219
Albums Rated
3.14
Average Rating
20%
Complete
870 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1960
Favorite Decade
Jazz
Favorite Genre
other
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
20
5-Star Albums
2
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ys
Joanna Newsom
|
5 | 2.8 | +2.2 |
|
Slanted And Enchanted
Pavement
|
5 | 3.03 | +1.97 |
|
I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
|
5 | 3.05 | +1.95 |
|
The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
|
5 | 3.25 | +1.75 |
|
Bossanova
Pixies
|
5 | 3.38 | +1.62 |
|
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
|
5 | 3.4 | +1.6 |
|
Dirt
Alice In Chains
|
5 | 3.47 | +1.53 |
|
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
|
5 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
|
Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
|
5 | 3.54 | +1.46 |
|
Moon Safari
Air
|
5 | 3.57 | +1.43 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1984
Van Halen
|
1 | 3.5 | -2.5 |
|
Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
|
1 | 3.43 | -2.43 |
|
A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
|
2 | 3.9 | -1.9 |
|
Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
|
2 | 3.74 | -1.74 |
|
Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
|
2 | 3.66 | -1.66 |
|
Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
|
2 | 3.64 | -1.64 |
|
Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
|
2 | 3.62 | -1.62 |
|
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
|
2 | 3.59 | -1.59 |
|
Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
|
2 | 3.57 | -1.57 |
|
Gorillaz
Gorillaz
|
2 | 3.53 | -1.53 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Bob Dylan | 3 | 4.33 |
5-Star Albums (20)
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Popular Reviews
Emmylou Harris · 1 likes
4/5
I loved this. I'd never heard any of it before, but for a couple of weeks it's been my favourite album. It's provided ear worms that I've thoroughly enjoyed revisiting. This is why I am doing this! To find gems that resonate like this.
MGMT · 1 likes
2/5
The singles (I assume) are pretty good, but the rest isn't. It doesn't offend, but doesn't inspire either.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band · 1 likes
3/5
While it does feel a bit thin, dated and glammy in places, there are also some genuine high points, and (annoyingly) catchy songs.
Iron Maiden · 1 likes
5/5
One of my all time favourites and one of the first albums I grew to truly love. Underrated work of genius!
King Crimson · 1 likes
2/5
I've been super disappointed in this album. I love the band and adore some of their other albums, but I find very little to get excited about with this.
1-Star Albums (2)
All Ratings
Ramones
4/5
Love the Ramones, this is where their best stuff is at too. Great tunes delivered with simplicity. Took me back!
Tears For Fears
2/5
Really not for me. Some iconic songs and certainly captured the sound of a period in time, but the songs don't do much for me and the focals feel forced.
Iron Maiden
4/5
Loved it. Childhood favourite of Dickenson era Maiden at their best.
The Byrds
3/5
Not entirely my thing. Some of the more psychadelic stuff missed the mark. Enjoyed some more than others, but overall an enjoyable listen.
Crowded House
2/5
Just not for me.
Pink Floyd
5/5
One of the all time greats. No question this is a 5!
Elbow
5/5
I'd forgotten how much I love this album. It's just about a 4.5, but rounding up...
Steely Dan
3/5
I've know this album for years and, while it clearly has quality, I just can't connect with it.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Not an album I'd listened to in its entirety before, but knew several of the tracks. It's a cracker, as expected.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
3/5
I really struggle to connect with this. Maybe if I gave it more time the songs would grow on me, but nothing about it made me want to re-listen! Low 3.
Love
3/5
I've listened to this album a lot, but it's never really blown me away.
Elvis Costello
3/5
I like costello, and this debut album has a lot off decent tracks on it, but I don't love any of them, and find sometimes he can grate slightly.
Buena Vista Social Club
5/5
Wonderful album. Superb songs played by superb artists. A favourite of mine and hugely important. Love it!
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Way too long, with moments of brilliance. I think this would still be four stars if it were a single album as, while I love lots of it, it's not mind blowing.
Elvis Presley
3/5
It's light and fun, but a bit too sickly for my taste. Where it all began, so hugely important album.
Sam Cooke
4/5
Loved this. What a gem! Can't believe I'd not heard it before.
Grizzly Bear
3/5
It's an album I've heard a lot. I do like it, but I find it hard to get too excited about it, despite the hype it received at the time.
The Chemical Brothers
2/5
This has not aged well. Uninspiring songs left me longing for the end of the album. Not one I'll be rushing to revisit any time soon.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Fab album. Mid sixties Dylan at his best, with some of his classics here.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Love this. Incredible voice, great songs, good production.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
It's decent, but not as good as some of his other work.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
4/5
One of my go-to jazz albums. Excellent, but just falls short of five stars.
Ride
3/5
I imagine in the right context I'd enjoy it more, but having listened to a few times now, it's failed to excite.
Iron Maiden
5/5
One of my all time favourites and one of the first albums I grew to truly love. Underrated work of genius!
Paul Simon
4/5
A bit of a favourite. Wonderful collection of great and interesting songs. High 4.
Kanye West
4/5
This is an exceptionally good album, but I struggle with Ye's lyrics too much to be able to award a 5.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Not my favourite Elvis album, but still decent.
The La's
2/5
I find this album pretty beige. The song writing isn't terrible, but nothing grips me. One listen was enough.
Fela Kuti
4/5
Wonderful stuff. Fela at his inimitable best for four strong pieces.
Kanye West
3/5
I enjoyed this a lot. Kanye (or whatever) can put together some belting songs, but I'm not a fan of his lyrics or themes.
Beatles
3/5
This is very good - better than I had remembered, but it's not a patch on what they would become. It's early 60s pop at its best.
Green Day
3/5
I like this album more than I remember. It's not world beating, but it has some great tracks on it. I'm torn between a high three or low four...
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
It grew on me more than I was expecting, but still never hit any great heights. High two/low three.
James Taylor
3/5
I gave this a lot of listens as I suspected it would be one that grew on me more than it did. It's generally decent and there are a couple of great tracks, but not as good as I'd hoped.
Bill Evans Trio
4/5
I hadn't heard this album before and I loved it. My biggest criticism is the way the updated version of the album repeats tracks, providing different versions next to each other, which isn't great for flow. But otherwise gorgeous!
Mike Oldfield
2/5
Hugely iconic, with great moments, but overall not a great album. In fact quite a lot of needlessly odd or bad.
Moby Grape
2/5
There are definitely some nice moments in this album, especially the acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies. The songwriting very much passes me by though.
The Police
2/5
It's pretty much exactly what I expected, but with less quality throughout the album. Very little desire to listen to this again.
Kacey Musgraves
3/5
It's pretty much what you'd expect. It's perfectly decent, with a smattering of catchy country-pop tunes. I liked it.
Goldfrapp
3/5
I've swung a bit with this one. There was a point where I thought it was really growing on me, but ultimately I don't think it's got the quality I had hoped. It's definitely good, but not much better than that.
Venom
2/5
I do like a fair amount of the guitar work, but everything else is poor. The songs themselves feel pretty weak and the production is dire.
Norah Jones
3/5
This is a nice and pleasant album. It probably serves best as beckground music, but does this well.
Pavement
3/5
Tori Amos
3/5
I though this was pretty good. Very Tori Amos, and good quality of songs throughout.
Thelonious Monk
3/5
I was really excited when this came up as I've not connected with it before, but was confident I would with time. Unfortunately that's not really happened. It's fine, but doesn't do as much for me as I had hoped.
Peter Frampton
2/5
There is some great musicianship on this record, but being live reduces production values, and the songs aren't strong enough to leave me wanting more.
Gene Clark
4/5
I liked this a lot more than I was expecting. Definitely one to revisit - good quality americana throughout.
Ray Price
2/5
I feel a little harsh scoring this a 2, but I just find it too boring to go higher. I'm sure it's very good gentle American country music, but the songs really don't grip me and I can't see myself going back to this again.
Fiona Apple
2/5
I gave this a good go, as I expected to like it more than I did, but it just never quite landed with me. Decent, but I can't see myself going back to this one.
Bauhaus
2/5
I can hear the influence, and understand why those who like it would love it, and there are a couple of good tracks, but as an album, I won't be rushing to listen again any time soon.
Nina Simone
4/5
This is great. And not just because it contains Lilac Wine and Wild Is The Wind! A rich and diverse record that improves on every listen.
Os Mutantes
3/5
There are definitely good bits in this, but overall it's a bit too random 1960s for me. It's different, interesting, and from an unusual place (for me), which appeals.
Isaac Hayes
4/5
Great stuff. Always starts out as a four and ends as a three, but on balance I'm going with the four.
Iggy Pop
4/5
This is really good. I wansn't expecting the strength in depth here. Definitely one to keep coming back to.
Digital Underground
3/5
I liked this. Sounds very much of its time (1990), but there are some really fun tracks. Probably too much filler though.
Pulp
4/5
I love this, and I think it's aged brilliantly. So much great music in this, as well as diverse and engaging songs.
The Incredible String Band
2/5
Didn't do it for me. Too much random 60s psychadelia. There are definitely some highlights, but they don't last anywhere near long enough.
Stephen Stills
2/5
I didn't love this. Reasonably well produced, but I found it really quite boring.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
2/5
Not really my thing. The majority of the album was very disappointing and the high points weren't anything I'd go back for.
Primal Scream
3/5
Very Primal Scream in sound. Not hugely interesting or compelling - very easy to lose track of. But nonetheless a relatively enjoyable listen. Low 3.
Supertramp
4/5
There is a lot of good stuff in this album. Very prog, some dated vocals, but overall a good album that grew on me with each listen. A low 4.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
This is great. Requires the right mood, but the songs are beautiful. Definitely one I'm happy to have been pushed to listen to.
The Police
2/5
This is a high two for me. I don't love Sting's voice, or lyrics, and won't be going back to listen to this anytime soon. That said, it's got some interesting songs musically, and it's well produced.
The Strokes
3/5
I was pleased to be able to give this a good listen as it's a highly rated album that hadn't done it for me. Having listened I can see what the fuss is about. It is very good, but it still doesn't do enough for me to push it to a four.
Johnny Cash
4/5
An album I know well. Great songs, great performance.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
It's a sin is obviously brilliant, but things go downhill from there. It feels like there is a lot of poorly dated filler, as well as some good songs.
Miles Davis
4/5
The first couple of listens passed me by, but over time I've been enjoying this more and more. Great stuff!
AC/DC
3/5
Despite falling between two AC/DC albums I love, I somehow don't like this as much. None of the songs are one's I go to when thinking about the band. It's just decent.
The Charlatans
2/5
Mediocre Madchester songs I didn't like at the time and enjoy even less now.
Adele
3/5
This does what you would hope and expect. It's pretty good.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
3/5
There is more to this than I was expecting. The world music influences feel authentic rather than novelties and there are some very enjoyable moments. Jah's vocals are the low point for me though, both lyrically and stylistically.
The Boo Radleys
2/5
There were some highlights, but overall I found the album boring.
Burning Spear
3/5
I like reggae, but am certainly not an aficionado. I do like this album, and have enjoyed getting to know it, but it's not one I'm too excited to revisit.
Green Day
4/5
I love this album. So many great tracks! So much nostalgia. One I'll keep coming back to over and over again, and there aren't many of those.
Paul McCartney and Wings
2/5
This is a tough one, because Paul McCartney has written some of my favourite ever songs, but nothing in this album landed with me. There's something missing, I'm not sure what, but it means there's nothing I'm keen to return to.
Bob Dylan
4/5
This is not my favourite Dylan album. I find some tracks a bit too jarring (eg Down the Highway), and I've got to be in the right mood for it not to grate. But when I am in the right mood, I thoroughly enjoy it. Scrapes its fourth star with DTTIAR.
Tracy Chapman
3/5
I know this album well, and it has its high points, but there's too much filler too.
Joanna Newsom
5/5
I adore this album. There are some quite exceptional moments and every track has magic. One to keep coming back to again and again.
Boards of Canada
4/5
How had I not heard this before? Love it - fab late 90s electronica that seems to have aged very nicely.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
The problem with best of albums is that they often fail to lead the listener to the original albums and that has been the case for me and this album. I'd previously felt that the tracks I knew were significantly better than the rest, but having given this a few listens I've realised that just isn't the case. Yes, there are very few albums whose best tracks are as good as these, but the rest are still pretty special too!
Dion
3/5
It seems I'm a bit of a sucker for the wall of sound sound, as I quite enjoyed this. Nothing particularly special, but sufficiently floated my boat.
New York Dolls
3/5
This is a good album, with some very good songs, but doesn't do it enough to score higher for me.
R.E.M.
2/5
There are REM albums I would much rather listen to than this. Uninspiring.
The Isley Brothers
4/5
This is very good. The first few times I listened to it I was distracted and it faded into the background, but with perserverence I have learned that it's high quality throughout.
Dire Straits
4/5
It's a difficult one to score as I enjoy listening to this much more than I enjoy thinking about it. I'm going to allow listening experience to prevail though. Low 4.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
3/5
While it does feel a bit thin, dated and glammy in places, there are also some genuine high points, and (annoyingly) catchy songs.
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
It's a banger. Lots of absolute classics. Enjoyed revisiting this!
The xx
3/5
I enjoyed this when it came out, but it really hasn't grown much on me since. The songs and performance are decent enough, but don't excite massively beyond that.
XTC
2/5
I know others love this, but I just can't connect with it. It's not bad music, it just really isn't for me.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3/5
There are times I really connect with this, and others where it feels like they are trying too hard - too many harmonies etc. There are some great songs, but overall doesn't do enough to keep me wanting more.
Booker T. & The MG's
4/5
I very much knew the title song, but hadn't knowingly heard much more than that before. It took a few listens to get to know the album sufficiently, but with this investment I thoroughly enjoyed it. The album may peak with the first track, but the rest is definitely worth revisiting.
Janelle Monáe
3/5
I enjoyed this lots more than I was expecting. It's a diverse album, with lots of musical ideas and approaches and there are some real high points, but I don't find it works enough as an album to get four stars from me. Very much enjoyed getting to know it though!
American Music Club
2/5
I know people who absolutely love this band - people who's opinions I rate. But it just does nothing for me. I don't like the vocal style at all, for example. Not for me.
Sufjan Stevens
5/5
Absolutely stunning album. It's been one of my favourites for years and still grows on me with each listen. 22 tracks is a lot, but somehow the quality holds up from start to finish.
Herbie Hancock
5/5
Wonderful. Soooo good.
Machito
4/5
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Hard for it not to lift the mood and get some part of your body moving or tapping. Great musicianship, great songs!
Lambchop
4/5
I liked this a lot - grew on me with every listen. Definitely one to spend more time with in the future. Simple, great songs, although I prefer when he's not singing in falsetto.
Elvis Presley
4/5
This is The King at his very best. Great songs performed brilliantly. Love it.
Keith Jarrett
3/5
I love the story behind this album, and when I tune into it some of the music is beautiful. On the other hand, an hour of improvided music on a naff piano can only get you so far. Superb at what it does, nonetheless.
3/5
This is a challenging album. I hated it at first, but gradually began to hear more of what it has to offer. There are times when I love it, but they are often fleeting. One to return to, definitely, but not often.
Hookworms
3/5
I enjoyed this. The first track is a belter! Surprised I've not come across them before. Tails off later though.
King Crimson
2/5
I've been super disappointed in this album. I love the band and adore some of their other albums, but I find very little to get excited about with this.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
3/5
This is pretty good stuff. Great musicianship & nice songs. It doesn't do enough to really draw me in though. I'd happily listen again, but am unlikely to seek it out.
Beatles
5/5
I absolutely love this album, which is also my favourite Beatles album. There are so many truly wonderful pieces. Even the songs which are often considered to be duds still do it for me. One of the absolute all time greats. Hugely important album to me too, lots of wonderful memories with this on in the background.
Ian Dury
3/5
This is a lot of fun. Great simple rock and roll songs, very late 70s sound, interesting lyrics. I like it a lot, without loving it.
Ice Cube
2/5
The sound is very Public Enemy, but with worse lyrics. He's good at what he does, I'm just not that into it.
3/5
It's often tricky to rate an album by a super tight band, who have some super moments. I find myself having to listen again and again to see what grows and that was the case with this album, which didn't grow on me much at all.
4/5
Possibly the Beatles most famous album? Regularly billed as their best. I really want to like this more that I do, but there are too many tracks that I don't love for this to be a five star.
Mekons
2/5
There are some interesting ideas in here, but it really doesn't resonate with me. I'm not a fan of the sound, including the production. I can't see wanting to return to this any time soon.
Buzzcocks
2/5
I really don't like the vocals and can't get past that. Behind them I like what I hear, often a lot. But the voice, the vocal style, even the vocal melodies ruin what would otherwise have been much more enjoyable.
Franz Ferdinand
2/5
Didn't love it when it was released, still don't love it now.
Eminem
2/5
He's a very pleasent rapper to listen to, but the words turn me off and the music isn't engaging enough to make up for it. Maybe I'm just too old for this kind of thing?
The Undertones
3/5
I like this. It doesn't do anything great, but it's decent quality, poppy punk.
The National
3/5
I love their previous album, and enjoyed seeing them live playing songs from this album, but it doesn't quite reach those heights for me. It's good, but not great.
Gorillaz
2/5
This really isn't my bag. I like Clint Eastwood, but the majority of the album misses the target.
The Clash
4/5
This is a belter. It's long, but has strength in depth. So many great songs!
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
There are a couple of decent songs on this, but as an album it's not for me. Too many things that just don't do much for me. I'm still not a big fan of EC's sound either, which possibly doesn't help.
Björk
3/5
I like this, but don't connect to it as much as I had hoped. Very good album, but not doing quite enough for a four from me.
Janet Jackson
2/5
I wanted and expected to like this a bit more than I eventually did. It's fine, but didn't get me wanting to dance in the way I had hoped. Definitely dated in sound and style too.
Snoop Dogg
4/5
This is great fun. As you'd expect, lyrically this has some troubling moments, but if you don't take it seriously and lean into the vibe this album is thoroughly enjoyable. It has a light hearted, languid feel, full of great tracks. Quality.
Elton John
2/5
Tiny Dancer is one of my favourite EJ songs, but I still don't love it. And it's the best thing on this album, which is otherwise just very EJ. Fine, but not interesting or exciting at all.
The Monkees
2/5
This is decent late 60s pop. There are several pretty good songs, as well as a few that pass me by. No real high points, but some fun moments.
Emmylou Harris
4/5
I loved this. I'd never heard any of it before, but for a couple of weeks it's been my favourite album. It's provided ear worms that I've thoroughly enjoyed revisiting. This is why I am doing this! To find gems that resonate like this.
The Who
2/5
I've given this a lot of listens, and although I no longer dislike it, I also don't see myself volunarily playing it again. There's some great musicianship in places, but overall, it's a swing and a miss for me.
Sebadoh
2/5
This doesn't do it for me. The highs aren't very high (2/3 decent songs), and if I'm not in the mood it grates.
Yes
3/5
An album that took several listens to 'get'. I liked it, but didn't love it. Lots of interesting things happening, but to my taste let down by the vocals, and lack of anything to really grip hold of as a listener.
Richard Thompson
5/5
Stunningly beautiful album. Wonderful songs, performed brilliantly.
4/5
This is genuinely excellent. I can see why people go nuts for it. Not enough to my taste for the full five though.
N.W.A.
3/5
Tough one. Some good tracks and great lyrics, but also pretty misogynistic, crime and violence celebrating, young man bravado.
Obvs hugely important, and often a lot of fun. I liked, but didn't love.
Destiny's Child
2/5
I gave this a lot of listening as it's not a genre that I am used to listening to. The singing and production are great, and there are some very good pop songs, with only a couple of duds. This one's just between a two and a three for me.
Duran Duran
2/5
I ended up liking this a bit more than I was expecting. The bass in particular is great. But ultimately the songs aren't that great and I'm not a fan of the vocals.
Ice T
3/5
This is pretty good. It's angry and full of bravado, and the songs are all decent. But I don't think I'll be revisiting much, as there are better albums in this genre.
Magazine
4/5
Given how much I have struggled with Buzzcocks, I really wasn't expecing to like this, but ended up thoroughly enjoying it. Musically super interesting and well executed. One to return to...
Stan Getz
5/5
I liked this a lot from the first listen, but it took a bit of time to love it, which I definitely do. Beautiful songs delivered woderfully. This is sublime.
Madness
2/5
It's OK. There are times when I quite like it. Some of the lyrics are quite interesting. But that's as far as I'd go. Otherwise, doesn't do a whole lot for me.
Nas
5/5
In my book, this is about as good as rap has ever got. Even I can hear his influence down the line! One that I always enjoy returning to. Top stuff!
Marty Robbins
2/5
I'm happy to believe this is as good as the genre gets, but unfortunatly it's not a genre that particularly excites me. It's fine, but I can't imagine I'm going to want to listen to it again.
Meat Puppets
4/5
Thoroughly enjoyed this highly creative album. It includes two of the songs covered on Nirvana's Unplugged album, but I now can't remember which ones as there are so many bangers. Definitely one to keep returning to.
Beatles
4/5
Love this album. So many spectacular songs! If I'm being super critical, the quality isn't as consistent as some of their other albums.
Ute Lemper
2/5
There are points at which this album promises a lot, but what it giveth it taketh away again with interest. I don't mind the oddness of the album - the cabaret style does work with some songs, especially the Costello ones, but several tracks are painfully bad. Not for me I'm afraid.
Kanye West
3/5
Some great moments, but I really don't enjoy the lyrics.
Funkadelic
4/5
This is great. Clinton at his best, straying from funk to rock and back. Love it. Some songs can drag a little though.
Taylor Swift
3/5
As expected, this is a pleasent listen, with some good catchy tracks and some lovely moments. I enjoyed, but I'm not a full Swiftie yet...
3/5
I've given this album a lot of time, largely in the hope that it grew on me more than it has. I do like it, just not as much as I'd hoped. I've no real complaints, it just doesn't grab me as much as I want it to.
The Mamas & The Papas
2/5
California Dreamin' is wonderful, and Monday, Monday is decent, but after that it all feels too much like something written for Austin Powers.
My Bloody Valentine
4/5
This is great, and when I'm in the right mood can be fabulous.
Steely Dan
3/5
This is definitely a very good album, but I just don't get on with Steely Dan vocals enough for me to want to keep revisiting.
Harry Nilsson
4/5
This is a really good album. Great songs, great performances, lots of diversity. I can see why the Beatles loved him!
Adam & The Ants
2/5
Really not my bag. Some decent sounds in places, but the style just isn't for me.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
I like this album. I've enjoyed listening to it, which I've done quite a lot. But it's not grabbed me. There are no songs I've found running round my head, or which I want to play again straight after. So it's a high 3 for me.
Van Morrison
4/5
Fab live album. I keep coming back for more and more. Delivers exactly what you'd hope!
Eagles
3/5
Some great classic rock here, but nothing that's likely to get me returning to this too regularly. Great musicianship, but the song writing just isn't strong enough for me.
Nanci Griffith
3/5
I like this, it's got some nice songs and good performances, but it's not as good as other albums in this genre. Happy to listen again, but won't be searching out.
Van Halen
1/5
God I hated this. Listening once was too much - I refuse to listen again.
Rahul Dev Burman
2/5
It's been interesting listening to this album and getting a feel for the genre at that time. Having spent some time in India it provided some nostalgia, but it's not got me wanting to explore much further. Glad I've got to know it a bit, but don't plan to return too often.
The Mars Volta
4/5
I love this album. It's both enjoyable to listen to and super interesting.
Morrissey
2/5
I don't like Morrisey. As well as not liking him, I'm not a fan of his lyrics or his vocal approach. That said, everything else on this album is decent. The songs are well constructed, his voice is good and charasmatic, and the production is great. Will I choose to listen again though? Nope.
Thin Lizzy
2/5
This is OK. I don't love it, and I can't see myself going back for more, but it didn't offend me. It did feel pretty samey though, and there wasn't much to get excited about musically.
Happy Mondays
3/5
This is a fun album, high in nostalgia and keen to get you moving. I definitely enjoyed getting to know this one, but can't see myself returning too often.
Jerry Lee Lewis
2/5
I remember liking this album, but it disappoints now. As a live record the production quality is pretty low, as is the quality of his vocals at times. The tracks do what you expect them to, but there's not much depth. That said, it's hard to listen without tapping along and in the right mood I may return to indivudual tracks.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
To my ears this sounds a bit dated and is an album I'm not quite sure which mood to be in to best appreciate it. It's fine, and I may seek it out again one day, but certainly not for a while.
Soul II Soul
3/5
Nicely nostalgic, I've had some fun dancing to some of these over the years, but the quality isn't high enough for me to want too much more.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
2/5
I found the song writing to be mixed, to the extent that I don't want to listen to the album all the way through again. The better songs are decent and I'd happily return to them, although won't be adding to any particular playlists.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
I liked this more than I expected. It's a long and slightly confused album, which seems consistent with CA wanting to throw everything she could at the recording. But her voice is at times superb, and very few of the tracks feel like filler. I'd happily listen to this again.
Elton John
3/5
I've expressed my feelings about EJ in earlier reviews. That said, this is my favourite of his albums. It's a bit too long, but it's still the one I'll return to if I'm ever in the mood.
Megadeth
2/5
This is not a great album. I'm not sure how it got onto this list. Especially as there are other Megadeth albums which are much better and more interesting.
Coldcut
3/5
I liked this. I particularly enjoyed it as background music while I work, which is almost certainly not what it is meant to do, but in this regard it was good. As a record to go dancing to, there are others I will always put ahead of this one.
Sleater-Kinney
2/5
I really struggled with this. I'm not sure what mood I'd have to be in to appreciate it, but it's not a mood I'm in very often. Not to my taste sadly.
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
I like lots, love bits (esp. the title track), and will happily listen to it again. I'm less sure how often I'll seek it out though. Not enough memorable songs to want to return to. High 3.
Taylor Swift
3/5
As easy to access and enjoy as one would expect and packed with huge and famous tracks. This is much more pop-y than the album I reviewed previously. Good, but not great.
Q-Tip
3/5
This is good. I've enjoyed listening to it, but it's not gripped me enough to want to keep going back again later.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Wonderful Stones album. One I keep returning to. Super bluesy too.
Deep Purple
3/5
The first half of this album is highest quality hard rock. Unfortunately, the second falls short. High 3 from me.
The White Stripes
4/5
I've enjoyed revisiting this album. There is a small part of me that finds it slightly of its time, but it is nonetheless excellent.
The Smiths
2/5
It's tricky, because I can hear the quality of Marr et al's work on this, but I just can't get past the fact that I really dislike Morrisey and his vocals.
Cocteau Twins
3/5
There are some definite highs, but ultimately this album didn't grow on me as much as I'd hoped.
Pavement
5/5
This is brilliant. After struggling with 'Crooked Rain', I questioned my previous enjoyment, but this bought me right back. Great song writing and delivery. I'll keep coming back to this one...
Queen
2/5
I consider myself a Queen fan. But I can now see why it is the greatest hits records which sold so well. There are some real low points here, so not one I'll be going back to.
Radiohead
4/5
I love this album, but there aren't enough go-to fantastic tracks to justify five stars.
Bob Dylan
5/5
Superb album. Dylan at his absolute best. I love it.
MGMT
2/5
The singles (I assume) are pretty good, but the rest isn't. It doesn't offend, but doesn't inspire either.
John Lennon
2/5
This is a real mixed bag. Some pretty good songs (largely the famous ones), and some bilge. Some I'll definitely play again, some I never want to hear again. Hard to score this, but as a full album I'll give it a two.
Pixies
5/5
This is an album I knew and liked, but on revisiting I have grown to absolutely love it. I can see what the fuss is all about now - an incredible piece of work, from beginning to end.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
Absolutely love this album. Such creativity, so interesting, so many great songs. A joy to listen to.
ZZ Top
2/5
There are some nice bits in this album, and there were times when I thought I might end up connecting more than I did, but it's just not that great. Definitely didn't grow on me as I'd hoped. OK.
The Icarus Line
2/5
When I first heard this I felt quite positive - the sound and energy are great. The problem is there aren't any good songs. I've discussed my inability to connect to songs in a few albums recently, but here I feel pretty confident that the songs just aren't very good at all.
Bobby Womack
4/5
I love this! It may be a bit cheesy at times, but the musicianship, production, and vocals are genuinely excellent. Very happy to have discovered this one!
Björk
3/5
I like this album, but I'm not sure if that is despite or because I find it difficult to properly engage with it. It is therefore pleasant background music to me, which sounds more like a slight that it is. I will definitely put it on again, but when people are round and I want something nice in the background.
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
This is a pretty good album. I'm not sure why that surprised me, but it did! Decent songs, good performance, not amazing production. I can definitely see why some people would love it.
Fishbone
2/5
This is an interesting and eclectic album. Lots of different things going on, loads of different influences, some strong musicianship. It nonetheless sound pretty dated and the songs don't have much appeal to me. Some good moments, especially where the bass is leading, but otherwise not for me.
R.E.M.
3/5
Some really good songs here, and the rest are decent too. Feels a little dated in places, but overall better than I was expecting.
The Teardrop Explodes
2/5
I struggle to tune into a lot of 80s pop, and this album is no exception. I can hear that there are qualities, especially in the bass department, but neither the sound or the song writing do it for me.
Air
5/5
Sure, nostalgia plays a part in the score here, but this is album is nonetheless a start-to-finish banger. I've listened to it so many times, but still want more. Wonderful.
CHIC
4/5
It's hard to start an album with a much better song than Good Times, so the question is where it goes from there. Thankfully there is a lot more to enjoy, especially My Forbidden Lover. Things don't feel quite as rewarding when the tempo lowers, but overall still a great album.
Beck
3/5
Another one I've given a thorough listening to. I can see the appeal of the album - it's interesting and well made, but doesn't do enough for me to love it, or want to keep returning to it.
Derek & The Dominos
4/5
The song writing is not always of the highest order, but despite a large part of me not wanting to like Clapton, I think this is a superb album. The covers and solos are particularly great. Very accessible and enjoyable blues.
Portishead
4/5
This was a slow burner, in part because it makes poor background music and is often quite challenging. But thankfully over time it revealed its plentiful qualities and I now think it's rather good. Not sure when I'll listen to it, but when I do, it'll be marvellous.
4/5
This is an album I used to love. Definitely great songs, but they appeal less to me than they used to. Still enjoy every now and again. The vocal style has began to jar at times though.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
There's something about this album that's never quite clicked with me. I do like it, but it just doesn't resonate with me like some of their other work.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3/5
I've found that over time my appreciation of JJs voice has diminished. This album contains some great songs and is a bit of a best-of, but in truth I won't be going back again too often.
Beatles
2/5
I adore the Beatles, but this album does nothing for me.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
3/5
This is an album (I think?) very much outside my comfort zone, so I find it nearly impossible to judge it much beyond representing a genre that I have heard when travelling or in certain shops/restaurants. That said, I can hear that the quality of the musicianship is high, and the rhythms are great. There is a strong, positive mood, and listening does transport me back to happy memories in India. I doubt I'll be tempted to play much again in the future, but will happily listen again if it were playing.
Slade
2/5
The quality of songwriting has to be very strong for me to enjoy the wider sound, and unfortunately in this album that quality is lacking. Some OK songs, but overall really not very interesting.
Blur
3/5
This has aged better than I was expecting, and has some decent songs on it. Nothing too exciting, but I'd happily listen to again.
Pearl Jam
5/5
There are very few albums I've listened to as much as this one, to the extent that it's lost some freshness but cemented a place in my musical soul. Hugely important to me.
Lou Reed
4/5
The Adverts
3/5
This is good and definitely grew on me. It's early British punk and delivers almost exactly what you'd expect, musically, thematically, and in consistency. Some good songs, which I look forward to hearing again.
Pixies
3/5
I was very excited about this album as I love Doolittle and Bossanova, but for some reason I don't find the songs anywhere near as engaging, interesting, or rewarding, with the exception of Where Is My Mind. I have kept trying, but don't think this will every do for me what the other two do.
Fred Neil
3/5
This is a good album, some very strong writing (Everybody's Talkin'!), and clearly influential. But, I don't love the mid-60s troubadour singing style (later borrowed and developed by Tim Buckley). Definitely some great moments, but I struggle too much with singing to love it.
Air
4/5
I like this a lot, and it seems to grow on me every time I revisit it. Very atmospheric, very Air.
Beastie Boys
4/5
This is enjoyable, atmospheric, nostalgic, and hugely influential. Unmistakably Beastie Boys, and despite it not containing any of their mega-hits is consistently very good.
Method Man
3/5
I love the 36 Chambers, and this comes off the back of that and very much sounds like it. Method Man's vocals are super, as you'd expect, but overall the album doesn't reach the same heights or consistency as others in this space.
Spiritualized
4/5
In the right mood, this is wonderful. I've no idea what the lyrics are, but the music takes me on a pleasant and comforting journey.
The White Stripes
3/5
I love the band, but this is one of their weaker albums. The sound is great, but the songs less so. If I'm in the mood for The White Stripes, it won't be this album that I turn to.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this. The songs are much better than I was expecting. I still find the sound slightly limits the musical depth that can be achieved, but for the right occasion, this is great.
Alice In Chains
5/5
I love this album - one from my formative years that hasn't in any way diminished over time. Wonderful, expressive, powerful work.
Talking Heads
4/5
This is a quality album. Lots of influences and interesting things going on. No idea what the lyrics are about, so may be missing something there. Overall, very much enjoyed this!
Barry Adamson
3/5
Interesting album, interesting concept. There are some genuinely excellent highs here, but other parts make hard listening.
Meat Loaf
1/5
I really didn't enjoy this over the top, paint by numbers, soft rock. I liked none of the songs. I feel bad giving it this score, especially because I suspect a teenage me may have quite liked it, but I would actively avoid listening to again, so it's got to be my second one.