There's no denying that you only need to be listening to The Beach Boys for the time it takes you to say "oh fuck, it's The Beach Boys" to know it's them. The iconic harmonies, the voices that sound like they've trapped their bollocks in a car door, it's all very familiar. And for that - a solid 2 stars. Where I draw the line is that every song sounds the same, and every song has the same lyrics but in a different order. "There's a pretty girl, I wonder if she's into me" "If I look good, will that pretty girl notice me" "I wonder if we could get together and gang rape that woman" SING SOMETHING DIFFERENT FOR THE LOVE OF GOD Anyway, I'm sure the album was a popular classic at the time. It just aged like the crusty bed sheets of a brothel.

Un bon album rapide avec une certaine originalité. Bien que si vous ne parlez pas français, je pense que vous auriez du mal. Je me sentais un peu répétitif au bout d'un moment.

A good introduction to Aerosmith. None of their hits but a nice, well-rounded, guitar heavy set of tunes. Some would say it "Rocks". 😐🔫

Felt like bad karaoke - gave it a chance but didn't enjoy at all...

Enjoyable. An interesting mix of genres. Wouldn't rush to put it in my favourites but would listen again.

Odd start and interludes, but for it's time, I'm sure this was a groundbreaking album. Enjoyable and quirky.

Good for: Lift Music, Cinematic Landscape Shots and Contemplating your future Bad for: Listening to as an album.

Not my style but I'm sure I would have understood the hype if I was around in the 60s!

If you're a blues fan, this album is like the bible of your world. I, however, am not. Instrumentals too similar. Lyrics very simple. Pretty dull after a few tracks.

A glorious lucky dip of an album. Whilst some tracks made me feel like I was in year 9 at school, set loose with an imagination and a Yamaha keyboard but this time, joined by an orchestra for good measure... Others transported me to a sunny rooftop at a boujee cocktail bar, next to the River Thames... When I was young, and had money to be drinking at boujee cocktail bars next to the River Thames.

Gloriously 80s. Nice range of tunes. Brilliant to listen to on a rainy Tuesday

Cat Stevens, being one of the "founding fathers" of the British Folk scene, is a pioneer for his genre. Folk albums, even in the present day, use influences from Tea for the Tillerman, and it's very clear as to why. A wonderful blend of story-telling, multi-instrumental solos and calming tunes. This album is a treat for both the ears and the soul.

I went into this album with open ears and a sense of eagerness about me. The only real experience I'd ever had of Kanye West was when he played one of the worst sets I've ever seen at Glastonbury - exhibiting a total lack of imagination or care for the festival and its audience. So, when this came up as the album of the day, I was actually quite excited to see what all the fuss was about. Yes, I did listen to the full album (twice). Do I regret it? No, I do not. Will I be listening again in a hurry? No, I will not. It was a great start - an intriguing voiceover, into an almost choral "Dark Fantasy" made for an enticing beginning. I was ready for my opinions and beliefs to be changed. But it was after track one that things started to go down hill. For the majority of tracks, the disjointed formula of "spoken/rap" > "dramatic music/breakdown" > "spoken/rap" became laborious and although there's no denying that there are SOME well composed tunes that save the whole thing, I did find myself going "oh god, not again" approximately half way in. The top tier collaborations are worth noting too - I always love guests adding their own characteristics to an album but for me, it wasn't enough. Overall, this album feels largely self-gratifying - with the overriding theme of the album being "look at how amazing I am - and if you don't agree, we'll have sex and everything will be okay". I don't know - maybe at the wise old age of 28 I'm turning into a grumpy old man. But this certainly wasn't the album for me.

Ahhh - the good old days when it was the norm to have tracks that lasted over 20 minutes 😂 A good album by rush, the guitar riffs would be perfect for driving along a beach at sunset. For me though, listening to this at work, most tracks ended up sounding similar and there was nothing that really jumped out at me for a repeat listen. I liked it - but know considerably better albums of a similar genre.

Shame it's not on Spotify anymore, but luckily I've listened previously and enjoyed it!

I enjoyed this album much more than I expected to, however, the vocals ruined it for me. Whilst the instrumentation made for an interesting and quirky listen - the flat vocals made everything sound the same. Shame really, it could have been great.

Another guitar heavy album, but this time with real power, as the title suggests. A short journey of just eight tracks, but a high-energy, electric one nonetheless. Reminds me of one of my favourite movie soundtracks. Great songs, great rhythm, great album!

I imagine if you were present at the time of recording - you would marvel at the talent of these two extraordinary musicians. The dramatic scale of tension from one track to the next would create an atmosphere unparalleled to anything seen from a duo before. Listening to the applause between tracks they really did enjoy it. For me though, as someone listening at home, I found this album a little trippy. Like I was in some kind of nightmare. I'd said yes to another pint of 8.2% scrumpy cider when really I should have been sensible and told the gang I was going home. Who knows, maybe that's what they were going for? And if it was - well done to them. At least I know where to go if I feel like an anxiety attack. I won't be listening to this anytime soon, but really appreciate having something different come my way.

The thing that struck me about this album is just how many songs have been covered by other artists. It set the tone for the rest of the genre and changed music history forever. Whilst it's not something I would actively choose to listen to, because I feel the industry has moved on, I do feel that it has its place in the legends book, and therefore deserves a high rating.

An interesting album - with equally interesting lyrics. The very simple instrumentals behind the lyrics made the whole thing quite repetitive and therefore no track really stood out for me. Also, what were all the bonus tracks about - who would ever want or need 30 bonus tracks?!?!?!?!

If any record producer wanted a masterclass into how to remaster an album, THIS IS IT. If I didn't know, I would have said it was recorded yesterday, with brilliant use of EQ, creating an "as live" feel. Hot Buttered Soul is the perfect name for this album, achieving the warm gooey feeling inside that only Soul music can muster. If there's one thing that stood out for me, it has to be the outstanding orchestral arrangements. It took each track to a whole different level and made it feel somewhat of a masterpiece. I also loved the story telling intro of "By the time I get to Phoenix". For an album released quite so long ago, it has to have been one of the first albums to include this style. The interview at the end is the icing on the cake. Isaac's effortless passion for his music shines through and brings the album to a close wonderfully. The only negative, and the reason for a loss of star is simply due to the album being far too short. 4 real tracks, 2 repeats and an interview. This is more EP than album. I finished, but I wanted more.

I don't have too much to say about this album. Nice mix of tunes - nice mix of styles. Good for when you're feeling like an angsty teenager and just want to shout at people, but realise you have no friends, so you listen to this in your room whilst picking fights with your teddy bears.

As a young man named Calvin Harris once said "It was acceptable in the 80s" Lucky, this fine album by New Order continues to be acceptable today. So acceptable in fact that I rather enjoyed it. Brilliant blend of catchy synth-pop tunes, with a surprise symphonic banger in the middle. Please sir, can I have some more?

As Cyndi Lauper said, during this album "Girls just wanna have fun"... Well I can tell you for sure, I know of many girls and boys that will have fun listening to this album One of those albums that you go "Ohhhhh THAT'S who sang this song!!!!" A whole range of tunes that lighten your mood. Perfect for a cold winter's day.

It's classic, it's cheesy, it's 90s fabulous - singing into your hairbrush whilst trying on your mums make-up questioning your sexuality... wait, what?!

An album once could describe as "silly" 😂 humourous lyrics throughout and I'm sure they would have been a joy to have seen live. I'm not so sure this was a top album to listen to before I die, but nonetheless I appreciated the variety!

Whenever you hear Dire Straits - Mark Knopfler's unmistakable voice, along with the classic lyrics and backing musical arrangements make for some fantastic tunes. This album was such a treat to listen to - hit after hit. Loved it.

Enjoyable. I recognised quite a few songs from advertising, being a testament to how well composed they are.

This album changed my life. It was so aggressive and made me feel anger I've never felt before, so I went outside, punched a toddler and ended up in Police custody. I am writing this between my bail and sentencing date. Thanks a lot 1001 albums. See you on the other side.

Traditional Country and Western style - a positive start that got repetitive about two songs in. Great at naming bands - terrible at playing music.

I've got to admit, I didn't really "get" it. Was it a satirical album? Was it meant to be funny? I enjoyed some of the tunes, but the fact it was so short as well made it feel a half-arsed attempt at an album. Certainly not in the top albums to listen to before I die!!!

So I'm at a bar and I hear what sounds like my creepy uncle, doing karaoke, after getting on the whisky at 5pm. This is before I realise I'm wrong and they've just put on I'm Your Man by Leonard Cohen on the sound system.

Pretty decent mix of tunes. Rated lower because I much prefer some of their other albums but still enjoyed it.

I appreciate punk, and this album encapsulates the feeling of rebellion that the genre often brings. 15 minutes though? That's not an album, that's an EP. Feels insulting to the listener.

I have never been more conflicted by listening to an album. There were moments where I marvelled at their quite frankly stunning musicianship. However, others where I couldn't help but think the whole thing felt self-indulgent. 2 hours of a man imitating the sound of a guitar. His vocal range seemed impressive the first time he did it, but after 10 minutes, it felt like a chore. 1 star for being legends, 1 star for amazing music, 1 star for some classic tunes but that'll do. I just hope the crowd enjoyed it

I saw Elvis Costello live once and hated it - but surprised myself by enjoying this album. Upbeat, non offensive music. Quite jolly. Can't grumble.

Pioneer of the moody soundtrack, creator of the "I keep hearing this bloody song but I've no idea who it is or where it comes from because it doesn't have any words"... Moby's Play ticks all the right boxes where electronic ambient music is concerned. Losing one star because there are better albums of a similar genre out there, but this was certainly a nice surprise to have pop up today.

There's no denying that you only need to be listening to The Beach Boys for the time it takes you to say "oh fuck, it's The Beach Boys" to know it's them. The iconic harmonies, the voices that sound like they've trapped their bollocks in a car door, it's all very familiar. And for that - a solid 2 stars. Where I draw the line is that every song sounds the same, and every song has the same lyrics but in a different order. "There's a pretty girl, I wonder if she's into me" "If I look good, will that pretty girl notice me" "I wonder if we could get together and gang rape that woman" SING SOMETHING DIFFERENT FOR THE LOVE OF GOD Anyway, I'm sure the album was a popular classic at the time. It just aged like the crusty bed sheets of a brothel.

Fantastic album from start to finish. Really engaging and listenable. A brilliant length that felt like half the time. A new band on my radar, time to listen to their back catalogue!!

Loved this album! A true fusion of the top rock bands of the 90s. Reminded me a mix of Manic Street Preachers, a bit of REM with some slightly heavier surprises added in. Great stuff.

Classic. High tempo. Great lyrics. Made me feel like I was driving down the autobahn at 200 miles an hour. Great album.

Meh. Wanted to like this so much more than I did. Good for background music, but I didn't feel much went into the mix, not very original.

I can only echo what I'm sure everyone else has said about this iconic album. Fantastic from start to finish. I hope that every single person that got to see them live, treasured the opportunity and memories.

You know what... I can't fucking stand Rod Stewart. But this album made me see it's that I hate him, his inability to sing, and complete overexposure NOW rather than his albums that came out in the 70s. Enjoyed this more than I thought I would.

Yeah it was okay. Instrumentals were fun, but difficult to get into overall

I genuinely hated this album. I found Beth Gibbons' vocals became really winey after a while and the identity of the album felt really confused. Am I a soundtrack for a film? Am I hip-hop? Am I having a breakdown so I'm going to throw it all together and hope it sounds good. Yeah, that, that one. It did not sound good.

Thought I'd hate this album. I thought it was going to be Kanye West 2.0 where self gratification is the main goal. Fortunately for me I was very pleasantly surprised... A delicate blend of music, poetry, powerful speeches and heartfelt dreams. Yeah sure, there were too many N bombs, and in my opinion, an over abundance of pussy and dick references. BUT overall it was a good listen.

Fantastic album from start to finish, didn't get repetitive as I thought it would. 5*

Absolutely brilliant album. Rocking, funky, great lyrics, takes me back to band practice at my nans house. Good times.

I'm not going to pretend I'm some sort of hip-hop virtuoso, and maybe it's just that this album wasn't written for "someone like me" - but it's not an album I'll rush back to anytime soon, it definitely has its merits though. Pros - this album almost seems to be educational to its listeners. It knows its target audience (young women) and tries to teach them not to be fucked around. The no nonsense attitude of Missy Elliot shines through and ultimately makes this album fiercely defiant, especially for the time it was written. The collaborations were spot on, and each guest lends another element to each track. Cons - Generally the theme of this album got to me. Whilst each song sounded very different, track after track we heard the same sort of thing. "I want to be with you, do you want to be with me?" "I'm a strong independent woman, I don't need no man, but I still want to sleep with you" Zzzzzz 4* for originality and song structures Losing the star for churning over the same old themes over and over again.

Byrd Brothers? More like boring brothers. If I was listening to this album as a lullaby soundtrack it would be spot on. The monotone voices sent me into a lovely slumber. Unfortunately though I was at work and have since lost my job. I blame the Byrds and their shitty album.

Wonderful set from Marty Robbins. Would be great for a Western Soundtrack. Lots of Elvis vibes.

Yeah fine. A couple of classics on there but certainly not an album I'd listen to again in a hurry.

Fantastic album - love The Jam anyway but this album feels rebellious, unique and fun.

This made me feel like I was standing in front of the pyramid stage at Glastonbury Festival, watching the best live set of my life. I had completely underestimated Supergrass until I listened to this album. Fantastic.

An album stuffed full of disco classics. Great for a Saturday night on the dance floor. As a full album most songs sound similar. It would be very difficult to tell them apart.

A nice well-rounded album - soulful voice, wonderful blend of styles.

An obvious 5 for me. Interesting twists and turns throughout. Completely innovative. Loved it.

No doubt about it, it's a good album. But I can't get over the fact he's a complete arsehole in real life and completely and utterly terrible life. Sorrynotsorry

I'm still undecided about this album. Whilst some tracks I found groovy and catchy, others were so repetitive and dull. I get what they were trying to do with interludes and breaks, tying the album up into a free flowing show. But for me, there were too many dud tracks to rate it any higher than a 3.

I really, really wanted to like this album. An initial funky bass riff kicks things off, and it feels exciting, discoriffic, and reminiscent (if you're of that age)... But after about 15 seconds, things turn sour. We get, you're called Chic. We don't need to be reminded. After a minute of repetition I started to feel like I was in a class for those with Alzheimer's. What was your name again? Oh yeah YOU'VE TOLD US FOUR HUNDRED TIMES. Anyway, maybe things will get better in the next track. I really hope so because it's almost six minutes long. Nope. Turns out Le Freak wins the award for the most repetitive song of the 1970s. I shouldn't be too horrible. The music was catchy in some parts. For about 23 seconds. Before feeling like I'd fallen into a recurring nightmare involving a stack of loop pedals and some disco singers. To some up, this album was uninspiring, repetitive and generally quite dull. I listened to the end, in hope it got better, but instead I ended up wasting my life. I'll try not to 'Freak Out' on my way out.

Meh. A classic for the reasons everyone knows about but the album as a whole is disappointing and dull.

If you want something to get your heart racing so much that you start to see a bright light hurling towards you... this is the album for you!

An ethereal wonderland of songs - making you question meaning whilst making you feel as though you're heading out on a mystical adventure. Brilliant layering of instruments and special effects. I shall be listening to more of their back catalogue.

Shrek did this album and Eels a LOT of favours. Overall I enjoyed the album but there are, without a doubt, some weak link songs.