1001 Albums Summary

Listening statistics & highlights

350
Albums Rated
3.55
Average Rating
32%
Complete
739 albums remaining

Rating Distribution

Rating Timeline

Taste Profile

1970
Favorite Decade
Soul
Favorite Genre
Other
Top Origin ?
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
46
5-Star Albums
8
1-Star Albums

Breakdown

By Genre

Top Styles

By Decade

By Origin

Albums

You Love More Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Faust IV
Faust
5 2.78 +2.22
69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
5 2.85 +2.15
For Your Pleasure
Roxy Music
5 2.98 +2.02
Floodland
Sisters Of Mercy
5 3.06 +1.94
Before And After Science
Brian Eno
5 3.08 +1.92
Sound Affects
The Jam
5 3.25 +1.75
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
5 3.34 +1.66
Pretenders
Pretenders
5 3.34 +1.66
Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
5 3.35 +1.65
2112
Rush
5 3.36 +1.64

You Love Less Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
American Beauty
Grateful Dead
1 3.24 -2.24
Wild Wood
Paul Weller
1 3.09 -2.09
The Last Of The True Believers
Nanci Griffith
1 2.96 -1.96
The Gilded Palace Of Sin
The Flying Burrito Brothers
1 2.91 -1.91
Grievous Angel
Gram Parsons
1 2.87 -1.87
Yeezus
Kanye West
1 2.74 -1.74
Graceland
Paul Simon
2 3.72 -1.72
Master Of Puppets
Metallica
2 3.71 -1.71
All Hope Is Gone
Slipknot
1 2.7 -1.7
Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
2 3.63 -1.63

Artists

Favorites

ArtistAlbumsAverage
Led Zeppelin 4 4.5
Radiohead 3 4.67
Arcade Fire 2 5
Rush 2 5
The Velvet Underground 2 5
Stevie Wonder 2 5
Beatles 4 4.25
Bob Dylan 3 4.33
Simon & Garfunkel 3 4.33

Controversial

ArtistRatings
Pink Floyd 5, 2, 5

5-Star Albums (46)

View Album Wall

Popular Reviews

...The Dandy Warhols Come Down by The Dandy Warhols

I've heard a thousand bands that sound just like The Dandy Warhols. They sound like every Brit Pop band mixed with every 90's/2000's indie rock band. And yet, this album still sounds fresh and full of energy. All I'd heard of The Dandy Warhols was Bohemian Like You, which is a fantastic song. It takes a LOT to give an album 5 stars on first listen, but this came verrrrrry close.

Graceland by Paul Simon

My opinion of this album MAY have been swayed by the fact that my subway was delayed for 25 minutes while I listened to it, but I found it to be incredibly grating. The production and sounded dated, the African-inspired instrumentation was cheesy at best and culturally appropriative at worst, and I found myself just generally annoyed while listening to this album.

Gasoline Alley by Rod Stewart

I have a hard time believing that this is anyone's favorite album. It's so incredibly middle-of-the-road, bland. Everything it does well, a thousand other artists have done better and more interesting. It's generic background music. It's fine, I guess.

An album that sounds like a hot summer day in Brooklyn. Such a rich atmosphere of sounds.

Rejoicing In The Hands by Devendra Banhart

Pretty good mid-2000's indie folk. Well produced, great vocals, though it doesn't push many boundaries. The first few songs are great, but the album does fade away and I found myself losing interest by the end.

1-Star Albums (8)

All Ratings (350)

Shaft by Isaac Hayes
Mar 08 2023
Faith by George Michael
Mar 16 2023
Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
Mar 21 2023
Vanishing Point by Primal Scream
Mar 22 2023

I can't figure out if I love or hate this. I’ll split the difference and give it three stars.

Cheap Thrills by Big Brother & The Holding Company
Mar 23 2023

I'd give five stars to Janis Joplin, though. Her voice is unbelievable on this album. I wonder how many times Led Zeppelin listened to this record.

Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Mar 24 2023

I don’t really need to ever listen to a Res Hot Chili Peppers album. Their radio hits are decent, but this was pretty uninteresting.

Clandestino by Manu Chao
Mar 27 2023

Not my type, but pretty okay to listen to.

Here's Little Richard by Little Richard
Mar 29 2023

I feel like listening to Little Richard in only a few instances: 1. At a Johnny Rockets 2. In a 50's period piece 3. In a class on the history of rock music. He's definitely incredibly talented and influential, but this is pretty dated and I won't see myself listening to it again.

The Slim Shady LP by Eminem
Mar 30 2023

Kinda fun but also kinda dated. Can definitely see how this took off.

Graceland by Paul Simon
Mar 31 2023

My opinion of this album MAY have been swayed by the fact that my subway was delayed for 25 minutes while I listened to it, but I found it to be incredibly grating. The production and sounded dated, the African-inspired instrumentation was cheesy at best and culturally appropriative at worst, and I found myself just generally annoyed while listening to this album.

Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin
Apr 03 2023

Pretty good. Not my favorite Zeppelin record, but still good.

Pornography by The Cure
Apr 04 2023

Love the atmosphere and the overwhelming sound. I couldn't listen to this at any time. But, playing this loud on a Friday night at home alone with a bottle of whiskey, that would be perfect.

Ill Communication by Beastie Boys
Apr 05 2023

The instrumentals were pretty good and entertaining, but I just find the vocals incredibly grating. They ruined the album for me.

S&M by Metallica
Apr 06 2023

If I'm going to listen to Metallica, this is how I would. I'm not a big fan, but I can appreciate their talent and musicianship. A couple of songs are good, I just don't want to listen to this for over two hours.

Everything Must Go by Manic Street Preachers
Apr 07 2023

This was actually really good! I'd never heard of this band or album before, but it was solid. Nothing immediately special on initial listen, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails
Apr 10 2023

There's a lot in this album that's really great! And some that isn't my normal cup of tea. I probably have to be in the right mood to listen to the whole album again, but there are some great songs and moments on this album. It certainly captures a distinct mood that still stands out today.

Abbey Road by Beatles
Apr 11 2023

Abbey Road is The Beatles at their absolute best, with classic hit after classic hit. The back half does what the White Album was trying to do, and wraps everything up in a perfect coda with The End. When you factor in critical acclaim, popularity, and lasting legacy, Abbey Road is probably the greatest classic rock album of all time, aside from maybe Dark Side of the Moon.

Ragged Glory by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Apr 12 2023

Not my favorite Neil Young sound - this doesn't really do much for me. Some of it's pretty good, but most is pretty bland.

Playing With Fire by Spacemen 3
Apr 13 2023

This is an album I'd listen to while in a taxi on the way to the airport early in the morning, staring longingly out the window, after I'd just made a big life decision to finally move out of my hometown and get a fresh start somewhere else. It's an album that creates great atmosphere, but this music would work much better as a movie soundtrack. This isn't something I want to actively listen to.

KIWANUKA by Michael Kiwanuka
Apr 14 2023
System Of A Down by System Of A Down
Apr 18 2023

It’s more enjoyable to listen to than most metal, for whatever that’s worth. But that’s like saying this spoiled chicken is well seasoned. Just not my taste at all.

Truth by Jeff Beck
Apr 20 2023

Very good classic blues rock, with great instrumentation. If somebody put this record on, I'd say "oh cool."

Rejoicing In The Hands by Devendra Banhart
Apr 21 2023

Pretty good mid-2000's indie folk. Well produced, great vocals, though it doesn't push many boundaries. The first few songs are great, but the album does fade away and I found myself losing interest by the end.

The Stranger by Billy Joel
Apr 24 2023

One classic after another. It's Billy Joel at his best - these are massive hits for a reason.

Fisherman's Blues by The Waterboys
Apr 25 2023

I have to admit I enjoyed this album may more than I expected. While it's not really my musical taste, the fiddle is a bit much, and the album goes on far too long, something about it touches some deep part of me. An alternate universe version of me is completely in love with this album, and some of that comes through in this universe too.

Faust IV by Faust
Apr 26 2023

Albums like this are why I decided to listen to the 1001 Albums project. I wouldn't have found this on my own, but I'm glad I did. It was weird, forward-thinking, and constantly entertaining. I can imagine artists like Talking Heads, Brian Eno, and Devo listening to this incessantly.

Gorillaz by Gorillaz
Apr 28 2023

Never really been a fan of Gorillaz, they're just kinda boring and a bit annoying. This album is fine - I don't really want to listen to it again, but I wouldn't be upset if someone put this on.

The Beach Boys Today! by The Beach Boys
May 01 2023

I've already listened to too much Beach Boys in my life.

Exile On Main Street by The Rolling Stones
May 02 2023

Some good songs, largely pretty forgettable

Tellin’ Stories by The Charlatans
May 03 2023

Pretty standard Britpop - it’s nothing I’ve never head before, but still a pretty decent listen.

Funeral by Arcade Fire
May 04 2023

Pretty much a perfect album. It’s classic indie rock, packed with emotion and catharsis, incredible songwriting, and inspired musicianship. This album will always make me feel like my heart is spilling out of my chest.

Goodbye And Hello by Tim Buckley
May 05 2023

I enjoyed this more than I expected, but I still wouldn’t listen to it again. I much prefer his son

Hot Buttered Soul by Isaac Hayes
May 08 2023

Great listen, and an incredible atmosphere. One of the best albums by a Scientologist.

461 Ocean Boulevard by Eric Clapton
May 10 2023

"I hate Eric Clapton, but it's sad that his baby died" - Phoebe Bridgers

Liege And Lief by Fairport Convention
May 11 2023

The production and song-crafting was good, but it was pretty corny and boring.

B-52's by The B-52's
May 12 2023

In high school, my friend had a car that only played cassettes, so he went to the thrift store to pick up some old tapes. One of the ones he grabbed was this album. We drove around one day listening to it, cracking up at how completely ridiculous it was. But damn, if this album isn't fun as hell.

American Beauty by Grateful Dead
May 15 2023

I'd never listened to the Grateful Dead before this album, and fingers crossed I never have to again. Yeah, yeah, I'm sure they're better live, but I'm not planning on finding out.

The Stone Roses by The Stone Roses
May 16 2023

Some pretty great songs, some pretty okay, overall pretty good! I’d listen again

May 17 2023

I struggle to listen to lyrics sometimes, especially on a first listen, so I tend to mainly judge albums based on the sound/production/etc. It can be difficult to properly judge albums that are more lyrically-based, such as a lot of hip hop and folk. With that said, I really enjoyed a lot of this album. I loved the production and soundscape, and really enjoyed the jazz and funk influences.

Low-Life by New Order
May 18 2023

A couple great songs - Love Vigilantes, Sunrise - surrounded by mostly average to decent 80's synth pop. I've heard better new wave.

Parallel Lines by Blondie
May 19 2023

Just really good, solid pop punk (or is it punk pop?)

Dusty In Memphis by Dusty Springfield
May 22 2023

Tremendous voice and great production, but this album goes on a bit too long.

Who's Next by The Who
May 23 2023

Four of the best rock songs ever written, surrounding four songs that are just pretty good.

Vauxhall And I by Morrissey
May 24 2023

It sucks that Morrissey sucks, because his music doesn’t suck.

Moss Side Story by Barry Adamson
May 25 2023

When I read "scored a David Lynch film" in Barry Adamson's bio, everything made sense. Delightfully creepy and weird.

Among The Living by Anthrax
May 26 2023

Just not my thing. I can appreciate the musical prowess, though.

All Things Must Pass by George Harrison
May 29 2023

Pretty good! Not much that was truly outstanding, but nothing bad either. A decent listen.

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
May 30 2023

American Girl is good, the rest is bland and grating. It’s like if Springsteen was worse in every single way - vocals, songwriting, instrumentation, etc.

May 31 2023

I’m more familiar with Eno the producer than the artist. But from this listen you can absolutely hear the incredible producing talent in his own work. A lot of Talking Heads, a lot of Bowie, and it is all great.

Hotel California by Eagles
Jun 01 2023

I ended up enjoying this more than I expected. Hotel California is a classic song for a reason, but it's still overplayed. Probably the most boomer album I can think of.

Paul Simon by Paul Simon
Jun 02 2023

Mostly pretty milquetoast and forgettable. The second half is definitely more interesting and has a few pretty good songs, but I don’t need to go back and listen again.

Guero by Beck
Jun 05 2023

Really good! Definitely one of Beck’s best albums. Some great songs on here, and no skips. Just a solid, really fun album all around.

Parachutes by Coldplay
Jun 06 2023

It’s a bit odd revisiting Coldplay’s first album after seeing the direction their career went. You hear the Brit-pop and Radiohead influences. And hear how they would become the biggest “rock” band in the world. It’s been a while since they’ve made good music, it’s easy to forget that this album is just really solid. Several great songs, some others that sound a bit dated now.

Sound Affects by The Jam
Jun 07 2023

Totally unexpectedly great album! You can hear so many different influences in their sound. It’s like if the Beatles were punk.

Jun 08 2023

Really enjoyed this album in the first half. It got a bit tedious by the end, and I was glad to be done listening.

Jun 09 2023

Pretty good punk, but I’d have to be in the right mood, and it’s tough to listen to the whole thing in one sitting.

Out Of The Blue by Electric Light Orchestra
Jun 12 2023

Over-the-top, overly dramatic prog rock is right up my alley. This album tested the limits, and probably went slightly TOO over-the-top. Its instrumentation is a bit cheesy and dated now, but this album is a lot of fun.

Elephant by The White Stripes
Jun 13 2023

The White Stripes have always been one of those bands that I SHOULD really love, but they have never quite clicked for me. Elephant is good! Seven Nation Army is a classic! It just doesn't quite resonate with me like it does for a lot of people.

McCartney by Paul McCartney
Jun 14 2023

It sounds like an album of Beatles demos or unreleased tracks. McCartney is a legendary songwriter and can churn out incredible melodies with such ease. That's definitely the case here, but his worst songwriting tendencies are also at play here. The album lacks direction and polish, the finishing touch that made his songs with The Beatles so special. I spent most of the album waiting for Maybe I'm Amazed.

Natty Dread by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Jun 15 2023

This album has such distinct and unmistakable vibes. Reggae isn't typically my thing, but I really enjoyed this listen and would listen to this above any other reggae album I've heard so far.

Dr. Octagonecologyst by Dr. Octagon
Jun 16 2023

I don't really have much to say about this album. It's fine. Not bad, but not really remarkable.

Eliminator by ZZ Top
Jun 19 2023

Doesn't really do much for me, and sounds pretty dated. It's fine.

Time Out by The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Jun 21 2023

Very good jazz album! A couple of songs that are classics for a reason. I love all of the influences you can hear, and I challenge you to listen to this if you think that jazz is boring.

xx by The xx
Jun 22 2023

It sounds like an album made by and for people falling asleep. The production and sound are pretty decent, but the songs, instrumentals, and especially the vocal performances are incredibly boring.

Headquarters by The Monkees
Jun 23 2023

Pretty generic, inoffensive 60's pop rock. It is very much modeled after The Beatles and some of the melodies and harmonies are actually pretty good. There just wasn't much memorable about this album, and I don't think I'd revisit it.

Let It Bleed by The Rolling Stones
Jun 26 2023

Gimme Shelter is a great song - probably my favorite Stones song. Other than that, it just doesn't do anything for me. You Can't Always Get What You Want just annoys me.

Heroes by David Bowie
Jun 27 2023

The title track alone would almost make this a 5 star album. The rest of the album is also full of great tracks like Beauty and the Beast, Joe the Lion, and The Secret Life of Arabia. The weakest tracks are still very good and worth listening to. I'm not always in the mood for the ambient/experimental back half, but they are what make this album memorable and special (that and containing one of the greatest songs ever written).

Songs From The Big Chair by Tears For Fears
Jun 28 2023

Obviously the three massive hits - Shout, Everybody Wants to Rule the World, and Head Over Heals. Really, though, there's not a bad song on the album! It's probably the most 80's new-wave sounding album I've ever heard, and it's an enjoyable listen from front to back.

The Gilded Palace Of Sin by The Flying Burrito Brothers
Jun 29 2023

Oh god. This was a chore to listen to. I didn't know what to expect based on the band name and album cover, but I wasn't anticipating anything good. That's just what I got - nothing good. I hope I never hear this music again.

Jun 30 2023

An album that sounds like a hot summer day in Brooklyn. Such a rich atmosphere of sounds.

Jul 03 2023

The Joshua Tree is as close to a perfect album as you can get. This album is U2 at their best - the enormous and grandiose sound is backed up by earnest and heartfelt emotions and incredible songwriting and musicianship. From a band from Dublin no less, this album perfectly captures the American spirit - from the restless optimism to the inherent contradictions and deep rooted inequities that afflict us. It's the ideal road-trip album, and one I will love for the rest of my life.

Lost In The Dream by The War On Drugs
Jul 04 2023

Another album I wish I could give half stars to. It’s better than good, but not quite great. The driving, dreamy Dylanesque sound is wonderful, and there are some truly fantastic songs like Red Eyes, An Ocean in Between the Waves, and Burning. This album is just about fifteen minutes too long, and really drags at a few points.

Odessey And Oracle by The Zombies
Jul 05 2023

Pretty good 60's psychedelic rock! I don't know if I'd listen again, but I enjoyed this.

All Mod Cons by The Jam
Jul 06 2023

I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as Sound Affects, but I still added it to my library and will definitely listen again!

The Healer by John Lee Hooker
Jul 07 2023

Just didn't really do anything for me. It wasn't bad, just not my favorite.

Either Or by Elliott Smith
Jul 10 2023

I've listened to this album a few times before. It's one that I know I will have to sit with for a long time to fully appreciate - it's good background music but it's probably even better when you fully pay attention to the songwriting and the lyrics. I could definitely see myself wholeheartedly loving this album someday, but I just don't right now. Still good though.

You Want It Darker by Leonard Cohen
Jul 11 2023

Cohen's voice on this album is the voice of eternal mythical being. Knowing that this album was released days before his death, produced by his son, makes this send-off all the more powerful. It's a difficult but hauntingly beautiful listen. "You Want it Darker" is one of those astonishingly great songs that most artists could only dream of writing. It's incredible that this album came out the same year as Bowie's Blackstar.

Feast of Wire by Calexico
Jul 12 2023

Some really good songs on here, and unique influences for mid-2000's indie rock, but largely this wasn't my cup of tea. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could.

Third/Sister Lovers by Big Star
Jul 13 2023

Just didn't do anything for me. Pretty uninteresting and unremarkable.

The Trinity Session by Cowboy Junkies
Jul 14 2023

The lead singer had a very nice voice, but this didn't really do anything for me. Very mellow - easy to fall asleep to.

Head Hunters by Herbie Hancock
Jul 17 2023

Fun, funky jazz. Love the bass work throughout the album.

A Hard Day's Night by Beatles
Jul 18 2023

Very good early Beatles album! Some all-time classic pop songs, but still before the band's more interesting and memorable work.

In It For The Money by Supergrass
Jul 19 2023

I'd never heard Supergrass before this album, but it was pretty good! I really liked several of the songs, and could see myself listening again. It got a bit tedious to listen to - there wasn't enough variance in volume and intensity. It makes for an album best listened to in short bursts rather than all in one sitting.

Come Find Yourself by Fun Lovin' Criminals
Jul 20 2023

My initial expectation for this album was that I would absolutely hate it. It seemed like it would be specifically designed in a lab to irritate me. I expected 90's slacker/stoner rap with grating vocals combining the most annoying aspects of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Beastie Boys. What I got, however, was not bad at all! It was still slacker/stoner rap with hints of RHCP, but it was well produced, relaxed but interesting grooves, and good vocals! It's still nothing I would listen to again, but it was at least decent.

C'est Chic by CHIC
Jul 21 2023

Le Freak has been stuck in my head for hours now. It's fun disco music, but not really anything I'd want to sit and listen to. I'd need a few drinks to really enjoy this.

Led Zeppelin III by Led Zeppelin
Jul 24 2023

It's probably not my favorite Zeppelin record, but it's pretty fantastic. It just showcases what the band does best so well. Robert Plant's vocals are definitely the highlight of this album.

Nevermind by Nirvana
Jul 25 2023

It's a classic album filled with iconic songs. For whatever reason, Nirvana has never really clicked with me though. I understand a lot of their appeal, but I don't fully GET it.

Chelsea Girl by Nico
Jul 26 2023

Nico has a terrific, one-of-a-kind voice. However, I much prefer her with The Velvet Underground. This album just lacks some of the energy, and while I really enjoy her voice for a couple of songs, it was tedious to listen to the whole thing.

Highway 61 Revisited by Bob Dylan
Jul 27 2023

I'm not the biggest Bob Dylan fan, but this is a fantastic album. Dylan's pivot to electric is widely praised and for good reason - this album is inspired and full of energy. It sounds fresh to this day. I totally understand why people can't stand his voice, but it works so well in this album. Like a Rolling Stone is an all-timer for a reason, and Tombstone Blues is the other standout track for me.

Idlewild by Everything But The Girl
Jul 28 2023

Made it through a couple of songs, but this managed to be both melodramatic and boring at the same time. Production was decent.

Abraxas by Santana
Jul 31 2023

I had modest expectations going into this album. I've heard Black Magic Woman and Oye Como Va hundreds of times - they are decent songs, but I'm beyond tired of hearing them. The rest of the album took me by surprise. It was actually really good, and I thoroughly enjoyed each song! Santana is an incredible guitarist, and I'm glad I got to listen to more of him. I probably won't listen to this very often, if at all, but I'm glad I did once.

Grace by Jeff Buckley
Aug 01 2023

Jeff Buckley is one of my all-time favorite vocalists. His voice just does whatever he wants it to do, effortlessly. An incredible combination of Nina Simone and Robert Plant. This album packs such a wide range of emotion. Buckley's Hallelujah is probably the definitive version at this point, but it might not even be the best cover on the album, because Lilac Wine is also there. Grace is packed full of great songs with just a couple that are only pretty good. It's a shame we lost such a talent so young, but at least we have Grace.

Ready To Die by The Notorious B.I.G.
Aug 02 2023

Again, I don't really feel qualified to rate hip hop/rap albums, since I usually don't focus on lyrics for the first listen. I can see why this is a rap classic, with some great tracks and quality beats. Some songs seem to have aged poorly, lyrics-wise, and I didn't care for several of them. Decent listen, and an essential album if you live in Brooklyn, even if it's not my cup of tea.

War by U2
Aug 03 2023

In U2's discography, War is the band at a crossroads. This album captures the raw energy from their early "punk" days right as they were transforming into the arena-rock behemoths they came to be. Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year's Day are classics, but tracks like Two Hearts Beat as One or Like A Song... shouldn't be ignored either. There are a few songs on War that I don't really care for. Yet another album I wish I could give 4.5 stars to. It's a great album, it just doesn't quite hit the heights of their follow-ups.

Germfree Adolescents by X-Ray Spex
Aug 04 2023

Terrific energy to this album. While I enjoy a lot of punk, at an album level it can get a bit tedious, and this fell into that trap just a bit.

The Wall by Pink Floyd
Aug 07 2023

An absolute classic. Though it certainly isn't a pick-me-up, The Wall keeps your attention and takes you on a journey for all 26 songs. Obviously, Comfortably Numb is the magnum opus- it's one of the best songs ever written with probably the greatest guitar solo of all time. The story of the album is one that has resonated especially well over the past several years, unfortunately. It's a story of how toxic masculinity, abysmal mental health care, and the cruelty of society and institutions, create generations of disassociated young men who isolate themselves from the world, self-medicate, and become susceptible to false-truths and conspiracies. It's one of the oldest tricks in the books - "Isn't this where we came in?"

Aug 08 2023

Arctic Monkeys were one of the many mid-2000's guitar rock indie bands that were dubbed "saviors of rock." This album didn't save rock music, because rock music didn't need saving. It's just a great rock album from a great rock band, but rock music didn't dominate the airwaves like it once did. This album sounds a lot like other mid-2000's indie guitar rock. But what sets it apart is the raw energy, and a bit of extra spice in the songwriting. A perfect example is at 1:40 in Fake Tales of San Francisco. It's far from my favorite song on the album, and starts off pretty tame and cookie-cutter. But at 1:40, the song shifts in an unexpected yet completely logical way, the energy builds, and it becomes something special. Moments like this keep this album feeling fresh to this day.

Superunknown by Soundgarden
Aug 09 2023

I haven't listened to much Soundgarden, but was fairly skeptical going in. Black Hole Sun generally irritates me, and I didn't want to listen to an entire album of that sound. The rest of the album was...pretty good! I know that some people LOVE Soundgarden, but it didn't really grab me. I understand why people like them, but this is probably a one-time listen for me.

Time (The Revelator) by Gillian Welch
Aug 10 2023

Pretty nice vocals and guitar work, and I can see why people would love this, but I do not.

Sound of Silver by LCD Soundsystem
Aug 11 2023

This album is imperfect, but it's incredibly fun and the high highs more than make up for its imperfections. All My Friends is one of the best songs ever written - it packs about as much emotional drive and catharsis as you can fit in one song. The rest of the album is mostly great, with infectious grooves making up for the fact that some songs can get a bit repetitive. I just want to turn up the volume and keep listening anyway.

Sunday At The Village Vanguard by Bill Evans Trio
Aug 14 2023

Gentle simplicity without losing energy is typically very difficult to pull off, but this album does it extremely well. It's calming and relaxing, and yet driving at the same time. I love the interplay between the bass and piano - they bounce off of eachother very well. One of the other reviews mentioned that Bill Evans sounds like falling water, and I completely agree. This is an album for a rainy day in November, but you are feeling calm and motivated.

The Chronic by Dr. Dre
Aug 15 2023

There were some things I enjoyed about this album - the production, the rapping, and several of the songs (Stranded on Death Row, particularly). There were some things I did not enjoy about this album - the length, the skits. Overall, I can see why it's a classic and the influence it had, but it's not my favorite.

Aug 16 2023

An album by Brian Eno and David Byrne sounds exactly what you would expect an album by Brian Eno and David Byrne to sound like.

Whatever by Aimee Mann
Aug 17 2023

First song was pretty good, but the rest were pretty meh and forgettable.

...The Dandy Warhols Come Down by The Dandy Warhols
Aug 18 2023

I've heard a thousand bands that sound just like The Dandy Warhols. They sound like every Brit Pop band mixed with every 90's/2000's indie rock band. And yet, this album still sounds fresh and full of energy. All I'd heard of The Dandy Warhols was Bohemian Like You, which is a fantastic song. It takes a LOT to give an album 5 stars on first listen, but this came verrrrrry close.

Definitely Maybe by Oasis
Aug 21 2023

You can see what people love and hate about Oasis here. A couple decent tracks, but the vocals are nasally and grating and the songs are overblown and melodramatic. Ultimately this was a tiresome listen.

...And Justice For All by Metallica
Aug 22 2023

I don't enjoy metal, but I enjoy Metallica more than most metal.

From Elvis In Memphis by Elvis Presley
Aug 23 2023

Music I enjoyed to listen to once. Elvis is fine, I guess. Don't really have a strong opinion about his music.

So by Peter Gabriel
Aug 24 2023

Some of this sounds a bit cheesy and dated, but it's a fun listen!

Steve McQueen by Prefab Sprout
Aug 25 2023

It’s fine, I guess. I don’t know, it’s hard to have a strong opinion on all 1001 albums.

Homework by Daft Punk
Aug 28 2023

Great to listen to, but only in certain contexts! It's not an album that requires deep contemplative listening, but I'd love to hear this at a club.

Aug 29 2023

No surprise at all, Ray Charles has an incredible voice! Very pleasant and easy to listen to, but this album dragged on a bit too long, and no individual songs really stood out.

Deep Purple In Rock by Deep Purple
Aug 30 2023

An album from over 50 years ago that still sounds fresh and exciting! I hadn't heard any Deep Purple aside from Smoke on the Water, so I wasn't expecting much. You can definitely see how they influenced Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. Just a lot of fun. Child in Time is the standout track for sure.

Autobahn by Kraftwerk
Aug 31 2023

I feel obliged to like any album that influenced Bowie's Berlin trilogy. I have always meant to listen to Kraftwerk someday, so I'm glad that 1001 albums gave me the push I needed to sit down and listen to an album. It was basically exactly what I expected - weird, ambient, and made me question what music even is. I think I enjoyed it? I really don't know. Fun fun fun on the Autobahn.

Iron Maiden by Iron Maiden
Sep 01 2023

There were some parts that I enjoyed and were pretty decent! Mostly didn’t do much for me though.

Moving Pictures by Rush
Sep 04 2023

An absolute classic! About as good of a first half of a record as you can get. Just absolute incredible musicianship from the trio. Moving Pictures is Rush at their best.

Toys In The Attic by Aerosmith
Sep 05 2023

Pretty generic classic rock. Guitar and vocals were both excellent, but this didn't really do much for me.

At Mister Kelly's by Sarah Vaughan
Sep 06 2023

Just really lovely to listen to, and oh so smooth. It makes me want to sit at a cabaret and down a bottle of wine.

Blood, Sweat & Tears by Blood, Sweat & Tears
Sep 07 2023

Genre is completely meaningless. Is this funk? Yes. Is it prog rock? Yes. Is it folk? Yes. Blues? Yes. Jazz? Yes. Ska? Also yes. I really don't know what to think about this album - I'd need to listen a few times. There were parts that I really enjoyed (the vocals were great), and parts that I didn't enjoy. I think overall it was pretty good. I'd give it 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

The Contino Sessions by Death In Vegas
Sep 08 2023

I actually really enjoyed this! Couldn’t listen to this all the time, but a few pretty great songs.

The Velvet Underground by The Velvet Underground
Sep 11 2023

It's not as groundbreaking as their first album, but damn if this still isn't excellent. It's The Velvet Underground much more subdued, but they do it so well. Candy Says and Pale Blue Eyes are each absolutely perfect songs.

Blood On The Tracks by Bob Dylan
Sep 12 2023

Dylan definitely isn't my favorite. I can see why people love him, and I can see why people can't stand him. That being said, I did enjoy this album. I feel like it was hard to appreciate the lyrics on first listen, but the melodies were excellent and the singing was...mostly decent. There were definitely points where Dylan's inflections and flourishes detracted a lot from the music.

She's So Unusual by Cyndi Lauper
Sep 14 2023

Pretty decent 80's pop! Some classics on here, and it was fun to listen to the deeper cuts. A bit too repetitive in a couple songs though.

Imagine by John Lennon
Sep 18 2023

Imagine is a classic song for a reason, even if it's a bit overplayed. The rest of the album is pretty decent, but nothing else really grabbed me.

Come Away With Me by Norah Jones
Sep 19 2023

She has a nice voice, but dear god is this album boring. Don't Know Why and Come Away With Me are the hits, but they have always been incredibly grating - an immediate skip or change the station.

Sep 20 2023

A very good album, even if some of it is a bit dated. You can start to hear the transition from good Coldplay to bad Coldplay here, and some of the songs can be a bit overbearing. This is the album I associate most with listening to on an iPod.

Ananda Shankar by Ananda Shankar
Sep 22 2023

This album was pretty interesting. Not really a fan of a whole album of sitar, but that's probably just my western music - trained ear. A nice bit of variety from the typical 70's white man rock on this list.

Home Is Where The Music Is by Hugh Masekela
Sep 25 2023

Really terrific jazz album. Great beats, fantastic melodies and riffs, and a ton going on. Could be great background music or something to really focus on.

Purple Rain by Prince
Sep 26 2023

It's Prince at his best. This album has not one, not two, but three of the best pop songs ever written (Let's Go Crazy, When Doves Cry, Purple Rain), and the rest of the album definitely isn't filler! It's big, funky, tight, and transcendent. A legendary album for a legendary talent.

Sep 27 2023

Classic indie rock album! It’s not 100% in my wheelhouse, but good to hear from time to time, and I’m never upset if any of these songs come on the radio.

Gasoline Alley by Rod Stewart
Sep 29 2023

I have a hard time believing that this is anyone's favorite album. It's so incredibly middle-of-the-road, bland. Everything it does well, a thousand other artists have done better and more interesting. It's generic background music. It's fine, I guess.

Seventeen Seconds by The Cure
Oct 02 2023

A few good songs, but overall not my favorite from The Cure. I enjoy broody/dark/atmospheric sometimes, but not so much on this album. 3.5 stars.

Lust For Life by Iggy Pop
Oct 03 2023

For whatever reason, Iggy Pop was a glaring gap in my musical knowledge. Which is incredibly disappointing because this is an incredible album. Just a ton of fun, an all-around terrific listen. I could listen to this anytime, anywhere.

With The Beatles by Beatles
Oct 04 2023

Some of my favorite early Beatles tracks (All My Loving, It Won't Be Long) on this album, but overall one of the more forgettable Beatles records. It's not bad, it's fun, but doesn't hold a candle to their early singles or later work.

Oct 05 2023

Pretty much background music. It's fine. Though it cursed me to have "Everyone needs a bosom for a pillow" in my head for the rest of my life.

Oct 06 2023

This album somehow managed to stay interesting and engaging for over two hours. A ton of great tracks, but it'll be tough to come back to this one just because of the length.

Protection by Massive Attack
Oct 09 2023

Really liked this album and its vibes. Except for the cover of Light My Fire, which was pretty mediocre.

Cloud Nine by The Temptations
Oct 10 2023

Motown is difficult to rate sometimes. There are a few really great songs, a few okay songs, but most Motown is just really solid. As usual, giving this 4 stars.

Pieces Of The Sky by Emmylou Harris
Oct 11 2023

As far as country goes, I’ve heard worse. The first song was pretty decent actually. Couldn’t get through much of the rest….

The United States Of America by The United States Of America
Oct 13 2023

I'm definitely too sober to fully appreciate this album. It's very weird, but strangely enough doesn't really spark any emotion in me. I have no strong feelings about this album.

Disraeli Gears by Cream
Oct 16 2023

It’s pretty decent, but I prefer the music this album inspired (zeppelin, Hendrix, etc). Better than average, not quite good. 3.5 stars.

L.A. Woman by The Doors
Oct 17 2023

Not my favorite from the Doors, but still better than almost all blues/psychedelic rock. Jim Morrison is a legendary front man for a reason.

Like A Prayer by Madonna
Oct 19 2023

Very fun pop album. Like A Prayer is one of the best pop songs of all time, and definitely outshines the rest of this album, but I appreciate the experimentation that you typically don't see in pop music.

Made In Japan by Deep Purple
Oct 20 2023

Terrific musicianship and full of energy. I can only imagine how groundbreaking this must've been when it first came out.

Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Oct 23 2023

Really enjoyed the first half of this album, but the second half dragged a lot. There’s a chance I could really love this, but it’s so long and it’s not an easy listen - it takes a lot of energy.

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme by Simon & Garfunkel
Oct 24 2023

At their best, Simon & Garfunkel create incredible songs with infectious melodies and the most beautiful harmonies. At their worst, they are stuffy and boring. This album has both.

Five Leaves Left by Nick Drake
Oct 25 2023

Pleasantly surprised by this album. I'm not typically a folk fan, but this had a very engaging sound to keep my attention at first listen before I can listen to the lyrics.

Oct 27 2023

I can see why a-ha is a one-hit wonder. Take on Me is by far the best song on here. The rest of the album isn't bad, just generic 80's pop.

Different Class by Pulp
Oct 30 2023

A sound that is right up my alley! Great listen, even if none of the songs were all that memorable. Like listening to a worse Bowie.

Sign 'O' The Times by Prince
Oct 31 2023

Not a lot of hits, but this is still a great Prince record. What impressed me the most was the consistency from front to back. Normally double albums can be a bit of a slog to listen to, but this album kept the momentum the whole way through.

Behaviour by Pet Shop Boys
Nov 01 2023

Pretty enjoyable listen, even if the sound is a bit dated. Don't really need to listen again, but I enjoyed this.

Zombie by Fela Kuti
Nov 02 2023

Really solid jazz/afrobeat. Great grooves, and overall a lot of fun.

Seventh Tree by Goldfrapp
Nov 03 2023

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this record. A very mellow, pleasant listen with great vocals and excellent production.

Nov 06 2023

A classic album that I honestly expected to like a lot more than I did. James Brown is a legendary performer, but I don't think this was him at his best!

Back To Black by Amy Winehouse
Nov 07 2023

A tremendous talent that we lost far too soon. Back to Black is in the running for the best pop song of all time, and there are no bad songs on here. I'll never tire of this album.

Nilsson Schmilsson by Harry Nilsson
Nov 08 2023

A pretty forgettable album, until you get to the "lime in the coconut song," which is one of the most unforgettable songs of all time. I had no idea who that song was by, so it took me by complete surprise. Weird listen.

At Folsom Prison by Johnny Cash
Nov 09 2023

One of the coolest, most badass albums of all time. A lot of the time, live albums don't add much, but here, the live recording is what makes it so special. The music isn't my favorite - this is about as good as country gets - but damn if it isn't entertaining as hell.

Document by R.E.M.
Nov 10 2023

A classic indie/alternative album, but not exactly my cup of tea. I love a few R.E.M. songs, and a couple are on this album, but the rest are just pretty good to okay.

Smash by The Offspring
Nov 13 2023

Just an all-time grating voice. This would actually be pretty decent if it weren't for that. Self Esteem is about the only song where his voice is tolerable, but I couldn't get through this album.

Jazz Samba by Stan Getz
Nov 14 2023

I'm suddenly craving a sangria.

Rocks by Aerosmith
Nov 15 2023

Just throughly uninteresting and dated.

Coat Of Many Colors by Dolly Parton
Nov 16 2023

I'm not a fan of country, but I respect the hell out of Dolly Parton, so I'm glad I listened to this. I enjoyed it about as much as I can enjoy a country album, though I probably won't listen to it again.

London Calling by The Clash
Nov 17 2023

This album was way tamer than I expected, given that I had only listened to the title track before. I definitely wasn't expecting such a wide array of sounds and influences. Some of the songs I didn't really care for, it was a bit too long, and I wish there was a bit more intensity, but I enjoyed this.

Cosmo's Factory by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Nov 20 2023

I definitely enjoy CCR way more than other roots rock. John Fogerty's voice fits so well, and the blues/soul/R&B influences bring a level of excitement and tension that is usually missing from roots rock.

Let's Stay Together by Al Green
Nov 21 2023

Short but sweet album from one of the all time great voices.

Nick Of Time by Bonnie Raitt
Nov 22 2023

Incredibly dated and uninteresting.

Deserter's Songs by Mercury Rev
Nov 23 2023

I don't know. It's not good, it's not bad. It's fine. I don't want to spend my time listening to this again.

Timeless by Goldie
Nov 24 2023

Not bad as background music, but not really my thing. I can't see myself listening to this again on purpose.

Appetite For Destruction by Guns N' Roses
Nov 27 2023

An iconic album - the hits are great when I'm in the right mood for them, but they are definitely overplayed. Most of the rest of the album is a chore to listen to. It's alright.

Superfly by Curtis Mayfield
Nov 28 2023

Just a lovely listen from front to back. I could listen to this any time, any place.

Sunshine Superman by Donovan
Nov 29 2023

A couple of songs were pretty good and fun, but this was mostly too slow and boring, and I am not on nearly enough acid to enjoy it.

25 by Adele
Nov 30 2023

Doesn't have my favorite Adele songs, and its a bit tedious and heavy to listen to the whole album at once. She has a tremendous voice, but this isn't my favorite listen.

Master Of Puppets by Metallica
Dec 01 2023

Just too much for me. Apparently I can’t handle that level of rock and roll.

Hot Rats by Frank Zappa
Dec 04 2023

Weird!

Meat Is Murder by The Smiths
Dec 05 2023

Pretty unremarkable Smiths album for me. It’s decent, but nothing really stood out.

Your Arsenal by Morrissey
Dec 07 2023

One of Morrissey's more interesting projects, but it was still a bit tough to get through the whole thing. It's a shame he's such a xenophobic shithead.

Raw Power by The Stooges
Dec 08 2023

Really great listen, lots of energy and personality.

Blur by Blur
Dec 11 2023

Some decent songs, some not-so-decent songs. I appreciate the melodic variety here, but it can be a bit too overblown for me.

Highway to Hell by AC/DC
Dec 12 2023

AC/DC does one trick, really well - making music for cruising down the open road with reckless abandon. A highway to hell, for instance.

Welcome To The Pleasuredome by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Dec 13 2023

Just an excessive amount of 80's weirdness here, and I can't help but love it, especially Relax. The Born to Run cover was pretty unremarkable and unnecessary, though.

S.F. Sorrow by The Pretty Things
Dec 14 2023

It's if The Doors and The Beatles mashed into one. It's one of those albums that makes me appreciate the 1001 albums project. I never would've listened to this on my own, I doubt I'll listen to this too many times in the future, but I'm glad I got a chance to hear this!

More Specials by The Specials
Dec 15 2023

This is the type of music you hear when you're on vacation and go to a beach bar with live music, and a beloved local band comes on stage. Enjoyable enough in that setting, but it's nothing special (get it?????). I'd never seek this music out on my own.

1984 by Van Halen
Dec 18 2023

Incredible technical musicianship throughout. I mean, Hot for Teacher, say no more. Jump and Panama are catchy 80's hits. But the rest is pretty cheesy and I don't really care to listen to.

3 Feet High and Rising by De La Soul
Dec 19 2023

A ton of fun to listen to and oozing with creativity. Glad I listened to this!

Floodland by Sisters Of Mercy
Dec 21 2023

I should listen to more goth rock, shouldn't I?

Grievous Angel by Gram Parsons
Dec 22 2023

Gave it an honest try, but couldn't make it past a few songs. Maybe there's some country out there for me, but this isn't it.

Garbage by Garbage
Dec 25 2023

Just an all-around solid record.

The Gershwin Songbook by Ella Fitzgerald
Jun 17 2024

I found a much shorter compilation album on Apple Music. I don't want to listen to 3+ hours of this, but Ella's voice is just delightful. Timeless, and a wonderful listen.

Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots by The Flaming Lips
Jun 18 2024

I'm a fan of a lot of artists in the same sphere as The Flaming Lips, but just can't get into them. It just isn't for me.

Jun 19 2024

Eh, it's fine? I didn't enjoy this, but it's not exactly bad music.

I See You by The xx
Jul 10 2025

Nice production, but by god is this album boring. The vocals and songwriting are so sleepy that they're grating. I've never understood why this album is so acclaimed.

Jul 11 2025

This kicks ass for a couple songs at a time, but it's tedious to listen to the whole thing. Don't love that this is a compilation album, either. Though I have a soft spot for early 2000's post-punk garage rock, I don't need to come back to this one.

Rage Against The Machine by Rage Against The Machine
Jul 14 2025

Hasn’t really been my jam before. But for some reason it hits differently after November 5, 2024 can’t imagine why….

Led Zeppelin IV by Led Zeppelin
Jul 15 2025

“Stairway to Heaven” and “Fantasy” by Earth, Wind, and Fire have extremely similar melodies. I think about that every time I hear either song and I’m not sure what to do with this information. Anyway, this album fucking rocks.

Sincere by Mj Cole
Jul 16 2025

Gave it a try. Not a bad listen, just not for me.

Highly Evolved by The Vines
Jul 17 2025

Pretty solid early 2000’s alt-rock! Nothing totally remarkable, but very good listen!

GI by Germs
Jul 18 2025

The aesthetics, culture, and influence of punk? Outstanding, 10/10. A lot of the actual music? Hit or miss....this is more of a miss for me.

Getz/Gilberto by Stan Getz
Jul 21 2025

I mean, this album is just a delight. I feel happy and relaxed just thinking about it.

Stand! by Sly & The Family Stone
Jul 22 2025

This is what listening to the peak of a genre is like. Just such a great listen from an all-time great band. RIP Sly Stone.

Jul 23 2025

This album is probably both overrated and overhated. Some absolute classics (Champagne Supernova), and the rest is pretty good.

Vol. 4 by Black Sabbath
Jul 24 2025

RIP Ozzy - this album rocks.

Dookie by Green Day
Jul 25 2025

Pop-punk isn't normally my cup of tea, but Green Day is the exception. A really fun listen of some now-classic songs. I prefer American Idiot, though!

The Number Of The Beast by Iron Maiden
Jul 28 2025

I know a few people who are obsessed with Iron Maiden. I can see why, but it's not for me. This is pretty good though.

Yeezus by Kanye West
Jul 30 2025

Nope, not listening to Kanye.

Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury by The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
Jul 31 2025

I enjoyed this more than I expected! Lyrics are still incredibly relevant today. Reminds me of Gil Scott-Heron.

Beautiful Freak by Eels
Aug 01 2025

Eels are like if you combined Elliott Smith and Beck. And it totally works! This is a very good album. Bonus points for appearing on the Shrek soundtrack.

Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park
Aug 04 2025

In The End is a great song. Everything else, I don't enjoy listening to.

Aug 05 2025

I always struggle with rating hip-hop albums since I'm not a lyrics-first listener. I know this is a classic and I can see why, but can't say I fell in love at first listen.

Youth And Young Manhood by Kings of Leon
Aug 07 2025

It's pretty good, and definitely representative of early 2000's indie garage rock. But does it need to be on this list? I can think of many more albums from this era/genre that stand out more than this.

Orbital 2 by Orbital
Aug 08 2025

Good for background music if I need to focus on work or something. Otherwise don't see myself listening to this on its own.

Power In Numbers by Jurassic 5
Aug 11 2025

Damn, this album slaps. Adding to my library!

Ramones by Ramones
Aug 12 2025

An important album, but not my favorite to listen to. Blitzkrieg Bop is a classic, but the rest is a bit tedious to get through.

Sail Away by Randy Newman
Aug 13 2025

It's kinda nice but kinda boring. I can appreciate that the songwriting and melodies are vastly different than what I am used to listening to. I don't typically hear music that conveys these moods and feelings.

Siamese Dream by The Smashing Pumpkins
Aug 14 2025

I understand if you can't stand Billy Corgan's voice. But it fits so well with the music. This is a pretty damn good album with some all-time classics and no bad songs.

Duck Rock by Malcolm McLaren
Aug 15 2025

Feels appropriative, and also it's just not very good.

Innervisions by Stevie Wonder
Aug 18 2025

Stevie Wonder should be required listening for every music lover.

Hail To the Thief by Radiohead
Aug 19 2025

This would be most artists' best album. But for Radiohead, it's probably their 6th- best album? It's very good, but not as consistently excellent as much of their other work.

One World by John Martyn
Aug 20 2025

If someone put this album on, I wouldn't mind, except for the fact that we could instead spend our time listening to way better music instead. It's not good, but it's inoffensive.

Aqualung by Jethro Tull
Aug 21 2025

The world is a better place with weird little flute prog rock music!

Skylarking by XTC
Aug 22 2025

Not my favorite XTC. I’ve always enjoyed them and only loved a couple songs, and this was right on par with that.

Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg
Aug 25 2025

This was a ton of fun from top to bottom. Pleasantly surprised!

At Fillmore East by The Allman Brothers Band
Aug 26 2025

It's blues rock. Not sure what more to say.

D by White Denim
Aug 27 2025

I'd somehow never heard of this band, but this was pretty good! Not my favorite, but is a quality edition to the indie rock canon.

Exodus by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Aug 28 2025

I mean, what can be said? So many classic songs, what most people automatically think of when they think of reggae.

Aug 29 2025

This really should be right up my alley. But I just don't fully get it? It's not the album, it's me.

Bossanova by Pixies
Sep 01 2025

Pixies are a good band. This is a good album.

Bookends by Simon & Garfunkel
Sep 02 2025

Mrs. Robinson is an objectively great song that hits whatever the opposite of a sweet spot is. I can't stand it. I do enjoy the rest of this album though! It's a bit too quirky and mellow for me to listen to all the time, but America is a tremendous song, and I can always appreciate their incredible melodies and harmonies.

Sep 04 2025

Legendary voice and a legendary send-off. Not always my cup of tea and gets a bit tedious by the end, but when he hits (Hurt, In My Life, Personal Jesus, etc.), it's really special.

69 Love Songs by The Magnetic Fields
Sep 05 2025

I lost count. Can somebody tell me how many love songs are on this album? It better be a funny number.

Africa Brasil by Jorge Ben Jor
Sep 08 2025

Great vibes, but probably not something I'll come back to. Glad I listened to it, though!

Pearl by Janis Joplin
Sep 09 2025

Not really sure what to say that hasn't already been said. A legendary voice that we lost too soon. I'd never really listened to her full albums before, so I'm glad this is in the world to experience!

Arrival by ABBA
Sep 10 2025

A lot of this record is very of it's time and kinda cheesy, but at its best are some of the best pop songs ever made. Dancing Queen? Fernando? I'm glad I've come around and let myself enjoy just how good those songs are.

The Queen Is Dead by The Smiths
Sep 11 2025

Morrissey is a shithead, but this album is still great. Bigmouth Strikes Again will be in my head for weeks.

It's Blitz! by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Sep 12 2025

Classic 2000's indie band and sound. But one of those bands I never really got into, for one reason or another. It's not bad, it's pretty good, it just doesn't grab me the way similar artists do.

Young Americans by David Bowie
Sep 15 2025

A couple of classic Bowie tracks - Young Americans and Fame - and a perfect representation of Bowie as a chameleon. It is a bit weird having a white British man sing soul music and this isn't as good as music from actual soul artists, but it's still very good overall.

2112 by Rush
Sep 16 2025

I always find Side B a bit of a letdown compared to the epic title track. But 2112 is one of, if not the greatest piece of prog rock so it doesn't really matter. So great.

Dare! by The Human League
Sep 17 2025

I wanted to like this more than I did. Don't You Want Me is still a banger though.

Raw Like Sushi by Neneh Cherry
Sep 18 2025

I wouldn't really say this is an essential album. It sounds very of-it's-time, and not really in a good way. It's far from the worst music on this list, but I've also heard way better R&B/hip-hop than this.

Urban Hymns by The Verve
Sep 19 2025

You know, it was fine. Pretty decent, but forgettable.

Led Zeppelin by Led Zeppelin
Sep 22 2025

Not my favorite Zeppelin, but still better than almost every other album. Wishing again for half stars!

Kid A by Radiohead
Sep 23 2025

Not sure what else there is to say about this album that hasn't already been said. It's one of the best albums of all time. Full stop.

Back to Basics by Christina Aguilera
Sep 24 2025

I enjoyed this more than I expected, she does have a great voice. But this isn't my favorite era of pop music, and ultimately don't want to listen to almost an hour and half of this....

Tarkus by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Sep 25 2025

As a casual prog fan, this album sounds to me like what prog must sound like to non-prog fans.

Sep 26 2025

Pink Floyd's four album run from Dark Side of the Moon through The Wall is as good as music can get and includes some of my favorite albums of all time. That's the Pink Floyd I know. I'd never listened to this album before, and I definitely won't listen again.

Pretenders by Pretenders
Sep 29 2025

This album is so up my alley, I'm surprised I'd never listened to it before!

Tres Hombres by ZZ Top
Sep 30 2025

Probably the okayest album on this list. I never once considered giving it above or below a 3. La Grange is a great song, though.

Tago Mago by Can
Oct 01 2025

I was absolutely loving this until the experimental sections. I can appreciate the experimentation, but it doesn't mean I have to enjoy listening to it. I'm glad they figured out how to make these sounds so that future bands could figure out how to actually make them sound good.

Something/Anything? by Todd Rundgren
Oct 02 2025

Pretty inoffensive and not very memorable. I kind of forgot I was listening to it half-way through.

21 by Adele
Oct 06 2025

I've never had strong feelings about Adele. She's a great singer, but doesn't do much for me. Her hits are very good, but not great. This album is the same way. The hits are good/great, and the rest is okay/decent.

Maggot Brain by Funkadelic
Oct 07 2025

I'll take "Albums that make me go 'Hell yeah' for $400, Alex.

For Your Pleasure by Roxy Music
Oct 08 2025

An essential glam rock record. Editions of You/In Every Dream Home a Heartache is a brilliant back-to-back run.

Darklands by The Jesus And Mary Chain
Oct 09 2025

Really good first listen. I've always enjoyed listening to The Jesus And Mary Chain and could see this one growing on me a lot.

Meat Puppets II by Meat Puppets
Oct 10 2025

Pretty good, but not really my thing and probably won't come back to this again.

Doolittle by Pixies
Oct 13 2025

One of those artists that should be right up my alley, but just doesn't click with me for whatever reason.

Oct 14 2025

I forgot how good this album is. It's one of Muse's best but one I haven't come back to in years. There are a couple meh tracks that keep this from being an all-timer, but Knights of Cydonia on its own warrants inclusion on this list. This is a 4.5 star album, but I'll round up for the sake of nostalgia, waiting this album's peak songs over it's inconsistency.

Peggy Suicide by Julian Cope
Oct 15 2025

This is pretty good post-punk, but really just makes me want to listen to Iggy Pop or Joy Division instead.

The Good, The Bad & The Queen by The Good, The Bad & The Queen
Oct 16 2025

This album is extremely well-produced (I've always loved Danger Mouse's production), but just not very good or interesting. The last song is great, though!

Emperor Tomato Ketchup by Stereolab
Oct 17 2025

Very enjoyable album! Not sure how often I'll come back to this, but I'm glad I heard this album before I died.

Oct 20 2025

Not sure what else there is to say about this album. It's on the shortlist for greatest album of all time. Music doesn't get much better than this.

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
Oct 21 2025

Some of their best work, peaking with The Boxer, which is one of the best songs ever written. There aren't any other duds, and this is as lively and vibrant as Simon & Garfunkel can be. Not always in the mood for this, but it's a great album.

Coles Corner by Richard Hawley
Oct 22 2025

Some really beautiful music, but also really boring

Nowhere by Ride
Oct 23 2025

It's pretty good, but isn't one of the 1001 albums that will stand out.

90 by 808 State
Oct 24 2025

While listening to this album, I got a call that my uncle had passed away. So that made this a weird listen.

Oct 27 2025

A classic album I was really looking forward to. And it was a thoroughly great listen, though it didn't blow me away. Maybe a hot take, but I even enjoyed the skits, which I don't normally do.

Daydream Nation by Sonic Youth
Oct 28 2025

My Apple Music algorithm keeps trying to get me to listen to Sonic Youth. And the songs that I haven't skipped, I haven't loved. However, their music works so much better in a full album context. It's still not my favorite, but I can see why the streaming algorithm overlords thinks I'll like them.

Buffalo Springfield Again by Buffalo Springfield
Oct 29 2025

Most of this I enjoyed! I've always generally liked the Buffalo Springfield I've heard, and other than a couple slower country songs, this album held up.

Queen Of Denmark by John Grant
Oct 30 2025

This is one of those albums I feel like I'd have to listen to a lot more to figure out how I really feel. There are parts that jumped out as something I'd really love. And others that might bore me over time. But on a first listen, I liked it.

Little Earthquakes by Tori Amos
Oct 31 2025

A classic album I was really looking forward to. And it was a thoroughly great listen, though it didn't blow me away. Maybe a hot take, but I even enjoyed the skits, which I don't normally do.

We Are Family by Sister Sledge
Nov 03 2025

Pretty classic disco, which is both over-hated and also just okay.

My Aim Is True by Elvis Costello
Nov 04 2025

I'm never sure what to make of Elvis Costello. He's simultaneously great fun and right up my alley, and supremely annoying to listen to.

Bayou Country by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Nov 05 2025

The Dude is right - CCR is so much better than the fucking Eagles. Normally country/blues rock isn't my cup of tea, but CCR is great.

Tapestry by Carole King
Nov 06 2025

It's one of those pieces of art that's so acclaimed that you think "It can't be that good, can it?" and then you experience it and it's that good. This album is a warm hug. It's freshly baked banana bread. It's a cozy sweater and a cup of tea.

Nov 10 2025

Not much else to say about this album, except that it's not just one of the best prog rock albums, but one of the best albums of all time.

Ellington at Newport by Duke Ellington
Nov 11 2025

Really great listen, and love hearing the crowd reactions. It helps show just how talented all of these musicians were.

Hounds Of Love by Kate Bush
Nov 12 2025

An easy 5 stars. It's an album that I love more each time I listen to it.

Bryter Layter by Nick Drake
Nov 13 2025

This started out a delightful listen. But I got a bit tired of it by the end.

Nov 14 2025

This album was a pleasant surprise! Based on the album cover, I expected this to be pretty cheesy, and of an era of hip-hop/R&B that I've never really enjoyed. This definitely had that era's sound, but the main difference is that it is actually good! Not quite a 5, and I could do without the 12 minute outro, but I'll be coming back to this one.

Van Halen by Van Halen
Nov 17 2025

It's pretty dated, cheesy, and over-the-top, but still a lot of fun. Eruption alone makes this album worth listening to.

Are You Experienced by Jimi Hendrix
Nov 18 2025

I wonder how rock music would have evolved if Hendrix hadn't joined the 27 club. He was that type of talent and this album is that type of good.

m b v by My Bloody Valentine
Nov 19 2025

It's okay. Decent background/atmospheric music, but nothing I'm going to fall in love with.

Gris Gris by Dr. John
Nov 20 2025

It's if Lou Reed was from San Francisco instead of New York, and did acid instead of heroin. I didn't really enjoy this, but I'm glad I listened to it?

You're Living All Over Me by Dinosaur Jr.
Nov 21 2025

Feels like the exact midpoint between new wave and grunge. Can see why this is a cult classic!

Songs In The Key Of Life by Stevie Wonder
Nov 25 2025

Maybe a hot take, but this album is overrated. It's still five stars, don't get me wrong! Just not a top-five album of all time. Innervisions is even better, in my opinion.

Wild Wood by Paul Weller
Nov 26 2025

This is the music equivalent to Applebees. Like, it's not good but objectively not that bad. But why on earth would you choose to eat there over hundreds of better and more interesting places? This album is certainly not a must-hear. It's not terrible, but it might be worse - it's a waste of my time.

Talking Timbuktu by Ali Farka Touré
Nov 27 2025

Pretty good listen, and nice to get something not from a country that starts with "United." Not sure how often I'll come back to this, but I'm glad I heard it.

Chore of Enchantment by Giant Sand
Nov 28 2025

This was actually a pretty good listen, a pleasant surprise. I've got to stop peaking at the reviews before I listen to an album myself! Though it's a good album, I have a hard time believing this is one of the 1001 albums I absolutely MUST hear.

The Velvet Underground & Nico by The Velvet Underground
Dec 01 2025

Not sure what more needs to be said about this album. It's not the best album ever, and there are several points that don't sound exactly....good? But that's kind of the whole point. It's dirty, gritty, and maybe the most influential album of all time.

Surfer Rosa by Pixies
Dec 02 2025

Pixies have never really clicked for me, but this album came the closest. By the end it grew on me a bit, and ended up being a surprisingly good listen!

Da Capo by Love
Dec 04 2025

I listened to this album only hours ago, and I've already forgotten everything about it except that the last song was super long. It wasn't bad, just not the most memorable album of that era.

Too Rye Ay by Dexys Midnight Runners
Dec 05 2025

I'll admit I was mostly waiting the whole listen for Come On Eileen. The rest of the album was pretty fun, though, and Come On Eileen is such a great song.

Songs Of Leonard Cohen by Leonard Cohen
Dec 08 2025

Since I'm not a lyrics-first listener, I probably can't score this one as accurately as I should based off of just one listen.

This Year's Model by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Dec 09 2025

There's something about Elvis Costello that I still can't connect with, but I did enjoy this album.

Supa Dupa Fly by Missy Elliott
Dec 10 2025

Pretty fun and funky listen.

Tidal by Fiona Apple
Dec 11 2025

It's not my favorite Fiona Apple - all of her later albums are better in my opinion, but it's still very good.

GREY Area by Little Simz
Dec 12 2025

Little Simz is just really, really good. Maybe this is a 5 stars eventually for me, but first listen is 4.

Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath
Dec 15 2025

I didn't like this as much as other Black Sabbath albums. It's alright.

Machine Head by Deep Purple
Dec 16 2025

Usually this type of hard blues rock sounds super dated to me. But not this album - it still captures a really great energy and is a really fun listen.

Happy Sad by Tim Buckley
Dec 17 2025

It's not offensively bad, but oh my god it's sooooo boring.

Diamond Life by Sade
Dec 18 2025

Just a truly lovely album. Will listen again for sure.

The Score by Fugees
Dec 22 2025

Pretty good listen! A couple of classic songs I didn't know were by them.

Moon Safari by Air
Dec 23 2025

Surprisingly quite enjoyable!

Signing Off by UB40
Dec 24 2025

It's reggae, and it doesn't feel like essential reggae. It's not bad, just not what I want to spend my time listening to.

Penthouse And Pavement by Heaven 17
Dec 25 2025

Great first track. The rest was pretty fun but nothing I hadn't heard before.

Crosby, Stills & Nash by Crosby, Stills & Nash
Dec 26 2025

Not typically my favorite genre, but this is a pretty good listen. Some great harmonies.

Court And Spark by Joni Mitchell
Jan 20 2026

I've never been able to "get" Joni Mitchell. This album helped a bit, but still not there.

American Pie by Don McLean
Jan 21 2026

On a list of 1001 SONGS to hear before you die, American Pie would certainly make the list. But after that, the rest of this album just isn't worth my time. I was way happier listening to the Weird Al cover instead.

#1 Record by Big Star
Jan 22 2026

This was actually a very good record. Maybe I'll come back to this someday, but not disappointed I got to listen to this.

Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen
Jan 23 2026

On a lot of albums that I love, there’s one slower or acoustic song that I find slow and boring and a slog to get through. But after a couple dozen listens, I grow to appreciate it a lot more. This feels like an album of those songs. I love a lot of Bruce’s music, but this did not do it for me on a first listen. Maybe someday after many many listens it will hit me, but it’ll take a while to get there and I’m not sure I have the patience.

Sea Change by Beck
Jan 26 2026

I've only been a casual fan of Beck, but this album was a lovely listen!

I Should Coco by Supergrass
Jan 27 2026

An album I'm glad I've listened to before I die. Alright is one of those songs I've always loved, but didn't know who sang it, and had almost forgotten it's existence until by surprise it came up on this album! For finding that song again, I'm grateful.

New Wave by The Auteurs
Jan 28 2026

Pretty neat to hear! Something I'd be happy to listen to, but sparingly. If I wanted to hear this sound, I'd just listen to Robyn Hitchcock.

Jan 29 2026

Classic album that (mostly) holds up. Fuck Tha Police is an evergreen song, unfortunately....

Mask by Bauhaus
Jan 30 2026

I've been enjoying music that sounds like this a lot lately, so this was a well-timed album. Very good! Will likely come back to it.

Talking Heads 77 by Talking Heads
Feb 02 2026

Some debut albums are instant classics, and you see artists struggle to match the heights of their first album (see The Strokes). Some debut albums are a mess, with artists still trying to find their sound (see Bowie). This one is right in the middle. The Talking Heads unique sound is pretty much fully formed - this has all the trademarks of what makes their music so great. But for the most part it's just pretty good rather than the greatness that their future albums would bring. Except for Psycho Killer, that's an undeniable classic.

Madman Across The Water by Elton John
Feb 03 2026

One of the most average albums I've ever heard. It's not bad, but I don't really need to listen to it again, except for Tiny Dancer.

Cross by Justice
Feb 04 2026

I've been meaning to listen to this for a while now, so this was a good excuse. Pretty fun record!

Slippery When Wet by Bon Jovi
Feb 06 2026

It's pretty bad, over-the-top, cheesy, and dated. But on rare occasion in a fun way, so it's not the worst thing I've ever heard.

The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
Feb 09 2026

Oh how the mighty have fallen. This isn't my favorite Arcade Fire album - I prefer Funeral, Neon Bible, and Reflektor. But this inarguably the peak of their career. But it's such a shame Win turned out to be a creep, so I can't fully enjoy their music as much as I used to. But this album is still so good, if maybe a little bloated and poorly paced. Sprawl II is one of my favorite songs ever written, and should rightfully be an indie classic.

Blonde On Blonde by Bob Dylan
Feb 10 2026

I can see why people love this album so much, even if it didn’t hit me at first listen. I could see this being an acquired taste.

Feb 11 2026

Doves is one of those bands that should be right up my alley, but just doesn't click. I enjoy a lot of the sound, but probably won't come back to this that often.

The Pleasure Principle by Gary Numan
Feb 12 2026

Very of its time, and mostly in a good way! Worth listening to.

Wordsmith

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Other

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