Mostly solid album. A few songs had an odd mix of instrumentation that I wasn't a huge fan of but the hits are hits and the songs I knew were still my favorite, which is almost all of them. 'The Beautiful Ones' and 'Darling Nikki' were the two that didn't do much for me, aside from that I really like this album.

Custard Pie - solid opening track. The Rover - not my favorite but not bad. I didn't recognize the title but definitely knew it as it continue to play. In My Time of Dying - love the long jam. Houses of the Holy - meant to be the title track of their last album, fun groove and a nice light feel after the longer previous song. Trampled Under Foot - not a big fan of the clavinet bluesy main groove. Kashmir - a classic. In the Light - cool trippy instrumentation half way through. Didn't know this one beforehand but like it. Bron-Yr-Aur - beautiful acoustic guitar instrumental. I'm guessing this was originally the end of the first LP. Down By the Seaside - haven't heard this one before. A nice laidback vibe but then about 2/3 through breaks into a different bluesier song, which I ended up liking. Then, goes back to the laidback verse. Ten Years Gone - I don't remember this one specifically but has that classic Zeppelin feel. I like it. Night Flight - I haven't heard this one before. Not bad but not amazing. The Wanton Song - I didn't recognize the name but a classic Zeppelin song. Boogie With Stu - Really fun song, sounds familiar but not sure if I knew it beforehand or not. I guess it's a cover of a Ritchie Valens song. Black Country Woman - Decent foot stomping acoustic bluesy song. Nice pick up on the drums about half way through. Not a big standout for them, sounds like an easy one for them to kick out. Sick Again - Weird lyric about 16 year old right off the bat which always takes me out of it, though it sounds like maybe he wasn't trying to glorify that based on an interview quote from Robert Plant. Very standard Zeppelin style song, cool heavy drums but pretty forgettable.

A quick 29-min, 12 song album. Mostly really good songs that are a great snapshot of early Elvis but I'll probably always find myself listening to greatest hits rather than coming back to this record as a whole. I can definitely see how this was important but there are just lots of covers and filler that's common for a first record that make it less essential for me personally. Blue Suede Shoes - a classic, still great. Best song on the album. I'm Counting on You - croony, paint by numbers country song. I Got a Woman - not as good as the original but fun cover. One-Sided Love Affair - fun, upbeat 1-4-5 song with interesting vocal affectations. I Love You Because - nice, slow, down tempo love song. Just Because - country skiffle song, pretty good but not a big standout. Tutti Frutti - not as good as the original but decent cover. Trying to Get to You - great vocal performance and cool lead guitar. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Cry (Over You) - good, simple 2 minute song that just sounds very standard early Elvis. I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin') - very down tempo love song. Not a standout. Picks up unexpectedly in the last 30 seconds. Blue Moon (Take 9/M) - best cover on the album. Really nice vocal performance. Longest track on the album at 2 min 44 sec. Money Honey - another great vocal performance. I really like the piano. Guitar is a bit surfy.

Standout tracks: Caught By the Fuzz, Alright, Time Definitely a solid mid-90s Brit power pop album. That being said, this isn't my favorite style of music, so I don't see myself coming back to it much aside from the standout tracks mentioned above. Fun album though.

Decent songwriting and musicianship for sure but not my taste at all. It just feels too coffee house contemporary, easy listening. I stuck with most of it but skipped around a little bit. My score is more reflective of how well it fits with what I like rather than the quality of the album. I don't think there's a song I'd come back to or add to a playlist ever.

Super solid album, very listenable. Not necessarily something that jumped out and hooked me but something I could put on and let play in the background easily without ever wanting to skip. 'Hero' and 'You Ain't the Problem' were standout tracks.

Pretty generic Britpop, not as good as early Oasis or as interesting as the Stone Roses or Primal Scream. Not bad either but just kind of forgettable. Not always a fan of the lyrical or vocal choices made. Didn't recognize any songs on the album. Standout tracks: One to Another, Area 51, How High

Really amazing industrial rock album. Feels like a complete piece of work that is meant to be listed to in full. Very heavy and negative, so not something I'm going to put on every day personally but a great album. Standout tracks: Mr. Self Destruct, Heresy, Closer, I Do Not Want This, The Downward Spiral, Hurt

Already knew I loved this album. 'Jump into the Fire' is just an all-time great song. Really great songwriting and fun songs. Standout tracks: Gotta Get Up, Without You, Coconut, Let the Good Times Roll, Jump into the Fire

I like the songs musically but the lyrics are almost comical how simple and uninspired they tend to be (this may be because this style has been parodied a lot since Kraftwerk pioneered it). I don't see myself coming back to this album. I know it was groundbreaking at the time for the genre but it just doesn't do much for me when we have so much better electronic music available. Standout Track: Neon Lights

Really great drums and bass. Not big on the interstitial dialogue tracks. I definitely understand they're positive and I'm not disagreeing with the sentiment, they just come across a little preachy and break from the music. Not a bad album, really good musicality, just not my favorite type of music, so I don't know that I would ever come back to it for additional listens. Standout Tracks: Stop Dem, Wildfires, Bow, Pray Up Stay Up

Really amazing beats and Biggie just has a great flow. Lyrical content is a bit heavy and super misogynistic. It's hard not to just appreciate this album for when it was created but I have to fold the content in with modern times and base my rating on all of it. Standout Tracks: Things Done Changed, Juicy, Big Poppa, Respect

Decent 90s alt-rock album, though nothing really grabbed me about the sound of this band. I think their songwriting is better on the more acoustic songs. When they go for more of the straightforward 90s rock it just sounds generic. Standout Tracks: It's a Shame About Ray, My Drug Buddy, Hannah & Gabi.

Aerosmith just doesn't do anything for me aside from a few hits, none of which are on this album. Nothing jumped out at me about this one, even the singles. Standout Tracks:

R.E.M. is just super listenable to me, even when the record feels light on hits. I liked this one, though felt like a lot of the non-standout tracks kind of just get lost in the background for me. Still a solid album. Standout Tracks: Try Not to Breathe, Everybody Hurts, Man on the Moon, Nightswimming

The VU are one of my favorites. This is an amazing debut album. I tend to prefer a lot of what they did once they were able to work on their own without Nico, though she has a great and unique voice that works really well with their sound. Standout Tracks: Sunday Morning, I'm Waiting for the Man, Venus In Furs, Run Run Run, All Tomorrow's Parties, Heroin, I'll Be Your Mirror, The Black Angel's Death Song, European Son

A cool psychedelic album that's a little aimless at times, which is probably intentional. Definitely a different Pink Floyd than what would come with Syd Barrett's departure. I tend to like a somewhat more focused psychedelia but this is a solid debut album and I like Barrett's songwriting. Standout Tracks: Lucifer Sam, Interstellar Overdrive, Bike

Really amazing album. I've never listened to this one in full and it was great music to have on while working. It flows from song to song really well and just has a great vibe. I could definitely continue to revisit this one. Standout Tracks: this is difficult because it flowed very naturally through the album, so I didn't always clock the specific songs. It's really nice as a whole piece.

Ugh, generic pop music from the start. I'm ok with pop music when it's unique but this does nothing for me and I can't fathom why it was included on this list. Lame, hacky synth work as well.

Great album, I've loved it since high school. Used to cover some of these songs in our HS band. There are some songs that feel a bit like filler but great overall. Standout Tracks: Bone Machine, Broken Face, Gigantic, Where Is My Mind?

Solid classic rock album. I really like the early Neil Young songs. I found myself listening to this one multiple times throughout the day. Standout Tracks: Mr. Soul, A Child's Claim to Fame, Expecting to Fly, Good Time Boy, Broken Arrow

Pretty good album. I'm not a huge Jane's Addiction fan aside from their hits but this wasn't unenjoyable, just not something I'd probably come back to as a full album. Some solid songs and an interesting second half. Standout Tracks: Stop, Been Caught Stealing, Three Days, Classic Girl

"Used to be a sweet boy And I'm not to blame But something went wrong Something went wrong And I know I can't be to blame" These lyrics pretty much sum up Morrissey's world view and who he is these days. A racist, insufferable asshole. I listened to this full album per the exercise and it's whatever, standard post-Smiths mostly forgettable Morrissey. The Smiths were amazing but he's a piece of shit and I can't be bothered with his solo work. No standout tracks.

I was excited about this one because I've been meaning to listen to the Cocteau Twins for a long time. I know a lot of friends who dig their music but for some reason just never took the time. I really like this album, very shoegaze and chill. At the same time, due to the relaxed vibes of their music not a lot stood out on first listen and it served more as good background music while working. I liked it enough though to listen again and heard more the second time through. Solid album, planning to give some of their other albums a listen. Standout Tracks: Cherry-Coloured Funk, Heaven or Las Vegas, Fotzepolitic

Solid album, it's a long one but awesome that there are two such different but complimentary styles on the different discs. I'm a much bigger fan of the Andre 3000 side but both are pretty good. Standout Tracks: The Way You Move, Bust, War, Last Call, Happy Valentine's Day, Spread, Hey Ya!, Roses, Behold a Lady, Dracula's Wedding

I'm not listening to Kanye West right now. The guy needs serious mental health attention. I used to love this album but he's been so shitty as a person I find it really difficult to ignore and just enjoy the music. I don't think Kanye is the genius he claims to be, even musically. He's a great producer and has made some really solid albums but until he takes care of himself and stops with all the hate speech and idiocy, I don't have time for him or his music. Score reflects that I used to love this album but not enough to listen to it through the bullshit Kanye is up to.

Amazing dance album. This one has always been in my library for a long time. The hits are great but nearly every song on here is a standout to me. Very catchy and fun vibes. Standout Tracks: Right Here Right Now, The Rockafeller Skank, Gangster Trippin', Soul Surfing, Praise You, Love Island

Not a Van Halen guy. Nice, quick, 11 track 35 minute album though. A solid debut album if you're into this band's sound, which again I'm not really. Standout Tracks: Runnin' with the Devil, Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love, Atomic Punk, Ice Cream Man

My second Aerosmith album. Again, they don't do a lot for me aside from a few hits. I definitely liked this one more than 'Rocks' but not something I would put on again or listen to as a whole. I think I might like their 80s/90s comeback more than their original 70s run but haven't listened enough to know that for sure and a song like 'Sweet Emotion' is still better than any of these songs. Standout Tracks: Young Lust, Water Song/Janie's Got a Gun, Hoodoo/Voodoo Medicine Man

This is a great album, I love Black Sabbath but have spent more time listening to their first three albums. So, this was a nice album to get today. So many solid songs, and I really like some of the diversity is genre that they're incorporating. I'll definitely listen to this one more from now on. Standout Tracks: Wheels of Confusion/The Straightener, Changes, Supernaut, Snowblind, Laguna Sunrise

Amazing album, I love it. I listened to it on repeat three times through today. Standout Tracks: Badlands, Candy’s Room, Racing in the Street, The Promised Land, Streets of Fire, Prove It All Night, Darkness on the Edge of Town

I feel like I should like Sebadoh but just never really have. Not sure what I’m missing because there are tons of similar bands from the era I really enjoy. I even got to see a reunion show of theirs back in the 00s. Not a bad album, just not what I’m looking for really. I’m sure there were some but I was super busy and listening to this on the go, so I didn’t get a chance to write down standout tracks while I listened.

What an amazing start to an album! I really loved the first four tracks and then felt like the album gets a little repetitive and hit a bit of a lull. Then, I feel like it picks right back up. 'Where Do I Begin' is such an unexpected, beautiful change of pace that still totally fits in to the album and works great as a penultimate track. This is a super solid album, will definitely add to my library and continue listening. Standout Tracks: Block Rockin' Beats, Dig Your Own Hole, Elektrobank, Piku, Get Up On It Like This, Where Do I Begin, The Private Psychedelic Reel

This is an alright album. As someone who isn't a major Prince fan, I didn't recognize any hits but there were some good songs on it. I felt like this was more of a chore to get through though and don't think I'll revisit this one again, aside from the track "The Cross", which stands alone as a unique sounding track on this album that I really enjoyed. Standout Tracks: Play In The Sunshine, Starfish And Coffee, U Got The Look, The Cross, It's Gonna Be A Beautiful Night

A really beautiful album. It can start to feel a little one note over time, since he uses similar finger picking and vocal tone throughout but he has great lyric. I tend to gravitate more towards an album like "Death of a Ladies' Man" for my Leonard Cohen fix but this has some incredible songs on it. Standout Tracks: Avalanche, Last Year's Man, Famous Blue Raincoat, Joan of Arc

I really like some reggae but this album doesn't do much for me. I listened to it all the way through to be able to judge it fairly but was just left a little unimpressed. It just feels like 90s coffeehouse reggae, which is not something I'd ever put on in my everyday life. Tried to find a few standout tracks though that weren't just boring to me. Standout Tracks: Your Love Gets Sweeter, Sweet and Loving Man

This is obviously a solid metal album, I'm just not a huge metal fan. I can appreciate it but I doubt I'll find myself coming back to this album to listen to it all the way through again. The run time was also pretty lengthy for 9 tracks, which means that the tracks start to get a bit repetitive to a first time listener of the album. Standout Tracks: ...And Justice for All, Eye of the Beholder, One

Solid hip hop album. I had it on in the background and enjoyed it but didn't do a great job of writing down standout tracks cause I was busy. I don't know that I'll add it to my regular rotation or anything but it was good. Standout Tracks: Liquid Swords, 4th Chamber

Not so much a fan of the real bluesy Doors stuff but this album has some good songs. I didn't know The Changeling before this listen, it's a cool opening track. The title track is by far the best in my opinion. Aside from the standout tracks I'm not a huge fan of the other songs but I don't hate them either, they're just kind of standard blues rock songs, which I find kind of boring. Standout Tracks: The Changeling, L.A. Woman, Riders On The Storm

I'm a big Nick Drake fan, so I've heard this album a number of times. It's beautiful. Nearly every song on it is a standout to me in it's own way. Standout Tracks: Hazey Jane 2, At the Chime of a City Clock, One of These Things First, Hazey Jane I, Fly, Northern Sky

David Berman is my favorite songwriter. I've heard this album countless times and love it. His lyrics are incredible, when listening to them, I turn into that annoying guy who needs to point out how great nearly every line is on its own. 5 out of 5. R.I.P. D.C.B. Standout Tracks: Slow Education, Room Games and Diamond Rain, Time Will Break the World, I Remember Me, Horseleg Swastikas, Transylvania Blues, Let's Not and Say We Did, Tennessee, Friday Night Fever, Death of an Heir of Sorrows

I'm not a big Courtney Love fan based on interviews and her general attitude in public statements/things I've seen over the years but this is a pretty decent 90s pop-grunge album. I still don't think this would ever be something I started adding into my regular rotation but this was a good excuse to give the album a full listen through. Standout Tracks: Violet, Doll Parts, Softer Softest

I don't know a ton about bossa nova music but this is a really fun album. Super enjoyable, mellow music to have on in the background while I was working. Really amazing musicianship on every track. Not sure if it will go into my regular rotation but enough to make me check out other albums. Standout Tracks: Desafinado, O Pato, E Luxo So, Bahia

I was optimistic when I saw that Richard Hawley is the guitarist for Pulp, who I like. So, I was expecting a more interesting, upbeat album but this one just really fell flat for me. Not many standouts at all but not offensively bad either, just king of boring to me. Curious to know why the creators of this list felt that this belonged on here, considering I feel like this album is pretty derivative and there are plenty of albums that do this similar type of music better or before this album. Standout Tracks: I Sleep Alone

First thought: this music makes me feel like I'm browsing a shitty store at a mall. Unfortunately, this didn't change as I sat through the rest of the album. I love good dance music but this feels like the most generic, blah version. I really don't understand why this is on the list as I feel like there have to be more groundbreaking or better versions of this subgenre of dance music. I don't hate it, I just personally find it very boring. Standout Tracks: N/A

I think James Taylor is a great songwriter and I initially thought I'd be giving this album a 5/5. The standout tracks on this album are massive standouts for me, however, this album actually has some skip tracks for me as well. Some of the more bluesy songs I'm not as into. If I could I would probably give this album a 3.5, though since I know how strong James Taylor's output can be I'll round up to 4. Standout Tracks: Sweet Baby James, Country Road, Fire and Rain, Anywhere like Heaven, Suite for 20 G

This album has such great sampling and rhymes. The Beastie Boys make such unique and fun music. Super solid album, it has me listening to more of their catalog today after going through this one. Standout Tracks: Shake Your Rump, Egg Man, The Sounds of Science, Hey Ladies, Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun, Car Thief, Shadrach

Decent British punk album. The Sex Pistols seemed to be pretty shitty people and I don't think this is by any mean a flawless album. I've listened to it plenty in the past and there are a number of skip tracks in my opinion. Really could be reduced to the two most famous singles to me, don't really see myself ever listening to this one end-to-end again. Standout Tracks: Liar, God Save the Queen, Anarchy in the U.K., Pretty Vacant, EMI

I like but don't love this album. Some of the tracks are really solid, 'The Killing Moon' in particular is one I've known and liked for a long time. Not an album I think I'd ever find myself adding into regular rotation but if these songs came on, I wouldn't turn it off either. Standout Tracks: Silver, Crystal Days, The Killing Moon, My Kingdom

This album has a great vibe to it. I don't know that I had ever listened to it all the way through until this sitting. 'Can You Get To That' is an all-time great song. This album feels very cohesive and I found lots to like on it. The longer opening and closing tracks serve as good psychedelic bookends. I'll definitely continue listening to this one. Standout Tracks: Maggot Brain, Can You Get To That, Hit It and Quit It, Super Stupid, Back In Our Minds.

I'm not a big connoisseur of Celtic music but if I am ever in the mood for the genre, I go to the Pogues. They weave punk in with the folk and more traditional styles so well. 'Fairytale of New York' in particular is probably my favorite Christmas-themed song. In general a very fun, listenable album. Standout Tracks: If I Should Fall from Grace with God, Bottle of Smoke, Fairytale of New York, Fiesta, Streets of Sorrow/Birmingham Six, Lullaby of London, The Broad Majestic Shannon

This is definitely not my preferred genre of 80s music and I wasn't a big fan of this album. The singles are decent and one additional track but I would never find myself coming back to this album. I don't like the production and the lyrics are cheesy/melodramatic to me but there are a few catchy tracks. Standout Tracks: Rio, Hungry Like the Wolf, Hold Back the Rain.

Queen are such a unique band. I liked this album, though really not many hits on it. The standouts are solid songs but aside from that I don't think I'd spend much time listening to the other tracks, so I don't think I'd come back to this one as a record to listen to all the way through. Still solid though. Standout Tracks: Brighton Rock, Killer Queen, Now I'm Here, Stone Cold Crazy, Misfire, She Makes Me (Stormtrooper in Stilettos)

This is an amazing album, so strong all the way through. I kept finding myself realizing a specific song was in fact a standout when the chorus hit. Of course the hits are incredible and some of the all time greatest songs in my opinion but nearly every song on this album is great. I love Bowie and such a solid earlier album. 5/5. Standout Tracks: Changes, Oh! You Pretty Things, Eight Line Poem, Life On Mars?, Kooks, Quicksand, Andy Warhol, Queen Bitch

I was interested in listening to this one because the Pet Shop Boys are a group I've heard talked about a number of times but have never really taken the time to listen to. Unfortunately, this music is not for me at all. It just feels like such shallow, 80s synth pop. The lyrics are pretty ridiculous based on my initial listen (ex. "Shopping"). I listened to the full album to give it a chance but didn't hear any tracks that really spoke to me or stood out. This is just not a genre of music I would ever choose to listen to again and if I was around more in the 80s, this wouldn't have been my go-to music. Standout Tracks: N/A

Another 80s album that just doesn't really do much for me. The production choices on this type of synth-pop just make it feel so shallow. I'm not saying this isn't decent music, just not what I would ever choose to listen to as I have trouble connecting to the artists at all. Standout Tracks: Never Let Me Down Again

I always had a soft spot for Bjork, especially in high school and early college. It's been a while since I've listened to one of her albums straight through. It's a solid album but I definitely have to be in a specific mood now to listen to Bjork. This only has a couple of songs that would make my list of favorites but it's still a good one. Really beautiful vocals. Standout Tracks: Hidden Place, Cocoon, Undo, Sun In My Mouth, Unison

This album's alright. I like the opening track 'Theme' the most for sure. There's quite a bit of lazy/half-baked songs on this one but I actually think I like it more than the Sex Pistols album, though that at least had a few unarguable hits on it. I think I'm more interested in listening to 'Second Edition' after this one because this feels like he rushed it out after the Sex Pistols and I'm curious how/if the band evolved more. Standout Tracks: Theme, Public Image

This is a solid debut album from Gorillaz. This came out when I was in high school, so it does have a place in my consciousness and I definitely like the majority of the album. Very interesting mix of genres and strong songwriting. I'm a fan for sure. Standout Tracks: Re-Hash, 5/4, Clint Eastwood, Punk, Rock the House, 19-2000 (and Soulchild Remix version), M1 A1

I maybe have only done this one other time but I didn't even finish this one because I know it wasn't my thing. I enjoy good metal but this is not my style. I thought the vocals were bad and the lame jokey titles and vibe of the album did nothing for me. Not for me. Standout Tracks: N/A

This is an incredible debut album. I really like the recurring theme of 'Can I Kick It?' throughout the album, it builds anticipation for the song, which is one of the best on the album. Q-Tip in particular has such a unique voice in hip hop and is one of my favorites. Pretty much solid all the way through, gotta give it 5/5. Standout Tracks: Push It Along, After Hours, I Left My Wallet in El Segundo, Bonita Applebum, Can I Kick It?, Youthful Expression, Mr. Muhammad, Ham 'N' Eggs, Go Ahead in the Rain

This is a really strong debut album. I like a lot of the songs, at the same time it's not something I find myself still listening to all that much. I definitely gave it a listen when it first came out and like the band though. Lots of standout songs on this one and honestly no skips or anything I couldn't just have on in the background, at the same time, like I said, not something I find myself coming back to a lot. Standout Tracks: Intro, VCR, Crystalised, Islands, Shelter, Infinity

I already know this album is 5/5. I love it. David Bowie is one of my favorite artists and he's at the top of one of his many songwriting peaks on this album. I was lucky enough to see him live on his A Reality tour and it remains one of the best shows I've seen. All around an amazing album and artist way ahead of his time. Standout Tracks: Five Years, Soul Love, Moonage Daydream, Starman, It Ain't Easy, Hang On to Yourself, Ziggy Stardust, Suffragette City, Rock 'N' Roll Suicide

This is a good Wailers album. I've always liked Bob Marley's music but honestly don't have a lot of exposure outside of a couple of albums, one of which being the Legend compilation. It was cool getting to listen to this one straight through and hear some deeper cuts. I plan to do this more with the Wailers other albums. Standout Tracks: Concrete Jungle, Stop That Train, Baby We've Got a Date (Rock It Baby), Stir It Up, High Tide or Low Tide.

I'm not usually a big country listener but this was some good classic country. If I do listen to the genre, it's usually for artists like Townes Van Zandt or folkier stuff like John Prine and this album is closer enough to the style of country that I can enjoy. Emmylou Harris has a beautiful voice and I definitely gravitated towards the more upbeat songs on the album. I don't know how much I'll go back to it but it's a good listen. Standout Tracks: If I Could Only Win Your Love, Before Believing, Bottle Let Me Down, Coat of Many Colors, Queen of the Silver Dollar, Hank and Lefty.

This is a compilation of good versions of Christmas songs with a weird outro track by Phil Spector, which kind of puts a weird taint on the album as a whole. These are great covers of these Christmas songs but I don’t see myself coming back to this album to listen to it as a whole. No specific standout tracks because they’re all good versions and I didn’t dislike any except that last track, which is just Spector talking.

This is a really strong debut from the Who. I didn't really realize that they were this fully formed by their first album release. The instrumentation on this one is really cool, you can already tell they're going to be different than just another British invasion band, they have more interesting things to offer. The title track is a great way to close out the first half of the album, followed by a great start to side two with 'The Kids Are Alright'. This feels like punk before punk. Standout Tracks: Out in The Street, I Don't Mind, The Good's Gone, My Generation, The Kids Are Alright, It's Not True, The Ox

What an amazing voice and really unique, well-written songs. I've heard lots of Nina Simone but never sat with a full album, I'm glad I did. This album has a great mix of genres and all work well with Nina Simone's vocals. Standout Tracks: I Love Your Lovin' Ways, Four Women, Lilac Wine, That's All I Ask, Break Down And Let It All Out, Either Way I Lose

A bit of nostalgia with this album. I was a big Foo Fighters fan back in middle and high school but have definitely fallen off over time. This is a really impressive debut album, especially as it was recorded in full by Dave Grohl. It's wild to me how this was released just a year after Nirvana ended, it feels like it could have been a decade and I would have loved to know how Nirvana fans at the time felt or expected from this album. I still really like this album but it's not one I listen to all the much anymore. Maybe I'll give some early FF another listen again though because of this exercise. Really solid songs throughout. Standout Tracks: This Is a Call, Big Me, Good Grief, Floaty, Weenie Beenie, Wattershed, Exhausted

This was an interesting album to get. I've never heard Goldfrapp before but have definitely seen the name and this album cover at record stores, so I wasn't sure what to expect at all. I liked this album, it has good vibes. I'm interested to hear some other albums by Goldfrapp considering the wiki says this was a big departure from their more electronic/dance albums. I would definitely listen to this one again. Not sure that it will go into my library but I wouldn't turn it off if it came on and could see myself Shazaming some of these standout tracks if I heard them in a movie or at a restaurant. All in all, good album. Standout Tracks: Clowns, Little Bird, Eat Yourself, Cologne Cerrone Houdini, Caravan Girl, Monster Love.

This was an interesting album to listen to as a more formal introduction to Cheap Trick. I really didn't know much about them aside from a few hits like 'Surrender' and 'I Want You to Want Me'. This is definitely an energetic live album and it's cool to hear the reaction they're getting from the crowd. That being said, I could personally just listen to the few hits on this one and leave the rest. It's cool to hear 'Surrender' played for an arena of super fans the week it was released. I don't think I'll be coming back to this one again. Not bad by any means, just not as impactful for me. It mostly just made me want to listen to another live album, like 'Stand In The Fire' by Warren Zevon. Standout Tracks: Hello There, Come On Come On, I Want You to Want Me, Surrender

Listening to this one slightly out of order as I didn't have time the day this one came up for me. Listening to it the day after 'Bitches Brew' gave me a different perspective on it. As I mentioned, I don't have a deep knowledge or understanding of jazz music but this album is definitely more accessible for me and a completely different type of jazz music. This is a really beautiful set of songs with raw recording choices and a live feel. I had a much easier time sitting back and enjoying this album. It flows super well and allows you to just appreciate the incredible musicianship. Standout Tracks: Acknowledgement, Resolution, Pursuance

As much as I want to be able to appreciate jazz, and as much as I know that this album is one of the most respected in it's genre, I just don't get it. This type of jazz just doesn't really do much for me personally. I know Miles Davis is extremely talented and groundbreaking but I just have a really hard time getting into this album. I wish I understood it and could appreciate what others are hearing but I have to be honest. The above sentences were written before listening to the second disc. I liked sides 3 and 4 a lot more than the first disc. It felt much less chaotic and brought in slightly more straightforward progressions they were riffing on. My rating is just a reflection of where I'm at with the album and whether I think I'd ever find myself listening to it again by choice, not my feelings on the importance of the album. I know this is an important album. Maybe someday I'll come back to it and hopefully it will hit me right. Standout Tracks: Spanish Key, Miles Runs the Voodoo Down

This is a really strong debut album. I like but don't love Talking Heads. I think they're a really talented band and have a really unique sound but I tend to gravitate more towards their hits and have never really loved them enough to dig into their deeper cuts. I knew a lot of the tracks on this album, which has a particularly solid second half. Much like Talking Heads as a whole, I really like but don't love this album. It does a great job of setting the table for what to expect from the band going forward. Standout Tracks: New Feeling, Happy Day, Don't Worry About The Government, First Week / Last Week..... Carefree, Psycho Killer, Pulled Up

This is a fine mid-60s garage rock album. I really love good psychedelia, though I feel like there's an issue in this era with a cool sounding band putting out an album with a few good semi-hits and then mostly filler tracks. It feels like the popularity of this type of music at the time was also its downfall because labels were quick to sign bands that fit the general vibe but didn't have a deep catalog. That's what this album feels like to me. I can think of a number of other garage/psychedelic bands from this era that I'd go to before ever putting this album on again. This just sounds like a wannabe early Kinks or Sonics album. I think the strongest track is 'Get Me to the World On Time'. Standout Tracks: Onie, Are You Lovin' Me More (But Enjoying It Less), Get Me to the World On Time, Luvin', Try Me On for Size

This was a big album for me because it was one of the first CDs I got as a kid. I hadn't listened to it straight through for a while though. Maybe it's nostalgia but this album is still very solid to me. I was never a big Oasis follower aside from this album but this set of songs still hits hard. I think they're really good songwriters and get why they blew up in the mid-90s. Standout Tracks: Roll With It, Wonderwall, Don't Look Back in Anger, Cast No Shadow, She's Electric, Champagne Supernova.

This is a decent album. Initially I didn't really like what I was hearing and didn't think I'd enjoy this album at all as it seemed that the first two tracks were supposed to be the more popular ones. The first track in general felt like a mediocre Kinks ripoff right from the opening chords. As the album went on I enjoyed it more but still not one that I'll probably come back to. I've never really gotten into Blur. I don't think they're bad, I just don't hear them doing anything that unique or groundbreaking. I actually think Damon Albarn has become a more interesting songwriter in Gorillaz and even by the later Blur album 1997 ST album. Standout Tracks: Star Shaped, Blue Jeans, Oily Water, Miss America, Turn It Up

This is a great album that I've already spent a lot of time listening to. I really wasn't expecting to add every song from the first disc as a standout but as I was re-listening to it, I couldn't help it, I really do love all those songs. The only constructive criticism I have for this album is that I think it was kind of frontloaded. A lot of the second disc feels like jams or more b-side level songs, which aren't bad but would be less noticeable if they scattered them over two discs among the incredibly strong tracks on the first disc. Standout Tracks: I'd Have You Anytime, My Sweet Lord, Wah-Wah, Isn't It A Pity (Version 1), What Is Life, If Not For You, Behind That Locked Door, Let It Down, Run Of The Mill, Beware Of Darkness, Ballad Of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll), Awaiting On You All, Plug Me In.

This is a solid debut album, I actually like it more than I remember linking 'Ocean Rain' (their other album I got earlier in this exercise) as a whole. That being said, again I like but don't love the album. Some of the songs are really great, the two opening tracks in particular kick off the album in a great direction. Same overall takeaway as with 'Ocean Rain' though: not an album I think I'd ever find myself adding into regular rotation but if these songs came on, I wouldn't turn it off either. Standout Tracks: Going Up, Do It Clean, Rescue, All That Jazz, Happy Death Men

I already know I love this album. It's going to be a 5/5. Excited to listen to it again today. There's nothing I can say that hasn't already been said about the incredible songwriting on this album. Brian Wilson is great. Standout Tracks: Wouldn't It Be Nice, You Still Believe In Me, That's Not Me, Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder), I'm Waiting for the Day, Let's Go Away for a While, Sloop John B, God Only Knows, I Know There's an Answer, Here Today, I Just Wasn't Made for These Times, Caroline No

This is an interesting album. I was kind of looking forward to listening to it because I definitely know a few Chicago songs but really don't know anything about their style or what a full album would be like. I can't say I'm a fan but the album definitely improves as it goes on. It started out with some horn-heavy, jazzy, prog rock songs that are not my thing at all. As the album progressed it falls into more rock and jam-based songs. 'South California Purples' in particular almost sounds like Cream. Then, there's a crazy track like 'Free Form Guitar', which is basically just noise rock. It's cool they jump around but doesn't make for a very cohesive album. Standout Tracks: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, Beginnings, Poem 58, I'm a Man, Liberation.

This is a great debut album by the Beastie Boys. Lots of fun hits on it. I do think they only got better from here though. I had this album growing up and listened to it a ton. It's a great intro into their music and vibe. Standout Tracks: Rhymin' & Stealin', Slow Ride, Girls, Fight for Your Right, No Sleep Till Brooklyn, Paul Revere, Brass Monkey, Slow and Low

This one didn't do a lot for me. I didn't really dislike it but I wasn't in love with any of the tracks either. Only a few songs stood out to me. I like a lot of other artists from this generation/genre (The Pixies for instance) but I just wasn't taken by this album. Standout Tracks: Hate My Way, Soul Soldier

This is a great psychedelic rock album and a great debut by the 13th Floor Elevators. I've definitely listened to this one before but mostly remembered the song 'You're Gonna Miss Me', as I think it's easily their most popular. I really enjoyed this one. The "amplified jug" playing, which almost sounds like a Theremin, adds a cool vibe to most of the songs. These guys were out their in 60s Austin, TX doing it right before many others in the genre. Standout Tracks: You're Gonna Miss Me, Roller Coaster, Splash 1, Reverberation, Fire Engine, You Don't Know, Tried to Hide

This is a really solid album. I'm a Roxy Music fan, somewhat of a casual fan but definitely like a lot of their music. I've spent some time with this album before but it had been a little while. I wouldn't say it has any of their bigger hits on it but a strong album throughout. Standout Tracks: The Thrill of It All, Three and Nine, Out of the Blue, Casanova, A Really Good Time, Prairie Rose

Again, don't know a ton about jazz but this is a really beautiful album. It's an easy one to just have on and do work or whatever. The bassist is amazing but some of the solos come off a little sloppy and don't feel like they fit in with the heart of the songs. Still a very good album, I just like it most when all three are playing together. Standout Tracks: My Man's Gone Now, Alice In Wonderland (Take 2), All of You (Take 2), Alice In Wonderland (Take 1), All of You (Take 3), Jade Visions (Take 1)

This album is one I've always really enjoyed. I was into Pink Floyd and classic rock in general a lot more back in my middle school and high school, so I don't listen to this as much but it was always one of my favorites and still holds up. Standout Tracks: Shine On You Crazy Diamond Pts. 1-5, Have a Cigar, Wish You Were Here, Shine On You Crazy Diamond Pts. 6-9

This is a really dark and beautiful album. The subject matter is heavy but also feels hopeful and positive. I definitely liked this album, at the same time I'm not sure how often I'll come back to it as I don't think it's a necessarily easy listen. This feels like a really amazing, heavy movie that I'm glad I watched but don't know that I'll come back to. Still giving it a high rating though because of what it accomplishes and it's strength. Standout Tracks: Bright Horses, Sun Forest, Galleon Ship, Leviathan, Ghosteen, Fireflies

I really like this album. On the surface it's a fun, easy going funk album but the lyrics definitely touch on more serious topics. I didn't have enough time to really dig into the lyrical content as much as I'd like because I listened to this one while working but I'll definitely spend some more time listening to it. Love the album artwork of the alternate flag Sly created as well. Standout Tracks: Luv N' Haight, Poet, Family Affair, Africa Talks to You ("The Asphalt Jungle"), Brave & Strong, Spaced Cowboy, Runnin' Away, Thank You for Talkin' to Me Africa

This is a pretty solid hip hop album. I feel like it's got about a 50/50 hit rate for me. I don't think I'd ever find myself listening to this one straight through again but I'd definitely come back to specific tracks. I think I'd only ever heard "The Seed (2.0)" before this listen, still think it's my favorite track, except for maybe "Rock You" into "!!!!!!!". I like that there's a little mix of genres with tracks like "!!!!!!!" and "Thirsty!". Standout Tracks: Rock You, !!!!!!!, Sacrifice, The Seed (2.0), Quills, Thirsty!

This is a great album. It took me a little while to get into Springsteen, mostly because I misinterpreted a lot of what he was about based on the title track of this album. When I was younger I incorrectly thought this was a pro-America, jingoistic rallying cry. I also didn't grow up with his music in my house. I have a good friend who is a massive Springsteen fan and would play this album a lot at the restaurant we worked at and it really turned me into a fan. It's not my favorite of his albums but it's really strong songwriting and all great songs. Standout Tracks: Born In the U.S.A., Darlington County, Working On The Highway, Downbound Train, I'm On Fire, No Surrender, I'm Goin' Down, Glory Days, Dancing In the Dark

I'm a fan of punk but this isn't my kind of punk. On first listen it just comes across as super unrelenting and unintelligible. Hard to really pick out any standout tracks, given that it all just kind of has the same feel to me on the first listen. Standout Tracks: N/A.

This album is alright. I like but don't love Sonic Youth. They're a super cool band and I really love certain songs but I also feel like their catalog is full of throwaway tracks. I don't love the talk-singing choice when they do that. When it comes to 80s-90s college rock, I lean way more towards Pavement (one of my favorite bands). I definitely respect Sonic Youth but, aside from Daydream Nation, I don't find myself ever getting the urge to put on one of their albums and listen to it all the way through. Standout Tracks: Dirty Boots, Kool Thing, Disappearer

This is a really fun album. I have never really gotten into the Damned but have always been interested. I didn't recognize any of the songs on this album besides 'Smash It Up', which I definitely think is the best track on the album and will go into my rotation. Solid album, really liked it! Standout Tracks: Melody Lee, Anti-Pope, Plan 9 Channel 7, Looking at You, Smash It Up (Pts. 1 & 2)

I really love this album. Joni Mitchell is a great songwriter and has a beautiful voice. There are no skips on this album and nearly every song is a standout to me. 5/5. Standout Tracks: All I Want, Little Green, Carey, Blue, California, This Flight Tonight, River, A Case of You, The Last Time I Saw Richard

I'm a big Bob Dylan fan but I have to admit my fandom generally drops off after his 70s albums, so I haven't listened to this one in full. I know Dylan has had great later albums, I liked what I've listened to of 'Rough and Rowdy Ways', so I was excited to have this album come up. This is a really strong album that hits a good tone/vibe as far as later Dylan is concerned. I definitely knew some of the songs beforehand, like 'Not Dark Yet', which is great. Surprised to find out that this album won Album of the Year in '98. I'd have voted for OK Computer but of those nominated, I can see this as a second pick. Bob Dylan is a great songwriter and I think that shines through on these songs. Standout Tracks: Love Sick, Standing In the Doorway, Trying to Get to Heaven, Not Dark Yet, Cold Irons Bound, Make You Feel My Love, Highlands

I've always loved this album. I first heard it when I was in high school, a few years after it initially came out and listened to it pretty regularly in those years, so it holds a special place for me. It's just really beautiful songwriting and instrumentation. Very cinematic music. Standout Tracks: Svefn-G-Englar, Starálfur, Flugufrelsarinn, Viðrar vel til loftárása, Olsen Olsen, Ágætis byrjun

I really like this album. I've actually been listening to it a bit lately already because I've always been interested in Guided By Voices but was intimidated by their massive catalog. I asked some coworkers who are into GBV on recommendations for which album to start with and they pointed me towards 'Alien Lanes'. For being a 28-track album, it breezes by, probably because it's also only 41 minutes. This can be both a positive and a negative though cause there are really catchy songs I wish would go on longer or would develop a bit more. But I also have to admire that they're willing to take an amazing melody or concept and not wear it out by forcing it into a 5 minute track (the longest song is under 3 min at 2:58), just make it a 90 second song and go onto the next one. I can always just listen to those ones again if I want more. Standout Tracks: A Salty Salute, Watch Me Jumpstart, As We Go Up We Go Down, Game of Pricks, Closer You Are, My Valuable Hunting Knife, King and Caroline, Ex-Supermodel, Blimps Go 90, Little Whirl, My Son Cool, Alright

I'm just not a prog rock guy. I find it kind of exhausting. That being said, this isn't an awful record, it's just not really my thing. There were a few tracks that I could enjoy but overall I can't really see myself choosing to put this one on again. Standout Tracks: Exiles, Easy Money, The Talking Drum (enjoyed parts of this song)

Depeche Mode just doesn't really do much for me. I definitely like this album more than 'Music for the Masses' but really only because of two tracks "Personal Jesus" and "Enjoy the Silence". These two songs are great and one's that I'd definitely come back to but aside from them I was pretty underwhelmed by this album. I went back and checked my other Depeche Mode review and still feel like this general sentiment resonates for me with this album (aside for the two songs mentioned above): The production choices on this type of synth-pop make it feel shallow. It's not that it isn't decent music, just not what I would ever choose to listen to as I have trouble connecting to the artists at all. Standout Tracks: Personal Jesus, Enjoy the Silence, Blue Dress

This is a really good live album. I'm not a big blues guy but Muddy Waters is pretty undeniable. These are just such catchy, fun songs. Standout Tracks: I Got My Brand On You, I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man, Baby Please Don't Go, Tiger In Your Tank, I Feel So Good, I've Got My Mojo Working, Meanest Woman

Strong debut album, very listenable. I've always liked Tom Petty's music when I hear it but have never dived too deep into it. This is definitely the first time I've listened to this album all the way through. It had me listening to more of his music after I was done with this album, which is one of the main indicators of a successful album for me. Standout Tracks: Breakdown, The Wild One Forever, Anything That's Rock 'N' Roll, Mystery Man, American Girl

I honestly don't think I've ever sat down and listened to Iron Maiden, which feels like a huge blind spot but this is a really solid album. Aside from a few exceptions, I don't listen to a ton of metal. I kind of had different expectations for Iron Maiden. These are good, melodic songs and catchy choruses. I liked this one way more than I was expecting to. Standout Tracks: Children of the Damned, The Prisoner, The Number of the Beast, Run to the Hills, Hallowed Be Thy Name

I've been a fan of this album for a long time. Amazing tropicalia psychedlic album. Super fun and catchy. 5/5. Standout Tracks: Panis Et Circenses, A Minha Menina, Adeus Maria Fulô, Baby, Bat Macumba, Trem Fantasma, Tempo No Tempo, Ave Gengis Khan

It's a great album, loved it since I first heard it in high school. I can remember where I was the first time I heard this record and it really changing my understanding of the Beatles' music. It led me into their later albums and will always hold a special place for me. It's a 5/5. Standout Tracks: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, With a Little Help From My Friends, Lucy In the Sky with Diamonds, Getting Better, Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite!, Within You Without You, Lovely Rita, Good Morning Good Morning, A Day In the Life

I didn't dislike this album but also don't really see why it's included on this list. It just feels like very run-of-the-mill bossa nova/easy listening music. Sounds like something you'd hear in a Starbucks or an elevator. That sounds harsh but again, this isn't horrible, just unremarkable. Standout Tracks: N/A

Second day in a row I've got an album that really makes me question what criteria was used to create this list. Again, not an album that I hate but it's an album of mostly cover songs (why would there be a cover album on here?) in an adult contemporary style. Not a fan of this one. Standout Tracks: N/A

This is a really fun album. I've never heard of this one but really enjoyed it. Lots of upbeat songs with a unique theme and flow to the album. The interstitial radio-style talking and introductions give everything a really cohesive feel. I can definitely see the influence this album has had on modern music. Glad this one came up in my feed today. Standout Tracks: Obatala, Buffalo Gals, Double Dutch, Merengue, Punk It Up, Jive My Baby, Soweto

I love The Beatles, great album. 5/5. Standout Tracks: Drive My Car, Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown), You Won't See Me, Nowhere Man, Think For Yourself, Michelle, Girl, I'm Looking Through You, In My Life, If I Needed Someone

I've always really loved this album and Joy Division in general. Really solid songwriting and sound, though I see the band's issue with the production not being a powerful as they'd like compared to their live sound. I was waffling between a 4 and 5 on this one but since there's no 4.5, I'm gonna have to round up to 5. New Order is great but I wish we could have heard more from Ian Curtis and Joy Division as well because I feel like they were just getting started. Bonus: some of the coolest album art out there. Standout Tracks: Disorder, Day of the Lords, Insight, She's Lost Control, Shadowplay, Interzone

This album was alright. I've heard of the band Mudhoney a lot because I liked a lot of other grunge but for whatever reason never really took the time to listen to them. I wasn't blown away by this album, felt like pretty generic early 90s grunge. A few tracks did standout above the rest but still nothing I think I'd find myself coming back to in the future. Standout Tracks: Good Enough, Into the Drink, Broken Hands, Pokin' Around

This is a weird album by the Who. I haven't seen the film Tommy in a long time and don't remember much about it but after listening to this album and reading the wiki, this plot is way over contrived. The songs are mostly mediocre, with the big standout being 'Pinball Wizard'. Aside from that track, I could mostly lose the whole album. Also, has a super creepy song on it that I'd rather never hear again. I like the Who but can't give this album much of a recommendation. Standout Tracks: Amazing Journey, Sparks, Pinball Wizard, Go To The Mirror!, I'm Free

This is a great album. I really enjoy Radiohead and their albums were big for me in high school. This and Kid A together are an amazing set of albums. For whatever reason I felt like people would always make you pick which of the two was your favorite back then and I tended to lean towards Kid A. But now I'm an adult and we don't have to choose. 5/5. Standout Tracks: Packt Like Sardines In a Crushd Tin Box, Pyramid Song, You And Whose Army?, I Might Be Wrong, Knives Out, Morning Bell/Amnesiac, Dollars and Cents, Like Spinning Plates, Life In a Glasshouse

This is a really solid debut album and important for early hip hop. You can really hear the roots of choices that went on to influence so many other rappers. Specifically I feel like I can hear their influence on what the Beastie Boys would go on to do. Standout Tracks: Hard Times, Jam-Master Jay, Sucker M.C.'s (Krush-Groove 1), It's Like That, Jay's Game

I'm a fan of this album. It's definitely a sad bastard type record, so I have to be in the right mood for it but the songwriting is really strong. I've listened to this one off and on since it first came out and it definitely reminds me of a specific time in my life. Beautiful songs, trying to decide between a 4 and 5 because there are definitely Beck albums I'd go to more often and first (Odelay, One Foot in the Grave and parts of Mellow Gold) but this is still such a strong record. Standout Tracks: The Golden Age, Guess I'm Doing Fine, Lost Cause, End of the Day, It's All In Your Mind, Already Dead, Sunday Sun

I really liked this album. I don't have any specific memory of hearing or even hearing about Faust before, which is rare for the albums that have come up on this list. I don't have much knowledge of the krautrock genre but this album made me want to go check out more of Faust's records. Standout Tracks: Krautrock, Jennifer, Giggy Smile, It's a Bit of a Pain

This is a solid Elvis album. I really like this era where he's singing more soulful songs and seems to have a bit more integrity in the choices he's making still. Standout Tracks: Wearin' That Loved On Look, Long Black Limousine, I'm Movin' On, Power of My Love, After Loving You, Any Day Now, In the Ghetto

This album is fun, it's also a pretty odd concept but overall it has a good vibe and is easy to listen to. I don't know much I can say about this one except I definitely recognize a number of the tracks from being sampled in other songs. I didn't know this album existed but enjoyed listening to it. Standout Tracks: Let There Be Drums, Apache, Bongolia, In a Gadda Da Vida, Raunchy '73, Bongo Rock '73

This is a decent album of early rockabilly songs. It would have been interesting to see what else Buddy Holly would have done if he hadn't have passed away before his time. I feel like he has this iconic status because he died so young, which makes sense but also means it's untested. He's got a great urgency to his vocals on some of the songs (Oh Boy! for one) that doesn't match his buttoned up/nerdy façade. I liked a lot of the songs on here and it was an easy 26-min listen but doesn't quite reach the 4 star level, I'd have gone 3.5 if it were allowed. Standout Tracks: Oh Boy!, Not Fade Away, Maybe Baby, That'll Be the Day, Rock Me My Baby

This is a strong album, especially for a debut. I've never taken the time to listen to The Gun Club, though their name is definitely familiar. At first I felt like they were just kind of an alright Pixies sounding band but then looking at when this album came out, I realized they were before the Pixies and were probably a big influence on their sound. I grew up listening to the Pixies, so it's odd no one ever pointed me in the direction of The Gun Club because it seems like a pretty direct route. Standout Tracks: Sex Beat, She's Like Heroin to Me, For the Love of Ivy, Ghost on the Highway, Goodbye Johnny

This is a good album of standards arranged and played by Ray Charles but I'd much rather listen to an album of original Ray Charles songs. Standout Tracks: Let the Good Times Roll, You Won't Let Me Go, Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'