1001 Albums Summary

Some really good songs, good funk mixed with improvisation. Seems a little dated and rough around the edges. Really big for the time though.

Bright, lively, complex. Fun and light lyrics that are more complex than they appear to be. It's a classic. Perfect to listen to or have in the background. 5/5

Gentle but sincere. Has underlying darkness. Overall I enjoyed it but just a little too soft and muted for me.

Varied, sounds like Bowie. But slightly more modern and refined. Good as background music, but I like older Bowie more.

Catchy, has a dreamy funk soul quality to it. Surprised I knew most of the songs. 4/5

Man I liked some of them, but Elvis just isn't my cup of tea. I never liked his "crooning" too much, sounded forced. 2/5

A blend of punk, ska, reggae, bright lyrics, and catchy hooks. Love the slurred lyrics and overall arrangement. You hear the bass, drums, horns, guitar, and vocals altogether and separately. 5/5

A good blend of soul and light rock. The lyrics feel real and talk about interesting dilemmas of love. This album is a classic, and has some of my favorite songs, but does have some songs that slow down the pace of the album I feel like. 4/5

I respect the lyrical talent, Eminem has never been short in that area. Horrorcore just isn't my cup of tea. It's like an exaggerated journal of someone with lots of issues. This could apply to most people, but this is a specific type and caricature. The beats are average to above average, and the songs have a good flow. But the lyrics leave more to be desired personally, and maybe this is just the album showing its age. 3/5

A quick jaunt into a "concept" album. Some songs are surprisingly peppier than I would have thought for a Simon & Garfunkel record. I enjoy the lyrics and varied sounds used without. The first song sets the tone for a decent amount of art rock involved. I always really liked their use of what I imagine are sound effects, almost foley art. I enjoyed it but I also think it could benefit from a little more focus. 3/5

Really enjoyed the music instrumental intro, and at first I thought this would be a pleasant surprise. But as the album continued, I felt that the lyrics and the vocals were just okay. First two songs were decent, next four kind of drug on, and the last four were decent. I can't help but hear Fred Armisen singing some made up song in Documentary Now! when listening to this album. Overall, this is fine as background music but it just isn't anything more than that for me. I wish the ratings were out of 10 because this is a 5/10 to me, but I'll give it 2/5.

Sounds like a band right up my alley. I'm getting precursor vibes for Fratellis, Arctic Monkeys, Hot Hot Heat, etc. I really like the variety of power pop, polished garage rock, very slight grunge, and obviously classic British rock. Had no idea what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised, I could definitely see myself revisiting this. 4/5

Not my favorite. I liked the lyrics and appreciate Beck being a chameleon. This also sounds like a very personal album for him. There were about 3 songs I enjoyed, and the rest were just a little too melancholy and slow for me. I was actively waiting for some songs to be over, 2/5

Overall a solid album. Some melodies are a little forgettable. I like it but I also think there are better examples of soul/motown. 3/5

Lyrics have a darkness to them that is really intriguing, but also scary and thought-provoking, but at the same time some mean nothing. The first two songs build slowly and almost explode into a serene third song. Middle of the album is a little more rhythmic, and it ends balanced. Definitely more electronic aspects to this album than I was expecting. Almost has some Daft Punk / Dntel vibes. 4/5

Classic rock and roll. Still love hearing this music. Great musicianship, good voice, and has a nice unassuming yet quiet confidence to it. It knows exactly what it is and it does it well. 4/5

Nice ethereal background music. Halfway through the first song, you get this whining monkey/dog which is less nice haha. Overall, I enjoyed it. Great background music, and impressive sounds for the time. 3/5

First song a little weird and very much what I think of for 80s electronic. Second song was very reminiscent of "The Cure". Third song was fine and unassuming. Fourth, little more interesting and varied. I really cannot take the electronic dance sounds in the beginning of this and the first song seriously. It just screams middle school dance, or a kid messing with the worst part of a keyboard. Song five was okay, forgettable. Song six might be my favorite song on the whole album so far, probably because it was more like Joy Division. Song seven reminds me of Regular Show lol. Song eight was solid, one of the better ones. Song nine was really good as well. Anytime they incorporate some of their guitar in a heavier way and refrain from some of the more ridiculous 80s aspects I don't mind it. Overall, the album was fine, probably wouldn't revisit it, although I did enjoy about 3/9 songs. I would give this a 2/5

So far it is unique for sure. Vaguely nice radio friendly harmonies and very "Beatles-like". However, the drums are layered, loud, and intense. Almost bring in some vibes of The Clash and Ramones before their time. The vocals are okay, they kind of blend together and the songs don't really pop or stand out. The exception being the title single which is definitely the most put together. Overall, it felt like a decent debut album but one that was a little rough around the edges compared to what they would accomplish later. 3/5

Interesting and meaningless at the same time. Comes across as apathetic, smart, lazy, stoner rock, perfect for the 90s. The vocals are slightly meandering, reminds me of The Pogues a little bit. The music is generally alt rock, but also includes vibes of folk and southern rock. Favorite tracks: Unfair, Range Life, Cut Your Hair Least favorite tracks: 5-4=Unity, Hit the Plane Down, 4/5

Oh god, forgot about the early 2000s music, probably for good reason. The mixing is just interesting lol. Some definitely Daft Punk vibes which I'm okay with. But some of the fake instruments and voice effects are just grating. Lots of experimental more electronic stuff in the beginning, but the middle of the album slows down for more approachable, catchy, dance music. Lyrics vary, some are generic love songs. While some actually pose interesting philosophical questions. I get a lot of video games sounds from some of these songs. Some enjoyable parts, but overall 2/5 Favorite songs: Impressive Instant, I Deserve It, Amazing Least favorite songs: Music, Nobody's Perfect,

Wow as someone that considered themselves a fan of Neil Young's older stuff I really do not know what the hell is happening here. I guess they wanted to "go back to the roots" of music and just make garage rock? The problem is that it achieves just that. Not only have I heard garage bands that are just as good as this, I've heard garage bands that are quite a bit better than this. Everything falls flat, the passion seems half-assed. I'm sure this would be fine for a random Saturday with a couple of buddies jamming, but it just really doesn't work for a whole album. The vocals are reeeeeaaaly trying here, they are so strained. It just feels like an old man band at a bar in the middle of nowhere, although I would honestly probably appreciate that more just for the grit and love of the music that I'm assuming those people bring. This just rings hollow to me. Low technicality, low effort, and god if every song didn't just drag on. 1/5 Just okays: Over and over, Days That Used to Be Least favorites: Fucking up, Love to Burn, Farmer John, Mother Earth

Always loved 70s rock but always felt that Aerosmith were just overshadowed by other bands. I was pleasantly surprised with this album. Really good bass lines throughout, strong guitar, and impressive vocals. Song lyrics and direction could be a more creative. Everything is good, but nothing is mind blowing. 3/5 Favorites: Back in the Saddle, Rats in the Cellar, Combination, Least Favorites: Get the Lead Out, Lick and a Promise

Overall a pretty delightfully weird album. Hard rock mixed with lots of elements that are decidedly not hard rock. Jazz, electronic, horns, and more all collide within this album. The vocals and lyrics are fun if a little over the top, but that is kind of the point. Enjoyable but doesn't push that next envelope for me. 3/5 Favorites: School's Out, Blue Turk, Alma Mater, Grande Finale Least Favorites: Luney Tune

Right up my alley, its got that 70s punk voice going on which is an acquired taste. The bass work is really well done as is the addition of the horns. Seems like a top heavy album, and the back end peters out a bit. Still very enjoyable. 3/5 Favorites: Know Your Product, Lost and Found, Memories are Made of This, Least Favorites: New Centre of the Universe,

Just crazy how ahead of his time Jimi was. 1968 and yet his sound still seems like the future. So much skill, the blending and effects are fantastic, and still you get great drumming, bass, and vocals as well. Its got a 15 minute song and a 13 minute song, so it definitely has a pacing issue and I understand that criticism but I'm also okay with the long rambling jam session. Overall, an impressive piece of work that laid the foundation for so much to come after. 5/5 Favorites: Crosstown Traffic, All Along the Watchtower, Gypsy Eyes, Rainy Day, Voodoo Child Least Favorites: 1983, Moon turn the tides

You get a really interesting sound in this album. Good bass work, fiddle, mandolin, almost screeching vocals, soulful piano, bouncing country guitars, and clambering drums. Everything on this album is just fun. I can sit and enjoy it or throw it on in the background. 4/5 Favorites: It's All Over Now, My Way of Giving, Cut Across Shorty Least Favorites: Lady Day

Man what a weird experience, but I also enjoyed it. An early 2000s amalgamation of Coldplay, Gorillaz, Daft Punk, and the Beatles? It sounds more like a mixtape than a cohesive album. I find this weird and fun, but I understand how that is a put off for some people. Overall little too meandering for me, but I did enjoy it. 3/5 Favorites: It's Not the End of the World?, No Sympathy, Juxtapozed with U, Least Favorites: Rings Around the World,

Nice soft intro that crescendos right into a fun and lively party song. Everything blends very well together. Lyrics transfer from ridiculous stories and metaphors, party lyrics, but also smaller sprints of deeper meaning. Lots of sampling which make you feel as though you are listening to the radio. The more punk rock feel of "Looking Down The Barrel Of A Gun" is a fun departure. Album ends with some less aggressive songs, but also the funky "Shadrach". Album ends with a B-roll of short songs. These are heavily sampled, a little funky, great bass, and little more aggressive. 5/5 Favorites: Shake Your Rump, Hey Ladies, Looking Down The Barrel Of A Gun, Shadrach, A Year And A Day, Least Favorites: What Comes Around,

A big band jazz front, with soulful ballads to end. This album is good. The piano and singing are good obviously, its Ray Charles. But idk, something was just off. It was kinda boring? The couple fast paced songs are great and I always love big sweeping orchestras. But just kinda felt like two different albums. I feel like there has to be better Ray Charles albums. 3/5 Favorites: Let the Good Times Roll, Come Rain or Come Shine, Just for a Thrill Least Favorites: Tell Me You'll Wait for Me,

Really interesting story for the artist. Latin acid jazz is an interesting genre. It started off really strong, and then the middle was kinda of forgettable, but then ended strong again. Overall I enjoyed it, and it had a couple good ones, but nothing mindblowing. 3/5 Favorites: Tantos Desejos, Felicidade, Sereia, Least Favorites: Na Neblina, Antropofagos,

Just an amazing album, every track is a banger. Definitely reminds me of growing up so I'm more nostalgic versus others. Love the blend of bring punk to the pop mainstream. And I really loves the lyrics, melodies, and song breaks. Really great drums and basslines. 5/5 Favorites: Burnout, Longview, Welcome to Paradise, Pulling Teeth, Basket Case, She

Oh ya, this is right up my alley. Like the Clash but with a fiddle. Very reminiscent of The Pogues, and a slight attitude of Johnny Cash. There are a couple more strange avant garde type songs that were misses for me. But overall, this is a very fun, well written and ahead-of-its-time punk folk album. 4/5 Favorites: Chivalry, Hard to Be Human Again, Last Dance, Lost Highway Least Favorites: Trouble Down South, Psycho Cupid,

Dark and ominous, they definitely change their sound in later albums. I can appreciate the art and direction but overall it isn't my cup of tea. I do enjoy the later stuff more though. I think it is a little too dramatic and avant garde for my liking. 2/5

I can see how this would change a lot but I feel like the lyrics are just so forced and they don't "flow". Everything is kinda jumpy and it feel slike it skips. Some of the background music is super limited and raw, but it also lends itself to not feeling full. Overall, I was a little disappointed even if some songs were great. 2/5 Favorites: Hard Time, It's Like That, Least Favorites: Sucker MCs, Jam Master Jay, Hollis Crew,

Really enjoyed this album actually. Had a good blend of proto-punk but also just easy garage rock listening. With just enough charm and art to pull it altogether. The lyrics ramble but are also meaningful. Favorites: Roadrunner, Astral Plane, Someone I Care About, Pablo Picasso Least Favorites: Girlfriend,

Really did not expect to like this as I'm not a huge rap fan, and most rap I do enjoy is from the 80s and 90s. However I loved the beats, lyrics, and general flow of this album. The production and use of sound effects was top notch as well. The content was poignant, aggressive, but also descriptive and empathetic. 5/5 Favorites: 101 FM, Selfish, Wounds Least Favorites:

Solid background music. This project has me listening and enjoying more electronic music than I would have thought. Overall I enjoyed it, but I think there were some slight misses and the length could have been a little shorter. Favorites: Right Here Right Now, Rockafeller Skank, Fucking in Heaven, Praise You Least Favorites: Acid 8000

Depeche Mode just IS the 80s to me. I've always appreciated them, but never loved them. This album is a great representation of that. It is all good, a mix of catchy and serious. But it kind of blends together and nothing stands out to me. The first quarter of the album is good, the next quarter starts to fade a little, and then the last half is kinda just there. Overall, I'd say 5/10, round up to 3/5 Favorite Songs: The Things You Said Least Favorites: I Want You Now

I don't know what I expected but it wasn't this. But damn, I'm very pleasantly surprised. It has a gentle rock, but a 70s psychedelic and slight funk attitude. It fits no boxes, but it also knows exactly what it wants to accomplish and does so. I also love the transitions from song to song. It does drag a little bit in the third quarter. Overall, pleasant surprise that I enjoyed. 4/5 Favorites: Ladies and gentlemen we are floating in space, I Think I'm in Love, Cool Water Least Favorites: The Individual

Overall a good album, but felt almost sparse to me. It is "chill funk". Mostly instrumental and no sweeping keyboards or a cacophony of sounds. Just really good music, but nothing expansive. I really enjoyed it but it felt like something was missing Favorite Songs: The World is a Ghetto, The Cisco Kid Least Favorites: NA

Really didn't know what to expect. Obviously I knew Faith which is great, and I do enjoy George Michael's voice other places as a guest vocalist. Overall this album was mixed for me. It was peak 80s, and not necessarily in the best way. I think it has aged a little rough. Some of the lyrics are actually interesting comments on society (Hand to Mouth), while some of just weird or overly sexually and seemingly trying to hard (I Want Your Sex), and some are somewhere in the middle (Monkey). Musically, it has a couple good songs, but other songs are kind of just there. 2/5 Favorite Songs: Faith, Kissing a Fool Least Favorites: I Want Your Sex, Monkey

Peppy bar music, with an underlying anger and punkness. They are easy to listen to, but also fun to listen to. Drawling vocals and lyrics, feel like someone is telling you a story. They put together rockabilly, indie, rock, punk, almost a beach rock quality. I definitely hear a barely early Arctic Monkeys and Fratellis sound to them. Favorite Songs: Can't Stand Me Now, The Man Who Would Be King, Music When the Lights Go Out, Least Favorite: Tomblands, The Saga

Easy going, garage rock with a hint of aggression. Combines a multitude of sounds; Beach Boys, Beatles, Bowie. Lyrics are kind of bland and/or meaningless. Overall it was fine. It wasn't bad, but neither was it very special. If this is playing I won't complain, but I also won't seek it out. Favorites: Metal Guru Least Favorites: Spaceball Ricochet,

Tender, meaningful, catchy, and unique. Every song on this album is good. I enjoyed listening to the whole thing. It is just missing something to make it a 5/5. I think I enjoy his peppier songs a bit more. Favorite Songs: I'd Have You Anytime, My Sweet Lord, Isn't It A Pity, What Is Life Least Favorites: Let it Down

More polished than I was expecting. It is a fun album with pretty decent lyrics. I get a Clash and Bowie vibe out of this, with a touch of Iron Maiden. They keep everything pretty interesting, with different vocal techniques, different tempos, guitars, and more. I think everything is highly enjoyable, shame they didn't get a chance to continue and produce more. Favorite Songs: One Chord Wonders, New Church, No Time to Be 21 Least Favorites:

Never really listened to too much Bruce Springsteen. His voice, but just in particular the delivery were always a little grating to me. I actually don't hate the timbre, but it is so slurred. Like marbles in his mouth as others have said. I like other slurred singers too (Pogues/The Clash), just something about his delivery. It gets better as he starts to sing with more passion though. I will give him this, he's a damn good songwriter which I really appreciate. Anyway, the album starts off strong, Thunder Road is a great storytelling adventure, with a linear approach and no repetition or chorus to speak of. Tenth Avenue is a good song, reminds me of Chicago. His voice is crazy different in this song, and I like it so much more. On the next song, he returns to his slurred singing, its okay. Backstreets starts off good, but then the last 3 minutes are a slog. Born to Run is fine, has some good parts. The voice on She's The One, what the hell is that? Meeting Across the River returns to the storytelling motif. I do really enjoy the trumpet as well. Jungleland is another storytelling song, gives big rock opera vibes. The saxophone solo really shines here. Man I really should like this album more than I do. It has great songwriting, and I do enjoy the music. The vocals just are really a drag for me, they are never great, just range from passable to what-the-hell-am-I-hearing? The album starts and ends strong, but drags in the middle. I also think the album is all very similar, lots of piano, sax, mumbling, and messages of finding yourself, being the best you can be, etc. The message and themes all seem to be about breaking free, getting out of bad situations, etc. Which is great, but repetitive. Overall, the good songs saved it for me 3/5 Favorite Songs: Thunder Road, Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out, Meeting Across the River, Jungleland Least Favorites: Backstreets, She's the One

I don't remember much of Janis Joplin, but I remember her voice being a little grating. It still can be for that real primal scream, but man I enjoy it a lot more than I remember. The songs ebb and flow and seem to eschew a traditional sound. While there are a lot of 60s sounds in here, it also feels like its own category. The sound is peppy, distinct, bouncy, but has a sense of lament to it also. Favorite Songs: Move Over, Half Moon, Least Favorites: Mercedes Benz,

As the description said, this brought metal to the alt-rock scene. While metal was already introduced via Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Metallica, etc. this was a new rendition. Chris Cornell is one of the best rock singers ever, and I really enjoy the grinding guitars and rolling drums. 4/5 Favorite Songs: Fell On Black Days, Black Hole Sun, The Day I Tried to Live, Lease Favorites:

More of a funk influence on this album, the bass is very prominent. The lyrics are a little more intense and manic. Can definitely hear the German musical influence. 4/5 Favorite Songs: Golden Years, Station to Station, Least Favorites:

Well I really like the artwork, intrigued by something this new and relatively unknown. First song is cool, really like the indie pop drums and the synth, they play very well together. The vocals are a little odd, it rings hollow. Like there isn't enough depth or warmth there. The second song had better vocals, I enjoyed the bouncy guitar and more dream-like state. There is a degree to which this music more resembles muzak, but in a positive way. It seems deep but mundane. The wisdom that comes from everyday life. Next song was like early 00s indie rock with a common synth hook, it ended decently though. Next song was just boring. Overall, this album is good, but it falls into the weird category of why is this here? It is on a list of 1001 albums to listen to before you die, and I have no idea why. It is a fine album but hardly one to rave about, and certainly not one of the best thousand albums of all time. Its fine, but because of the disappointment I think I would do 2/5. Favorite Songs: Did You See Butterflies?, The Lightning Back, Least Favorites: Loops In The Secret Society, Ravenspoint,

Jazzy, arthouse, chill, rock. I mean based on the reviews I expected to not like this, but so far so good. Great focus, background, or chill vibe music. I understand if people don't like long songs or instrumental sections, but I'm here for it. Enjoy the first song quite a bit, second song is solid, third song starts to introduce heavier melancholy feelings, the fourth song has a prominent cello which is foreboding, Gypsy Woman is kind of long and could have been shorter, last song wraps things up nicely. First four songs were the strong part of the album however. 7/10 but I'll round up to 4/5 Favorite Songs: Strange Feeling, Buzzin' Fly, Love from Room 109 at the Islander Least Favorites: Gypsy Woman

Catchy bass hooks, bouncy 80s guitar, and Michael's signature singing. His voice can hit high registers but also have a gruff quality in the lower range. After the first two songs, which are two giant singles, the album starts to slow down a bit. Speed Demon is fine, but feels like it is trying a little too hard. Liberian Girl is good, I don't think I've ever heard it, but it is just missing that oomph. Just Good Friends has "[incomprehensible]" as part of the lyrics haha, but it was a fine song. Man in the Mirror heads the direction back to classic singles, this one with a great message. I Just Can't Stop Loving You was better than I thought, but gave me big Disney song vibes. Dirty Diana has a great structure with periods of calm and bright intensity, and fantastic vocals. Next is Smooth Criminal which is just a classic, that bass line and the tempo of the song are iconic. Album ends with a very solid Leave Me Alone. Overall, the album drags a bit in the early middle I think, but starts and finishes strong. 4/5 Favorite Songs: Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, Man in the Mirror, Dirty Diana, Smooth Criminal Least Favorites: Speed Demon

Man after reading the history of this guy, he is batshit insane. However, just judging his music, this guy rips it up. Bring the passion, the energy, and for the time the new sound. 4/5 Favorite Songs: Great Balls of Fire, Good Golly, Miss Molly Least Favorite:

I do love me some Talking Heads, I know the avant-garde weirdness can turn off some people, but to me it is just weird enough to work. And I love the sentiment behind trying to send a bigger message, and just saying "eff it we're gonna do it how we want", very punk rock. I love the African beats in the first song, especially paired with that guitar. Song two is good for the background, but a little forgettable. Regiment moves into a funky, psychedelic feel. Help Me Somebody goes back to the speech sampling, the intense beat, aggressive bass, and pointed guitar all work very nicely. It feels urgent and danceable. The Jezebel Spirit is weird, but great. There are redeeming parts to Very Very Hungry, but overall forgettable. Moonlight in Glory sounds like an 80s cop/mystery movie. The Carrier moves to a dream state with an incessant beat, it sounds like you're discovering something. A Secret Life is just kinda there, too quiet and slow. Come With Us definitely sounds like some 90s video game music on a level where you got sucked into a computer. Overall, I enjoyed it and could see having it on in the background, but I wouldn't go out of my way to listen to this. I would probably do 5/10, round up to 3/5. Favorite Songs: America is Waiting, Help Me Somebody, The Carrier Least Favorites: Very Very Hungry

Don't know much besides Wonderwall, but I found myself enjoying this album. First song starts off strong with great lyrics and a thumping anthemic background. Second song is good, again good messaging. Wonderwall is obviously Wonderwall, overplayed, but a good song. Don't Look Back in Anger definitely gives a Beatlesesque vibe. Its a chill rock, with a decent amout of rock, distortion, and guitar work. Hey Now almost reminds me of a Doo-Wop song structure, feels old school. As I listen to this I can really hear the impact this this album had to inform things like The Fratellis, Kaiser Chiefs, etc. Swamp Song V1 is a quick ZZ Top-like intermission. Couple songs in the end are find, good but not great. Champagne Supernova is a song I didn't know I knew. Great ender. Overall a really solid album front to back, I could definitely revisit this. 4/5 Favorite Songs: Hello, Don't Look Back in Anger, Champagne Supernova Least Favorites:

I didn't know what to expect with this one but I was pleasantly surprised. It was a mix of Daft Punk, Postal Service, and The Strokes? Dancy, indie-rocky, personal, and human. Some songs dragged on just a bit too long, but there were plenty of songs to enjoy here. I would give it a 7/10, but I'll round down to a 3/5 just because I probably wouldn't revisit that much. Favorite Songs: Get Innocuous!, Someone Great, All My Friends, Watch the Tapes, Least Favorites: North American Scum,

Well that is one way to start off an album, very grating introduction lol. Overall I enjoyed this album, lots of blues influence obviously, but then some punk and avante-garde type stuff as well. Great music to have in the background. I would give it a 7/10, but round down to 3/5. Some of the weirder songs detract from the overall great vibes. Favorite Songs: Wail, 2Kindsa Love, Eyeballin, Least Favorites: Skunk, Sticky