much enjoyed that. Had to knock a star off as many of the songs sound the same, especially in the back part of the album. I didn't notice where one ended and another began. Despite this, I thought that the second half of the album was on the whole stronger than the first. Based on the public reviews, I think I need to refine myself.

Not my favourite, a lot of the songs are forgettable and meander. It also sounds like Frank isn't really putting in a lot of effort.

Not my kind of thing. Cool that Ginger Baker makes an appearance a few times, and the wikipedia article about the album is pretty good, but I just didn't enjoy it.

Preferred his work with The Smiths.

What an odd album. First few tracks were lovely cocktail lounge background music, very 60's, and then some nonsense with a circus.

I quite liked it. The problem is that nothing stood out. The whole album played through, and I didn't really notice anything. I didn't find it irritating, nor did I find it overwhelmingly good. But the fact I didn't turn it off is enough for a 3 star.

I'd forgotten that she came from more of a jazz background, which is evident on the album tracks. It is a strong album. I can't listen to Rehab, but You Know I'm No Good and Back to Black make up for it. Can't believe this was 17 years ago, still sounds fresh. Only 4 stars, not sure about the album tracks, they are quite bland compared to the emotion and sadness on show elsewhere. RIP - I do wish she'd taken Rehab with her.

I skipped Imagine, but had forgotten that Oh My Love is on this album. My favourite song of John's solo work. I listened to the album with an open mind, and parts I really liked (Oh Yoko! has whimsy) and other parts I was on the fence - a worse Beatles sound. At least the Solo stuff from George and Paul has its own identity away from their group work. I'd give this a 3.5 if I could (based on Oh My Love, Oh Yoko!, and Jealous Guy), but no half scores, so I'll award the +0.5 bad boy bump.

I really enjoyed this - it was a bit bland and not memorable, but that was the charm. I fell asleep twice listening to it.

I didn't mind this at all. Some interesting ideas and concepts, not always well executed. Lyrics are insane. Not sure I'd listen again, but I am pleased I did.

I've found this one hard to rate. It is a bit daft, and I don't like Ute's voice. There are glimmers of good stuff - I have a lot of time for the type of lyrical, story-telling songs but a lot of the lyrics are on the poor side, a bit on-the-nose. Considering the talent on the album (Divine Comedy!) I am disappointed. I am reviewing this late, and have to say I concur with the group. Would have given a 1.5 (rounded to a 2) if I hadn't read everyone else's reviews, but I did and I largely agree. 1.4.

Thoroughly enjoyed it, has the misty quality of indie rock that I like. Never heard anything by The National before, and I feel like I've missed out. Highlights were Runaway, Anyone's Ghost, and Terrible Love. Was on a rail replacement bus in Poland on Friday listening to it, providing the perfect soundtrack to a weird experience.

A bit of a low for the list. Forgettable and generic, and difficult to understand.

I'm on the fence with this. I can hear the musicianship in places, but why is every song incredibly long? Or at least, the repetitive nature lends itself to making most songs feel like a drag. I'd give it maybe 1 more star if it was shorter. Although, maybe not, it really isn't my kind of thing. North American Scum is of course pretty great, I know it from Top Spin 4, the tennis game. No big "Love" from me for this one.

Good stuff, very impressive considering he was 19 or so when he did these. Enjoyed the Sailor's Hornpipe at the end of Part II, bit of a laugh.

Some of the transitions within songs are quite jarring. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would, cannot out my finger on why. I think the variety helps. It doesn't really sound like a jam session either, more like the band are showing each other their skills. Odd samples. I don't know what to think.

Absolutely banging album. My favourite Cream song is White Room, on their next album, but I think this album is better overall, with Strange Brew, Sunshine of Your Love, and Tales of Brave Ulysses being obvious highlights. What makes this album stand out for me is that it knows what it wants to achieve and achieves it. Incredibly competent psychedelic rock, laser-focussed songwriting, and fun melodies. It naturally gets the +1 bad boy boost for Clapton's controversial comments, but would have given it 5 stars anyway.

I really didn't enjoy it, incredibly irritating.

I have a lot of time for Jay-Z. The Blueprint 3 was really good, and I saw him perform it live at a festival in Scotland in 2010. His brand of commercial rap/hip-hop was huge when I was in Uni, him and Kanye West really were at the top of their game. Can't say I kept up with the genre to now though. I remember listening to some of his other albums, American Gangster and The Black Album but didn't manage to make my way back here. Quite liked the original Blueprint, it is rather bombastic. The lyrics manage to ring true despite him being incredibly rich when recording this, and even more so now. Love the sampling on Takeover and Heart of the City. Just an all round solid album.

This was fine for me as background music. Can't really say much more.

I found it a little noisy. Can definitely hear the influence on other bands though.

I think I prefer Back in Black.

Our House is good, nostalgic, but I couldn't get behind the rest of the album. Not a massive Suggs fan.

Pretty reasonable for background listening but nothing jumped out.

Have to say I skipped a lot of the album. Not a big Stones fan.

What on earth was all that about then? Not particularly interesting or enjoyable, as hard as I tried to listen.

Couldn't get behind this at all.

Hard to write a review - very commercial pop with a powerful voice behind it. Can't really say much more.

Rather charming. Quite nice background music. Nothing does jump out at you to be fair, so can't go higher than 3 stars.

Fun in the background but rather forgettable.

Far too dramatic. It all sounds like it comes from adverts, no cohesion. Just not for me.

Flew by, but I can't remember any of it.

A tricky one for me as I definitely enjoyed it, but can't really remember much about it. Good as background music, I like the sound of the music more than the guy's voice. One of those where, on balance, I'd rather have it on, than silence. I'd give 3.5 stars if possible, but I think, based on the strength of Two Weeks, I'll knock it up to 4, rather than down.

I didn't really like it, a bit too shouty and unfocussed. Really unnecessary Sonny and Cher cover too.

I thought this was quite decent - very much, café-jazz but of a better level. I didn't want to turn it off, in any case.

Can hear the influence on loads of other music, and the lyrics are generally excellent throughout. Still couldn't get into it and wouldn't return though.

Prog Rock isn't really my thing, but I can appreciate that it is a pretty solid album.

I found this a much more interesting album than the previous one. Still not really my thing, but I greatly enjoyed the title track.

I found the previous album, Good Kid Mad City, incredibly irritating so I was very apprehensive about this one - however I thought it was pretty good. Thundercat being on the album helped - I liked the creativity. Definitely found it significantly less irritating than I expected.

The album flew by. A 3.5 for me. On repeated listens, maybe towards a 4, but I've given more for less. At Home He's a Tourist probably my favourite.

I quite enjoyed this, I think I was in the mood. Powered through some work with it on in the background. Loads of memories from University again, used it as "white noise" when writing reports and theses. Red Alert still pretty great.

I always find it tricky to review jazz - improvisation plays an important role, and so jazz albums don't really do the music justice. This album was pretty fine, but I would say that I liked it - I was on a Thelonious Monk album before I knew it, and I preferred that. Made me stop and check the track name. Thelonious made me stop and check the track name.

Too shouty. Very interesting reading about them, and their history and the impact that this album and in particular Walk This Way had though.

Could only listen to the first two tracks. Found it fine, but didn't fancy hunting for the rest.

Not a good week. Got through the first few tracks, and couldn't listen to any more as I'd torn my ears off my head.

Oh dear oh dear.

Second half of the album was really bombastic.

I never listened to Doves when they were popular, but I recognise loads of songs on the album. Some dross, but There Goes The Fear, NY, and Friday's Dust were highlights.

Less engaging as a whole than I thought it would be.

I liked, "I Had Too Much To Dream". A few others were pleasant enough.

I quite enjoyed this one. Turns out I wasn't really listening to the lyrics, he's a bit of a filthy animal. Lovely melodies and vocals.

I have a "Best of" album of the Eagles in the car. Contains fewer songs from this album than I expected - Take It Easy and Witchy Woman are classics, and I really liked Peaceful Easy Feeling. Hotel California is a 6 star album, so looking forward to that coming on and providing a full "analysis" of each song.

Great version of Mannish Boy, and the rest of the album flew by.

Well then, what an album. I had heard of it, and when listening knew a lot of the songs on it too. Lovely simple music, letting her voice be the focus. It's Too Late, Home Again, Where You Lead... All so pleasant and listenable. Thanks Carole.

Not my cup of tea.

It's so bland. I have a lot of time for REM, Out of Time is a great album. I personally really like the Reveal album, and the single "The Great Beyond" from the Kaufman movie - which is brilliant. But this one, Murmur, was so, so bland, it all merged into one and I got rather bored. I appreciate the album's place in indie rock development, hence two stars.

Not a massive Beatles fan. Come Together is maybe my favourite song of theirs, and I always like Octopus's Garden. Apart from Something, and, Here Comes the Sun, I didn't find much else that stood out, or that I enjoyed.

I really enjoyed Wild is the Wind, and TCV15 was pretty good, but I can't with good conscience give it more than 3 stars, when I gave Abbey Road 4.

It's not quite my kind of music but I think it also hasn't aged well. A little bit too forgettable.

Great background music.

I found this difficult to pin down - I'm not a Bowie fan, so I didn't know what to expect. I've definitely heard the album before, but in the background so I gave this a proper listen. One one hand, indulgent, but on the other, lyrically startling. Not maudlin, which was nice. Title track is cracking.

So I know some Dusty Springfield songs, from here and there, but never listened to a full album. I thoroughly enjoyed it - lots of character, strongly reminiscent of the era. Simple instrumentation allowing her voice to drive the songs. You Don't Owe Me has a great sinister vibe. Twenty-Four Hours From Tulsa strongly reminds me of There's Always Something There To Remind Me. Very few fillers on the album. I had no idea she was English either. A solid 4.5, but I think I've been miserly recently, so I'll round up.

I have a lot of time for 80s New Wave. The hits are the hits, not a lot more to say. Liked the sound overall, wasn't mad keen on some of the album tracks. It feels like a 3 - struggling to justify why, but it's not quite a 4. I did add Shout and Everybody Wants to Rule the World to my listening rotation though. On balance, there are stronger records of this ilk.

What a revelation! Love the sound, the guy's voice, all that stuff. Really felt like a gunslinger in the Wild West listening to that. Big Iron, Cool Water, The Master's Call, El Paso, and Saddle Tramp were my favourites. My favourite album in a long while.

Normally all for New Wave, as noted for Tears for Fears, but I couldn't really get into this. Liked the general sound, just found it a bit forgettable and inferior to other albums of the same style and at the same time. Wouldn't listen again.

Great stuff, thanks Moby. Naturally recognised loads of the songs.

More enjoyable than the previous Beastie Boys album - considerably less shouty. However, the first half, the shouty half, was definitely more impactful than the second. I was dreading this, and putting off listening, but it was better than I expected - which is great. I am surprised, pleasantly surprised.

I mean it isn't bad, but it kind of merges into one. Loads of angst, I can see why Jack is keen. Zero was good. +1 for Jack.

As expected, found this a hard listen. So dreary, mopey, lame.

I didn't think was as bad as the other reviews suggested. Some heavy repetition within songs themselves, which often drag on, but the range of styles and themes, whilst remaining cohesive as an album, is impressive. Quite pleasant as background music (apart from As Yet Untitled, which is a bit harsh, like a drill).

I know what I like, and I won't make any apologies for it.

I preferred Fragile. This album is more meandering and a bit less interesting. And I was a bit confused at times too, the Deluxe version having single versions of a few of the tracks. Pretty crazy how different this album is to Fragile, maybe the influence of Rick Wakeman. I was going to give it three stars, but I've gone back and listened to the single versions of Your Move, Starship Trooper, and The Clap, so pushed me over to 4, but only just. Would still listen to Roundabout over anything on this album though.

Pleasantly surprised. Very listenable, and very few songs feel like throwaways. I did not like Are You Ready? but the vast majority were overall enjoyable.

Barely listenable. It sounds incredibly amateur and scattered. Too many ideas, and very poor execution. A real trial to listen to, I have to admit I listened to the first minute or so of each song before giving my opinion. Dismal.

Not sure about this. I really only disliked Mama Gave Birth to the Soul Children, mainly because of the high-pitched voice. The better songs, Latifah's Law, Princess of the Possee, Ladies First, were pretty good - but I'm not going back.

The lyrics are a bit silly and earnest, but it really isn't as bad as I was fearing. Quite funky. Rats in the Cellar was probably my favourite. Would I go back? No.

I greatly enjoyed the artistic expression and variation, and general lack of theme and repetition throughout. Track 3 - Group Dancers, and the first 5-6 minutes of Track 4 (Mode D - Trio and Group Dancers) were my favourites. I don't think I'll return, as it isn't my thing, but I'm very glad to have listened. Avante-garde.

It's alright isn't it really. Oasis passed me by a bit, I was a little too young, but I can imagine if I was listening I'd be hyped for where they would go next. Supersonic is pretty good, and I'd say the closest to the hit parade of (What's the Story) Morning Glory.

Only really knew "I Believe in a Thing Called Love", so was expecting many more silly tracks like that - and was pleasantly surprised. I went back and re-listened to ensure my opinion was accurate - they have a sound that isn't typical of the time, and stands up pretty well now. Light metal/pop. "Love is Only a Feeling" is probably my favourite. I don't have any nostalgia for it, so just a 4 stars.

Antropofagus is a bit of a laugh. A hard listen.

Didn't do a lot for me but I didn't hate it. I found it vastly inferior to Master of Puppets, which I think is a similar genre. Megadeath's lyrics here are a bit daft.

Bit of a strange album, lots going on and not all of it I enjoyed. His version of Walk on By is great, if a little long and meandering.

Lovely stuff. Into My Arms is great. There are so many wonderfully melancholy and depressing songs on the album. It seems to take its time with everything, never rushed, which adds to the mournful sound. His voice sounds great too, really smooth and soaring. I didn't like Green Eyes, and there were one or two other boring misfires, so not a 5, but a solid 4.

Mark E. Smith is from Prestwich, where I'm from. Despite this, I didn't really know much about him or the Fall. I'd heard many of the songs on this album in various pubs round Prestwich, and unknowingly did a memorial tour a while ago. Some bewildering pubs, but then you listen to the album and it all makes sense. Greatly enjoyed the majority of the album. I expected more of a difficult listen as I'm not really sure what post-punk is. This must be quite an easy entry into this kind of music. Lyrics are fun and poetic, and at times baffling, and I don't mind the production at all. Paintwork and Spoilt Victorian Child were my favourites.

Front-loaded. The rest are R&B/pop nonsense.

A rather refreshing album. The impact of some of the harder-hitting political tracks is lost a bit on a second listen, but this was a pleasant surprise. Music and Politics, and The Winter of the Long Hot Summer were my favourites. Better than a 3, but not quite a 4 and rounding up is too generous.

It was certainly interesting, but too eclectic for me to enjoy properly.

One of my car CDs. Nothing beats shouting out the words as you're speeding down the motorway. Incredibly strong start, Around the World, Scar Tissue, Otherside, Californication, and Easily are fantastic, and I have great memories of listening to them when younger to bolster the car memories. Most recently, I'd just landed from Singapore via Helsinki, it was 10pm, I was sleep deprived and confused, and was frankly worried about driving the 1 hour 30 back to my home. Popped this on, and tore up the road. No crashes. If I'm being really critical, the second half of the album is a bit weak (I don't like Porcelain, I Like Dirt or Emit Remmus). There are passable songs on in between that depending on my mood I'll skip, but Road Trippin' is a great alternative way to end. I like the progression from proper funk (back with Blood Sugar Sex Magik) to the funk-inspired rock of this album.

Listened to this whilst cycling from my house into the centre, and felt very pumped up afterwards. I enjoy the flow and the lyrics, and the sampling and beats hit pretty hard. I am trying to justify giving it 4 stars and not 3, but mainly because I can't remember any of it immediately afterwards and won't listen again, 3 it is.

I listened to this on the way back from the centre, as a counterpoint to the NWA album, and the journey flew by. He has a melodic voice, but it was a very forgettable album. Thanks Fred.

Another one of my car CDs. Definitely stronger first half than second half. Maybe I only listen to the first half - I didn't recognise anything after Fame Is. Either way, because of the strength of the first half of the album (Chocolate Cake all the way to There Goes God) - solid 5 stars.

Incredibly funky. I thought this would be more like a lot of the generic World music included on this list, but there are more rhythms, beats, and instruments than you could shake a stick at. Makes you want o dance, and puts you in a great mood.

Pleasantly enjoyable and never grating. Relaxing. Nearly fell asleep with it. Smooth, melodious. As a wise soothsayer one said, "if could choose any instrument to be a master of, it would be the piano."

All I Wanna Do is alright as a song, but I struggled massively with this album. I think mainly as I hated the first song, incredibly repetitive, which set me up very badly for the rest of the album. I wanted to like this based on enjoying If It Makes You Happy from a different album, but I have to say I really, really disliked this.

Chicago's Greatest Hits is another one of my car CDs. I would give that 5 stars, but am happy to give this a solid 4. There are about 3-4 tracks that are excellent (I'm a Man, Questions 67 and 68, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is off the top of my head) but the screechy guitar song ruins it a bit. Great band.

I found this really boring and bland. Totally forgettable.

This is my favourite Bruce album. I have his Greatest Hits in the car, which I significantly prefer due to The River containing some excellent songs (one of my top 10 songs ever is The River), but Born In The USA contains so many hits. I think that's it, the album is pretty much banger after banger. Outside of the more well-known ones, I really like Cover Me and My Hometown. I'd really like to see Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band live. Twice he's played close to where I was living, and twice I was unable to go. So disappointing.

I have to agree with the group. Susprisingly good. My favourites were Dawning of a New Era, Little Bitch, and Stupid Marriage. Quite funky and relaxing.

I didn't really enjoy it - genuinely didn't realise it was on. Hesitant between a 1 and a 2, but I can't say I hated it. It just didn't stand out.

I'll preface with a hearty, "not my thing". I found the lyrics funny, and the songs mercifully short. I would not choose to listen again, but it didn't grate or overstay its welcome.

I found this one very hard to review. So much of it I enjoyed, but I did read other reviews, and understand the criticism. Poison Arrow and The Look of Love are the best songs, but I liked Valentine's Day, and Show Me. Much of the difficulty for me lies in placing it against other albums I enjoyed to the same extent. Here, I liked the vibe and atmosphere created, and the variation within the album was great, whilst still retaining cohesion and being surprising. Solid 4 from me - I've given worse albums the same or better scores.

Solid 3 stars for me - Them Bones is a classic, and the rest of the album listenable.

I preferred Blackstar as an album overall - I do think it is a stronger concept (don't really get Ziggy Stardust). This album has some real belters, including Starman, Ziggy Stardust, and Suffragette City. Unfortunately nothing else really stood out. Despite 4 albums, I'm still solidly on the fence with Bowie.

The album was wonderfully dreary and miserable, and put me on a downer. There are a few nice highlights (The Golden Age). I think it was too long, nearly all the songs outstay their welcome and cross over into irritating. I do think he's very good, I just think someone needed to step in and tell him to stop being so smug about his melancholy, and to tighten up the album.

Planet Caravan and Paranoid are great. I initially was hesitant to listen to this album, however it was a very fun ride. Never boring, sometimes daft, but quite well-made with a great overall sound.

Many of the songs outstay their welcome, but it does contain a couple of interesting, melancholy and melodic tracks. The Way Young Lovers Do is a bit more uptempo, and consequently a bit more memorable. Madam George is too long.

On balance I preferred the prior Bob Marley album, but this one is pretty great. Easy to listen to in the background, but just when you find yourself tuning out you'll hear something surprising. First half of the album better than the second half.

I think my music taste must have changed. I had heard this album before, some years ago, but when listening now I found it not nearly as exciting or interesting as I thought I was. A little disappointed. New Feeling and Love -> Building on Fire were irritating, The Book I Read meandering, Don't Worry About the Government lame. I did like Love Comes to Town, and Happy Day though. +1 star boost for Psycho Killer though, as it should be.

Absolutely fine, preferred the tracks with the majority male vocals, can't remember anything else about it. I thought they were an emo/screamo band, so I was surprised listening to this not-far-removed lift music.

Not generally for me this. No Surprises is pretty good, but I don't really care for the rest of it. Exit Music (For a Film) sounds a lot like Muse.

You Shook Me All Night Long, and Let Me Put My Love Into You are my favourites from the album. It doesn't really get exciting though. Not bland, just never really takes off. I bet they are great fun to see live. Angus Young has a house in a small village close to me in the Netherlands. Never seen him though. -1 star.

Can't say I found this overly fun to listen to. It is a bit droney and dreary for me. The lyrics are "on the nose" too. Laura and Take Your Mama are pop hits, but the rest is largely forgettable. I'm not even sure it was a breath of fresh air at the time - pop was pretty big. I don't think I was the target audience and I distinctly remember avoiding Scissor Sisters at the time. Just not my cup of tea.

Quite the exciting album. Body and Soul and The Lip were really enthralling. This is an album made by a musician and band that are having an absolutely fantastic time. Louis Prima has a melodic, fun voice, cannot believe he was Italian-American. Incredibly rarely outstays its welcome. I can't quite bring myself to give it a 5 though.

Not at all what I was expecting given the fanfare. Kiss, Purple Rain, Raspberry Beret, and When Doves Cry are absolute classics. Unfortunately none of them are on this album. Severely underwhelming. Really scattered. The drums do really stand out on the mixing of many of the tracks - which is fine as they are generally excellent. I was thinking about 1.5, rounding down because I was annoyed, but the drums are great.

The only country music I actively listen to is probably Dolly Parton, or some very old 1950s or 1960s stuff mainly for the atmosphere. I can't get behind this. It isn't terrible, it is rather bland. She does have a lovely voice, but quite frequently I feel that country music never gets going.

Enjoyed most of the beats. "i used to" was my favourite song. I cannot get away from finding some of it a bit daft though. Music for music's sake, I didn't get the point of the album.

You Oughta Know, Forgiven, and Ironic are great. Definitely one of the best singer-songwriter albums. My parents had this, was often on in the background when they were doing the washing-up. Hints of nostalgia, but a genuinely good album.

I'm hovering between a 2 and a 3. I genuinely believe the album was ahead of its time (1987, sounds like mid-90s) however the songs don't half drag on and merge into each other. Could also be said that U2 haven't evolved since this album. With or Without You is of course pretty great, very commercial. The rest of the album is kind of meh, which causes my hesitation and doubt. I feel like I might regret a 2, so a 3 it is.

Second half of the album really kicks off - plenty to like. The instrumental breaks and jamming are good fun and help keep the album interesting. Lots of tight riffs and memorable lyrics. I'd heard a fair amount of these tracks before but couldn't tell you who did them. Now I can. Farewell, Jeff's Boogie, He's Always There, and What Do You Want stood out the most for me. Another 4.5, but again I'll be kind. Definitely returning to this.

I'm a medium James Taylor fan - I have his JT album on LP (5 stars) and very vaguely know this one. A very easy listen, light instrumentation and simple melodies. I'm obsessed by songs not lasting too long, and the album is nice and snappy. I also enjoy when an album really encapsulates an era or genre, which this does. Sweet Baby James, Fire and Rain, and Blossom are my favourites, but I could (and have) re-listened to the album a couple of times. Country Road also stands out. 4.5 for me.

Wasn't really for me this. It took me a while to get through, didn't find it very interesting. On the one hand, that the songs were in general a bit daft I liked, but on the other, it didn't offer anything musically. My favourite song was the cover of Under The Boardwalk. Just a really meh listen.

My dad is a big Bob Dylan fan. This one rings a bell from growing up. Didn't mind it at all, flew by. "Stuck Inside..." was the standout for me, but I also greatly enjoyed "Visions of Johanna". I have to say I prefer his folksy politics stuff, but this album is incredibly solid.

I believe that the internal difficulties Fleetwood Mac were having throughout the recording of this album made it what it is. Musicianship without compromise - but what do I know? The album starts off with the weakest track, Second Hand News isn't anything to write home about. Then there are 7 consecutive absolute bangers. Dreams: a jazzy classic, beautifully sung and great lyrics. Pensive, but optimistic, and I love the instrumentation. Never Going Back Again: minimalistic, but then why overcomplicate the wonderful melody Lindsay Buckingham created. Simple. Don't Stop: Great fun. Bit mired now from use in political campaigns, however I enjoy the back and forth with the singing. Go Your Own Way: Can't say much more than what others already have. Anthemic. Songbird: A bit of a reflective pause before the rest of the album - beautiful. The Chain: Another club classic. Reading about how the track was made is pretty fascinating. The track hits from the very start - the guitar over the simple beat highlights the lyrics but also has a sense of urgency, and the quick cymbal stop following the chorus is overlooked. Great fun. You Make Loving Fun: I really like Christine McVie's voice - here it is just enough to make the simple track do what it needs to do. Apparently Christine told her husband the song was about a dog, and not about an affair she was having. Sounds like a right laugh to have been in the band. The album finishes with a couple of nice songs that would themselves stand out on any other album, but they are a bit also-ran here. I like I Don't Want To Know - love the harmonies between Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham. Oh Daddy is a bit boring, however Gold Dust Woman has entered my listening rotation; it sounds incredibly spooky and I greatly enjoy the structure. What an album!

I had a re-listen to the album when I read the effulgent praise from the group. I don't quite understand where it is coming from. Was going to give it a 2, but I'm easily led, and I did like Nature's Way. I've not been this conflicted for a while - middle ground time.

Always liked Street Life, there's a much shorter radio edit that I have on my favourite playlist. Otherwise, pretty good, listenable jazz.

Sounds very much like, "well, this is punk then". I like the mindless lyrics. Beyond what I expect for punk, the regular, repetitive choruses, and short length of the songs make it quite the punchy album. Blitzkrieg Bop is of course great, and the rest are good but I wouldn't actively choose to listen to this again. Something like a 3.4

I always thought ZZ Top were a rock band, so I was pleasantly surprised by this bluesy stuff. Only pleasantly - it is a pretty solid, unexciting album. La Grange and Mastber of Sparks were my favourites, but nothing else stood out.

"Exactly the same as my thoughts on Bryter Layter. Just kind of gives up at some point. Preferred this less". These were my initial thoughts. I gave the album a second listen, and I had a much more enjoyable time. Intricate melodies, warm sound, and slow. Three Hours (can't go wrong with an extended instrumental break) and Saturday Sun were particularly memorable. A nice album.

A lot better than I expected, though still not my thing. The album is varied enough, grungey, and sounds very well constructed.

There was one song I didn't mind but it ended up going on for far too long and I grew to dislike it. A bit of a bore, won't be going back.

Pretty reasonable although not my favourite album of his. I really enjoyed the production - simple and elegant, doesn't feel wasteful. Excellent songwriting as always.

I didn't really have any expectations heading into this - I get them confused with Questlove and the Roots. However - what a great album. Clearly well thought through, with plenty of highlights (Show Business). I did go back and listen a second time but wouldn't a third, hence 4 stars. If any more A Tribe Called Quest albums come up, I can't wait.

On paper this is something I should enjoy. I didn't - lame, meandering, and aimless. The best track was where they turned themselves down mid-chorus. It isn't unlistenable, but I don't want to hear it again. I've given 2 to better records than this.

Really weird, messy, incoherent. I found this a hard listen but I am conflicted about the scoring. There's some stuff in it to like - Here I Go is easily the most "finished" song on the album. I enjoyed the songwriting. However Jesus Christ what a mess tracks like If It's in You are.

I expected a lot more. Very, very boring and forgettable.

Quite jazzy, some exciting rhythms. Can't say I'd choose to listen again though, not quite as entertaining as I expected. 2.5 stars.

I know Once in a Lifetime. It is quite listenable, a 'jangly' sound. I think I prefer their 1977 album overall.

Ace of Spades is great, but the rest of the album (mercifully short) is a rehash of it. I did find the album OK to have on in the background though, which says something about how good Ace of Spades is. Some of the lyrics are a little odd to say the least. Lemmy seemed fascinating.

I love the sound and production. Very light on the bass, focused on the drums. East Coast is generally more my thing, harder beats and lyrics. Favourite tracks: You Can't Stop The Prophet, D. Original, and I even enjoyed the intro. Didn't outstay its welcome.

Abrasive - on the industrial martial side, like a hardcore Laibach but more upbeat, somehow. Not something you can have on in the background as many of the tracks certainly demand your attention. The more I heard, the more I enjoyed. Big Money absolutely chomps along. Jordan, Minnesota feels paranoid. Can barely hear the lyrics overall (but I like the mixing) and when I do, they are odd. I like the sudden switch-ups of rhythm, tempo, and instruments. Irritating for it not to be on Spotify - how we've come to rely on it. A solid 4 stars.

Veered between quite enjoyable and very irritating. We've had better Brazilian music.

So I've been trying to think of a reason to give this a 4 so the group average is tempered somewhat - Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water and Fleetwood Mac's Rumors are unequivocally better albums overall. But I cannot. Thoroughly enjoyed pretty much all of this. Have been humming "Hey Joe" since the weekend. 4.5 stars.

A really solid 4 stars, based on the presence of Baba O'Riley, Behind Blue Eyes, and Won't Get Fooled Again. The middle stuff is decent and inoffensive.

This is more my kind of Dylan. Winding songs that don't go where you think they'll go, and incredibly creative and considered lyrics. "How many seas must a white dove sail, Before she sleeps in the sand" is both impenetrable but you understand what he's saying. Best songs beyond Blowin' In The Wind are A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall, Don't Think Twice, It's Alright, and I Shall Be Free. It is a work of genius that (in my middling opinion) could do with a trim. 4.4 stars.

The first track is bad. The second track, Slightly All The Time, is pretty good ambient music for a metropolitan city. I enjoyed the surprising directions the track went in. The third track is bad. The fourth track is bad. 1.5 stars.

Firstly, the title track is quite intense. It genuinely gave me heart palpitations. I didn't know what to think, I was quite impressed at how intense it was. I wouldn't listen to it again though. I didn't like Jeremy Bender, or Are You Ready Eddie?, but A Time and a Place is pretty good. So close to a 3 for me, but not quite.

I saw a really good documentary about her a couple of years ago - great voice, but have to agree with the group's general opinion regarding songs. A few too many that are slightly forgettable. Glad to have listened, don't think I'll be going back. Favourite songs: Water with the Wine, Love and Affection.

A really refreshing album. Stands up incredibly well to the test of time - sounds buzzy, and the drums are pretty relentless. Not naff. Best songs - Rio, Hungry Like the Wolf, and Last Chance on the Stairway.

Minutes to Midnight was more my Linkin Park album, but this is great. So angsty, brings back memories of going out aged 16-17 round Bury. Runaway, Crawling, Forgotten, and of course In the End are the best songs. I was at a bar in Kyoto about 2 months ago, and was speaking to the Japanese barman. He had a huge tattoo of "Chester" written on his arm. We had just been speaking with some Americans who had a friend at the University of Chester, so was baffled by the coincidence. Of course, turns out he was mourning Bennington. RIP.

Been over a year since the first Siouxsie and the Banshees album. I was reading on Wikipedia that this album influenced Massive Attack - which I get, I found myself humming some Teardrop during one of this album's songs. Still, just a bit OK for me, wouldn't necessarily choose to listen again, like with Juju. It is better though, but not an additional star better. 2.7 for Juju, 3.4 for The Scream.

Peter Gabriel has a very, very good voice and I greatly enjoy a few of his other songs (Solsbury Hill, Sledgehammer, and the incredible Don't Give Up), so I had decent hopes for this. I think this album is a display of musicianship. The best songs are No Self Control, and Nob on the Bus. Overall the first half of the album is significantly better than the second. The album could benefit from a bit of a trim and edit - there are a few loose tracks. However, it is definitely one of the best 4 stars I've given, but for me not quite a 5.

Really pleasant smooth jazz. Started off strong but ended up having had enough just past half way.

I saw him in 2019 on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. Wouldn't say then I was his biggest fan, nor now, however his skill and artistry is excellent. Album could do with a trim. Almost 5 stars, but not quite.

Certainly is jazz, isn't it?

It was just a bit dull. I quite liked Shadowplay but many tracks felt like they never got going. Disappointed.

Mildly interesting and a bit better than I was expecting. Love in an Elevator is the standout track. I didn't find the album as a whole irritating, Steven Tyler has a decent voice.

I have a fair amount of time for Biggie, leaning more to the East Coast on the divide. One More Chance is good, I like his flow and beat choice.

Decent - I recognised many of the songs, and enjoyed listening to the album as a whole. Top tracks: Fools Gold, I Wanna Be Adored, Waterfall.

A heck of a lot more interesting than Heaven or Las Vegas. A bit less up itself, if that makes sense. Still a bit daft for me, but Persephone was decent.

Didn't mind any of this, and I'm "not a fan of the Beatles". The Beatles Story at the Albert Dock is excellent - focussing mainly on the early years, which is the era I'm most interested in (however I don't mind a few tracks from a few of their different albums). I don't think anyone that has lived in Liverpool is a fan of the Beatles, am yet to meet someone that qualifies. Saying that, the museum is good - lots of interesting memorabilia on display and recreations of eras and places, such as the Imagine room. Listened to this whilst over-encumbered with flu. Helped my mental state - almost hallucinatory.

I'm a little surprised by the overwhelming negativity of the other reviews. Sure - dated, but mercifully short and each track is quite distinct. Love Hurts is great. I might be the target market - white bloke, mind of a 60-year-old.

A little bit too free-form for me. Difficult to listen to as I'm conditioned to expect a track to go somewhere. Birth of the Cool was better, and I'm going to drop this a star for the track lengths.

Some excellent, experimental jazz. Flew by. Knew Take Five and Blue Rondo a la Turk already. Thanks Dave.

Not quite a 4 overall, some of it was on the boring side. Spinning Wheel, Smiling Phases, and More and More are good. Not a fan of the God Bless The Child cover.

I'm quite the fan of this type of music. I'm more familiar with Neil Young as part of CSNY - I've mentioned previously that Deja Vu is absolutely excellent - but I can't say I've listened to a lot of his solo work. This is some ride. I can't say I picked out any one particular song that stood out (maybe as I had to listen through YouTube) but it had the great jangly guitars, felt like it was performed in a desert with the acoustics. Atmospheric, powerful lyrics. One of my highest-rated 4s.

Ah this is a good album. Sure, many of the tracks last too long, but that is classic for the era. Visions, Higher Ground, and Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing are great. Quite surprised this is the first Stevie Wonder album - it is the first of three excellent albums, culminating in Songs in the Key of Life. Looking forward to more wonder.

It is what it is. Take Me Out, Dark of the Matinee, Auf Achse, and Come on Home are bangers.

A whole album of The Smiths is a lot. Absolutely on par with The Queen is Dead - fewer hits but an overall more cohesive album. Meat is Murder is a strange song - I've been a vegetarian for over 20 years, and yet I found the song daft and somehow made me think more about the animal flesh as food than as the horror that it actually is.

Epic and From Out of Nowhere are pretty good. A good mix of songs and styles, but won't revisit.

Superb album. Really well-crafted, with a consistent sound and themes throughout but each song generally has a moment or two of magic. I can't say I enjoy all the songs on the album; I don't care for "Dum Dum Diddle" or "That's Me", but the rest are pretty solid bangers. "My Love, My Life' is one of my favourite songs. I don't really understand how you can give this album a low score, other than if you are a bit mad in the brains and trying to conform to being cool.

Really good fun, definitely sounds revolutionary. I agree wholeheartedly that the back falls off the album towards the end though. Classy riffs in quite a few tracks. Go Cry On Someone Else's Shoulder was brilliant.

I was a bit disappointed with this - I'm a big fan of Heligoland, it was one of my study-in-the-library albums. None of the songs on this first release caught my attention at all, sadly. Unfinished Sympathy is decent.

Very decent album - along with The National, Smashing Pumpkins have been revealed to me by this list. It isn't as adventurous or soaring as Melon Collie, however. I would argue that most of the second half of the album, Soma onwards, is very dull. My favourite track is Disarm. 3 stars. Next!

Plus one bad boy bonus. All things considered, I find portions of the album to be rather exceptional. Excellent production, super bouncy, loads of treble, and so on. I really enjoy the drums. The dynamism of the best tracks does, however, make the lesser tracks on the boring side (Human Nature, The Lady in my Life, Baby Be Mine). Deliberating over my favourite songs, I can't pick between the absolute stomping middle of Thriller, Beat It, and Billie Jean. The impact of these songs in particular influenced the genre no end. One could go on about his personal life, and let it affect your perception of this album, but taken as a piece of music, I find it grand. I think, even with the bad boy bonus, 4 is a very fair score.

I'm afraid I didn't really "get" it. It was a bit of a difficult listen. His voice is grating. Love the jazzy live vibe, but can't fully get behind his singing, and the lyrics are mostly daft. I know that he is a decent artist - I really like Way Down in the Hole from another album, but I struggled here. I don't know what to think. Hated the intros. Love the painting Nighthawks by Edward Hopper. Saw it in Chicago in 2017, and it lived up to my expectations. +1 art bonus.

More jazzy world music, from Brazil. Does contain the best (for me) version of The Girl from Ipanema. I've had world music overload, there's a little too much on the list for my tastes.

I really, really like this album. I have no idea why or how I got into it, all I remember is that I've been a fan of it for at least 10 years. I've bought it on CD on two separate occasions, and it currently sits in my car. Expansive and yet introverted and intricate. Lovely range of melodies to the whole thing, but a coherence to it all. I'm thrilled that a lot of it is in a minor key, so when this changes, the "joyful songs" are that bit more joyful. I can recognise a lot of religious elements too, which maybe adds more grounding to the music, which can admittedly leap into a bit too ethereal at times. My favourite songs are: John Wayne Gacy Jr. -- possibly the sweetest, saddest song written about a serial killer. The true highlight of the album. Casimir Pulaski Day -- I like the banjo. The song changes throughout but sort of doesn't. Concerning the UFO sighting near Highland, Illiniois -- An epic introduction to the album. The Seer's Tower -- Dismal and dingy, how I like most of my music. They Are Night Zombies! ... -- A bit daft but original and memorable. The Tallest Man, the Broadest Shoulders ... -- Soaring orchestral nonsense. I have listened to his other stuff and, whilst good, doesn't captivate me the way that this does. I also didn't realise that he played the majority of the instruments on the album. Good stuff. "I see the fire, I see the end". Just some nice writing.

Very pleasant to have on in the background but I can't say I'd seek Nas out.

Monkeys is great, the rest I was less enamoured with. Not bad, just a little bit generic. A very, very lucky 3.

The creative force can't quite sustain itself. At times bombastic, frightening, amusing, and bizarre, and frequently within the same song. The album is far too long though, and would have been a fantastic recipient of some pretty sharp editing. Still, I greatly enjoyed the general sound and will listen to more of their stuff.

Sort of generic and sort of different. Wouldn't listen again, but glad I did. Autumn's Child was my favourite track, and I rather enjoyed some of the instrumental tracks at the end.

Rock-by-numbers. Not really interesting, didn't find anything novel or exciting.

It is decent - but with film soundtracks the music is there to fit the film, not necessarily to fit the album, the artist, or the overall vibe. I think some of the album could have been trimmed. I recognised Superfly. Didn't do anything for me I'm afraid.

Another fantastic album. I saw Don around 2019, and he was excellent. He played about a 15-minute version of the title track, which was a good old singalong. The album is so much more than one song though. Vincent is such a beautiful song. Interestingly not very well-known here in the Netherlands. Evokes powerful imagery, captures the sadness of Vincent's life. One of Tupac's favourite songs apparently. Crossroads, Empty Chairs, Babylon, and The Grave are also favourites, all quite depressing and thoughtful. He has a lovely voice, sweet and mellifluous, lovely guitar playing, and simple melodies.

I don't think I'll ever be the biggest Bowie fan, but this was rather good. Love is Lost, and The Stars (Are Out Tonight) are great. How Does the Grass Grow? stands out for me in particular, the intro seemingly sets up a different song before Bowie comes crashing in. A little on the long side, but very good.

On the dreary and monotonous side. He does have a decent enough voice though. I prefer Freedom! '90 to Freedom, but only marginally, and only the radio edit. I think Wham! are better, but still not quite my thing. Think Ridgeley's influence helped knock the self-indulgent nonsense on the head.

Bit surprised the Geordies aren't more positive about Newcastle's famous son. Not a bad album overall - starts weak (I didn't enjoy Synchronicity I or Walking in your Footsteps). Mother is bizarre but alright, Every Breath You Take is an over-played classic, and Murder By Numbers was most enjoyable. Sting and the Police are incredibly prolific, and am generally a fan of numerous songs (the more miserable ones) so am looking forward to more.

My Sweet Lord is, of course, superb. The rest of the album is decently solid, If Not For You stood out but the rest were pretty alright. A heavily-weighted 5 stars for My Sweet Lord, 3 and a bit for the rest of the album.

Felt weirdly religious. Not a massive fan of the woman's vocals, the man's were more to my taste and I enjoyed his songs more. Springtime Promises was solid.

Nice to have something a bit different. I enjoyed One Two Cha Cha Cha for the novelty factor, and Romantic Theme (Shalimar) is lovely, but I've heard much more dynamic and atmospheric Bollywood music - for example Malhari, from Bajirao Mastani.

Very good album. Definitely prefer this nostalgic Americana to some of the rubbish he produced later on. Great songwriting and earnestly sung. Am hesitating between a 4 and a 5, but I think I'll go high to inflate the rating a bit. Best songs include Just The Way You Are, Vienna, Scenes From An Italian Restaurant, and She's Always A Woman. Got to appreciate the man's craft.

Quite a while since the last Kinks album - this one is my favourite of the three so far. Village Green, and Picture Book were good, and the album was wonderfully bizarre and cohesive. I do normally enjoy a concept album, no exception here.

I didn't know Janis Joplin was in a band before being a solo artist. I really enjoyed this - some songs went on a bit, but there's a great run of I Need a Man to Love, Summertime, and Piece of my Heart which is electric. Opened my eyes a bit to her and her music. Also I love the crunchy sound of the guitar on Ball and Chain.

Have to agree with the group - starts off well, but by the end the wheels fall off. Might be better on repeat listenings - I think this is one of those albums that you might grow to love. Nash was always the best of the key trio anyway.

I didn't enjoy the other EBTG album on the list, and I enjoyed this one less. Not for me, such wailing, pointless singing.

Grew on me, listened to it twice. New Gods was the standout. Cohesive and yet not really. Punk-adjacent.

Very jazzy, very samba. I didn't realise quite how influential Brazilian music is - other than the titles, The Girl from Ipanema and One Note Samba are (for me) Sinatra hits, however both had their origins in South America. This album was punchy and lively. Unlike the other Getz album, it is less background, laid-back jazz at a hotel: more like foreground jazz at a relaxed café.

A bit of a jazz overload - I didn't mind this to an extent. I like Thelonious, by Thelonious Monk, pretty iconic, but nothing stood out. Jazz can put me on edge, the lack of structure can be jarring.

I've avoided PJ Harvey for a long time, I think I must have been particularly bitter about her Mercury Prize win in 2011. Saying that, this is really good - clever lyrics, aggressive and clean guitar. Victory was my favourite off the album, but I also enjoyed Joe. Finally, Spotify recommended some excellent songs when this album ended, including a couple from Hole. An all-in-all good experience. Will not be avoiding more of her stuff.

Sorry lads. I have a lot of time for folk music, however this is almost entirely without merit.

Not for me at all this. Can appreciate that it is well-made, but too many bells and whistles and daft noises.

More mellow again than Led Zeppelin III.

Good album this. Varied, coherent, highlights throughout. There's No Home For You Here, Seven Nation Army, and It's True That We Love One Another stood out.

Talking Heads 77 was better - I'm disappointed by this, seems directionless. Like the genre, just don't think this album in particular is anything special - positive sound, very forgettable.

Parts IV and II were the best. Pleasant enough to have on in the background.

Quite enjoyed this - still very fresh-sounding despite being nearly 20 years old. Like the repeated themes throughout. Will happily listen again.

Wouldn't call myself an Arcade Fire fan - as I've not listened to their music before. The Suburbs seems kind of pointless. I liked Wasted Hours, but having read the other reviews, I just don't get this album. I thought they were a bit more rockier than this sentimental, simplistic, laconic nonsense. Also, far too long.

Maybe not as good as Paranoid, but still pretty excellent. Eclectic and rather buoyant and bombastic. NIB likely my favourite song but I was thoroughly enthused about the final two tracks.

Really rather enjoyed that. I didn't realise he is an indie singer-songwriter, thought it would be shouty stuff. Some lovely introspective, sparse lyrics accompanied by intricate, almost plodding melodies. I enjoy the switch-ups too, few different time signatures and instrumentations help keep it interesting. Once Around the Block, and Stone on the Water, were my favourite songs. My criticism is that it is a bit long.

Dreadful

Thoroughly enjoyed this - really refreshing. Would argue you can hear Steve Lillywhite's influence. Quite surprised I hadn't heard of them before. I added The Whole of the Law, Another Girl, Another Planet, The Beast, It's The Truth, No Peace for the Wicked, and Lovers Today to my rotation. Quite a nice combo between New Wave, and a bit of Punk.

Far, far too indulgent. Some of this is alright, would have given it a 2, but come on guys, stop jamming and produce something succinct and meaningful. Harsh, but think of this as a lesson.

I didn't realise it was an album of covers. Saying that, I generally enjoy the spin he puts on the tracks, and they are played sublimely. A Change is Gonna Come, Wonderful World, and Rock Me Baby were the most enjoyable. -1 for not being original.

Thought the first half of the album was absolutely banging - Lust for Life and The Passenger of course, but Some Weird Sin and Tonight were great. I think it falls apart a bit from just over half way though, ends up being a bit grating. The influence of Bowie is somewhat evident but Iggy certainly carved his own path.

Still surprised they aren't a screamo band, still prefer the tracks with the male vocalist, still not a fan.

Super psychedelic. Some of the tracks are extremely bland, some pretty special (Season of the Witch, Sunshine Superman, and Legend of a Girl Child Linda). Seemingly off his face when recording. Am verering towards a 3.5, but will round up as it was on the whole refreshing.

I had tickets to see them on tour last year, but I had to sell them. Not sure I would have enjoyed it anyway, he sings like a dickhead now. I don't really like Still Take You Home, but the rest of the album consists of 4/5 star songs. Stunning when it came out, holds up well.

Too funky for me, couldn't handle it.

Inoffensively bland. I can't give it a 1 as I would have it on in the background, but this is nothing special whatsoever.

I didn't mind it at all. Beautiful was pretty good. The album suffers from a bit of a lack of identity, lots of decent songs but I'd struggle to pick up on a specific sound. Nice songwriting though.

I think there have been a few too many rotten Country albums on this list. This one is better than the average - good walking rhythms, but thematically standard. Life In Prison was decent.

Bit strong this Jeff. Grace and Hallelujah were good, but he doesn't half over-emote. I think the album would have benefited as a piece of art from him calming right down. Still, pretty decent if only sporadically.

That was utterly cracking. I think 5 stars alone for Simple Man and Free Bird, but so many other good songs - Tuesday's Gone was probably my favourite of the rest. Essentially my kind of music. Soaring.

I quite enjoyed this. Ballad of Mott the Hoople, and I Wish I Was Your Mother, stood out the most. Not a fan of banging in the live track at the end, but think this is just the expanded edition. Wouldn't really say Glam Rock, more Traditional Rock but can hear the Bowie influences. A very solid 3.5.

A very odd album. I was pleasantly surprised; like a music critic said, the album artwork gives the wrong impression entirely. Calistan and Freedom Rock were great, Fiddle Riddle utterly rotten, and the rest pretty enjoyable. Quite like the sound, is relatively consistent between the Pixies which I also enjoyed. Nice one Frank.

My patience with this has gone entirely.

I didn't really enjoy this. Felt dated and overly long despite being a short album.

The tracks hold up surprisingly well. A bit on the violent, women-hating side, but great flows and the beats are good. I knew the big hitters, but My Fault and As The World Turns were my under-the-radar favourites. The skits are terrible though, and add nothing.

Goodness me this is silly and juvenile. Overall, just a bit too much. 1.4 stars. Wouldn't listen to anything else by them.

Alive and Jeremy were great. But I can't add anything more than what the other reviews say. 3.5, as the second half of the album is less bombastic and I got a little bored.

I can see what he was going for, but it wore my patience out. Probably goes a bit over my head. I can't 100% make up my mind about it - on a different day I think I'd enjoy it, but it was a bit of a struggle. I didn't mind Alifib. Also - the tracks need to be shorter.

Really surprised by this - I can tolerate Daft Punk, and so roughly new what to expect. Valentine, Phantom Pt. II, Dance, and Genesis were my favourites. Sort of felt amped up but also chilled out afterwards. I didn't actually realise that so much of this album is used on soundtracks - felt sort of nostalgic and exciting. Almost no tracks outstayed their welcome either - and one or two ended too soon for me, which is rare. I'm struggling to think of a reason not to give a 5, so 5 it is.

There's a lot to like about this album - I think I probably prefer it to their studio albums. It sounds raw but polished at the same time, I have no idea how they managed to capture the sound that they do. Honest writing helps, nothing is overwrought. Great stuff. Don't think I can give it a 5, but it is a very, very well-regarded 4.

Not for me this, generally agree that the better tracks contain the rapping, which is generally of good value.

Dreadful. In Da Club does have a decent rhythm and I remember it being exceptionally popular. A poor, violent album.

Thrilling - I have a lot of time for this music, and I knew a couple already. Seen plenty an Argentine Tango on Strictly to some of these tunes. Gotan = Tango.

Great voice, lots of atmosphere, but not something I'd return to.