Solid, enjoyable album. Sounds like something I would have blasted on vinyl in college while cooking a meal with my then-boyfriend. 3.5/5; rounded up to 4.
The lilting piano of One of These Things First, John Cale's haunting viola on Fly, the romanticism of Northern Sky, the deceptively jazzy Poor Boy...all tied together by Nick Drake's beautiful fingerpicking and haunting voice. One of my favorite albums, 5/5.
I enjoyed this album much more than I thought I would, but I felt that the second half dragged. Some seriously good and funky songs though, and I may just need to give it another listen. 3/5
What a fun album! I had been barely acquainted with Solomon Burke previously, but this album was a gem and I look forward to revisiting it. 4/5.
This is another one that I thought I wouldn't enjoy as much as I did. I can't say it was the most interesting album ever, but it was enjoyable enough, and they are clearly talented musicians. 3.5/5 rounded up to 4.
I have a deep sentimental attachment to the Carpenters going back to childhood (asking my dad to order their cd after seeing a commercial on tv, becoming obsessed with their songs and performing them to whoever would listen, writing to Richard and actually receiving a signed picture back… and so on) which certainly colors my listening experience of this album. But despite this sentimental attachment, I don’t actually find this album particularly interesting, and it is a bit sugary sweet. But I did enjoy a few of the songs and Karen’s voice is gorgeous as always and the harmonies are lovely. For that, and for sentimentality, it’s a 3/5.
Frank Sinatra's voice is so silky smooth and the songs very pleasant to listen to; I feel that this album would make a good soundtrack on a cold rainy day. I didn't find it particularly memorable, but I did listen to this in the airport so may need to give it another shot. 3/5.
I first listened to this album about ten years ago and was not a fan, so I was curious to see if I'd feel the same way. The first side is killer, then the second side gets a bit experimental, which I had forgotten about but I think is what had turned me off of the album on my first listen years ago since I hadn't been expecting it. Overall, Kate Bush is incredibly talent and I really enjoyed listening to it this time around and look forward to giving it another listen. 4/5.
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would! i found it a fun listen with at least a few songs I’d put on again.
I am admittedly not the biggest fan of hip hop. It’s one of the few genres that I don’t actively seek out or listen to. But it seemed like this album had a good flow and I didn’t actively dislike anything I heard. 3/5.
Fairly forgettable pop. It was a pleasant enough listen but no songs really stood out to me and I can’t see myself revisiting this album.
This was a pretty smooth and decent listen. However, I don't think I'll revisit it. But, as someone who doesn't actively pursue hip hop, that may be more of a reflection of me and my listening habits than the album. 3/5.
Jerry Lee Lewis was undoubtedly a sordid and crazy man but he sure knew how to put on a show. A rollicking, engaging, very fun live album that showcases his talent, especially on the piano. It’s quite short, clocking in at just about 22 minutes, but a lot of music is packed in there. Would definitely listen again. 4/5.
It took me a while to get through this one, not because it's a bad album, but it just was not my jam. 2.25/5, rounding down to 2/5.
This was a lot weirder than I anticipated it would be, but also way more enjoyable, and I had a fun time listening to it. 3.5/5, rounded up to 4/5.
Great, funky album! Really enjoyed it. 4/5
Good energy on this live album, but nothing else too remarkable to set it apart from anything else. Still, not a bad listen by any means. 3/5.
Some really good tracks on here, the obvious standout being Killing Me Softly. Still, not music that I would actively seek out, but was a good soundtrack to finishing up work on a Friday afternoon. 3/5
Everything John Cale touches seems to be wonderful. Loved this album. 4.5/5, rounding up to 5.
I was listening to this album as I was doing housework and then had to put in on pause when I got a phone call... and never started listening to it again, nor do I have a desire to do so. With other albums I didn't like I could at least put them on in the background and not be too bothered, but I'm pretty sure this one elevated my blood pressure. There were a couple of instrumental sections that weren't bad so I'll give it credit there. 1.5/5, rounded up to 2.
The last time I listened to this album was about ten years ago when I was making my way through Rolling Stone's 100 greatest albums. I don't know if I'll listen it to again, since punk rock is not generally my jam. But I can't help but appreciate its energy, its influence and how the Sex Pistols changed the course of music. Also, the album cover and title are fantastic. 4/5.
Merle Haggard is a classic. I’m generally not a fan of modern country music but I’ll listen to him any day. 3.5/5, rounded up to 4/5.
While I do enjoy some songs of theirs, I am generally pretty indifferent to them. This wasn’t a bad album but I feel like it’s more atmospheric than anything, like something you’d have on in the background of a small group gathering where everyone is really high. 2.5/5, rounded up to 3/5.
"The fact that you are married / only proves you're my best friend / but it's truly, truly a sin"
Boy, do I love this album. 4.5/5, rounded up to 5/5.
Is it possible to dislike this album? Classic after classic, songs to dance to, love songs, songs of social commentary... Stevie Wonder kills it here. 4.25/5, rounded down to 4/5.
This was weird! But I also kind of enjoyed it? Solid psychedelic experimentation and some fun instrumental bits. 3/5.
I was surprised to see so many negative reviews of this one. As a classical musician, I enjoyed the familiar themes and tunes from the 19th century portrayed and covered at a live rock concert in 1971. 3.25/5, rounded down to 3/5.
I love Nick Cave’s tenth album, The Boatman’s Call, which is described on Wikipedia as “a marked departure from the bulk of the band's post-punk catalogue up to that point.” Murder Ballads is certainly… different from TBC. I didn’t hate it, but I don’t know if I’d listen to it again, and I may be concerned if I came across someone who was blasting this album or declared it their favorite album. 3/5
This wasn't a bad album, but it all sounded pretty much the same to me. Anita Baker has a lovely voice but I couldn't tell you any songs or anything that made me sit up and pay attention. 2/5
The genius of David Bowie can’t be overstated, and this is a perfectly crafted album and a fantastic glam rock opera. 4.25/5 rounded down to 4/5 just because I don’t think I’ll keep it on heavy rotation as I do to 4.5-5 star albums.
I wasn't sure if I'd like this album upon the first track, but I quite enjoyed it! I'm not sure if it will go on heavy rotation but I would listen to it again. Liked Big Black Car, Stroke it Noel, and Take Care. 3.5/5 but rounding down to 3/5.
I listened to this album while cooking dinner, and I could not tell you when one song ended and another one began, save for perhaps one song. I can appreciate the album and its brooding aesthetic but it was not made for me. 2/5.
Not my favorite by The Doors, but I didn't hate it. Would put it on again as chill background music to a gathering or while I'm cooking dinner. 3/5.
Good ol' classic 80s soft rock. I'd never heard this one before but found it pleasant enough with some songs I plan to revisit, particularly the opening and closing tracks. 3/5.
I like David Bowie, but I didn’t think this album provided anything super revelatory, and there are other albums of his out there that are far more notable. 3/5
For this project I am listening to every single album, even those already familiar to me. So I was waiting for the perfect moment to listen to this one, when I could really listen to Nick Drake's lyrics and fingerpicking and chords and absorb it all. An absolutely beautiful album - sad yet achingly hopeful, even more so knowing Nick Drake's backstory and that this was his final album before he died at 26. An easy 5/5.
This album was decidedly not made for me. I can appreciate the musicianship, but that's about it. 2/5
good ol' classic prog rock that was fine to listen to on a long drive but don't anticipate listening to again. 3/5.
I don't think you can truly go wrong with any of the CSNY bunch. I hadn't heard this one before and while there were some that I didn't particularly enjoy, there were others that I can't wait to listen to again. 3.5/5, rounded up to 4/5.
Not my favorite Neil Young album, but not the worst. Fairly enjoyable listen all around. 3/5.
Although I am not sure if I'll listen to this album again, I have a big soft spot for Tom Waits and his gravelly voice and have yet to truly dislike anything I've heard from him. 3.5/5, rounded up to 4/5.
I can’t tell if I actually listened to the correct album but as a legend and one of the Founding Fathers of rock and roll, is it possible to not like dislike Fats Domino? I think not. 4/5
This was a perfectly fine listen. Wouldn't skip any of the songs, maybe would seek a couple out? Solidly average all around.
Fun disco album, good mix of dance tunes that I would probably revisit. 3.5/5 rounded up to 4/5.
Really enjoyable. Listened to it while working but would like to give it another listen with more intention. 4/5.
This was fine but sounded like a rip-off of earlier country artists, whose music I would rather listen to.
Not bad but nothing distinguished this album for me and I don't anticipate revisiting any of it. 2/5.
