Journey in Progress
Discovering music one album at a time
155
Albums Rated
3.14
Avg Rating
4
5-Star Albums
14%
Complete
934 albums remaining
Rating Speed
5
Per Week
217
Days Active
Reviews
155
Written
100%
Review Rate
vs Global
-0.18
Avg Diff
3.14
Avg Rating
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How you rate albums
Rating Timeline
Average rating over time
Ratings by Decade
Which era do you prefer?
Activity by Day
When do you listen?
Taste Profile
1970s
Favorite Decade
Metal
Favorite Genre
UK
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Balanced
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5
1-Star Albums
Taste Analysis
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Ratings by genre
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Ratings by country
Rating Style
You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 5 | 3.27 | +1.73 |
| Metallica | 5 | 3.79 | +1.21 |
| Ingenue | 4 | 2.94 | +1.06 |
| Post Orgasmic Chill | 4 | 2.99 | +1.01 |
| Rage Against The Machine | 5 | 4 | +1 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doggystyle | 1 | 3.37 | -2.37 |
| Hot Rats | 1 | 3.36 | -2.36 |
| Drunk | 1 | 3.12 | -2.12 |
| Tical | 1 | 2.94 | -1.94 |
| Sticky Fingers | 2 | 3.88 | -1.88 |
| Ill Communication | 2 | 3.65 | -1.65 |
| Natty Dread | 2 | 3.58 | -1.58 |
| Aja | 2 | 3.46 | -1.46 |
| Hot Buttered Soul | 2 | 3.42 | -1.42 |
| Bossanova | 2 | 3.37 | -1.37 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums and high weighted score
| Artist | Albums | Avg | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beatles | 3 | 4.33 | 3.67 |
5-Star Albums (4)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Snoop Dogg
1/5
I kind of hated this album. It was vulgar, and gross, and rude which I can forgive and forget, but it was also boring, which I cannot oblige. I was so thankful when it ended.
4 likes
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
I really want to like old school Hip Hop because it is socially conscious and ahead of it's time and experimental, but it kind fell flat on the music side for me.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (5)
All Ratings
Elton John
3/5
3/5 Sometimes all you want are the hits and it misses the mark if you don't know the songs. Also, Indian Sunset was a bit cultural appropriationy to me. He was trying to help? 🤷♀️
Jurassic 5
3/5
3.5/5 The album grew on me over time. After the 3rd song I said to myself this 17 album song is 16 songs too long. But then, I recognized Nelly Furtado in a song I was actually, (admittedly), enjoying and realized I was being a bit of a dick.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
3.5/5 It's a style of music I'm used to/like, and reminds me of my childhood. I recognized songs, which made me happy. I'm starting to think I need repetition and predictability. 🤣 Also, music from the 60's automatically makes me think there is some kind of historical context or reference and I get excited to research it cause I'm a nerd. 🤓
The Smiths
3/5
3.5/5 This album was very emotional and emo, then sarcastic happy rock. I feel like I need to listen to it again with the lyrics.
Rush
3/5
3.75/5 The beginning of the Overture excited me a lot, but then it took a big nose dive for the weirdness, the screechy guitar sounding voices and kind one noteness. I really nerded out about the sci-fi premise but it didn't really deliver...
Black Sabbath
4/5
4/5 I was wrong about how metal they were. I think I memorized the wrong band, TBH. I knew the most songs from this album than any other, and it had levels and paced itself so that when it rocked it was hardcore. I even shouted out praise after a drum solo, that's how much I like it. Would listen again. ( I'm now convinced that the more familiar an album is, the more I will like it. Further investigation needed.)
Pavement
2/5
2/5 Ugh. That was unpleasant. It made me feel uncomfortable and anxious. So dissonant and off-key. At first, I thought it was going to be like The Presidents of the United States, but it quickly got worse. Do Not Recommend.
Gang Starr
3/5
3/5 I was a little skeptical at first, what with it being gangster rap. The so f about the kid steppin is going to meet the executioner was a bit much for me but overall it was ok. Good rhythms to groove too. Not going to be looking for the album to save or anything. But I didn't hate it. So a neutral 3. 🙃™️
Dire Straits
4/5
4/5 That was very enjoyable. I don't know if it's because I have kinda half hated a bunch of the last albums (shhhh don't tell them), or because I actually enjoyed it. It was groovy, rocking, fun, in tune(!) melodic etc. I would listen to this again.
Mike Ladd
2/5
2/5 A nicer person might call this a soundscape. Yea, a soundscape of hell. It just sounded like someone got a new music editing program and put every sound effect on one track at the same time. Or, alternatively, leaned on the whole keyboard and called it done. This a cacophony of voices and noises and samples. Just. Ugh. Just not my thing.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
3/5 For being forgettable and repetitive. Who the fuck thinks that Fuzzy Logic is a "Must Listen to Before You Die?" "Have you heard Fuzzy Logic?"
"No."
"Oh ok it's fine, you arent missing anything."
Have you heard cats in heat? Have you heard the brakes of a train? Do you need to before you die? No.
It's like an album full of Helter Skelters.... Just why? Why is it a must hear?
Fiona Apple
4/5
4/5 I think what as been lacking for me is a female voice. I just noticed today that this is the first woman we have had, I think. Queen Elton doesn't count. I don't know if it's the vocal quality, or the subject matter, but it just felt like something was missing. I'm a huge fan of Fiona, but I wasn't super happy about this album. Each individual song had really good parts to it, but that thing that some artists do where the song dissolves into chaotic noisy racket...she was running like a fool (being pretentious) but just running to hide (being like all the other artists) and I can't abide.
I really liked some of the lyrics, (important but intense content) and rhythms the first 4 times, but then on the 16th time, she lost me, she lost me, she most me, she lost me.... Etc. I will listen to it again and maybe it just lacks familiarity?
Sometimes, I just want a good song I can share with my girl and we can enjoy it, you know?
Soft Cell
3/5
3.5/5 It was manic and screamy (3) but there were some songs I know and like (.25). It also put me out onto a street with a lot of good songs that I hearted (.25). It's odd that there can be good songs mixed with rotten ones. It's hard to rate when that happens. Also, 18 songs? Come off it. (Officially it's getting a 3.)
Bee Gees
3/5
3/5 It wasn't the worst thing in the world, it wasn't the best. There were good and bad in all of it. I liked that it was kind of eclectic and weird, but also it that made it feel disjointed. I like that they highlighted certain instruments like the oboe or whatever, but it got a bit too much overall. I'll listen to Marley Purt Drive again.
Sister Sledge
4/5
4/5 It was a really fun album with no terrible sounds or out of tune instruments. It was groovy. I liked it.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
3/5 Again, this album wasn't the best thing I've listened to ever let alone this week. I don't understand how these albums are rated so highly. Maybe I just value the time I have left in the world differently than the critics that wrote this book. It felt very trancy and repetitive and the vibe reminded me of the Matrix. I might listen to a track or two again, but probably not likely. The best thing about this album was that it came after The Sledge Sisters and I was able to make a joke about the Brothers last names being Chemical. Meh.
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
Meh. This BLOODY album was too raw, out of key and dissonant for me. It felt like they were trying to be spooky and I'm all for that, but it came off as contrived and fake. Meh. It was a double meh for me.
Public Image Ltd.
3/5
3.5/5 The first song of the album literally screaming for 9 mins and 10 seconds made me feel like..... I..... I can't..... 😭..... *"I wish I could die?"* you and me both buddy..... But then, the religious read in the second "song", and the self-awareness of the rest of the album kinda redeemed it for me somehow. This is probably the first album that *felt* like it really had seminal/foundational/pivotal energy. Whether it was or not, I: a. Rocked out to it in the shower, b. Learned about punk and "post punk," and c. Didn't hate it.
Jeff Buckley
3/5
3/5 Even though it was pretty good music and singing and even a song that I like, I was underwhelmed. I read some stuff about him that made me feel like I should feel more, but I didn't. It wasn't bad, it wasn't my favourite. 🤷🏻♀️
Thundercat
1/5
1/5 Because I'm saving my 0 star review. I didn't think it could get worse than Pavement and Mike Ladd but it can... It can. This was definitely made while he was on a bender and his producer must have been on it with him so has nostalgic feelings about it and allowed it to come out in the world. It sounded like Bill Wurtz, but at least with Bill Wurtz you learn something and are less offended. *Insert Tim Gunn Gif Here*
Jimmy Smith
3/5
3/5 This was really easy and smooth to listen to, man. I dug it, man. He's not just a cat man, he's a cool cat.
John Lennon
4/5
4/5 I did my best to not judge this one with previous knowledge of the artist. I tried to evaluate the music, the voice and the lyrics like I have done with all the albums. The end result:I think it is really good. I liked the orchestration. I didn't feel out of place or pretentious. The lyrics are actually audible and made sense. The music was in tune, catchy, fun etc. There were songs I will remember and I will listen to this again. Yas Magical Music Monday!
The Clash
3/5
3/5 I liked this album, but I don't know if it's cause I'm learning about English Punk Rock or my values are changing or if they were good. I feel confused. Lmao.
The Doors
4/5
4/5 I don't know why exactly but I actually really enjoyed this. I liked the intensity, the drums, the actual music, and I don't mind Van Morrison's voice. 🫣🤣 It felt like they had "star quality." I listened to Waiting for the Sun three times. I might regret this but I'm giving it a higher score. I feel conflicted about it too because Morrison was abusive and racist etc. I guess the shit men did and said back then was more socially acceptable. Especially for a rock star... 😕
The United States Of America
3/5
3/5 It was a bit to much flashback for me. Too hippie dippy. It had some good parts, but also I fell asleep during it so it couldn't have been that exciting.
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
5/5 The best fuckin album we have had so far in my opinion! I have listened to this 100s of times over the years and it still bangs. It is a sometimes album, and you have to be in the mood for it or it can be overwhelming and too angry etc. I love the lyrics, the messages behind them and I love the music! This one made me happy!
Skunk Anansie
4/5
4/5 I couldn't wrap my head around this album. It was very choppy in terms of styles. It got racial and i don't know what to think about that cause i didn't understand all the lyrics. She can sing though. I definitely enjoyed her voice, the music and once again female voices are a major plus to me.
Culture Club
3/5
3/5 Liked the songs I knew. Didn't like the others. Too woke. To fake and poetic. Meh
Songhoy Blues
4/5
4/5 I really liked this album. It's very similar to Ali Farka Touré's sound. It was cool to see that one of them is the son of his drummer. I love the rhythms and how the music sounds. It's really positive and peaceful for me. I like foreign language music cause I can have my own thoughts and daydream about things. Sometimes I look up what it means and think about the general idea of the song when listening to the music. I like learning about the history and area that the music is from. Cause I'm a nerd and pedantic and pretentious. 🤨🤓🧐
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
3/5 I was more impressed than I thought I would be, but still not a huge fan overall. I listened to it twice a s still can't remember it...
Aretha Franklin
4/5
4/5 It seems as though I've become jaded since last week, and I've forgotten the Pavement days, cause I didn't quite think it lived up to my expectations. It was very good and I did enjoy it. She's a damn queen. I was transported, I was thinking about our relationship and singing along. I need to stop being so harsh. Lol. So, to keep up with the same rating scheme, I'm giving it 4 stars.
The Clash
4/5
4/5 Maybe I am going soft, but I actually really liked this album. I love the subtle social commentary in the lyrics and the music was rockin. Maybe I like Punk?
Beastie Boys
2/5
2/5 Hip hop is not my genre. I only could stand the songs I know. The rest were obnoxious.
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
3/5 For the songs with the guy, it was really meh. It was like classic hippie blah. But the song with Grace Slick.... I was obsessed!!!!
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
There were some songs that were ok. But, towards the end of the album when the acid was really kicking in...(Cause yes this album was written in one sitting and recorded in one take) were just vomit.
a-ha
3/5
3.5 It was fun but a little repetitive. Liked the one song I knew. As it goes....
Lou Reed
3/5
3/5 this was a hard review because I genuinely liked a lot of the music but his voice is so obnoxious throughout most of it. Some lyrics were absolutely, WTF. Some were thoughtful or funny. There were a couple of songs I will listen to again so I almost wanted to give a 4 but I don't thing overall it's *that* good.
Sonic Youth
3/5
3/5 I listened to this.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
3/5
3/5 Hip hop is not my thing. But it was better than I expected it to be at first blush.
Grizzly Bear
3/5
3/5 I could not figure this one out. There were some interesting parts, some rhythms I liked but overall I couldn't get used to the style nor could I figure out what the genre was. It was a neutral: meh.
The Stooges
2/5
2/5 Drugged up, self indulgent, dog shit.
Talking Heads
3/5
3/5 I really liked the first song, and the rest just blended in together. It wasn't horrible screechy guitar or voice so I leaving it at a neutral 3.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
4/5 Even though I only knew the first song, I really did enjoy the music. It was catchy and groovy and in tune. I was surprised that so many of the songs were about "love," but it had the drugs and the rock and roll so of course it would have the sex. It was a good album that I can see myself listening to again! FINALLY....
The Jam
3/5
3/5 Felt very similar to other British? rock? bands of the era. Nothing stood out for me but also it wasn't cat wailing.
Robert Wyatt
2/5
2/5 I finally got through it.... UGH. I get that people do drugs but why do they also have to make experimental Jazz Rock Fusion too....? I read that he had an accident and became a paraplegic. Maybe he was dealing with a lot and that's why it's so painful to listen to. I don't know. Ugh. Glad it's over. It's sad too cause Sea Song was almost good and it lifted my hopes only to smash them against the Rocky Bottom Shoreline.
The Verve
3/5
3/5 I knew and therefore liked the first song. The rest just kinda blended together. I will go back and relisten cause that was probably on me. It felt very familiar and it was good on the technicals.
Air
3/5
3.5/5 I was quite pleasantly surprised by this album. I had no idea that I knew one of the songs and really enjoyed the mellowness of it. I actually fell asleep to it. Like I said before, sometimes I just want an album that I had a song that I can send to my beautiful wife, and this delivered. Overall, just really nice.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
3/5 This album was pretty good. However, I found myself just wanting to listen to the songs that were being samples. I guess it had some good messages like Ham and Eggs, and yea I thought it was cute. They had good rhymes but I dunno if I will be going back to listen to it again.
Bob Dylan
4/5
4/5 I didn't expect to like this as much as I did, but I REALLY dig folk music. It's simple but poignant. Especially anti-Viet Nam war music. I will listen to this. And listen to it again.
David Bowie
3/5
3/5 I was excited to see Bowie but this album was kinda lackluster. It had a lot of instrumental songs which I wasn't expecting but overall nothing was very catchy or interesting. #sad
Frank Zappa
1/5
1/5 Ugh..... Uuuuuuuuuugh. Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuugggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!! 🤕
Gary Numan
4/5
4/5 I actually really liked this. Yea it was repetitive, but that's kinda the case with techno. I have kind of a soft spot for techno about AI. It's always kinda dark and post apocalyptic and with techno music in the the background it's so irreverent. That's ai, not AL lol. I mean have an *even bigger weakness* for AL. It was good. I'll listen to this again.
Doves
3/5
3/5 I think I like Britpop. It all starts to sound a little same samey but it was giving me Coldplay vibes. It had good elements and was well made. I was a little annoyed that when I did zoom in and pay attention, the lyrics were total bullshit jibberish. Lmfao 😆 Oh well. Can't win them all.
T. Rex
4/5
3.75/5 I really liked this for some reason. Maybe it's because I was expecting it to be off key screamy punk and it ended up being rather pleasing on key singing and nice rock and roll. I don't know I enjoyed this one.
Jungle Brothers
3/5
3/5 Eh it had some good rhythms. I was just being cranky because I was grading. I'll give it another try.
Daft Punk
3/5
3/5 I was sadly disappointed. I didn't know there were so many songs on this album I didn't know, and now I know why. I was sure that the first Daft Punk that came up was going to be a 5/5. 😕 I didn't have the word for it but now I know they are probably a singles band. I'm holding out for Discovery which i know is better, although maybe it's a bunch of singles in one? #Sad
Fugees
4/5
4/5 I was really excited to see this album pop up. Previously, I only listened to the songs that were the "famous ones," so this was the first time listening through the whole thing. I thought it was very conscientious rap, and I can get behind that. I liked a lot of the lyrics, (even though they were a bit poop centric LOL). The fact that Lauryn adds a MOFO just to get the "ignant" you-know-what's to pay attention.... Well done. 👏🏻
Norah Jones
3/5
3/5 The music was very in tune and played expertly, but country jazz just isn't my thing. Norah has a beautiful voice, but it doesn't make up for the sleepy, slow kinda feel of the album for me. I was happy to hear another woman's voice again. Finally.
Beth Orton
3/5
3/5 This was very much like Norah Jones and Fiona Apple crossed. It felt low energy and slow, but maybe that's just personal taste. It wasn't horrible like some albums we have come across, but I just listened through it rather than enjoyed it.
Shack
3/5
3/5 I didn't really love this album. I'm sad, but it seems like I don't like Britpop much. Maybe I just haven't found my band yet or something, but it just fades into the background. The music on this album felt dreamy but also felt fuzzy or out of focus? The best song was Daniella, obviously, because it was the most different sounding one.
Radiohead
4/5
4/5 I really enjoyed this one. There is just something kinda eerie and dark and mysterious but extremely musical and easy to listen to for me. It was more "rock and rolly" than I remembered. Will listen to again.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
3/5 This was a very funky album! It was groovy but I didn't understand half of the lyrics. The vocals were reduced to "Mmmmm's" and "oh yea's" for me so I don't really remember any song in particular as that helps me keep them separate. It wasn't painful though, so it still gets 3 stars.
Eels
4/5
4/5 This was one of the best albums that I have never heard of in a *long* while. I really enjoyed the 4 count silence in Novocaine for the Soul. I know it sounds silly to like the part of a song where there nothing happening, but that nothing is what contrasts the something and makes it special. In Taiko we call it Ma. The silence between beats. It was just as powerful in All I Really Want by Alanis Morissette. This album also had a lot of lyrics about places I've lived and it felt really relevant. I want to go back and listen to them all again. I mean I heard a lyric that said Winston Churchill in drag. I need to know more. It also had the singable music quality I like, that makes you want to join in. They gave me Eve 6 vibes, which makes sense as as they are from that era. Overall, I really enjoyed it.
Jeff Beck
3/5
3/5 This felt like a low rent version of something I couldn't quite put my finger on. It gave me all the 60s vibes and sounded good enough but just wasn't my thing.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
3/5 I Slightly enjoyed this album I'm embarrassed to say. Maybe it's because it was something completely different than usual. Maybe. But more than anything else I think I enjoyed the Portuguese influence, the songs that came on after the album, and how short it was.
Iron Maiden
4/5
I actually liked this but it's a thing I would have to be in the right mood to listen to. They are skilled musicians and the lyrics are crazy, sensational and over the top. Pretty funny. Probably not what they were going for, but I enjoy it that way.
Badly Drawn Boy
3/5
I was expecting some thing harder from the name of the album and the artist but was surprised with some really classical music elements. It was nice dinner making music for sure.
Tricky
3/5
This was giving me Fiona Apple vibes mixed with Massive Attack. I really liked it until the dude was muttering over the whole song.
k.d. lang
3/5
3/5 This was old, Texan man, slide guitar music. I was really confused by this album. I didn't have any faults in the execution of the music, but it wasn't my cup of tea. I will relisten to it because I want to hear the lyrics again and see if anything sparks more interest.
Devendra Banhart
3/5
3.5/5 I liked this album. It felt kinda folksy, but it was a little too repetitive. Every song sounded very similar had the same vibe etc. It would be nice chill music for making breakfast to on a weekend again.
Aerosmith
3/5
3/5 Quintessential 70's rock/borderline metal? It was an ok album but it sank into the background with the kind of generic electric guitar solos you'd expect.
Meh.
Nick Drake
3/5
3/5 I hate to keep saying this, but this was nice, calm background music. It was pretty guitar and he seemed a skilled plucker, but it isn't something I'll return to.
The Stooges
2/5
2/5 I didn't like the first album that came up and I didn't like this one. Although, this one was much more tolerable, maybe because it was shorter?
Calexico
3/5
3.25/5 I was expecting some really intense Mariachi border music. This was a nice surprise. It had some pretty orchestration and kind of dark synth bits that I enjoyed. Not bad.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
3/5 I enjoyed the synthetic sound of this album, and the first song, but the rest just blurred together. Wasn't a stand out album for me, but it wasn't terrible either.
3/5
3.5/5 I kind of liked this album. 😬 I like electronic music so this was an interesting foundation to that kind of music. It got grating on the nerves eventually, but I liked the beginning.
CHIC
4/5
4/5 I pretty much loved this album. It was good old fashioned Disco. I didn't realize how repetitive the lyrics were, but it didn't really matter. It felt good to sing along and it makes you wanna dance. That was fun.
Steely Dan
2/5
2.5/5 This album reminded me how much I really dislike saxophone/most brass and pretentious jazzy sounding music. Every song sounded the same, and didnt have anything catchy about it. I'm sure the artists are/were talented but it just came off like every person in the back thought they were the star. Will not relisten to this.
Van Morrison
4/5
3.5/5 This album brought back memories for me. I can remember us driving down the road and my dad playing this album and drumming his thumbs on the steering wheel. So, I don't know if nostalgia is coloring my experience here, (probably), but I enjoyed it. It's got good music, played well, on nice instruments that are well tuned, good lyrics and the there are levels! There are slow songs that are sad or melancholic, fast paced fun, upbeat songs and songs in between. I have and will listen to this one again.
The Monkees
3/5
3/5 Although I didn't hate this, I prefer the real Beatles more. This album felt like was just parodying another band, cause it was. It felt bubble gum and watered down, like what would be used in a soundtrack in a B movie if they didn't have the budget for the Beatles royalties. It was a meh for me.
k.d. lang
4/5
4/5 It's always nice to hear a female voice in this 1001 Project. They feel so few and far between. This second exposure to KD Lang was much better. I caught myself grooving to the album. Certain parts of songs even made me think of Natasha Atlas, and had a kind of middle eastern vibe. Overall, the album gave me a feeling of pining for one's lover and it felt... correct. I enjoyed it.
Björk
4/5
4/5 This was a tricky album to rate. The music and singing is so eclectic and weird it takes some getting used to. However, I feel like with a bit more listening it might be like next favourite album. There were some interesting lyrics that I really enjoyed and some explicit descriptions I really could have done without. The last song made the whole album for me. I have and will revisit this.
T. Rex
4/5
4/5 I liked T. Rex last time the band popped up, and I liked them this time too! This band sounds like what I imagine when I think "Rock Band." The music is so smooth, and listenable. I really like the singer's voice. Overall just a really good experience.
Pixies
2/5
2.5/5 I didn't really enjoy this album much. It felt angsty and a bit annoying if I'm honest. The thing I liked the most was the name of one song, which does not a good album make.
The xx
4/5
4/5 I really enjoyed this album. There's something about the quality of their voices together and the tone or the pitch or whatever it is of the guitar that's very appealing to me. I had heard this album before, I didn't realize it was their main album. Lyrically, they're kind of crappy and generic but I like that sound quality they give. I will listen to this again.
Isaac Hayes
2/5
2.5/5 This is just not my genre of music. It wasn't that bad musically but anyone that talks like he's God's gift to women, loses points for me. Also, if a song goes past 9 minutes, 5 too many people have solos. 18 min songs? Are you kidding me? There is no need! This album would be given a better rating if the songs were broken up and there wasnt one that went on for 5 mins about cheating on a good woman, or one that talked for 9 of the 18 mins. It was just a very ego stroking album and I'm not here for it.
David Bowie
3/5
3/5 At the beginning of this project, I was sure I was a Bowie fan. So far, I'm not that convinced. This album was just sad. I know he was grappling with death and good on him for using his art/medium to process it and cope, but I think it was so personal I/we didn't get it. If he wasn't close to death, I would say it was end of career, navel gazing that so many artists seem to go through. They get bored and experimental, and the listenablity of the music suffers. I listened to this when it came out and I didn't get it then either. I feel like I might revisit this in a dark mood and see if my attitude changes.
Metallica
5/5
5/5 I didn't expect to *LOVE* this album. Of course, I had heard the hits and loved them. I had never sat down and listened to the whole things front to back. It has levels, moods, and it's a vibe. The melodies are actually really beautiful and I don't think they cursed a single time (in this album) but yet they are badass and hard. James Hetfield voice goes from nice to gritty and screamy showing range and, (or Kirk Hammett) and Jason Newsted shred in a way that isn't too widely and self absorbed. Was surprised to find out that it was from 1991. For some reason, I thought it was much older and withstood the test of time. I think it has so far and will.
Judas Priest
3/5
3.5/5 I was surprised to find out I had heard a couple of these songs. However, this is the kind of widdly guitar that I don't enjoy as much. It was pretty good, but in a kind of cheesy way almost. Meh, it wasn't bad.
Fever Ray
3/5
3.5/5 This was a really weird album, but for some reason I actually liked it. It gives you a kind of eerie mood, but it felt good. I knew two of the songs. It's nice to have some newer music too I think? I feel like I will probably listen to this again. I'm sad that the artist is so bizarre, but who isn't really?
Taylor Swift
5/5
5/5 What an awesome album. It's not my favourite Swift album but that's probably only because it's not the first one I listened to thoroughly. I love Style, Out of the Woods, Shake it Off and obviously How You Get The Girl. I can relate to them so much. I love singing along to this album.
The Killers
4/5
3.5/5 Speak of the devil! I'm glad I got to listen to this album right after we spoke about it recently. I knew 3 songs this time! I'm moving up in the world. The Killers have a really timeless sound, like they could be from last year or the 80s. Who knows? I really like their rhythms and melodies. It seemed like someone stole his girlfriend right out from under his nose though, cause like half the songs were about that.
Haircut 100
3/5
3/5 This was a quintessential 80's sounding band. It wasn't my favourite but it wasn't the worse either. I probably won't listen to it again. It was very "bubble gum" and poppy but with no real substance.
The Charlatans
2/5
2/5 Once again, I have tried Brit Pop and tested my feelings about them and once again...I'm not a huge fan. During the first song, I said to myself "If they continue this whiny, nasally sound through all the songs, I am not going to like it." Sure enough, nasally whiny sounding. It's not my genre I guess, which is weird cause I love a Brit and I love pop.
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
3.5/5 These guys felt like watered down Beatles. It was pretty good, and fast tempo. It was a little, (a lot) too long. I knew one song. That's always a good feeling. I thought it was going to be a little bit more epic than it ended up being, so that was kind of disappointing. I will probably get curious about it and listen to the song I knew again but other than that, I probably won't listen to it again soon.
The Waterboys
3/5
3/5 Can you said Van Morrison Mod Lite? I think I keep comparing these new albums to things I know cause it's a starting point and a way to fit it into my understanding. Anyways, I enjoyed this album. It was kind of funky and and country. It also kinda gave me Corrs vibes. I don't know if I'll feel like listening to it again, but I wasn't bad.
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
4/5 I wish I was born in the UK so that I could have know this album when I was a teenager/ YA and have memories and memorized this album. I really enjoyed it and want to get to know it better. Really good sounding vocals, and guitar with levels and variety and all the social commentary of punk without the screaminess.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
3/5 Prince meets Barry White. This was an odd album for me. Musically it was pretty good, and easy to listen to, but there was something kinda annoying about it. I don't know. Meh.
Queen
3/5
3.5/5 I had a hard time reviewing this album. Maybe it's because they set the bar so high and I overhyped myself for it that I was kind of disappointed but I couldn't even tell if Freddie Mercury was on the album at first. Maybe it's because it's a concept album, but it just did not feel like Queen very much, and it didn't hit. It's still way better than a lot of albums I've listened to during this project but it's not my favorite Queen album. As I told somebody very important in my life, "It's a High Fantasy Rock opera, but whose fantasy? Not mine."
Blood, Sweat & Tears
3/5
3/5 This was the Jazziest Rock I've ever heard. I didn't like the beginning tracks, but I did like the songs I knew. It felt like it started off as one album, but ended as a completely different one. It definitely had levels which some albums don't, but it also felt all over the place. I will probably only ever listen to one song off it again.
Elton John
3/5
3.25/5 I enjoyed many more songs from this album than the first one. But one thing is clear: Elton is kinda obsessed with Cowboys and Indians. I wondered if the yellow brick road was a gay reference as in a Friend of Dorothy's. I'll revisit the hits probably.
Booker T. & The MG's
4/5
3.75/5 An instrumental album? This was cool as a cucumber man. I actually really enjoyed this album. I got it while driving through mountainous canyons, and somehow it was really fun. The organ sounding instrument was like a voice. It was a moment, and I enjoyed it.
Blur
3/5
3.5/5 I was a lot more careful to listen, just listen and read the lyrics this time. I enjoyed the first song the most. It seemed so sad and raw. I think Britpop could grow on me. It might just be a mood thing, or a time to day thing.
Missy Elliott
3/5
3.5/5 I kinda liked this, but overall it's not my taste. It was odd, the little conversations she had with the listener. It made it feel kind of unfinished or something. There were some interesting use of rhymes and lyrics, some of the music was fun but overall it was a little too vulgar for me. I know she did it the best way she knows how and like she said at the end, "If you don't like it" she don't give a shit.
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
3.75 I hope my girlfriend doesn't disown me for this but I kind of liked this album. It was meta, and provocative. They dissed themselves and everyone else around them. It's not the kind of thing I would listen to on a daily basis, but I think it's kind of a slice of time that was weird but interesting.
Arrested Development
3/5
3.75/5 It turns out I have listened to this entire album before in my 20s. It's got a great message, no slurs or curse words, and pretty fun and funky music to go with it. Not bad.
Talking Heads
3/5
3/5 I didn't find this album as difficult to listen to as the first one we had. I kind of liked the weird vaguely Mexican sounding stuff in First Week/Last Week... Carefree. I kinda liked Psycho Killer but that's a hit so I don't know if that counts. I feel like they were trying to be British Punk in some ways but failed.
Van Halen
4/5
3.75/5 I really enjoyed this. I mean, I love cheese, so of course I liked this. I'm not a huge fan of American Cheese usually, but this had some class, maybe because it's been aged? 😅 More seriously, there were parts that the guitar was so widdly that it verged on sounding jazzy, and that is not my taste. But I felt like it was fast paced and energetic and fun. I'm probably going to listen to it again. 😬
The Flaming Lips
2/5
2.5/5 Eeesh, this singer's voice really grated my nerves. It sounded like every song was out of his register. If they are your songs, couldn't you edit them so that they were in your comfortable range? Some of the actual music was very good, like the instrumental portion. Very rich and robust sounding. Not going to revisit this.
Jimi Hendrix
3/5
3/5 Ugh. This was a hard one to review. I liked some of the full on rock and roll, but it dragged on and on. And one song, "Voodoo Chile," was a little rapey. I really want to like Jimi Hendrix and be a cool kid, but I'm not won over yet...
New York Dolls
3/5
3.5/5 These guys were fun. I kinda like punk, but I prefer my punks to be British. Like I prefer most things. 😉 They felt kinda performative and cheesy for punk, which probably made it easier to swallow. I wonder if they always are in drag or if it was just this album cover.
The Icarus Line
3/5
3/5 You know that feeling when you get excited about a song and it's progressing nicely and then all of a sudden in the middle it gets experimental and weird and dissonant? That's like 90% of this album. I especially liked Getting Bright at Night, until it broke down the one middle. I just kind of felt like my hopes were lifted then dashed repeatedly so I had a hard time enjoying it fully.
Billie Holiday
3/5
3/5 I had not heard this album by the "Lady in Satin." She is kinda the Lady Sachmoe though isn't she? It didn't feel particularly drawn to any of these songs. I think I listened to a greatest hits album when I was younger, and many of those songs are singable and very catchy. I wonder if this one came later in her career when the drugs had really taken hold. It didn't feel like it had the same soul. It wasn't bad, but I probably won't be listening to 300 times to learn the lyrics and the sing the songs.
1/5
0/5 They say that "Those who can do, and those who can't, teach." This guy should have been a teacher. It was such auto-musical-erotic-ego-stroking-bullshit. Even Spotify wouldn't host it, and they have every Pitbull single!!!! 🤣
Beatles
4/5
4.5/5 So many good songs and so many hits, in just 30 mins. No wonder people went crazy over them. It's very poppy, but that's what makes it so fun. I love singing almost every single song. The chords and melodies are beautiful. Well written and performed. Just really good.
3.75/5 It kinda kills me to enjoy Rod Stewart this much cause of the "good old boys vibes" I get, but it kinda rocked. It felt like the epitome of Rock N' Roll. I liked the song Memphis the most, which is probably a cover, but the heart likes what it likes.
John Prine
4/5
4.75/5 Wow. What an amazing wordsmith. He just knows how to convey a feeling and a story without having to tell you directly. "Your Flag Decal Don't Get You Into Heaven Anymore" is such a politically charged, interesting, timeless and hilarious song. Then he talks about loneliness and masterbation in "Donald and Lydia" while making it feel somehow romantic. Then he sings about James Lewis, the child of incest who commits suicide. Like whoa...the topics are so diverse and yet so timeless. Loves it.
Parliament
3/5
3.75/5 Pretty funking good. It was fun and groovy with not a ton of substance. Like fast food-for your ears. Ha!
The Undertones
3/5
3.5/5 I'm really starting to develop a habit for punk. I like how irreverent and fast and stupid and proud of it they are. I like the "Screw the Man" attitude, the political undertones (ba dum tsss), and the frivolous feeling of it. It's dumb, and rambunctious and I like it.
Snoop Dogg
1/5
I kind of hated this album. It was vulgar, and gross, and rude which I can forgive and forget, but it was also boring, which I cannot oblige. I was so thankful when it ended.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
3.25/5 This album came after a Snoop Dogg album, so I exclaimed "Bruce Springsteen, thank goodness!" A sentiment that I never thought I would utter. It was more eclectic than I had expected and has some nice emotional levels, but it was too much on the country side for my tastes. While it was a much needed reprieve, I don't think I'll be returning to it soon.
The Who
4/5
I quite enjoyed this album. I was really surprised that I recognized so many songs on this album. Despite missing out of the opportunity to really see them live earlier in life, (due to a paper doll obsession), I got to make connections to all the songs I didn't even know were theirs this time around.
The Cure
3/5
I love The Cure's bass lines. It's almost percussive, and I just love it. This album gave me weird vibes, but in a good eerie way. I don't know why, but I really want to be like... A "Cure fan." I just haven't broken into that level. Yet! TM
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
I really want to like old school Hip Hop because it is socially conscious and ahead of it's time and experimental, but it kind fell flat on the music side for me.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
3/5
I'm giving this a slightly higher mark, because I love folk music. It has a kind of "documentation of the times, representing the underdog," vibe about it. Unfortunately, he feels like a low rent Bob Dylan and the most memorable part about it was that I live an hour away from where on of the songs is set.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
2/5
The original album was sooooo much better. Why did they do this? Oh? For money. Oh. Yeah, that makes sense cause it felt like the heart and soul of the songs where sold and whored out. It was just empty feeling compared to the original.
Radiohead
3/5
3.5/5 Out of the two Radiohead albums I have listened to, I knew less about this one. I didn't recognize any of the songs. It felt kinda sad and pessimistic. The musical quality was good. I just couldn't get into the lyrics or something. I'll have to revisit it
Iron Butterfly
3/5
3/5 I only liked the title song, and that's because of the emotional ties I have to it. It was just kinda more of the same of that era.
The Afghan Whigs
2/5
2/5 Why and how do singers like this get famous and on a must listen to before you die list? The music sounds ok, but then he starts screeching. When we two parted had kind of interesting lyrics that gave me the impression of a codependent/toxic relationship. I liked the rhythms in Fountain and Fairfax. I really liked Brother Woodrow, but maybe that's cause it was instrumental? Overall, not my bag.
Method Man
1/5
1/5 Ugh. I hate this. I don't like rap on the best of days, but repetitive off key singing, with n-bombs being dropped constantly.... Is a whole new low. I have heard of Method Man, but I didn't know I was going to be so disappointed. I kinda liked All I Need. It was a "love song" so that makes sense. Overall, just talentless pointless angry droning.
Cocteau Twins
3/5
3.5/5 Heaven or Las Vegas was quite pleasant after the album we just had. It was very calm and soothing. I understand why it's call Dream Pop, and "ethereal." The synths feel very airy and floaty. The songs all kind of ran together for me because there were any changes in mood, feel or key, but Elizabeth Fraser has a nice feminine voice and has nice vocal control and adds nice embellishments. She kinda reminded me of a young Sinead O'Connor.
The White Stripes
4/5
4/5 I loved Jack White's lyrics. I went on a lyrical journey. Some are fantastical and absurd, but some had really proud meanings and all had a raw kind of emotion I connected with. The music is simple enough to allow the lyrics to stand out. It's really fun, (albeit pretty predictable rock chord progressions), that gave me old rock vibes like Beatles in some songs and the old punk bands in others. (The Pixies came on after the album was over). I was surprised that I enjoyed Jack's voice more than Holly's. That's rare for me. Stand outs for me were, You've Got Her In Your Pocket, Little Acorns, I Want To Be The Boy, There's No Home For You Here, The Hardest Button To Button and of course Seven Nation Army. So, basically I really liked the whole album.
Def Leppard
3/5
3.5/5 Good old Metal cheese. This is junk food metal. You enjoy listening to it, but does it fill you up and change your life? No. But it's good for what it it is.
Black Sabbath
4/5
3.75/5 Now *this* is the kale of metal. As in, if Def Leppard was Cheetos, Black Sabbath is a super food. It's dark moodiness was set so well at the beginning of the album and followed throughout in the weirdness of the album. The lyrics are kinda on the satanic side (I think) for most people, but as a Pagan it seems very sensational, Hollywood and even kinda cute. I really liked the heavy guitar riffs. Ozzy's voice is iconic. Black Sabbath was a mood.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
3/5 This album started off really strong and then got way too experimental at the end. I did however really love the simple drum beats. It made me feel like I could possibly play it. I like the lead singers voice for this type of music but it's not my go-to kind of listening. The album was okay overall but it's not my new favorite or anything.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2/5
2.5/5 For the amount of time I listened to Neil Young as a child, I never noticed how whiny and nasally he was. My dad will roll over in his grave, but I just did not enjoy this album. The musical quality was low, and the singing just grated on my nerves. I will not be listening to this album again.
Marty Robbins
3/5
3/5 I went into this half expecting to know the songs just because it's what I was raised on. It was decent and I do enjoy ballads but not my kind of thing. I think that was the oldest album we have had, maybe, and because of that it was kinda dated.
Beatles
4/5
4/5 This had some great songs on it. We still haven't come across my favourite album yet though. I really loved the Indian influence on them. I just really like Indian music. It was a solid album.
System Of A Down
4/5
4/5 This has been a pretty good week for music. Again, although this isn't my favourite album from SOAD, it still rocked. Metal is one of my favourite genres, then add some classically trained musicians, some cultural and political spice and I'm hooked.
Bee Gees
3/5
3/5 The Bee Gees have such an odd sound. Sometimes they sound hip and funky, and other times, so old fashioned and plain. I can't keep up and I don't really want to. I think I'll just always enjoy the songs I know and leave the rest.
The Band
3/5
3/5 I started this project because I wanted to broaden my musical horizons and to be exposed to new music that will change my life. This is just not one of those bands. Sure they had good enough technical skill, and the music sounded ok. But when you know a song because another artist did it better, it makes me question the importance of an album. I'm sorry to be harsh, but they weren't The Band. They were just "A Band."
Destiny's Child
3/5
3.5/5 The first few songs are amazing, (and I knew them), but then it slowly devolved into 5 minutes of vamping and soloing. There was very little breaks in the music to let your mind rest from words and ears rest from singing. It felt like what the kids say nowadays, "They were doing too much."
MC Solaar
3/5
3.75/5 I'm not sure if it's because this was in a foreign language or not, but I actually quite liked this album. I don't usually like rap, but it was smooth, and the music rocked. It was a little long, but I think I'll listen to it again when I'm working. It put me in a really good mood.
Deep Purple
3/5
3.5/5 Apparently I have been confusing Purple Haze and Deep Purple since high school. Whoops... Lmao. I liked this album. I thought it was one of those cheesy hair bands that are one hit wonders, but I was wrong. I think it was because of the cheesy lyrics, and overt macho energy. But who doesn't like cheese?
Beatles
5/5
5/5 I'm having a hard time being partial about this album because it was one of the few physical items my biological father left me so, I have a emotional connection to it. Yes, it does that psychedelic, funky, artistic, experimental de-evolution that many albums of this era did (breaking ground for other people). However, before it goes south, it has so many beautiful love songs, and insane songs about having sex in the road and fun to sing ballads about ordinary people and messages about revolution. Were they starting to get full of themselves and a little too Frank-Zappa-Meta? Sure, but the social commentary mixed with the animal themes, the average Joe take and the rock and roll, just does it for me.
Crowded House
3/5
3/5 This album was a "leave it" album. As in, take it or leave it? It wasn't bad but it's mediocre and just kind of goes no where. Slowly. The lyrics weren't clever, and the music was just meh.
The Rolling Stones
2/5
2.5/5 The Rolling Stones seemed so country to me. I thought they were more rock and roll or even on the edge of metal. There is too much taint for me to listen to this album with a completely open mind even though I really did try. I liked one song: "Wild Horses," but I actually preferred a different cover that my other half recommended better. Not really my taste.
The Stone Roses
4/5
3.75/5 Here is another band/album that I feel like would be one of my old favourites, but I just grew up in the wrong place. They had beautiful melodies, really catchy songs and I enjoyed the whole vibe of the music. I need to listen again while reading the lyrics cause that could make it a home run for me.
Jack White
3/5
3.5/5 I wasn't as taken by this album. Maybe I need to listen to it again and "read the album" as it's playing because the lyrics really sold me last time.
N.E.R.D
2/5
2/5 Really was not my preference of music which I found unfortunate because I liked the idea of nerd rappers. It was just aggravating which made it unpalatable sadly.
Eurythmics
4/5
3.75/5 This album really confirmed to me that I love electronic music. Even in it's origins I enjoyed it. Even though I had never listened to the album before, I felt like what had formed my love of synth and electronic music. It was fun to listen to.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
3.75/5 Smooth, easy, fun, sexy listening. However, it did make me miss my woman a lot. I'm surprised something so overtly sexual could make it into the mainstream, but then again Ice Spice, you know?
Elvis Presley
3/5
3.5/5 I quite enjoyed this album. I wasn't expecting it because the idea of liking Elvis kinda grosses me out. It was very fun to listen to and I can understand why people went crazy for it. I also don't think we've had an actual proper blues album, and it scratched that itch, but then again I have lost track.
Sparks
3/5
3/5 They weren't the worst but they weren't the best either. It felt like a European band that wanted to be Queen if that makes sense? So repetitive and too experimental for my sentiments.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
3.75 I rocked out to this album. It was fun and catchy rock. Some beautiful riffs and catchy parts that will stick in my head for days. I really like the timbre of Robert Plants voice and what Jimmy Page does on guitars.