278
Albums Rated
2.96
Average Rating
26%
Complete
811 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950
Favorite Decade
Soul
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
17
5-Star Albums
25
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
|
5 | 3 | +2 |
|
Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
|
5 | 3.39 | +1.61 |
|
The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
|
5 | 3.4 | +1.6 |
|
1984
Van Halen
|
5 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
|
Moving Pictures
Rush
|
5 | 3.58 | +1.42 |
|
Trafalgar
Bee Gees
|
4 | 2.63 | +1.37 |
|
With The Beatles
Beatles
|
5 | 3.66 | +1.34 |
|
The Cars
The Cars
|
5 | 3.67 | +1.33 |
|
Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
|
5 | 3.72 | +1.28 |
|
Odessa
Bee Gees
|
4 | 2.72 | +1.28 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
|
1 | 3.33 | -2.33 |
|
Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
|
1 | 3.3 | -2.3 |
|
Liquid Swords
GZA
|
1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
|
Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
|
1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
|
Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
|
1 | 3.22 | -2.22 |
|
The Pleasure Principle
Gary Numan
|
1 | 3.15 | -2.15 |
|
Le Tigre
Le Tigre
|
1 | 3.14 | -2.14 |
|
Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
|
1 | 3.07 | -2.07 |
|
Exile In Guyville
Liz Phair
|
1 | 3.02 | -2.02 |
|
Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
|
1 | 2.96 | -1.96 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Steely Dan | 3 | 4.67 |
| Beatles | 2 | 5 |
| Led Zeppelin | 2 | 5 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Morrissey | 2 | 1.5 |
| Brian Eno | 3 | 2 |
5-Star Albums (17)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Antony and the Johnsons · 5 likes
1/5
Really annoying voice with way too much vibrato. The only song I really enjoyed featured a guest artist. Some of the backing stuff is interesting, but I can’t get past the vocals.
The Prodigy · 4 likes
2/5
Feel like I am watching a 90s piracy ad while listening to this. Wasn’t all that impressed but it is nice to turn on to get work done.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions · 2 likes
5/5
It certainly helps that I’ve had many listens of this album prior to receiving it. At first, I wasn’t that big of a fan, but at this point, the record is filled with absolute gems. The album is filled with creativity and interesting ideas.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs · 1 likes
1/5
This album has practically nothing going for it. Really boring songs and annoying vocals.
PJ Harvey · 1 likes
2/5
Didn’t really connect with this record. I like this female vocalist more than others, but a lot of the songs are bland and repetitive.
1-Star Albums (25)
All Ratings
Blur
4/5
Really shocked at how much I love this album. Full of great pop hooks and melodies and didn’t really encounter a bad song. Classic British pop and really reminds of London Calling by the Clash
Radiohead
3/5
Really enjoy some of the songs on this record, but honestly some others just seem like noise to me. Hoping I get more into this one on future listens.
Kanye West
3/5
My first time listening to Kanye. Was shocked at how many songs were unique and different. Enjoyed this more than expected.
Oasis
2/5
Overall I can just say this album is fine. I don’t think the band had found their sound with it being their first album, and a lot of the songs are too long and dull in my opinion.
The Verve
3/5
Nothing too special. I can tell why the hits were big but the rest of the tracks didn’t really connect with me. Kinda remind of crowded house.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
I’m a sucker for Southern Rock, so really enjoyed this album. Almost every song is great and the guitar work is phenomenal.
Van Morrison
4/5
Great record. Particularly love the horn parts, bass playing, and Van Morrison’s iconic voice. Not a huge fan of a lot of the hard panning going on.
Morrissey
1/5
Boring record. I really dislike his voice and the lyrics are some of the cheesiest I’ve ever heard. Guitar harmonies are the only thing going for this.
Le Tigre
1/5
Really tough listen. Didn’t enjoy nearly every aspect of this record. Will not be giving it a re-listen.
3/5
Not a huge fan of live albums but this is filled with energy. Also cool to see where punk came from. Some great tunes on this record.
Judas Priest
3/5
Love me some 80s rock. Really enjoyed this record even though I think a lot of the songs are pretty barebones. Great guitar work though.
Merle Haggard
3/5
Really enjoy his voice and the laid back nature of these tracks. This type of country music is very comforting.
UB40
2/5
Reggae is just really not my thing. I can appreciate it but I’m not a big fan.
The Smiths
2/5
Thought this album was just okay. I enjoy the instrumental work, but once again the vocals fall flat for me.
GZA
1/5
Really didn’t enjoy this record at all. Some of the beats were cool, but none of the rapping was interesting to me.
Ray Charles
4/5
Great big band record. Can’t believe it was recorded in 1959. Ray Charles has a great voice and the band plays super well together.
Randy Newman
3/5
Beautiful album, but a little too mellow for my liking. Great piano playing and vocal abilities on display though.
Paul Simon
4/5
Love his voice and some beautiful guitar playing as well. Enjoyed every song on the record.
Deep Purple
3/5
Great sounding live record. Need to check out more Deep Purple before I can have a better appreciation for this.
Muddy Waters
3/5
Yet another live album. I don’t love it or hate it. Can’t deny the great sounding classic blues sound though.
Louis Prima
3/5
Enjoyed this record. Wasn’t a fan of every song, but I’m a fan of Louis Prima’s unique voice.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
Neat blues record with some really cool riffs. Definitely prefer the mono recording but can definitely see myself coming back to a few songs.
Digital Underground
1/5
Some cool beats, but really didn’t like any other aspect of this record. Lyrics are too cheesy and uninteresting.
Willie Nelson
3/5
A lot of the songs sound very similar, but I really love his voice. Definitely a comforting record. Will be going back from time to time. Enjoy the story of the concept album as well.
Beatles
5/5
While the Beatles were still finding their footing with lots of covers, every song is masterfully done and I never get tired of hearing any song on this record. So excited to get a Beatles record.
4/5
Really enjoyed essentially every song on this record. Great vocals from Bowie and songs that sound fresh.
Hanoi Rocks
3/5
Solid 80s rock. I was surprised to see this on here as there is much better out there but it’s not terrible.
Doves
2/5
Not really my kind of music. Sounds like generic pop. Enjoyed a couple of songs though.
CHIC
3/5
Nice soul record with some ripping bass and guitar playing. Silk Sonic was 100% inspired by this record. Songs go on a little too long imo. Will come back to this from time to time.
David Bowie
4/5
Second Bowie record for me on this list and I really enjoy the funky and soulful approach he took. Great sax solos and catchy tunes.
Iggy Pop
2/5
Certainly can hear that Bowie produced and had a huge influence on this record. Enjoyed a few songs but others fell flat.
Steely Dan
4/5
Not my favorite Steely Dan record, but still great production, incredible guitar solos, and tight hooks all around.
Miles Davis
2/5
Never understood jazz fusion if I’m being honest. Just filled with long jam tracks. Maybe one of these days it will click with me.
Steve Winwood
3/5
I like his voice a lot. Songs are groovy and fun to listen to. Aside from that, nothing spectacular.
Neil Young
3/5
I liked this record a decent amount. I like Neil’s voice even though not every song clicked with me. Want to check out more of his work. AM came in clutch since it wasn’t on Spotify.
Morrissey
2/5
This record certainly has more enjoyable songs than Vauxhall, but it’s still just not for me. His voice is more bearable here though.
Sparks
3/5
Glam rock record that was better than I expected. Lots of cool breakdowns and change-ups.
3/5
Never been that into Bob Dylan. Enjoyed the side with his band over the solo tracks. Decent live record.
The Sonics
2/5
I really like these garage rock tunes, but the sound is just so muddy and distorted I can’t fully enjoy it. To think that The Beatles were releasing beautiful sounding albums at this time really makes me appreciate George Martin even more.
The Strokes
3/5
The hits are incredible, and the ones that aren’t are just okay to me. Can’t deny that iconic guitar tone and voice though.
Al Green
4/5
Great R&B record with a beautiful voice. I love the horn parts as well.
The Hives
3/5
Cool sounding record. Fun and catchy songs throughout.
The Who
4/5
Really enjoyed this concept album. Want to check out more from The Who.
Ash
3/5
Wish the vocals were louder in the mix. Enjoyed this record though. Nice mellow pop.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Surprisingly good record. Really love the singer’s voice and the guitar work done throughout the record.
Hugh Masekela
3/5
Nice jazz record. Didn’t enjoy every song but there were some good ones in there.
Heaven 17
3/5
Decent 80d synth heavy record. Will have to come back to this one for more listens.
David Holmes
2/5
Can definitely tell this record comes from a DJ. Some cool beats on here but I don’t care for it.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
1/5
This album has practically nothing going for it. Really boring songs and annoying vocals.
Roxy Music
2/5
Such a mediocre record. The sax playing was horrendous and the mix is bad. Will not be listening again.
Fats Domino
3/5
I really enjoy listening to these tunes. Still sound great for how long ago they were recorded.
Goldfrapp
3/5
Catchy melodies on this record and I liked it quite a bit.
Elliott Smith
2/5
Too mellow for my taste. Not a bad record though.
Cornershop
1/5
Dennis Wilson
4/5
Very cool record! Dennis has some rocking tunes on here as well as nice slower ones. Will be revisiting.
Gil Scott-Heron
3/5
Could only listen to the tune, but some nice modern blues and vocals.
Megadeth
3/5
Honestly surprisingly good metal record. Love the chunky guitar riffs and insane solos. Vocals are not my favorite though.
ZZ Top
4/5
Great production with some awesome blues rock tunes. Don’t really understand the ZZ Top hate after hearing this record.
The Birthday Party
1/5
Terrible punk album. Once again, just a bunch of noise and I didn’t connect with a single song.
Thelonious Monk
3/5
Decent jazz record, although some songs go on too long for my liking and are a bit too abstract.
Terence Trent D'Arby
3/5
Very reminiscent of Prince and MJ. However, feels a little derivative.
Steely Dan
5/5
Incredible record. My favorite album from Steely Dan with not a single bad track, incredible instrumentation, and catchy songs. A rare 5 to give out.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Such an easy 5 star to give. So consistent from front to back and I can’t even comprehend how there are so many hits on this record. Not a single song is bad in my opinion and I would certainly say this is one of my favorite albums of all time. The fact that this is also Stevie Wonder’s 18TH album is mind-boggling.
PJ Harvey
2/5
Didn’t really connect with this record. I like this female vocalist more than others, but a lot of the songs are bland and repetitive.
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
Not quite as good as Rumours, but still filled with some great tracks. Love the harmonies and consistent sound of the record. I also wish there were some more upbeat tracks.
Carpenters
4/5
Shocked by how much I loved this. The vocalist’s voice is incredible and each song just feels so nice to listen to. So glad this is my first experience with the carpenters.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
4/5
Surprisingly great record. Some of the best harmonies I’ve ever heard with catchy tunes.
David Bowie
3/5
Not bad, but nothing special in my eyes.
Scissor Sisters
4/5
I had never heard of this band prior, but there are some wonderful pop tunes on this record. Some don’t land for me, but the ones that do are REALLY great!
Sex Pistols
3/5
Definitely a decent punk record. Great guitar riffs along with punchy tunes. Still don’t see why it is so highly regarded, but I still liked it a good amount.
Linkin Park
3/5
This record was enjoyable, even though I’m not a big fan of the rapping. Great heavy guitar work.
Ella Fitzgerald
4/5
A great collection of songs from probably my favorite female jazz vocalist. The band backing her up is phenomenal and I thoroughly enjoyed each song.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Unable to Listen on Streaming Services
Beatles
5/5
My favorite Beatles record. That’s all I will say.
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
Certainly not as good as their later records, but still some catchy noisy tunes on here.
Bee Gees
4/5
Beautiful record with lush string arrangements and stacked harmonies. Reminds me of Elton John and ELO wrapped into one. Too many mellow songs for me though.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Very similar sounding songs, but still a fairly good record.
Roxy Music
3/5
Once again I hate the sax sound, but these songs at least fare better than their other album I listened to.
Parliament
3/5
Most songs are a little too repetitive, but what a funky record with some solid grooves.
The Prodigy
2/5
Feel like I am watching a 90s piracy ad while listening to this. Wasn’t all that impressed but it is nice to turn on to get work done.
Tracy Chapman
2/5
This was alright. I’m not really into singer-songwriter music, but some songs connected with me.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
What a debut record. Flawless in execution with some of the greatest musicians playing together.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
I dig every tune on this record. Aretha’s voice is phenomenal and the horn arrangements are lots of fun.
The Mamas & The Papas
4/5
Another record that I was shocked by. For 1966, there are some great melodies and harmonies in here. Reminds of The Beach Boys as well.
Antony and the Johnsons
1/5
Really annoying voice with way too much vibrato. The only song I really enjoyed featured a guest artist. Some of the backing stuff is interesting, but I can’t get past the vocals.
Bill Callahan
2/5
Nice relaxing album with some good strings and acoustic guitar. Other than that, didn’t get much out of this one.
Nirvana
4/5
Really love Kurt Cobain's voice, and it is on full display here. Some great covers along with solid versions of popular Nirvana songs.
The Pogues
1/5
Really didn’t enjoy this one. Not a fan of Irish music.
Lorde
2/5
While I dig the production, this style of music and vocals is just not for me. The concept album does not speak to me either.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Great record. Very unique voice and fun songs all around to listen to.
Pixies
2/5
Well aside from the one hit off this record, it did not offer up much. Noisy tunes with no interesting melodic content in my opinion.
John Coltrane
4/5
I think this one will take more listens to fully appreciate. Wonderfully crafted solos but Coltrane’s tone has never been my favorite. Some pretty incredible playing on this record though.
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
Some nice Latin jazz and a good change of pace from the other albums on this list. I don’t love this record, but it can be solid background music.
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
Good background music and some solid instrumental grooves. Nothing life changing for me though.
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
Not a bad record by any means, but there are better options out there including Arctic Monkeys and The Strypes. Still some cool songs on here though.
The Monks
2/5
While I understand the historical significance of this record, it honestly bored me and most of the tracks just have too much going on.
Big Star
3/5
Was hoping for more upbeat tunes on this record, granted I only could listen to Third on Spotify. Regardless, still a Big Star fan and I hear their influence on the lemon twigs.
Motörhead
4/5
This would be higher, but the lackluster production and vocals bring it down for me. Still, some pretty awesome riffs and hooks throughout the record.
Queen
5/5
I mean, this is just Queen at practically their very best. Every song is fantastic and all of the members contribute wonderfully to the record.
D'Angelo
3/5
Very impressive that he produced the record and played instruments himself, and I am a fan of the R and B style, but too many of the songs sound exactly the same.
The Police
4/5
Really enjoyed this one. Sting has such an incredible voice and the songs are fun all around to listen to. There are a couple weak tracks but still a very strong record.
Japan
3/5
I’m a sucker for new wave music, but a lot of the songs drag on and his voice isn’t my favorite.
The Allman Brothers Band
3/5
As far as live albums go, this one sounds great and features some virtuosic playing. But, the extremely long jam tracks just aren’t my thing.
Rush
5/5
I mean, side 1 is banger after banger. While side 2 is not as strong, it still contains such polished playing and production that I am giving out a 5.
John Martyn
1/5
Wow this album was a tough one to get through. Horrific vocals that do not interest me whatsoever. Not even the backing instruments could save this.
Marilyn Manson
1/5
Honestly couldn’t even make it all the way through. Disgusting and terrible screaming vocals with occasionally interesting guitar parts.
Mekons
2/5
Most of this record is just noise with fiddle playing that clashes with the other instruments. A couple decent songs but not enough for me to ever come back to this.
George Harrison
5/5
Was surprised by the mixed reviews on this site for this record, but i thoroughly enjoyed every song. The jam tracks at the end aren’t my favorite so they certainly could have been excluded. Not my favorite solo Beatles work, but definitely up there.
The Youngbloods
4/5
The instrumentals were a weak point for me, but surprisingly fun songs with nice harmonies and interesting melodies. Will come back to this one!
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
3/5
I really dig the unique sound of this record while also sounding like classic 80s. Good covers here but I don’t really connect with the skit tracks. Surprised at how well everything flowed together though.
The Zombies
4/5
While the hits are definitely a step above the rest of the record, it is still very good overall. Love the singer’s voice and some of these songs just make me feel at ease.
Brian Eno
2/5
A little too quirky and eccentric for me, but there are some hidden gems on this record. Aside from that, there’s nothing else here of value.
Jeru The Damaja
2/5
Rap/Hip Hop is really just not my thing. Definitely better than other rap that I’ve heard, but still only one or two songs I consider redeemable.
Norah Jones
3/5
Incredibly well produced with beautiful vocals, but very few of the songs actually connected with me. I totally see how this labeled as “Starbucks pop”
The Cult
3/5
Nothing spectacular, but still a solid hard rock record. Fun catchy riffs and decent vocals.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Very good and pleasing folk rock record. Most songs are too slow for me, but Paul Simon’s voice makes every track sound so great. Side 2 is not as strong as 1, but still stays interesting throughout.
Fela Kuti
2/5
Short record with some interesting historical background. However, the songs have nice grooves but the horn solos are not that interesting to me.
The Doors
2/5
I just don’t really get the Jim Morrison hype. There’s definitely something solid here, but a stronger lead vocal would elevate them for me.
Common
4/5
I can tell right off the bat that Kanye produced this record. Really groovy beats and interesting samples. Not too many negative things to say aside that some tracks don’t land for me.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
2/5
The entire record was just too mellow for me and I am not a fan of the fuzzy production. A couple of good tracks in here but that’s it. Not my favorite side project.
Keith Jarrett
3/5
Virtuosic playing that I can’t believe is improvised, but some of the songs don’t work that well for me. There are beautiful melodies tucked in here though.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
Solid debut record from Tom Petty, but the hits are so far above everything else here. They’re not bad songs, just a little bland and generic.
John Prine
2/5
Plenty of similar sounding songs here, but that doesn’t mean I’m not a sucker for pedal steel. Going a little lower since it didn’t do anything radically different for the time.
The Gun Club
2/5
Mediocre punk record with only a couple of standout tracks. This genre is just not for me.
Drive-By Truckers
2/5
Could not care less about the concept and story behind this record, but I am a fan of the southern rock riffs.
John Lennon
4/5
Great solo record where I enjoyed almost every song. It’s difficult for me to understand the Macca hate though.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
1/5
One song was all I needed to know I would hate this record. Simply filled with noise and meaningless ideas. This is absolutely not for me.
Public Enemy
3/5
Surprisingly good hip hop record. Really fun samples and creative songs throughout. A lot of the political lyrics don’t connect with me but still interesting to hear. Also this album needs a yeah boi counter for sure.
Steely Dan
5/5
Another fantastic Steely Dan record. I really love the classic rock focused sound on this one, and every tune is a fun to listen to.
Bob Dylan
2/5
I am certainly more of a Bob Dylan fan now, but I’m just not into most of his songs and harmonica playing on this record.
Liz Phair
1/5
Mostly filled with boring songs with lackluster vocals. Some of the lyricism on display here is also not my favorite. One or two good tracks on here.
Tori Amos
2/5
It is time for yet another female singer-songwriter record. Thankfully, this one is better than others I have heard with more interesting tunes and melodies. Honestly still just too mellow for me.
Big Star
4/5
Great power pop record. Really love the different sound of the vocalists, the jangly guitars, and heavenly harmonies. Side 2 is slightly worse than side 1 which is why I’m going with a 4.
The Stone Roses
3/5
Every tune on display here is catchy and interesting, but most of them don’t really appeal to me. I really dig the guitar tones and harmonies, but vocals sometimes bring it down for me.
King Crimson
3/5
There’s definitely a lot to like here, including some very inventive sounds and melodies. However, some songs tend to bore me and go on for longer than I’d prefer. Still a solid record though.
Dolly Parton
4/5
You can never go wrong with some great 3 part harmonies and pedal steel. I would have liked some more upbeat tunes, but still a beautiful record overall.
Kacey Musgraves
4/5
I had never heard of Kacey before, but she has such a great voice. This was an awesome country pop record that I didn’t expect to love as much as I did. A couple of songs fall flat to me, but most are awesome.
Bad Company
4/5
Very strong for a debut record. Such an iconic lead vocalist with some great hard rocking riffs throughout the record.
Songhoy Blues
3/5
Nothing special to me, but I enjoy the unique grooves and instrumental parts. It’s nice to hear different styles of music as well.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
A beautiful album from the duo, but I much prefer the upbeat tunes. I absolutely love Simon’s voice, but the slower tunes don’t connect with me as much.
Brian Eno
2/5
Honestly just a straight up boring record. One or two interesting songs, but most of them are these ethereal and dull soundscapes.
Radiohead
2/5
There are better Radiohead records out there, as this one bored me through most of its runtime. Some interesting grooves and time signatures, but overall a flat record.
4/5
Great Kinks record with some fun horn parts and catchy melodies. This makes me want to check out their more popular records for sure.
The Doors
3/5
Liked this one a lot more than Morrison Hotel, since it is a solid blues rock record throughout. I’m becoming more of a Jim Morrison fan, but still don’t love everything here.
Ramones
3/5
While I completely understand what they did for the punk genre, and there are some really fun tracks here, most of it falls flat for me.
Stephen Stills
4/5
Surprisingly great record. Lots of variety in each track and ventures into blues, rock, and soul territory.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
What a phenomenal record. So many great tunes and guitar playing unlike anyone else. Really excited for future listens of this album.
Paul McCartney
4/5
While this is not Paul’s best solo record, there is a lot to love. His melodies are just so incredible and enjoyable, despite some songs on here feeling like demos.
Jane Weaver
2/5
This record is full of baffling guitar note choices and mediocre vocals. I got some enjoyment out of a couple grooves, but the rest of the record did not land for me.
Astor Piazzolla
3/5
A beautiful record with some virtuosic vibraphone playing. However, most of the melodies aren’t that special to me. Still a fun one to listen to though.
The Who
4/5
Lots of bangers on this record. Keith Moon’s drumming so iconic and the vocal work is spectacular. This record has made me a Who fan for sure, even if not every song is the best.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
3/5
This record was surprisingly good. Great distorted guitar riffs and catchy hooks. Side 2 falls off in quality a little bit but still an enjoyable record.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
Despite being an incredibly repetitive album, when he uses fun and creative samples, I really dig it. However, most of the samples don’t connect with me at all. But, there are a few bangers on here.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
This album didn’t wow me but has some great moments for sure. The hits are absolutely the strongest tunes, while the rest don’t do much for me.
Joy Division
2/5
I almost went as low as a 1 for this record but decided against it. The vocalist is obnoxious and somehow makes every single track less enjoyable. The instrumentation is the only saving grace for this one.
Pavement
2/5
Honestly just not a great record. The vocals get on my nerves and the hooks aren’t very interesting. There are some neat aspects, but nothing noteworthy.
Television
3/5
A solid record aside from the occasionally bothersome lead vocals. I like a lot of the guitar solos and riffs as well, but there’s nothing ground breaking here.
The The
3/5
While I love 80s music, I seriously can’t get over the breathy, monotone vocals of this guy. The background music is interesting but ultimately repetitive.
The Clash
5/5
Such a slick and cleanly produced record. Every song feels distinct and the whole record is enjoyable to listen to.
Missy Elliott
2/5
Beats are uninteresting and dorky sounding. Some of the features are okay, but other than that this is a laughable record.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Another very solid record from LZ. Every track is a good one, and this one houses some of the most iconic guitar riffs of all time.
Green Day
4/5
This is a fantastic record and certainly where the band started finding their iconic sound. I don’t love it as much as their later work but there are some great tunes on here.
Supergrass
4/5
Overall, a very fun record. There’s some oddball tracks on here, but the ones that hit are pure pop gems. Inspired me to listen to more Supergrass.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
I am pleasantly surprised by this record. Some really memorable melodies and hooks, even though it sounds very dated.
Fairport Convention
3/5
Drums and bass are absolutely the best part of this record. The folk vocals just don’t really connect with me like I thought they would.
Wilco
4/5
What a surprise to get this record. It is filled with great folky tunes, as well as some hard hitting rock and power pop gems. While it does drag on a little bit and could certainly be condensed, I am glad I discovered this album.
Queen Latifah
2/5
There are some very cool horn licks in these beats, but they are ultimately repetitive. The lyrics feel pretty bland to me as well, but there’s some good things here.
The Young Gods
1/5
Aside from some cool drum sounds and effects, this album really fell flat for me. I just don’t care for this guy’s voice or the industrial metal sound.
James Brown
3/5
I love the energy of the crowd and the fun grooves, but there’s better things out there from James Brown in my opinion.
Dire Straits
3/5
The hits are obviously great, but there’s just too many mellow tracks for me. I can’t deny Mark Knopfler’s incredible guitar playing though.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
I am indifferent on the 80s Cure-esque post-punk sound, but there are still some cool tracks on here.
Destiny's Child
2/5
This one just didn’t click for me. Basic and boring R&B backing tracks with uninteresting melodies. At least there are a couple of cool samples.
Django Django
3/5
There were some really cool tracks on this record. Some of them were a bit out there and repetitive, but I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would.
Ananda Shankar
2/5
I do like the sound of the sitar, but aside from the rock covers, I am struggling to truly enjoy it. A lot of the tunes don’t seem to go anywhere interesting.
Radiohead
3/5
My favorite Radiohead album on this list so far, with 15 Step being a standout. However, it still can’t overcome the fact that there’s not many hummable melodies.
Aretha Franklin
3/5
Aretha is a vocal powerhouse, but many of the tracks feel too similar. Regardless, I still enjoyed the record.
David Bowie
2/5
David Bowie's voice is just not good on this record. I understand its significance, but most of these songs were a drag to get through. Some instrument arrangements make this listenable though.
The Who
4/5
The pop gems on this record is what pushed me to give it a higher rating. They remind me of early Beatles tracks with lots of energy, despite a lackluster production.
The Kinks
5/5
What a fantastic record. It is filled with quirky and fun pop hooks, even if side 2 isn’t as strong. Definitely my favorite Kinks record thus far.
Nick Drake
4/5
This was definitely a surprisingly great folk record. There’s some dull stuff here, but there are lots of really fun tracks. I don’t love Nick’s voice, but the instrument arrangements are excellent.
Ozomatli
3/5
I really hear Los Lonely Boys and Los Lobos on this record, but the occasional rapping brings it down a bit for me. Overall, some cool grooves and fun tunes though.
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
While I appreciate the inventiveness of the guitar work, this album is just noise. I am just not a fan of shoegaze.
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
I’m glad I got one of their records since I have heard a lot about this band. There are things to like here, like the hard rocking guitar riffs and unique vocals, but I just didn’t care for most of it.
The Flaming Lips
2/5
I like some aspects of this band, but this record was just too much for me. There are some beautiful orchestral parts and creative sounds, but it lacks meaningful melodic content to me.
The Cars
5/5
This record has to be one of the greatest debut records from any band ever. It is filled with high energy and style, and each song is as memorable as the last. Special shout-out to the incredible guitar solo on "Don't Cha Stop".
Laibach
1/5
Not even the “One Vision” Queen cover can save this noisy record. The vocalist is obnoxious and the instrumentals are just a lot of noise.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
It's really cool to hear Frank Sinatra do something different, and I liked this record a lot. It's somewhat repetitive, but still has some beautiful vocals and arrangements.
Primal Scream
1/5
Another record that sounds like a piracy ad. It is obnoxious to listen to and mostly just sounds like phoned in tracks.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
5/5
It certainly helps that I’ve had many listens of this album prior to receiving it. At first, I wasn’t that big of a fan, but at this point, the record is filled with absolute gems. The album is filled with creativity and interesting ideas.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
I had no idea Lou Reed could sing like this, even though most of the tunes are too mellow for my liking.
Snoop Dogg
2/5
This album had a couple cool beats, but uninteresting rapping overall.
Joe Ely
3/5
Yet another record where the vocals bring down every single track. It always seems like he is slightly off pitch. But, the instrumentals are just incredible including some very cool solos.
Moby Grape
4/5
The whole album wasn’t on Spotify, but what I could listen to was fantastic. This is some great 60’s psychedelic rock and surprisingly catchy tunes.
Pulp
2/5
Songs have a cool vibe that reminds me of The Cure, but most of them are too long and boring. The constant talking on tracks really bothers me for some reason.
Tangerine Dream
2/5
I respect what this record meant to the electronic genre, but it just was not my cup of tea. There are some interesting synth lines here, but the songs are far too long and unchanging.
Tom Waits
1/5
Another record with obnoxious vocals that really annoyed me. The one song I enjoyed from this record was an instrumental.
The Killers
3/5
I never was a fan of The Killers, but a lot of these tracks surprised me with how much I liked them. Side 1 is full of hits, while side 2 isn’t as good. Regardless, I’m still glad I got to hear this one finally.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2/5
I liked the contrast of the two sides (acoustic vs country rock), but Neil’s voice really got on my nerves.
Beck
2/5
Not a terrible record by any means, just a little too artsy for me. There are some solid songs here, but most are just too out there in my opinion.
Depeche Mode
3/5
It was great to get another quintessential 80s record. The hits are very strong, but the rest of the record isn’t as tight to me. “Personal Jesus” is so iconic.
Arcade Fire
3/5
An enjoyable record throughout and I like the concept, but it also sounds like generic indie pop to me.
Various Artists
4/5
This is a fantastic Christmas album and I love that I got it on Christmas Day. I don’t love every tune, but it is produced exceptionally well.
Ali Farka Touré
2/5
Some songs are fairly boring, while others are interesting throughout. A middle of the road album for me. The guitar tracks are certainly better than the others.
Mariah Carey
2/5
Mariah is a great vocalist, but there are so many unnecessary vocal runs in every song. Just very basic run of the mill R&B backing tracks as well.
Massive Attack
2/5
It is cool to hear what the ‘trip hop’ genre is, but it is fairly repetitive to me. It feels like I’m watching another commercial.
Adele
3/5
I enjoyed this record and there are some killer vocals on display here, but most of the songs are too mellow for my liking. If she leaned more into a soulful sound, I think it would take her music to the next level.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
I am glad I found this band, but most of the songs are just too similar. They have that quintessential 80s sound that I love, but most of the tunes don’t go anywhere.
Fiona Apple
2/5
While the production and release timeline behind the album is interesting, her vocals and lyrics are meaningless and uninteresting. There are some nice back beats here, but it overall doesn't appeal to me.
The Clash
3/5
This record wasn’t as good as London Calling, I still liked what they were doing here for the most part. You can tell they were still figuring out their sound, but it still has that iconic hard rock sound that I enjoy.
Janet Jackson
2/5
I don’t care much for the politically fueled tracks, and the interludes seem unnecessary to me. But, there are some strong vocal performances and groovy beats.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Most of the tunes sound similar to one another, but there is just a happiness I get when listening to Sinatra. It is hard to describe, yet I think it is a universal feeling.
Prince
4/5
This album is a ton of fun from start to finish. Groovy tunes, extremely technical guitar solos, and cool synth hooks. Not every track is a banger, but almost all of them are. I am so glad I got to hear some Prince.
Rahul Dev Burman
3/5
This record was extremely unique and it was not just “Indian music”. There are a wide variety of genres on display here and I liked many of the tracks. I hope to get more soundtracks like this one in the future.
The Byrds
4/5
I have heard of The Byrds, but I was shocked by just how much I enjoyed this record. There’s some fun tunes with beautiful harmonies and killer instrumental lines. I don’t love the guitar solos, but they did grow on me a bit.
MGMT
3/5
I love how this record captures a nostalgic sound and vibe. However, aside from the big hits, it didn’t connect with me all that much.
Alice In Chains
3/5
This record is filled with heavy guitar riffs, solid vocals, and cool solos. Many of the songs go on for too long though, and there’s quite a lot of repetition.
The Mars Volta
3/5
It is great to finally get some more prog rock on this list. I had never heard this band before, and they are extremely technical players with fast riffs and beats. However, many of the tunes are too “out there” for me to truly enjoy. I would have preferred more harmonies and traditional tempo changes.
Elliott Smith
4/5
This was the second Elliot Smith record I’ve received, and it is much better than Either/Or in every single way. It is filled with beautiful melodies, intricate orchestral arrangements, and great acoustic guitar parts. His voice is not my favorite, but it is a consistent album from start to finish.
Tortoise
1/5
This record is mostly just noise. There is the occasional melody here and there, but I was never interested in what I was hearing. I am honestly surprised that this one made the list at all.
Santana
3/5
There is some great guitar work here, but just a couple too many instrumentals for my liking. The guitar tones throughout the record are simply iconic.
R.E.M.
4/5
I guess I have been sleeping on R.E.M all this time. I absolutely love the jangly guitar tones, and while the vocals aren’t my favorite, there’s a lot of fun tunes on display here.
Red Snapper
1/5
Another one of these terrible electronic records. There is nothing interesting here whatsoever in my opinion. I’d love to know the reasoning behind including this one.
Blondie
4/5
This was a solid record from start to finish. One of the middle songs takes an odd turn, but I really love the chorusy guitar parts and fun melodies.
Gillian Welch
3/5
She has a really nice voice and there are some really cool guitar parts, but I can’t say I truly love it. I definitely liked it much more than expected though.
The Cure
2/5
Aside from a couple of catchy tunes, this is a mess of a record. I just don’t like the lack of melodic content in many tracks, and his vocals aren’t my favorite.
Blur
3/5
Not as good as Parklife, but I still enjoyed some tracks. However, the album kept shifting directions stylistically. I would love one track, then despise the next. If it were more consistent, I would give it a higher rating.
10cc
4/5
While this is a very quirky record, I love 10cc’s sound. It is unlike any other band. On this band’s early record, I dig the guitar tones, interesting song structures, and melodic hooks. It’s not super compelling all the way through, but still a great record.
Living Colour
4/5
I knew “Cult of Personality” before this, but I had no idea that the rest of the record was filled with quality tracks. There are extremely technical guitar solos, insane bass parts, and powerful drum beats.
Sonic Youth
1/5
It’s fitting to me that this record has a song called “Total Trash”. This one goes on for far too long, and is filled with noisy riffs and lackluster vocals. It’s not even good as background music.
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
I have never heard anything from this band before aside from “Somebody to Love”, and this record is inconsistent but very solid. There are songs that I absolutely love, and others that I became annoyed with after one listen. I’d love to shout out to”Embryonic Journey” as it is a beautiful acoustic guitar track.
Nirvana
4/5
Side one of this iconic album is hit after hit, but side two keeps from giving this one a 5. It strays from the incredible melodies that make the hits so memorable.
Slayer
2/5
This album honestly had me laughing in spots. The vocals are straight up silly, even though there are some cool heavy guitar riffs. “Angel of Death” is a particularly dumb track in my humble opinion.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
1/5
The only track I liked here was “Happy When it Rains”. The vocals are boring, guitar solos are uninspiring, and I couldn’t care less about the lyrical content. I’m getting tired of all of these 80s records that are a slog to get through.
King Crimson
2/5
I didn’t like this one as much as the other King Crimson record I received, but there were still some cool moments scattered throughout. This type of music can just be a tough listen though.
OutKast
2/5
Side two was absolutely more my speed than side one, and I really feel like Childish Gambino was influenced by this record. However, the couple of hits are strong ones on here, but most of the record doesn’t click with me.
Björk
1/5
There was maybe one or two listenable songs on this record. While yes, it is cool to do a vocal only album, this absolutely does not work. It is obnoxious to get through from beginning to end.
Taylor Swift
3/5
I will preface this review by stating that I was expecting much worse. In reality, there are many cool pop hits with solid hooks. The lyrics are not something to write home about, but of all of the Taylor Swift records, I was glad to get this one.
Elvis Presley
4/5
For 1960, this record is produced exceptionally well. Everything sounds so crisp and clear. I love pretty much every song on this, even if most Elvis fans aren’t into this one. Something about that doo-wop sound just really appeals to me.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
I really dig the strong jazz influences here, and the beats and flow is really solid. Some tracks feel a bit too similar to one another, but this is enjoyable hip hop for sure.
The Style Council
3/5
This was surprisingly good, but the record absolutely has an identity crisis in my mind. One song is a jazz tune, the next an 80s synth, then a 70s ballad. While this might be the whole point of the band, it felt too jarring to listen to altogether.
Paul Simon
3/5
This one didn’t blow me away, but there’s a good amount of fun tunes on this record. “You Can Call Me Al” is the strongest standout and I love hearing it over and over.
Joan Armatrading
3/5
On this record, Joan has a great voice and I really enjoy a lot of the stylistic changes. Not every song is captivating, but there are some cool melodies and grooves here.
Nirvana
3/5
Certainly a step or two below Nevermind. There are a couple of great tracks here, but some are way too noisy and busy for my liking. I don’t necessarily love the direction that the band went in.
Brian Eno
2/5
This was kind of hard to get through, but there were some cool Talking Heads-esque grooves here. Aside from that, I was not interested in this.
Donald Fagen
4/5
I had no idea Donald made solo records, but they truly just sound like a slightly slicker Steely Dan record. As expected, I enjoyed most of the songs here.
Pink Floyd
5/5
While I do think this band is overhyped occasionally, I can’t deny the brilliance of this record. Shine On has to be one of the greatest songs and guitar solos ever written, and it is captivating from start to finish.
Beastie Boys
2/5
Aside from the awesome samples used here (shoutout to The Beatles), the vocals are significantly lacking and take me out of the moment.
Miles Davis
4/5
I have known a couple of tracks on this record for years, so it was cool to finally hear the entire thing. It’s not full of standouts all the way through, but it still has such a great sound to it and “Israel” still has one of my favorite saxophone solos ever recorded.
The Darkness
4/5
I truly love the glam rock sound and killer guitar solos on this record, but some of the vocals really bring it down for me. I hope their latest record is a bit more restrained, but this one is still undeniably a fun time.
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
I wasn’t a huge Kendrick fan before this, but there were lots of things I liked about this record. It is produced exceptionally well and has some great hooks and beats. It’s not all great, but there’s things I like here.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
I expected side 1 to be the better side because it contains almost all of the hits from this record, but side 2 really surprised me as well with some funky tracks and great guitar work. This one was an enjoyable record throughout.
The Temptations
3/5
I really love the funk sound and the pioneering sound of the record, but I didn’t truly connect with a lot of the tracks. I barely know anything about The Temptations, but I’d love to dive into more of their catalog.
The Saints
3/5
This was a solid punk record, and the horn section really elevates many of the tracks. Most of them sound very similar, but it is generally enjoyable to sit through.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
I’m seeing a lot of high praise for this record, and unfortunately I don’t feel the same way. The vocals are solid, but way too many of the tracks and riffs sound too similar.
Peter Tosh
3/5
This was consistent and fairly enjoyable from start to finish, I’m just not that into reggae music. I dug a lot of the guitar parts and drum grooves though.
LCD Soundsystem
2/5
This was honestly just very mid. I get some Talking Heads vibes, and some of the tracks had a cool atmospheric sound, but there’s just not a lot of interesting melodic content.
Fleet Foxes
3/5
This was a beautiful record that was very well produced, and I hear a lot of similarities to The Shins. Some songs were a bit boring, but I can’t deny the polish and arrangements on display here.
Waylon Jennings
3/5
This was a very solid country rock record. I really enjoy the rock influences here and there are some fantastic guitar solos throughout. I don’t love his voice, but it has grown on me.
Pixies
2/5
This record seals the deal that I am not a Pixies fan. “Here Comes Your Man” and “Debaser” are my favorites, but the rest of the songs drastically drop in quality.
Megadeth
3/5
Some extremely cool chuggy guitar riffs and solos on this record, but the melodies and hooks are boring in my opinion. Megadeth definitely has better songs that aren’t on display here.
Bee Gees
4/5
This is a beautifully crafted record, filled with great melodies and string arrangements. I don’t really love that it’s a concept record, and many of the songs sound similar, but there is a lot to love here.
Gary Numan
1/5
Well, this record was not for me. I appreciate what it did for synth pop, but there’s only really one or two redeeming songs on here. “Cars” at least has a decent melody.
Elton John
4/5
This was a very strong record. “Madman Across the Water” and “Indian Sunset” are the only weak tracks here, but the rest is full of beautiful melodies, sublime piano work, and great vocals.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
3/5
Weird lyrics aside, this is a killer blues rock record with some awesome tones and guitar solos. The stereo mix left a lot to be desired, but I enjoyed this one overall.
Rocket From The Crypt
3/5
While it’s fairly generic sounding alt/punk rock, I loved the energy throughout the record and the band definitely has a lot of fun playing these tunes.
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
Honestly, I hated this record. The vocals are like nails on a chalkboard, there’s nothing interesting about the beats or melodies, and it is filled with noise. This was a tough listen.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Just a fairly enjoyable record from start to finish. Reggae isn’t my favorite, but there is a lot of polish here and nice production.
Shuggie Otis
3/5
This was solid overall, but the quality from song to song varies wildly. One song has an infectious groove and great hook, while the next is a long and boring instrumental.
Robbie Williams
4/5
A surprisingly fun record with catchy melodies, pop sensibilities, and great guitar tones. I particularly loved “Clean”.
Van Halen
5/5
What a fantastic rock record with incredible grooves, face-melting guitar solos and riffs, and some of the most recognizable songs on the planet.
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
Honestly a really fun record. It is filled with great horn lines, funky grooves, and heartwarming melodies.
Pretenders
4/5
For the band’s debut record, it is extremely solid. There are so many cool guitar solos, amazing female lead vocals, and catchy tunes. I really loved this one.
The Avalanches
3/5
This is a beautifully crafted record. The samples are creative and interesting, and most of the beats kept me engaged. However, it’s still too long of an album and there’s lots of repetition.
Burning Spear
2/5
A run of the mill reggae record. Nothing too special, but I did like a couple of tracks. Reggae is fairly repetitive, but that doesn’t mean the grooves aren’t enjoyable.
The Teardrop Explodes
2/5
This record has that quintessential 80s sound and vibe that I love, but the songs are extremely repetitive and not that fun to listen to.
The Chemical Brothers
2/5
Some of the grooves are very cool and interesting, but most of them go on for far too long. While there are vocals on a couple of tracks, it doesn’t do enough to make this a better record.
Butthole Surfers
1/5
This album could very well be the worst one on this entire list. It sounded like straight up nightmare. I never want to come back to any of these songs ever again.
Tears For Fears
4/5
A quintessential 80s record. While I had already heard all of the hits, many of the deep cuts are great tunes as well. Some of the ballads don’t appeal to me as much, but it is still a wonderful record.