583
Albums Rated
3.37
Average Rating
54%
Complete
506 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
2010s
Favorite Decade
Funk
Favorite Genre
other
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
66
5-Star Albums
17
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Box | 5 | 2.41 | +2.59 |
| Yeezus | 5 | 2.77 | +2.23 |
| Millions Now Living Will Never Die | 5 | 2.88 | +2.12 |
| Here Come The Warm Jets | 5 | 3.07 | +1.93 |
| Repeater | 5 | 3.12 | +1.88 |
| Deloused in the Comatorium | 5 | 3.2 | +1.8 |
| High Violet | 5 | 3.24 | +1.76 |
| Crooked Rain Crooked Rain | 5 | 3.24 | +1.76 |
| Winter In America | 5 | 3.25 | +1.75 |
| Teen Dream | 5 | 3.27 | +1.73 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eagles | 1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
| Selling England By The Pound | 1 | 3.18 | -2.18 |
| Heavy Weather | 1 | 2.99 | -1.99 |
| Will The Circle Be Unbroken | 1 | 2.98 | -1.98 |
| Truth And Soul | 1 | 2.97 | -1.97 |
| The Doors | 2 | 3.95 | -1.95 |
| Ogden's Nut Gone Flake | 1 | 2.95 | -1.95 |
| Picture Book | 1 | 2.88 | -1.88 |
| Fly Or Die | 1 | 2.86 | -1.86 |
| Live / Dead | 1 | 2.83 | -1.83 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Radiohead | 4 | 4.75 |
| The Velvet Underground | 3 | 4.67 |
| The White Stripes | 2 | 5 |
| The Smashing Pumpkins | 2 | 5 |
| Jimi Hendrix | 2 | 5 |
| A Tribe Called Quest | 2 | 5 |
| Beatles | 6 | 4 |
| The Rolling Stones | 3 | 4.33 |
| Prince | 3 | 4.33 |
| Bob Dylan | 5 | 4 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Eagles | 2 | 1.5 |
| Everything But The Girl | 2 | 1.5 |
| Grateful Dead | 2 | 1.5 |
| Dexys Midnight Runners | 3 | 2 |
5-Star Albums (66)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Van Morrison
2/5
It seems truly impossible that this could be one of the 1001 most important albums of all time.
23 likes
3/5
I don't think this woman should be in this relationship anymore.
3/5
7 likes
Meat Loaf
2/5
More people bought this album than voted for Jimmy Carter in the 1976 Presidential Election.
2/5
3 likes
The Electric Prunes
2/5
Probably the most uneven album yet. Some good cuts and some abominations.
2/5
2 likes
Run-D.M.C.
2/5
It's so easy to see how influential Run-D.M.C. was on hip-hop, but re-listening to their debut in 2023 is a little tougher than other groundbreaking records.
2.5/5
1 likes
1-Star Albums (17)
All Ratings
Joni Mitchell
5/5
Some high highs and mixed in with forgettable tracks. Loved Carey, California, and A Case of You. Can see how this influenced the singer/songwriter genre that came after it.
4.5/5
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Maybe I liked CCR more than I realized. It's a shame writing a proper ending to a song wasn't invented until 1970.
3.5/5
Run-D.M.C.
2/5
It's so easy to see how influential Run-D.M.C. was on hip-hop, but re-listening to their debut in 2023 is a little tougher than other groundbreaking records.
2.5/5
Carpenters
2/5
Oppressively earnest. Karen Carpenter’s voice shines and I enjoyed the vocal harmonies and arraignments, but found myself enjoying the album less as it moved along. All the sugary sweetness gave me a stomach ache.
2.5/5
Willie Nelson
3/5
A collection of classic crooner covers.
3/5
Stevie Wonder
4/5
More downtempo than I thought it would be. Obviously knew the lead singles, but found myself really enjoying the varied instrumentation throughout. Absolutely bonkers that he released Innervisions less than a year after this.
4/5
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
2/5
Desperately needs an editor. It's obvious that the lack of subtlety is the point, but I have never rolled my eyes hard than at the lyric "The only cola that I support would be a universal Cost Of Living Allowance"
2/5
Mott The Hoople
2/5
Glam rock sholck. Totally unmemorable.
1.5/5
Alice In Chains
3/5
First time listening to this album in full since about 2003. Forgot how heavy it opens. Significantly better than a lot of crap immitators it spawned.
3.5/5
M.I.A.
3/5
I think I might have heard Paper Planes 500 times in my life and it still has not gotten old. Some track get a bit repetitive, but M.I.A.'s blend of styles still feels fresh today.
3.5/5
The Human League
4/5
Feel like this one might grow on me. I had heard Don't You Want Me and Seconds before, but never the full album. So clear how massive of an influence they had on bands like LCD Soundsystem and MGMT.
4/5
U2
3/5
Extemely listenable. While doesn't reach the heights of Joshua Tree, it's instantly apparent why this was one of the biggest albums of the '90s.
3/5
Jimmy Smith
4/5
Really lovely. Tight grooves and feels like all the songs earn their lenghts. Will definitely find myself returning to this album and exploring Jimmy Smith more.
Iggy Pop
4/5
You know, as somebody who has known about Iggy Pop my whole life, i don't think I even knew that his most popular songs were by him. This ruled. Definitely added to my rotation.
Blur
3/5
Another potential grower. Could have seen myself endlessly replaying this on my CD player if it came out a few years later.
3/5
Dire Straits
3/5
Sometimes you just need some mid-tempo rock in your life. Can imagine myself throwing this vinyl on mid-day while doing chores around the house.
3.5/5
Neneh Cherry
3/5
A time capsule of the late '80s. Buffalo Stance really shines with some inventive production and momentum.
3/5
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
Think I enjoy the Crosby and Stills a bit better in their CSNY era. Found this very enjoyable but only a few tracks like Broken Arrow had the ingenuity I kind of expected from Neil Young.
3/5
Black Flag
4/5
Anger distilled. Henry Rollins really created something impressive here. It's raw, emotional, angsty, and youthful. Perfectly captured a feeling of disaffected youth.
3.5/5
Sigur Rós
4/5
It feels almost wrong to listen to this album on the one of the hottest NYC days in April on record. Probably the album I most associate with wintertime. It's beautiful, calming, and transfixing even though I can't understand a single word. Gorgeous.
4.5/5
The Kinks
3/5
Enjoyed this, but definitely liked it more when The Beatles did it.
3/5
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Maps remains unassailable, but I had forgotten about how... mediocre I feel about the first half or the record. Its best moments are concentrated at the end.
3/5
Rod Stewart
2/5
Even as somebody who enjoys longer songs, almost every single track here feels bloated. Slapping on a cover of Amazing Grace to the end of a song? Why? Not bad but don't envision myself revisiting.
2.5/5
Prefab Sprout
4/5
Had never head of this band or any of their songs and found myself pretty pleasantly surprised. Bonny is an immediate standout and has been stuck in my head all day. A good lazy Sunday album to put on.
3.5/5
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
I think I prefer sad / reflecting Bruce if we're doing a whole album (see Nebraska) but the undeniable energy of Born To Run is felt throughout. Having lived in NYC for a decade now, I think I've probably heard these songs at bars roughly 10,00 times.
4/5
The Pogues
2/5
I don't dislike The Pogues, but they're an immensely context dependent band. If I'm a few pints in at a bar? Sure! Throw them on. If I'm on the subway at 8:30 AM for my morning commute? Less enthused.
2/5
Dusty Springfield
2/5
Well sung but remarkable album of covers. I know that was the standard for a lot of singers in the 60's breaking into the industry, but it still doesn't feel important in any way. Also, Mockingbird will always make me laugh because of Dumb & Dumber.
2/5
John Lee Hooker
3/5
John Lee Hooker is obviously a Blues icon, but found myself not loving the collaborative nature of this record. Wanted more solo songs.
3/5
Eagles
2/5
Offensively inoffensive.
1.5/5
The Stooges
4/5
I would like to thank this exercise for showing me that I do, in fact, enjoy Iggy Pop.
3.5/5
Bauhaus
4/5
One of my favorite things about this 1001 albums project is learning how to accurately predict the global score from other people. The fact that this album is almost a full point lower than The Eagles perfectly sums up the clientele of this project.
3.5/5
Afrika Bambaataa
1/5
Was initially given Afrika Bambaataa but decided against listening after seeing his numerous child molestation charges.
Instead, I chose another random album and was given Gorillaz 2001 self-titled debut album. I was surprised by how forgettable this was outside of Clint Eastwood. It turns out that almost all of the songs I enjoy are from Demon Days or Plastic Beach.
2.5/5
The Beach Boys
5/5
Pretty much perfect. It's hard to overstate Brian Wilson's songwriting and harmonic talents here. One of my all time favorite concert memories is hearing The Beach Boys (full line up) play Wouldn't It Be Nice at Bonnaroo on a perfect summer day. I can keep going back to this one over and over without getting sick of it.
5/5
Nick Drake
5/5
I wish I could live inside this album. It's so comfortable with its simple approcach to songwriting. Just a voice and an acoustic guitar. I'll be revisiting this one over and over and over.
5/5
Keith Jarrett
4/5
The amount of talent on display here is jaw-dropping. To be able to improvise a full hour concert that holds the attention throughout is nearly unbelievable. Another I might want to by on vinyl.
4/5
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
Being born and raised in Amherst MA I am legally obligated to like this album. Loud as hell, J. Mascis absolutely rips. While I really enjoy the later Dinosaur Jr. albums, their early raw sound to so influential.
3.5/5
Joni Mitchell
3/5
My second Joni Mitchell album. Liked it less than Blue which his really grown on me. Could see myself really diving deep into her discography.
3.5/5
Genesis
1/5
As somebody that is admittedly pretty averse to Medieval fantasy in general, the idea of that being the theme for a concept album made by some of the most self-indulgent (but extremely talented) musicians was already a red flag. This is one book you absolutely can judge by its cover. It's so eager to jam in any idea it feels like at any time without any thought if it flows. The lyrics are comically awful but the drums are cool. This ain't it.
1/5
Waylon Jennings
3/5
Starting to understand that I have a soft spot for this type of country. Simple, direct songs with a great voice behind it. I don't seek this type of music out often but I do enjoy it when it's on.
3/5
Sugar
2/5
Not bad, but kind of all gloms into one big mush. Each song feels like it drags just a little too long but none of it is bad. Going to forget I listened to this in about 72 hours.
2.5/5
Eminem
2/5
I'm usually not a big fan of judging art released in a different era based off of the evolved norms of the present, but it's difficult for me to listen to The Slim Shady LP and not feel how poorly parts of it have aged. The shock era of hip-hop was one I'm glad we left in the past, and the constant rape fantasy aspects are tough. Eminem is clearly a craftsman, but this isn't my favorite of his albums.
2.5/5
Lenny Kravitz
2/5
Love good. Hate bad.
2/5
Bebel Gilberto
2/5
Kinda blended into the background no matter how hard I tried to concentrate on it.
2.5/5
Funkadelic
5/5
I think I've heard every song on this album at least once or twice but somehow I don't think I've listened straight through. Loved it. Right up my alley with the blend of funk, psych, and straight forward guitar shredding.
5/5
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
High highs and pretty forgettable lows. As a whole enjoyed Side 1 which is more downtempo and acoustic, while the more raucous Side 2 has moments but doesn't quite meet the same level. Fun listen though.
3.5/5
3/5
I don't think this woman should be in this relationship anymore.
3/5
Daft Punk
3/5
Another debut album, akin to the Gorillaz, where I liked it less on a re-listen. Outside of a few of the singles, most of the Daft Punk songs I really love are on Discovery. It's good but not nearly as fleshed out as their later work.
3/5
T. Rex
2/5
I do not care for glam rock.
2/5
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
I definitely enjoyed listening to this, but will always feel I have an enjoyment / appreciation cap for reggae. Love the vibes though.
3.5/5
Ray Charles
4/5
Usually not too big of a fan of 'big band' but c'mon, it's Ray Charles. Such a good album to get on a beautiful Sunday in May. The final two track are such an incredible ending to the album.
4/5
Arcade Fire
5/5
This is the first album I'm going to have to recuse myself from giving an objective rating. Hearing this album at 14 / 15 years old really did change the type of music I enjoyed. I keep revisiting it thinking my enjoyment of it will diminish but nope, still as good. I can't believe they made an album so genuinely earnest that somehow isn't cheesy.
5/5
Saint Etienne
3/5
Dig the vibe. Downtempo for the most part, but engaging throughout. Could definitely see myself putting this on while driving during the summer. Had never heard of them before this and will be added into my rotation.
3.5/5
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
3/5
Listened while walking around scenic Albany, was pleasant. Dunno why penguins are involved though.
3.5/5
OutKast
3/5
It's pretty impressive when one of your worst albums is still this good. The separation of Big Boi & Andre 3000 does weaken some of the magic they have when they are together, but man, some of my favorite Outkast songs ever are on here. The Rooster might be the most underrated song they've ever put out.
3.5/5
Air
4/5
A perfect soundtrack for a drive up to New Hampshire.
Dr. Dre
4/5
Foundational. Perfect to put on at a bachelor party.
FKA twigs
4/5
I was aware of this when it came out but missed diving deep. Glad I did now.
Johnny Cash
4/5
The art of stage banter has definitely been lost on the current generation of artist. Johnny Cash is a master here, chatting with the inmates at San Quentin and has them entralled with his performance. An unreal performance of A Boy Named Sue is the cherry on top.
4/5
Alice Cooper
3/5
There are some interesting moments stashed throughout this record, but the whole 'rock musical' vibe just ain't it for me. I've always been a bit allergic to that style and it's really turned up to 11 here.
2.5/5
The Specials
3/5
Some fun individual tunes on here, but I just couldn't get it out of my head that every once in a while the lead singer sounded like John Mulaney.
3/5
King Crimson
4/5
So so so much better than so much of the terrible Prog Rock it spawned.
4/5
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
Dynamite singles, impressive vocal harmonies throughout. Not as immediately captivating as some of the other breakthrough '60s pop but definitely a breezy listen.
3.5/5
The Pretty Things
2/5
Maybe the worst mixing I’ve ever heard on an album.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
Literally half of this album is all timers. The best of the southern rock boom.
Green Day
4/5
Some parts were better than I remembered, others feel a bit tacked on. Still, this is a foundational memory album for my musical history. I’ve probably listened to this album 100 times.
3.5/5
Supergrass
3/5
Feeling a bit burnt out after weeks of gravel so probably didn't give this as much attention as I should have, but I did enjoy it. Realized I knew Alright but everything else was new.
3.5/5
Minutemen
4/5
Holy shit, the Jackass song has lyrics???
3.5/5
Public Enemy
4/5
The visceral and justified anger on this album holds up incredibly well. I was incredibly impressed by the beats here. So dynamic and interesting.
4/5
The Who
2/5
Truly not sure why this is on this list. So forgettable.
The Stooges
4/5
This is my third Iggy Pop related album out of the 71 I've done so far. Can't really complaining, love the rawness and grunge of this record. Sign me up for more.
3.5/5
Aerosmith
2/5
My dad really really hated this album.
Linkin Park
3/5
My brother really loved this album.
XTC
2/5
Didn't click for me at all. There were glimpses and moments where i connected but as a whole I found it pretty grating and disjointed. Maybe I'll like it more if I listen again at some later date but who knows.
2/5
Herbie Hancock
4/5
Love the groove. Great driving music through scenic southern Illinois.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
1/5
Holy shit this was two hours. My dad made me turn this off multiple times.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Found myself enjoying this more than I expected. It's definitely hard rock, but it was more melodic and engaging throughout.
4/5
Dr. John
4/5
Such a vibe. You can feel the bayou oozing out of ever part of this record. This will be another great discovery from this project that I might trying buying on vinyl.
4.5/5
Jungle Brothers
3/5
Have really enjoyed these 80’s hip hop records. Great beats and very dancy.
3.5/5
Steely Dan
3/5
There are Steely Dan songs I like, but outside of Aja I can't really find myself fully invested in a full album.
3/5
Barry Adamson
2/5
Almost an interesting enough concept to warrant it being on this list, but I've heard both far better soundtracks and far better ambient albums than this.
2.5/5
Simply Red
1/5
If I had one major critique of this 1001 Albums project, is that the list relies too heavily on debut albums from artists in a specific genre to stand in for that genre. This album is so bland and forgettable, but it fits the 80's mid-tempo pop that dominated the airwaves, so it's included. I almost shut it off when the lyric "Everyone is trying to get to the bar, the name of the bar, the bar is called Heaven"
1.5/5
The Specials
2/5
Two Specials albums on here is more than enough. Been on quite a bummer run recently.
1.5/5
Depeche Mode
4/5
Enjoy The Silence is an all timer song for me. Love the darkness throughout but still catchy as hell.
4/5
Pink Floyd
4/5
An all time classic, but I really didn't enjoy the more skit-like songs. Only thing that kept it from being higher.
4/5
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
The band is good at the style of music they play, but this style of New Wave has a cap for me of how much I can enjoy it.
2.5/5
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
Her voice is unreal, but 3+ hours is a LONG time to listen to very similar songs.
3/5
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Is this the number one album that people have fucked to in human history? It's definitely possible.
4.5/5
Iggy Pop
3/5
This is my fourth Iggy Pop Album. I think this slots in at 3rd place. While I am enjoying his music, sure would be nice if the randomizer would give me artists other than Iggy Pop.
3.5/5
The Sonics
3/5
Seeing the earliest beginnings of lo-fi and grunge is super cool, but too many songs are covers to be super interesting.
3.5/5
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
Far far better than the debut Run-D.M.C. album I got previously. A full realization of their sound that has 3 of the most famous hip hop songs of all time on it.
4/5
Oasis
3/5
They’re kinda cheesy, but boy do I have a soft spot for this era.
3.5/5
The Cardigans
2/5
Oh hey it’s that song!
2.5/5
Sex Pistols
3/5
I saw The Sex Pistols described as a punk band that is also a boy band and I couldn't unhear it the whole album.
3/5
Ananda Shankar
2/5
The original songs here are actually pretty good, but the covers of rock songs are unlistenable. Sitar really had a moment in the late 60's / early 70's didn't it.
2.5/5
Rod Stewart
2/5
I just find Rod Stewart's style so bland. It's easy listening rock that I forget about immediately when the album is over. My second album of his and he hasn't done anything to change my opinion on him.
2/5
Beatles
4/5
Shocked it took me this long to get to a Beatles album. I've listened to the White Album a time or two before, but mostly I've repeatedly listened to the standouts. While the highs are undoubtedly high, there are some real lows and songs that drag down this from a stellar rating. Love how varied it is, but it is uneven.
4/5
My Bloody Valentine
4/5
My Bloody Valentine is a very particular band for me. I need to be in the right headspace to listen but when it clicks it REALLY clicks. Not as good as the classic Loveless but a worthy follow up.
4/5
R.E.M.
4/5
My 100th album in this project. Pretty pleased with this, have always liked R.E.M. but haven't done a deep dive on their discography. It's very clear how influential they were on indie rock that came after them.
4/5
David Bowie
3/5
A fun change of pace for Bowie, but definitely not his best or most impactful.
3.5/5
Everything But The Girl
1/5
There are definitely worse albums on this list, but I don't think there are any that are less important. A total snooze fest.
1/5
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
Love me some Simon & Garfunkel. Very happy to see they showed up as an excuse to dive deeper. Not their best but a good entry.
3.5/5
The Adverts
3/5
A decent Brit-Punk album. Enjoyed it, but can't see myself ever returning to it.
2.5/5
Leonard Cohen
4/5
A great listen. One of the debut albums on this list that truly belongs.
Throwing Muses
3/5
An up and down listen. Think I’ll enjoy revisiting specific songs but doubt I’ll check out the whole album again.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
Probably the album where my enjoyment will vary the most based on my mood. If I'm into drug based fuckery I'll throw it on. However, f I'm in any other mood...
OutKast
5/5
I think I might have listened to Bombs Over Baghdad 10,000 times in my life. An all time classic album.
The National
5/5
Another of my personal all time albums. This came out my Junior Year of college and was probably what I listened to most that year. While Boxer is still my #1 National album, the highs here rank among my favorites.
4.5/5
Burning Spear
3/5
Again, with most reggae albums, I enjoyed it but for me it kinda has a ceiling given the repetition of the beats.
3/5
Eagles
1/5
Oh, so this is what they meant when they said "the banality of evil"
1/5
The Cure
3/5
This album got me through 7 airplane delays. I appreciate it for that.
3.5/5
Gram Parsons
2/5
Not all harmonies are good harmonies.
2/5
Merle Haggard
3/5
Good music to cook burgers to.
3/5
Pink Floyd
4/5
Great fishing music.
The White Stripes
5/5
One of my all time favorites. So repayable
The Electric Prunes
2/5
Probably the most uneven album yet. Some good cuts and some abominations.
2/5
Spacemen 3
4/5
Pretty sweet. Pretty spacey. Very nice plane music.
3.5/5
Dead Kennedys
3/5
I do really appreciate how some punk songs end after 90 seconds cause that's all that's needed.
3.5/5
The Avalanches
4/5
Each track just blends so well into each other. Always fun to revisit from time to time.
4/5
2/5
I am still totally perplexed by what this album actually is.
David Bowie
3/5
Good, but not my favorite Bowie by any stretch.
Beatles
5/5
It's crazy how good Tomorrow Never Knows is. The whole sitar movement in the 60's was a strange time in retrospect huh.
5/5
Santana
4/5
More singing on the album than I would have thought. A fun listen that is perfect for the summertime.
4/5
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
4/5
I think the biggest discovery I've had during this project is that I really really enjoy British New Wave.
4/5
The Smiths
3/5
Some beautiful songs, while also including some moments where you can really hear Morrissey's asshole nature come out.
3.5/5
Miles Davis
4/5
Miles Davis is always good, but this album is a bit under his best.
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
I've never actually listened to his original music, only really heard his covers. Kinda enjoyed some tracks, while I was physically appalled by others.
1.5/5
De La Soul
4/5
Fun as hell. I miss when hip hop was this positive
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
By far the pinnacle of it's genre. Was a real delight to listen to.
4.5/5
Scissor Sisters
4/5
Fun as hell. Pretty surprised I missed this when it came out given the year. Happy to have discovered it now.
The Stooges
3/5
Fifth Iggy Pop album. Feels like it’s intentional at this point.
3.5/5
4/5
Been meaning to listen to this for a while now so I’m glad that this was put in front of me.
3.5/5
Maxwell
3/5
I like Maxwell, but this again falls in the debut album issue this project has.
3/5
Gene Clark
2/5
Just totally bland and banal. Not awful but won’t ever think about it again.
Johnny Cash
3/5
Some excellent covers, but doesn’t quite elevate above the source material to make this a classic.
Common
3/5
Immediately put me back in high school. The 2005 oozes from this record and the genuineness feels like a bygone era.
3/5
Silver Jews
4/5
Immediately put me back in high school. The 2005 oozes from this record and the genuineness feels like a bygone era.
3/5
The Byrds
3/5
For all that I've heard about The Byrds, was pretty disappointed in this. Really felt like nothing special for the mid to late 60s.
2.5/5
Jeff Buckley
3/5
So so so much weirder than I thought it would be. Might grow on me but I'll need some more time with it.
3/5
Van Morrison
2/5
It seems truly impossible that this could be one of the 1001 most important albums of all time.
Tricky
3/5
Genuinely weird, but I can really see how important it is. Excited to relisten.
3/5
Elton John
3/5
It’s always a bit disappointing when an album starts with by far the best song.
Sam Cooke
4/5
One of the better live albums to be included on the list.
3.5/5
Fatboy Slim
3/5
The late 90's were truly a breeding ground for weird dance music.
Ice Cube
4/5
The ripple effects of the Rodney King decision come through on almost every song on here.
4/5
Metallica
4/5
I started listening to this at 8 AM and it was a bit too much. A much better to listen to after noon.
4/5
Sabu
3/5
I'm glad some Congo music was included on this list, needed a reprieve from the amount of American and British rock, but I'm not sure is this is the definitive text for Congo music.
2.5/5
The White Stripes
5/5
I genuinely think I've listened to this 200 times. A seminal album for my middle / high school experience.
4.5/5
Charles Mingus
5/5
I genuinely think I've listened to this 200 times. A seminal album for my middle / high school experience.
4.5/5
DJ Shadow
4/5
Haven't listened to this whole album in years, forgot how good it was to have on while working.
3.5/5
Bob Dylan
5/5
Finally got my first Dylan. I don't think I've listened to one of his albums in full... ever? Which after listening to Bringing It All Back Home was clearly a mistake. I'm not the first person to ever say that this Dylan fellow was a good songwriter, but boy is he.
5/5
Sparks
3/5
It's always intersting hearing a good version of an genre you don't really enjoy. Have tried to like Sparks for some time but it just hasn't clicked.
2.5/5
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Enjoyed the uptempo songs so much more than the ballads. These 80's ballads just don't do anything for me, even when they're sung by Kate Bush.
3/5
The Undertones
2/5
It was fine.
2.5/5
The B-52's
3/5
The B-52’s really feel like a band I should love, but it just didn’t connect. The weirdness I appreciated but man the songs grew old as I was listening to each one.
2.5/5
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
Loses a bit of steam as the album goes along, but a chill listen. Will put this on if I'm chilling outside with a drink.
3.5/5
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
3/5
I have a hard time listening to full albums of acapella music. To me they kind of have a ceiling of my possible enjoyment. I think this is a good entry but wish that there was a bit more momentum to the tracks. I know that's not the point, but limited my overall enjoyment.
3.5/5
Bonnie Raitt
3/5
Man, people really fucking hate this album. Not every song is top tier but definitely an enjoyable listen.
3.5/5
Björk
4/5
Björk has been an artist I've know that I needed to actually listen to more, glad this popped up. A very unique sound that I dug quite a bit and the arraignments were gorgeous.
4/5
Led Zeppelin
4/5
That drum solo sucked.
3.5/5
Bob Dylan
4/5
Lovely driving music through rural PA.
4/5
Tim Buckley
2/5
There are a few cool moments, but sounds WAY too much like a renaissance faire for my liking.
2/5
Neil Young
4/5
I really need to dive deeper into Neil Young. Basically everything I've heard from him I enjoy, but I've never taken the initiative to really commit.
4.5/5
The Cars
4/5
Found myself enjoying the deeper album cuts quite a bit.
4/5
Sufjan Stevens
5/5
One of the most important albums that helped shape my tastes. Since I first heard this in high school, I've listened to it in full hundreds of times and it still retains its magic.
5/5
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
I didn't hate it, but it kinda just washed over me and left nothing behind.
3/5
Beastie Boys
4/5
I've probably listened to Sabotage 10,000 times while I was growing up. Still rips.
3.5/5
Fishbone
1/5
I'm genuinely surprised by how much I disliked this. Fishbone tries their hand at so many different genres and holy shit do they butcher them all. I might have liked this if it was more banal, but they somehow manage to fuck up like seven different genres, it's almost impressive. Almost.
.5/5
Janis Joplin
4/5
Loved it. My first time listening straight through a Janis Joplin album and definitely won’t be the last.
4.5/5
Billy Joel
4/5
I think I like the idea of Billy Joel's music more than Billy Joel's music.
3.5/5
Blood, Sweat & Tears
3/5
An odd one to place. Sometimes I enjoyed their interpolation of music that they're covering and sometimes it totally fell flat. More good than bad.
3/5
White Denim
4/5
This gets RIGHT up to the edge of too noodly for me. Rips.
4/5
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Pretty unremarkable compared to the other better Brit Rock on this list.
3/5
Janelle Monáe
4/5
Inventive, bold, and defintiely ahead of it's time. On revisit I notice it's bloat a bit more and it clearly fades as it ends, but man the highs are so high.
4/5
ZZ Top
2/5
If I ever lose my job, just hire me as ZZ Top’s drummer.
2/5
Adele
3/5
Her voice is obviously incredible and some of the cuts off this record are interesting enough to truly show that off, but man some of the songwriting is just plain as hell.
3.5/5
The Doors
2/5
It’s been a while since I’ve listened and I forgot how little I enjoy the non-standout tracks on here. Alabama Song was one of the worst songs I’ve heard on this project.
2.5/5
Steely Dan
3/5
Pretty surprised I enjoyed this more the other Steely Dan album I got on this project. Seemed a little less self-serious.
3.5/5
Fela Kuti
4/5
What I wouldn’t give to see this live.
4/5
Cream
3/5
Obligatory fuck Eric Clapton.
3/5
Pink Floyd
4/5
It’s hilarious how much higher this album is rated than any other one I’ve gotten so far. Who ever would have guessed.
Fela Kuti
5/5
After getting two Fela Kuti albums out of my four and loving them both, feels like I'm going to need to do a deep dive on their discography.
4.5/5
Cypress Hill
3/5
Right in between a 3-3.5 for me. The beats are the best part, consistently interesting. I have a feeling these guys don’t like cops.
3/5
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
Mardy Bum was on so many of my custom mix CDs in high school. How else was I supposed to impress girls?
4/5
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
If they took off the ballads here it might be a 5/5, but those just pale in comparison to the upbeat cuts.
4.5/5
Jethro Tull
2/5
I just can't get into this medieval sounding dreck.
2/5
The Kinks
2/5
Decent to have on in the background, but like the other Kinks album I've had on the project, just not engaging enough for me.
2.5/5
Motörhead
3/5
The riffs are iconic and I just choose to not pay attention to any of the lyrics whatsoever.
3.5/5
Dexys Midnight Runners
1/5
I know this is a free project, but I feel like I deserve my money back for having to listen to a SECOND Dexys Midnight Runners album.
1.5/5
Hanoi Rocks
1/5
Once more, I do not care for Glam Rock.
1.5/5
Songhoy Blues
4/5
Found this really enjoyable. Loved the desert swing style of rock and the band is clearly both passionate about their beliefs and also passionate about laying down some bitchin riffs.
4/5
Tim Buckley
2/5
This is the third Buckley (father and son) album I've gotten during this project. It's not as bad as the other Tim Buckley album, but it certainly isn't good. I'm somebody who doesn't mind a rambling record, but these songs seem to exist to go nowhere.
2/5
3/5
A welcome suprise after a few crappy albums. Fun punk, can't believe this came out in 1981.
3.5/5
Neil Young
4/5
Neil Young is an artist where I always love when I hear him but still have not taken the initiative to explore on my own. I really need to.
4/5
Fats Domino
4/5
Today I discovered the album names for Fats Domino:
This is Fats Domino!
…A Lot of Dominos!
Fats Is Back!
Fats
The Fat Man
The 50's were a simpler time.
3.5./5
Guns N' Roses
4/5
I think I've heard half of the songs on here 5,000 times and the other half once.
4/5
Big Black
4/5
Abrasive in the best way possible. Maybe I like punk more than I think I do.
4/5
Peter Gabriel
4/5
I didn't realize that Peter Gabriel ever released an album that was inspired by post-punk and new wave. A real surprise in a good way.
3.5/5
The Byrds
3/5
My 200th album from this project and a bit of a disspointing one. While I enjoyed some tracks in the middle of its short run, the rest of the tracks made no impact.
3/5
Neil Young
4/5
I just really like Neil Young. My mom would always put him on when I was young and I would like what I heard, but for whatever reason I haven't put in the time to really explore his discography.
4/5
The KLF
3/5
Listening to this at 9 AM probably isn't the ideal why to do so. I'll retry at 3 AM in a crowded club some years from now.
3/5
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
One of the most celebrated and popular albums of all time, and for good reason. It's almost unfathomable how many all time classics are on here. So relistenable without ever being boring. A masterwork.
5/5
Fugazi
5/5
I needed to listen to this at a much louder volume. Would have killed to see them live back in the '90s.
4.5/5
The United States Of America
2/5
Look, if you start and end your album with demented circus music, you can't score higher than a 2.5. Them's the rules.
2.5/5
The Temptations
4/5
Loved the experimental songs here. They’re complimented but pretty standard temptations cuts which aren’t bad, but don’t live up to the strong start.
3.5/5
R.E.M.
5/5
Rekindled my love of R.E.M. that I had forgotten I had. So dang good.
4.5/5
Miriam Makeba
4/5
A genuinely beautiful voice. Very happy that albums like this are included in the list, broadened my horizon just a little bit and introduced me to an artist I had never heard of.
3.5/5
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
A genuinely beautiful voice. Very happy that albums like this are included in the list, broadened my horizon just a little bit and introduced me to an artist I had never heard of.
3.5/5
Muddy Waters
5/5
Muddy Waters remains one the most consistent artists that'll improve my mood once I listen. Just unmatched.
4.5/5
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Doesn't have the consistency of Green River and it a bit more up and down, but it's CCR, so it's still pretty dang good.
3.5/5
Fatboy Slim
4/5
More important to listen to than a full album. You can clearly see the influence this had on electronic music.
3.5/5
Radiohead
5/5
It's hard to overstate how important of an album this was for me. I was only 7 when it came out, but when I first heard it in middle school it really changed how I thought of rock music. The anxiety and discomfort with the world was palpable. Still an absolute masterpiece.
5/5
David Bowie
4/5
I always appreciate that Bowie is able to elevate genres of music that I’m not typically into.
3.5/5
Raekwon
4/5
It continues to be hilarious that every single rap album on this project is disrespected. Really paints a picture on who else is doing the project.
4/5
Faith No More
2/5
Pretty exhausting. Similar to a bunch of music I like but just doesn't connect with me. Epic was fun on Rock Band though.
2.5/5
4/5
Blasphemous, I know, but the middle of this REALLY drags. I don't know why people in the 60's were so obsessed with the god damn circus. At the same time, A Day In The Life might be one of the 10 best songs ever created.
4/5
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
The soundtrack of my middle school experience that somehow still holds up. Such a statement as a debut album and completely shaped the sound, for better and worse, for bands years to come. Often copied, never replicated.
5/5
The Cult
2/5
I’m pretty sure I’ve heard this band every weekend at The Deer Park Tavern in Delaware.
2/5
3/5
In high school I thought this was the coolest album of all time. Listening to it again, it makes complete sense why a high schooler would love it.
3/5
The Damned
3/5
Ok. What the actual fuck is it with artists in the 70s and circus music.
3/5
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
2/5
There is a fine line between the New Wave 80's synth sound that I really found that I enjoy and then this 'Braodway-Bastardized" 80's schmaltzy synth sound which I despise. The Born to Run cover followed by the San Jose were some of the two worst covers I've ever heard back to back.
1.5/5
Roxy Music
3/5
One of the more internally-polarizing albums from this projet so far. It feels immediately contemporary, and songs really jumepd out, but I did bump a little bit on the more show-y parts. I plan to revisit to see what really holds vs. what I will let go of.
3.5/5
The Flaming Lips
4/5
Instantly transported me back to 15, discovering slightly weird music, and being transfixed.
4.5/5
Frank Black
4/5
This is the type of album I'm really happy is on this list. I know the Pixies but didn't know about his solo stuff. This is super interesting, a ton of strange transitions, and each track is unique.
4/5
ZZ Top
4/5
So much better than the other ZZ Top album I got for this project. Simpler and more blues-y, both aspects I enjoyed.
3.5/5
Michael Jackson
5/5
I mean, it's basically a Greatest Hits album for any other artist.
5/5
Isaac Hayes
3/5
The theme is iconic and the rest of the album is good but a bit forgettable.
3.5/5
Teenage Fanclub
4/5
Shocked that I never listened to this, it is so up my alley. Going to do a deep dive on Teenage Fanclub soon after this one.
4/5
George Michael
2/5
Freedom 90 is still great, but this album has far too many middling ballads for me to think it's great in totality.
2.5/5
Siouxsie And The Banshees
5/5
This absolutely ruled. Love the gothic punk vibes. Felt like I should be listening in a dimly lit room surrounded by people dressed in black.
4.5/5
Lightning Bolt
3/5
A lot. Some tracks a could really find a groove in, some were even a bit too abrasive for me. Not shocked this is the lowest rated album I've gotten so far.
3/5
The Clash
3/5
The classics on here remain classics, but I was... pretty disappointed by a majority of the lengthy runtime here. The ska adjacent songs are an absolute bore, but the innovative punk tracks still hold up.
3/5
Beatles
3/5
Kinda forgot how lame The Beatles sound was when they first got started. You can hear the talent but this is so sugary and forgettable.
2.5/5
The Youngbloods
3/5
If "I'll Take Just One Hit" was an album.
3/5
The Gun Club
4/5
Really dug this, probably my second favorite piece of media called Fire of Love.
4/5
New York Dolls
2/5
I've been getting a LOT of punk recenlty and this just didn't live up to many of the others I've gotten so far. Not bad per se but didn't fully connect.
2.5/5
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Pretty phenomenal, I always knew I liked The Rolling Stones, but it's good to be reminded and be forced to listen through an album in full.
4.5/5
Germs
2/5
I am begging this project to give me something other than 70's or 80's punk for a change of pace.
2/5
Radiohead
5/5
I actually cannoth fathom that Radiohead released this only 3 years after OK Computer. So foundationally important to me liking more ambient and electronic music. Perfect.
5/5
The Go-Go's
3/5
Fun, good music to listen to while your train gets consistently delayed over and over. Kept me sane.
3.5/5
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
Maybe the best sounding guitars on any rock album of all time.
4.5/5
Lorde
3/5
Jack Antonoff can manage to get some really great songs out of the artists he works with, but MAN can you hear his production from 1,000 miles away.
3.5/5
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Second Rolling Stones album this week. Nothing on it as instantly memorable as as on Sticky Fingers, but a damn good album that I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the whole LP.
4.5/5
The Clash
3/5
I dunno, it FEELS like The Clash should be something I'd really enjoy, but I just can't click with it. Is it me?
3/5
Def Leppard
2/5
The most butt of all butt rock.
2/5
Tom Waits
4/5
I like Tom Waits, but I cannot get it out of my head how much he sounds like Mr. Oogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
3.5/5
4/5
One of the best three song opening of any album ever?I like U2, sue me.
4/5
Buck Owens
3/5
It sure is a signature sound, can’t take that away from Buck.
2.5/5
Van Halen
3/5
Every single Hair Metal album has at least one song who's just is "Sorry I committed sexual assault, but I'm down to fuck again."
3/5
Wild Beasts
4/5
Took a while to get used to the sometimes silly vocals, but ended up liking this quite a bit.
4/5
Beatles
3/5
Better than 'With The Beatles' but still a bit too formulaic and cheesy compared to their later groundbreaking work.
3/5
Hugh Masekela
4/5
A genuinely perfect album to sip a cup of coffee with in a Saturday morning.
4/5
Mj Cole
1/5
It felt like I’m was on hold for a London based phone sex hotline.
1/5
Prince
5/5
I hope that some day people will realize that Purple Rain is not an appropriate karaoke song.
5/5
The Young Rascals
2/5
Some of the worst mixing I've heard on a record. A totally forgettable pastiche of many other better bands from the 1960's.
2/5
Billy Bragg
4/5
Had no idea this existed, which is kind of shameful being the Wilco completionist that I am. Unsurprisingly liked it a lot, enjoyed the mix of Woody Guthrie lyrics with the more traditional Wilco songs. Happy to have discovered it.
4/5
Solomon Burke
3/5
Charming. Solomon has a wonderful voice but sometimes the songwriting doesn't fully match up.
3.5/5
T. Rex
2/5
I mean, I guess it was better than the other T. Rex album, but that doesn't make it actually good.
2.5/5
Anthrax
2/5
Riffs are good, no idea why every fucking song is 5+ minutes.
2.5/5
Culture Club
2/5
So sappy, so cheesy, so SO long. One hit does not make a great FIFTEEN song album.
2/5
The xx
4/5
This album was a real indie phenomenon when I was in college. On a critical re-listen, there are certainly some tracks that really didn't live up to the vibe created on the album. Still good though.
3.5/5
Minor Threat
3/5
I feel like I've been on a run with these 80's punk records. Maybe it's the fact that I am usually listening on my morning commute, but they're not hitting has hard as I wished they would.
3/5
Hole
5/5
Waited way too long to finally listen to this, absolutely lived up to my high expectations. The anger and angst are biting.
4.5/5
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
I really don't understand why so many bands just put 10 minute covers on their album like it was a normal thing.
4/5
Soundgarden
4/5
The dictionary definition of 90's rock.
3.5/5
Elbow
2/5
Pretty lame!
2/5
LL Cool J
3/5
This album is far too long for what it is trying to be.
2.5/5
Harry Nilsson
5/5
One of my comfort albums. The diversity of song types is wonderful and it's almost shocking that all of these are on one record.
5/5
N.E.R.D
1/5
Genuinely shocked by how much I hated this. Pharrell just doen't have the vocal talent to elevate his cheesy ass lyrics. The drum sounds are mixed so lound in each song. Drill Sergeant is one of the worst 'protest' songs I've ever heard and sounds like it was made by a 15 year old who has never read a book but has heard of a few.
1/5
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
Hey, how about EVEN MORE distortion.
4.5/5
Pink Floyd
2/5
Not every debut album of a great band needs to be on this list.
2/5
Pretenders
4/5
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Maybe it was because I had a warped thought of who The Pretenders were, but dug the straightforward rock sound.
3.5/5
Country Joe & The Fish
3/5
Ya think these fellas liked their LSD?
3/5
3/5
I like Liars, I am not shocked other people do not like Liars.
3/5
Various Artists
4/5
Five stars for the wonderful Christmas music. Minus one star for the producer being a known murderer.
4/5
Eminem
3/5
I probably listened to this album 500 times between the ages of 10-15 and thought it was the most daring and coolest album of all time. The shock era of the late '90s and early '00s is a weird one to revisit and hard to critically re-evaluate.
3.5/5
The Byrds
3/5
Not bad, but I kinda forgot I listened to it already.
2.5/5
808 State
3/5
I felt like I needed to watch the Matrix after this.
3.5/5
Frank Ocean
5/5
Every once in a while I’m really reminded how racist this site and project is. This is one of those times.
4.5/5
Elton John
4/5
Three bangers in a row and then a lot more other songs.
3.5/5
Jack White
4/5
Holds up pretty well, but not Jack’s best.
3.5/5
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
Layla is good, Eric Clapton is not.
3/5
Beastie Boys
4/5
Still just as fun nearly 40 years later.
4/5
Ministry
4/5
Enjoyed this WAY more than I thought I would. Not the biggest fan of this type of metal but it somehow worked on me.
3.5/5
Sonic Youth
4/5
It’s always fun to listen to an album for the first time that so clearly influences many of the band you love today.
4.5/5
Frank Zappa
4/5
Still just as fun nearly 40 years later.
4/5
Paul McCartney
3/5
I mean, it wasn’t The Beatles
3/5
Air
3/5
Absolutely incredible during the movie, a bit strange to listen to on its own.
3/5
Led Zeppelin
3/5
I like Led Zeppelin, but I have realized more and more that I don't like full album Led Zeppelin. I can take them in short spurts but not the whole thing.
3/5
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
What was it with dudes in the 70's being super into medieval fantasy and making 20 minute long songs with only keyboards.
2/5
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
3/5
Starts with probably the most abrasive opener on any album I've ever heard. Pretty spotty, but I did enjoy a few of the lo-fi weirdo tracks on here.
3/5
Love
2/5
It as fine, but I dunno, felt like in one ear and out the other pretty instantly.
2.5/5
Judas Priest
3/5
I dunno, something about this one just didn't stand up to time liked I hoped it would.
3/5
Shuggie Otis
4/5
Some pretty little ditty’s on here.
3.5/5
MGMT
5/5
As a freshman in college in 2008, this album was blasting constantly from my shitty laptop speakers in my dorm room. Still holds up.
4.5/5
Massive Attack
4/5
I like Massive Attack and trip-hop in general, but always find their featured vocalists a bit hit or miss.
3.5/5
Paul Simon
5/5
Sometimes, I'm just a nice sensitive boy who enjoys his Paul Simon.
4.5/5
k.d. lang
4/5
Goddamnit I hate how much I enjoy soft adult contemporary.
4/5
CHIC
4/5
Sure, some of the tracks meander a bit, but that's disco baybee!
4/5
The Velvet Underground
5/5
Really diving deep into The Velvet Underground's discography has been one of my favorite aspects of this project. Each one of them has been an all timer.
5/5
Elliott Smith
5/5
It’s absolutely shocking that I wasn’t obsessed with Elliot Smith when I was in college.
4.5/5
Björk
3/5
When it all comes together, Björk's music can really click and resonate with me. Often though, I find myself wishing for a bit more consistency of tracks.
3/5
The Velvet Underground
5/5
Second Velvet Underground album in four days, third out of four studio albums of theirs. I'm not bored yet and in fact I am loving it.
5/5
Lou Reed
4/5
Three out of my last five albums have featured Lou Reed and I've loved every single one of them. Now I'm even more excited to do a full deep dive.
4.5/5
Nirvana
5/5
I think this was the first album that I listened to because I thought it would make me cool. I was right.
5/5
Le Tigre
4/5
I don’t know which era this really belongs in because it spans so many styles.
3.5/5
The Flaming Lips
4/5
Maybe I should listen to The Flaming Lips more.
4/5
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Shocked it took me this long into this project to get Nick Cave. I’m happy to see my old friend.
4/5
Leonard Cohen
4/5
These late period albums where a classic musician are near death are always fascinating.
4/5
Prince
4/5
Firstly, Prince rules. Secondly, the synths and drum sounds on this album are the most 80's things I can feasibly imagine. Forever a king.
4.5/5
Orbital
4/5
I felt like I heard somebody whispering “it’s hacking time” while wearing a leather trench coat while listening.
3.5/5
The Slits
4/5
A better review will be delivered at a later date.
3.5/5
The Killers
4/5
I think Mr. Brightside is the song I’ve heard the most that I’ve never intentionally put on. The first half of this album is jam packed but loses steam was it ends.
3.5/5
Frank Sinatra
4/5
I can’t believe that we as a society allowed the phrase Makin’ Whoopee to be acceptable.
3.5/5
The Strokes
5/5
I drank some beers with Julian Casablancas once. Strange dude.
5/5
Suede
4/5
These are the type of discoveries that I love from this project.
4/5
Norah Jones
3/5
I can’t believe that we as a society allowed the phrase Makin’ Whoopee to be acceptable.
3.5/5
Fairport Convention
3/5
Enjoyable but unmemorable, always interesting to listen to these bands from the ‘60’s that didn’t write the majority of their own songs.
3/5
Thundercat
3/5
Haven't really revisited this since it came out and found myself enjoying it far less than I remembered. The very online lyrics don't hold up and many of the shorter tracks feel half baked. I like Thundercat's style but only when all of the pieces come together.
2.5/5
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
A really pleasant listen. Enjoyed the blend of African, Blues, and Arabic styling and was a lovely way to start my day with a cup of coffee.
4/5
Blur
3/5
Song 2 carries this, along with a few other stand outs. Again, I feel like this project has a small 'debut album' problem, as I definitely enjoyed Parklife far more.
3/5
Beatles
5/5
Octopus' Garden is a shockingly fun song to play on Rock Band.
5/5
Elvis Costello
2/5
Your music must be so much better in order to wear hats that ugly.
2/5
Justice
3/5
I think I've heard D.A.N.C.E. played out of shitty MacBook speakers in a beer soaked dorm room more times than I can count.
3.5/5
Goldfrapp
4/5
Really lovely, gets a little same-y from time to time but also right up my alley.
3.5/5
Stereo MC's
3/5
Not bad but extremely trapped in its time.
2.5/5
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
Yup, still into British New Wave.
4/5
Marty Robbins
4/5
I've listened to Marty Robbins a few times and enjoy the old school country vibes immensly. Way to go Marty.
4/5
Kate Bush
4/5
I really really need to start listening to Kate Bush more, she's truly phenomenal.
4.5/5
Django Django
3/5
Really wears its influences on its sleeve. Animal Collective, Neil Young, and The Beach Boys really pop, but I think often it's a watered down version of them. I think there might be a reason why as somebody that religiously consumed indie music in 2012 I missed this one.
3.5/5
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
Just totally ahead of what was coming out in 2015. Kendrick going from Good Kid MAAD City to this is fucking crazy.
5/5
Pixies
4/5
Crazy how influential this is, but outside of the famous tracks I think I prefer Doolittle and Teenager of the Year.
4/5
Robert Wyatt
2/5
Interesting at points but even as somebody who enjoys rambley music this was a bit much.
2/5
Black Sabbath
3/5
It's inventive, but like what happens so often with this list, it's a debut album and not as good as other Black Sabbath albums.
3/5
Foo Fighters
3/5
Dave Grohl is a good person, but I’m often pretty underwhelmed by The Foo Fighters.
2.5/5
Nirvana
4/5
It’s a bit strange how few live albums are on here. Either commit or don’t.
4/5
Lou Reed
5/5
I just keep learning that I need to really listen to more Lou Reed.
4.5/5
AC/DC
4/5
You can already guess the chorus of each song by looking at the title and repeating it 20 times.
3.5/5
Joanna Newsom
2/5
I think Joanna Newsom is the artist I'm most supposed to like based off my other tastes, but I just can't do it. The baby voiced renaissance sound just isn't for me.
2/5
Skepta
3/5
I'm kinda surprised I never got into Grime. It fits in my interest of hip-hop and more industiral / distorted beats. Now this feels like it's been parodied more than it existed in my world.
2.5/5
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
My second Ali Farka Touré album for this project. Enjoyed it just as much as the first, was great to have on while working. Comforting yet engaging.
4/5
Radiohead
4/5
It's absolutely crazy that a bands 5th or 6th best album can be this good.
4/5
Goldfrapp
3/5
Pretty shocked that Goldfrapp has two albums on here. They're not bad, but I don't think of anything on here that is groudbreaking.
2.5/5
Kanye West
5/5
I distinctly remember when this came out. Hate hate hate the person he has become but this hit a perfect pitch right when I was searching for music like it.
4.5/5
Arcade Fire
4/5
We're really just going back into my high school / college life recently? Not their apex, but still a damn good album that has no fat.
4/5
The Kinks
2/5
Man, I just cannot enjoy bands that were clearly trying to be The Beatles but aren't The Beatles.
2/5
Ray Charles
4/5
Kind of feels blasphemous to give Ray Charles something this low. His voice is timeless and his contributions are so much more than this album, which I enjoyed but didn't stick as much as I hoped it would.
3.5/5
Shack
2/5
Shades of Oasis, Spoon, R.E.M, Blur. Just a bummer that all those bands are better.
2.5/5
Bob Dylan
4/5
I will always be such a sucker for Dylan. I don’t intentionally put him on often but I need to more.
Hüsker Dü
2/5
I could have Hüsker Düne with less of these songs.
2/5
Beck
4/5
I forgot how many of the deeper cuts on this album hold up. Makes me want to start a Beck deep dive again.
4/5
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I will never be able to separate this from 1,000 Vietnam movies.
4/5
Youssou N'Dour
4/5
Liked this a lot. Light, playful, the kind of discovery I come to this project for.
3.5/5
Spiritualized
3/5
Could be a grower. More familiar with some of Spiritualized more recent work, going to need to check this out again.
3.5/5
Finley Quaye
2/5
As not the typically biggest fan of reggaeton, this kinda soft and sanded off edges approach doesn't really do anything for me. It's also comically long and many of the tracks don't earn their runtime.
2/5
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
I mean, it’s definitely too long, but has so many of the best songs of the ‘90s on there it’s forgivable.
4.5/5
Digital Underground
2/5
An interesting concept but feels SO incredibly dated.
2.5/5
Grateful Dead
2/5
I know it's now in vogue to dismiss the Grateful Dead and I might just be piling on, but man this was so middling and forgettable. It feels like the least interesting version of Americana, a genre I do in fact like.
Elvis Costello
2/5
I am as out on Elvis Costello as he is in on himself.
1.5/5
Sebadoh
3/5
While J Mascis does seem like a controlling bandmember, I much prefer the collaborative work that Barlow and Mascis produce together rather than separately. Long live Western Mass.
2.5/5
Amy Winehouse
5/5
Just a pitch perfect modernization of the old Phil Spector style. Amy's tragic tale only makes this album resonate more.
4.5/5
Slade
2/5
Not as awful as I thought it was going to be based off the cover, but still not something that I will find myself revisiting.
2.5/5
Parliament
5/5
Funk!
4.5/5
Steely Dan
3/5
Steely Dan is really a high floor, low ceiling band for me. None of their stuff blows me away but it's never awful. I think I'm good with having 3 of their albums on this list though.
3/5
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
I've completed one year of this project and this was a pretty perfect way to cap it off. I know many of the cuts off of it already but have never listened in full. Excited for the next 365!
4.5/5
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
Call me a sucker for late '00s indie alternative but this just hits the spot. I've heard Heads Will Roll about 1,000 times but find myself enjoying some of the deeper cuts even more.
4/5
Brian Eno
5/5
I'm not going to be able to be impartial when it comes to Brian Eno. His debut is filled with so many diverse sounds and textures, especially the final few tracks.
4.5/5
Travis
3/5
There are moments I clicked with, but found myself being pretty disappointed by a watered down version of Radiohead / Oasis / Keane.
2.5/5
The Mars Volta
5/5
I listened to this CD so much in my Walkman that it stopped working. I have no objective way to rate this.
4.5/5
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
It’s interesting to go back and revisit music from the ‘50s. It’s so saccharine that it feels almost alien to current music. Just guys singing about things they love. Oh boy!
3/5
Blondie
4/5
Man, Blondie is just so much fun.
4/5
Sade
4/5
The vibes are immaculate.
4/5
GZA
5/5
This era of Wu-Tang adjacent hip hop is unmatched. Perfectly understated while still being a masterpiece.
4.5/5
Badly Drawn Boy
3/5
Hmm. I enjoyed a lot of this, and it’s definitely an amalgam of lots of genres I do enjoy, but it’s a bit too bloated for me to absolutely adore.
3.5/5
Girls Against Boys
2/5
I mean, it wasn't bad, but there is far more interesting post-punk out there. Not upset I heard this but don't think I need to revisit.
2.5/5
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
I really loved the first Siouxsie And The Banshees album I got on the project, but this one doesn't hold up to the same level. It's good, but not as revolutionary.
3/5
Cat Stevens
4/5
I don’t like how much I enjoyed this album.
3.5/5
James Brown
4/5
We need to bring back live album introductions.
4/5
Serge Gainsbourg
4/5
A very creepy topic but man did I not expect to like this as much as I did. Think I need to re-listen a few times to fully digest, but really made me think.
4/5
Talking Heads
5/5
Such a creative album. If Stop Making Sense is the best concert film I’ve ever seen this album contributes a lot to that.
4.5/5
PJ Harvey
3/5
I wish I loved anything as much as PJ Harvey loves England.
3/5
The Doors
3/5
I don't mind The Doors, but I have a pretty low tolerence of 2-3 Doors songs before I get a bit bored. A full album just ain't for me.
3/5
The Afghan Whigs
4/5
Will be adding this one to the rotation pretty instantly.
4/5
Metallica
4/5
A weird album to listen to at 7:30 AM while heading to a professional development workshop.
4.5/5
Mylo
3/5
Review to come
4/5
When it fully gets into the groove I'm all here for it, but some moments don't fulfill the ambition.
3.5/5
The Offspring
3/5
I absolutely love two of these songs, many of them are fine, still not the best Offspring album.
3/5
Missy Elliott
3/5
Missy Elliott is iconic, but I don't think this is the entry I would put in from her catalogue. You can feel a bit of her style, but each song feels a bit underbaked and goes on for far too long.
3/5
Garbage
4/5
The youth yearn for Garbage.
4/5
Astrud Gilberto
3/5
I would have preferred to listen to this on a beach.
2.5/5
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
I really enjoy Bob Marley. I don’t care for reggae artists less good than Bob Marley.
4/5
Milton Nascimento
4/5
You should not be able to make this vibrant beautiful music and be named Milton.
4.5/5
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
4/5
Didn’t know the prognosticator from A Ghost Story also made music.
4/5
John Coltrane
5/5
A 5 star classic.
5/5
Skunk Anansie
2/5
Yeahhhhhh this just didn't click for me at all. Hard pass.
1.5/5
Underworld
4/5
Usually I get a bit sick of Drum and Bass for a long album, but this one was varied enough for me to really vibe with.
3.5/5
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
This feels like an offshoot of a style I really enjoy, but something about it just feels off. I don't know if it's the whimsey, the fantasy vibes, or the broadness of it all.
2/5
The Isley Brothers
4/5
Hell yeah brother.
4.5/5
Slayer
3/5
Quite the pick for #400.
3/5
Ice T
4/5
Like many of the hip hop albums of the 80’s and 90’s it’s overstuffed with style and vibes on a hilariously bloated track list.
3.5/5
King Crimson
3/5
LOVED some of the more atmospheric parts, but once it feels like you start picking up instruments at random and playing them just to hear what they sound like you lose me.
3.5/5
Shivkumar Sharma
4/5
A very pleasurable listen to a genre I don't often seek out. Has a lot of overlap with much of the ambient / guitar centric music I listen to, but featuring sitar instead. Dug it!
3.5/5
Fiona Apple
5/5
Holds up so impressively well. Fiona manages to create an aurora instantly and holds it across the track list.
5/5
Doves
3/5
Felt like I should enjoy this more? I dunno I didn’t dislike it, but It didn’t click like it probably should.
3/5
Dennis Wilson
4/5
I'm a sucker for anything Beach Boys or Beach Boys adjacent. Hadn't really listened to any of Dennis' music before this but thought some of the tracks really held their own. Sad he passed so soon.
4/5
LTJ Bukem
2/5
This is one of the hardest albums to rank on here because it's not an album. It's a compilation that accurately captures a very specific moment in the '90s drum and bass era. Is it worth being on the list to hit that zone? Yes. Is it not really an album at all? Also yes.
2.5/5
Public Enemy
4/5
Held up much better than many of the late 80's or early 90's hip hop albums. Some of the beats on here are immaculate and Chuck D is doing what he does best.
3.5/5
Emmylou Harris
3/5
Is it a decent album? Yeah sure! Is it deserving to be on this list? Probably not.
3/5
Joy Division
4/5
Love how dark this is. I had heard bits and pieces of Closer but it really excells as a full album. Can't wait to add it to my sad boy rotation.
4/5
4/5
Yeah, Devo is cooler than I remembered.
3.5/5
Morrissey
3/5
I hate how much I enjoy Morriessey's music for him being such a shit human.
3.5/5
The Libertines
2/5
Love this era of British alternative, but The Libertines do nothing for me.
2/5
The Dandy Warhols
2/5
Didn't do much for me. None of it is particularly bad, but just felt a bit watered down and unimportant.
2.5/5
Madonna
2/5
Wow this has aged terribly. The thin drums, the autotune. Grand aspirations that fell so so flat.
1.5/5
The Jam
3/5
Maybe it's the mood I was in, but while I could tell this was good, it didn't fully connect. Maybe it will on a second listen.
3/5
The Hives
3/5
I feel like I heard all of these songs playing sports video games on the PS2.
3/5
Jazmine Sullivan
3/5
Love the vibe. Others do it better.
3/5
The 13th Floor Elevators
2/5
Just did nothing for me. Totally forgettable.
2/5
Little Richard
4/5
Critically important to the history of American music. Also the same song 12 times.
4/5
Lana Del Rey
3/5
When Lana clicks it really hits for me but I just kinda feel underwhelmed with some tracks. One of the artists I wish o liked more
3/5
Weather Report
1/5
I was expecting the news was about the come on at any moment.
1/5
Napalm Death
1/5
There are brief glimpses in here of cohesive riffs like on the title track Scum, but it's just so muddy throughout. I cannot connect with singing like this, even though I know it's the desired effect.
1.5/5
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Almost perfect, but the extended songs prevent it just the tiniest bit.
4.5/5
Einstürzende Neubauten
2/5
Look, did I like this? No.
Do I think this is the worst thing that I've listened to during this project? Also no.
2.5/5
Bob Dylan
3/5
Feels like they could have cut this album for something more impactful than a decent late period Dylan.
3/5
Mariah Carey
3/5
Pleasant, but far too safe. I had basically forgotten most of the tracks by the end of the record.
Thin Lizzy
2/5
Another live album that I don't feel like deserves a place on the list. I feel like live albums tend to be big area rock bands and those just don't do much for me.
2.5/5
Violent Femmes
5/5
I knew I liked the Violent Femmes but I absolutely adored this. Rare that I give a 5 on this project but this deserves it.
5/5
Koffi Olomide
2/5
It's not bad, but really got tired of the stock Casio keyboard sounds.
2/5
David Bowie
4/5
I think I enjoy Bowie when he's a bit more grounded. I like Ziggy Stardust but this might be my favorite album of his.
4.5/5
Röyksopp
4/5
I was a little cold at the beginning, as I usually really enjoy this genre and it wasn't clicking. However, the second half of the album really picked up.
3.5/5
Stephen Stills
3/5
He's no Crosby, Nash, and/or Young.
2.5/5
Queen Latifah
3/5
I find that 80's hip-hop has been one of the genre's that I understand the importance of and enjoy it in general, but a full album is a bit disappointing.
2.5/5
Traffic
2/5
60’s Dad rock is not my thing.
2/5
Morrissey
3/5
Not my favorite Morrissey, but his music during this time has a pretty high floor.
3/5
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
I continue to be reminded that I apparently love British New Wave from the 80's and early 90's.
4/5
The Sugarcubes
2/5
Apart from the hit single, this left me pretty disappointed.
2/5
Anita Baker
3/5
She can sing! Doesn’t make the songwriting better.
2.5/5
Grateful Dead
1/5
For being a jam band, these dudes fucking suck at jamming.
1/5
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Everyday people having the phrase Scooby-dooby-dooby and still being a banger is frankly so impressive.
3.5/5
Butthole Surfers
2/5
I like the later, sillier Butthole Surfers a lot more than this album.
2/5
The Dictators
3/5
As others have said, this feels like the grandfather of punk rock. Sometimes I feel the same way about the grandfathers of hip-hop where I can understand the importance but I don't fully enjoy it on its own.
2.5/5
Simple Minds
3/5
One more time. It's British New Wave, I liked it.
3.5/5
Billy Bragg
3/5
I feel like I should be listening to this in a Pub at 1 AM after a few too many.
3/5
Beach House
5/5
Potentially one of the albums I have listened to most in my life. This came out my Junior year of college, while I was unironically hosting a radio show and trying to get everyone I knew to listen to my playlists.
There's something so warm and gooey about Teen Dream. It fully envelopes you, holding you close, making you daydream. I wouldn't be my self if I didn't give it a perfect score.
5/5
Supergrass
3/5
Could not be more British.
3.5/5
Nas
5/5
One of the all time greats. Listening to this on the subway was a perfect way to start the day.
5/5
Iron Maiden
3/5
The singles rip, but the rest of the album really didn't connect for me.
2.5/5
The Bees
4/5
Super interesting! A good mix of styles, many of them worked, some fell pretty flat. Surprised I hadn't heard of this before. Definitely in my wheelhouse.
3.5/5
Roxy Music
3/5
Grew on me as the album went along. Not perfect but definitely interesting. Always could use more Eno.
3/5
Cee Lo Green
2/5
A forgettable album by a bad person.
2/5
The Darkness
4/5
Heavy handed and very winking, while also shockingly good.
3.5/5
The Louvin Brothers
2/5
Just set the metronome and count 3/4 for 36 minutes and you've got yourself a Louvin Brothers album.
2/5
Bob Dylan
4/5
There's a reason why he's considered the best American lyricist of all time.
4.5/5
Cocteau Twins
4/5
I choose heaven.
3.5/5
Supertramp
2/5
I just can’t connect with this type of music even though it’s pretty close to my interests.
2/5
Muddy Waters
4/5
Muddy is a legend, though I’m still grappling with including live recordings on this project. This one at lease is worthy of review as an individual piece of art.
4/5
Kid Rock
1/5
We should just erase this era and style of music from the record books.
1/5
Mudhoney
3/5
Pretty good but not incredible alternative. Never heard of it but was fun to listen to as I unpacked.
3.5/5
Grant Lee Buffalo
2/5
Forgettable, even to unpack to.
2/4
Mike Oldfield
3/5
Decent ambient / electronic and I can see how this was ahead of the curve in the 70's, but it's not my kind of ambient / electronic.
2.5/5
The Beau Brummels
2/5
The only thing I can associate with this album now is that the last song is the one that Roger Sterling sings while wearing blackface at his wedding.
2/5
Funkadelic
4/5
If you took a drink for every time they say “funk” you would be fucking dead.
4/5
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
I have such a soft spot for Neil Young. Even when he gets cheesy, it's still so good.
4.5/5
Astor Piazzolla
3/5
Sounds like the soundtrack for an animated movie about an Italian mouse that’s a spy.
3/5
Duke Ellington
4/5
Finally, a live album that is actually worthy of being on the list. Duke is an absolute legend, and it was fun hearing a crowd go crazy for jazz.
4.5/5
The Streets
3/5
Absolutey hated the opening track, but settled in a bit after that. Realized I had head a few songs off this while listening. Like the concept, like a few of the cuts, but doesn't quite fully elevate to classic status to me.
3/5
Cornershop
3/5
I didn't really dislike anything here, but I did find myself getting pretty bored about halfway through.
2.5/5
Lupe Fiasco
3/5
Kick, Push and Daydreaming were solidly in my college playlist rotation. Brings me back to a very specific time, and being late teens really added to that feeling.
3.5/5
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Not my favorite Joni album, but her effortless and lighthearted style elevates anything she does.
3.5/5
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
I’m back. After a years hiatus, getting engaged, and moving to a new home I think I’m finally ready to attempt this monumental task again.
There is something therapeutic about having a task that is slightly out of your control to do every day. Being forced to discover albums that shaped our musical landscape is something I did genuinely miss.
Can’t wait to get Kid Rock again tomorrow.
3.5/5
Alice Cooper
3/5
Not bad per se, but I had aways envisioned Alice Cooper's music to be more... hard rock. Kinda felt pretty tame in all honesty.
3/5
Elvis Presley
2/5
Elvis ain't an album guy for me. Up there with Queen for all time Greatest Hits Only artists.
2.5/5
Sinead O'Connor
4/5
Don't think I've ever listened to two Sinead O'Connor songs in a row, but I did enjoy the variet of this. Her Prince cover is still an all timer.
3.5/5
Basement Jaxx
3/5
Not the biggest fan of straight up Dance Music, but I can't deny that a lot of this his catchy as hell and does make you make you want to move. If that's the result, the album did a good job.
3/5
Leftfield
3/5
Back to back 90's Dance Hall music, feel more or less the same on Leftism as I did Baement Jaxx. Feels like I'm watching Gone In 60 Seconds.
3/5
Suede
4/5
A great entry in the 90’s British Invasion, more psychedelic than I expected but not in a bad way. Will definitely be return to it and adding to my rotation.
4/5
Hookworms
4/5
Never heard of this album even though I was paying very close attention to the indie music scene in this era. Found this very enjoyable, especially the opening two tracks. Curious why this was included instead of some more impactful records of this style that came out in the same year.
3.5/5
The Monks
4/5
A super fun discovery. Clearly ahead of its time in 1966, and can see how this was a precursor to Punk. These are the kind of albums I really enjoy discovering along this journey.
4/5
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
Classic for a reason. While I still prefer Low End Theory, Tribe's debut was a seismic moment for alternative hip-hop and you can feel the influence today.
RIP Phife Dawg.
4.5/5
Jurassic 5
3/5
Distinctly remember listening to this in High School. What's Golden was definitely my favorite off this then and still is now. Biggest negative is that this has no business being 17 tracks and completely loses steam by the end. Still fun though.
3.5/5
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
It's impressive to write one timeless song, but to have two on the same album is so god damn impressive. Cyndi is the epitome of 80's fun, vibrant, bold, and full of energy.
4/5
Primal Scream
4/5
Started quite strong, but I got a little skeptical with Don't Fight It, Feel It. Thankfully the back half of this record is quite strong and my favorite part of the record. Will keep revisiting to this, has an opportunity to grow more.
4/5
The Roots
4/5
I love The Roots, but Phrenology was never my favorite of theirs. Still obviously a quality record, but I'm going to revisit Things Fall Apart and Game Theory more often. Honestly, even How I Got Over. But Black Thought is incapable of sounding bad on a track.
3.5/5
Joni Mitchell
4/5
My 4th Joni Mitchell album of this project, the 4th good Joni Mitchell album of this project.
4/4
Destiny's Child
3/5
In 6th grade, I went to a classmates birthday party that was Survivor themed and the only song that was played for about an hour was Survivor by Destiny's Child. Starts on an absolute tear but it's kinda shocking how many woman hating songs on here.
2.5/5
Gang Starr
3/5
This is my 4th 90's to early 2000's hip-hop album of the week and they have all delivered. While not as varied as The Roots or A Tribe Called Quest, Gang Starr still delivers a potent yet eminently listenable record.
3.5/5
Crowded House
2/5
Utterly forgettable for an entry into a genre I really enjoy.
2.5/5
Ghostface Killah
4/5
Rips. So much variation in an albeit very long tracklist. Never felt bored or like it overstayed it's welcome like many other longer hip hop albums.
4/5
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
4/5
This album is why I'm happy i've devoted nearly 500 albums into this project. Without it, I never would have heard Pakistani devotional music. While it probably won't make my end of the year list, I'm happy to have heard it and added it to my library.
3.5/5
Radiohead
5/5
This came out my senior year in high school and I think since then I might have listened to it 500 times. One of my all time favorite records.
5/5
Aerosmith
2/5
Pump down the volume.
2/5
Miles Davis
5/5
Not all experimental Jazz works for me, but holy hell this one does.
5/5
The Last Shadow Puppets
2/5
Alex Turner's 12 desperate attempts at making a Bond song.
2.5/5
X-Ray Spex
4/5
Tight, fast, fun, honest, unique. Loved it.
4.5/5
Queen
2/5
There is no band that has a bigger gulf between their greatest hits album and any single one of their albums released. So much wizardy bullshit on here.
2/5
The Verve
2/5
Holy shit this album cover is hot trash.
2.5/5
Meat Puppets
4/5
Very much my style, like it on first listen and could imagine loving it on a second or third.
4/5
Pere Ubu
3/5
This is my 500th album on this project.
While not every day has been rewarding, this has been a fascinating adventure to explore into the vast worlds of modern music. Coming in I had a very deep knowledge of music released since the 90’s, but outside of famous singles, very little knowledge of albums prior to that.
I vastly prefer listening to full albums, how each track flows into the next, and hearing bands that influenced the music that I love. It can be absolutely fascinating to hear a record that you might not love, but can so clearly see as a record that influenced one you do.
That was the case with Pere Ubu. Would I throw this on in my own time? No. Do I see the Rosetta Stone for other Post-Punk bands I adore? Absolutely.
And that’s why I’m still sticking with this project. I hate my commute some mornings when I’m on the subway and experiencing some prog rock nightmare. But when this project rewards it feels like all of these excessive hours are worth it.
3/5
Fever Ray
4/5
Totally missed the Fever Ray wave when I was deep in the indie renaissance of the late '00's early '10's. Obvious Bjork comps aside, really like a lot of the instrumentation here, wonderful production even if I don't always connect with the vocal choices.
3.5/5
Screaming Trees
3/5
Dust feels like an album that would play on Lazer 99.3, Western Massachusetts' local rock station. It blends in to that grudge adjacent / hard rock lite sound that permiated the 90's. It's not bad, but I'll never think about this again.
2.5/5
Madonna
3/5
It’s fine. I felt nothing in a positive way.
2.5/5
Megadeth
3/5
Some killer riffs but felt shockingly hair metal at points.
2.5/5
Stan Getz
4/5
I would like a Piña Colada right now please.
4.5/5
Stevie Wonder
4/5
It’s Stevie Wonder, of course it’s going to be good.
4/5
Public Image Ltd.
5/5
I try and anticipate the Global Rating for each album while listening. Based off my estimation of the racial and age demographics of this project, I can usually get pretty close. Kinda hilarious how low this one is compared to how much I enjoyed it. Rule of thumb; if it's challenging in the slightest, it's below a 3.
4.5/5
The Charlatans
2/5
Goddamn there is so much mediocre Brit-Pop on this list.
2/5
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
A true no skips classic.
4.5/5
Tortoise
5/5
This is exactly what I came to this project for. A seminal band from a genre I enjoy but haven't fully explored. Loved it, one of my favorite discoveries of the project.
5/5
Gil Scott-Heron
5/5
Listening to H2Ogate Blues is 2025 is fascinating. So many of the issues Gil eloquiently brings up are still major issues today. It made me genuinely sad, and isn't that the purpose of art?
4.5/5
Frank Sinatra
4/5
You really can't say much negative about the crooner era, especially Sinatra. All the songs are soulfull and beautifully sung. A little samey but honestly I don't mind with this genre.
4/5
The Monkees
2/5
I don't know how this is true, but this sounds like it was even dated when it came out.
2.5/5
Paul Weller
2/5
I always note down my favorite tracks when listening to an album on this project. Of the 16 only 2 got consideration. Totally forgettable and I’m so curious why this was included.
2/5
Doves
3/5
I wasn't sure which band Doves reminded me of, then I got to Satellite and got punched in the face with Coldplay.
2.5/5
Mekons
2/5
Really wanted to like this but just couldn't. It has clearly influenced artists I enjoy but did not mesh multiple styles in an enjoyable way.
2/5
The Saints
4/5
This is my kind of punk. Super tight, fun, with excellent riffs. Love the extra horns and instrumentation. Very happy to have discovered this.
4/5
Pavement
5/5
You'd be shocked to hear that as a 35 year old man raised on indie rock who lives in Brooklyn, I very much love this album.
5/5
The Blue Nile
4/5
There has been a couple of times where I am totally turned off by an opening track but the rest of the album brings me back. One of the biggest cases here.
4/5
5/5
I don't think there are actually spiders on Mars.
4.5/5
KISS
2/5
I think the main thing that I've learned from this project is just how absolutely allergic to glam and hair metal I am.
1.5/5
The Flying Burrito Brothers
4/5
One hell of an Album Title and Band Name combo here.
4/5
Magazine
4/5
I have been assigned so much post-punk in the last few weeks I'm starting to feel like this is a targeted psy-op.
3.5/5
Van Morrison
4/5
I have been assigned so much post-punk in the last few weeks I'm starting to feel like this is a targeted psy-op.
3.5/5
Everything But The Girl
2/5
Within 10 seconds I could tell you the year this was made.
2.5/5
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Just an absolute delight for a beautiful fall Friday.
4/5
Gorillaz
4/5
How got how much of this first album just sounds like Blur, and not in a bad way at all.
3.5/5
Bon Jovi
3/5
Three good karaoke songs and then a bunch of garbage.
2.5/5
Beck
4/5
You can hear so many version of Beck on here. While some of his other albums dive fully into one sound, Odelay is where he's best at just trying on all of his different personas while nailing each one.
4.5
Thelonious Monk
4/5
God I love me some ‘50s jazz, especially Monk. Just a classic.
4/5
Brian Eno
4/5
I'm fully in the bag for both Eno and Byrne so this was unsurprisingly up my alley. One of those few records you hear and see the release date and immediately know just how many artists it influenced.
4/5
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
A THIRD Dexys Midnight Runners album on this list? A fucking THIRD one??
2/5
Jane's Addiction
3/5
The guitars and mixing are super interesting, but I just cannot get into Perry as a lead singer.
2.5/5
Sonic Youth
4/5
Clearly paved the way for so many of the artists that I currently listen to.
4/5
The Smiths
4/5
Morrissey is an absolute ass, but he does make good music.
4/5
D'Angelo
4/5
Based off the ratings, seems like most of the people on this site don't fuck.
4/5
Björk
4/5
So lush. I’ve heard a few Björk albums before but this one instantly jumped out as my favorite.
4.5/5
Talking Heads
4/5
Love the Talking Heads, love this album, love the song "Heaven", still think that the lyrics "Everyone is trying to get to the bar. The name of the bar, the bar is called Heaven" is one of the dumbest lyrics I've ever heard.
4/5
Throbbing Gristle
3/5
Would I put this on for fun? Absolutely not. But was I intrigued throughout while seeing a straight line to influencing so many other artists? Absolutely yes. Crazy that AB/7A is on this compared to everythign else. Truly experimental.
3/5
CHIC
4/5
Nile Rodgers is one of the all time greats.
3.5/5
The Beta Band
3/5
Good lo-fi tracks, wouldn’t hate if it’s put on, but I’m not going to do it myself.
3/5
Aphex Twin
4/5
As an ambient music fan, I've always liked and respected Aphex Twin's work but it's never been my favorite.
3.5/5
Cowboy Junkies
4/5
Beautiful, stripped down, permanently enjoyable twangy country but in the best way.
3.5/5
Machito
4/5
Impecably tight, huge full big band brass with Cubano drums. Fun as hell and so clear that every musician involved was legit.
4/5
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
As somebody who is completely in the bag for LCD Soundsystem and has seen them live multiple times, it's a crime that this album is included in this project but not This Is Happening or their debut.
4/5
Yes
2/5
I don't know why Wizards had such a grip on Rock music in the '70's, but good golly I'm happy that reign has ended.
2/5
PJ Harvey
4/5
I really only know PJ Harvey's more recent stuff which I do enjoy. Loved this more raw sound, I should have listened to this far sooner.
4.5/5
Todd Rundgren
2/5
Not only is this album exceptionally long, it's also impressively boring and unmemorable. What is it doing on here?
2/5
Prince
4/5
Prince is an icon though he's one of these seminal artists that I don't usually love their full albums. Having this as a double, coupled with the comically '80's drum sounds knocks this down a star.
3.5/5
Pavement
4/5
Have always preferred Crooked Rain, but there is no doubt that Slanted and Enchanted sets the tone for what Pavement and their indelible style.
4.5/5
Beth Orton
4/5
I'm only familiar with Bess's more recent work which I do enjoy, so it was a real treat to find this today. Lovely album for a fall morning.
4.5/5
Hot Chip
3/5
Look, I like Hot Chip. I think this is a good album. I played it in my college house many many times, especially Motion Sickness. It is not an essential album from 2012.
3.5/5
Aerosmith
3/5
At this point I'm not sure if I actually enjoy the megahits on here or were just conviced of that after hearing them 1,000 times each. The album tracks are just so mediocre and I cannot stand Steven Tyler's frontmanning style.
3/5
Scott Walker
3/5
I only know Scott Walker from Bish Bosch so this was a REAL shock to me.
2.5/5
Dirty Projectors
2/5
I was in college deep in the Pitchfork-verse when this came out and even then it didn't click with me. There are beautiful moments but holy shit are they trying SO hard you can hear it.
2/5
Depeche Mode
3/5
I like Depeche Mode and this was another one of thier albums.
3.5/5
Blue Cheer
3/5
As crunchy as fall leaves.
3/5
The Who
4/5
I think many of the people on here giving this immediate 5 stars forget just how forgettable the middle of this album is.
3.5/5
Queen
2/5
Fantasy or medieval rock has to be one of my least favorite subgenres.
2/5
Solange
4/5
I distinctly remember this coming out and enjoying it while being a bit confused by the level of praise. I very much enjoy the record, and Cranes In The Sky is untouchable, but the amout of interludes drags this down a bit for me. Still, a worthy inclusion for the genre and the time.
3.5/5
ABBA
4/5
You either like ABBA or hate fun.
4/5
The Magnetic Fields
4/5
This is always one that I've missed on, I've seen the cover 10,000 times and love the song The Book of Love, but never actually invested the time to dig in. It's varied enough to hold your attention, with some beautiful moments sprinkled throughout.
4/5
Barry Adamson
3/5
I like the idea of scoring a fake movie, I like a lot of the creepier tracks, but the interim songs leave me flat.
3/5
Peter Tosh
3/5
I'll put my own bias against Reggae out in the open here. I don't mind this at all, but it just doesn't elevate for me.
2.5/5
The Incredible String Band
1/5
Quite possibly the worst album I've heard on this project.
.5/5
Turbonegro
3/5
Would be 50% with no lyrics.
2.5/5
TLC
4/5
Incredibly horny, Waterfalls is quite possibly the song I heard most in the '90s and I'm not mad at it.
4/5
Tears For Fears
5/5
I think this might be the album that most properly represents the ‘80s.
4.5/5
Meat Loaf
2/5
More people bought this album than voted for Jimmy Carter in the 1976 Presidential Election.
2/5
Stan Getz
4/5
Another perfect album to listen to on a beautifully sunny Sunday morning while drinking coffee.
4/5
Common
3/5
Enjoy the vibe more than the album. Definitely do not miss the skit centered era of hip-hop, and most certainly do not miss the overt homophobia.
2.5/5
William Orbit
2/5
Trip-hop is the one genre of ambient electronic music that I just don't fully vibe with. It's not bad, but there's just so much more interesting stuff out there.
2/5
The Band
3/5
The Weight is incredible, all the others are... fine.
2.5/5
Janet Jackson
4/5
Almost too 80's for me, but I found this impressively diverse and engaging for an hour plus runtime. You can see her fingerprints on a lot of modern pop music in a good way.
4/5
Patti Smith
5/5
I was lucky enough to see Patti Smith live just last year, and let me tell you at 77 she still can command a stage. An all time classic.
5/5
PJ Harvey
4/5
I need to listen to more PJ Harvey.
Stereolab
3/5
Interesting musically and conceptually, I did end up finding the vocal grating after a while.
3/5
JAY Z
4/5
You have no idea the vice grip that Izzo (H.O.V.A.) had on middle school Zach.
4/5
Tina Turner
3/5
Fun for stretches, but didn't really stick with me like I was hoping it would.
3/5
Amy Winehouse
4/5
I know it's been said millions of times, but damn what a voice.
4/5
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
I am completely in love with the guitar tones on this, on top of a predictably wondeful Joplin effort. A true gem of the late '60's.
4/5
The Who
2/5
The fact that it’s a concept album doesn’t automatically make it good.
2/5
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Feels like a gentle kiss on the forehead before tucking you in.
4/5
Small Faces
1/5
Felt like it was designed to annoy me specifically.
1.5/5