1001 Albums Summary

Listening statistics & highlights

260
Albums Rated
2.35
Average Rating
24%
Complete
829 albums remaining

Rating Distribution

Rating Timeline

Taste Profile

1960
Favorite Decade
Jazz
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Perfectionist
Rater Style ?
6
5-Star Albums
38
1-Star Albums

Breakdown

By Genre

Tap a bar to see the albums behind it

Top Styles

Tap a bar to see the albums behind it

By Decade

By Origin

Albums

You Love More Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
4 2.3 +1.7
Tidal
Fiona Apple
5 3.47 +1.53
The Madcap Laughs
Syd Barrett
4 2.61 +1.39
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
5 3.64 +1.36
Kid A
Radiohead
5 3.71 +1.29

You Love Less Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
1 3.73 -2.73
Graceland
Paul Simon
1 3.72 -2.72
Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
1 3.7 -2.7
21
Adele
1 3.69 -2.69
Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
1 3.55 -2.55
Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
1 3.53 -2.53
So
Peter Gabriel
1 3.52 -2.52
Rio
Duran Duran
1 3.5 -2.5
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
1 3.47 -2.47
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
1 3.45 -2.45

Artists

Favorites

Tap an artist to see their albums

ArtistAlbumsAverage
Nirvana 3 4.67
Beatles 4 4.25

Least Favorites

Tap an artist to see their albums

ArtistAlbumsAverage
Adele 2 1
Dire Straits 2 1.5
ZZ Top 2 1.5
David Bowie 4 2
Metallica 3 2

Controversial

Tap an artist to see their albums

ArtistRatings
Kendrick Lamar 5, 2

5-Star Albums (6)

View Album Wall

Popular Reviews

The Next Day by David Bowie

I never expected to find this so genuinely and thoroughly lackluster.

Calenture by The Triffids

Is this not just super generic? Why is this here?

Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits

Very dull, considerably worse than self-titled.

Dance Mania by Tito Puente

I don’t think I’d ever get deeply into it, but I could see this keeping my spirits up while cleaning or something.

1-Star Albums (38)

All Ratings (260)

American Pie by Don McLean
Jan 31 2023

Simple with beautiful, earnest lyrics.

Le Tigre by Le Tigre
Feb 01 2023

Not a fan of the vocals or immature sound

Led Zeppelin II by Led Zeppelin
Feb 02 2023

It’s Led Zeppelin being Led Zeppelin. They’re alright.

Sex Packets by Digital Underground
Feb 03 2023

The instrumentals can be repetitive, but the lyrics are usually entertaining.

Talking Heads 77 by Talking Heads
Feb 26 2023

Wish I could understand its supposed greatness, but I find it annoying and uninspired.

Under Construction by Missy Elliott
Feb 26 2023

It doesn’t appeal to me in particular, but it’s not horrible.

The Next Day by David Bowie
Feb 27 2023

I never expected to find this so genuinely and thoroughly lackluster.

Ramones by Ramones
Feb 28 2023

Certainly important and innovative but also a bit basic and one-note.

Sunshine Superman by Donovan
Mar 01 2023

It would be excellent if listening in the 60s during autumn while on LSD.

Scott 2 by Scott Walker
Mar 02 2023

A charming, strange album with a grand sound, so much so that it can get overbearing listening to it all at once.

Close To You by Carpenters
Mar 03 2023

Much of the album feels sincere and sublime vocally and musically, though there are some parts that I don’t connect with.

Mar 05 2023

Some impressive lyricism, but it’s not musically interesting enough to keep me engaged for most of the album.

21 by Adele
Mar 06 2023

The singles are OK but incredibly overplayed, the rest is pretty bland and unoriginal.

If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears by The Mamas & The Papas
Mar 07 2023

Pretty clunky and in your face melodies. Their hits, including California Dreamin’ here, are good, at least.

Chirping Crickets by Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Mar 08 2023

Who can dislike thought-provoking lyricism such as “dum di dum dum, ho boy”? I do love Buddy as a figure, but it’s tragic that his talent didn’t have time to develop to its full potential.

Broken English by Marianne Faithfull
Mar 09 2023

Super unpleasant voice, nothing special here.

Dirty by Sonic Youth
Mar 10 2023

Feels significantly less inspired and more annoying than Goo. Not great.

Metallica by Metallica
Mar 11 2023

Uninventive drumming, riffs, solos. Repetitive with some okay parts.

Slayed? by Slade
Mar 13 2023

Feels generic, probably because the band seems to be a precursor for years of later rock. It’s kind of hilarious sometimes, but I’d never listen to it again.

Debut by Björk
Mar 14 2023

Her singing style is obviously unique and inventive, but it gets quite tiring not so far into the album. Musically, this one is less interesting than later efforts.

Dire Straits by Dire Straits
Mar 15 2023

A bit dull sometimes. Could have done a lot more with the drums, and the vocals aren’t that interesting. Guitar work has the most character by far. It’s never unpleasant, but I could zone out or fall asleep to it.

Zombie by Fela Kuti
Mar 16 2023

It’s pretty fantastic in style but not very smooth nor pleasant.

Hard Again by Muddy Waters
Mar 17 2023

Absolutely love his voice. Found the first seconds of the first track so promising, until it went into the most absolutely generic blues riff for the rest of the song. Of course, he’s one of the legendary artists that originated this sound, but I’d have liked to see him grow and expand more musically.

Licensed To Ill by Beastie Boys
Mar 18 2023

I think it’s completely insufferable to listen to in one sitting. The samples feel pretty cheesy today, and the vocals are grating.

Home Is Where The Music Is by Hugh Masekela
Mar 19 2023

Pleasant enough jazz. I can’t find a deep connection to it, but I would enjoy it during dinner.

Mar 20 2023

Quite an energetic youthful album. From the Ritz to the Rubble has been my favorite. Some songs aren’t as sonically distinct from each other as I might like.

A Girl Called Dusty by Dusty Springfield
Mar 21 2023

It’s alright, I just don’t find the voice particularly charming, and the music and sound is not unique for its era.

Green Onions by Booker T. & The MG's
Mar 22 2023

The first track is, of course, a classic, but there’s not much else here of substance.

Gasoline Alley by Rod Stewart
Mar 23 2023

Not a fan of Rod Stewart’s voice, and there’s nothing groundbreaking in the music for his era.

Eagles by Eagles
Mar 26 2023

I’ve never found the Eagles to stand out much, even in their time. Blah.

Mama's Gun by Erykah Badu
Mar 29 2023

Feels like there’s some talent here, but I don’t enjoy the voice nor style.

The Number Of The Beast by Iron Maiden
Mar 30 2023

I appreciate it to an extent, but everything is so in-your-face.

Bryter Layter by Nick Drake
Mar 31 2023

Usually pleasant, breathy vocals with sometimes upbeat instrumentals create an interesting contrast.

Drunk by Thundercat
Apr 01 2023

His vocals suffice, while the musicianship is fantastic. Good features. Lot of great moments but it also drags sometimes.

Blur by Blur
Apr 02 2023

Alright, I don’t connect much with it.

Rid Of Me by PJ Harvey
Apr 03 2023

Interesting and very herself.

Kenya by Machito
Apr 04 2023

Yeah, this is decent jazz.

Rio by Duran Duran
Apr 06 2023

I never want to hear the hits again they’ve been so overplayed, and nothing else caught my ear.

Calenture by The Triffids
Apr 07 2023

Is this not just super generic? Why is this here?

Station To Station by David Bowie
Apr 08 2023

I don’t enjoy a lot more Bowie than I thought I would, to be honest.

Here's Little Richard by Little Richard
Apr 16 2023

It’s albums like this that remind me how profound 50s lyrics were.

Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix
Apr 17 2023

He has brilliant moments but I’m not going to pretend everything he touched was gold. Too long. Would’ve been an incredible experience back in the day.

Beyond Skin by Nitin Sawhney
Apr 19 2023

Enjoyed it more than most electronic albums.

3 + 3 by The Isley Brothers
Apr 21 2023

Great instrumentals, smooth vocals.

Revolver by Beatles
Apr 22 2023

My favorite Beatles album. They began to push forward into more experimentation but still included beautiful ballads. Felt like there was healthy competition between band members but also between bands of the time that led to this excellent album.

The Stone Roses by The Stone Roses
Apr 23 2023

I like the atmosphere of it but some is a bit plain.

Elvis Is Back by Elvis Presley
Apr 24 2023

Typical music for the time but overall pleasant and tasteful.

The Man Machine by Kraftwerk
Apr 27 2023

Good vibe but a bit repetitive and not much for me to get attached to.

Stardust by Willie Nelson
Apr 28 2023

Heartfelt and minimal.

Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits
Apr 29 2023

Very dull, considerably worse than self-titled.

Cloud Nine by The Temptations
Apr 30 2023

I don’t always find it pleasant.

Fred Neil by Fred Neil
May 01 2023

I like his voice. Deeper voices are generally harder to make grating sounds with, maybe. Not bad.

Songs In The Key Of Life by Stevie Wonder
May 02 2023

Too long, and this genre/style never resonated with me. It’s a bit samey between songs after so many. Never unpleasant, I guess. Favorite: If It’s Magic

To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar
May 03 2023

An absolute masterpiece. Brought so many artists together to collaborate and capture lightning in a bottle. Dives into so many raw topics and does it well.

Who's Next by The Who
May 04 2023

Pretty heavy handed. Unpleasant voice. Never liked them as much as their contemporaries.

Smash by The Offspring
May 05 2023

Dexter’s voice is so unique. Sounds pretty unskilled but kind of works sometimes. Other times horribly annoying. Teeters between the two for me.

Low-Life by New Order
May 06 2023

I don’t enjoy most of it. A lot of repetitive beats/synths.

New Wave by The Auteurs
May 07 2023

The soft vocal sound does not work for me here, with really dull songwriting. Most of the song intros just make me want to turn them off, with repetitive chords and strumming and beats.

25 by Adele
May 08 2023

Feels more contrived after she blew up. “Here I am, Adele, making an Adele album.” I appreciate the rare maturity of “Send Your Love” as far as pop music goes. I might like some of this with more raw production.

Dance Mania by Tito Puente
May 10 2023

I don’t think I’d ever get deeply into it, but I could see this keeping my spirits up while cleaning or something.

The Queen Is Dead by The Smiths
May 11 2023

Enjoy it a bit more than I thought I would…but not too much.

Horses by Patti Smith
May 12 2023

She seems to do a lot vocally without much skill - in way that might appeal to some people but not to me. Super influential and ahead of her time though.

School's Out by Alice Cooper
May 13 2023

Generally noisy but not in a way I find at all pleasing. Some interesting choices.

1977 by Ash
May 14 2023

This just feels like another mid-late-90s band riding the coattails of grunge’s surge earlier in the decade. Not bringing much new and sounding very derivative.

Happy Sad by Tim Buckley
May 17 2023

I didn’t know Jeff Buckley had a father. On a serious note, they both died tragically young. I really vibed with most of this album as I was cleaning and pacing my basement. Got a bit tired for a few songs but none were bad.

Surfer Rosa by Pixies
May 22 2023

Some good ideas and very influential, gotta respect that.

Abbey Road by Beatles
May 23 2023

Not their strongest work in my mind but still excellent moments and enjoyable throughout.

Pieces Of The Sky by Emmylou Harris
May 24 2023

It’s kind of pleasant but not for me.

The Scream by Siouxsie And The Banshees
May 25 2023

Distinct voice, early innovator.

Casanova by The Divine Comedy
May 28 2023

Interesting fusion of influences but not anything amazing

Unhalfbricking by Fairport Convention
May 29 2023

I might give it 2.5 if they let me.

Come Away With Me by Norah Jones
May 30 2023

Can’t seem to engage with it. Certainly not unpleasant.

So by Peter Gabriel
May 31 2023

I really don’t enjoy his voice nor the aggressively 80s sound.

The Sun Rises In The East by Jeru The Damaja
Jun 01 2023

I do like his voice, but few rap albums hold my attention the entire length.

Pink Flag by Wire
Jun 02 2023

I like how no songs overstay their welcome.

Master Of Puppets by Metallica
Jun 03 2023

It’s got energy. The vocals and instrumentals both get tiring to me pretty quickly. Prefer more variety.

Pacific Ocean Blue by Dennis Wilson
Jun 04 2023

It’s like it tries to be so grand. I don’t like the horns in this, or the piano, or his voice.

Odessa by Bee Gees
Jun 07 2023

Not impressed with the vocals nor the songwriting.

Jun 09 2023

The hits have been so overplayed that I don’t enjoy them, and the rest l just don’t care so much for.

Django Django by Django Django
Jun 12 2023

I guess it’s not awful enough for one star, but there’s not much here for me.

Trio by Dolly Parton
Jun 14 2023

Their voices together sound so bright and pure. Not what I’d normally listen to but pleasant.

Bat Out Of Hell by Meat Loaf
Jun 16 2023

Theatrical and in your face. No one does it quite like Meat Loaf.

White Ladder by David Gray
Jun 20 2023

That voice, that repetitive background music….No.

Brown Sugar by D'Angelo
Jun 21 2023

Smooth ass voice, it’s sometimes tolerable for 90s R&B.

This Year's Model by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Jun 22 2023

Wow, I actively dislike his singing voice.

Mr. Tambourine Man by The Byrds
Jun 23 2023

I don’t find many songs distinct, all pretty similar in sound but not bad. Frequently jangly with harmonized vocals.

Iron Maiden by Iron Maiden
Jun 24 2023

It’s not for me, a bit screechy with the guitars, and the songs ran into each other.

Siembra by Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
Jun 25 2023

It’s aight.

Live At The Regal by B.B. King
Jun 26 2023

He’s not my favorite as far as blues goes.

Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Jun 27 2023

Decent musicianship but Kiedis can get tiring. Not every song feels like a fleshed out idea, just the band making RHCP noises.

Africa Brasil by Jorge Ben Jor
Jun 30 2023

I generally like his vibe.

Teen Dream by Beach House
Jul 01 2023

I was familiar with Beach House but not this album. Their whole appeal in my eyes is that their music is good to chill and zone out to. It’s ambiance. For me, this album is weaker in that regard than both Depression Cherry and Bloom.

Franz Ferdinand by Franz Ferdinand
Jul 02 2023

I always loved Take Me Out but somehow never got acquainted with the rest of this album. I don’t like any songs as much as that one. He’s got a great voice for this style.

Appetite For Destruction by Guns N' Roses
Jul 03 2023

I find him to have one of most insufferable voices in popular rock n roll, maybe only better than Brian Johnson. I would like to please never hear their overplayed hits ever again.

Crosby, Stills & Nash by Crosby, Stills & Nash
Jul 04 2023

Suite: Judy Blue Eyes is a classic, but I’m not sure they had full ideas for some of these songs. All are pretty pleasant though.

Kid A by Radiohead
Jul 05 2023

I still think this is decidedly inferior to OK Computer, but I could still give it 9/10 and round to 5. Several incredible songs and only a few lulls.

Our Aim Is To Satisfy by Red Snapper
Jul 06 2023

Isn’t it pretty telling when all the Wikipedia intro has to say about the album is that it was featured in the 1001 albums book? The question is: Why?

Stand! by Sly & The Family Stone
Jul 07 2023

Some good stuff on here. I think they had better energy in live performances like at Woodstock.

Out Of The Blue by Electric Light Orchestra
Jul 08 2023

Props for creating such a unique sound combining Lynne’s voice, the orchestral elements, yet going for a futuristic vibe. Mr. Blue Sky is one of my all-time favorites, but admittedly, the tracks I haven’t heard don’t make a big impression.

Queen II by Queen
Jul 09 2023

Many albums on here have songs that don’t go anywhere, but these all go places. I just don’t necessarily like where they go.

Da Capo by Love
Jul 10 2023

The songs vary quite a bit. They’re intriguing. I imagine it would have sounded amazing in 1966.

White Blood Cells by The White Stripes
Jul 11 2023

They’ve always had an alluring image. The music draws a lot from the past with maybe a slight new spin. I like them, but it’s not revolutionary. Kind of stripped back/minimal two piece bluesy garage rock. It’s good stuff.

Exit Planet Dust by The Chemical Brothers
Jul 12 2023

Gets boring really fast, the repetitive sounds.

Jul 13 2023

The best thing about this is the drumming! I’m not super into the voice, and it’s way too long and bloated with songs, in my opinion. Corona, aka the Jackass theme, is a classic, though.

Rattlesnakes by Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
Jul 14 2023

It’s just not very anything.

GREY Area by Little Simz
Jul 15 2023

The instrumentals are interesting and more eclectic than most rap albums. The songs don’t get repetitive, they build to impressive peaks. I love her accent and flow. Good work.

Made In Japan by Deep Purple
Jul 16 2023

I hate this brand of in-your-face, screeching guitars and vocals rawk n’ roll music. I mean, rock is my favorite genre, but not this.

Hot Rats by Frank Zappa
Jul 17 2023

Honestly kind of irritating to listen to a whole album of this.

Jul 19 2023

Some VERY annoying samples on this, and other than that, it sounds like an unremarkable rap record. A long, dragging one.

Music From Big Pink by The Band
Jul 20 2023

His voice isn’t smooth enough to make for good chill background music for me, but the music also doesn’t stand out enough to actively listen to.

Raw Power by The Stooges
Jul 22 2023

Underwhelming for how much it was kind of hyped up. Search and Destroy is decent. The rest I could take or leave. Brings to mind Alice Cooper’s album from a year earlier.

Paul Simon by Paul Simon
Jul 23 2023

Everything solo Paul Simon I’ve heard pales in comparison Simon & Garfunkel. But it’s not unpleasant. A few interesting instrumental moments.

The Gershwin Songbook by Ella Fitzgerald
Jul 25 2023

Her voice is classic. Soothing and delicate yet powerful. Great recordings.

Leftism by Leftfield
Jul 26 2023

It’s pretty long, and I’m not struck by any of it. I’m sure it’d be amazing in the right situation…like rolling in a club.

Trout Mask Replica by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Jul 27 2023

The making of this album and its whole sound are so fascinating. I understand many finding it hard to digest, but I think it’s actually pretty hooky at some points. Charming chaotic weirdness. It’s a bit long, though.

Highway 61 Revisited by Bob Dylan
Jul 28 2023

He wrote some clever lyrics here and there, but the instrumentals on this are pretty repetitive and generic bluesy rock. His voice is tolerable in small doses. I wouldn’t come back to it.

Graceland by Paul Simon
Jul 29 2023

I guess it’s trying to be worldly, but it just sounds 80s blah.

KE*A*H** (Psalm 69) by Ministry
Jul 30 2023

I like plenty of heavy and abrasive music, but I prefer more melodic dynamic sounds. It’s like this combines what I consider the worst parts of electronic and metal - repetitiveness and a near constant wall of noise.

Surrealistic Pillow by Jefferson Airplane
Jul 31 2023

I always struggled to get into the tracks where Grace isn’t singing lead. On this listen, I don’t find anything unpleasant, but the rest of the band feels ordinary next to her powerful, unmistakable voice. It’s like if Queen only let Freddie sing lead on a couple songs an album.

Thriller by Michael Jackson
Aug 01 2023

I enjoy a lot of pop music, and I’m truly not saying this to be contrarian or anything - but I never got the extreme Michael Jackson hype. Some of the production is cool but also very 80s.

Heaux Tales by Jazmine Sullivan
Aug 02 2023

It doesn’t appeal very much to me. All of my favorite rap and R&B albums have less repetitive or more complex instrumentation. And vocally, it sounds very on trend…like not very unique in a sea of similar artists.

LP1 by FKA twigs
Aug 03 2023

I had already loved a few tracks by FKA Twigs but somehow never listened to this whole album. Interesting production paired with her high, sometimes ethereal vocals. Her EP called M3LL155X is still my favorite. On this, Pendulum and Two Weeks are the big standouts. There are some annoyingly repetitive moments on here and song ideas that don’t feel like they have an aim, unfortunately.

It's Too Late to Stop Now by Van Morrison
Aug 04 2023

Van Morrison is one artist I cannot stand in large doses. His voice and delivery is very unique.

At Mister Kelly's by Sarah Vaughan
Aug 05 2023

I think I prefer jazz vocals that are a bit less showy or sink into the instrumentals more.

Nothing's Shocking by Jane's Addiction
Aug 06 2023

You can definitely hear how this album is transitional between 80s hair metal and 90s grunge. Ultimately, I’m not a huge fan. The vocals are so distinct but also polarizing - energetic or annoying?

Sail Away by Randy Newman
Aug 07 2023

Some artists have generic voices. But Randy Newman is the only person with a Randy Newman voice. I can’t decide where it sits in the scale from pleasant to unpleasant. I don’t think I would ever sit down and think to myself, “yeah, I’m in the mood for some Randy Newman.”

The College Dropout by Kanye West
Aug 08 2023

Its production is much more interesting and unique than most rap albums on here, but it’s still not for me.

Arise by Sepultura
Aug 10 2023

I don’t think I could form a deep connection with it, like I do with my favorite records, because the songs sound too alike.

Aug 11 2023

I always hear that Coldplay used to be good, that this is their best album, that I’ve got to listen to it. Well, here I go. At some points, it reminds me of OK Computer except made very dull and sanitized. The chord progressions are often simple or generic or repetitive. Clocks and Daylight are my standouts. Throughout the album, it feels like they were on the cusp of something great and had a good atmosphere. But songs didn’t hit the heights I’d have liked. Think they could have made an excellent album if they grew in the other direction.

Meat Is Murder by The Smiths
Aug 12 2023

Always distinct from other bands with the voice and guitar work. I’ve always had some appreciation for The Smiths’ sound, but they aren’t a favorite.

Pearl by Janis Joplin
Aug 13 2023

I recognize she’s supposed to be a great who died tragically young. I don’t enjoy her voice in general and definitely not a whole album of it.

Isn't Anything by My Bloody Valentine
Aug 14 2023

I might hypothetically like some shoegaze, but this album is so repetitive and vague. What I like best is the album cover, washed out with intense light. I think it represents the sound well.

Time Out by The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Aug 15 2023

Certainly one of my favorite jazz records on the list.

I Against I by Bad Brains
Aug 16 2023

Love a lot of punk but this has, I don’t know, a bit much generic 80s sounds bleeding in? Don’t care for the vocals, production.

Mermaid Avenue by Billy Bragg
Aug 17 2023

I’m sure it would have been excellent if Woody himself had performed it. This is extremely dull with too clean of production for my tastes.

Tres Hombres by ZZ Top
Aug 18 2023

Wow, a lot of these riffs are super repetitive! Also they are responsible for inspiring a lot of shitty acts, though I am grateful for their influence on Josh Homme who does this type of rock best, in my opinion.

Hot Buttered Soul by Isaac Hayes
Aug 19 2023

It’s alright, nice production choices and voice, but I don’t see myself coming back to it.

Car Wheels On A Gravel Road by Lucinda Williams
Aug 20 2023

It’s not bad. I mean, it’s pretty mundane and generic, but somehow in a very tolerable way, sometimes verging on pleasant.

Histoire De Melody Nelson by Serge Gainsbourg
Aug 21 2023

Love me some French ASMR. No really, I love the backing music and it sounds a bit ahead of its time. The story and lyrical content is really weird, but then again, I can’t understand much.

The Clash by The Clash
Aug 22 2023

I feel like this is one of those albums/artists I don’t like much because they were pretty huge and influential, and people built off of what they did and did it better.

Aug 24 2023

I like it better than most of the rap & hip hop on here, and Hey Ya is a bona fide classic. Still, don’t care for all the interludes and don’t see myself deeply connecting with it. And it’s so long.

Let It Bleed by The Rolling Stones
Aug 29 2023

Begins with Merry Clayton upstaging Mick Jagger, continues into the Stones’ regular generic rip off blues. I can give it 3 on the immense strength of the first song. They have a few incredible songs, but I question anyone who suggests the old Stones vs Beatles comparison is not a landslide win for the Beatles considering how much more variety and innovation they had on every album.

The Cars by The Cars
Aug 30 2023

It’s not hard to imagine having a fantastic time with friends in the late 70s with this album as a soundtrack. Just What I Needed is a favorite. It’s a pretty even album, all fun.

Bummed by Happy Mondays
Aug 31 2023

I sense some potential in there, maybe, if not for the oppressive 80s-ness of it all. Gah, those generic drum and key sounds!

Hot Fuss by The Killers
Sep 01 2023

The hits are decent for popular music but the rest is invariably dull or repetitive by comparison. Their image was somewhat interesting, a Las Vegas Mormon wearing eyeliner with a faux English flare to his singing.

War by U2
Sep 02 2023

Bono’s vocals are more often irritating than not. The instrumentals are so blah. Sunday Bloody Sunday is the only U2 song I’ve ever really liked, and it’s charged with meaning…before the rest of the album becomes overbearing.

John Prine by John Prine
Sep 08 2023

It’s pretty unremarkable but not awful. Fun lyrics here and there.

Tidal by Fiona Apple
Sep 09 2023

Here’s one I’m familiar enough with to rate, but I’ll listen to it again anyway. Because it’s great. The record’s current is turbulent with vigorous emotions that pull you every which way. There’s a sultry sad rage to it, and it’s a tremendous album from such a young voice. 9/10

Take Me Apart by Kelela
Sep 11 2023

Pretty smooth pleasant album, but I question whether it’s that remarkable or unique for this list. I do like it a little, or much more than most R&B I’ve heard thanks to the production and her vocals, which are never too showy nor annoying.

Rock 'N Soul by Solomon Burke
Sep 12 2023

Just pleasant to listen to.

Moving Pictures by Rush
Sep 13 2023

I think Rush has created masterpieces in individual songs. Here, I really enjoy Limelight, while Tom Sawyer has been overplayed to the point I don’t want to hear it for many years, probably (perhaps if I had some Cheeto dust to snort…). Much of the rest of this sounds like show off prog to me without actually going anywhere that interesting. I don’t connect with it.

Cosmo's Factory by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Sep 14 2023

Very familiar with this one; Ramble Tamble is a behemoth of an album opener that I heard all the time growing up because my dad played it. For a bunch of California boys, they sure could pull off that bayou blues sound. That said, I think they peaked with that first track.

Alien Lanes by Guided By Voices
Sep 15 2023

They tried to do something here. It’s mostly unpleasant.

Foo Fighters by Foo Fighters
Sep 16 2023

God, I can’t stand Dave Grohl’s voice. I don’t know why. He’s obviously a great drummer. This is just nothing. It does nothing for me. I don’t hear a hint of originality. I’m sorry.

Sister by Sonic Youth
Sep 22 2023

Not my favorite Sonic Youth album, a bit indistinct in its noisiness. But they were super influential and innovative for 1987, leading into the 90s grunge.

Can't Buy A Thrill by Steely Dan
Sep 23 2023

It’s not enough of anything for me to strongly feel any type of way about it. I grew up hearing the more popular tracks far too many times. I would like to please never hear Reelin’ In The Years again, thank you. Do It Again and Dirty Work are somehow still tolerable.

Juju by Siouxsie And The Banshees
Sep 24 2023

Monitor is my favorite song I’ve heard from them. I know they’re influential, but I’m not that enthralled.

Private Dancer by Tina Turner
Sep 25 2023

This is so thoroughly not my thing. I can hardly get through the aggressive 80s instrumentals and kind of showy yet not-pleasant-whatsoever vocals.

The Doors by The Doors
Sep 26 2023

The Doors…less varied and innovative than The Beatles, less heavy than Sabbath. Jim Morrison has his charm, and I’m sure this was mind shattering only four days into 1967. But yeah, sometimes it just feels meandering, and the lyrics aren’t so profound if you’re not high. Love The Crystal Ship and Alabama Song.

Odelay by Beck
Sep 27 2023

Devil’s Haircut is repetitive and doesn’t really go anywhere. A lot of this has what I don’t like about rap—boring looped beats. Oh god, a sax solo. Someone reputable told me they liked this, and now I’m questioning their tastes. Novacane and Minus have some slightly better harder sounds. Overall feeling very meh about it.

...The Dandy Warhols Come Down by The Dandy Warhols
Sep 28 2023

I find it really unremarkable for its era. Had potential if they went weirder or were more distinct. Don’t love the vocals.

Sep 29 2023

Not unpleasant but worthy of a place on this list? Is it even notable among R&B?

Parklife by Blur
Sep 30 2023

Vocal melodies and timbre not good. Not worthwhile.

Machine Gun Etiquette by The Damned
Oct 01 2023

I love Dave Vanian. But a lot of this feels noisy in an indistinct/aimless way. Doesn’t hold my attention. Favorite part: the laughing on These Hands.

Lust For Life by Iggy Pop
Oct 02 2023

I’ve heard the hits enough. The rest does not stick out as particularly good. In fact, it sometimes felt unpleasant to listen to.

The Velvet Underground & Nico by The Velvet Underground
Oct 03 2023

Influential, but I find it overrated. Often dull and drab, sometimes grating but not in a good way.

2112 by Rush
Oct 04 2023

I do love a few Rush songs, but a lot of this blends together as typical showy prog and screechy vocals.

Birth Of The Cool by Miles Davis
Oct 05 2023

Great in a mellow, put it on at a house party for intellectuals type of way.

Heroes by David Bowie
Oct 07 2023

I’m really surprised how much David Bowie I find lackluster other than the hits. It’s one of those times where what’s popular is actually what’s good. Except I don’t care that much for Heroes, ironically. His other hits are much better.

A Short Album About Love by The Divine Comedy
Oct 08 2023

I like how the songs build with some nice instrumentals. Solidly okay.

good kid, m.A.A.d city by Kendrick Lamar
Oct 14 2023

It’s so much less musically interesting and complex than To Pimp a Butterfly. Can’t get into this one.

Led Zeppelin IV by Led Zeppelin
Oct 15 2023

So many hits I’ve heard so many times. The screechy vocals always put me off but are so integral to Plant’s singing and Zeppelin’s sound.

The White Album by Beatles
Oct 16 2023

I love The Beatles. I grew up on them, and there are many nostalgic, iconic individual tracks on this album. But it’s so all over the place. It is not a cohesive album. Some songs can even be annoying or repetitive. For example, I got genuinely irritated listening to Why Don’t We Do It In The Road? I don’t know, Paul, why don’t we? 3.5/5

Blunderbuss by Jack White
Oct 17 2023

People loved to rag on Meg, but it’s interesting how Jack never made anything solo that lived up to the White Stripes.

Off The Wall by Michael Jackson
Oct 18 2023

I’ve always been put off by Michael Jackson’s vibe. Objectively, I’m sure this is great. It just doesn’t appeal to me. Some of the production and bass lines are great.

The Bends by Radiohead
Oct 20 2023

Maybe less edgy and annoying than Pablo Honey but very conventional and some bad lyrics for Radiohead. It’s kind of wild the progression they had to make OK Computer and Kid A after this. Just and My Iron Lung are the highlights.

Elvis Presley by Elvis Presley
Oct 23 2023

Not the best I’ve heard from Elvis, but he was just starting out.

Eliminator by ZZ Top
Oct 24 2023

I am actively not a fan. They’ve got one sound, and there’s no substance to it for me.

Moondance by Van Morrison
Oct 25 2023

Moondance is definitely my favorite song by him. He’s one of those artists that is incredibly unique, like no one else, but I really can’t decide if it’s pleasant to the ear.

En-Tact by The Shamen
Oct 26 2023

Man, I just can’t get the dance music. Maybe the list curators know something I don’t. But I don’t think there’s anything very interesting here. 5/5 on ecstasy, I’m sure.

Buena Vista Social Club by Buena Vista Social Club
Oct 27 2023

Such a vibe. Chill music I’d like to play on a yacht or something if I had one. Or just a Sunday afternoon at home, cooking dinner. Something with capers.

Tracy Chapman by Tracy Chapman
Oct 28 2023

Very distinct voice but the music does not go anywhere interesting. The lyrics are meaningful in obvious ways. Not my thing.

Ghosteen by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Oct 29 2023

I don’t care for the ambient synths with Cave’s voice. The subject matter is kind of harrowing.

Murmur by R.E.M.
Oct 30 2023

I can’t see myself connecting with this, just find it pretty blah.

Oct 31 2023

Bohemian Rhapsody was obviously lightning in a bottle. It’s so impressive that they were bold enough to go out there and do this operatic rock. I am a bit meh about some of the non hits here.

At San Quentin by Johnny Cash
Nov 01 2023

I love that he did performances in prisons. Classic songs and excited audiences.

The Wildest! by Louis Prima
Nov 02 2023

Transports me to a 50s party or eating at a restaurant. It’s got character, and it’s generally pleasant.

Pornography by The Cure
Nov 03 2023

The best Cure songs sound timeless, while this record sounds so 80s in an old, dull way.

The Soft Bulletin by The Flaming Lips
Nov 06 2023

The singing is really irritating to me. Most songs have some annoying element to the instrumental. Otherwise it might have been enjoyable.

Doolittle by Pixies
Nov 07 2023

I know this album and band influenced many bands I love. I appreciate their wild variety. But none of this really sticks in my head. Some of it is grating in an irritating way rather than an intriguing way. I guess I’m missing out not hearing the greatness.

Queens of the Stone Age by Queens Of The Stone Age
Nov 09 2023

Not the most polished nor varied Queens of the Stone Age album. Still some great riffs and hooks from a very young Josh Homme. I always loved Mexicola, Avon, and The Bronze.

Suicide by Suicide
Nov 12 2023

Pretty wild for ‘77 but not so much for now. It is repetitive. There’s like the same white noise sound over several tracks.

xx by The xx
Nov 14 2023

I always liked Intro and Crystalised. The rest of it is tolerable but forgettable. There’s not much to it.

The Grand Tour by George Jones
Nov 15 2023

Some sweet minimal earnest country. I’m not passionate for the genre, but this is perfectly pleasant and tolerable.

Nov 16 2023

Starts with a cool ominous note, then quickly gets repetitive. I don’t really like the guitar sound, vocals, and overall production on this. The bass is the best part.

Dusty In Memphis by Dusty Springfield
Nov 17 2023

Son of a Preacher Man is pretty iconic in Pulp Fiction. The album is overall pleasant, but the vocals can get kind of melodramatic, and the arrangements feel conventional. I wouldn’t really come back to the whole album.

Sound of Silver by LCD Soundsystem
Nov 18 2023

It has some energy but is repetitive. I knew of them for years but never checked out their music much. Not particularly impressed.

Tellin’ Stories by The Charlatans
Nov 19 2023

This is sooo unremarkable. What justifies putting it on the list?

Green by R.E.M.
Nov 20 2023

A lot of this is not pleasant to my ears. Sometimes I find R.E.M. to be a bit monotonous with Stipe’s unwavering voice and pretty unimpressive instrumentals. Orange Crush stands out.

In Utero by Nirvana
Nov 21 2023

Already very familiar with most of this. While I enjoyed the non-hits on Nevermind, I find them considerably less appealing here. They’re not bad, but they don’t go anywhere that interesting to me. Cobain was a real master of catchy pop sensibility wrapped in an abrasive package. It was the right place and right time for them to explode, but maybe it wasn’t for the best that they did.

Melodrama by Lorde
Nov 22 2023

Pure Heroine is better. Melodrama is both more mature and more generic than her first album, which had a unique sound and portrayed the isolation of growing up raised by the internet but also the uncertainty of a foreseen thrust into fame. Liability and Writer In the Dark are my favorites here, full of emotion and vulnerability. Homemade Dynamite is fun. Many of the other tracks have this conventional pop sound and structure, although Lorde’s distinct voice sets them apart. Hate Perfect Places. Some of the lyrics and phrasings are odd in a way I don’t like, or they feel too contrived instead of falling naturally into the song.

Red Dirt Girl by Emmylou Harris
Nov 23 2023

Not my thing, don’t care for the timbre of her voice.

Too Rye Ay by Dexys Midnight Runners
Nov 24 2023

Gets stale after a while. The first three songs were enjoyable, and then Eileen of course. The rest is meh.

Nov 26 2023

It’s crazy how a band like Black Sabbath still sounds fresh today, while this newer album sounds very dated. I find a lot of thrash metal songs indistinct from each other and cannot connect with them.

1989 by Taylor Swift
Dec 05 2023

Her voice is genuinely unpleasant to me. She gives these shrill belts that make me cringe and sound unskilled. The song structures and production sound incredibly generic. The lyrical content is basic and heavy handed. There’s not much redeeming here. I think she does have some better material than this.

Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
Dec 07 2023

It’s not their tightest work. Certainly some greatness in the soaring guitars and the lyrics of the lengthy tribute to their former bandmate Syd aka Roger Barrett, Shine On You Crazy Diamond. The title track is a 10/10 song from beginning to end. Makes the rest of the album sound more lackluster. Pink Floyd were at their best when they were relatable on a nearly universal human level, and that song hits that mark for the feeling of missing someone. It’s simple in an elegant way, musically capturing that longing.

Frank by Amy Winehouse
Dec 08 2023

I’m not super impressed by themes here. Her voice is distinct, for sure. Favorite is probably (There Is) No Greater Love.

Disraeli Gears by Cream
Dec 14 2023

Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker are so talented.

The Madcap Laughs by Syd Barrett
Dec 15 2023

I got very into Syd’s story for a time. People have a lot of theories about what happened, but it seems pretty apparent to me that he had schizophrenia or similar—perhaps worsened or accelerated by his drug use. It most often shows up in men in the early-mid twenties. We see social withdrawal, behavioral changes and disorganization, appearance changes (Syd in 1975 is shocking compared to just years before). It happened so quickly. We understand these things so much better now. You can hear his deteriorating mental state here, and it’s a bit haunting. The music is fascinating if you’re into that. And the melodies are often catchy with quirky, sometimes childish, lyrics. I genuinely enjoy much of it musically, in a strange way. There’ll never be another Syd, that’s for sure.

Crime Of The Century by Supertramp
Dec 16 2023

Too cheesy and typical of the time. I like Breakfast In America better.

Dec 17 2023

It is marginally more interest than a lot of electronic on this list. Don’t know why I’d ever want to sit down and listen to an album of this.

It's Blitz! by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Dec 18 2023

Already familiar with Heads Will Roll. Pretty fun synth sound. Yet I find her voice a bit on the irritating side, kind of unskilled-in-a-bad-way. Tapers off into boring territory.

The Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest
Dec 19 2023

It’s another one where I get bored after a while of the repetitive instrumental/beat. Great flow and could be excellent with more varied backing. It’s not the album, it’s me.

Dec 21 2023

I’m sure someone has already made the joke: they’re not my new favorite band. It’s never really annoying but never very remarkable.

The Score by Fugees
Dec 23 2023

Zealots is so underrated, definitely one of my favorite songs. The group complement each other’s voices well. Lauryn in particular is a gem with that timbre, lyricism, and both singing and rapping ability. But I think the album is a little uneven/does not constantly hold my attention like the best tracks do.

S&M by Metallica
Dec 24 2023

Meh, I don’t really like live albums unless I really love the artist/songs. They sound pretty good if you love Metallica.

Dec 26 2023

The production is really nice and full. It’s just hard to enjoy because these songs are overplayed to death every single year. I cannot escape them, so why would I want to listen to them by choice?

Bossanova by Pixies
Dec 28 2023

I’d love to hear what this band sounds like through a fan’s ears, because I can’t seem to hear what they’re hearing.

Dec 29 2023

I really just wanted to get this over with. Most redeeming quality is some interesting production. Wish it was someone else singing/rapping.

Rubber Soul by Beatles
Jan 27 2024

Ah, the Beatles’ Pot Album. They were transitioning into more musical experimentation and drugs, but the songs are more dated than Revolver and onward, with more “oooh la la la” backing vocals and maybe more simple, less mature subject matter than some later tracks. I’d say In My Life, Girl, and Norwegian Wood are my favorites; I do favor John and find him to be the most innovative of the group, while Paul wrote the most sublime heartfelt ballads. George was still honing his talents here but showed great promise. It’s an important album but not my favorite Beatles work. Also, Run For Your Life is the worst track.

Led Zeppelin III by Led Zeppelin
Jun 06 2024

First two songs are best, followed by a lot of underwhelming typical Zeppelin. Screechy Plant vocals.

Nevermind by Nirvana
Jul 29 2024

Kurt was a true master of infusing pop hooks into heavy, raw music with wide appeal. I’d say nobody has done that as well since Nevermind. It was cool how grunge seemingly struck in reaction to and directly opposed the over-the-top fashion and hair-focused glam metal. Wish we could have something like that again in popular music. I mean, Nevermind was a very well-produced product but still felt unpolished and real.

Jan 25 2025

Classic. Loved how they mostly did lesser known songs and covers. Great selection with the Lead Belly, Bowie, and Meat Puppets. Tasteful inclusion of the cello and the subdued renderings of the songs, yet bursting with dark heavy emotions and tension. Looming over the album is of course what would happen to Kurt, and the unknown art we will never hear that he could have made. The way he sang Where Did You Sleep Last Night can haunt your soul, his voice.

Perfectionist

Only 2% of albums received 5 stars. Average rating: 2.35.

Other

Album origins are grouped into three buckets: US, UK, and everything else. “Other” means the artists you rate highest are from outside the US and UK.