Aug 28 2025
Romance
Fontaines D.C.
I enjoyed this. It was fun and original. Not particularly thrilled by any of it, but it was fresh. Good stuff. 4/5
4
Aug 29 2025
Bon Iver
Bon Iver
This is good, but not as urgent as his debut album. I'm not sure what the story is behind him releasing a second album, but it seems like it was sorta just to release another album. I don't necessarily see a problem with that, except that it shows in the finished project. I suppose, though, only when compared to his first album do I notice any detracting qualities. Everything else makes for a great album. It is just a tad more boring, though, and Bon doesn't have a voice that is all too exciting to begin with. I did enjoy it, however. Lovely to listen to this morning on my drive to work. 4/5
4
Aug 30 2025
Images and Words
Dream Theater
Sounds like what I imagine Tool sounds like mixed with hair metal. An interesting combo that I don’t think I’m into. They seem a little late to the game. Instrumentation shouldn’t be stealing the show. Lyrics are fine, but the way this guy sings them makes me tune out. Also, there are five songs on here that are over seven minutes long. Fuck that shit. They didn’t need to be that long. It’s a fine album, but not for me. 3/5
3
Aug 31 2025
In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
Neutral Milk Hotel
This be the fuckin ‘go to’ album for folks who want to sound real damn cool when asked about what kind of music they like. I really like this album, I do enjoy it, but it ain’t the best thing music ever shat out. I mostly struggle with the lack of a central theme. The songwriting is consistent throughout and even the lyrics have the same endearingly nonsensical tone the whole way through, but I can’t really tell what’s driving this record. The mix of common and strange instruments is done beautifully. Vocals stand out as unique, though not annoying, at least, not after listening once through. Very good stuff. 4/5
4
Sep 01 2025
The Beautiful Letdown
Switchfoot
I come downstairs into the guest bedroom to make the bed. It’s a nice day and the windows are open. I’ve listened to the first song on this album already and paused halfway through the second. As I enter I say to my phone “Hey Siri, play” and that’s when I hear a noise outside the window. It’s my neighbor, Frank (or is it Fred?). He thinks I was saying something to him. I immediately flop on the bed, hopefully out of sight. I think I’m all clear, but that’s when I remember my previous instruction to Siri. She obeys my request and resumes playing “This Is Your Life”. Full blast, as that was where I had left the volume. Surely Fred heard the song start before I hastily grabbed up my phone to stop it from going further. I realized Frenk probably thinks that I’ve paused it because I’m embarrassed to be heard listening, so I resume playing but at a volume low enough where I don’t think Frad could discern what it is. I slip onto the floor into something akin to the fetal position and listen to the next two songs on the ground before I get up (during “Dare You to Move” ironically). Fredank is gone, along with my dignity. I make the bed. I listen to the rest of the album. What is a switchfoot, anyways? 3/5
3
Sep 02 2025
Fashion Nugget
CAKE
I believe, and always have, that Cake is one of those artists that stand apart from others with a sound that is impossible to imitate. This (arguably) being their best album, I don’t mind the inclusion. They’re good in small doses. This is the first time I’ve listened to one of their albums start to finish. The non-hits are so much more interesting than I would have thought. Of course they are. Why wouldn’t they be interesting. The horns are used masterfully. Just a downright delightful album. 4/5
4
Sep 03 2025
Last Splash
The Breeders
I enjoyed this album. Great riffs, punching drums, iconic vocals. The lyrics are memorable. Melodies are original. Not the most range, but a good bit. Very nice. 4/5
4
Sep 04 2025
Silent Alarm
Bloc Party
I’ve listened to this before and remember liking it so much I wanted to listen again someday. Here I am now, this is a good inclusion. Instrumentation is great, especially the guitar melodies and the production on the drums. Vocals are where this project is held back the most. They aren’t bad, but they sound like every other brit in an indie band at the time. If the album were any longer, his singing would have started to get on my nerves. As a whole, it was very enjoyable. 4/5
4
Sep 05 2025
Super Ape
The Upsetters
There are some albums that are great because of how innovating they are. They're experimental and change the direction of the genre. That's nice, but then there's another type of album that exists so comfortably inside the genre that it's just a delight to listen to. Like, "Yeah, this is some fuckin reggae right here". It is. It is some fuckin reggae. It isn't changing the world, but it's a solid album. Strong foundation. They knew what they were doing and weren't trying to do anything more than have fun. I respect that. 4/5
4
Sep 06 2025
The Impossible Kid
Aesop Rock
To whoever picked this album, I respect the choice, but ‘None Shall Pass’ is a better album. I remember listening to Aesop the first time. Immediately shot to my top ten hip hop artists. I enjoy the production and beats. The lyrics can be are refined, almost to a fault and the flow is alright, but paired with the monotonous tone of his voice, becomes dull. Otherwise, I love his work. Great stuff, Kirby. 4/5
4
Sep 07 2025
Gotcha! Gotcha! Gotcha!
Gotcha!
For the user entries, I try to be more understanding of the choices. These albums, as opposed to the regular list, have been selected by users who have completed the list, that is to say, people who really enjoy music. So, these albums have an extra layer of meaning to me, as they are some of the favorites of some people. Therefore, I want to respect the opinions and choices and style that fellow listeners have. That being said, this album is a firm. 1/5
1
Sep 08 2025
Sunbather
Deafheaven
I listened to their latest album earlier this year. Got a lot of great reviews. I heard it, I understood the importance, I got why people enjoyed it, but I did not like it. I feel the same for this album of theirs. Once again, I respect the whole of it, but it just isn’t my thing. I wish I could enjoy this. Glad that so many do. 4/5
4
Sep 09 2025
A Black Mile To The Surface
Manchester Orchestra
I’ll admit that it was a little difficult for me to stay invested or the whole album. Each song was good, but the lack of range got to me. I enjoyed it, though. Good lyrics, singing, production, instrumentation. Nice pick. 4/5
4
Sep 10 2025
The Lion's Roar
First Aid Kit
Didn’t make the biggest impact on me, but I enjoyed listening. I especially enjoy “Emmylou”. Just a fun and carefree album. A joy to listen to. 4/5
4
Sep 11 2025
Thank Christ for the Bomb
The Groundhogs
Sounded a little messy. I’m not sure if the intention was for something a little dirty, but the mixing on the opening track made it so difficult to understand the vocals. I remember there being long solos that were pretty cool, the lyrics were thoughtful, and the instrumentation slaps. The vocals aren’t the most unique out there, but they do the job. Production and mixing is mainly where my critiques lie. That and the whole album feels a little stale. Otherwise, enjoyed it very much. 3/5
3
Sep 12 2025
I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One
Yo La Tengo
Production is very nice, but whoever mixed this made the instrumentation, which is very good, way too loud so it drowns out the vocals. Lyrics are great when they can be heard and understood. The overall vibes are strong, but the nitty gritty is rough. ¿Comprende? 4/5
4
Sep 13 2025
From The Lions Mouth
The Sound
I thought it was alright, not my cup of tea. I was enjoying that last song, but then it had a hidden track. Can't do that. Can't do it. 3/5
3
Sep 14 2025
Things We Lost In The Fire
Low
This was nice. Felt like they were doing their own thing. I enjoyed the melodies, though it seemed the best ones faded with the second half of the album. I’ll enjoy re listening. 4/5
4
Sep 15 2025
St. Jude
Courteeners
Well this was interesting. A couple of thoughts right off the bat; sounded a lot like Arctic Monkeys and came out two years after they started, a lot of hatred towards young women, and the final song is a banger. The whole album is actually kind of bangin. Great melodies and instrumentation throughout. Production was good. Vocals were eerily similar to that of Alex Turners, but not necessarily derivative. The writing and song structure could lead to the derivative comments, though. The discontent with the girls in these songs is odd. It isn’t played for laughs, so we’re supposed to seriously accept that all of the women in this country are floozies. There isn’t a bit of self awareness until the final song when the singer admits that he’s not open for a lasting relationship, which makes it the best track on the record. Otherwise, very enjoyable, just don’t read into the lyrics too deep. 3/5
3
Sep 16 2025
Currents
Tame Impala
He's improved from the previous album, which was an improvement from his debut. The production is both better and more experimental. His vocals sound less like John Lennon. I'm not sure that I like it better than 'Lonerism', but it's a damn close race. He has still yet to effectively establish range on this record. Not quite the idea that if you've heard one, you've heard them all, but more that it becomes predictable. A delight start to finish. Well done, there Kev! 4/5
4
Sep 17 2025
Fear Inoculum
TOOL
Obnoxiously long and pretentiously self indulgent. Disturbed wants to be Tool, yet fails and creates mediocre music (at best) and still manages to entertain more than this. I don’t mean to go so hard, but I don’t like Maynard. 2/5
2
Sep 18 2025
Speak & Spell
Depeche Mode
I really enjoyed the second song and the second to last, but Depeche Mode was never my scene. This album doesn’t bother me as much as Violator, but it won’t be going in my library (except for those two aforementioned songs). Good album, though. Well done. 3/5
3
Sep 19 2025
Is Ellipsis
Psyche Origami
Honestly very middle of the road. Nothing was bad, nothing was great. It was all, mostly, good. Flow, samples, lyrics, production. Nothing to really write home about. A little dated by 2003 standards and the skits were a bit much, but otherwise, just a solid album. 3/5
3
Sep 20 2025
Brand New Eyes
Paramore
This album has one of my favorite songs, a number of other bops, and the rest are still good at their worst. Hayley’s iconic vocals paired with the boys’ quick drum fills and snappy guitar riffs are always a fun time. Possibly their best record. I always enjoy listening. 4/5
4
Sep 21 2025
All Hail West Texas
The Mountain Goats
I enjoyed the shitty production. It fit perfect. I’m not calling the album shitty, I really enjoyed it. Wasn’t as much range as I was hoping for, but the lyrics, songwriting, and the overall energy were great. Top stuff. 4/5
4
Sep 22 2025
Polygondwanaland
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
This album fucks! Production is immaculate. These guys don’t sound like anyone else and it’s always very refreshing. If anything, they sound too much like themselves, which I would say is their biggest crutch. Their success in sounding different from any other band leads them to relax into their own sound and not risk evolving. That’s not entirely true for every album, but the three albums of theirs I’ve listened to all sounded fairly similar. All very enjoyable, but they certainly have a formula. I like the formula, though. 4/5
4
Sep 23 2025
WORRY
Jeff Rosenstock
I really wish that he explored some of these songs further. 17 songs over 34 minutes averages to two minutes a song. I believe Jeff can provide us with some more thoughtful songwriting if he held himself down and made an epic. Seven minute long Jeff Rosenstock song would slap so fucking hard. Anyway, that’s my only complaint. I otherwise, really really like this album. Great energy, lyrics, production, etc. Solid time. 4/5
4
Sep 24 2025
Pulse
Pink Floyd
While my instant reaction to live albums puts me in a state of fight or flight, I will say that this is one of the better ones. Pink Floyd has always been one of the better bands to see live. My main complaint with live albums, specifically for this list, is that it feels like cheating. The artist gets to choose their very best songs to include on the album. That can lead to the album feeling a tad disorganized, as it has tracks from multiple albums and, presumably, different eras of the artists life. This album just goes balls to the fucking wall with that idea and says, “Yeah, we’ll just put it all in”. The ENTIRETY of Dark Side? Sure, why not? So my main concern with live albums is put to rest on this occasion, however there is always the downside that the sound quality isn’t as good as the studio recording, but I’ll say this is certainly one of the better audio performances in terms of live outings. Not perfect, the crowd is a bit too prevalent. The instrumentation is great. The vocals are not as good as the original recording. Sorry, they just ain’t. Otherwise, all very nice. It’s a live album so I don’t mind the two and a half hour long runtime. Wish Roger were here. 3/5
3
Sep 25 2025
Alive 2007
Daft Punk
How do you make a live album sound this good? Some producers from the original list need to know. Maybe it's just that electronica is the best genre to play live. I don’t know. This was just about as good as a live album can get. Goodie. 4/5
4
Sep 26 2025
Quadrophenia
The Who
This is one of my favorite albums of all time. Fantastic inclusion. Better than any Who album on the original list because it’s their most fully realized project. I would say that it's only real competition is Tommy, but I prefer this. Production is incredible. I'm listening to it on vinyl (how pretentious!) and the John Entwistle's bass is coming through clear as day. Thank goodness too, because he's going off on this one. Keith Moon is perfection as always. Crazy lad. Pete’s writing is at it’s peak. Story is not the craziest, it’s fairly simple, but it presents a universal feeling about the struggle of belonging and what to believe in that everyone can relate to. Roger Daltrey’s vocals are cutting, precise, emotional, aggressive at some points, and soft when they need to be. I love this album a lot. So much range. Every song is a treasure. Fantastic. 5/5
5
Sep 27 2025
Control
Pedro The Lion
A beautifully cynical look at American life or just the world in general. I like the lyrics, instrumentation, production, and songwriting. I wish there was more range, though the album never became dull. If you can really listen in on what they’re saying, it makes the album a lot more enjoyable. 4/5
4
Sep 28 2025
The Hazards of Love
The Decemberists
This album is so cool. Absolutely banger. Really listen to the lyrics so you don’t miss out on the sick plot that happens, or read a summary as you listen. Just make sure you know what’s going on because it’s bonkers start to finish and I love it all. I love the writing, lyrics, production, instrumentation, energy, range, and all the choices that went into making this. I love the ghostly “oohs” on both versions of “The Wanting Comes In Waves”. I wish this was more well known and could be adapted for theater or something of the like. I look forward to listening again. I hesitate to give this a five only because it’s my first time hearing any of these songs, let alone the album as a whole, but maybe one day I’ll feel comfortable giving it a five out of five. For now, I will just enjoy it immensely. 4/5
4
Sep 29 2025
"Awaken, My Love!"
Childish Gambino
Funky shit, Donny! Mr. Gambino has submitted this project after two previous rap albums. While this is a shitty hip-hop album, it’s actually very enjoyable if you think of it like a George Clinton type record. Childish has a number of hits, and some otherwise very supportive deep tracks. I’m not a phan of three songs. “Riot” ends too quick. “California” sucks and should have been omitted entirely. Like, seriously? We needed another song about that state. Also, shout out my boi D.C. Young Fly. “The Night Me and Your Mama Met” is an instrumental that didn’t feel completely out of place, but certainly could have used something more. Everything else was stellar. 4/5
4
Sep 30 2025
Being Funny In A Foreign Language
The 1975
The is album was neither funny, nor in a foreign language. I do wish it was a little more interesting. It drifts into the background really well. The lyrics were interesting in both good and bad ways. Instrumentation was there. Not great, not terrible. Vocals weren’t unique or notable, but fine. Songwriting was uninspiring, yet inoffensive. This is an album and that is a fact. I wonder if AI could churn out something this forgettable. 3/5
3
Oct 01 2025
Quebec
Ween
Range certainly wasn’t an issue with this one. At least, lack of range wasn’t. There may be too much going on here to be a cohesive album. What does Lemmy Kilmister style vocals have to do with sweet soft ballads? Perhaps I need to listen again to get it. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed the album. All the songs were great. “Fucked Jam” is a masterpiece. Best song ever written. I think the second half is better. Just my own personal opinion. Love it. 4/5
4
Oct 02 2025
McDonald and Giles
Ian McDonald
I loved the drums and the songwriting was epic, but there was little else to keep me engaged. Vocals, production, and lyrics weren't bad, but they certainly weren't very exciting. It's an interesting album and I liked all the songs, there was just something missing. 3/5
3
Oct 03 2025
Nail
Scraping Foetus off the Wheel
Oh what a lovely album. I’m thinking of playing this at my wedding someday, as long as my wife to be approves, but, with beauty like this, who could say no. The vocals are angelic, so soulful. The songwriting is next to none. “Eatin' up the wallpaper, crawlin' the walls
Sick on the ceiling, dead in the head”. Such poetry. I fear man may never create anything this good ever again. What a blessing to live in a world where Scraping Foetus of the Wall has created ‘Nail’! An instant classic!!! I didn’t fuckin enjoy it. 2/5
2
Oct 04 2025
Neon Golden
The Notwist
I found this to be a very pleasant listen. The production was excellent. I felt that the focus was a bit too much on making the production sound really cool and, because of that, the production did not end up mixing well with their overall style. Just my own opinion, it may work for some other people. I really did enjoy it and look forward to listening again. 3/5
3
Oct 05 2025
You & I
Rita Ora
I’ve always wanted to listen to a Rita Ora album. It was a wonderful way to start off my Saturday morning. Great vocals, songwriting, lyrics, production, etc. It was all very good. I’m surprised she isn’t talked about more. Good stuff! 4/5
4
Oct 06 2025
Hammersmith Odeon, London '75
Bruce Springsteen
Honestly not thrilled by this live performance. Was putting me to sleep. The instrumentation and vocals and production were just not there. Everybody was half there. Love Bruce and these songs, but this isn’t a great showing of them. Another example, to me, of live albums being poor. 2/5
2
Oct 07 2025
10 Days Out: Blues from the Backroads
Kenny Wayne Shepherd
This just felt a little strange to me. Going around and playing with blues legends is fine and all, but the main artist doesn’t really make an impression. It’s sort of just a compilation of blues musicians playing some of their best songs live. I enjoyed it. I think it’s an odd pick. 3/5
3
Oct 08 2025
Squeezing Out Sparks
Graham Parker
Holy shit, those Elvis comparisons were not exaggerated. If someone told me this was his alter ego with even a semi-convincing argument, I’d have no trouble believing them. The album is fine, but it doesn’t “transcend the genre” as Graham is quoted as saying. He would have needed to release the album a good number of years prior to do that. Instrumentation is fine. Production is sloppy. I didn’t not enjoy it, I just don’t think it’s technically great. I enjoyed the songs, they were fun, however, this is not a masterpiece or anything of that nature. 3/5
3
Oct 09 2025
Blink-182
blink-182
This may be one of the most experimental pop-punk bands to ever exist. It’s hard for albums in that genre to try something different while staying pop-punk instead of becoming a different genre altogether. Blink-182 is a very talented group of blokes who knew how to write an album. Numerous hits and mostly bops. This is their best album and I’m glad that it was added to the list. “Don’t waste your time on me / You’re already the voice inside my yed!” 4/5
4
Oct 10 2025
Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum
Tally Hall
This is all over the place in the best way possible. You never know what the fuck is coming next. Ranging from genre to genre to genre so effortlessly. I know a guy who swears that Tally Hall is the best band to ever exist. I don’t doubt for a second that he believes that with his whole heart. They’re certainly very unique. The songwriting is great, if a little scattered, but the production, instrumentation, and lyrics are all fairly solid. I enjoy them. 4/5
4
Oct 11 2025
Homogenic
Björk
Björk is so talented!!!!! 2/5
2
Oct 12 2025
Deep Down Happy
Sports Team
These guys are phun. A little late to the game, though. This sounds like it was made in the early 2000s. No shade or nothing, at least, not too much. I enjoyed it, but there isn’t quite enough to have it feel original or unique. 3/5
3
Oct 13 2025
Argus
Wishbone Ash
This album is so much more influential than I would think, being that I’ve never even heard of them. Affecting decisions about Led Zeppelin and Darth Vader. Crazy. I love the instrumentation. Spot on perfection without getting too tight. Vocals weren’t anything special, but they got the job done. Maybe I just have a soft spot for this type of rock, but I really enjoyed it. 4/5
4
Oct 14 2025
Look Sharp!
Joe Jackson
I’d have given this a perfect score if the singer sounded a bit less like Elvis Costello. The songwriting was fantastic. Instrumentation and production were both spot on and worked effortlessly together. Lyrics were thoughtful. I really liked this. I’ll enjoy listening again. 4/5
4
Oct 15 2025
A Salty Dog
Procol Harum
This is pretty sweet. There are a couple tweaks I’d have suggested here and there, but ultimately a solid and very enjoyable album. The production isn’t the best. Maybe they’re going for a rougher quality, which can work very well, and indeed would have complemented their sound nicely on this album, but it ends up sounding a tad unfinished. A little muddled if I do say. While the songwriting is pretty unique and strong, there are a few parts where I wish some more thought had been given. Some songs stop short where it would be clearly beneficial to extend and some do the opposite. Those are my only tweaks and they’re fairly minor to my overall experience. The vocals are iconic, the instrumentation too. Lyrics are just de-lovely. Stellar album cover. Great stuff. 4/5
4
Oct 16 2025
The Mantle
Agalloch
Not my type, but I understand why people love it so much. Pretty good album all in all, if not a bit boring if I do say. Otherwise, lovely, but I doubt I’ll be listening again soon. 3/5
3
Oct 17 2025
Weighing Souls With Sand
The Angelic Process
Alrighty, this is definitely not my thing. I see the appeal, but it was just too long with “nothing” going on. Obviously there wasn’t actually nothing, but I couldn’t find anything to latch onto. Maybe that’s reflective of poor writing, or maybe I, as a listener, should have tried harder. Nevertheless (whatever that means), this album was consistent, had range, and I can’t complain too much besides its seemingly unearned length. 3/5
3
Oct 18 2025
Once
Nightwish
This is, I shit you not, the third mid 2000s experimental hard rock/metal album I’ve gotten in a row and it’s starting to get to me. So let’s do this again. While it isn’t my thing, I won’t hate on it, nor will I hate on people who enjoy it. It’s too long and not quite interesting enough for me. Please send another genre. 3/5
3
Oct 19 2025
A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships
The 1975
While the production was stellar, the songwriting was underwhelming, especially when combined with the vocals, and it led to a very boring album overall. Goodnight. 3/5
3
Oct 20 2025
Vedergällningen
Garmarna
Translation: “BUY FURNITURE BUY FURNITURE BUY FURNITURE!!!”. No thanks. Your ethereal subliminal marketing won’t work on me! The Poäng is pretty nice though. 3/5
3
Oct 21 2025
The Shape Of Jazz To Come
Ornette Coleman
One of the best jazz albums of all time. Unique and original quality from start to finish. I’ll never be smart enough to understand what’s going on here, but I can certainly enjoy it. Love it a lot. 5/5
5
Oct 22 2025
Transmissions
STARSET
This sounds too much like the soundtrack to a Michael Bay film. Nothing against soundtracks, but they’re created to complement the film. There’s no film here so those grand instrumental bits feel saccharine. The vocals are overly dramatic. Lyrics are cliche after cliche. Production is falteringly derivative. Instrumentation is solid, but ends up feeling off balance with nothing else to latch onto. 2/5
2
Oct 23 2025
Lemonade
Beyoncé
I thoroughly enjoyed this album. Easily her best. She’s never really had a reason to write like she did for this album. For that reason, every song slaps. I honestly couldn’t say which half is better. Obviously the vocals are stellar, it’s Beyoncé. The production is absolutely stellar, the features complement lovely, songwriting is perfect, plenty of range. Furthermore, this album is just downright important. Fuck it. 5/5
5
Oct 24 2025
Phantom Power
The Tragically Hip
This isn’t the most original album, but it gives off a warm cozy feeling. It’s very comfortable in what it’s doing and that comfort is infectious. You don’t always need to be doing Björk levels of experimentation. Sometimes what works - get this - works. 4/5
4
Oct 25 2025
Crystal Castles
Crystal Castles
I appreciate the inclusion on the list, but at no point did this album have enough going on to be able to keep me from tuning out. Neither, at any point, was this album offensive in any way. It was nice, just nice. 3/5
3
Oct 26 2025
Piledriver
Status Quo
They shouldn’t have ended with the shittiest Doors cover known to man. Seriously, they played that song fucking verbatim with no interesting changes whatsoever. The rest of the album had shitty production, uneventful instrumentation, lackluster lyrics, and vocals that would be pretty alright for a high school talent show. Call me a hater. Say I’m drinking the hatorade. I don’t care. I’m not the one who has to listen to this again. 2/5
2
Oct 27 2025
Zuckerzeit
Cluster
Absolutely stellar and fantastic production. Boring as shit. 2/5
2
Oct 28 2025
Come On Come On
Mary Chapin Carpenter
A lot of the instrumentation sounded like karaoke backing track but was solid in some other parts. Production wasn’t the greatest. Vocals were there, but didn’t particularly excite. Lyrics were good. Some songs on here were pretty fun. The whole thing was fine, maybe even nice. 3/5
3
Oct 29 2025
Gemstones
Adam Green
This is that guy at camp that says really edgy things in hopes of sounding cool, but it ends up making everyone cringe. The songwriting wasn't bad actually, but the lyrics tanked the whole thing. I think, maybe, he achieved what he was going for, so that's something at least, I guess. 3/5
3
Oct 30 2025
Tomorrow Belongs To Me
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
This is certainly more interesting than the other album by these guys that was on the main list. More experimental and, in my mind, pays off way more. Lyrics are a little strange, but not necessarily bad. Instrumentation, songwriting, and production are great. I wish there was more of a unified approach between the songs while still maintaining the range they’ve created. Just a tad all over the place. Just a bit. Otherwise, wonderful listen. 4/5
4
Oct 31 2025
Old No. 1
Guy Clark
I love this album. So heartfelt and genuine. Lyrics, production, instrumentation, and arrangement are all fantastic. I wish there was a tad more range on the front end, but ultimately it all works out. Great album. Thanks for the submission. 4/5
4
Nov 01 2025
Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?
of Montreal
They sound too much like Sparks later stuff. I don’t appreciate Sparks later stuff. I don’t disagree with anything going on with this album. To me, though, it doesn’t thrill, chill, or spill. It ain’t bad. It ain’t for me. Great production. 3/5
3
Nov 02 2025
Nightbirds
LaBelle
With Patti LaBelle and Allen Toussaint on this album, you can’t complain too much. I wish the songs had a little bit more of a tangible structure, something to hold onto rather than the flowy and effervescent style that occupies almost all of this project. Other than that pretentious note, I really enjoyed listening. Well done, folks. 4/5
4
Nov 03 2025
Hurry Up, We're Dreaming
M83
Ethereal as shit, bro. I can get down. Not even really mad at the length. Just not quite enough range for it. 4/5
4
Nov 04 2025
Harbor Lights
Bruce Hornsby
Given that Genesis had formed, released 14 out of their 15 albums, and had damn near disbanded by the time Bruce released his debut album, I feel secure in my claim that this project is derivative. While I understand that Phil makes several appearances on this record, it’s still no excuse for him to copy his own style and pass it off so blatantly as someone else’s. I knew that the was album was going to have that gimmicky production just by looking at the cover. This thing didn’t need to be this long and just drags. I will give it that the instrumentation is superb. 3/5
3
Nov 05 2025
10,000 gecs
100 gecs
The production is just wonderful. The songwriting is original and unique. There is a lot of range instrumentally, but not so much emotionally. It’s all
upbeat and rarely delves into anything slower. Otherwise, I had a real good time listening. 4/5
4
Nov 06 2025
The Lioness
Songs: Ohia
While I’m not of the opinion that every album needs a full orchestra to create intrigue, the production and instrumentation on this project are too sparse to inspire any excitement. There’s nothing wrong with it, just kind of boring. 3/5
3
Nov 07 2025
Latin Mass
Os Mundi
At first I thought this was the same band that did “A Minha Menina”, but that’s Os Mutantes not Os Mundi. Then I went through roughly half the album believing that this was another Brazilian band with a similar band and thought, “I usually like Brazilian experimental psychedelic rock, why is this falling so flat and coming out boring?”. This is when I realized that they were fucking Germans. Ugh! And they’re blatantly ripping off the flute stylings of Hermeto Pascoal. There was an interesting bit at the start of “Agnus Dei” in the first ten seconds that almost sounded Arcade Fire-ish, but then shifted to boring again for the rest of the song. I’m not impressed. I would not write home. I was fully in my seat and did not once even start to approach the edge of it. Sorry, kids. It was good instrumentation and solid production. I guess it just ain’t my thang. 3/5
3
Nov 08 2025
Englabörn
Jóhann Jóhannsson
Apple Music is trying to tell me this album came out in 2018 for some reason, which is ridiculous, this sounds like something 50 years older. Oh, it's only 15 years older, that's a shame. This was a fun listen for the first song, but quickly got boring. I get. I appreciate the contribution because it is certainly unlike anything I've ever heard and definitely unlike anything else on this list, but it just ain't that good in my opinion. Songs seem unrealized and unfinished. The instrumentation is mostly fine, but occasionally sloppy. Seems like the inspiration that had for making the album was really all they had going for them. 3/5
3
Nov 09 2025
Sunset Mission
Bohren & Der Club Of Gore
Listen to this while reading Dashiell Hammett’s “The Maltese Falcon”. Big mood shit. Big vibes. Not too much going on, but it also is a very rich album. I enjoyed a lot. 4/5
4
Nov 10 2025
Chocolate & Cheese
Ween
This is more of a collection of great songs rather than a great album. “Candi” is kind of a stinker, but the rest is very enjoyable. I just wish something that was a more cohesive. This is all over the place, which can be fun, but it doesn’t work for an album. At least, not this time. Love Ween, though. Loved the collection of songs. There’s so much range and they’re really good at songwriting in that way. It’s really very impressive. 4/5
4
Nov 11 2025
Penguin Eggs
Nic Jones
Yay! Love this. I want to interlock arms with a fair maiden and skip in opposite directions when I listen to this. Good production, instrumentation, vocals, songwriting, and lyrics. This isn’t going to shatter the world, but it is very fun. 4/5
4
Nov 12 2025
HELLYEAH
HELLYEAH
Instrumentation is solid, vocals are solid, production is solid, songwriting isn’t the most innovative, but it ain’t offensive, and the lyrics are alright too. I just can’t figure out why I have no desire to listen to it. I find the whole thing bemusing. I’d keep it on if I found it on the radio. If no one else was in the car, that is. I think this isn’t that bad, but I really don’t want to listen to it. The duality of man. 3/5
3
Nov 13 2025
Enema Of The State
blink-182
My age is 23. Nobody likes me. 4/5
4
Nov 14 2025
Fantasies
Metric
I liked this a lot. Made me think of something that would be in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Probably because they have a song in the movie. I wish they were more popular. They have a great energy and songwriting. The lyrics are solid, instrumentation matches, and the vocals are unique and recognizable. Not
much to note against them, except that there could have been more range. Very nice stuff. Appreciate the submission. 4/5
4
Nov 15 2025
The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking
Roger Waters
Pink Floyd chose to work on “The Wall” rather than this. I can’t say they were wrong. Without the rest of the group, this feels a little less urgent. No driving force to push the narrative. The thread is lost and all that’s left is a middle aged man screaming into the void. Now, I will say, that isn’t NOT what they were going for, but it feels more like a schizophrenic you’d walk by without stopping, whereas “The Wall” was a schizo you’d stop and intently listen to. Anyway, my uncle Kevin plays the sax on some of these tracks so he did great. Roger could have done better, but there was too much on his plate. He needed to delegate better. I enjoyed myself. 4/5
4
Nov 16 2025
To Be Kind
Swans
This is boring, sometimes annoying, and always too long. I listened to two hours of this nonsense and can’t recall a single bit. Just nonsensical screaming. The production and instrumentation were good. Vocals and lyrics did not stand out. Songwriting seemed experimental with no real purpose. I lost to much time to this one. 2/5
2
Nov 17 2025
No Balance Palace
Kashmir
Fitting for its time. I enjoyed the intro into the last song. That was the most exciting point on the album. The rest was nice and I enjoyed listening. Good songs, nothing incredible really, but very good stuff. 4/5
4
Nov 18 2025
Version 2.0
Garbage
This is a great album. Strong and unwavering style throughout. Length just isn’t justified. It’s close, though. One of these songs, not sure which one, could have been cut. Iconic vocals, great production, great instrumentation, original songwriting. Very nice, Garbage. 4/5
4
Nov 19 2025
Madvillainy
Madvillain
This is one of the best rappers of all time operating at his creative peak. Paired with a producer who is able to seamlessly enhance his iconic style, you get one of the best hip-hop albums of all time. Lyrics, production, flow, songwriting. All perfection. There ain't a damn thing wrong with this album. Fantastic shit start to finish. Love this. 5/5
5
Nov 20 2025
Up
Great Big Sea
I understand that this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this is exactly what I needed right now. An absolutely refreshing breath of fresh air. Not an incredibly original outing for the mid nineties, but it’s firmly comfortable in its genre and undeniably fun. Love it. 4/5
4
Nov 21 2025
Only God Was Above Us
Vampire Weekend
This was fun. Some good range. Not a bad listen at all. Not the most exciting album, but it’s very nice. Well done, lads. 4/5
4
Nov 22 2025
Geogaddi
Boards of Canada
If I hadn’t listened to that new Alex Warren album, this would have been the worst thing I’ve heard all week. Over an hour just waiting for something at all to happen. Alas, nothing came. Nothing, against Canada, though. 2/5
2
Nov 23 2025
Piano Bar
Charly García
This was interesting never heard such western sounding music in a language other than english. No clue what he was talking about, but the vibes were there. Nice addition. 4/5
4
Nov 24 2025
GUTS
Olivia Rodrigo
After the success of her first album, I thought there was no way she could top it, yet she released something even better. I was amazed when it came out. She is one of the best singer-songwriters of her age. There may be a bit too many ballads on here than necessary. Why not swap “making the bed” and “the grudge” with the bonus tracks like “obsessed” or “so american”? Would have made it feel a tad more urgent and memorable. Otherwise, I love every song on this. Great stuff and can’t wait for what she does next. 4/5
4
Nov 25 2025
Diamond Jubilee
Cindy Lee
Is this too long? Maybe. It doesn’t feel that way, though. I loved every minute of this and it was my first time listening. There’s a perfect blending of genres, and fantastic experimentation with both production and instrumentation. The vocals are angelic and both serve as another instrument while also providing the final bit of emotion required to get these songs to where Cindy wants them to be. I couldn’t find this on the usual go to apps for listening so I heard it from a guy on youtube that posted the whole album. I’m not sure if a lot of the songs are intentionally meant to end abruptly of if that’s a product of listening in the wrong place. Great album either way. Glad to have heard it. Great inclusion. 4/5
4