1001 Albums Summary

Listening statistics & highlights

Journey Complete!

Finisher #852 to complete the list

View User Albums Summary
1089
Albums Rated
3.27
Average Rating
100%
Complete

Rating Distribution

Rating Timeline

Taste Profile

1950
Favorite Decade
Funk
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
106
5-Star Albums
27
1-Star Albums

Breakdown

By Genre

Tap a bar to see the albums behind it

Top Styles

Tap a bar to see the albums behind it

By Decade

By Origin

Albums

You Love More Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Next
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
5 2.7 +2.3
Quiet Life
Japan
5 2.86 +2.14
A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
5 2.87 +2.13
Leftism
Leftfield
5 2.89 +2.11
Gris Gris
Dr. John
5 2.89 +2.11
Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
5 2.9 +2.1
Swordfishtrombones
Tom Waits
5 2.94 +2.06
Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5 2.95 +2.05
Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches
Happy Mondays
5 2.98 +2.02
Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
5 3.03 +1.97

You Love Less Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Fragile
Yes
1 3.32 -2.32
D
White Denim
1 3.21 -2.21
Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
1 3.2 -2.2
Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert)
Bob Dylan
1 3.14 -2.14
The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Pink Floyd
1 3.1 -2.1
Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
1 3.05 -2.05
The Who Sell Out
The Who
1 2.98 -1.98
Joan Baez
Joan Baez
1 2.97 -1.97
White Light / White Heat
The Velvet Underground
1 2.89 -1.89
Survivor
Destiny's Child
1 2.87 -1.87

Artists

Favorites

Tap an artist to see their albums

ArtistAlbumsAverage
Radiohead 6 4.83
Led Zeppelin 5 4.8
Nick Drake 3 5
Nirvana 3 5
R.E.M. 4 4.5
Stevie Wonder 4 4.5
PJ Harvey 4 4.5
Kate Bush 3 4.67
The White Stripes 3 4.67
Prince 3 4.67
Beatles 7 4.14
Aretha Franklin 2 5
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds 5 4.2
David Bowie 9 3.89
Peter Gabriel 3 4.33
Arcade Fire 3 4.33
Pixies 3 4.33
Kraftwerk 3 4.33

Least Favorites

Tap an artist to see their albums

ArtistAlbumsAverage
The Mothers Of Invention 2 1
Emerson, Lake & Palmer 2 1
Yes 3 1.67
Bee Gees 2 1.5
My Bloody Valentine 3 2
Joni Mitchell 4 2.25

Controversial

Tap an artist to see their albums

ArtistRatings
Pink Floyd 1, 4, 5, 4
The Verve 5, 2
The Velvet Underground 4, 4, 1
Kanye West 2, 5, 4
Tom Waits 4, 2, 2, 4, 5

5-Star Albums (106)

View Album Wall

Popular Reviews

Led Zeppelin by Led Zeppelin

Hell yes! Hard to believe this was their first album and they weren’t even signed yet. They had it all: the swagger, the musicianship, those vocals, Robert Plant in ladies’ blouses. A no brainer 5

So by Peter Gabriel

Ah, now this is one of my all time faves. Such a great album. I almost didn’t want to move on so I could keep playing it. It’s that good. Needs must though so on I trundle

American Beauty by Grateful Dead

I’ve never heard Grateful Dead before but I am aware of their reputation. So, I was expecting something far out and psychedelic, worthy of a freak out or a happening, man. But this is just dull. What is all the fuss about?

California by American Music Club

So this is their ‘definitive statement’? Yikes. I kept thinking something interesting was about to happen and then it didn’t. Entirely unmemorable and lacking any discernible personality

Music From Big Pink by The Band

Sorry ‘Muricans but this is just tedious. Take A Load Off is decent and I recognise Wheels On Fre from Ab Fab (that version is more tuneful though. The rest just trundles along in a rather dull manner

1-Star Albums (27)

All Ratings (1089)

Imagine by John Lennon
Aug 13 2023

Bit dull tbh. A few decent tunes. ‘Imagine’ the song is a bit of a dirge

First Band On The Moon by The Cardigans
Aug 14 2023

More complex than I thought but underwhelming. Scandinavians are great at pop music but this has not aged well

Lust For Life by Iggy Pop
Aug 15 2023

Now that’s more like it. Timeless

Aug 23 2023

Appalling. Nearly switched off during the ‘Free Form Guitar’ thing as it is like nails on a blackboard. And that last track is 14 AND A HALF MINUTES LONG!!! Jesus. The only reason I forced myself to listen all the way through is because that is the spirit of the project. The worst of technical musicianship. My ex probably likes it

Triangle by The Beau Brummels
Aug 24 2023

Is it ok to admit I never even heard of them before? Probably influential but very much of its time

Germfree Adolescents by X-Ray Spex
Aug 25 2023

I think I get why this is on here as it was probably a landmark for its time. It hasn’t aged well though and I was mostly bored, which I don’t think is what punk was aiming for

The Specials by The Specials
Aug 26 2023

Aaahh, the Death in Paradise theme! Lol. RIP Terry Hall. Legend

The Pleasure Principle by Gary Numan
Aug 27 2023

Gary Numan once held a door open for my sister at a hotel in Edinburgh. That’s all I’ve got. Clearly influential and I do love to recognise a famous sample but it doesn’t really do much for me

Green by R.E.M.
Aug 28 2023

Now this is more like it! REM was the first gig I went to with my ex. Still like them though

Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Aug 29 2023

Ahh, now, love singing along to this one as Anthony’s voice is in just my key. Their last decent album before they totally lost it. The lyrics are a bit nursery rhyme as per. They’ve been phoning it in ever since this one

Damaged by Black Flag
Aug 30 2023

Kept the Spotify station after listening and discovered it’s not just Black Flag. this is not the genre for me. Very muddy and difficult to hear the lyrics which surprises me as I am aware of Henry Rollins’ spoken word stuff. Best enjoyed by sweaty men colliding with each other violently in a mosh pit, which is something I have never understood the appeal of

Blue by Joni Mitchell
Aug 31 2023

I like a lot of female singer/songwriters but Joni has always left me cold and I can’t quite put my finger on why. Clearly influential to the likes of Tori Amos and Laura Marling. Her voice irritates me and I find the music meandering. It doesn’t engage me so I find myself unable to concentrate on the lyrics. Found it on YouTube due to her boycotting Spotify and the comments were gushing and calling this the best album of all time. I really don’t get it

Home Is Where The Music Is by Hugh Masekela
Sep 01 2023

I just can’t with most jazz. And I betray my ignorance by admitting I thought this was going to sound a lot more African. I started off pleasantly surprised that it was more interesting than the usual stuff I can imagine playing in the background at a restaurant but I got bored fairly quickly. Clearly talented but simply not for me

Homework by Daft Punk
Sep 02 2023

I thought I liked them back in the day but turns out I probably just liked their singles. No more needs to be said

The Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails
Sep 03 2023

A stone cold classic. This has grown on me over the years, despite some of the lyrics making me uncomfortable, which I suspect is the point . Am I wrong for finding bits of this kinda sexy?

The Dreaming by Kate Bush
Sep 04 2023

I am a massive fan of Kate Bush and it is so impressive that she produced this herself. Having said that, this is a bit bonkers for me and sadly I did not have the time to give it the attention. It needs and deserves. Still getting a 4 though

Fever To Tell by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Sep 05 2023

Yes, this is more like it. Saw them live touring this album at Barrowlands. Loved it. Worst support act ever (The Locust, power violence is the genre apparently). Most of the girls in the crowd were trying and failing to look like Karen O, style icon. This album stands the test of time

Shalimar by Rahul Dev Burman
Sep 06 2023

Not sure I really needed to listen to this before I die, however unexpected treasures are in the spirit of this thing and I’m here for it. It’s a fun listen to the soundtrack of India’s most expensive movie which stars Rex Harrison. Today I Learned lol

D by White Denim
Sep 07 2023

Never heard of them before. Honestly completely lost on me why this is on the list. Music for ‘musos’ and the like who feel the need to stand at the back of gigs so they can analyse everything, instead of actually having fun. My ex would probably love it

Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes
Sep 08 2023

I mean it’s a pleasant listen but not particularly compelling or memorable

Iron Maiden by Iron Maiden
Sep 09 2023

I surprised myself by liking this more than I thought I would. I can see how influential they are. I prefer these vocal to those of Bruce Dickinson and they haven’t descended into the caricature almost joke band they became with all the Eddie nonsense May even listen again

Connected by Stereo MC's
Sep 10 2023

Aww, takes me back. I had forgotten I saw them supporting Madonna in the Blonde Ambition tour back in the day. I think I had the album too. This holds up pretty well. I still appreciate a bit of acid jazz, though this does get a bit samey tbh

Violator by Depeche Mode
Sep 11 2023

An all time classic. What can I say except it still sounds amazing

The Chronic by Dr. Dre
Sep 12 2023

I know it’s massively influential and all that but, honestly, I found this a bit of a slog. I prefer other artists from this stable E.g. Eminen, Snoop, Mary J Blige. And it really hasn’t aged well - I find the language jarring with all the ‘Bitches’, ‘Niggaz’ and ‘MFs’. Single handedly responsible for middle class suburban Scottish guys wandering about thing they are boys in the hood. Oh dear

Tonight's The Night by Neil Young
Sep 13 2023

I think I would really like some of the songs with a different voice and instrumentation. I really can’t get past that voice and the instrumentation is too country. Some good songwriting I think but overall not for me. I tried

Rust In Peace by Megadeth
Sep 14 2023

Knew this wasn’t for me when I looked at the track listing to see how long there was left to go and discovered I was only on track 2. Dave Mustaine wanted to be harder and faster than Metallica and he succeeded. I prefer something a bit more melodic myself. They’re a tight unit though so I’ll give them that

Youth And Young Manhood by Kings of Leon
Sep 15 2023

Well, this is a blast from the past. I had this CD but never really listened. However it was nice to revisit. Listened to it a couple of times. It took my mind off running quite well. I remember them being promising back then. And then they went all stadium and married models and became a boring cliche. Would definitely listen to this again though

Morrison Hotel by The Doors
Sep 16 2023

Well this just left me cold. Jim Morrison is overrated anyway, pompous sixth form poetry. And not sexy. Strange Brew by Cream came on directly after this and it was such a relief

Throwing Muses by Throwing Muses
Sep 17 2023

Didn’t do a lot for me and I liked this kind of music back in the day e.g. Kristin Hersh, Belly etc. Also very lo fi which I am not a fan of. I recognise it was very influential though

Siembra by Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
Sep 18 2023

Ok, so another one where it’s ‘not for me’. Ugh. I get the musicianship and that it was a smash hit. And salsa is kinda fun. Probably missing out because I don’t understand Spanish so the story is lost on me. Fun to dance and have a laugh too. A bit like background music to listen to

This Year's Model by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Sep 19 2023

I could do an Elvis Costello ‘Greatest Hits’ compilation but I’m not keen on the actual albums. He’s one of those artists

New Boots And Panties by Ian Dury
Sep 20 2023

This is just not for me and I don’t really know what to say because I somehow feel like I should appreciate this more than I do. I think Dury got away with a lot because he was seen as a ‘character’

good kid, m.A.A.d city by Kendrick Lamar
Sep 21 2023

The lyrics are questionable, of course, but there’s no getting away from the fact that this album overall has a chill vibe and I like his voice. And Swimming Pools is a cracker. Much better than the ‘seminal’ The Chronic by Dr Dre. I have to give this a 4. Glad I listened

Aww, made my day this. My sister had this album back in the day. What a debut. He had it all: talent, a fantastic voice, good looks. But I reckon nobody liked Terry D’Arby more than Terry D’Arby. His hubris did for him I think. And he went a bit bonkers. Shame. So much promise

Sep 24 2023

The singles are bangers, the rest not so much. Overall a bit underwhelming but passed my couch to 5k run adequately. Have they had any hits since this album?

Sep 25 2023

Really, guys? Why is this on here? I mean, I like some ‘experimental’ stuff such as Radiohead’s later stuff/Thom Yorke/Atoms for Peace, and I can see bits of them in this. Also early PJ Harvey. And the premise about the witches is fun. And some tracks were listenable. You know it’s not great though when you think to yourself ‘ooh this is a bit better’ and then realise that the album has finished and the station has moved on to something else Note to self: you have to listen to them all, all the way through, because that’s the game 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

Sep 26 2023

This is so good. Cash’s voice is awful tbh but somehow it works and is even really affecting. The genius of Rick Rubin perhaps. A classic

Sep 27 2023

I listened to this while running and thought some of the ludicrous lyrics would distract me. I nearly stopped in frustration at all the instrumental nonsense. How the hell is this touted as a classic?

The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monáe
Sep 28 2023

I really like Janelle Monae. I love her style and her ambition/ But overall this just leaves me a bit cold and I’m kinda disappointed. 3.5

Aqualung by Jethro Tull
Sep 29 2023

Well, what do you know, I liked this waaayyy more than I thought I would. So much better than ‘Piper at the Gates of Dawn’ which I had a couple of days ago. Pleasantly surprised. I don’t get everyone hating on the flute. It works well with this type of music

Moving Pictures by Rush
Sep 30 2023

A bit shocked I liked this more than I thought I would. Lee’s voice is not my fave but it’s tolerable, and some of the tracks were listenable. Would prefer a heavier production and less synths. My ex is a bit of a Rush fanboy and he’s a musician who can’t enjoy a gig for scrutinising the musicianship, which says it all. Fave track is Witch Hunt by far

Real Life by Magazine
Oct 01 2023

I really wanted to like this more than I did. With John Leckie producing and John McGeoch on guitar who influenced the likes of Jonny Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, John Frusciante and Robert Smith. It left me a bit cold though. Genuinely disappointed

Car Wheels On A Gravel Road by Lucinda Williams
Oct 02 2023

I’m beginning to feel like I don’t like music, the selection on here lately is leaving me so cold. This was a bit dull, and I honestly have no clue from reading up why it would be on here. Come on guys, give me something to love. Yet another one where I thought ‘ahh, that’s a bit better!’ only to discover the album had finished and it had gone on to the station afterwards. Sigh

Young Americans by David Bowie
Oct 03 2023

Can’t really go wrong with a bit of Bowie. He has a way of making every style his own. Even ‘plastic soul’. So listenable and you can’t ask for more than that

Sunshine Hit Me by The Bees
Oct 04 2023

Have never even heard of them. Beginning to question myself re music. I mean, it was pleasant. The second half was better than the first half which was pretty boring. I may listen again but it’s not life changing

Roger the Engineer by The Yardbirds
Oct 05 2023

I know about The Yardbirds and their three guitar legends. And like others are saying I only know of ‘For Your Love’ from a 60s album I had when I was a teenager. I liked this but it didn’t hugely grab my attention and I drifted away when I got distracted by other stuff. And I listened to it twice

Pretenders by Pretenders
Oct 07 2023

I know the singles but there are some bangers on here I never heard before (Space Invader, Mystery Achievement). And of course Chrissie Hynde is an inspiration.

Fifth Dimension by The Byrds
Oct 08 2023

Another one where I like the singles but overall it just got a bit samey. And this is after Gene Clark left so they were struggling a bit hence four cover versions. I always let it run on to autoplay after finishing and I have been getting so much of the same style lately I swear my Spotify defaults to ‘Strange Brew’ by Cream, which is usually better than anything that has gone before. Come on generator, mix it up a bit!

Van Halen by Van Halen
Oct 09 2023

I liked this more than I thought. The Kinks cover was terrible though. And guitar solos of any sort leave me cold. Wish I could mark these out of 10, as the disparity between all the albums I’m marking as 3 or 4 stars is huge

Elephant by The White Stripes
Oct 10 2023

What a banger of an album. Thank you for reminding me of its existence

Vento De Maio by Elis Regina
Oct 11 2023

I really liked this. Was dancing round the kitchen while I was making the dinner. Would listen again. Would give it 3.5 if that was a thing

2112 by Rush
Oct 12 2023

Well good grief, I really did like this more than I thought was possible. My ex is mildly obsessed and whenever I would hear a bit I hated it. I might be biased though. Parts of this were enjoyable and none was unbearable. I would honestly give this 3.5 if that was a thing. Shocker

If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears by The Mamas & The Papas
Oct 13 2023

I’m getting an awful lot in a similar genre and era and a lot of them seem to have slept with each other lol. It’s getting a bit boring tbh. Give me some variety supposedly random generator. This is pleasant, love the harmonies and obviously there are a couple of bangers. And that ‘The ‘In’ Crowd’ song which if I recall correctly was the theme tune for’Film’ whatever with Barry Norman. And poor Cass, derided for her weight and turned down by Denny while the rest of them were entangled. Swithering between a 3 and a 4. I’ll say it again; I wish there was a 3.5 or marks out of 10. Oh, and it’s hilarious that the cover was deemed obscene and the toilet had to be covered up. Americans, eh? 🙄 PS those apostrophes are so annoying!

Ace of Spades by Motörhead
Oct 14 2023

I was liking this and was gonna give it a 4 and then it all started merging in to one. I think it’s another one I want to give a 3.5 to. I laughed at Lemmy saying the producer got him to sing rather than just shout. Also the thought of them appearing on TISWAS. LOL wonder if Lemmy got pied. And as others have said about the lyrics to ‘Jailbait’, no need. This would definitely be enjoyed more in a rock pub with sticky floors and a couple of ciders

Isn't Anything by My Bloody Valentine
Oct 15 2023

I can’t remember anything about this except sludgy noise and a lack of melody. I get that it was apparently influential but it’s a no from me

Urban Hymns by The Verve
Oct 16 2023

I read some of the scathing reviews and was thinking maybe this will not have stood the test of time. But no, it’s great. I want to give it 4.5 because it does go on a bit too long but that’s not an option so here we are

Hunky Dory by David Bowie
Oct 17 2023

It’s Bowie. It deserves 5 stars for Life On Mars? alone. It makes me feel joyful

All Things Must Pass by George Harrison
Oct 18 2023

He writes a good song but a triple album? No need

Pacific Ocean Blue by Dennis Wilson
Oct 19 2023

Omg I love this. Not what I expected and I got quite emotional times. A lovely 5 star surprise

Deserter's Songs by Mercury Rev
Oct 20 2023

Very Flaming Lips but this is unsurprising looking at the history. Both bands leave me a bit cold if I’m honest. And I think calling them ‘celebrities’ in the UK after this album is a bit of a stretch.

Parallel Lines by Blondie
Oct 21 2023

You know it’s an absolute belter and Debbie Harry is an icon but I must admit it flags a bit in the middle. I’m torn. 4 stars

Joan Armatrading by Joan Armatrading
Oct 22 2023

Must admit I was not really in the mood yesterday and didn’t listen properly. It was good though

Hearts And Bones by Paul Simon
Oct 23 2023

This is just bland and a bit twee at times. Disappointing

Brilliant Corners by Thelonious Monk
Oct 24 2023

Omg this is the first album from this that bored me so much I stopped before the end. I am tired and just can’t be arsed with something that doesn’t grab my attention tbh. And this does not grab my attention ETA: I made myself listen to the end. I kind of want to enjoy this kind of thing but I just don’t

Heartattack And Vine by Tom Waits
Oct 25 2023

I really liked this. Yes, his voice is weird but it works. Just wish it was easier to hear the lyrics. I’m interested to hear more of his stuff now

Gold by Ryan Adams
Oct 26 2023

Genuinely baffled as to why this is on here. It’s not terrible but it’s just bland and unmemorable., The voice, the lyrics, the music. It’s not groundbreaking, era defining, different. I don’t get it. And I know he’s a terrible person but if we followed that criteria many on this list would have to go. Isn’t it notable though that they always start by denying everything, no matter how many women come forward. Too many men…

The Visitors by ABBA
Oct 27 2023

This started off really well. I loved ‘The Visitors’. But the second half sounded like a musical and I’m not in to that. I think ABBA are maybe more a singles band

Illinois by Sufjan Stevens
Oct 28 2023

I didn’t have much of an idea what to expect from this. I think he’s more popular in America. I loved it though and I am sure it will reward more listens. Still hating the fact there are only 5 stars

Heroes by David Bowie
Oct 29 2023

This didn’t grab me as much as some of his other stuff but it’s still getting 4 stars because it’s Bowie and ‘Heroes’ the song is a banger

Meat Puppets II by Meat Puppets
Oct 30 2023

When this first came on I thought omg because the first track is not for me. Luckily it got better. What a weird album though. And I did keep imagining Kurt Cobain’s voice, which helped tbh. Again wishing this was a 10 point scale. I want to give it 3.5

Bayou Country by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Oct 31 2023

I loved this. What a nice surprise

Winter In America by Gil Scott-Heron
Nov 02 2023

Legend. Saw him live not long before he passed away and it was great

Different Class by Pulp
Nov 03 2023

You know, I swear I had this back in the day but I don’t think I ever listened to the whole album. It’s majestic. Obviously the singles are great but the album as a whole is better than I could have hoped. Jarvis is one of the best frontmen I have ever seen life. No idea what that idiot American reviewer is thinking rambling on about the blues. Weird

Liquid Swords by GZA
Nov 04 2023

Ugh, I just really was not in the mood for this and could not concentrate on it but that doesn’t mean it’s bad so it’s getting a 3

Midnight Ride by Paul Revere & The Raiders
Nov 05 2023

Another day where I wasn’t really in the mood and this did nothing to grab my attention

21 by Adele
Nov 06 2023

Yes, she has a good voice and writes a decent song but it’s all a bit bland for my taste. I’d take Amy Winehouse over this any day of the week

Getz/Gilberto by Stan Getz
Nov 07 2023

It’s pleasant enough and I’ve always had a soft spot for the sax. Didn’t really work in the dark on the bus coming home from work though

Darklands by The Jesus And Mary Chain
Nov 08 2023

The appeal is lost on me. There is the glimmer of something good buried in here but it is obscured by the overwhelming guitars, muddy vocals and production values. Another one that leaves me cold

Antichrist Superstar by Marilyn Manson
Nov 09 2023

I’m not gonna judge him for his morals because that is not what this is about and a lot of the artists on here would be off. I was looking forward to this but it turns out ‘Beautiful People’ is the only standout track. And his music is better with the visuals

Maggot Brain by Funkadelic
Nov 10 2023

This wasn’t as funky as I was expecting. And the first track was out of place. The play list that came on after was fab though

Live At The Star Club, Hamburg by Jerry Lee Lewis
Nov 11 2023

Loved this. Have to put the man’s character aside because that’s not the point of this and, let’s face it, many would be excluded if we took their character in to account. Such energy. Would love to have been there

Roots by Sepultura
Nov 12 2023

The 5 star rating system strikes again. I really want to give this 3.5 because this genre and the roaring vocal still just ain’t my thing. However I do appreciate the musicianship, particularly the percussion, and the collaboration with the tribespeople is interesting

We're Only In It For The Money by The Mothers Of Invention
Nov 13 2023

I had a vague idea because my ex is a huge Zappa fan but this is worse than I imagined. Unlistenable. And taking pot shots at an easy target. And personally I don’t think The Beatles were ‘only in it for the money’. Even if they were, so what? They wrote some classics that survive the decades unlike this nonsense. Get the feeling Zappa always thought he was the smartest person in the room, in a condescending way. O stars if that was a thing

Talking Book by Stevie Wonder
Nov 14 2023

Fantastic for Superstition alone. Liked it even better on second listen. Nearly gave it 4 stars but then I Believe (When I Fall In It Will Be Forever) came on and I was blown away

In The Wee Small Hours by Frank Sinatra
Nov 15 2023

I imagine this is one that would grow on me with more listens. I mean, it’s Frank so the voice is matchless but it all got a bit samey. Probably not best listened to on the bus home from work

You Want It Darker by Leonard Cohen
Nov 16 2023

Loved the title track. The rest is all much of a muchness

Alien Lanes by Guided By Voices
Nov 17 2023

This was dull, uninspiring and unremarkable. I doubt it was the best album released that week, let alone one to hear before you die. The playlist that followed was chock full of exactly the same. The Americans moaning about Britpop can do one, honestly, this is so much worse

Time Out by The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Nov 18 2023

Classic. Listenable rather than noodling which is the kind of jazz I like

Be by Common
Nov 19 2023

Idk, I want to give this a 3.5

Birth Of The Cool by Miles Davis
Nov 20 2023

I appreciate the musicianship and I get that this was the start of an era in jazz, however this does nothing for me. It would be pleasant as background music in a cafe. Darn That Dream with the vocal was by far my favourite and I thought Spotify had taken me onto a playlist which says a lot about my taste in jazz

In A Silent Way by Miles Davis
Nov 21 2023

Surprising but I really liked this. Much more than Birth of the Cool, which was yesterday’s selection. Shhh/peaceful is the better track by far. Can definitely see me listening to this one again. Thanks generator

The Good, The Bad & The Queen by The Good, The Bad & The Queen
Nov 22 2023

I listened to this on the bus on the way home from work and it made no impression whatsoever

Dear god. Made it 11 minutes in and had to stop. Was on YouTube so I couldn’t even read anything to distract myself. Kept thinking something listenable would come on eventually. It did not

Fulfillingness' First Finale by Stevie Wonder
Nov 24 2023

This isn’t quite as good as his sublime best but there are still a good few bangers in there. Such a talented man

Kind Of Blue by Miles Davis
Nov 28 2023

This really is as good as its reputation. Shall definitely be revisiting

Femi Kuti by Femi Kuti
Nov 29 2023

It’s cheery and upbeat but after a while it all kind of blurred in to one

Groovin' by The Young Rascals
Nov 30 2023

I liked this more than I thought I would. Added to the librRy

american dream by LCD Soundsystem
Dec 01 2023

Now this is what this thing is for! Never heard them before and it’s right up my street. 4 due to a couple of weaker tracks but with more listens it may become a 5

Off The Wall by Michael Jackson
Dec 02 2023

I really want to give this 4.5 but that’s not a thing here so it’s a 4 from me. Absolute classic, obviously, but the second side doesn’t quite match up to the first side which is the reason for losing half a star

Tigermilk by Belle & Sebastian
Dec 03 2023

I liked this better than I thought I would because I’ve always had an impression that they are unbearably twee. Next day thought I can’t remember much about it so it’s a 3 from me. May revisit at some point

The Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest
Dec 04 2023

I wanted to like this. I thought I would like this. I was disappointed. Samey and boring and could have all been variations on the one theme

Who's Next by The Who
Dec 07 2023

The three obvious ones are classic bangers but sadly the rest is a bit meh for me. Disappointing

Want Two by Rufus Wainwright
Dec 08 2023

I really thought I would have liked this more but it really is not for me. Sounded like a bunch of show tunes and his voice comes across as affected. And the opening track just isn’t it

The Blueprint by JAY Z
Dec 09 2023

I want to give this 3.5. Not a fan of his voice and it’s a bit patchy and too long but there’ are some great tracks

Scum by Napalm Death
Dec 10 2023

Well… You know, I could actually tell the difference between sides 1 and 2. I is definitely more metal and 2 more punk. I don’t understand the appeal of this vocal style, and what is the point of having sociopolitical lyrics if they are unintelligible? I made it all the way through, unlike the John Zorn offering. I sort of want to give this 1.5 for some reason. The reviews amuse me

Now I Got Worry by The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Dec 11 2023

Not even finished yet but what even is this? Deconstructed blues or something? I mean, there are some good elements here but it just isn’t cohesive to me. And it’s far too long. Would probably be a fun live night in a small venue though, with a couple of ciders. Lots of energy I would imagine

Kala by M.I.A.
Dec 13 2023

Dunno what to make of this quite honestly. Could probably do with more listens. I can hear its influence on the likes of Gwen Stefani and Beyoncé. Idk if that’s a Timbaland thing

Whatever by Aimee Mann
Dec 14 2023

Dull

Crocodiles by Echo And The Bunnymen
Dec 15 2023

This was a nice surprise. Really liked it and it’s added to the library. A different sound to their later stuff. I like Joy Division et al so why wouldn’t I like this? Sounded better on headphones and I reckon it will grow on me with more listens

Innervisions by Stevie Wonder
Dec 16 2023

Sublime. Deserves to be on this list. That is all

Surrealistic Pillow by Jefferson Airplane
Dec 17 2023

Loved this. A bit all over the place but so much more interesting than some of the other flower power offerings on here

Exile In Guyville by Liz Phair
Dec 18 2023

This should have been right up my street but it wasn’t. A track would get me interested but the next one would lose me. I want to give it a 2.5. Disappointing. Prefer PJ Harvey any day. Oh and the number of guys on here mentioning the nipple is truly pathetic

Dec 19 2023

Always a bit unsure about Dylan though I liked this more than I thought. Can’t really say I don’t when I listen to Laura Marling. Not a harmonica fan though, it hurt my ears at times on the earphones. I want to give this a 3.5

Vauxhall And I by Morrissey
Dec 21 2023

Yes, I know he is a reprehensible shit. The Smiths are one of my all time faves though. Gave this a couple of listens and it definitely grew on me second time around. Not the same without Marr though

Ágætis Byrjun by Sigur Rós
Dec 22 2023

I was really disappointed by this. It’s all much of a muchness and certainly did not move me to tears like someone else said

Dec 23 2023

I didn’t finish this because I was at work and then out. Started listening to it on the bus home, at least 50 minutes. 19 minute walk, got home, fed the cat, got ready for bed, demolished a whole box of chocolates, caught up with the news, texted my daughter, fought falling asleep. And gave in. It was still going and I had to give in to tiredness. Why on earth did they not make 2 separate albums?

Dare! by The Human League
Dec 24 2023

More annoyed about some reviews on here than anything else. People talking about Casio keyboards and one hit wonders are display their ignorance about music history. You forget how massive this album was. Love it. Want to give it a 4.5

#1 Record by Big Star
Dec 25 2023

I’ve heard Alex Chilton and Big Star mentioned as influences for years. Teenage Fanckub is one that springs to mind. Never listened before though. Shall be revisiting

Dec 26 2023

Yes he was a terrible person but separate the art from the artist and all that. Classic and joyful. Knocking a star off because I won’t be listening to it again any time soon

Pink Moon by Nick Drake
Dec 27 2023

I knew Nick Drake’s story already and I know my teenage daughter likes him. How did I never get round to listening? Just lovely

Kenya by Machito
Dec 29 2023

I liked it but it just kind of countered along in the background as I was going about my morning. I can see it used in a party scene in some hip film. Nice and accomplished but I feel no desire to revisit

Music for the Masses by Depeche Mode
Dec 30 2023

I want to give this 3.5 but I’ll round up to 4 because it’s Depeche Mode. Nowhere near as good as Violator though

Maverick A Strike by Finley Quaye
Dec 31 2023

Nah, this has not stood the test of time. It’s all a bit bland for me. I know he has lost his way. I hope he finds it again

Mermaid Avenue by Billy Bragg
Jan 01 2024

Left me a bit cold. Listened before I read the context and thought it sounded a bit different from the usual Billy Bragg. Still not essential though

Hot Buttered Soul by Isaac Hayes
Jan 02 2024

Yeah. Love his voice, love the musicianship etc but it’s a bit self indulgent. All the talky bits are unnecessary

Blackstar by David Bowie
Jan 03 2024

See this is what I don’t like about this thing. Because yesterday I just wasn’t feeling it for various reasons. And this would possibly replay more listening and I might well return to it. Nothing really grabbed me on first listen though

The Holy Bible by Manic Street Preachers
Jan 04 2024

The Manics should have been my thing back in the day but they always left me a bit cold. Their posturing always seemed ridiculous to me, and their music is a bit dull

Hail To the Thief by Radiohead
Jan 05 2024

Radiohead are one of my all time faves and seeing them was truly a bucket list moment. This isn’t up there with their very best though. I want to give it 3.5 but I’ll round up to 4 because it’s them

Jan 06 2024

I’m not usually into live albums but this is just sublime. Cobain’s voice. The whole thing is beautiful and the Bowie song is possibly my favourite cover of all time

McCartney by Paul McCartney
Jan 07 2024

This just sounds like Paul messing about at home because that’s what it is. I get the significance of the context but I don’t get why it’s here

Jan 09 2024

The first track came on and I though yes, let’s go but sadly a lot of it was a bit dull and self indulgent. Disappointing

Club Classics Vol. One by Soul II Soul
Jan 10 2024

My.word this has not aged well. And his voice is awful. No club classics here

Hejira by Joni Mitchell
Jan 11 2024

I just don’t get it with Joni Mitchell. Her music leaves me completely cold. 5,6, 8 minutes at a time and they just meander on interchangeably, getting nowhere. 2 stars because I recognise some decent musicianship in there (hello Jaco Pastorius) and she would make a good poet or short story writer

The Velvet Underground & Nico by The Velvet Underground
Jan 13 2024

Idk how this works. It really shouldn’t. Star knocked off for a couple of dodgy tracks and Nico’s strange voice

Jan 14 2024

This was a fun listen with far more going on than you realise at first. I kept wanting to lose interest but then it would draw me back in. I like its vibe. I’m swithering between 3.5 or 4

Country Life by Roxy Music
Jan 15 2024

I want to give this a 2.5. Roxy Music just don’t do it for me and I am really not sure why. And all the men commenting on the boobs in their review is pathetic

From Elvis In Memphis by Elvis Presley
Jan 16 2024

Aww, Elvis. In The Ghetto and Suspicious Minds are classics of course, but the rest of it is just a bit underwhelming. Great musicianship by the band though. I want to give this 2.5

Nowhere by Ride
Jan 17 2024

Nope. Sludgy samey and unmemorable. Swear I had this album back in the day, probably because I thought I should. Don’t think I ever listened. Did not come across well on my earphones. Not sure why this one is here. Wanting to give it 1.5

Songs From The Big Chair by Tears For Fears
Jan 18 2024

Majestic. Listened to the hits multiple times then went and watched Donnie Darko. Star knocked off because the non hits aren’t quite up there. Harsh, I know

Jan 19 2024

I liked this. It went on a bit though. Probably not best listened to in the dark on the bus going home when it is zero degrees outside. I want to give it 3.5

The Queen Is Dead by The Smiths
Jan 20 2024

So torn. It’s the Smiths and it’s a classic. I really want to give it 4.5 though

Jan 21 2024

Rating system is really starting to annoy me know because I really want to give this 3.5. Some of it is great, some of it, particularly the cover versions, is meh

Rio by Duran Duran
Jan 22 2024

I can’t not give this 5 stars because this was THE album of my formative years. John Taylor 😍. But the music is also cracking and they are good musicians too. The complete package. Made my day getting this

The Next Day by David Bowie
Jan 23 2024

I hate to say it because Bowie is a groundbreaking legend but his later stuff generally leaves me cold. Nothing stands out on this. I want to give it a 2.5

Songs The Lord Taught Us by The Cramps
Jan 24 2024

I liked this much more than I thought I would. In the end though, I bet they were far more of a blast live and that was a large part of their appeal. I want to give this 3.5

Street Signs by Ozomatli
Jan 26 2024

Ahh well, not on Spotify and only some tracks available on YouTube. Tbh 9 tracks was probably about enough, 13 would be overkill. I liked it and it was a fun listen. Kinda want to give it 3.5

Born In The U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen
Jan 27 2024

I mean, it’s good, but a bit straight ahead dad rock for me. Not a bad track to be heard. Steven Van Zandt was good in the Sopranos too, what a talented man

Frank by Amy Winehouse
Jan 28 2024

Oh gosh, this 5 star rating system is so frustrating. Another one I want to give 3.5. I love Amy and her voice and attitude but this goes on for too long and there are not enough standout tracks for me

We Are Family by Sister Sledge
Jan 29 2024

Yikes, it’s another one I want to give a 3.5 to. What’s not to like about a bit of disco. Upbeat, fun, makes you feel like dancing. And Rodger’s and Edwards were a class act. For that it is getting rounded up to a 4

Bryter Layter by Nick Drake
Jan 30 2024

My word. I knew of Nick Drake before this but had never actually heard any of his work before. I love it and it honestly is not what I expected. My daughter got there first, think I will be buying his biography for her birthday. I can totally see how he influenced John Martyn and I love him too so there it is. Thank you generator

Electric Warrior by T. Rex
Jan 31 2024

Loved this but it’s not quite up there for a 5 I think. Didn’t quite realise how influential he was

A Wizard, A True Star by Todd Rundgren
Feb 01 2024

Yeah. I liked parts of this. It’s all over the place though and just didn’t grab me. A bonkers psychedelic trip indeed but kind of disappointing

At Fillmore East by The Allman Brothers Band
Feb 02 2024

I wanted to like this more than I did. It just kept going on and on. Like I walked from the bus to my house, closed the blinds, fed the cat and put the bin out. And it was still on the same track and I kind of zoned out by then

Odelay by Beck
Feb 03 2024

Yeah it’s eclectic and a bit kooky but, for me, it works. Love the cover too

The Real Thing by Faith No More
Feb 04 2024

Classic. Takes me back. Not quite worthy of a five though

Peter Gabriel 3 by Peter Gabriel
Feb 05 2024

I am blown away by this, though So is a fave of mine so I might have known. There is something about PG that appeals to me, possibly his unhinged side. Have listened to it 4 times now and it just keeps getting better. It makes me feel some kind of way lol

Parachutes by Coldplay
Feb 06 2024

Omg, I’m torn. Because it’s Coldplay. I had this back in the day when they were the next big indie thing. I have to say it sounds better than I remembered. But is it really a 5? I would say 4.5 but that’s not a thing. What can you do?

Guitar Town by Steve Earle
Feb 07 2024

Country just is not for me. This was heading for a 3 at first but as it went on it dipped to a 2. Dull

Group Sex by Circle Jerks
Feb 08 2024

Um, I really don’t know what to make of this because I actually quite liked it. Better than the Black Flag album certainly. I’ve been to hardcore punk gigs and I generally don’t get it: the aggression, the pogoing, barging into each other and all that. Such masculine energy. I want to give this 2.5. Torn

Kollaps by Einstürzende Neubauten
Feb 09 2024

I really don’t know what to make of this. The first half was just shouty, the second half was more listenable. I can definitely where the ‘industrial’ name comes from. It would have been more interesting to see this live, kind of permanence. And I like the idea of constructing instruments from bits and pieces

Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette
Feb 10 2024

Some albums get a bit of a nostalgia vote. I genuinely loved this coming up on the generator. I still remember all the lyrics and was singing along like a maniac. And boy does her anger at crappy men resonate. Guys who are commenting on her looks before even mentioning the music 🖕🏻The ingrained misogyny is strong

What's Going On by Marvin Gaye
Feb 11 2024

An absolute classic. The musicianship is amazing too. Particularly when you think that James Jamerson was playing lying down because he was too drunk to stand up

Public Image: First Issue by Public Image Ltd.
Feb 12 2024

I wanted to like this more but I couldn’t. I find it jarring. Maybe that’s the point

Led Zeppelin II by Led Zeppelin
Feb 13 2024

Well, hallelujah, it’s about time

John Prine by John Prine
Feb 14 2024

I wanted to like this, I started of liking it, the lyrics are kinda entertaining, but after a while it just all blurred into one big country mass

Shake Your Money Maker by The Black Crowes
Feb 15 2024

I like this album but not sure why it’s here. Want to give it 3.5

Daydream Nation by Sonic Youth
Feb 16 2024

This should be right up my street. I was a total indie rock kid back in the day, but it leaves me a bit cold and I’m really not sure why. Mid, as they say

Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson
Feb 17 2024

I like Willie Nelson, he has a likeable voice and the story telling is great. Country just doesn’t do it for me though, even on this it all kind of merges into one

Broken English by Marianne Faithfull
Feb 18 2024

I unexpectedly loved this and have now listened to it about 5 times. Yet another woman who has been overlooked because of the men she was with

Legalize It by Peter Tosh
Feb 19 2024

Yeah, no. This was serviceable reggae and that’s about it. Want to give it a 2.5

Feb 20 2024

Majestic. Probably my fave Smiths album. There is really no more to say - a no brainer

A Walk Across The Rooftops by The Blue Nile
Feb 21 2024

Omg, it all came flooding back. Scotland’s own The Blue Nile, and dancing to ‘Tinseltown in the Rain’ at The Pub in Rose Street with my pal Tracy. Not the most danceable tune tbf. And it always stuck in my mind that Paul Buchanan dated Rosanna Arquette for a while. This was better than I remember. Fantastic

Behaviour by Pet Shop Boys
Feb 22 2024

I always think I should like PSB more than I do but there is something about their detached style and Neil’s vocals that leaves me a bit cold. I guess they are being boring… Very much a singles band for me

Music From Big Pink by The Band
Feb 23 2024

Sorry ‘Muricans but this is just tedious. Take A Load Off is decent and I recognise Wheels On Fre from Ab Fab (that version is more tuneful though. The rest just trundles along in a rather dull manner

Ramones by Ramones
Feb 24 2024

I mean, it’s kind of entertaining but it chunders along in the same deliberately dumb vein

Phaedra by Tangerine Dream
Feb 25 2024

I actually really like this. There were only 2 tracks on Spotify though. Not sure I would listen to a bunch of their stuff though. Can totally see why they are popular on soundtracks though

25 by Adele
Feb 26 2024

Adele is just meh to me. And so much overkill. There was no getting away from her before the last album blathering on about her marriage. And then she went to the Brit school and is supposedly super talented but then Max Martin, Ryan Tedder et al are all over this. Good voice and some decent songs

Africa Brasil by Jorge Ben Jor
Feb 27 2024

Think I might have done this one a disservice. Didn’t have lot of time yesterday so ended up listening as I got ready this morning . It’s getting a 4. Funky is a win for me

Raising Hell by Run-D.M.C.
Feb 28 2024

Aww god, some absolute bangers and clearly super influential but after the first few tracks the quality drops right off and it all starts blurring into one shouty track

The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter by The Incredible String Band
Feb 29 2024

Well, they formed in my home city but I feel no bias or loyalty here. At times I felt I was listening to a minstrel from Monty Python’s Holy Grail. Except that would have been a spoof and mildly amusing. The best thing about this album is the title. Very much of it’s time and place

Floodland by Sisters Of Mercy
Mar 01 2024

I honestly thought I was going to enjoy this more than I did. The production really hasn’t worn well

Mar 02 2024

This disappointed me no end. Loved the first track and got the whole deconstructed thing. Thought it was going to be a bit Radiohead but the rest was entirely underwhelming

Songs Of Love And Hate by Leonard Cohen
Mar 03 2024

I get the poetic aspect but I just cannot deal with his voice and the music. It’s dreary

Slipknot by Slipknot
Mar 04 2024

It’s just not for me. The lyrics that are intelligible are cringey and the music is all much of a muchness. I switched it off as soon as I realised it had reached the different mixes. The masks thing was always lost on me too. Music for teenage boys. I can appreciate the percussion though and it’s sad what happened to Joey Jordison

Mar 05 2024

One thing I’m finding is that i really like funk however this was not funky enough for me, strangely enough. Far too many rambling smooth passages that just don’t do it for me. Disappointing tbh

Marcus Garvey by Burning Spear
Mar 06 2024

It leaves me a bit cold. Probably best listened to lying on a boat in the Caribbean not on a cold dark night in Scotland

Here's Little Richard by Little Richard
Mar 07 2024

He has such great energy and it’s a fun listen, if all a bit samey

The Kinks just don’t grab the way I would have expected and I fine the lyrics kind of condescending towards the peopk being written about bur idk maybe I’m missing the point or something

Five Leaves Left by Nick Drake
Mar 09 2024

Loved this. Don’t know why it hasn’t saved my rating from before

Apocalypse Dudes by Turbonegro
Mar 10 2024

This is just ok. Really don’t like the production, it does not allow the music to shine. It is all really derivative and I genuinely do not get why this on the list. And a called ‘Good Head’ just came on. Is it a parody? How tiresome and juvenile. A star off for that alone Music for 15 year old boys

Beautiful Freak by Eels
Mar 11 2024

The 3 songs I knew are crackers but the rest left m a bit cold tbh. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood

Madman Across The Water by Elton John
Mar 12 2024

I’m torn because Tiny Dancer is one of my all time faves. I want to give this a 4.5. What to do?

Leftism by Leftfield
Mar 13 2024

Yes!! Loved this back in the day, love it now. So much going on. Best listened to very loud

Low-Life by New Order
Mar 14 2024

New Order are more of a singles band for me. And it is hard to get away from Bernard’s rooey vocals. Elegia is a banger though. pretty in Pink is one of my guilty pleasures

Permission to Land by The Darkness
Mar 15 2024

The Darkness really annoyed me at the time for some reason but revisiting this it is actually a fun listen packed full of bangers and good musicianship. Loved it. Nice one generator

Either Or by Elliott Smith
Mar 16 2024

This left me a bit underwhelmed on first listen. It would probably benefit from a bit of closer attention. Nick Drake came on immediately after and I was like aah that’s better. I want to give this 3.5

Fishscale by Ghostface Killah
Mar 17 2024

Good grief. This was interminable and boring. I don’t like his voice and don’t get the point of the skits. Nothing grabbed me on a casual listen

Exit Planet Dust by The Chemical Brothers
Mar 18 2024

Want to give this 3.5 I think because I feel like I should like this more than I do. Think some of their later stuff is better but this all gets a bit samey. Disappointing

Court And Spark by Joni Mitchell
Mar 19 2024

Joni Mitchell is one that I really don’t get. Her stuff meanders along aimlessly and does nothing for me. And it’s on YouTube and so annoying that I can’t do anything else on my phone at the same time. Accidentally skipped a few tracks and did not feel the need to go back. It was a bit of a relief if I’m honest

Steve McQueen by Prefab Sprout
Mar 20 2024

Pleasant but unremarkable. That’s it

Goodbye And Hello by Tim Buckley
Mar 21 2024

I don’t know what I was expecting but this was not it. Disappointing

Hot Rats by Frank Zappa
Mar 22 2024

This stuff bores. Not as insufferable as the last one of his I got though

In Rainbows by Radiohead
Mar 23 2024

No brainer. I feeling of joy comes over me when listening to this. Sublime

My Generation by The Who
Mar 25 2024

They hadn’t really found their thing yet, this is a bit all over the place stylistically

Thriller by Michael Jackson
Mar 26 2024

It’s got to be 5 stars when you find yourself dancing around the room without realising it. That is one of the reasons I love this generator. A classic and I even like the tracks everyone is naming as naff

Superfuzz Bigmuff by Mudhoney
Mar 27 2024

I get why this was influential but it just doesn’t really do it for me. I guess there is a reason Nirvana went stratospheric. And over 2 hours of this stuff? Absolutely no need. I gave up when I got to work about 100 mins in

The Yes Album by Yes
Mar 28 2024

Yes? No thanks. Music for musos who like to sit and marvel and the wibbling technical expertise.,No heart or emotion. And Jon Anderson’s voice gets a no from me

Giant Steps by The Boo Radleys
Mar 29 2024

I remember this coming out at the time and it was praised to high heaven as a work of genius. I don’t get it. It is completely unmemorable and unremarkable to me

My Aim Is True by Elvis Costello
Mar 30 2024

Don’t get it. Dull. I should start posting one word reviews tbh

Headquarters by The Monkees
Mar 31 2024

I’m only part way through but I’m doing the review anyway because 36 tracks?! There does not seem to be an original thought on here. Disappointing

Apr 01 2024

A few absolute bangers, a bit repetitive at times but Cook knows what he is doing and there is a reason he was everywhere under multiple pseudonyms for a while. And an extra half star for making me revisit that ‘Praise You’ vid

At Folsom Prison by Johnny Cash
Apr 02 2024

Love his style. The song choices are blackly brilliant and put a wry smile on my face

Emperor Tomato Ketchup by Stereolab
Apr 03 2024

What a lovely surprise! I heard of Stereolab back in the day but somehow never listened to any of their stuff. Also I always thought she is called Laetitia Sadler, oops. This chilled me out. Quirky and right up my street

Clandestino by Manu Chao
Apr 04 2024

I was disappointed with this one. Thought it would be joyful and fun but it just didn’t grab me

Happy Trails by Quicksilver Messenger Service
Apr 05 2024

Nope. Boring noodling. Why?

Revolver by Beatles
Apr 06 2024

Classic. So many memorable tunes, amazing production and ahead of its time. What’s not to love?

Timeless by Goldie
Apr 07 2024

Oh dear. Well, I get why this is on here because it was influential in drum and bass. But my god, nearly 2 hours of this stuff? Absolutely no need. I was willing it to be over by the end

Let It Be by The Replacements
Apr 10 2024

I was really disappointed with this. Was aware of the name Paul Westerberg back in the day but never listened before. Underwhelming

Frampton Comes Alive by Peter Frampton
Apr 11 2024

Bland, boring and middle of the road. Probably why it was so successful. Can’t be bothered doing reviews for the likes of this

Apr 12 2024

I liked this far more than I anticipated and it sticks in my craw to say it for personal reasons that don’t belong here lol. I can see their influence and I guess I can’t really claim to like The Mars Volta and not like this

Let's Stay Together by Al Green
Apr 13 2024

Love a bit of soul and clearly he has an amazing voice

Apr 14 2024

This is a weird one. On the face of it it could be considered rubbish but with the concept and everything somehow it works and becomes glorious. I see all the Americans failing to get it though, which is amusing

Manassas by Stephen Stills
Apr 15 2024

To me the amount of Crosby, Stills, Nash and adjacent artists on here is the equivalent of Americans moaning about Britpop. Kinda tedious. And well over an hour of this stuff? Absolutely no need. 2.5

Apr 16 2024

They front loaded this one with all the good tracks and the latter half starts to show glimpses of insufferableness (is that a word?). Downhill after the first album as I recalled correctly

I'm Your Man by Leonard Cohen
Apr 17 2024

Leonard just does not do it for me. He would have made a great poet but singing? No. And the 80s production and the backing vocals with that voice just doesn’t work. ‘First We Take Manhattan almost sounds like a parody to me here.

Eagles by Eagles
Apr 18 2024

Ugh, no, the dreaded Eagles. Never liked them and this just confirmed it. Bland is the word. Plus a guy I had a thing for once ghosted me by sending lyrics from Hotel California, so there’s that

Gasoline Alley by Rod Stewart
Apr 19 2024

Yikes, I couldn’t even remember what last night’s album was so that says it alll. A bit meh if I’m honest. Next!

Apr 20 2024

Some absolute classics on here clearly but what are rappers always so self indulgent. Some of the nonsense and filler later in the album marks it down a bit. Don’t let the ego run rampant. Less is more guys!

Rattlesnakes by Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
Apr 21 2024

I’m of an age yo have listened to them, in fact I believe I had one of their albums back in the day, and I have no idea why they are on here. If we are talking sophistipop then no one comes near The Blue Nile

Medúlla by Björk
Apr 22 2024

I like Bjork but I think this is where her output starts to go too experimental for me. I get the premise behind it but I will never be listening again

Out Of The Blue by Electric Light Orchestra
Apr 23 2024

Omg some of these music types aren’t half self inducement. I was losing the will to live by the end of this

C'est Chic by CHIC
Apr 24 2024

I am not ashamed to admit I love a bit of disco. Amazing production, amazing bass. There is a reason why Nile Rodgers is still a top producer. Let down a bit by weaker tracks

Playing With Fire by Spacemen 3
Apr 25 2024

This really did not engage me and I listened once on headphones and once on speakers. Something would occasionally grab me like Suicife. Idk I want to give it a 2.5. Oh, and I gave all the ‘bonus’ tracks a miss

Blunderbuss by Jack White
Apr 26 2024

Love this. Saw him touring it live and it was great. 5 from me

The Velvet Underground by The Velvet Underground
Apr 28 2024

I really like this one. Better than the last choice I got from them. Torn for a rating. 4.5

Transformer by Lou Reed
Apr 29 2024

Another one I want to give a 4.5. Not feeling this atm but on I plough

Exodus by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Apr 30 2024

Classic stuff

Ys by Joanna Newsom
May 01 2024

I just couldn’t with this. Did make it all the way through though which is no mean feat given Iit was on YouTube. Reminded me of Björk but I really struggled to tolerate her voice at times. 2 because of the orchestration and musicianship on display

Inspiration Information by Shuggie Otis
May 02 2024

Ugh, I was so disappointed by this. I read his Wikipedia page first and I thought it was going to be funky and soulful. It wasn’t

Rip It Up by Orange Juice
May 03 2024

Rip It Up is a banger of course. The rest not so much. I do love Zeke Manyika’s style though. Instantly recognisaed it from his work with The The

1989 by Taylor Swift
May 04 2024

I’m going to be reckless and give this a 5. I am unashamedly a fan of good pop music. And I even like her lyrics. I’ve listened to this at least 5 times since it popped up so that says something

May 05 2024

I’ve been torn about this one. Is it a 4 or a 5? Nothing Compares 2 U makes my hairs stand up. Her voice is beautiful. Not sure I would ever be listening to this regularly though. So I think it’s got to be a 4

May 06 2024

Liam’s voice is annoying. And I don’t know how it is that I can be aware that Wonderwall is a dirge and still find it amazing. Still, this has some classics of the genre lol

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
May 07 2024

Dull. Middle of the road. Uninspiring. Like a lot of the very American stuff on here tbh. Maybe it’s a cultural thing

The Sensual World by Kate Bush
May 08 2024

Well, it’s Kate Bush. For me this one flags at the start of side 2. Still gets a 5 though. This Woman’s Work has the ability to reduce me to tears

Illmatic by Nas
May 09 2024

Turns out hip hop isn’t for me. I even had this album back in the day but truthfully it mostly all blends in to one

Os Mutantes by Os Mutantes
May 10 2024

This did not do it for me I’m afraid. A bit bonkers

Sign 'O' The Times by Prince
May 11 2024

I mean it is quirky and inconsistent. And it is a double album. But man this brings back memories. And Prince. Is one of the best gigs I ever went to

Aja by Steely Dan
May 13 2024

This is just what I was expecting. Clearly the musicianship is good but there is nothing likeable about this

Tidal by Fiona Apple
May 14 2024

I had so much good will for this but it just didn’t do it for me and that is about all I can say

Lazer Guided Melodies by Spiritualized
May 15 2024

I probably won’t listen to this ever again but it worked weirdly well for running. I really need something I can lose myself in/drift off to so I can forget what I’m actually doing. Context is important I guess

Elvis Is Back by Elvis Presley
May 16 2024

This one grew on me as it went on and I ended up wanting to sing along and had to restrain myself due to the lateness of the hour. Just over 30 minutes is perfect and I ended up doing a bit of reading about Elvis and The Colonel too

Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury by The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
May 17 2024

I prefer Spearhead. I want to like this more than I do but it goes on and on and my patience wears thin after a while

Vol. 4 by Black Sabbath
May 18 2024

The production is terrible, even on remastered, and does the music no justice so I’m knocking a point off. Would be much better live

The Cars by The Cars
May 19 2024

Sooo this is much better than the usual Americana fare on here. What a nice surprise tbh. A good wee pop album. I may even listen again

The New Tango by Astor Piazzolla
May 20 2024

Yikes, well, this was super disappointing. I kept trying to picture being at some cabaret show watching sultry dancers tangoing away. And then the vibraphone would come in and take over again and it was like something a bit naff from the 80s. Damn you Gary Burton

Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
May 21 2024

Nick Cave is a strange one. On casual listening some of his stuff comes across as ludicrous but it definitely repays further listening. I bet he is great live. I had tickets but I had Covid so missed out. Definitely should have been two separate releases though

Rid Of Me by PJ Harvey
May 22 2024

This is raw and I appreciate the Steve Albinj (rip) production. Not sure it’s one I want to listen to repeatedly though

May 23 2024

I have to admit to never listening to The Fall before, even although I am very aware of Mark E Smith. It’s quite telling that he has a whole Wikipedia section for ‘personality’ lol. And what a pleasant surprise this was. I wonder if this is their more accessible stuff because Brix was involved? Anyway, it’s getting a 4. Glad I listened

May 24 2024

This hasn’t held up so well. A couple of bangers but honestly the rest is a bit forgettable. Disappointing relisten. And this was nominated for the Mercury music prize. Oh well

Get Behind Me Satan by The White Stripes
May 25 2024

It’s not quite up there with Elephant but still getting a 5 from me. There is something about them

Bluesbreakers by John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
May 26 2024

This just annoyed me the more it went on. Dull. Lacklustre vocals. Drum solos. Drum solos get me like that Michael Scott ‘please god, no’ gif.

Pelican West by Haircut 100
May 27 2024

Well, there you go, Nick Heyward was my first pop star crush. Not sure I ever thought of them as groundbreaking though obviously there are a few crackers on here. More like a 2.5

London Calling by The Clash
May 28 2024

This was a disappointment to me I must admit. The rockabilly I liked but the reggae vibes just weren’t doing it for me. It all got a bit samey and long. London Calling is such a banger too. Oh well

Sincere by Mj Cole
May 29 2024

That one I remember from the charts, Crazy Love, it’s quite good

Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin
May 30 2024

Love love love Led Zeppelin and Robert Plant was indeed a golden god. This doesn’t quite make it to a 5 for me though. Oh well

I Am a Bird Now by Antony and the Johnsons
May 31 2024

I remember them winning the Mercury and seeing her playing live but it didn’t make an impression other than her distinctive presence. This just doesn’t gel for me. And the vocals are insufferable

Low by David Bowie
Jun 01 2024

It’s Bowie but I’m not so keen on the instrumental stuf. And tbh I’m not in the mood to say anything more

Live! by Fela Kuti
Jun 02 2024

Quite liked this but I have never really got live albums tbh. Live is a totally different experience and I could actually imagine having a great time watching this live. Point off for drum solos though

Jun 03 2024

People are harsh. I’m not sure this should be on the list but I feel people are marking it down simply because they don’t think it should be. It’s a nice wee electronic album he made in his own bedroom and I’ve added it to my playlist. Fair play

Amnesiac by Radiohead
Jun 04 2024

It’s a no brainer this one. Seeing Radiohead live was a bucket list moment for me. Simply beautiful

Bad by Michael Jackson
Jun 05 2024

Nah, I know it was massive but it’s far from his best. Speed Demon and Liberian Girl are kind of embarrassing tbh

Jun 06 2024

Some of this is good, some of it is samey and apart from anything else it is TOO LONG!! One of very few on here I haven’t listened to all the way through

Garbage by Garbage
Jun 07 2024

Love Garbage. Love Shirley but on re listening this doesn’t quite make it to a 5 for me. Still want to look like her though

1984 by Van Halen
Jun 08 2024

Ugh, Jump is iconic and Dave Lee Roth is such a great showman but the rest just trundles along. Hair metal is not my genre

Protection by Massive Attack
Jun 09 2024

Love them but this isn’t quite up there with their best for me. Gets a bit samey. Still better than most though

Jun 10 2024

At one point I felt moved to check and see how long there was left to go. The track playing was ‘6 Minutes of Pleasure’. How ironic

Jun 11 2024

Love the music, love the voice but there is something about live albums that doesn’t translate to listening for me and I always end up imagining how good it would be to have been there

Led Zeppelin III by Led Zeppelin
Jun 12 2024

I want to put the rock and roll emoji here. That is all

Jun 13 2024

I had no idea what to expect but was willing myself to like this as I could hear a bit of Radiohead in there. It just didn’t happen though and I was rather underwhelmed

Viva Hate by Morrissey
Jun 14 2024

I want to like this more than I do. I love The Smiths but it’s clear to see that together they had something that none of them can capture on their own

Neon Bible by Arcade Fire
Jun 15 2024

For me this isn’t up there with The Suburbs or Reflektor which I adore. Kind of want to give it a 3.5

Songs In The Key Of Life by Stevie Wonder
Jun 16 2024

Love Stevie. I see how highly rated this is but for me it’s not quite up there with his very best because it’s a double album and it does overstay it’s welcome a bit. So it’s a 4

At Newport 1960 by Muddy Waters
Jun 17 2024

Live albums really don’t do it for me. I would rather be there. And a lot of these sound so similar. I get it but I don’t at the same time

The Bends by Radiohead
Jun 18 2024

Radiohead’s music is beautiful to me. Fake Plastic Trees, Karma Police, Steet Spirit. I just want to close my eyes and lose myself, which is a good thing. Takes me back to those Jonathan Glazer videos and when MTV was an interesting. So many people hating on Radiohead. Isn’t it funny how tastes can differ so massively?

Mr. Tambourine Man by The Byrds
Jun 19 2024

Yep, another one from this genre. And the Americans moan about too much Britpop. Jangly and pleasant but a bit dull. Mr Tambourine Man is good but not their song. And the cover of We’ll Meet Again is a shocker. Next!

Countdown To Ecstasy by Steely Dan
Jun 21 2024

Steely Dan leave me cold. Never listened to them much before but somehow always knew this. Turns out I was right

Exile On Main Street by The Rolling Stones
Jun 22 2024

Nope. Proof that the Stones just don’t do it for me. Most of this failed to hold my attention. I’ll stick to their greatest hits thanks

Histoire De Melody Nelson by Serge Gainsbourg
Jun 23 2024

Don’t know what to make of this. Ended up listening to it several times. Suspect it might be better if I could understand the story. Or maybe not because it sounds a bit off colour lol. Didn’t hate it didn’t love it probably won’t listen again. Am quite taken with the ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ song that played on the channel afterwards though

Miriam Makeba by Miriam Makeba
Jun 24 2024

I really liked this. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting but it’s fun. More albums on here should be fun

Ready To Die by The Notorious B.I.G.
Jun 25 2024

I’m discovering that ‘classic’ rap is not the genre for me. I get and like some of this. But I can really live without all the ‘bits’, sex noises, posturing and misogyny

Juju by Siouxsie And The Banshees
Jun 26 2024

Love Siouxsie but never really listened before I must confess. This was great. Has a good energy about it

Surfer Rosa by Pixies
Jun 27 2024

Doolittle is one of my all time faves and this isn’t quite up there. Also I saw them live a few years ago and it was one of the most disappointing gigs of my live

Peggy Suicide by Julian Cope
Jun 28 2024

I like him and some of the tracks were great but it just doesn’t come together as a cohesive album.for me and I certainly wasn’t listening to the 2 disc version the link takes me to

Document by R.E.M.
Jun 29 2024

Oh lord, I’ve spent ages over this one. I really want to give it a 4.5. What to do? Definitely ahead of its time, sounds like it’s from the 90s and I can see how influential it was. Better than some of the 4s I’ve given. Listened to it at least 4 times. Hmm…

Moby Grape by Moby Grape
Jun 30 2024

I listened to this 3 times and it made very little impression on me. Another one of the meh American records on here from that era. Not bad but not great either

Jul 01 2024

With the best will in the world I cannot give this more than a 3. That Fast Cars one is a banger though and I do agree with him there

Fragile by Yes
Jul 02 2024

I was edging towards a two for this. And then America came on. And it took me a few minutes to realise it was a cover. And anyone who can make a beautiful joyous classic like that into an unrecognisable, intolerable mess does not deserve any more than a 1. Apart from all the other things I don’t like about this album

Fever Ray by Fever Ray
Jul 03 2024

Idk about this one. I started off loving it and then it all got a bit samey. Kind of disappointed

Idlewild by Everything But The Girl
Jul 04 2024

Aww no, EBTG. I kinda remember them being indie darlings and listening to this I really don’t get why. Bland and boring. If we are talking sophistipop you cannot beat The Blue Nile. They seem like nice people though

Sulk by The Associates
Jul 05 2024

Ahh, torn on this one. It goes on too long. I’m surprised how experimental it is though. I was expecting a more poppy vibe. And I do like Billy Mackenzie’s voice. It seems to be divisive. His death is such a sad contrast to the glamorous pop star image. Oh go on then, have a 4. Probably should be a 3.5 though

Ill Communication by Beastie Boys
Jul 06 2024

Ugh, this is another one I want to like more than I actually do. The Sabotage video is genius and Sure Shot is great but the rest bores me a bit. Disappointing

The Beach Boys Today! by The Beach Boys
Jul 07 2024

This trundled along quite pleasantly and unremarkably and Beach Boysy. And that’s really all I have to say

Jul 08 2024

I can feel the energy and I bet this would be a blast live but doesn’t it kind of defeat the purpose having it recorded? Idk, I’ve never quite ‘got’ live albums

Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Jul 09 2024

My god, this has not aged well. My heart sank when I saw how long this is and I did not do the bonus tracks. Apart from a couple of tracks this is tedious and Anthony’s ‘lyrics’ are beyond parody. I’ve seen them live as well

Jul 10 2024

Ugh, so I love this album. There are a few absolutely gorgeous tunes on here. But revisiting there are a few that are a bit samey and, dare I say it, slow and dirge like. Kind of want to give it a 4.5 but hey ho. And where are all the Radiohead comparisons coming from? I don’t get that at all

The Rise & Fall by Madness
Jul 11 2024

I think I’ll stick to the Greatest Hits. That would be a 5

Risque by CHIC
Jul 12 2024

I love a good bit of disco and of course there are some iconic tunes on here. They do kind of overshadow the rest though and I don’t think I would ever listen to this as an album

Wild Is The Wind by Nina Simone
Jul 13 2024

Nina Simone is so captivating. What a voice. What a story. What a lyricist. What an icon. Some of these make my hairs stand up

Bubble And Scrape by Sebadoh
Jul 14 2024

This really did not do it for me. In fact it kind of annoyed me. So much so that I am not in the mood to say anything more. It nearly went down to a 1 at one point

Jul 15 2024

I started off thinking ooh this is a better offering from a rap artist on this list. I like the vibe and the production. But they just do not know when to stop

Bossanova by Pixies
Jul 16 2024

I have a liking for Pixies. And I can’t quite put my finger on it. They just work. Terrible live though; which was hella disappointing

Brutal Youth by Elvis Costello
Jul 17 2024

Elvis so far is leaving me cold. His voice does nothing for me. The music does little for me. I found it difficult to pay attention to this one

Cross by Justice
Jul 18 2024

Aww god, this started out banging and I was kind of excited but then it kind of fizzled out into all sounding the same. Damp squib for me. Great artwork though

The Idiot by Iggy Pop
Jul 19 2024

Yep, this is cool. A nice surprise. Didn’t realise Bowie was so heavily involved which is right up my street. Added to the library

Moondance by Van Morrison
Jul 20 2024

Ooh, I actually liked this far more than I had anticipated . Missed a 5 star because it drops off a bit towards the end. A nice find though

Celebrity Skin by Hole
Jul 21 2024

Idk why I never listened to Hole back in the day because that was the sort of stuff I was listening to back then. Maybe I was internalising the misogyny that surrounds Courtney. Anyway, this is great. I’ve been torn on the rating but I’m going to be generous

Everything Must Go by Manic Street Preachers
Jul 22 2024

I had a couple of listens and this grew on me. Plus I went away and did a bit of reading on Kevin Carter. Never as radical as they were painted, maybe that aspect went with Richey. Can totally see the Phil Spector influence

Abraxas by Santana
Jul 23 2024

My god, I loved this and it was such a surprise. I thought it was going to be another dull dad rock offering but no! This is what I love about the generator

I See A Darkness by Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Jul 24 2024

I’ve never heard him before and I really like this. Definitely a grower. I find it kind of intriguing. By far the best ‘YouTube only so I can’t do anything else on my phone while I’m listening’ album so far’

Jul 25 2024

This just works as a complete entity, doesn’t it? (Without the ‘bonus’ live tracks of course). The sound design is great. A one off

The Rising by Bruce Springsteen
Jul 26 2024

Dull.Trite, hackneyed, somewhat cringeworthy lyrics. ‘Paradise’ is a really bad Simon & Garfunkel rip-off. Too inoffensive for a 1

Tres Hombres by ZZ Top
Jul 27 2024

Just meh, really. It trundled along sounding kinda bluesy and that’s all I remember

Pretzel Logic by Steely Dan
Jul 28 2024

Well, it’s their best offering on here so far. Still does nothing for me though

Rage Against The Machine by Rage Against The Machine
Jul 29 2024

Oh, this is so good. Every single track. Saw them live at the first everT in the Park. Memories. And that photo on the cover is disturbing and iconic

Songs For Swingin' Lovers! by Frank Sinatra
Jul 30 2024

Obviously this is classic stuff. Too polished for me though. I prefer a bit of rawness a La Niña or Billie. Still some cracking stuff though

Dig Me Out by Sleater-Kinney
Jul 31 2024

I never heard them before and I am glad the generator introduced me. A bit lo fi for my tastes. I would love to hear this with better production to highlight the different parts of the music better. But that would probably be missing the point

Aug 01 2024

So apparently punk is not the genre for me. I started off liking this but the novelty quickly wore off. To be fair though, it is the best American punk offering I’ve had so far, so there’s that

Paranoid by Black Sabbath
Aug 02 2024

Love this. Kind of want to give it 4.5 because it’s not quite there. Some of the tracks drag a bit

Brothers by The Black Keys
Aug 03 2024

Jeez, I’m glad that’s over. I mean I really like The White Stripes, you just have to look at my summary. But this lot just leave me cold and I’m not sure I can articulate why. There’s not a lot of passion there, it’s kind of soulless, and in the end all merges in to one. I was willing it to be over. Dull

Aug 04 2024

This didn’t leave much of an impression. And I have a distinct memory of thinking that the Fatboy Slim remix made Brimful of Asha because the original was dull and pedestrian. This isn’t bad it just doesn’t do anything for me. I want to give it 2.5

Aug 05 2024

Nope, really not feeling this. I guess you have to be in the mood, maybe chilling with the headphones on letting it wash over you. Clearly I wasn’t

Catch A Fire by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Aug 06 2024

They’re call but I do admit that it sounds a bit same. A greatest hits would definitely get a 5. Best listened on a yacht in the Caribbean with the wind blowing through your hair

Aug 07 2024

This is great. Flags in places at times though but overall a winner. Captures them at their best before Jim Kerr’s pompous tendencies got the better of him. My mum was once in the same house as Jim Kerr. And she recognised him. They were that famous in Scotland

Stripped by Christina Aguilera
Aug 08 2024

This went down in my estimation on the second listen through headphones. Yes, there are a handful of bangers but the rest is kind of dull. They are going for raw and authentic but I’m not buying it

New York Dolls by New York Dolls
Aug 09 2024

It seems punk just doesn’t do it for me. The will is there but I just can’t. I started off liking this album then it kind of all started to merge into one. Want to give it a 2.5

Guero by Beck
Aug 10 2024

I like Beck’s vibe. This is good. I really should have listened to his stuff more. This dips slightly a couple of times which brings it back from edging towards a 5

Aug 11 2024

I like his less ambient stuff. You know, the ones with the amazing and freaky Chris Cunningham videos but this does what it says on the tin I guess

Graceland by Paul Simon
Aug 12 2024

This is great. A couple of weaker spots though bring it down. And as for American cries of cultural appropriation, if it’s good enough for Ladysmith Black Mambazo, then it’s good enough for the rest of us

Sunday At The Village Vanguard by Bill Evans Trio
Aug 13 2024

Ok, so this makes me feel like a musical ignoramus because I know that they are really good musicians and the improvisation aspect is amazingly skilful. I also see this is fairly highly rated on here. But it just does nothing for me. It sort of wibbles on and I caring the occasional snippet of the tune it’s based on. Why am I almost ashamed of not getting it? I imagine it as background music in a bistro

Grace by Jeff Buckley
Aug 14 2024

Well, what a strange journey I’ve had with this one. I was so disappointed on first listen but something drew my back again and again and now I have listened about 5 times and I think it is truly wonderful. The voice, the guitar, the production. I get it. What a loss

Back To Black by Amy Winehouse
Aug 15 2024

Ach, I’m so torn. I wasn’t feeling this so much today for some reason. Yet I have listened to it multiple times. I kind of want to give it a 4.5. She was such a talent

To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar
Aug 16 2024

Oh, the familiar pattern of the rap album I am finding. Starts off strong and intriguing, even with the dodgy lyrics, but then the novelty wears off. And they go on far too long. They don’t half overindulge. Still prefer him to Drake though

Slippery When Wet by Bon Jovi
Aug 17 2024

Dull. Uninspiring. Even Livin’ On A Prayer is by the numbers. Plus one of the most toxic women I ever worked with is a massive Bon Jovi fan, to the extent of going over to New Jersey to see them. Not for me

Seventeen Seconds by The Cure
Aug 18 2024

Oh lord, I really want to give this 3.5. It grew on me with the second listen. A Forest is by far the best track on here. By a mile

Truth by Jeff Beck
Aug 19 2024

On paper I should love this. But it leaves me cold and I think it’s Rod’s voice mainly. There is something pedestrian and lacking here that failed to capture my attention

Debut by Björk
Aug 20 2024

Ahh, Debut. I remember when it came out. Loved it then, love it now. Joyful is the best word for this one. It makes me feel happy about the world and that is no mean feat. No brainer 5*

Pieces Of The Sky by Emmylou Harris
Aug 21 2024

I just can’t do most country music. I’ve tried The warbling Southern tone to her voice is mildly annoying to me and I find the music quite bland. It doesn’t hold my interest for a full album. Want to give this 2.5.

Repeater by Fugazi
Aug 22 2024

I’m really really torn because I want to give this a 3.5. The music is appealing but his voice is not. I can see how they were influential. I can see this one very slowly growing on me

Moon Safari by Air
Aug 23 2024

Ahh, I forgot how good this actually is. It is tainted by memories from the past which I shall not disclose . I suspect there is bias here because I’m highly rating many fave albums from my younger years. That’s how it goes. It’s a. 5 from me

Lost In The Dream by The War On Drugs
Aug 24 2024

You know how sometimes something comes up and you think why have I never listened to them more? And then you listen and there is the answer. Kept thinking this sounds like Springsteen, who I’m not a great fan of, but without the occasional banger. And it’s a bit like Arcade Fire but without the appeal. This just trundled by unengagingly

Water From An Ancient Well by Abdullah Ibrahim
Aug 25 2024

I had no idea what to expect from this and wow I love it. Listened to it 3 times and it grew on me each listen, which is the mark of a keeper. For that reason it’s getting a surprise 5

Aug 26 2024

This leaves me a bit cold and I am trying to put my finger on why. It all sounds a bit samey? By the numbers and lacking in passion somehow. Anyhow, this is not quite what I thought it would be

Superunknown by Soundgarden
Aug 27 2024

Disappointed to say it’s a 3 from me. Love Chris Cornell’s voice, Black Hole Sun is a classic obviously, but it’s just overindulgent and goes on far longer than it should. In all honestly I prefer Audioslave, has that bit of punch that this lacks

Rubber Soul by Beatles
Aug 28 2024

It surprised me how much this didn’t do it for me. I like the individual songs more than I like it as an album. It just doesn’t work well together for me. And I’m not a fan of the production either. A surprising 3

The Trinity Session by Cowboy Junkies
Aug 29 2024

This was so disappointing/ I think I thought it was going to be ethereal, idk like The Cocteau Twins maybe. Instead it is just dull, and it all sounds the same. No eemotion, no passion, it was giving absolutely. And the cover versions are awful. Nearly gave it a 1 and didn’t make it through the second listen

Come Find Yourself by Fun Lovin' Criminals
Aug 30 2024

This is fun and a bit ridiculous and I feel like I like it more than I should. Want to give it a 3.5

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
Aug 31 2024

This is so good it is like a greatest hits package. Banger after banger. My parents generally have terrible taste but I swear they had this back in the day, memory unlocked. Has to be a 5

Sep 01 2024

I haven’t had a Crosby Still and Nash adjacent offering for a while. I’m going to make like an American moaning about Britpop and complain about there being far too many on here . I actually get how this was influential as it used Moog etc. The production is badly dated though, nothing stands out and it just does nothing for me.2.5

Southern Rock Opera by Drive-By Truckers
Sep 02 2024

I don’t get Lynyrd Skynyrd. I don’t get this. There were glimmers of something occasionally but then it would descend back in to samey stuff. And so long. I don’t care about the story. I did go and read up about George Wallace though. What a piece of work he was

Sep 03 2024

So torn. Want to give this a 4.5. I mean it is magnificent and gets my hairs standing on end at times but there is something stopping me from giving this a 5. Slight pomposity, slightly dated? Idk

The Man Who by Travis
Sep 04 2024

I love this. Writing To Reach You was always my fave. It’s rather lovely however occasionally tips over in to the pedestrian. Stayed on for the secret track too 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

evermore by Taylor Swift
Sep 05 2024

This was all a bit samey for me. And I like the artists she collabs with on this but idk what it is. Her voice I think makes it all a bit drab? Anyway, the upshot is I prefer poppy TS

Forever Changes by Love
Sep 06 2024

Ugh, I kind of want to give this a 3.5 but that’s not a thing so 3 it is. Too inconsistent. There are a few bangers but the rest doesn’t do enough to engage my interest. Never heard them before so I was intrigued and ultimately a tad disappointed

Sep 07 2024

I start off with this one thinking well I am so far from the target market but I am feeling the vibes, even overlooking the misogyny and other nonsense. And then it gets a bit monotonous and it just goes on and on and on. So many of these rapper just love the sound of their own voice. Comes with the territory I guess

Street Life by The Crusaders
Sep 08 2024

Oh, I do wish I could rate out of 10. I liked this. Everyone saying on hold music has clearly not been on hold a lot. I probably won’t listen again but I enjoyed this while it lasted. Want to give it 3.5

Quiet Life by Japan
Sep 09 2024

Well, what a lovely surprise. I started off thinking Quiet Life is a banger but the rest was kind of meh But something about it drew me in and I ended up listening multiple times and absolutely loving it. Isn’t it funny how that works with som albums? Maybe it’s something to do with being a huge Duran Duran fan back in the day as there is a clear link there. Who knows? Anyhow, thanks generator for another great discovery

All Directions by The Temptations
Sep 10 2024

The whole is less than the sum of its parts somehow in this case. So many stone cold classics that don’t quite add up to a cohesive album. It’s more like a greatest hits I guess. Still gets a 4 though

Punishing Kiss by Ute Lemper
Sep 11 2024

I really don’t know what to make of this. Is it for real? Is it a parody? Would it work if I was watching it as a Cabaret style musical? I like the first few tracks and after that it just sort of descends into… something. What a weird album. The Wikipedia page doesn’t provide much insight either

Life Thru A Lens by Robbie Williams
Sep 12 2024

Ah Robbie, this hasn’t aged well and is mostly a bit meh, isn’t it? The bangers don’t sound so banging all these years later. I forgot how huge it was when he left Take That and how his cheeky chappie persona was so popular. I think that is what drove his success more than anything else

1977 by Ash
Sep 13 2024

There are some decent tunes on here. I can still remember all the words to Girl From Mars. Which is kind of what I thought about them back in the day. Tim has done well for himself though

Murmur by R.E.M.
Sep 14 2024

Ok, so this is a weird. First listen I was like meh, it all sounds a bit samey. But something drew me back to listen again several times and the subtleties became more apparent. It’s gone to a 4 and with time could go higher. Isn’t it funny how some albums do that. Or is it just me?

461 Ocean Boulevard by Eric Clapton
Sep 15 2024

I listened to this multiple times and it made no impression on me whatsoever

Penthouse And Pavement by Heaven 17
Sep 16 2024

Well, another grower. I suspect that some of my preferences and surprising discoveries here reflect when I grew up and first got in to music. I confess that Heaven 17’s ‘Crushed by the Wheels of industry was the first single I ever bought. Not sure why. Never had anything else by them. Listened multiple times today. Torn between a 4 or a 5…

Sep 17 2024

Another one that didn’t do a lot for me. A bit Led Zeppelin but without the swagger or charisma or Robert Plant’s voice. Want to give it a 2.5

This Is Fats Domino by Fats Domino
Sep 18 2024

It made me wanna get up and dance. A bit samey but in a good way

Queens of the Stone Age by Queens Of The Stone Age
Sep 19 2024

Well. this was disappointing. I love Songs For The Deaf, and seeing them that tour is one of my favourite ever concerts but I found this underwhelming. I think a lot of it has to do with the production

Sep 20 2024

I’m surprising myself and giving this a 5. It really grew on me over several listens. Even the more kooky folksie numbers. Another great find from the generator. One reviewer compares this with Frightened Rabbit and I hear it

Oar by Alexander 'Skip' Spence
Sep 21 2024

So, this sounds like what it is, a mentally unwell man left to his own devices. There is a glimmer of a decent album in there. I mean, Skip thought these were demos, they were never meant to be released in this form. And they should have left it at the original length and not added the extra tracks which are mostly a mess

Led Zeppelin by Led Zeppelin
Sep 22 2024

Hell yes! Hard to believe this was their first album and they weren’t even signed yet. They had it all: the swagger, the musicianship, those vocals, Robert Plant in ladies’ blouses. A no brainer 5

Nevermind by Nirvana
Sep 23 2024

This is just sublime. There is something about Kurt’s voice and his charisma. My love for this album has never faded. It just works

Movies by Holger Czukay
Sep 24 2024

I was really hoping this would grow on me on second listen. It hasn’t. I get it - he is ahead of his time with sampling etc but this is just a mish mash of sounds and weirdness. I thought of the Orb at times, but they have a more ambient sounds that appeals to me

...And Justice For All by Metallica
Sep 25 2024

Apparently I don’t like Metallica as much as I thought I did. This was just all kind of samey apart from a couple of moments. I just kept imagining a bunch of middle aged men in double denim with patches and bad hair headbanging and doing the horns in a dingy club

Mothership Connection by Parliament
Sep 26 2024

Love a bit of funk. There is something joyful about it and it makes me want to move. One start off for being a wee bit on the repetitive side. What’s not to love though?

Stephen Stills by Stephen Stills
Sep 27 2024

The first half is pretty strong and almost had me forgiving the fact that this is yet another CSNY adjacent album. It fades away in the second half though so the blandness of the genre is just about restored

Hounds Of Love by Kate Bush
Sep 28 2024

Sublime. One of my all time favourites. Kate Bush has always been fearless and this album is a bit bonkers but it just works

Coat Of Many Colors by Dolly Parton
Sep 29 2024

I must confess, though I love Dolly, I am not a huge fan of that vibrato. And this all sounds a bit samey to me. I think she’s one of those artists where I would prefer a greatest hits package

The Gilded Palace Of Sin by The Flying Burrito Brothers
Sep 30 2024

I was expecting something a bit wild and wacky from The Flying Burrito Brothers and an album called The Gilded Palace of Sin. And this was certainly not that. Also, how is this ‘alternative’ country? This type of music just does not do it for me. Samey and uninteresting

Suzanne Vega by Suzanne Vega
Oct 01 2024

I loved this back in the day. Listening has brought back memories. It doesn’t quite make it to a 5 though and I’m not sure why. I think it may be the production. So it’s a 4 from me

Stardust by Willie Nelson
Oct 02 2024

I like Willie Nelson. The weird thing is the more I listened to this the less I liked it. It usually works the other way round. I think it all got a bit samey after a while

Berlin by Lou Reed
Oct 03 2024

My god, this is a strange one. On first listen I hated it but second time around I appreciated it more. My first thought was that I can see it being a musical and then I read there were plans for a stage version, which makes sense. It’s not something I would want to listen to regularly. The bit with the kids shouting for their mum is heart rending

A Short Album About Love by The Divine Comedy
Oct 04 2024

The juxtaposition of the orchestral music and the oh so clever lyrics just doesn’t do it for me. I toyed with giving this a one but apparently it was recorded live which is pretty impressive

Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park
Oct 05 2024

I know this is a bit teenage angsty and all that but I still really like it. I can shout along with all the lyrics and it’s quite cathartic. It’s heavy but also melodic which suits me

LP1 by FKA twigs
Oct 06 2024

I had no idea what to expect from this. It bored me. I gave it a couple of chances. There was just nothing to latch on to. It was all a bit lacklustre somehow

Clube Da Esquina by Milton Nascimento
Oct 07 2024

This was not quite what I expected. It did nothing for me and I’m quite disappointed. I lost interest, it went on too long

Life's Too Good by The Sugarcubes
Oct 08 2024

I had this back in the day but didn’t remember anything about it except that ‘Birthday’ is an all time classic. This is quirky and fun and interesting and grew on me after several listens. I see the B52s/Talking Heads comparisons and that is not a bad thing

Tarkus by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Oct 09 2024

On Wikipedia there is are quotes from music critics talking about ‘cacophonous ostentation’, ‘the failure of three performers to become to become creators’ and ‘enervating portentous lyrics’. No more needs to be said

Abbey Road by Beatles
Oct 10 2024

To me this is not one of their best. There are some cracking songs on there but it isn’t a cohesive body of work for me. I guess it reflects the fact that they were on the verge of breaking up. Still a 4 though

Fear Of A Black Planet by Public Enemy
Oct 11 2024

I’m finding a pattern with the hip hop/rap albums on here. I start out quite excited and the enthusiasm quickly fades as every track sounds similar and starts to blur in to one. And they always love the sound of their own voices and go on for far too long. At least this one doesn’t feature misogyny or constant boasting about sexual exploits, and I do get its cultural significance

Oct 12 2024

I’m really not a fan of live albums. You don’t get the energy and atmosphere that comes with actually being present in the crowd at a concert. And with the best will in the world, this all sounds very similar

Soul Mining by The The
Oct 13 2024

So, I know the lyrics verge on the ridiculous at times because they are so dark and self-loathing. However, I have loved this album since back in the day and have still revisited it from time to time. The Jools Holland and Zeke Manyike solos are great. He attracts some great musicians

Good Old Boys by Randy Newman
Oct 14 2024

This did nothing for me and I don’t get why it’s on here at all. It’s just Randy Newman being Randy Newman. I get the feeling he is probably insufferable

Teenage Head by Flamin' Groovies
Oct 15 2024

This was just kind of underwhelming. And the bonus cover versions I could have done without. Meh

Out of Step by Minor Threat
Oct 16 2024

This sort of shouty angry stuff just doesn’t do it for me. I would imagine a large part of the appeal of this would be experiencing it live. I’ve never understood the moshing thing though. Aggressive masculine energy. Better than the Black Flag offering though

Meat Is Murder by The Smiths
Oct 17 2024

I am not ashamed to admit I am a Smiths fan. However, for me this is their weakest offering. There are none of their best tracks here (the version I listened to does not have How Soon Is Now? which would take this up a notch). A tad underwhelming. Want to give it a 3.5

Konnichiwa by Skepta
Oct 18 2024

I have to say that I like this more than most of the American rap offerings on here. Forgot he won the Mercury with this. It’s a 4 from me

Oct 19 2024

This one just didn’t grab me at all, though I can see how it was influential. Idk, I heard a bit of early REM in there? Underwhelming though

Rock 'N Soul by Solomon Burke
Oct 20 2024

This man had 21 children. Anyway, good voice but it’s all a bit generic somehow. Still getting a 4 though. Classy stuff

Here, My Dear by Marvin Gaye
Oct 21 2024

Oh Marvin, I’m sorry but this bored me. I hope it was cathartic for you though

Shaft by Isaac Hayes
Oct 22 2024

It’s a good soundtrack. I kept picturing people walking about in the 70s gear as I was listening. But it doesn’t really work as a stand alone album. Might have to give the movie a watch now

Let It Bleed by The Rolling Stones
Oct 23 2024

The first and last tracks are immense the filling in between is a bit meh. I’m discovering I am definitely a greatest hits girl when it comes to the Stones

Teen Dream by Beach House
Oct 24 2024

I hated this on first listen but it grew on me a bit the second time. Still kinda dull though and I won’t be listening again

Skylarking by XTC
Oct 25 2024

This bored me. No hooks, nothing to latch on to. I expected more pop lines tbh. Disappointing

Black Metal by Venom
Oct 26 2024

I honestly don’t know how seriously I am meant to be taking this. I mean, I looked at the picture of Cronos on his Wikipedia page and he cannot be entirely serious surely? This is very masculine isn’t it, I picture the crowd all standing head banging and doing the rock horns with their pints of snakebite and black. Not for me. Apparently it was very influential though, so I’ll give them that

Too Rye Ay by Dexys Midnight Runners
Oct 27 2024

This is a weird one. It really grew on me over a few listens. A good pop album overall

Sea Change by Beck
Oct 28 2024

This bored me. Too one note and too long. Clearly I prefer quirky Beck

Blur by Blur
Oct 29 2024

This is definitely a slow burner that repays multiple listens. And it is one of those albums that sounds better on the headphones for some reason. Goes on just a bit too long to earn a 5 from me

Vivid by Living Colour
Oct 30 2024

Yet another that was underwhelming on first but I enjoyed it much more second time around. Love the funkiness

Heaven Or Las Vegas by Cocteau Twins
Oct 31 2024

I’ve always liked the vibe of Cocteau Twins and Liz Fraser’s nonsense language doesn’t bother me either, it somehow fits in with this type of music (wonder if Royksopp took some inspiration). It does all get a bit samey though. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Bandwagonesque by Teenage Fanclub
Nov 01 2024

I like Teenage Fanclub but for me Grand Prix is a far better album. This one is pleasant of course but a wee bit lacking in melody and hooks. Two Scottish albums in a row though 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Remain In Light by Talking Heads
Nov 02 2024

Ok, so this one blew me away. By far the best album of theirs on here. And I can really see how influential it has been. Leftfield, Massive Attack, Django Django etc. Triple whammy for Scotland also (yes I am claiming David Byrne)

Haunted Dancehall by The Sabres Of Paradise
Nov 03 2024

I know Andrew Weatherall was a legendary producer and all (Screamadelica etc) but this just bored. No hooks, not trancelike enough, not interesting enough. Only listened to it once and I usually give every album at least two listene

You're Living All Over Me by Dinosaur Jr.
Nov 04 2024

Apparently lo-fi just isn’t for me. I don’t like his voice and the muddy production values make everything sound the same. It bores me. The Cure cover is the best thing here and even it is not great (why does it end so abruptly)?

Play by Moby
Nov 05 2024

Lord I had forgotten how big this was back in the day. It’s good but not sure I’d want to listen to it on the regular. Bit too long as well

Talking Timbuktu by Ali Farka Touré
Nov 06 2024

I had so much good will towards this and I usually love African rhythms but this kinda bored me. They should have either gone more African or more Cooder style guitar-tastic. Felt like they compromised and it ended up a bit bland

Elvis Presley by Elvis Presley
Nov 07 2024

This is underwhelming to me somehow. I find his voice lacking in personality and depth. It’s all a bit pedestrian. I never expected I would say that but here we are

Technique by New Order
Nov 08 2024

I want to like this more than I actually do. Not sure it has aged so well. Think I’m more of a singles girl when it comes to New Order. Want to give it a 3.5

Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield
Nov 09 2024

This is bonkers, isn’t it? I remember my dad had this on vinyl. I wonder if all those people who bought it on the back of The Exorcist knew what they were letting themselves in for. Also to the dude wittering on about child abuse, Roman Polanski did not direct Thr Exorcise and Wm Friedkin was never accused as far as I’m aware.

A Seat at the Table by Solange
Nov 10 2024

Disappointing because Cranes in the Sky is a banger. I like the vibe but the music doesn’t do anything interesting

At San Quentin by Johnny Cash
Nov 11 2024

I mean it’s fun and it sounds like they are all having a blast. This is one album where the live part actually enhances the listening experience. It’s not something I’d listen to on the regular though. And as others have said, why are there two of his prison albums on this?

Fetch The Bolt Cutters by Fiona Apple
Nov 12 2024

There’s a glimmer of good songs here but then she goes off on one. I must admit to finding this kind of insufferable.

Boston by Boston
Nov 13 2024

Competent middle of the road dad rock which does absolutely nothing for me. Except More Than A Feeling which is a banger obviously

G. Love And Special Sauce by G. Love & Special Sauce
Nov 14 2024

This bored me and tbh that is really all I have to say about it

Trans Europe Express by Kraftwerk
Nov 15 2024

Isn’t it funny how some albums grow on you just on a second listen? This one did. I can see how influential this was. Also like the sense of humour

My wee face lit up when I saw this one. An old favourite. Love her. There is an edge to her voice here which really works. And of course Thom Yorke. Never grow tired of this album

I swithered about giving this a 1. That title and cover art alone, the swearing, the excessive length, that annoying laughing that goes on and on. But in the end there are some half decent tunes here. It’s all very puerile though, I kept thinking Beavis and Butthead

Darkness on the Edge of Town by Bruce Springsteen
Nov 18 2024

I don’t know with Bruce. I recognise he is good at what he does and that it has appeal. It just leaves me a bit cold. Did grow on me over two listens though. Funny how that works

Chirping Crickets by Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Nov 19 2024

This is great. I know the songs because my dad used to listen to them. So many classics on the one album. It gets a four because it is not something I would ever think of listening to on a whim

Peter Gabriel by Peter Gabriel
Nov 20 2024

Melt is one of my great discoveries from this thing. I’ve listened to this one several times and it just hasn’t come together for me. Maybe he was still trying to find his voice after leaving Genesis? And Modern Love sounds like Bruce Springsteen

Are You Experienced by Jimi Hendrix
Nov 21 2024

There are some absolute classics on here for sure but this isn’t something I would choose to listen to as a whole

Sheet Music by 10cc
Nov 22 2024

Er, I honestly don’t know what to make of this one. I’m not averse to a bit of quirkiness but I’m not really feeling their sense of humour and it does go a bit musical theatre at times. Want to give it a 2.5

Slanted And Enchanted by Pavement
Nov 23 2024

I want to like this more than I do. I used to listen to all the indie stuff back in the day. This really does nothing for me though. His voice is awful and the whole thing is lacking in melody. I don’t get it

One World by John Martyn
Nov 24 2024

Ach, I love Solid Air but this one just doesn’t do it for me. Nothing grabs me. It’s pleasant but nothing more

Live At The Regal by B.B. King
Nov 25 2024

I’m not usually one for live albums but this is good. Love his voice and for me the audience noises add to it. Want to give it 3.5 because it is all a bit samey but I’m feeling generous this morning

Tom Tom Club by Tom Tom Club
Nov 26 2024

This is a fun listen. Knew the first two tracks but didn’t know it was them. Did check Wikipedia for the original track listing as I wasn’t listening to over 2 hours worth. With more listens this could even stretch to a 5

Sound of Silver by LCD Soundsystem
Nov 27 2024

This is one that definitely works best on the headphones. LCD Soundsystem have been one of my fave discoveries of this thing. How had I never heard of them before? Would like to see them live. Was considering giving this a 5 but it doesn’t quite get there. Listened to it multiple times, there are some absolute bangers here

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly
Nov 28 2024

Omg, this bored me. Yes, even the epic title track. Which I must have heard before (because Manhunter) but obviously did not make much of an impression. And to think this was the best selling album of the year in the US. Wild

Underwater Moonlight by The Soft Boys
Nov 29 2024

This is surprisingly good. I never heard of them before. I can see how it has been influential. Nearly took marks off for some of the daft lyrics. Want to give it a 3.5 but that’s not a thing so 4 it is

I Should Coco by Supergrass
Nov 30 2024

I never really paid much attention to Supergrass at the time, and I can see why. This is good but I’m not sure I’d want to listen to it on the regular. Moving came on after and that is a banger. Another one I want to give a 3.5 to

The Colour Of Spring by Talk Talk
Dec 01 2024

This was disappointing. The first few tracks were fairly strong and then it just faded away to bland nothingness for me

Bookends by Simon & Garfunkel
Dec 02 2024

Ok, so this doesn’t work as a cohesive album which is a bit odd given the supposed concept. I mean there are some absolute bangers on here - ‘America’ gives me goosebumps. But I’d rather listen to them independently or as part of a hits package than listen to this as a whole

Queen II by Queen
Dec 03 2024

So this strangely sounded so much better through the headphones but I’m still not a fan. It’s too metal for me I guess. I think Freddie’s voice and persona definitely fit better with their later styles

The Doors by The Doors
Dec 04 2024

This one almost gets a 5 but I have to knock a point off for the Morrison cringe factor, particularly the Oedipus bit in ‘The End’. I wonder if the man had a sense of humour or did he really take himself that seriously? This album gets a 4 despite itself

Walking Wounded by Everything But The Girl
Dec 05 2024

Pleasant, inoffensive and a bit dull. I really want to give this a 2.5 and I’m pissed off that the likes of this is on here and the masterpiece that is Massive Attack’s ‘Mezzanine’ is not

Franz Ferdinand by Franz Ferdinand
Dec 06 2024

I really like this and I saw them live back in the day but there’s something that stops me giving this a 5 and I’m not quite sure what it is

The Atomic Mr Basie by Count Basie & His Orchestra
Dec 07 2024

Ok, so this is very evocative of a certain time. Conjures up black and white moves, Some Like It Hot etc. While I recognise they are very talented and top of their genre this is not something I would ever choose to listen to, it gets a bit boring for me, may prefer some with vocals. Also, the up tempo tracks are more appealing

Green River by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Dec 08 2024

Looking back I gave their other album on here a 5. Wonder what my mindset was at the time. While this is good and probably my fave Americana type album on here, plus Bad Moon Rising is a banger, it doesn’t quite get there for me

Cheap Thrills by Big Brother & The Holding Company
Dec 09 2024

This is good but her voice does grate a wee bit at times and I’m not over keen on the version of Summertime. Bet they were great live though. Want to give this a 3.5

Caetano Veloso by Caetano Veloso
Dec 10 2024

Nope. This is awful. A cacophony of noises. And I don’t like his voice. The whole thing just annoyed me

Smile by Brian Wilson
Dec 11 2024

Sorry but this is an irritating mess. Good Vibrations is great though

Screamadelica by Primal Scream
Dec 12 2024

Ok, so admittedly this is probably a nostalgic 5 but this is great. Primal Scream never did anything else remotely as good as this though so I think Andrew Weatherall (r.i.p.) has to get a lot of the credit

Yeezus by Kanye West
Dec 13 2024

The first four tracks bode well but after that it becomes a bit of a disjointed ans irritating mess. Not keen on the production style either

White Light by Gene Clark
Dec 14 2024

The number of. Crosby Still Nash Young and adjacent albums on this thing is ridiculous. And none of them are particularly interesting. This bored me. Want to give it 1.5 but oh well

Darkdancer by Les Rythmes Digitales
Dec 15 2024

Ugh. I like this but really want to give it a 3.5. I am a bit of a fan of the repetitive techno genre but it does get a bit samey eventually. What to do? Think it’s gotta be a 3

OK by Talvin Singh
Dec 16 2024

This really left me cold. The cultural and globetrotting influences just didn’t come across, other than the tablas obviously. I was bored

Jack Takes the Floor by Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Dec 17 2024

Maybe this is historically important, I have no idea but it did absolutely nothing for me. My average score is going down and down at this rate. Fingers crossed for the next selection

Liege And Lief by Fairport Convention
Dec 18 2024

The first half of this really grew on me but the second half really drops away and loses my interest. Much preferred the Richard and Linda Thompson offering which is one of my best discoveries from this thing

Mask by Bauhaus
Dec 19 2024

This is all over the place. I love some of it, I hate some of it. Kind of disappointing tbh

Crosby, Stills & Nash by Crosby, Stills & Nash
Dec 20 2024

There are moments of loveliness here but overall it bores. The amount of CSNY and adjacent stuff on this list is astonishing. And not in a good way

Bitches Brew by Miles Davis
Dec 21 2024

Ugh, I don’t know what to make of this. I like some of the vibes and I recognise that they are great at their craft and there is method to their madness. But then they go off on one and go on and on and on and I just lose interest. I will never listen to this again. Want to give it a 2.5

The White Room by The KLF
Dec 22 2024

So, the first time I listened I thought ffs this is rubbish, more of an art project rather than musically great. Second time I'm really enjoyed it. So maybe they really did know what they were doing. It was fun being reminded of all their shenanigans. Interesting that both regret burning the money

Is This It by The Strokes
Dec 23 2024

This is a firm favourite. I remember the fuss at the time. They had the talent to back it up though. And looked effortlessly cool in skinny jeans. They write a great pop tune. This sounds as good today as it did then. Classic

Rain Dogs by Tom Waits
Dec 24 2024

I struggle with Tom Waits. There are glimmers of a top tune or a good vocal and then it all goes quite odd and it’s a no. Great lyrics though. He would make a great poet. I feel the same about Leonard Cohen

Tical by Method Man
Dec 25 2024

So, I do prefer the laid back vibe of this compared to other hip hop albums on here: And it seems to be somewhat less offensive. It all gets a bit samey after a while. At least it is a reasonable length and doesn’t have annoying interludes

High Violet by The National
Dec 26 2024

I feel like I would like this more with different, production and instrumentation and voice. Sounds ridiculous but there is a core of something in there that I really like but the way it is presented is dull. Want to give it a 3.5. I suspect it is a bit of a grower though

It's A Shame About Ray by The Lemonheads
Dec 27 2024

Aww, back in the day this was my Sunday morning after the Saturday night out, lying in bed chilling out/ Nice but not quite good enough for a 5

Dec 28 2024

This has likeable elements to it but could really do with decent production to bring them out . And ditch the electric jug which is irritating and distracting

Dec 29 2024

Kinda torn with this one. Liked it a lot more than I thought I would. I was imagining something similar to Black Flag but it’s a lot more enjoyable and complex. It does overstay its welcome though. I really want to give it a 3.5

Pictures At An Exhibition by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Dec 30 2024

This is just indulgent self important nonsense. I get it, they are proper musicians. This is ridiculous. Would quite happily listen to the original but the keyboards in particular do nothing for the pieces. Nut Rocker is the best thing here but it’s not enough

Lady In Satin by Billie Holiday
Dec 31 2024

Not sure why this one of Billie’s over all others. Her voice was kind of shot by drug and alcohol abuse at this point: Also, most of her best songs aren’t here. Still gets a 4 though. Legendary

Black Monk Time by The Monks
Jan 01 2025

This is all over the place. Reading their Wikipedia entry tells me why. I like the more garage-y stuff. Some of it is a bit bonkers, for example Cuckoo, which apparently is a love song? They actually had the tonsures as well. Also, not a fan of the distorted sound. Interesting though

Definitely Maybe by Oasis
Jan 02 2025

Well; the whole is definitely greater than the sum of the parts with this one. It was just right at the time. I remember the huge buzz around them. You don’t get that very often. Has to be a 5

Machine Gun Etiquette by The Damned
Jan 03 2025

I guess I don’t really get the appeal of sitting and listening to a punk record. Having said that, at least this one has some tuned and decent lyrics and a sense of fun, which is something sadly lacking in the American hardcore/punk offerings on here

Hot Shots II by The Beta Band
Jan 04 2025

This has some really interesting touches that piqued my interest but then they don’t really do anything with them. I wanted to like this so much more. Disappointing

Harvest by Neil Young
Jan 05 2025

I thought I would hate this and I was pleasantly surprised. His voice is still hard to take at times though

Dub Housing by Pere Ubu
Jan 06 2025

I didn’t hate this. I hear some Talkung Heads and some Pixies in here so that’s a win in my book. Codex is terrible though

Mama's Gun by Erykah Badu
Jan 07 2025

I have so much good will towards the women on the list and there are some nice groves here. I’m not a huge fan of her voice though. And nothing stands out, it just sort of counters along inoffensiveky. I want to give it a 2.5 but the length cuts it to a 2. No need

Blonde On Blonde by Bob Dylan
Jan 09 2025

I just can’t with Bob Dylan and I almost feel the need to apologise for it. He just goes on and on and his voice does nothing for me. Another one in the ‘would have made a great poet’ brigade’ for me along with Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen

Rocks by Aerosmith
Jan 10 2025

Idk, I like elements of this but as a whole it becomes quite underwhelming after a while. Despite Tyler et al’s posturing this lacks a certain swagger for me

I find this quite intriguing, if I’m honest. I don’t hate it and I can see its influence . Genesis was an interesting character. I feel all their work is more like performance art

Opus Dei by Laibach
Jan 12 2025

Ok, so I got this the day after Throbbing Gristle in a wee bottom of the pile double whammy and tbh I don’t hate either of them. At least they’re not boring. It’s all about the context I feel as it’s more performance art. Would be intrigued to see them live

Reign In Blood by Slayer
Jan 13 2025

Omg, well I usually listen to every album at least twice but there is no need with this one. It holds very little of interest for me, and really the screaming and the lyrics tip it well over in to ludicrous territory. The occasional discernible pleasing riff and I appreciate they have skill but this genre is not for me

Jan 14 2025

I disliked this on first listen but I gave it a couple more tries and what do you know, it’s grown on me rather a lot. There is always something mildly ridiculous about Queen, I think they know it though

Metal Box by Public Image Ltd.
Jan 15 2025

Eh, so yep Lydon’s vocals are terrible. And I did think at one point they could be improvising and then I checked Wikipedia and I was right. I don’t really get it. The bass grooves are the highlight

So by Peter Gabriel
Jan 16 2025

Ah, now this is one of my all time faves. Such a great album. I almost didn’t want to move on so I could keep playing it. It’s that good. Needs must though so on I trundle

Kenza by Khaled
Jan 17 2025

Cheesy and, yes, it does give me vibes of eating in a kebab restaurant. But it strangely grew on me over a few listens. I prefer the more upbeat and Arabic sounding efforts to the more Western ones. He’s getting a four from me

World Clique by Deee-Lite
Jan 18 2025

Of course ‘Groove Is in the Heart’ is an absolute all-time banger and by far the outstanding track on here. I don’t get all the hate for this album though. They have a fun vibe and aesthetic and it is good upbeat house music that puts a wee spring in the step

Scott 4 by Scott Walker
Jan 19 2025

He has a great voice but this whole thing is a bit underwhelming. The song structure just isn’t there, there is no hook to grab on to with most of the tracks. Also, I know that ‘Duchess’ song but I have no clue where from

GREY Area by Little Simz
Jan 20 2025

What a lovely discovery. This is what I am doing the generator. Love the vibe and the beats behind the words are catchy. It would edge towards a 5 but the second half doesn’t quite hold up for me

NEU! 75 by Neu!
Jan 21 2025

I actually liked this less on the second listen. You can tell it’s two guys doing their own thing separately. First half sounds like spa music or something off a meditation app. Second half is just a bit rubbish. Can see it was probably ahead of its time and influenced post rock but still… Want to give it 1.5 b cause it’s not quite bad enough for a one

Central Reservation by Beth Orton
Jan 22 2025

This is another one that weirdly I liked less on second listen. Stolen Car is by far the best track, the rest is a bit meh. And I had Trailer Park back in the day. If this is on here then Laura Marling really should be too

School's Out by Alice Cooper
Jan 23 2025

As everyone else is saying, this is unexpected. It doesn’t quite come together as a listening experience for me though. Could imagine some sort of stage should would be fun though. Want to give it 3.5

Jazz Samba by Stan Getz
Jan 24 2025

This is nice but bland and would never interest me more than anything other than background music

Foxbase Alpha by Saint Etienne
Jan 25 2025

This is an old fave. I’ve listened to it loads. I love the aesthetic and it’s so well put togethrrr. Sarah’s voice isn’t great but it really works with what they do. Doesn’t quite make a 5 for me though

Le Tigre by Le Tigre
Jan 26 2025

Liked the 60s touches on here. This was a nice surprise actually, not as shouty and angry as I was expecting. Want to give it a 3.5, probably won’t listen again tbh

You Are The Quarry by Morrissey
Jan 27 2025

Morrissey and Marr had some sort of alchemy together that neither has been able to conjure up since. And what happened to his morbid sense of humour? He seems to have lost it somewhere along the way. And the music is pretty dull to me. Want to give this a 2.5. Kind of torn…

A Girl Called Dusty by Dusty Springfield
Jan 28 2025

This is a weird one because on first listen through the speakers it was a bit meh in that I felt that the classic versions of the songs overshadowed this album. However on second listen through the earphones it sounded much better, her phrasing and her voice sound so good. Weird how that happens sometimes

At Budokan by Cheap Trick
Jan 29 2025

I’m not a fan of live albums at the best of times and this one is just dull and the sound is terrible. Apparently it has cultural and aesthetic significance though so what the hell do I know?

Head Hunters by Herbie Hancock
Jan 30 2025

Sooo, I really want to give this a 3.5z I liked it but I didn’t love it, it just went on a bit too long at times. Cool vibes though and great musicianship

Snivilisation by Orbital
Jan 31 2025

For me this is better enjoyed live I would imagine. Apparently they put on a great show. On an album not so much and it really doesn’t work on the headphones. The playlist after had The Box which I love and has a great video with Tilda Swinton

American Idiot by Green Day
Feb 01 2025

I don’t care about the concept or any of that nonsense, this is just a decent listen. Slightly uneven quality but there are some classics in there. Not punk though but whatever

The Man Machine by Kraftwerk
Feb 02 2025

Ok, it’s getting a 5. I’ve listened to it multiple times so that says something. Definitely ahead of its time and so influential, there is something compelling about it

Feb 03 2025

So many rappers just overindulge. There’s too much of everything: too many producers, too long, too busy. And that interminable outro. There are bits of this I really like though and the lack of misogyny is refreshing

Feb 04 2025

With the best will in the world I cannot give this more than a 3. There aspects of it I really like but in the end there is not enough that stands out. They have better albums than this

Feb 05 2025

Banging tunes. They know what they are doing. Probably best enjoyed on the dance floor with strobe lights and dry ice where you can lose yourself in the music

Done By The Forces Of Nature by Jungle Brothers
Feb 06 2025

I wanted to like this more than I did. So dated. And dull. And a bit shouty. And very little musicality. I mean it’s not offensive, which is sadly refreshing for rap music on here, but it leaves me cold

Suicide by Suicide
Feb 07 2025

I liked this in a weird way. That final track was a tad disturbing though. This was honestly not what I was expecting. I thought it was going to be Black Flag type stuff but tbh I liked it better

Music in Exile by Songhoy Blues
Feb 08 2025

I like the mix of rock and traditional sounds. There is something infectious and joyful about this. What a nice discovery

Station To Station by David Bowie
Feb 09 2025

This doesn’t really grab me as much as some of his other stuff. I would imagine it’s a grower though. Still interesting enough for a 4

Feb 10 2025

I really like the use of samples, the funky elements and the jazzy elements. I got The Jungle Brothers a few days ago and this is certainly far less dated. It also has good vibes, no misogynistic nonsense which is a bonus. I fear hip hop just is not the genre for me

Figure 8 by Elliott Smith
Feb 11 2025

His stuff just bores me tbh. There is no depth to the music. With the best will in the world it does nothing for me

Ray Of Light by Madonna
Feb 12 2025

I do like this but I’m not sure it has aged particularly well. William Orbit had his moment. It’s a bit on the long side too. Want to give it 3.5. Madonna is a pop legend and I did see her live many years ago supported by Technotronic lol so 4 it is

Bad Company by Bad Company
Feb 13 2025

Idk, this is boring, pedestrian. It lacks pizzazz and swagger. It’s all about sex but it ain’t sexy. Seagull is probably the best track on here but those lyrics made me cringe. Want to give it 2.5

Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys
Feb 14 2025

The myth is better than the reality A couple of belters, a lot of pretty dull filler and some wal of sound-esque production. Want to give it a 2.5, does not live up to the hype

Feb 15 2025

I recognise this is good for what it is but I am discovering that country is really not the genre for me

Veckatimest by Grizzly Bear
Feb 16 2025

Isn’t it strange how some albums grow on you? On first listen this was a 2 but something compelled me to re listen a few times and now it’s a3.5 to 4. How does that work?

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness by The Smashing Pumpkins
Feb 17 2025

I like The Smashing Pumpkins but this is a bit too much. I also weirdly find I have to pay attention when listening ot it does nothing for me. Definitely demands attention. The aesthetic, artwork, videos etc are fantastic

The Band by The Band
Feb 18 2025

Better than the last offering from them. There are flashes of stuff I really like but not enough to stand out or entice me to want to listen again. Meh is the word that springs to mind

In It For The Money by Supergrass
Feb 19 2025

So, this is better than their other one on here. I gave that a 4 though but this one is not worth 5, say 4.5 rounded down. They mix it up more here and you can hear the influences. There is something uplifting about their music

Bug by Dinosaur Jr.
Feb 20 2025

Underwhelming

Orbital 2 by Orbital
Feb 21 2025

Oof, this thing is showing me that I am more of a raver than I ever would have thought. Love this. Much better than their other offering on here. Almost makes it to a 5, might well do over time but there isn’t quite enough variety for me a la Leftfield etc

Raw Power by The Stooges
Feb 22 2025

Love it. Can hear how it has influenced so many (Pj Harvey, Nick Cave jump out at me). The only thing letting it down is the production. Bet this would have been fantastic live

Dirt by Alice In Chains
Feb 23 2025

I can hear why Nirvana were the big breakthrough act from the grunge era. There is a sense of melody that the others lack, and of course Kurt’s voice bring something extra that the likes of Layne Staley just didn’t have. It’s all a bit dirge like and samey to my ears. Next

Django Django by Django Django
Feb 24 2025

Aww, this is an old favourite. Doesn’t quite reach a 5 though, want to give it 4.5, and actually I think it’s the vocals that are a bit wishy washy. They are fantastic live though, so much energy to the music

Imperial Bedroom by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Feb 25 2025

My main feeling listening to this was annoyance and I’m trying to pinpoint why. I think it’s because there were promising glimmers here and there but then it would descend into something kind of tedious. I guess it’s the promise of something that never materialises. Plus, yes, we all know he is wildly over represented on here

Joan Baez by Joan Baez
Feb 26 2025

No, this is awful. And even more unbearable through the headphones on second listen, I was wincing at some of the shriekier moments. And there are some lovely traditional songs on here but she strips them of all character and nuance and makes them all sound the same. Not a fan of that scene anyway but this is the worst one yet

Nilsson Schmilsson by Harry Nilsson
Feb 27 2025

This really grew on me over 3 listens. Funny how some albums do that. Quirky and a bit different, which I like, his personality shines through and there are some definite bangers

I See You by The xx
Feb 28 2025

This leaves me cold tbh. If we’re going for something similar it really ought to be London Granmar who knock this lot out of the park

Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Mar 01 2025

Well, I have surprised myself by really liking this. I like the vibe much better than other offerings that have come up from him. His voice isn’t the best but it somehow works on this record. A solid and unexpected 4

Eliminator by ZZ Top
Mar 02 2025

Ahaha, I remember this from back in the day. My dad loved those videos. The famous songs are bangers, the rest not so much

Rock Bottom by Robert Wyatt
Mar 03 2025

I do see the Radiohead comparisons but I’m genuinely baffled by this album. It just doesn’t work for me. I don’t like his voice. The music doesn’t hang together and the surrealist elements (hello Ivor Cutler) don’t do anything for me either. 2 because it’s not unlistenable and there are glimmers of something good

Mar 04 2025

I’m not usually one for live albums but I really liked the energy of this. It sounded intimate and sweaty and entertaining and he was some performer. Terrible person but that’s not the point of this exercise

Locust Abortion Technician by Butthole Surfers
Mar 05 2025

I don’t hate this. I don’t love it either. It’s another of those weird ones that is all about the performance I would imagine. Plus my son used to love the band name and run about shouting it when he was a toddler, so there’s that

Dance Mania by Tito Puente
Mar 06 2025

Love this. Makes me think of being at the Tropicana Club in Cuba . There is something joyful about this music. I was jiggling away quite the thing in my seat on the bus on the way home, and you can’t ask for much more than that

Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath
Mar 07 2025

I get it, it was the birth of a new genre and massively influential. For me there is something lacking though, a bit of pizazz or theatrically. There are some killer riffs but it all goes a bit pedestrian and plodding at times. I think the production is partly to blame. Ozzy’s voice is a weak link here. Want to give this 3.5

Searching For The Young Soul Rebels by Dexys Midnight Runners
Mar 08 2025

I’m not sure if this makes sense: I get they are good at what they do but it doesn’t hold much interest for me

Woodface by Crowded House
Mar 09 2025

I remembered this as being sublime and it doesn’t quite live up to that hype. It somehow sounds a bit lacklustre at times. Still, there are some fantastic pop songs on here

Dummy by Portishead
Mar 10 2025

The famous tracks are all time classics that make my hair stand on end from the start. The rest, however, don’t quite live up to the hype. To be fair it is an exceptionally high bar. My word, I feel like this thing is starting to make me more picky

Mar 11 2025

Well, this was a weird one. On first listen I really did not like this and it was a definite 2, but I gave it my customary second listen and somehow it really grew on me and it’s being added to the library. His voice is definitely an acquired taste and some of the lyrics are a bit twee but it’s still getting a 4

Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits
Mar 12 2025

A couple of crackers but the rest is dull dad rock. CDs and MTV did them a great service here

Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen
Mar 13 2025

This does nothing for me. It all sounds the same, and it’s not particularly interesting to me. Bruce is no story teller, it all sounds inauthentic, there’s no heart and soul, no drama, no humour, no poignancy coming across in his delivery. Next

Smash by The Offspring
Mar 14 2025

This didn’t do a great deal for me. I could see the influences and what they were going for but they don’t quite get there. His voice is lacking and the songwriting just isn’t good enough for me

Mar 15 2025

The first half of this is absolutely worthy of a 5. The second half falls away though. Some of these artists get carried away with self indulgence. A bit of trimming and this would be an all time classic. Still gets a 4 though

She's So Unusual by Cyndi Lauper
Mar 16 2025

Nope, not feeling this one. Her voice is kind of annoying and the production sounds cheap and dated to my ears. The two big hits are great but they are not enough to elevate this beyond a 2

No Other by Gene Clark
Mar 17 2025

Well, thank the Lord this is better than the last offering from him, which I gave ⭐️ Another in the seemingly endless number of CSNY and adjacent albums on here. At least this one isn’t boring, there is actually quite a lot of different things going on. It does tail off towards the end though. In an ideal world it would get a 7

Mar 18 2025

Well, I really liked this one, which is something I never thought I’d say about Dylan. The electric Judas thing was definitely a good move. More tuneful, less whiny with some classic tracks. Drops off a bit towards the end though

Grievous Angel by Gram Parsons
Mar 19 2025

This is a tough one to rate. I’m not a fan of that pedal steel classic country sound generally. But their voices sound great together and there is something appealing about this, particularly the second half with the live medley and Love Hurts. Really want to give a 3.5 but what the hell, I must be in a good mood

Ctrl by SZA
Mar 20 2025

Call me old fashioned but a lot of these contemporary R & B albums seem to be all about the vibe and to me the vibe ain’t all that great. Where are the hooks and the melody? Maybe I’m missing the point but it just leaves me cold

Ritual De Lo Habitual by Jane's Addiction
Mar 21 2025

Patchy. There are some great bits and Been Caught Stealing takes me back to being in the rock club on a Saturday night. Good times. A lot of it meanders along a bit aimlessly though. And his voice gets a bit grating at times

Rings Around The World by Super Furry Animals
Mar 22 2025

Remember them being popular with NME etc back in the day.. idk, this couldn’t hold my interest for long. Nothing grabbed me and engaged my interest. Suspect it may be a grower but it’s never going to get the chance. Oh well

Third by Soft Machine
Mar 23 2025

Thanks generator, I hate it. When I listen to music I am not interested in ‘the tension between complicated harmonies, extended improvisation, and the sincere desire to write catchy pop songs’. Well, they certainly failed in the last one here. This is music for boring musos - those who would rather stand at the back of a gig analysing the music than really getting in to it. Robert Wyatt’s accent is irritating (although at least there is not a great deal of it here). And I can’t even imagine this being a blast live, unlike the likes of Throbbing Gristle, Einsturzende Neubaten etc where there is very much a performance element. I imagine them standing concentrating, noodling away. No thanks. Bonus, I was motivated to do my hoovering on the second listen through

Devil Without A Cause by Kid Rock
Mar 24 2025

I don’t know what’s happened to me. First time of listening I hated this, then when I listened again on the headphones I was bopping around my kitchen. There are some decent grooves here. I hate the lyrics though and that autotune is awful. It goes on too long and I have no intention of ever listening again. Also, I have no idea what a bullgod is and the first time I listened I genuinely thought he was singing ‘pool guy’.

Ragged Glory by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Mar 25 2025

No, sorry, this is not good. I’m not hearing grunge in here, it kind of just lumbers along rather boringly. There’s no sense of dynamics, loud and soft, anything like that, and his voice is horribly exposed here. I don’t get it

Mar 26 2025

This is great. Ray Davies is such a good songwriter. And clearly this was a massive influence on certain Britpop bands. Gets just a wee bit too whimsical for my liking towards the end though. A solid 4

What's That Noise? by Coldcut
Mar 27 2025

This really hasn’t aged well. And yes it does go on for far too long. I don’t find it particularly joyous or uplifting either which is surely crucial for this genre. Loving a bit of unexpected Mark E Smith though

After The Gold Rush by Neil Young
Mar 28 2025

There are some great songs on here, but I am afraid I just can’t with that voice. It takes away from the songwriting and I have to deduct one point for that. I imagine there are interpretations of these songs I would enjoy much more than Neil’s versions

Mar 29 2025

Ok, this genre just isn’t for me. Not interested in hearing about bitches and pussy and booty and all of that nonsense. The only two bits that stood out for me were Body Count and the posh bird’s testimonial. And why always so long? My god they are so self indulgent in this genre. Literally in love with the sound of their own voices. Next

Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye
Mar 30 2025

I like my funk a bit funkier, if that makes sense. This is just a bit too smooth for my liking, however that voice is fantastic of course. Plus the oversexed them tips over into cringe at times. Want to give it a 3.5

Dookie by Green Day
Mar 31 2025

This is a bit meh, I’m afraid. Most of it just trundles along fairly forgettably in the same tempo with very little loud and soft etc. And his voice has a similar effect. Kind of boring. The singles are decent. That last track is crap though

Safe As Milk by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Apr 01 2025

I feel like this needs some time to process. I had no idea what to expect. I like all the different elements, they somehow work together to make a cohesive album. Interesting. I’ll be coming back to this one

Freak Out! by The Mothers Of Invention
Apr 02 2025

Obnoxious I suspect Zappa would have appreciated that description

The Message by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Apr 03 2025

The good parts are really really good, the rest of it is… well, dated and kind of bizarre at times. Surely that Stevie wonder song is some sort of parody? What a mixed bag

The Modern Lovers by The Modern Lovers
Apr 04 2025

I don’t get it. And there are plenty of technically ‘bad’ singers who are listenable because of the way they deliver a song, their lyrics, or they have interesting music and production backing them up. This has none of those

Apr 05 2025

This was not great. I mean some of the vibes are pleasant but there is nothing memorable about it. Genuinely don’t know why this is here, never heard of him before

Closer by Joy Division
Apr 06 2025

Something drew me to this right from the start. That bass and the overall mournful vibe. I got this feeling that this was going to be for me. And I was right. Charismatic and atmospheric. Why have I never listened to this before?

Scissor Sisters by Scissor Sisters
Apr 07 2025

You know, I’m not sure I had to listen to this before keeling over, however it’s campy fun, upbeat and joyful, and what is not to love about that? I don’t even dislike the Comfortably Numb cover, it’s so different it works

Ten by Pearl Jam
Apr 08 2025

I could never to this album and I think it is Vedder’s voice. He just bellows away. There’s no nuance and it makes everything sound a bit dull and samey. The song that played immediately after, Just Breathe from 2009, is a different story, and suggests this is something he has developed over time

Beach Samba by Astrud Gilberto
Apr 10 2025

Is this what they call twee? It’s all a bit disengaged sounding if you ask me, the vocals and the instruments. Plus ‘Call Me’ makes me think of Phoenix Nights. ‘Corned Beef, with chips or with salad it’s corned beef…’. Best thing about this if I’m honest

Apr 11 2025

Scrapes a 3 because of the last two tracks but generally this is a charisma free zone

Cafe Bleu by The Style Council
Apr 12 2025

I have no idea what Weller and co were going for here but it does not make for a great album. It’s like a pastiche at times, almost like they are trying out different styles but none of them quite fight. At times I was reminded of one of those Jools Holland shows where they’re jamming and then smugly congratulate each other afterwards. 2 stars

Destroyer by KISS
Apr 13 2025

How can I kind of like this and kind of hate it at the same time? It’s dumb fun but some of the lyrics are shockingly bad. By all accounts they put on a great show though. If Kiss The Musical isn’t a thing it should be. Want to give it 3.5

Shaka Zulu by Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Apr 14 2025

Calming yet somehow uplifting at the same time. And unmistakably that sound from Graceland. Love it

KE*A*H** (Psalm 69) by Ministry
Apr 15 2025

I can’t explain it but this excited me in an unexpected way lol

Eternally Yours by The Saints
Apr 16 2025

I quite liked it but it hasn’t left much of an impression I think that’s called damning with faint praise

Come Away With Me by Norah Jones
Apr 17 2025

Yeah, so this is pleasant and entirely unmemorable. There is nothing outstanding here. Not the vocals, not the songs not the instrumentation. Bland and inoffensive. Really don’t get why this blew up so much at the time. 2.5

Beyond Skin by Nitin Sawhney
Apr 18 2025

I don’t know, this definitely sounded better through the headphones. I get what his aim is here it just doesn’t quite hit the mark for me though. The spoken samples are a highlight, particularly ‘destroyer of worlds’ which is chilling. 2.5

Hysteria by Def Leppard
Apr 19 2025

Back in the day I was in one of those music clubs and I got this as CD of the month because I forgot to cancel it. And it’s the only CD I ever gave away because I was a ‘cool’ student and Def Leppard definitely were not cool. However, this is big, dumb, ridiculous fun and who cares if it was ever cool. I feel credit really should go to Mutt Lange though. 4 stars

Our Aim Is To Satisfy by Red Snapper
Apr 20 2025

There are some interesting moments here but they are cancelled out by the boring moments. Unmemorable Seriously, why is this on here and not Massive Attacks’s Mezzanine. Or even some Zero Seven? 2.5

Back to Mystery City by Hanoi Rocks
Apr 21 2025

Arrrgghh, it’s albums like this that make me wish we had a ten point rating scale. It’s fun and there are some great riffs and decent poppy moments. Better than a 3 but not good enough for a 4. I guess that makes it a 3.5 then

Fun House by The Stooges
Apr 22 2025

This is sleazy and dirty and compelling and I love it. Would have loved to have seen them live back in the day. So influential. Not quite enough variation for a 5 for me

Next by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
Apr 23 2025

I was aware of Alex and his stripey top and Zal and his mime makeup but I had never heard any of their music before and did not know what to expect. And I love it. Ridiculous and quirky and wonderful. Great voice, tight band. Bet they put on a great live show. Such a shame he died so young. One of my favourite finds from this thing so far

Copper Blue by Sugar
Apr 24 2025

One of the things I have learnt from this project is that I bought quite a few albums back in the day because I thought I should. Revisiting them, l turns out a lot of them are kinda mid. This album is one of them

Autobahn by Kraftwerk
Apr 25 2025

You can tell how groundbreaking this was by the fact it was made in 1974. I love their quirky sense of humour. Not quite up there with Man-Machine which got a 5 from me. 3.5 rounding up to 4 because it’s worth more than a 3

Can't Buy A Thrill by Steely Dan
Apr 26 2025

Well, I really like this much to my surprise tbh. Far better than the other offering I have had from them on here. I suspect I dislike them as they got more polished. Still not particularly memorable though

Actually by Pet Shop Boys
Apr 27 2025

Never listened much to Pet Shop Boys but there are some cracking synth pop tunes here and some clever lyrics.

Loveless by My Bloody Valentine
Apr 28 2025

I tried. I saw all the reviews waxing lyrical and I tried. And I just don’t get it. The feedback and distortion takes away most of the nuance. Which is possibly the point. But it doesn’t make me want to listen again. Better than the last effort from them though. I don’t remember much about it but I gave it a 1. This one is a 2.5, so there is that

Trout Mask Replica by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Apr 29 2025

I really don’t know what to make of this, which I would imagine is the point. I actually find it less insufferable than Zappa and the Mothers, so that’s a plus. Two stars. Don’t think I’ll be returning to this one. Life’s too short to force myself to listen to something multiple times in the hope that I may grow to love it when there is so much great music out there to discover and enjoy

Hypnotised by The Undertones
Apr 30 2025

A fun, easy listen, which is refreshing coming straight after Trout Mask Replica. 3.5 rounding up to 4 to make up for all the ill-informed Americans whingeing about him ripping off Jello Biafra and them being one hit wonders 🙄

Penance Soiree by The Icarus Line
May 01 2025

This did nothing for me. It didn’t engage me. It didn’t excite me the way rock music should. At times it was verging on boring ripping over into downright annoying. Never heard of them and don’t get why this is here.

Songs From A Room by Leonard Cohen
May 02 2025

I started off feeling positive that this was going to be a better Cohen album for me after the first few tracks but then it just became boring. Terrible voice and arrangements, good lyrics and some decent songwriting buried under the monotony. The ego on some of these dudes to put themselves out there when they have no singing talent. It’s quite damning that my fave song musically and lyrically is The Partisan which isn’t even his. 2.5

Tuesday Night Music Club by Sheryl Crow
May 03 2025

This is a bit of a mixed bag. Some absolute crackers but also a few weaker efforts. I feel like Sheryl doesn’t have a strong identity as a performer. Some of her numbers came on in the playlist after the album and they were surprisingly good. A greatest hits package is the way to go with her. The 5 star rating system strikes again - 3.5 rounding down because it definitely isn’t worth a 4

May 04 2025

I find this a frustrating listen because there are glimpses in there of something I could love but it is obscured by the production style. 3.5 rounding down

Justified by Justin Timberlake
May 05 2025

Yikes, this really has not aged well. The singles are still absolute crackers but the rest not so much. It is very Michael Jackson. The attempts at ‘sexy’ are cringeworthy, I just don’t buy it from JT. And, yes, it is too long, their egos got carried away. 2.5 rounding up to 3

Seventh Tree by Goldfrapp
May 06 2025

Disappointing and underwhelming. From what I’d seen of Alison Goldfrapp before I was expecting something dramatic and dynamic but no, it was actually kind of dull. Second listen on the headphones started more promisingly but then it tails off in sameness. If Florence and the Machine are not on this list they should be. London Grammar are better too. I’m getting quite jaded with this tbh but on I trundle

Zombie by Fela Kuti
May 07 2025

Ooh, loved this. Such a groove, and considering what the subject matter is, loving the vibe. Been swithering but I’m feeling generous so 5 it is

Machine Head by Deep Purple
May 08 2025

Idk, I found this disappointingly pedestrian. If their aim was to capture the energy of their live shows then they failed because I’m hoping their live shows were more dynamic and exciting. Some half decent tunes in there but lacking oomph

Nothing's Shocking by Jane's Addiction
May 09 2025

Loved them back in my rock clubbing days but this hasn’t worn so well. Severely lacking in actual tunes and Perry’s voice is annoying

California by American Music Club
May 10 2025

So this is their ‘definitive statement’? Yikes. I kept thinking something interesting was about to happen and then it didn’t. Entirely unmemorable and lacking any discernible personality

Shleep by Robert Wyatt
May 11 2025

Shocked that I like this so much because I haven’t liked anything else of his on here. Soft Machine got a 1. Second track is awful though. I had a lightbulb moment where I realised that Thom Yorke probably loves this - turns out I was right

Heaux Tales by Jazmine Sullivan
May 12 2025

The feminist message did not hit for me, in fact I feel it went the other way, honestly by over emphasizing sex. Kind of unmemorable too. 2.5

Survivor by Destiny's Child
May 13 2025

I was NOT prepared for how much I would dislike this. To say it has not aged well would be charitable. It was an ordeal to get through twice. Far too long and the production makes the voices grating on every track. The awful ‘gospel’ medley, Bee Gees cover and the cringeworthy Nasty Girl and Fancy. The rest drags the couple of half decent tracks down with it

Blood And Chocolate by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
May 14 2025

I hear some nice touches and decent tunes here, especially on second listen on the headphones. But there is something overall that just does not appeal to me or make me want to listen again. And like everyone else I am baffled as to why he has so many on this thing. 2.5

Among The Living by Anthrax
May 15 2025

I usually hesitate to say this about any genre but yep, I feel moved to say that thrash ain’t the genre for me. I can kind of appreciate that it’s good for what it is and they’re technically proficient but I’ll leave this one to the snakebite drinking headbangers

Strange Cargo III by William Orbit
May 16 2025

Bland and boring tbh. Spa music maybe? I prefer something a bit more interesting like Leftfield or Massive Attack. 2.5

Hms Fable by Shack
May 17 2025

I’m confused because I have literally never heard of them before and I don’t know why this is on here. It is pleasant enough and sounds better on the headphones but nothing groundbreaking or genre defining

Treasure by Cocteau Twins
May 18 2025

Weird and kind of wonderful. I’m not sure why this works but it does. Can definitely heat the influence it has had on others. Best played rather loud

Aftermath by The Rolling Stones
May 19 2025

I’m definitely a greatest hits girl when it comes to the Stones. The hits are bangers but the rest is a bit meh. And I’m not the greatest fan of Jagger’s voice. That longer track was boring. Could have done with them swapping that out for ‘Paint it Black’, which is sorely missed on the UK version

Hotel California by Eagles
May 20 2025

So, it starts off strongly and I was pleasantly surprised but it is all downhill from there as it descends into boring MOR ballads. Someone once ghosted me with the parting line ‘we are all prisoners here of our own device. Thanks Micah, I hope you are doing well. 2.5. Swithering over which way to round…

L.A. Woman by The Doors
May 21 2025

I would not have known this was The Doors if it wasn’t for the hits. Jim Morrison does not sound like himself. The band sound tight but, other than the aforementioned hits, this edges too close to standard white men playing the blues for me

Little Earthquakes by Tori Amos
May 22 2025

When this came up I said ‘fuck yes’ out loud. I still remember the first time I saw the ‘Silent All These Years’ video, I was captivated. This was my early twenties angst album. Timeless. And she is amazing live. No brainer

American Gothic by David Ackles
May 23 2025

With the best will in the world this did nothing for me. I tried and I see what he was going for. Not averse to a touch of musical theatre, I recently gave The Srnsational Alex Harvey Band 5 stars, but this just didn’t work for me. Some interesting lyrics though

Achtung Baby by U2
May 24 2025

I remember when this came out and it was such a big thing because they had changed their sound. And I loved this at the time. But somehow it has not aged well. I think the production has a lot to do with it. There is something lacklustre about the whole thing. A disappointing revisit

Odessey And Oracle by The Zombies
May 26 2025

The whole is somehow less than the sum of its parts? Idk, lots of nice touches, vibes and sounds but somehow overall ends up unmemorable and a bit meh

Blue Lines by Massive Attack
May 27 2025

This is an absolute classic of an album. And super groundbreaking I guess. Plus ‘Unfinished Sympathy’ is a timeless gem. It gets a 4 or a 4.5 but rounding up to compensate for the that Mezzanine, one of my all time faves, doesn’t feature on here. Shame! Shame!

Faith by George Michael
May 28 2025

Ah yes, Wham! was my first ever gig, I had such a crush on George. Such a good songwriter and what a voice. Tbh the production hasn’t stood the test of time. But still a banging debut solo effort. 3.5 rounding up for old times sake

Moss Side Story by Barry Adamson
May 29 2025

Yeah, this doesn’t really work for me as a stand alone listen. Can’t really see it working as a movie soundtrack either tbh

Fire Of Love by The Gun Club
May 30 2025

I get all the comparisons to Jack White and Pixies but this just doesn’t hit the way their music does. Could be a slow burner though because it went from a 2 to a 3 on second listen

3 + 3 by The Isley Brothers
May 31 2025

Classy stuff from them. Their voices sound great together. Probably a 3.5, rounded up because it’s worth more than a 3

More Specials by The Specials
Jun 01 2025

It’s fun and the lyrics are quirky and interesting. I almost feel bad giving this a 3 but it’s not something I would choose to sit down and listen to again:

Djam Leelii by Baaba Maal
Jun 02 2025

I really wanted to like this and the first track was promising but then it became quite samey and boring, sorry to say. And over an hour was way too long 2.5

A Love Supreme by John Coltrane
Jun 03 2025

I almost feel the need to apologise for not ‘getting’ this. I try but I just don’t. I can accept that they are fine musicians but it’s not for me

Jun 04 2025

Wow, there is something compelling about this. It really drew me in. Going to see this live with the intended ballet would be amazing. Apparently ‘third stream’ is the sub genre for me. I really dig the fusion of jazz and classical. What a lovely discovery

Sorry folks, I don’t hate it. I always had a soft spot for Beautiful Day. This starts off with some bangers and then falls off a cliff. The Ground Beneath Her Feet is a strong finish though. Somehow, with all the illustrious producers involved, the production choices do this on favours.

Murder Ballads by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Jun 06 2025

This really appeals to me. The subject matter, the story telling, the dark humour, the guests. It!/ quirky and different and I’ll be coming back to this one

Jun 07 2025

I liked this far more than I thought I would tbh. I think it’s better than his other offering on here. The man knows what he is doing and he does it well

Heavy Weather by Weather Report
Jun 08 2025

There are some bits of this I really like and I recognised Birdland which is a jaunty wee tune but I REALLY dislike that keyboard sound. It overpowers and ruins everything far too often. It seems they pioneered that cheesy 80s sound before the 80s. I recognise that there is some cracking musicianship in here though. 2.5

Only By The Night by Kings of Leon
Jun 09 2025

I preferred this on second listen and there are some cracking tracks on here but overall there is something lacklustre and bland about this. It was ubiquitous at the time too. 3.5 rounding down to 3

Doolittle by Pixies
Jun 10 2025

Weird and wonderful and the perfect length. One of my all time faves and a contender for my pick for top album on here. Listening to it makes me happy. Not sure what that says about me

Raw Like Sushi by Neneh Cherry
Jun 11 2025

Aww, a wee blast from the past. Love her attitude and style and there are some cracking collaborators on here. Starts to grate slightly towards the end. Buffalo Stance is an enduring banger though

Jun 12 2025

I wanted to like this more than I actually do. I mean, I hear similarities to Bloc Party who I love. But this has a tendency to tip over into sounding frantic which I find rather jarring

Surf's Up by The Beach Boys
Jun 13 2025

This was quirkier and more interesting than I expected. It hasn’t left a lasting impression though. A bit all over the place. RIP Brian

Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
Jun 14 2025

It just works. There is some sort of alchemy going on here. And the production is so good. There are some weaker moments but not one dud. And that cover is iconic

All Mod Cons by The Jam
Jun 15 2025

This is a weird one to me because although I like it isn’t at all memorable. I think The Jam are a greatest hits band for me. 3.5 rounding up because it is worth more than a 3

Tapestry by Carole King
Jun 16 2025

Ahh, such a lovely album. What a talented lady. An all time classic

Paul Simon by Paul Simon
Jun 17 2025

This just doesn’t grab me. I feel like he throws everything at some of the tracks when they would be better if the music was allowed to shine. He tells a good story

Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix
Jun 18 2025

I honestly think the legend of Jimi and the fact that he does have some absolute classics has kind of overtaken the fact that a lot of the stuff on here is self indulgent and aimless. That may be sacrilege to some but there it is

Mott by Mott The Hoople
Jun 19 2025

Underwhelming. I fell asleep on the bus listening to this one

Red Dirt Girl by Emmylou Harris
Jun 20 2025

Swithering between a 2 and a 3 on this one. I mean there are some glimmers of loveliness in there but not enough to overcome the boredom factor. And the arrangement and production does the material no favours. Hmmm… 2.5

Jun 21 2025

Yeah, I know I’m very much not the target audience for this so I’m probably missing the point he is trying to make. Not for me. I found spotting the samples quite entertaining though. Wanted to stop and go and listen to some Betty Davis. And why are the rap records always sooo long? They really do love the sound of their own voices

Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek & The Dominos
Jun 22 2025

Layla is a banger of course and there are some other crackers on here. The rest is a bit meh though. The most interesting things about this are Jim Gordon’s story and the fact that when Clapton finally got Pattie he was horribly abusive to her. What a man…

White Blood Cells by The White Stripes
Jun 23 2025

Love them but this is one of their weaker offerings. Good but not great and slightly annoying at times. 3.5 rounding up

Jun 24 2025

What great energy they have. There is something joyful about this and what’s not to like about that? The opening to Fairytale of New York makes my hairs stand on end. How Shane lasted as long as he did is a mystery. 4 stars

Jun 25 2025

I confess I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would. There is a fun spirit about it that appeals to me. Country isn’t my favourite genre but I liked this one 3.5. The 5 star system strikes again. What to do?

Another Green World by Brian Eno
Jun 26 2025

I almost willed myself to like this more than I actually do. I get that it’s pioneering and features great musicians and som of the tracks are quite lovely but overall it’s just lacking something for me

Jun 27 2025

It’s telling the number of reviews on here saying that they dismissed Hole at the time because of their perception of Courtney. She is a great song writer and lyricist. Unpopular opinion: I prefer Celebrity Skin. Still very good though

Two Dancers by Wild Beasts
Jun 28 2025

This is a big nothingburger with only the vocals being memorable for all the wrong reasons. It’s like they went through the Mercury shortlists and picked out the most annoying ones on there

Infected by The The
Jun 29 2025

Bit torn on this one because I owned it back in the day and played it to death. Do think I prefer Soul Mining these days though. The intensity sometimes tips over into ludicrousness. Still a cracking album. Need to seek out the accompanying videos

Jun 30 2025

There is something compelling about this. It could have been a mess given the amount of people involved but every track works and pulls you in. I have listened multiple times already which says something. Almost loses points for the Chris Rock skit which I absolutely cannot stand. However, 5 stars it is. Didn’t expect that going in to this one

Jul 01 2025

Ooh, will I give this a nostalgia tinged 5? It’s a great album, a bit unhinged and a lot of fun. Let’s be honest the production probably makes it . I was dancing around the room much to my cat’s bemusement. I guess that makes it worthy of a 5

Aladdin Sane by David Bowie
Jul 02 2025

This is one of those ones where I want to like it more than I actually do. There are good elements but it just doesn’t grab me overall. Some strange production choices with the vocal far back in the mix. Underwhelming

Trio by Dolly Parton
Jul 03 2025

Yes, their voices work well together with Dolly to the fore. However, overall this is bland and boring with some poor covers. Don’t get the hype

Back In Black by AC/DC
Jul 04 2025

Well, they found a successful formula and stuck to it, didn’t they? Fair play to them. It’s all a bit basic and I am not a fan of Brian Johnson’s voice. There are at least two all time bangers on here. 2.5. Knocking half a star off for the cringey sex-obsessed lyrics

Want One by Rufus Wainwright
Jul 05 2025

This does nothing for me. He’s trying maybe too hard idk. And his voice just sounds the same the whole time. What more can I say? 2.5

That's The Way Of The World by Earth, Wind & Fire
Jul 06 2025

I like this but don’t find any of it particularly memorable. Made sense now knowing it’s a soundtrack. Great musicianship with Verdine White’s bass standing out to me. Prefer the funkier number, some of the slower ones verge on the cheesy. 3.5

Rum Sodomy & The Lash by The Pogues
Jul 07 2025

This is fun and you really can’t tell the McGowan originals from the traditional songs. Loses a bit for the awful cover of Waltzing Matilda though, definite low point

Basket of Light by Pentangle
Jul 08 2025

This genre is a weird one for me. On the one hand there is the Richard and Linda Thompson album which I loved and on the other there is the Incredible String Band which I found laughably bad. This falls somewhere in the middle. I recognise there is some great musicianship on here which I can appreciate but overall it doesn’t do a great deal for me. Not a huge fan of Jacqui McShee’s voice. 3 stars

New Wave by The Auteurs
Jul 09 2025

I mean, ‘meh’ kind of sums this up. It’s not particularly memorable. I remember Lenny Valentino being a banger but that’s not even on this album. I swear the compilers went through the Mercury shortlists and picked out the least worthy albums for this list. Weird

Trafalgar by Bee Gees
Jul 10 2025

Oof, this was unexpectedly awful. I guess like most people I only know them from Saturday Night Fever. I had to check if it was written by them after hearing this. It was almost like a spoof at times, those lyrics. The vocals were laughable at points and the music was dull. 1 star it is

Bitte Orca by Dirty Projectors
Jul 11 2025

Ok then. Not sure what this was trying to achieve or why it made so many ‘best of’ lists. Whatever it was, the experiment did not work on me. Flashes of niceness overwhelmed by the lack of cohesion or much of a discernible tune.. No Intention stood out for me. Don’t know why

Back to Basics by Christina Aguilera
Jul 12 2025

This album strangely grew on me over 2 listens.There is no denying she has a great voice but I’m no fan of the melismatic singing style. Also this would have been better as two single albums. Despite some cringeworthy moments it’s a 7/10 from me. Damn you 5 star rating system

Ogden's Nut Gone Flake by Small Faces
Jul 13 2025

I like this. The quirkiness adds to its character, even the Stanley Unwin bits grew on me over two listens and are strangely endearing. Steve Marriott had a good voice. I imagine they had fun making this, and I can hear how influential it has been. 4 stars

Scream, Dracula, Scream by Rocket From The Crypt
Jul 14 2025

Started off quite strong. I remember On A Rope from back in the day. Still a bit of a banger. Guess I’m damning with faint praise. I do like the use of the horns but it all gets a bit samey and his voice starts to grate. Meh. 2.5

Jul 15 2025

I think Pulp have become my favourite Britpop band. I was always a fan of Jarvis. His lyrics, his wit, his eccentricities. And he’s a great frontman as well. This was them trying to get away from being pop stars I reckon. A very different feel from Different Class. Just a bit too long. A strong 4 though, with potential to become a 5 over time

Bright Flight by Silver Jews
Jul 16 2025

My, this one has really confused me. I really did not like it on first listen, however it sounded so much better on the earphones and I ended up listening 3 times. There is something about it although none of the songs are memorable and his voice is not great. I’m not sure what to make of this one at all. Want to give it 3.5 but of course that’s not a thing

The Grand Tour by George Jones
Jul 17 2025

I recognise he has a good voice but this genre does very little for me. I wouldn’t ever sit down and listen to this by choice (other than on this project of course. And, oh boy. the lyrics make me cringe so hard. 2.5

Jul 18 2025

He’s good. What a voice. Great arrangements and I love the fact that you can still hear a bit of country in there but he has very much made it his own.Prefer the uptempo numbers, they are fun, the slower ones get a bit samey

Maxinquaye by Tricky
Jul 19 2025

I’m a fan of the darker more brooding numbers. Love the Public Enemy cover. This starts strong but falls away a bit towards the end with some blander tracks. 3.5

It's Blitz! by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Jul 20 2025

This grew on me over a few listens. The synthesizer sound isn’t as immediate as the mote guitar based sound of Fever To Tell which is an all time fave of mine . The singles are obvious bangers but the rest grew on me. And Karen O is great

Wonderful Rainbow by Lightning Bolt
Jul 21 2025

I tried but I just don’t get the appeal. I m not averse to being challenged by music but there has to be something enjoyable about the process. This left my ears ringing. I’m sure I can live with the disdain of the Rhode Island art school types

The La's by The La's
Jul 22 2025

This is a lovely wee album. Why have I never sought this one out before? So much more than the basic Britpop some reviewers are saying. Great songs, some clever musical touches and a bit of variety thrown in. Love it

Sister by Sonic Youth
Jul 23 2025

As hard as I try I just cannot take to Sonic Youth. Legends they may be but their music does nothing for me. It doesn’t move me or excite me, I’m not blown away by the musicianship or the vocals. I don’t get it. 2.5

Synchronicity by The Police
Jul 24 2025

This is… not great. Bit of a mixed bag but mostly straying in to cringeworthy territory. They have not lasted the test of time. King of Pain is a banger though. I once spoke to a guy who had that tattooed round his neck. Pretty sure I blocked him after he sent me a dick pic. 2.5 (that’s the album rating not the pic)

Sticky Fingers by The Rolling Stones
Jul 25 2025

This weirdly is much better through headphones. One thing I am finding from this generator is that I am a singles girl when it comes to the lStones . Wild Horses is fantastic and the rest just can’t compare. And I’m not a huge fan ofJagger’s voice. 3.5

Killing Joke by Killing Joke
Jul 26 2025

I’m not sure what I was expecting from them but this was surprisingly good . Does get a wee bit samey and his voice can be annoying. But overall a good listen and I can see how influential this was. A surprising 4

For Your Pleasure by Roxy Music
Jul 27 2025

His voice can be irritating but I actually like it here. I enjoyed this more than I was expecting. Better than the other offering I’ve had from them. Definitely more complex than expected which might well be the Eno influence

Beauty And The Beat by The Go-Go's
Jul 28 2025

Aye, the 5 star rating system strikes again. This grew on me over a few listens, and I got used to Belinda Carlisle’s voice which was a bit irritating at first. Some nice punchy wee tunes on here which I enjoyed but don’t find particularly memorable. 3.5

Jul 29 2025

I kind of remember Maxwell with his fabulous hair and jawline. Apparently those are the most interesting things about him. There is nothing memorable here. It is boring though I will concede the musicianship is competent. It’s not sexy either. Mission failed. 2.5

L'Eau Rouge by The Young Gods
Jul 30 2025

I didn’t dislike this. Some elements were good, others not so much. An odd mix of genres which I guess is probably the point. Love a bit of industrial but I wouldn’t ever choose to sit down and listen to this

Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen
Jul 31 2025

I can’t take to Springsteen however hard I try. This one is all a bit samey in an overblown way. It’s just too much. Too much saxophone, too busy. His voice is so overwrought at times I find it almost laughable. However there are some gems in here, that I can’t deny. And it’s better than Nebraska

Goo by Sonic Youth
Aug 01 2025

Given the music I was into back then, and how revered they were, you would think I would be right in to Sonic Youth. Turns out I’m not. None of the three albums on here have grabbed me. There are glimmers of hope but they don’t turn in to anything particularly interesting or enjoyable. And underwhelming 3

Aug 02 2025

I like this a lot more than I thought I would given that prog is far from my fave genre. There are actually some good melodies In here and they are relatively restrained when it comes to the noodling. The Cinema Show is the low point, the keyboards sound dreadful. My Peter Gabriel fandom continues, somewhat surprisingly. 4 stars

Aug 03 2025

I really liked this one. It’s weird and quirky but it works for the most part. His methods of working are certainly interesting. Each sound sounds like it could be from a different album but it all comes together somehow. Method in his madness

At Mister Kelly's by Sarah Vaughan
Aug 04 2025

I’m not usually a fan of a live album but this really works. I think the ambient noise and the small venue atmosphere comes across really well. Last track grates a bit though. She has a great voice and it’s always nice to hear jazz standards sung well

Rust Never Sleeps by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Aug 05 2025

I’m really not a fan of his voice, in fact it reminds me of Kermit but worse. This album strangely grew on me over a few listens though. A surprising 4 stars

Crime Of The Century by Supertramp
Aug 06 2025

This veers dangerously close to cheesy in a peculiar 70s way at times but overall I really like it. Lots of interesting touches and some top musicianship on display. I particularly noticed the bass - yay to Scotland’s own Dougie Thomson. A quirky 4 from me

Lady Soul by Aretha Franklin
Aug 07 2025

Sublime. Only thing missing is I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You) which is one of my all time favourite tracks. Dazzling talent on display from everyone involved 👌🏻

There's A Riot Goin' On by Sly & The Family Stone
Aug 08 2025

Man, this was disappointing. Because Family Affair is an absolute belter. And the rest didn’t live up to it. Too much rambling and not enough funky tunes for my liking

Aha Shake Heartbreak by Kings of Leon
Aug 09 2025

This is a weird one. I do like it even though at times it sounds like a less talented and charismatic Strokes. I don’t get the lads lads lads vibes a lot of reviewers are mentioning at all, maybe that’s an American thing. It would also be better if you could make out what he is saying. I remember when they broke through and there was a lot of publicity around them being 3 handsome sons of a pastor (and their cousin, sorry Matthew) and I honestly think that accounts for a lot of their success. 3.5 and have eventually decided to round down because there isn’t anything particularly memorable about this

The Healer by John Lee Hooker
Aug 10 2025

Sad to say that this bored me and the blues should not be doing that.Don’t think the collaborative thing does him any favours here

Sweet Baby James by James Taylor
Aug 11 2025

I like the way he goes for mixing up the styles a bit and his voice and the overall vibe are pleasant but in the end this tends towards bland. Nice

Oxygène by Jean-Michel Jarre
Aug 12 2025

This did not do it for me at all, which is surprising because I like a lot of the stuff that he has most likely influenced. It bored me, there was nothing to grab on to. I can see why he used to have dramatic effects while performing

Ingenue by k.d. lang
Aug 13 2025

The two hits are nice wee tunes but, with the best will in the world, the rest is dull. Next!

The Only Ones by The Only Ones
Aug 14 2025

This was not all what I expected. More tuneful and complex and varied. His voice is a bit rubbish but somehow it mostly works, and there are some decent lyrics in there too 3.5

Heroes to Zeros by The Beta Band
Aug 15 2025

I really wanted to like this more than I did but ultimately it is lacking in something. There are some promising ideas and moments but they don’t go anywhere. The potential is there. Disappointing

Aug 16 2025

This was kinda disappointing honestly. I was expecting more funkiness but it didn’t deliver. And his voice got a bit wearing at times. Nothing particularly memorable here

Here Are the Sonics by The Sonics
Aug 17 2025

This is fun. They really go for it and I can totally see their influence. A lot of covers but they do them well and o like the originals too. A nice wee find from the generator

Toys In The Attic by Aerosmith
Aug 18 2025

This was great, surprisingly. I thought it was going to be cheesy and boring. Yes, there is a big cringe factor but I’ve heard much worse. They are having fun, not taking themselves too seriously and there are some good tunes in there too

Master Of Puppets by Metallica
Aug 19 2025

Thrash is not usually the genre for me but this is good. They mix it up a bit so keep it interesting. There are some surprisingly good musical moments to. hold the interest rather than just thrashing away. It is a bit bloated and they do take themselves very seriously. At the other end of the rock spectrum from yesterday’s Aerosmith but both are getting a solid 4

Aug 20 2025

Jesus, this goes on and on and on. Not even sure this should be on the list because for me it’s a performance piece. I can imagine it at the Edinburgh Fringe. It’s Waits playing a character. The bits aren’t funny and the audience sounds fake and laughs in weird places. Should’ve been a poet or a writer, and I know he’s done a bit of acting. Anything but a singer. 2 because the musicians are decent and it would probably work as a stage shoe

Reggatta De Blanc by The Police
Aug 21 2025

Ah, now this is more like it from them. Had Synchronicity recently which really didn’t do it for me. Enjoyed this one much more. Message in a Bottle is an all time classic and the rest is good too with top musicianship and more variety and quirkiness than I expected. Still a greatest hits girl when it comes to them though

Heartbreaker by Ryan Adams
Aug 22 2025

There are some really lovely parts to this and I like the use of the female singers. Overall though it’s too long and not very memorable. Less than the sum of its parts

Violent Femmes by Violent Femmes
Aug 23 2025

This was a surprise. I was expecting a more hardcore experience given the name. I like it and I recognise Blister In The Sun but I have no idea where from. One of the very few albums I have liked less on second listen. 3.5

The Coral by The Coral
Aug 24 2025

I like what they are going for with the psychedelic edge and other wee touches but overall there is nothing about this that would make me want to listen again. A pleasant listen though (is this what’s called damning with faint praise?)

Go Girl Crazy by The Dictators
Aug 25 2025

This is kinda fun though the humour is not for me. Overall hasn’t left much of an impression. Next!

In Utero by Nirvana
Aug 26 2025

Gave this a few listens because I did not rate it as highly as Nevermind back in the day. I was wrong. It is every bit as good

The Fat Of The Land by The Prodigy
Aug 27 2025

Hell, yes. I remember being so excited for this to come out. Bought it from Our Price. It’s still an absolute banger from start to finish. Such thrilling energy

The Sun Rises In The East by Jeru The Damaja
Aug 28 2025

This bored me. Which is surprising because I used to love a bit of Gang Starr et al back in the day. Never heard of this dude before and now I know why

Beggars Banquet by The Rolling Stones
Aug 29 2025

Yeah, I like this. Their best offering on here so far. The bluesy style suits them and this grew on me on second listen. Still a Greatest Hits girl when it comes to them though

Tanto Tempo by Bebel Gilberto
Aug 30 2025

Pleasant if a bit bland. Which is really all I can find to say about it

Logical Progression by LTJ Bukem
Aug 31 2025

Sooo, I understand the Spotify link isn’t the actual album. However, that’s what I went with. Over 3 hours of samey drum and bass, ffs. I’ll not be listening to it again, as I usually do. It’s more suited to a DJ set or a club night. Not something to sit listening to on the bus

Rattus Norvegicus by The Stranglers
Sep 01 2025

Hey, I had The Stranglers Greatest Hits on vinyl back in the day. Cracking. They’re a class act

Gentlemen by The Afghan Whigs
Sep 02 2025

This kept threatening to turn into something pretty good but in the end it hasn’t left much of an impression. I swear half the panel for this thing are NME journalists from the 90s/2000s

Sep 03 2025

This grew on me over a couple of listens. I like some of the songs. I’m not sure the Phil Spector sound is doing them any favours though. 3.5

Nixon by Lambchop
Sep 04 2025

There are some lovely wee touches to this and I like some of the arrangements but that falsetto voice is something else… 2.5

Tracy Chapman by Tracy Chapman
Sep 05 2025

I loved this back in the day and it has absolutely stood the test of time. Gets me emotional when I’m in the right mood. Fantastic

Vulnicura by Björk
Sep 06 2025

Hmm, the first three tracks I love and then it all gets a bit much. To me this is more of a performance piece. I imagine listening as part of the 360 exhibit with the films would be a better and more immersive experience. I do appreciate it but not something I would choose to listen to on its own

The United States Of America by The United States Of America
Sep 07 2025

I’m sure this would be best enjoyed off your face at a happening. As a stand alone record it does not work.

The Scream by Siouxsie And The Banshees
Sep 08 2025

This is great. I was aware of them before but never really listened to anything other than the hits. Her voice is a bit strident for me at times. So influential though. A solid 4

Purple Rain by Prince
Sep 09 2025

This is fantastic. Yes it sounds a bit dated but damn it still works. Such a talented man. This rocks. 5 stars

The Nightfly by Donald Fagen
Sep 10 2025

Yeah, this tootles along kind of jauntily but in the end it’s all pretty dull and unmemorable. 2.5

Sep 11 2025

Er, what the hell? The concept s pretentious nonsense. The costumes are ludicrous. There are glimmers of decent music but they are swamped by everything else and it is far too long to hold my interest. Love Peter Gabriel as a solo artist but this ain’t it

Sep 12 2025

There are hints of some decent songs in here (I’m hearing REM) but the production choices do this no favours. The guitar sound is far too prominent leaving the songs no room to breathe. And of course it’s far too long. 2.5

The Modern Dance by Pere Ubu
Sep 13 2025

I liked this a lot. Much better than their other offering on here. Some nice grooves. I could hear Talking Heads vibes. A surprising 4

Endtroducing..... by DJ Shadow
Sep 14 2025

This was a weird one as the first time I listened I really didn’t take to it, but second time I listened more closely and turned out there is some good stuff here. Why are all the albums in this genre so damn long though. No need

On The Beach by Neil Young
Sep 15 2025

The thing is, there are actually some decent songs but his voice does them absolutely no favours. They could make some banging cover versions though

Sep 16 2025

Oh, this takes me back. Chill beats with a good flow. Rap sounds surprisingly great in French. And, from my limited understanding, clever lyrics and no misogyny. Winner all round

Pornography by The Cure
Sep 17 2025

I must say this isn’t really doing it for me. A bit samey and unmemorable. They definitely improved with subsequent albums

Sep 18 2025

Always thought the hits were great but had never actually listened to an album before. The hits do stand out and it is surprising clubby.. it’s still good though

Modern Kosmology by Jane Weaver
Sep 19 2025

There are some interesting moments here but not enough to really hold my interest or make me want to seek out more. Pleasant is the word

Duck Stab/Buster & Glen by The Residents
Sep 20 2025

Well, if their aim was to ‘reject rock music intended for the sole purpose of entertaining or dancing’ then they surely succeeded. Music should be for listening though and I certainly won’t be listening to this one again

S.F. Sorrow by The Pretty Things
Sep 21 2025

Yeah, I liked this. Not a fan of concept albums usually but I’ll take this over The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway any day. 3.5

Your Arsenal by Morrissey
Sep 22 2025

Oof, torn on this one. I really like it. By far his best solo offering with compelling tunes and the usual top notch lyrics. Want to give it 4.5…

Blood On The Tracks by Bob Dylan
Sep 23 2025

I just can’t with Dylan. Tangled Up in Blue is great and the first few tracks are promising but then it turns in to the usual annoying vein. His voice really grates on me at points Another one that would have made a great poet

Drunk by Thundercat
Sep 24 2025

My word this was underwhelming. Really not a fan of the cheesy 80s vibe. Kind of boring with a bit of bass player showboating to boot. It’s a no from me

Paul's Boutique by Beastie Boys
Sep 25 2025

The vocals are too strident strident and one note. it gets irritating, my god. Great production and use of samples. Tbh when the samples came on I found myself wanting to hear the original track. 2.5

Odessa by Bee Gees
Sep 26 2025

They don’t half take themselves seriously here despite the daft lyrics and sometimes ludicrous vocals. There is something pompous about this. I too prefer disco Bee Gees

Sep 27 2025

I totally get how influential this was and I enjoy some of th music and the samples. But, very much like the Beastie Boys, it’s all a bit strident. Which is likely the point but it does not make for an enjoyable listening experience

Sep 28 2025

Well, this is actually better than I remembered. Chill vibes, a feminine perspective , no macho posturing and misogyny, a great voice, not strident, even the skits work, the concept is rather lovely and not at all ludicrous.. Some interesting musical choices. Forgot how much I loved To Zion. And this has absolutely stood the test of time

Electric Prunes by The Electric Prunes
Sep 29 2025

Bit of a mixed bag. Some nice tunes. Generally pleasant, apart from that final track, but nothing particularly memorable or interesting. Next

Tragic Songs of Life by The Louvin Brothers
Sep 30 2025

I guess they’re good at what they do with the harmonies and all but what they do doesn’t do it for me. It’s a very similar and could almost just be one song. Unremarkable

Welcome To The Pleasuredome by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Oct 01 2025

No denying this deserves to be here as they were everywhere for a short time, and the ‘Frankie Says t shirts are iconic. The hits are fantastic, the rest not so much, and what is with all the random covers? The whole thing is a testament to Trevor Horn’s production skills and Paul Morley’s pseudo intellectual PR campaign

Phrenology by The Roots
Oct 02 2025

This is… a lot. They throw everything at it and tbh most of it sticks. Always interesting and I enjoyed the wee throwback to Swing Out Sister. Yes, I’m old. Yet another one that’s a bit on the long side though. 3.5, would probably repay repeated listens

Feast of Wire by Calexico
Oct 03 2025

Not sure what to make of this, honestly. Started off really promising and my ears perked up, then it went in to the mariachi stuff, then it felt like a film soundtrack. They were all interesting in their own way but it does not make for a cohesive album for me

Bummed by Happy Mondays
Oct 04 2025

Hmm, someone this shouldn’t work but t does. Not as good as Pills, Thrills. I really enjoyed some of the remixes on the collector’s edition. I do think they owe a lot to the producers though. 3.5

Very by Pet Shop Boys
Oct 05 2025

There’s something about the hi energy style and fey disinterested vocals that just doesn’t do it for me. Boring

Oct 06 2025

I would never put this on a a listening experience, which I think is kind of the point anyway. Might pop it on next time my anxiety starts running wild though

Oct 07 2025

Try as I might I just cannot bring myself to like this. It’s lacking in a crucial something to make it stand out. Unmemorable and uninspiring 2.5

Take Me Apart by Kelela
Oct 08 2025

Meh. Some inexplicable choices from more recent offerings. There is nothing outstanding enough about this for it to be all about the vibe or whatever she is going for. Dull

Licensed To Ill by Beastie Boys
Oct 09 2025

Props to them for making their vision come to life. I get they’re creating a persona and I appreciate the rock element but it’s not something I would ever want to listen to on the regular

Architecture And Morality by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Oct 10 2025

A mixed bag this one. I was almost willing myself to enjoy more than I actually did. The opener is fantastic. There are some real duds though which sadly bring it down to a 3.5

Dusty In Memphis by Dusty Springfield
Oct 11 2025

So good. Son of a Preacher Man is one of my all time faves so everything else pales a little bit in comparison. Also, I wish the orchestra was dialled back a bit at times to let her voice shine

Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg
Oct 12 2025

I like the flow and the laid back funky vibes here. It appeals to me more than some of the more strident entries in the genre. It’s actually a pleasure to listen to despite the usual questionable lyrics. And the obligatory skits are not unbearable either. A solid 4

Armed Forces by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Oct 13 2025

I really thought this was going to be the one. The first 3 tracks are cracking, then it all descends into Costello’s usually slightly irritating. I know he has tried a lot of different styles in his time but somehow there is always the irritation factor, not helped by his voice. There is something smug about him. I could tolerate a Hits collection though. 2.5

Wild Wood by Paul Weller
Oct 14 2025

Yes, it’s a bit dad rock and it goes on a bit too long but there are some lovely moments here. It’s wild how much Weller has changed his style over the years. 3.5 rounding up

Spiderland by Slint
Oct 15 2025

Can’t decide what I think of this. Actually liked it less on second listen on the earphones. There are some nice elements to this, I hear Mogwai, but overall there is something a bit precious about them which puts me off

Fromohio by fIREHOSE
Oct 16 2025

Yeah. You know how the Americans are always whingeing about Britpop on here? Well there an awful lot of unmemorable underwhelming American ‘alternative rock’ offerings Just saying

Pink Flag by Wire
Oct 17 2025

I can see how influential this has been. The blatant rip off by Elastica leaps out. The production does this no favours though. Some wee gems in there but not enough to make me want to add it to my library

1999 by Prince
Oct 18 2025

This isn’t one of his best. It hasn’t aged well sound wise with the drum machine and the dated synth sound. Still, it’s Prince and it’s funky. Not a great deal is memorable though apart from the two biggies. 3.5 rounding up to a 4 because it’s definitely better than a 3

Green Onions by Booker T. & The MG's
Oct 19 2025

Great house band for sure but not something I would ever choose to listen to vocal free. They’re good at what they do but that much Hammond organ ain’t my bag.Puts me in mind of something cheesy like Blackpool tower ballroom or Les Alanos from Phoenix Nights

Ghosteen by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Oct 20 2025

Oof. This is great. Cave and Ellis have great chemistry together. I am a fan of their film soundtracks. I imagine this will repay repeated listening. Definitely have to be in the right mood for it though. I was supposed to go to this tour but I had Covid :’(

Bone Machine by Tom Waits
Oct 21 2025

Well, I’m usually not the biggest Tom Waits fan but this is great! It just works. His voice, the interesting sounds, the storytelling. Some of the lyrics are quite moving even. Bonkers in a great way. His best on here by far

Step In The Arena by Gang Starr
Oct 22 2025

Used to love a bit of Jazzmatazz back in the day. I love their more laid back style. and that’s a good thing. Some nice samples and chill vibes. Decent interesting lyrics too. Definitely my kind of hip hop. 3.5

The Infotainment Scan by The Fall
Oct 23 2025

Well, what do you know, there are some decent bops on this! The band are doing some heavy lifting here though. Even Mark E’s vocals work on this style. What is his obsession with Spangles though?

Remedy by Basement Jaxx
Oct 24 2025

I don’t know what’s wrong with people, this is a banging album. Fun and joyful and got me jiggling along on the bus after a hard day at work. And that’s a very good thing

Highway 61 Revisited by Bob Dylan
Oct 25 2025

I thought this once was going to be more promising after such a strong start but nothing lives up to that first track. I just find the rest of it pretty boring and I really don’t get it with Dylan

Tank Battles by Dagmar Krause
Oct 26 2025

I really don’t feel this style works as something simply to listen to. It’s theatrical and dramatic and cabaret style and needs to be experienced in that context. No doubting that her voice and the musicians are great but it’s not something I would ever choose to listen to out of context again. 2.5

Oct 27 2025

Ahh, yes, there are some absolute bangers on this one. I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor gives me goosebumps and When The Sun Goes Down is great for a singalong in a rubbish Sheffield accent. Alex Turner’s lyrics are fantastic, hard to believe he was so young when this came out. Slightly too long and a few too many generic AM sounding tracks brings it down to a 4

Metallica by Metallica
Oct 28 2025

There is a fine line between majestic and ludicrous. This triggered memories of listening to’Nothing Else Matters on repeat. Much like another reviewer on here I have been trying to find excuses not to give this a 5. I can’t

Private Dancer by Tina Turner
Oct 29 2025

The good parts are really really good but the rest is kind of mediocre. The 80s production is grating in its hollow slickness at times and it’s a mixed bag for the cover versions. Tina’s voice shines through though. The title track is the highlight for me.

White Light / White Heat by The Velvet Underground
Oct 30 2025

What a shambles this is. Going by the Wiki entry the recording was rushed and chaotic and even the band thought the production was terrible. Why anyone would want to sit down and listen to this on the regular I have no idea

Oct 31 2025

I do have a soft spot for George. So talented. This is a bit more morose and downbeat than his more poppy past. Makes sense once you know there was a dancier part two which never happened. Still a quality album though. 3.5

Nov 01 2025

Yeah, I like this. It’s better than their other offering on here. Love the title too. Bit on the long side though, bit of pruning and it could be an all time classic

Nov 02 2025

Meh. This didn’t make much of an impression. Nothing particularly memorable or interesting here, lacking in personality. And his voice gets kind of grating real quick. 2.5

Nov 03 2025

Well, they certainly had a seedy not entirely serious vision which they went for and brought to life. I do like it. Marc Almond has a great voice and the electronic sound works for the themes. RIP David Ball who died a couple of weeks ago. 3.5 rounding down because it doesn’t grab me enough for a 4

Music by Madonna
Nov 04 2025

I’ve always liked this album. Music and Don’t Tell Me are bangers. I don’t even think the American Pie cover is that bad. The vocoder effect is a tad overdone though. Still a good pop album, which is always welcome in my book

Make Yourself by Incubus
Nov 05 2025

They never had any success in the UK and I see why. All the ingredients are here but the results are lacklustre and boring. Next

Sound Affects by The Jam
Nov 06 2025

Oof, this is great. ‘Generic British rock band’ my arse. Takes inspiration from the past while somehow also being hugely influential. Great songwriting, lyrics and musicianship. A bunch of great punchy tunes.

...The Dandy Warhols Come Down by The Dandy Warhols
Nov 07 2025

I don’t know why but it’s like this is almost really good but falls a bit short. I feel like they had lots of ambition here but couldn’t quite pull it off. It’s nice enough but also too long. Cutting out some of the filler would have improved this no end. Absolutely no need for an hour plus

Call of the Valley by Shivkumar Sharma
Nov 08 2025

I really liked this. It certainly succeeded in the stated goal of taking me on a meditative journey. I was doing other tasks and I kind of zoned in and out and it was the perfect accompaniment. I found myself picturing a shepherd going about his day. If it wasn’t for the YouTube thing I could totally see myself putting this on to chill out and calm the anxious brain. Wouldn’t be quite the same with ads blasting in every so often though

...Baby One More Time by Britney Spears
Nov 09 2025

There’s nothing better than a great pop album. And this isn’t one.i’m not averse to a bit of Max Martin but this is weak. The production has not aged well and the overall vibe is sugary and twee. The songs aren’t good enough either apart from the obvious. Disappointing

Savane by Ali Farka Touré
Nov 10 2025

I liked the overall vibe of this and I’m guessing the repetition is part of the style. It did get a bit samey though. Could have done with a shorter run time

Foo Fighters by Foo Fighters
Nov 11 2025

Props to Grohl for doing this all himself. I’ve always found Foo Fighters terribly bland. It’s clear to see who had the X factor in Nirvana. I think there was so much good will for him and his ‘nicest guy in rock’ persona. Can still hear Nirvana in this though, which is a plus. Swithering between 3 and 4

Porcupine by Echo And The Bunnymen
Nov 12 2025

The Cutter is so majestic the rest pales by comparison. Disappointingly mediocre. Definitely a greatest hits girl when it comes to them

Sex Packets by Digital Underground
Nov 13 2025

Ugh, I guess they make good use of some samples but why do so many hip hop acts feel the need to be so juvenile? It put me in mind of going on dating apps and being bombarded by men looking for ‘dirty talk’, sexy pics or demanding to come to your house/place of work immediately for sex. Tedious and something I don’t wish to repeat ever again. 1.5

Third/Sister Lovers by Big Star
Nov 14 2025

There are some nice snatches of melody here if you listen hard enough. Cannot get past the vocals though which verge on the painful at times, I was physically cringing. This apparently influenced some good bands though so there’s that. 2.5

Appetite For Destruction by Guns N' Roses
Nov 15 2025

The obvious tracks are all time classics. The rest is kind of forgettable. Axl’s voice grates after a while. I don’t think the production does the material a lot of favors, makes the non hits sound a bit muddy somehow. Mid

Band On The Run by Paul McCartney and Wings
Nov 16 2025

At times this sounds like a collection of odds and ends pulled together, unsurprising considering the chaos that surrounded it. It still works though, with only a couple of tracks erring on the dull/twee side. He sure has an ear for a sweet melody

Dig Your Own Hole by The Chemical Brothers
Nov 17 2025

I’ve been swithering about this all day but it has to be a 4.5 rounding up. It’s just banging,flows effortlessly, and there’s a nice mix of up tempo and more mellow tracks. It works. Maybe slightly too long and dips a bit PS that top review is a travesty

Post Orgasmic Chill by Skunk Anansie
Nov 18 2025

Never really paid much attention to them back n the day. This s really good. Nothing particularly memorable but I like the vibe. Falls off a bit towards the end. Skin has a great presence Went down a rabbit hole and discovered that Skin’s ex wife is a billionaire’s daughter who is now married to Elon Musk’s brother. Unexpected

Dirty by Sonic Youth
Nov 19 2025

Have been aware of Sonic Youth and people gushing over them for decades and I just don’t get it. It’s ok, that’s it. There’s not a lot that engages me here

The Wall by Pink Floyd
Nov 20 2025

There are some glorious moments here of course, but overall the concept doesn’t really interest me, it’s all a bit self-indulgent by Roger Waters, and the film sounds terrible. Production is great. Could do with trimming off some of the fat leaving ‘the hits’, which would completely negate the point of the album but there it is. I suspect relistens would be beneficial. Genuinely surprised this has so many 5 star reviews

Nov 21 2025

This doesn’t gel for me. It’s a bunch of mildly unhinged songs written by some eccentrics (and Roger Taylor) but it’s all over the place). The hits are great though. I’ll stick with the Greatest Hits package

Stand! by Sly & The Family Stone
Nov 22 2025

This has such great energy about. Love it. So many bangers. Sex Machine is a bit too long and self-indulgent but they’re so talented and sound like they’re having such fun I’ll give them a pass. Better than their other one on here. 4.5 rounding up

Songs Of Leonard Cohen by Leonard Cohen
Nov 23 2025

I say this every time he comes up, he should have stuck to the poetry side of things. I can’t take to his voice at all and the songs are dreary for the most part

Greetings From L.A. by Tim Buckley
Nov 24 2025

I mean his ‘Sexy Funk’ era is kinda fun at the start, cringey lyrics notwithstanding, but the novelty soon wears off and it’s pretty unremarkable. This man is overhyped. 2.5

Lam Toro by Baaba Maal
Nov 25 2025

This started off strong, really evoking a sense of place for me. Felll away a bit as it went on. The naff synth sounds detracted from the music, and it could definitely have done with a bit of trimming. I like the vibe overall though

Faust IV by Faust
Nov 26 2025

Not feeling this one. Not sure what they are trying to achieve here other than being ‘experimental’. Which is all well and good but it’s all over the place. It’s like they’re trying on a few different styles bur they’re not particularly good at any of them

It's Too Late to Stop Now by Van Morrison
Nov 27 2025

This is good. The orchestra are fabulous and Van sounds like he is having a blast, as do the crowd. A good mix of covers and originals. I’m not a huge fan of live albums and this is a bit long.. I’m saying 4 stars though

Paris 1919 by John Cale
Nov 28 2025

Sooo, this is a weird one. Not particularly memorable but somehow quietly snuck up on me. I imagine this is a grower. Like his Welsh accent coming through at times too. Want to give this 3.5, help

Nov 29 2025

I would never have thought this was for me. What do I know though? I felt compelled to listen multiples times. What a fun listen. And the playlist following was great too. Also, I’ve heard El Paso before, no idea where. A surprising 4

Night Life by Ray Price
Nov 30 2025

A country flavoured weekend what with Marty Robbins and then this. Have to say I much preferred Robbins. This was all far too similar and downbeat and, as much as I recognise it’s a fine example of the genre, it’s not for me. 2.5

Diamond Life by Sade
Dec 01 2025

This is smooth. In a good way. Sade is a class act with a great image and her voice is perfect for this style of music. 3.5 rounding up

Music Has The Right To Children by Boards of Canada
Dec 02 2025

Ugh, not sure what to make of this one by the local lads. I quite like it? That’s damning with faint praise though. I mean, there are other electronic artists I prefer. Nevertheless, it’s a 3.5. To round up or down though?

Boy In Da Corner by Dizzee Rascal
Dec 03 2025

I’m not averse to a bit of grim but I find the strident hectoring tone of this annoying after a while. A short while. The overall vibe just ain’t it

Dec 04 2025

On paper this should be right up my street but somehow it just doesn’t gel for m. Nothing memorable here and a bit directionless. Her voices grated at times too. I would probably prefer versions by other artist. It ain’t no Tapestry that’s for sure

Live At Leeds by The Who
Dec 05 2025

I’m not usually one for live albums, I’d rather be there, but this one is pretty damn good. I suspect the original version is better than the expanded one on Spotify. It felt like some filler, and the whole ‘girl guide and train driver’ or whatever the hell it was is beyond cringe. The drumming stands out for me. I saw them live a few years ago and they were… not very good by then. 3.5 rounding up

Dec 06 2025

The hits stand out. I don’t dislike this but the ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ approach starts to grate after a while. Overwrought

American Beauty by Grateful Dead
Dec 07 2025

I’ve never heard Grateful Dead before but I am aware of their reputation. So, I was expecting something far out and psychedelic, worthy of a freak out or a happening, man. But this is just dull. What is all the fuss about?

The Sounds Of India by Ravi Shankar
Dec 08 2025

I do like this. His wee educational talks are interesting. I did open my mind. It is good to zone out to and it certainly evokes a strong sense of place. By the end I was tiring a bit though. Enjoyable in small bursts for me

Vanishing Point by Primal Scream
Dec 09 2025

Good in parts. I feel they need a decent producer to pull it all together rather than doing it themselves. See Screamadelica which is a one off for them

Dec 10 2025

This is funky and fun. Always enjoy an Acid Jazz vibe. Had me bopping along in my seat on the bus. The bass playing stands out. And I really dig the extras on the remastered edition, which is saying something

Power In Numbers by Jurassic 5
Dec 11 2025

This started off promising, it’s always refreshing to hear a hip hop album that’s not full of misogyny and ridiculous posturing. The novelty started to wear off though and it all began to blend in to one. Still, at least it’s listenable, it’s got that going for it

Live / Dead by Grateful Dead
Dec 12 2025

Yikes, from never having heard Grateful Dead before to two albums in the space of a few days, and I can surely say I won’t be searching them out again. I can’t imagine this would have been terribly exciting in the flesh, however I guess the audience were off their faces. I went and did the hoovering during the second run through when Feedback came on. Something is stopping me giving this a one and I’m not even sure what. There are some glimmers in there I guess, maybe enough for an EP? Onwards and upwards. I’ll take Britpop any day over this

Teenager Of The Year by Frank Black
Dec 13 2025

Nothing about this grabs me the way the likes of Doolittle does. It’s just lacking in something. And no need for a double album, a bit of pruning would have made this much better

System Of A Down by System Of A Down
Dec 14 2025

Why have I never listened to System of a Down before? This is great. Right up my alley. Heavy with enough nuance to make it interesting. Good musicianship, interesting lyrics and Serj has a fantastic voice. Glad I discovered them on this thing. A strong 4

Made In Japan by Deep Purple
Dec 15 2025

I’m not a fan of live albums because the point is to actually be there enjoying the atmosphere. I guess this one is pretty decent as live albums go, however does anyone actually enjoy extended solos other than the artist? At best tedious, at worst unlistenable. No need. 2.5

The Wildest! by Louis Prima
Dec 16 2025

This is so fun and happy and joyful. A bunch of great musicians and singers and they sound like they are having a blast. It’s infectious. I prefer the songs to the instrumentals . A mood-lifter. Love it

Roxy Music by Roxy Music
Dec 17 2025

You know, this is the best offering so far by them. It would likely be a 4 but Bryan Ferry’s vocals knock at least a point off. Not even sure how to describe them other than unbearable at times. Arch maybe? Oh, and their album covers are tacky

16 Lovers Lane by The Go-Betweens
Dec 18 2025

On paper this should be right up my alley - a bit of The Smiths here, a bit of Frightened Rabbit there but I found it somewhat underwhelming. To be fair it sounded better on the headphones. I was almost willing myself to like it more than I did. His voice is the weak point. And they needed to go either more jangly or more beefy on the production which was a bit wishy-washy. 3.5 rounding down

Swordfishtrombones by Tom Waits
Dec 19 2025

I went into this thinking oh god not another one and on first listen I really disliked it. On rhe second listen I loved it. Weird. Maybe it’s because it’s the first album of this style for him but he didn’t go ridiculously over the top with the character bit. Just the right amount of quirky and even touching at times

Dec 20 2025

This genre has nothing to offer me. It’s tiresome. And the ego on these guys to put over an hour out there including the crap skits Seems to be standard. Rainy Dayz was pretty good, and some of the samples and the female vocals. These dudes need to grow up

Dec 21 2025

I actually really liked this. It’s fun, and with a bit more to it than your bog standard my baby done left me or whatever country nonsense: I will admit it sort of took me by surprise. Also he just passed away a few days ago so RIP Joe. 3.5

Natty Dread by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Dec 22 2025

Yep, I’m definitely a greatest hits girl when it comes to Bob Marley. I start off liking it but it gets a bit grating after a while. Definitely best enjoyed in Caribbean climes. Also, the version of No Woman No Cry with the awful synth sound is terrible compared to the famous version

Pyromania by Def Leppard
Dec 23 2025

I mean, they did what they set out to do and they did it well. This style of young, dumb and full of… fun…rock just isn’t for me

Psychocandy by The Jesus And Mary Chain
Dec 24 2025

I liked this much more than I thought I was going to. And I’m not even really sure why. There are actually melodies here. And it’s not too showgqzy, which is a bonus. A surprising 3.5 rounding up to 4

Run-D.M.C. by Run-D.M.C.
Dec 25 2025

I totally get how seminal this was but it hasn’t really stood the test of time. I was wiggling my hips to the beat but the beat is pretty much the same in every track and it’s all a bit too shouty

Stankonia by OutKast
Dec 26 2025

Well, I like it and there are some bangers on her but my god it could have done with a good editor and losing the skits which add nothing. Yet another unnecessarily long hip-hop album. The egos on these people. Still, it’s a 3.5 rounding up because it’s better than a 3

The Genius Of Ray Charles by Ray Charles
Dec 27 2025

I don’t feel this shows Ray at his best. It’s very subdued somehow, lacklustre. He needs to be given room to let loose and show us what he’s got. This just ain’t it, he deserves a better choice than this one

Dec 28 2025

Enough already of the Wu-Tang Clan collective and solo efforts. They do nothing for me. So tired of the pathetic aggressively masculine posturing and hectoring vocals in this genre

Since I Left You by The Avalanches
Dec 29 2025

Strangely I liked this less on second listen, it’s usually the other way round. Guess I have to be in the mood. It’s like they threw everything but the kitchen sink at it - it works really well sometimes, at other times it’s too much, busy and overwhelming

The Number Of The Beast by Iron Maiden
Dec 30 2025

With Maiden I kind of recognise that they are good at what they do but it’s just not for me. All the Eddie stuff is good fun and all but it’s more appealing to teenage boys and men who used to listen to Iron Maiden when they were teenage boys. The novelty wears off very quickly. Anyhow, the best bit is the intro to Run To The Hills, which is banging. 3 stars

GI by Germs
Dec 31 2025

Another genre that’s not really for me. It’s ok but I can’t ever see myself watching this live or choosing to listen to this. Next

Entertainment by Gang Of Four
Jan 01 2026

Have heard of them but never heard them before and I had no idea what to expect. I was thinking throughout I know where Franz Ferdinand got inspiration and that’s no bad thing. I really like the angular choppy sounds and the prominence of the bass. This is good. The novelty does start to wear off before the end but I’m still giving this a strong 4

The Gershwin Songbook by Ella Fitzgerald
Jan 02 2026

It’s Ella and the Gershwins and Nelson Riddle, so quality is guaranteed. Not so sold on the songbook idea though, I prefer it to be mixed up a bit. Would love her to cut loose a bit, it’s all a bit safe. Perhaps that’s the point. Gave the usual second listen a miss

Don't Stand Me Down by Dexys Midnight Runners
Jan 03 2026

This didn’t really engage me much on any level. His voice can be irritating and like others I am baffled as to how 3 of their albums made it on to this list. 2.5

Traffic by Traffic
Jan 04 2026

This made very little impression on me. A bit of psychedelia, a bit of dad rock. Competent. 2.5

The Stooges by The Stooges
Jan 05 2026

Is it weird that I find some of their stuff sexy? Such a strong start but then it dips with We Will Fall. I’m detecting a John Cale influence there and it really doesn’t fit with the vibe. The album would be a possible 5 without it. The rest are bangers, so ahead of their time and massively influential

Arular by M.I.A.
Jan 06 2026

I hated this on first listen, kinda loved it on second, what’s that all about? It’s fun and I was shaking my booty. Shame she appears to have turned into a loon though

I Against I by Bad Brains
Jan 07 2026

Loved it the first time, not so much on second listen when u paid more attention. There are some decent ideas in here but it’s let down by the 80s cheap sounding production . It’s also stylistically a bit all over the place. Never heard them before though so thanks generator

Dire Straits by Dire Straits
Jan 08 2026

I don’t hate it. In fact there are some bits I really like, but the overall effect is underwhelming. And that’s it 🤷‍♀️

La Revancha Del Tango by Gotan Project
Jan 09 2026

This started off quite pleasant and then it went on and on and on. Lacking in the drama and passion that is integral to the tango. This project gets a D from me, must try harder

Funeral by Arcade Fire
Jan 10 2026

I really like this. It so nearly scrapes a 5 but something holds me back. Reflektor should totally be on this list, so underrated. 4.5

Future Days by Can
Jan 11 2026

Not sure what to make of this one. Which is probably the intended effect. I would imagine it is a grower. Better than Holger’s solo offering though, which admittedly is a low bar

Tago Mago by Can
Jan 12 2026

Can albums 2 days in a row, wtf generator? Sooo, I was vibing hard with album one, and then album 2 came on. Yikes. It should have been kept as 2 separate albums. And why are so many musicians obsessed with that charlatan Aleister Crowley? 4 for part 1, 1 for part 2

Signing Off by UB40
Jan 13 2026

This is unexpectedly good. Like others here I mainly know them from Red Red Wine. There’s some really good musicianship on display here and some biting lyrics. They fell off a cliff a bit, didn’t they?

All Hail the Queen by Queen Latifah
Jan 14 2026

Very of its time, reminiscent of Neneh Cherry which is no bad thing. Sounds better on the headphones. Nice to hear a rap album that isn’t full of misogynistic nonsense. 3.5

Axis: Bold As Love by Jimi Hendrix
Jan 15 2026

Idk what it is about Jimi but I don’t quite vibe with him as hard as I might try. Obviously he is a guitar maestro and all that but the showboating does nothing for me. There is something lacking for me. Definitely a singles girl when it comes to him

Brown Sugar by D'Angelo
Jan 16 2026

There is potential here but it’s a charisma free zone I’m afraid. I feel sad that he hated being known for THAT video but must admit it’s the first thing I think of. Sad also that him and Angie Stone both passed away last year

Fear and Whiskey by Mekons
Jan 17 2026

I never heard of them before and I actually really like this. It has a nice quirky vibe about. It which appeals to me. This was a fun listen

Junkyard by The Birthday Party
Jan 18 2026

I really like this. It’s unhinged but in a great way. Must be my slightly deranged gothic tendencies.

Arrival by ABBA
Jan 19 2026

Cracking classy pop. Some absolute all time floor filling bangers here. Some of the bin hits veer towards cheesy euro pop but still a 4 from me

Supa Dupa Fly by Missy Elliott
Jan 20 2026

This isn’t her at her best. She’s young and she hasn’t found her voice yet. In fact, it’s kinda, dare I say it, boring. Better things were to com for her. 2.5

Jan 21 2026

Omg, the nostalgia! My sister used to play this on repeat. The Scandinavians have a knack of writing great pop songs. Such a good album, apart from the obvious. A couple of weaker tracks and a tiny bit too cheesy tor a 5

Sail Away by Randy Newman
Jan 22 2026

So very American but I like this one. Yes his voice isn’t the best but it works for his style. Some of the songs get me a bit emotional and the lyrics are clever. 4 stars

Jan 23 2026

This is one of those ones where I recognise they are good at what they do but what they do does not do it for me. Conjures up images of middle aged men in denim jackets with patches head banging and clutching their snakebite and black in a dingy venue with sticky floor. 2.5

Bongo Rock by Incredible Bongo Band
Jan 24 2026

Was a bit sceptical going in to this one. It’s an odd concept. But it’s fun and funky and had me shaking my booty. A nice surprise!

Dear Science by TV On The Radio
Jan 25 2026

This is good. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Reminds me of Bloc Party which is no bad thing. A bit busy at times and some weaker tracks but overall an enjoyable listen. And that Breaking Bad scene is iconic. I’ll be revisiting this one

Let Love Rule by Lenny Kravitz
Jan 26 2026

First listen I was cringing so hard at some of the lyrics, more than I have at any other album on this list. I mean, it has a nice overall vibe but there’s nothing interesting about the music. Let Love Rule is quite good. Was feeling more charitable second time around. 2 stars

Jan 27 2026

Aww, this one is so nostalgic for me. Haven’t listened to it for many years though. This is my kind of hip hop, the looser, jazzy feel. So much more listenable than gangster nonsense. This was fun to revisit

The Stone Roses by The Stone Roses
Jan 28 2026

Classic and enduring. Music has been my saviour at times and 1989 was one of those times. Takes me right back to my bedroom in the shabby student flat. I had the Fools Gold single sleeve with the John Squire painting of the dolphins on my bedroom wall. They never managed anything anywhere near as good as this but it’s more than enough. RIP Mani

The Contino Sessions by Death In Vegas
Jan 29 2026

I’m really not a fan of this. In fact I found it so jarring at times that I had to resist the urge to switch it off. It wasn’t interesting enough to overcome the negatives, in fact I found it pretty boring. This one should have stayed firmly in the 90s

Smokers Delight by Nightmares On Wax
Jan 30 2026

This is… bland. I tried, I really did. There are some nice grooves here and I would start to warm to it. But then it would just go on and on and on. I suspect this may be designed for listening to while high, it’s the only half decent explanation I can come up with

White Ladder by David Gray
Jan 31 2026

This is… not great. As bland and generic as the man’s name. It’s astonishing that this was so massive

Pearl by Janis Joplin
Feb 01 2026

I haven’t listened to much of Janis before although I am familiar with her story. Her voice really grew on me over a few listens. At first I found it overdone but I began to hear the nuance. She really sounds like she means it too. And the band is great. The instrumental track is so sad. RIP Janis, you deserved better

Marquee Moon by Television
Feb 02 2026

I can see how influential this has been and I did like it, it didn’t quite have that X factor to really capture my attention though. I imagine this would be a grower rather than a shower ad there is quite a lot going on. 3.5

Da Capo by Love
Feb 03 2026

This is out there and wacky and all that but not particularly cohesive or engaging. Good musicianship but I mean come on, even some of the band thought Revelation was terrible. 2.5

Siamese Dream by The Smashing Pumpkins
Feb 04 2026

There’s probably a great deal of nostalgia involved but this is great, one of my all time faves. I get how his voice is irritating for some people but this whole package just works for me. Their best album by far. It sounded like nothing else at the time. Something about it lifts my spirits even although it’s somber at times, there’s something euphoric about it. The drumming stands out in particular. No brainer

Billion Dollar Babies by Alice Cooper
Feb 05 2026

Ooh, I loved this. Less musical theatre than their last offering on here. Some good tunes, interesting lyrics and great musicianship on display. Unexpected high 4 for this one

Feb 06 2026

I don’t know any of their stuff other than Sweet Home Alabama and I’m honestly shocked at how good this is. What a great debut. This has clearly been very influential (Chris Robinson wishes he was this good). I’ve been such a dilemma about how to rate this. Must be feeling generous

Feb 07 2026

My first album on this thing was Imagine which I believe I described as ‘mid’. This is so much better than that. Could have done without the primal screaming though

Kid A by Radiohead
Feb 08 2026

Radiohead are one of my favourite bands and seeing them live was a bucket list moment for me so you know where this is going. TBH I do prefer Amnesiac and In Rainbiws though. This is one for putting on the headphones, lying back and letting the music wash over you. It’s no wonder.that Jonny Greenwood has become an acclaimed film soundtrack composer

Rapture by Anita Baker
Feb 09 2026

No doubt all involved are super talented but my word this is bland and forgettable for the most part. There is nothing interesting here to latch on to. Quiet Storm is not the genre for me

Honky Tonk Heroes by Waylon Jennings
Feb 10 2026

I don’t hate this but it’s not something I’d ever put on to listen to. Not for me, I guess. First track is great though, kinda disappointing when the rest of it didn’t measure up

Sunshine Superman by Donovan
Feb 11 2026

Sunshine Superman is great and Season of the Witch is good but the wishy washy medieval stylings of most of this failed to engage my interest. 2.5

American Pie by Don McLean
Feb 12 2026

I get the feeling this man takes himself terribly seriously. Kind of dull and lacking in personality with the two obvious standouts. The lyrics are a bit cringeworthy. Also, McLean is a terrible person but I don’t see anyone saying ‘fuck him for being an abuser, 1 star’. Y’all are a bunch of hypocrites on here picking and choosing who to hate. Anyway, that has nothing to do with my rating, I’m separating the art from the artist or else what’s the point?

Melodrama by Lorde
Feb 13 2026

Idk, I like this and there are some crackers on it but there is something lacking and it fails to grab me. It’s a bit lacklustre at times somehow. I imagine it’s a grower though. 3.5

Dust by Screaming Trees
Feb 14 2026

Hmm… I was willing myself to like this more than I actually did. I’ve been aware of Mark Lanegan for years through his work with QotSA and his reputation. Given the band name and the album cover I was expecting this to be much more raucous and in your face. Instead it’s verging on the bland. And where is this raspy voice he was famous for? Disappointing

Close To You by Carpenters
Feb 15 2026

I actually like this less than I thought I would having heard their Greatest Hits from my parents’ collection. Karen has a lovely warm voice but a full album’s worth is so saccharine it was almost making my teeth hurt at times. There are some good tunes that with different production choices could have been a pleasant listen

Something/Anything? by Todd Rundgren
Feb 16 2026

It’s nice for Todd that he got to indulge himself in the studio. Not so good for the listener though. He could have done with some supervision. This just doesn’t engage me at all. I was willing if to be over. And some of the lyrics are questionable. Not feeling it

Horses by Patti Smith
Feb 17 2026

I really like this and it has clearly been so influential (I hear PJ Harvey, I hear Nick Cave and others) but something stops me giving this a 5. I think it’s that it veers into the self indulgent at times. Would have been great to see this live though

Rejoicing In The Hands by Devendra Banhart
Feb 18 2026

There are glimpses of something lovely here in the guitar work, however his voice overpowers everything and it is pretty unbearable and that’s all I ended up taking away from this. He has fabulous hair though so congrats for that I guess

Suede by Suede
Feb 19 2026

Oh man, I remember the fuss when this came out. It has not worn well. Very much of its time. Loved it then, kind of bored and mildly irritated now. Also every time I hear them it unlocks the memory that my sister’s pal fancied Brett because he thought the singer was a woman…

Kimono My House by Sparks
Feb 20 2026

With the best will in the world I can’t take to this. His voice is an acquired taste and I can’t make out the lyrics others are raving about. It definitely has a campy and fun feel and is much more glam than I was expecting. They are a charismatic duo and I imagine this would be a riot live

Deloused in the Comatorium by The Mars Volta
Feb 21 2026

This album is fantastic. Dynamic and exciting with great musicianship. The backstory is interesting and it doesn’t matter that none of it makes much sense because the music triumphs. And I’m not usually one for prog rock. Saw them live touring this album, worst dressed crowd ever lol.

Space Ritual by Hawkwind
Feb 22 2026

Really don’t get the need for this album given that the show was designed to be an audio-visual experience and therefore would presumably be best experienced as such. Not a fan of live albums anyway. This grew on me on second listen (yes, I did force myself through it twice) but tbh the bar was pretty low to start off with. The sound is terrible though and all the extended jams are tiresome. Not sure I would even enjoy it as a live experience

Tusk by Fleetwood Mac
Feb 23 2026

This is all over the place. A bit like the band at the time I guess. It’s like a bunch of solo projects were thrown together to make an album. Stevie Nicks is the standout songwriter and vocalist, Lindsey Buckingham so wants to be David Byrne at times and Christine McVie is kind of forgettable here. Not great. 2.5

Buffalo Springfield Again by Buffalo Springfield
Feb 24 2026

Crosby Stills Nash Young and adjacent Again Two non cohesive albums by dysfunctional bands in a row. What are the chances? Curate’s egg springs to mind. My Spotify keeps playing me Mr Soul for some reason. I like that one. Mind you it now thinks Neil Young is my favourite artist. He’s not

Queen Of Denmark by John Grant
Feb 25 2026

I know people who love John Grant but I had never heard him before. Honestly all over the place with this one. First listen I disliked it, second listen I quite enjoyed it. Mojo’s record of the year though? Really?!

Truth And Soul by Fishbone
Feb 26 2026

At the start I thought I was going to like this much more than I did. It somehow sounded similar but all over the place. They should have stuck with one style rather than feeling the need to try them all on for size. The production has not aged well and sounds very very 80s. There is fun to be had here though. I like the horns and the ska and I bet they are a blast live

E.V.O.L. by Sonic Youth
Feb 27 2026

I remember Sonic. Youth being the darlings of the music press back in the day. I even bought one of their albums. Never got them though. With the best will in the world their stuff does nothing for me. This one started strongly but then faded away rather quickly. 2..5

Bat Out Of Hell by Meat Loaf
Feb 28 2026

Oh this is such fun!! Gloriously OTT and somehow timeless. Cannot believe some reviewers on here are taking this seriously. Great songwriting, fantastic musicians and songs you want to bawl along to. What’s not to love about that?

m b v by My Bloody Valentine
Mar 01 2026

I have never got the reverence surrounding MBV. I don’t find their music transcendent, I don’t find the guitar sounds stunning. Their stuff bores me and frankly it pisses me off that all three of their studio albums have made it on to this thing when there are so many fantastic albums and artists who have been overlooked

In Our Heads by Hot Chip
Mar 02 2026

I was distinctly unimpressed on first listen but this really grew on me second time round. I think it benefitted from a louder volume and a bigger space, gave the music more room to shine I guess. I enjoyed it but nothing particularly stood out. A grower. 3.5 rounding up because I’m having a bad run lately

B-52's by The B-52's
Mar 03 2026

Aww, brings back memories. I had Cosmic Thing back in the day with their best knows songs and loved it. They are fun and quirky. This is more new wave than I was expecting but that’s no bad thing . Makes me smile and want to dance round the room

Arc Of A Diver by Steve Winwood
Mar 04 2026

Yikes, this is bland and a bit naff. Now there’s a word I haven’t used in forever. Very much of its time and that keyboard sound is kind of annoying. For some reason I keep thinking I bet Patrick Bateman would like this

Happy Sad by Tim Buckley
Mar 05 2026

The weird thing about this one is I really disliked it on first listen but then when I listened again I really liked it, I think lol. I’m finding that a lot lately. The best of his on this thing but still slightly annoying. 3.5

Dr. Octagonecologyst by Dr. Octagon
Mar 06 2026

There are some decent grooves here but I really cannot be doing with the juvenile ‘pornocore’ or whatever he calls it.Just stop. Next

Microshift by Hookworms
Mar 07 2026

Like everyone else I have never heard of.them before. It’s ok. Grew on me on second listen. Starts off strong then fades away somewhat. On the plus side it prompted me to have a Foals listening session. They should be on here instead

Palo Congo by Sabu
Mar 08 2026

This is great. Love a wee Cuban influence with those African rhythms. It’s joyful and makes me want to get up and join in with the celebration. Would be amazing live

Dog Man Star by Suede
Mar 09 2026

Well, this is their best offering for me. It’s a tale of two halves really. This first half is epic and sweeping and all of that and then it falls away in to slight dullness only to come roaring back with the majestic 5 star wonder that is Stay Together. And yes I know it was not part of the original album but I have literally just listened to it on repeat for about an hour. It makes me feel things lol

Mar 10 2026

My eyes were rolling when I saw that this is inevitably over an hour long. I do like it in a weird way although I’m hardly the target audience. The Eminem influence is strong with this one., which is no bad thing. A bit of editing would do this the world of good. Torn because I really want to give it. a 3.5

Mar 11 2026

Aretha, Atlantic, Muscle Shoals,, Jerry Wexlet. The perfect combo. The title track is one of my favourite ever songs. Would have been amazing to see this live

Astral Weeks by Van Morrison
Mar 12 2026

This disappointed me actually. It appeals to much less than his other stuff on here. Put me in mine of Joni Mitchell, his voice annoys.mre on this oneand that meandering style is clearly not for me. 2.5

Electric by The Cult
Mar 13 2026

Bit conflicted about this one. On the one hand they are clearly selling out and I do prefer their more gothic stuff, on the other hand it’s classic straight ahead rock which has clearly been influential (Royal Blood anyone?). Really want to go for a 3.5

Ellington at Newport by Duke Ellington
Mar 14 2026

I get it, they’re all fabulous musicians, but this did not do a great deal for me sitting listening at home. Too long, some of it obviously not live and all the intros are tedious. Probably would have got more enjoyment from the original release with only a few tracks on it

Ocean Rain by Echo And The Bunnymen
Mar 15 2026

This is so good. Love the orchestral feel, it really suits their style. Never really paid much attention to them back in the day and it’s been good to catch up

Live And Dangerous by Thin Lizzy
Mar 16 2026

Comes out of the gate strongly but then falters a bit. I’m not the greatest fan of ‘live’ albums’ anyway, because isn’t the point to actually be there and a recording doesn’t transport me in the same way. Surprised at how tight they are as a band tbh and there are some bangers to be sure

The Who Sell Out by The Who
Mar 17 2026

This is awful. The conceit just does not work for me and there are not enough strong songs on here to overcome the crap. Give me Songs For The Deaf any day

The Clash by The Clash
Mar 18 2026

I feel this genre just isn’t for me. Like I recognise it’s good for what it is though it’s not something I would ever choose to listen to (other than maybe a greatest hits package). Would probably enjoy it more live. Also, there’s something calculated about them, given that Joe was a posh boy and Paul didn’t play and was chosen for his looks. Also, strange how Strummer is revered and it’s glossed over that he started a relationship with a 17 year old when he was 26. Separating the art from the artist though or though what is the point?

Felt Mountain by Goldfrapp
Mar 19 2026

Insipid is the word that springs to mind here. Massively overshadowed by the playlist following it on Spotify. Nothing to grab on to. The most interesting thing about them was always Alison’s styling. 2.5

Cypress Hill by Cypress Hill
Mar 20 2026

I actually liked Black Sunday back in the day when they were blowing up, listening to this now, not so much. The nasal vocals are seriously irritating and it’s all rather teenage boy style annoying. Yep, I’ve grown out of this one

Kings Of The Wild Frontier by Adam & The Ants
Mar 21 2026

There is no denying the singles and the image are iconic. The rest of it though is underwhelming and quite odd at times. A strange mishmash of an album. 2.5

Highway to Hell by AC/DC
Mar 22 2026

I mean they are pretty ludicrous if you think about it so best to just switch the brain off and enjoy because this is a helluva good time

Fisherman's Blues by The Waterboys
Mar 23 2026

Ahh, the memories. I went to see them tour this album at my uni. Great album. He’s a good songwriter. Never quite got the whole Irish thing when he is actually Scottish but hey Ho. Some lovely songs here but a tad long and self-indulgent at times. Thanks for the memories generator!

The Renaissance by Q-Tip
Mar 24 2026

Yeah, I like the mellow jazzy feel to this. Some great samples and cracking bass lines. I like his voice and he actually seems to view women as more than sex objects. Refreshing. I’ll take this over gangsta rap idiocy any day of the week

Arise by Sepultura
Mar 25 2026

Absolutely not for me. It escapes me why anyone would gain enjoyment from something that sounds like ‘an angry man throwing tools at a urinal while reading the book of revelations’. It escapes a one by virtue of some good musicianship, the drumming stands out. And I actually The highlight for me was Orgasmatron which had a bit of melody to it and then I realised it’s a Motörhead cover. I liked Roots when it came up too. Oh well

Blood, Sweat & Tears by Blood, Sweat & Tears
Mar 26 2026

What a strange and unappealing album. I don’t get it. It’s all over the place with some not so great cover versions and the odd classical interludes. I mean good for them and they’re clearly good musicians but it does not make a good album. Baffling

Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective
Mar 27 2026

They apparently put so much care and attention in to crafting something so insipid? It was lauded as ‘one of the landmark American albums of the century so far’? Sometimes I feel like I am living in a parallel universe

Immigrés by Youssou N'Dour
Mar 28 2026

It’s ok but it didn’t really grab me and I won’t be listening again. And yes it all sounded samey to my ears

Tellin’ Stories by The Charlatans
Mar 29 2026

I remember going to indie clubs back in the day and there were so many dudes trying to look like Tim Burgess. I kind of think that’s part of the reason the Charlatans stood out from the crowd. They had a couple of bangers but generally I have to go with mid

Larks' Tongues In Aspic by King Crimson
Mar 30 2026

I really don’t know what to make of this one. Which they would probably appreciate. I kind of hate it yet also like it. The percussion and violin are particularly appealing. There are lots of good moments here, it reminds of something classical and ot should be an incohesive mishmash but somehow it all comes together. Not sure I will ever listen again though

Fear Of Music by Talking Heads
Mar 31 2026

Always something a wee bit different from them. Always interesting and quirky. Remain In Light is still a firm favourite for me. This one feels like more of a grower. 3.5

Time (The Revelator) by Gillian Welch
Apr 01 2026

Man, this is probably the most disappointing album on this thing so far. From its Wikipedia I had imagined some sort of female Nick Cave with murder ballads and characters and stories and drama. Instead it’s dull, insipid, samey and oh so slow. I had to resist the urge to switch it off, I got so annoyed. Absolutely not for me

Devotional Songs by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Apr 02 2026

Not for me. For something devotional I found it quite harsh and jarring. And it’s very samey

Bert Jansch by Bert Jansch
Apr 03 2026

Like it but there’s nothing particularly different from the pack to make it jump out as something special. Cracking guitarist though and the simplicity of the recording is appealing

Talk Talk Talk by The Psychedelic Furs
Apr 04 2026

I like this. Yes, it does sound a bit samey but in a good way. I can hear that they have influenced others (hello Idlewild). Also, why did I think for years that they were American?

So Much For The City by The Thrills
Apr 05 2026

Pleasant and unremarkable His voice greats at times 2.5

Gris Gris by Dr. John
Apr 06 2026

Now this is what I’m talking about. Love the generator for this one. Quirky and fun and a bit unhinged, right up my street it seems. Only goes a bit too far out on’ Croker Courtbullion’. Great musicians and arrangements too. How is this rated so low? Bet it would have been a blast to see him live

Coles Corner by Richard Hawley
Apr 07 2026

I really wanted to like this more than I actually dio. He has a good voice and there are some lovely moments. The first track especially is great. However the album could have done with a bit of trimming. It needs something to lift it a bit and make the tracks stand out. Put me in mind of Elbow but for me not as good

Calenture by The Triffids
Apr 08 2026

Yeah, this really isn’t great. I was cringing at times at the terrible lyrics and the amateurish feel of it all. It comes off like a high school musical production. Only saved from a one when I realised 2nd time around that I didn’t have to listen to the last 5 tracks on disc 1 as they are the extras

Dry by PJ Harvey
Apr 09 2026

Love her. She has such a unique presence and viewpoint. Cracking

The Rolling Stones by The Rolling Stones
Apr 10 2026

They’re a pretty good covers band. The originals are better though. Undoubtedly Thor most consistent album

British Steel by Judas Priest
Apr 11 2026

Hmm, this is one where I can acknowledge that they are good at what they do and there are some bangers here but it’s not really my thing and not something I would ever choose to listen to

Apr 12 2026

I usually like Sinatra’s voice but this one doesn’t work for me. It feels lacklustre, like he’s not feeling it and the consistently slow tempo doesn’t help. I know this style is kinda laid back but it needs for oomph and personality, which is sadly lacking here

Casanova by The Divine Comedy
Apr 13 2026

There are a few good tunes: the singles, the Father Ted one but I don’t really get the lecherous older man persona, it is not amusing and certainly hasn’t aged well. 2.5

Yank Crime by Drive Like Jehu
Apr 14 2026

Idk, I like elements of this and second time around I was feeling it at points. Some good musical moments, the bass playing, the instrumental stuff. But in the end it’s just too much - too long, too screamy, too impenetrable

Melody A.M. by Röyksopp
Apr 15 2026

I’d forgotten about them. Recognised so many of the tracks. It’s quietly unassuming in a good way. The Scandinavians do know how to do a good pop sound

Fuzzy by Grant Lee Buffalo
Apr 16 2026

Yet another offering where there are some nice moments, the first track is great, but overall there is just nothing to make it memorable or stand out. The album somehow seemed longer than it actually is 2.5

Pump by Aerosmith
Apr 17 2026

I’m torn between hating this and loving it, which is an achievement in itself. I guess that evens it out at a 3 then

Superfly by Curtis Mayfield
Apr 18 2026

Fantastic. Superfly and Pusherman are all time funky classics. This only loses a star because I feel the instrumentals come off too much like part of a soundtrack and aren’t so great to listen to on their own

En-Tact by The Shamen
Apr 19 2026

Argh, kinda torn, this is one where I wish there was a 10 point scale. It’s not worth a 4 but it’s better than a 3. May be mostly a nostalgia vote though because I have memories of listening to this on my Walkman lol. It definitely is very much of its time, maybe you had to be there

The Slim Shady LP by Eminem
Apr 20 2026

Starts with an absolute banger and it can only go downhill from there. I get the whole character thing, ‘’ 97 Bonnie & Clyde’ is taking it too far though, actually disturbing, which is probably the point

Atomizer by Big Black
Apr 21 2026

I kinda like this. More than I thought I would. It’s harsh but melodic at the same time, which works for me. The ‘transgressive’ lyrics are a bit edgelord though. Just as well they’re not to the fore. 3.5

The Madcap Laughs by Syd Barrett
Apr 22 2026

I don’t like his style anyway, Piper At The Gates of Dawn got ⭐️ and this is terrible and made me feel uncomfortable. I imagine a mentally well Syd would be mortified at this being out there but I guess how can I know that? Anyway, this doesn’t need to exist let alone be one to hear before I die

Elastica by Elastica
Apr 23 2026

I never took much notice of Elastica back in the day. I just remember guys fancying them and a focus on Justine’s love life Par for the course for women in rock. This is pretty good though. Yes, it’s very derivative at times but it works. Punchy. I like it. 3.5

The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
Apr 24 2026

Aww, this is an old favourite. The music somehow matches the theme and the whole thing flows together nicely. It feels understated at first but if you listen closely there is a lot going on. Maybe a tad too long but I’ll forgive them that in the circumstances

The Boatman's Call by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Apr 25 2026

Nick Cave’s output is so variable. I do admire that he never rests on his laurels though. This one doesn’t do it for me. This style does not suit his voice and It’s all a bit one note ad a result. Some of the lyrics are a bit clunky. Into My Arms is the high point. Classic cover photo

Oedipus Schmoedipus by Barry Adamson
Apr 26 2026

Any film that this is the soundtrack to would be wild. It isn’t exactly a cohesive set of tracks, however it is fascinating in a bonkers kind of way. And interesting collaborators too. I recognised more of these than I thought. I admire his hubris

Lost Souls by Doves
Apr 27 2026

Aww, what a good one to revisit. Fave track back in the day was Break Me Gently, literally used to listen to it on repeat. I think of this one as understated but it repays proper listening by revealing its complexities. What the hell, it’s getting a 5 because of all the naysayers. An underrated gem

Apr 28 2026

There are some nice wee motifs and musical moments here. At times it sounds like Paul McCartney, at times like the Beach Boys. The cringe factor is too high though - the lyrics, the recorders, the whimsy. By the end I was getting kind of annoyed and had to resist the urge to switch it off.

Apr 29 2026

I surprised myself by how much I liked this. Haven’t paid much attention to Lana since Video Games which irritated me no end. This is good though. The first few tracks are rather lovely and work really well with her voice. The story telling is good too. Point knocked for getting a bit samey towards the end. Could probably have done with a couple less tracks. Definitely conjures up a mood

War by U2
Apr 30 2026

I like post punk U2 before they went full on bombastic. This album is full of bangers. For some reason the violin in Sunday Bloody Sunday is especially pleasing, I wonder if he really did approach Bono at a bus stop. I had this on a cassette someone made for me with Boy on the other side. Fun times

Fuzzy Logic by Super Furry Animals
May 01 2026

Hmm, never really took much notice of them back in the day. Was a bit meh on first listen but it improved and I ended up listening a few times. Nothing groundbreaking or different but enjoyable enough. Better than their other one on here Really wish I could give a 3.5

Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves
May 02 2026

I had.high hopes for this after track one but my god it is bland. There is just no personality on display. Maybe I’m just not getting it but I don’t hear any evidence of the disco, yacht rock or Kylie that’s mentioned in reviews. Her voice has no character, it’s all been autotuned out. Not feeling this one at all

Time Out Of Mind by Bob Dylan
May 03 2026

I started out thinking I was going to like this one better. His voice is different, kind of Tom Waits lite , and the production style is different. But no, it just goes on and on and on and quite quickly lost me. There is absolutely no need for a 16 minute song that sounds the same the whole way through. And some of the lyrics are cringeworthy, I said what I said. I don’t get Dylan

Highly Evolved by The Vines
May 04 2026

Meh. This is ok but if doesn’t really have its own identity. Yes, bits of Nirvana, yes, elements of Britpop etc. Everything seems borrowed from something else leaving it underwhelming and with no clear voice of its own. 2.5

May 05 2026

Had this album back in the day and went to see them live. This hasn’t really stood the test of time though. Obviously there are 2 or 3 bangers but the rest is all a bit generic. I feel like there sharp image and Pelle’s charisma as a front man were doing a lot of the heavy lifting

Unhalfbricking by Fairport Convention
May 06 2026

Oh, I don’t know with this one. The musicianship is really good, the guitars and violin. Also I can see how influential it has been (All About Eve spring to mind). It also stays away from Holy Grail minstrel territory, which is a plus. Not sure I’ll ever come back to it though. I’m going 3.5

Halcyon Digest by Deerhunter
May 07 2026

I’m at a loss when it comes to the more recent picks on this thing. There must have been a surfeit of insipid and mediocre music by artists only ‘those in the know’ have ever heard of. Seems like the arbiters of taste don’t have any, who knew?..

Channel Orange by Frank Ocean
May 08 2026

I was honestly excited to get this one, it’s been mentioned so many times. How disappointing though. There is nothing memorable to me here. You can’t even tell if he has a good voice due to the auto tune effect which I find so grating. Touches of Stevie Wonder. Just a big old nothing burger. And too long

Kilimanjaro by The Teardrop Explodes
May 09 2026

A bit non descript tbh. Julian Cope is much more interesting than this would suggest. 2.5

Vespertine by Björk
May 10 2026

I really want to like this more than I do. I appreciate the artistry but it’s not something I would put on of an evening while doing the dishes. Maybe it would repay more in depth listening but that’s not really what I want from music most of the time. If I’m honest this is where Bjork starts to go a bit out there for my tastes

May 11 2026

Not feeling this one at all. Disappointing. Honestly I found it pretty boring. In fact second time around I was getting annoyed it was still going as of course it’s over an hour long. There wasn’t anything that stood out for me to grab on to. Next

Rhythm Nation 1814 by Janet Jackson
May 12 2026

It’s ok. Bit underwhelming tbh and the whole concept thing is cringeworthy especially that bit right at the end. And it’s far too long. No need. 2.5

May 13 2026

I had no idea what to expect but this is great. Loving the generally chilled out vibe. The spoken word interludes work and it all flows nicely. Yes it’s pretty low key but everything does not have to be in your face. A nice find from the generator

The Slider by T. Rex
May 14 2026

I’m more of a singles girl when it comes to them but this is fun and there is more variety than I expected. Grew on me on second listen. Started to get a wee bit bored towards the end and his voice starts to grate but overall a winner. 3.5

The College Dropout by Kanye West
May 15 2026

This is great, though not quite up there with My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy for me. Just a bit too long and the skits are irritating for the most part. Can totally see how he got inspiration from Lauryn Hill which is never a bad thing. This is my kind of rap so fair play to him for moving away from all the gangster nonsense And yes I am separating the art from the artist otherwise why bother as half the artists on here would be binned off

KIWANUKA by Michael Kiwanuka
May 16 2026

Loved this. Wasn’t sure what to expect but this was a surprise. He has a fabulous expressive voice. The whole thing is crafted immaculately. So many different things to listen to and interesting production choices that really work. Will be coming back to this one and exploring more of his work. A lovely find from the generator

Disintegration by The Cure
May 17 2026

Definitely more of a singles girl when it comes to The Cure. The singles are bangers the rest tends to bore me a bit. It almost pains me to admit it. And this one is on the long side too

Let's Get Killed by David Holmes
May 18 2026

I hated this on first listen but then on second proper louder listen I appreciated it. A bit more. Just a bit. I liked the idea of the samples from New Yorkers but he didn’t do much with it I feel - not sure how the music tied in with the samples. Clearly he is a better film composer

May 19 2026

Sublime. Haven’t listened to this for a good while but it absolutely sounds as good as it ever did. Up there as one of my all time time faves and I am so glad the generator has reintroduced us.

Fred Neil by Fred Neil
May 20 2026

Yeah, really not feeling this one. Bookended by two awful tracks that could almost be parodies. There are some decent tunes in there but his delivery is not it. A case in point being how much Better Nilsson’s version is.

Being There by Wilco
May 21 2026

This left me completed cold. I don’t hear anything on here that doesn’t feel like it is heavily in debt to something else better. And his voice is not great. Unremarkable. And far, far too long

Music From The Penguin Cafe by Penguin Cafe Orchestra
May 22 2026

I had no clue what I was in for here. What a surprise. Strange, intriguing and rather lovely. Definitely benefits from listening through headphones. I suspect I will be coming back to this one and getting something different from it each time

May 23 2026

Honestly not averse to a bit of prog rock but Yes are just not it for me. There are good wee snatches but then they just go off on one and they lose me. There is no heart to the technical showing off. I’m not a fan of Jon Anderson’s voice or Rick Wakeman wibbling away on his organ. Better than Fragile but that’s not saying much

May 24 2026

I’m very much not the target audience for this but as the genre goes they are more tolerable than most. I like the more rock sound here but overall there isn’t much variation throughout and it all gets a bit strident and hectoring. Which is likely the point but it’s not something I would ever choose to listen to for an entire album

90 by 808 State
May 25 2026

The link took me to the UK version but something made me listen to the US version as well and omg it is so much better. It’s a bit longer but it just flows so much better. Takes me back. Banging!

The Stranger by Billy Joel
May 26 2026

This brought back long buried memories as I am pretty sure I had this on vinyl back in the day. Some lovely songs on here. Swear I used to listen to She’s Always A Woman on repeat lol. It does verge on the schmaltzy at times, especially on some of the less well known tracks which tend to meander a bit. Still, a decent listen. 3.5 I think, rounding up

The Last Of The True Believers by Nanci Griffith
May 27 2026

This trots along pleasantly and inoffensively. There are some nice touches though e.g. the violin work. Not a fan of that particular country style of vocal. Nothing particularly grabbed me

God this is so bad . His voice is awful, k whiny and he can barely hold a note, it’s painful. His guitar playing is basic and the harmonica use is OTT. Granted there are decent songs here but not with this interpretation for other artists. Side 2 is slightly better due to the intervention of the band but even they can’t save this. When I think of all the fabulous artists that don’t even have one album on this list… Baffling

Wild Gift by X
May 29 2026

I don’t dislike this but it hasn’t made much of an impression. The most interesting thing about them is that the singer used to be married to Viggo Mortensen. Who would have e thought it?

Chore of Enchantment by Giant Sand
May 30 2026

Hmm, so many mediocre white American men thinking the world just has to hear their words of wisdom and that it must come from them. Delusional. Why is this here? The classical interludes don’t make this a must listen, neither does his voice or the dull instrumentation. The best thing on this is the John Parish remix of Shiver which isn’t even on the original album. The extras take this to nearly 2 hours. I did not listen to all that

A Little Deeper by Ms. Dynamite
May 31 2026

There are a couple of great tracks on here and I am surprised at how good her singing voice is. Strong opening and then fades away in the second half. Kind of Lauryn Hill wannabe but not quite up to the task. Not sure why this won the Mercury

Fly Or Die by N.E.R.D
Jun 01 2026

Somewhat variable. She wants to move is an absolute banger but nothing else really stands out. The subject matter gets a bit tiresome, and it overstays its welcome at nearly an hour. Would have benefitted from some trimming of the fat. The egos on some of these artists… 2.5

Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division
Jun 02 2026

I’ve been torn with this one. It’s good but not quite up there with Closer for me. I think I prefer the darker more gothic sound and I feel Clioser is more cohesive, this one has its moments but is a bit uneven. Iconic cover too

Gorillaz by Gorillaz
Jun 03 2026

I’m surprised this is rated so highly. I can hear how it is good technically but somehow it just doesn’t engage me. With Clint Eastwood and a few other tracks I get the feeling they’re on a go slow and I want to turn the handle and speed them up a bit. Don’t even know if that makes sense. Anyhow, it’s a meh from me

Like A Prayer by Madonna
Jun 04 2026

Fabulous. Like A Prayer is one of the best pop songs ever, with an iconic video. Doesn’t quite reach a 5 because there are a couple of weaker tracks and the Prince song doesn’t really fit, however I have listened to this about 5 times today and may have to revisit The Immaculate Collection

Rising Above Bedlam by Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
Jun 05 2026

This grew on me over a few listens. The first track is a banger. Love Sinead O’Connor’s voice. Some great musicians. Not sure I would ever come back to this but I do like what he is going for 3.5

Chris by Christine and the Queens
Jun 06 2026

This is really good actually, much better than I expected. There are retro vibes but the production adds a modern feel. Love a bit of enjoyable pop. Will be coming back to this one I think

BEYONCÉ by Beyoncé
Jun 07 2026

I was expecting more from this tbh. Beyoncé has some bangers. None of them are on here. In the end I was just bored. Which is some feat with all those writers and producers. Too many cooks perhaps?

3 Feet High and Rising by De La Soul
Jun 08 2026

There is a place for all kinds oh hip hop but this is more like it for me. Mellow vibes, a wee bit of humour and not taking themselves too seriously, fun samples and not strident or hectoring. Of course it errs o. The long side but that almost goes without saying. A breath of fresh air. 3.75

Led Zeppelin IV by Led Zeppelin
Jun 09 2026

I would have loved to have seen them live, they’re so tight and on it here. I do know someone who saw them at Knebworth who claims there was a guitarist in the wings covering for Jimmy Page as he was in the midst of an alcohol problem. This album is immense, not a dud track to be heard. They had some kind of alchemy going on, maybe there was something in the Aleister Crowley obsession…

A Hard Day's Night by Beatles
Jun 10 2026

Short and sweet. Pop gem after pop gem packed in to 30 minutes . The way it should be. It is astonishing how much they evolved over only a few years, feels like they were about for decades

Chelsea Girl by Nico
Jun 11 2026

To everyone complaining about Nico’s voice have you listened to the Bob Dylan live album yet? Yeah, her voice is not technically great but it works for some of the songs here, though at times you can tell there is a great song struggling to emerge. John Cale rescues this somewhat. I don’t hate it but I’ll not be rushing to listen again

Jun 12 2026

It’s kind of taken me by surprise how much I have enjoyed the New Wave stuff on this thing. This one doesn’t do it for me however. The singer’s voice is unappealing and I find the music quite strident and lacking in whatever it is that makes me want to revisit an album. I imagine they were more fun live with their daft hats and boiler suits

Jun 13 2026

This was actually better than I thought it was going to be. Mellow vibes and some decent tunes. Still can’t give it more than 3 as there is nothing particularly memorable and I won’t be revisiting. Wondering if I’m done with 101 Crosby Still Naah and adjacent you apparently must hear before you die?

Parklife by Blur
Jun 14 2026

First half of this is classic. Quality drops off a bit in the second half and then picks up again with This Is A Low. The concept works throughout, the forced Englishness is a bit much at times. Some great tunes here. Trim some of the almost skit like numbers and this would have been a 5

Crazysexycool by TLC
Jun 15 2026

This genre just isn’t for me. Generally the hits are great but even they haven’t really stood the test of time and my faves (No Scrubs and Unpretty) aren’t on here, maybe Fanmail should be the pick from them. And the skits are hugely cringeworthy and unfunny, half a star knocked off for them. 2.5

The Age Of The Understatement by The Last Shadow Puppets
Jun 16 2026

I get what they are going for but this just doesn’t work for me. I don’t hate Alex Turner’s voice but it is very much front and centre here to the detriment of the material. To me they should have gone all in with the orchestral theme and the whole enterprise would have been much more fun. A 3 for effort and intent

Colour By Numbers by Culture Club
Jun 17 2026

It was nice to revisit this one after all these years, brought back some memories of me and my sister as wee girls George caused such a stir at the time and good for him. Actually this holds up surprisingly well. The worst thing for me is Helen Terry’s contributions which are grating. Don’t remember finding her annoying back in the day. 3.5 rounding up for the nostalgia

Slayed? by Slade
Jun 18 2026

‘One of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll releases ever’? Really? From the title to the cover to the outfits, Dave Hill’s ludicrous hairdo, the crazee spelling and Noddy Holder’s raucous below it’s all a bit naff. That one hit is quite good though

New Forms by Roni Size
Jun 19 2026

Albums like this make me wish there was a ten point rating scale. It’s not something I would necessarily choose to listen to but I can appreciate it in small doses. There is much more complexity than it initially seems. It’s a 3.5 but I’m rounding up due to all the luddites getting their knickers in a twist

Cosmo's Factory by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Jun 20 2026

I mean it’s good but there’s nothing particularly exciting here. However I did give one of their other offerings on here a 5 but that was so long ago I don’t remember much about it. This one is definitely not 5 star worthy. Long As I Can See The Light is the standout. Another one I want to give a 3.5

Duck Rock by Malcolm McLaren
Jun 21 2026

I don’t hate this. In fact the it’s the South African vibes I love the best, McLaren is definitely a musical magpie. It does end up a bit of a mess though. Overall a fun listen

Scott 2 by Scott Walker
Jun 22 2026

This has an absolutely stellar start with Jackie and then it’s all downhill from there I’m afraid. For all his pretensions his style and interpretation of the material just isn’t that good. Alex Harvey’s version of Next is so much better. It was worse on the second listen, I was getting really irritated by the end. Can see where the likes of Richard Hawley get their inspiration from. Probably more tolerable in small doses 2.5

Will The Circle Be Unbroken by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Jun 23 2026

I really enjoyed this! Much to my surprise, if I’m honest. My appreciation even improved over 2 listens. I could picture myself having a blast dancing away to the tunes. I know there is a link between traditional Scottish and bluegrass music, maybe that’s it. Two hours is a bit of a haul though, and could have done without the mumbly interludes. A surprising 4

Cupid & Psyche 85 by Scritti Politti
Jun 24 2026

Like many others I am baffled as to why this is rated so low. It is very 80s but there are some nice wee songs on here. Green’s affected baby voice does staff to grate after a while. 3.5 but rounding up because it d serves better than its dismal ranking

The Soft Bulletin by The Flaming Lips
Jun 25 2026

So many gushing reviews. I don’t get it. I find this dull and his voice is awful. Maybe sounds great when you’re off your face watching bubbles and lights. I’ll never know

Elephant Mountain by The Youngbloods
Jun 26 2026

This tootles by pleasantly enough. I kind of zoned in and out and nothing has particularly stuck with me. The switches between rock and jazz are a bit odd, like they are unsure what they want to be. I’m really damning with faint praise here lol. 2.5

Jun 27 2026

Bombastic fantastic. Yes, it is ludicrously over the top at times but it works for the most part. And they do put on a great show. Also it’s fun to bawl along to which cannot be underestimated

If You're Feeling Sinister by Belle & Sebastian
Jun 28 2026

With the best will in the world I’ve just never been able to take to B&S. I am a fan of Murdoch’s lyrics are there are some good tracks but overall the feyness gets too much. I really tried my wee Scottish heart out. 3.5 rounding down

Solid Air by John Martyn
Jun 29 2026

Ahh, this is an old favourite. Sublime. Top class musicianship and production with some lovely wee touches. Hard to believe this was recorded over only eight days

Henry's Dream by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Jun 30 2026

Love some of their stuff but not sure what to make of this one. Interesting story telling as usual and some definite bangers, loving Papa Won’t Leave You Henry. I suspect Nick is right and the production choices aren’t doing the material any favours. 3.5 rounding up. A possible grower

The Köln Concert by Keith Jarrett
Jul 01 2026

This is the kind of thing where I can recognise his talent and admire it. However extemporisation is not for me and it’s not something I would ever choose to listen to. The sounds effects are quite entertaining though

69 Love Songs by The Magnetic Fields
Jul 02 2026

This is a weird one. Kinda hated it first time around (yes I did listen twice), it came across as trite, with ridiculous pastiched and annoying lyrics. But then second time around I split it in to three sessions and didn’t pay as much attention and let it wash over and, well, I found myself enjoying it much more. There is a cracking little album in here somewhere. Peter Gabriel’s version of The Book of Love can’t be beaten though

The Predator by Ice Cube
Jul 03 2026

Hmm, this is one of the better rap offerings on here. I like the overall sound and the interludes are interesting and different. He gets his point across well and it’s not as juvenile as so much of the genre. Misogyny does rear its ugly head once more though so that’s a thumbs down. 3.5 rounding down

The Poet by Bobby Womack
Jul 04 2026

Good voice and great set of musicians but this is bland and unmemorable. The 80s production choices does it no favours either 2.5

Picture Book by Simply Red
Jul 05 2026

This never really was my thing. It’s not so bad though. Money’s Too Tight To Mention is the standour by far and it’s a cover, and also now just realising that the lyrics don’t make sense unless sung by an American. It does fit the theme and maybe that’s the audience they were going for. There are a few other decent songs here too

Jul 06 2026

I like its weirdness. Definitely prefer the before side. some great musicians here.. i can hear how influential this has been. I’m glad the generator introduced me to Eno’s solo stuff. You never quite know what you’re gonna get

Jul 07 2026

This is really good, much better than I anticipated, thought it was going to be much more strident and hectoring. He has a way with words and a guitar and some great musicians backing him up. Greetings To The New Brunette took me back and is a cracking wee tune. Yeah, he doesn’t have the best voice but, honestly, I’d take him over Bob Dylan any day

The Undertones by The Undertones
Jul 08 2026

It’s a fun listen and of course there are some obvious bangers. I like a wee bit more variety though so this isn’t really for m. Also not a fan of that Sharkey warble. Still gets a 3 though

The Hissing Of Summer Lawns by Joni Mitchell
Jul 09 2026

I really cannot take to Joni Mitchell. Her voice grates a bit and her music can best be described as poetry in search of a decent tune. If that makes me an embarrassment so be it, at least I’m not pretending to like her because I think I should. Having said that, this is a better offering from her. The backing musicians mean that voice is not quite as exposed as usual. Genuinely though at one point I though the incidental music from the game I was playing was bleeding through to my speakers and I was mighty confused

I’m a Lonesome Fugitive by Merle Haggard
Jul 10 2026

This trots along rather pleasantly and inoffensively. I don’t hate it but it’s not something I would ever choose to listen to

Jul 11 2026

Merle Haggard yesterday, this today, and tbh I could post much the same review. Trots along nicely and inoffensively (apart from the Christian Life song which seems incongruous) but nothing particularly memorable and not something I would choose to listen to. They are clearly good musicians and it’s a decent covers album. Favourite track is the opener which goes to show that Dylan songs are perhaps better done by other people

Cut by The Slits
Jul 12 2026

This is kinda fun but a bit of a mess. Seems like it was influential but it hasn’t worn particularly well. 2.5

The Hour Of Bewilderbeast by Badly Drawn Boy
Jul 13 2026

Never paid a great deal of attention to him back in the day. This is quirky and rather lovely with some interesting wee touches . Deceptive in that it’s more complex than it first appears I’ll be listening again. Not quite a 5 as over an hour is a bit much. Glad i paid attention this time

Tea for the Tillerman by Cat Stevens
Jul 14 2026

Another artist that I haven’t paid much attention to. This is good. He has a way with words and a melody and the musicianship is also very good. Find the dynamics slightly jarring at times. I’ll be revisiting this one, so thanks generator!

Deja Vu by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Jul 15 2026

I literally exclaimed ‘Christ’ out loud when yet another CSNY and adjacent album popped up but this one is pretty damn good. Som lovely tunes here and they do harmonise well. The weak link for me is Neil Young and that voice. Why does he sound like Kermit the frog?

Jul 16 2026

I had a Greatest Hits cassette of the Kinks back in the day but I think that’s about as far as I go with them. They have some great songs but the English whimsy starts to grate. 3.5

Cloud Nine by The Temptations
Jul 17 2026

I definitely prefer the funkier Temptations, the more Motown stuff verges on the bland. Norman Whitfield was on to something. But then according to the generator funk is my favourite genre so I would say that. 3.5 rounding up because of the first side

xx by The xx
Jul 18 2026

Yeah I like this. The understated feel and disinterested vocals work with this style. It’s nice and chill and I recognised more numbers than I thought

Vincebus Eruptum by Blue Cheer
Jul 19 2026

They say proto metal and I get that a bit but for me this leans much more towards the blues side of things. It’s ok but certainly nothing special. Not a fan of the Cochran cover. Context is important I guess. 2.5

S&M by Metallica
Jul 20 2026

Torn on how to rate this one. I like the concept and I think it works really well with their style. It’s certainly not pretentious and many artists have done similar projects. On the other hand I don’t really want to sit in my house listening to 2 hours of it. And it does all start to blur together after a while. Bet it was a blast to experience live though

Jul 21 2026

I can hear that this has influenced so much music that I love even decades later. Hard to believe it was released in 1981. Love some of the samples and sounds. Misses a 5 as it does go a bit spa background music at times

Butterfly by Mariah Carey
Jul 22 2026

It’s ok. Stand out track is Honey. It’s the only memorable one really. And I am most definitely not a fan of the oversinging. Can’t deny she has talent though.

Third by Portishead
Jul 23 2026

This is not quite what I expected.. feels like they wanted to move away from the Dummy days and try something more challenging z I hear Massive Attack at times which makes sense. Some of it feels like half-baked ideas though. Always interesting. 3.5

A Northern Soul by The Verve
Jul 24 2026

Oof, this is pretty dull. The vocals on No Knock On My Door are so so bad. There is quite a leap in quality between this and Urban Hymns and I suspect the producers might be the key. Anyhow, not great 2.5

Olympia 64 by Jacques Brel
Jul 25 2026

I like it and I have heard plenty of cover versions by the likes of Scott Walker, Alex Harvey and Marc Almond which I’ve enjoyed but the story telling is such a huge part of his songs that something is lost when listening in a language I don’t understand

Younger Than Yesterday by The Byrds
Jul 26 2026

It’s not 2 weeks since I was bemoaning the amount of Crosby Stills Nash Young and adjacent on this list and here we are again. Wishy-washy is the word that springs to mind. The Dylan cove is the standout by far. Guess I’m another one that prefers covers of his stuff 2.5

Tommy by The Who
Jul 27 2026

Hmm, I’ve never heard any of this before other than Pinball Wizard. It works as a musical, and I would be interested to see it, maybe I should give the film a try. Not sure it works as a stand alone listening experience. Some of the subject matter is a bit cringeworthy - was listening with my daughter and she was visibly amused/horrified by some of the lyrics, and I don’t think she even noticed the SA parts. Very much a product of its time

All Hope Is Gone by Slipknot
Jul 28 2026

Sooo, I liked this far more than I thought I would. It genre hopped a bit and was less full on than I expected although I can do without the roar singing. There is some good musicianship here, I particularly liked the drumming (RIP). It’s too long though, absolutely no need. 3.5. Nearly rounded up but then I thought will I listen again? And the answer is probably not so it’s a 3 from me

Jul 29 2026

Do love a bit of Air. Dreamlike melancholic vibes that suit the movie and also works on its own as a piece of art

OK Computer by Radiohead
Jul 30 2026

Ah, the generator saving the best till almost last. I can even remember buying this, I was so excited to hear it and I was not disappointed. And it sounds just as great today. Sublime

Nick Of Time by Bonnie Raitt
Jul 31 2026

The best word I can think of for this is bland. It’s not unpleasant but it’s also not anything special. 2.5

Aug 01 2026

I don’t hate nu metal but this is not great. Freak On A Leaah is a banger. I remember it being on MTV2 constantly, but the rest is meh at best. His beat boxing or whatever that is comes across as bizarre and, much as I appreciate the use of the bagpipes, they add nothing

Let England Shake by PJ Harvey
Aug 02 2026

Love PJ but honestly not sure what to make of this one on first couple of listens. It’s pretty different from her other stuff. I see many similarities between her and Nick Cave in the way they approach music making. 3.5 rounding up because I imagine it’s a grower

The Libertines by The Libertines
Aug 03 2026

I never got the hype about Pete Doherty at the time, I know a girl who had his face tattooed on her, I always thought he was a twat. And I still don’t get it. His vocals are staggeringly poor, the songs are mediocre and the lyrics aren’t anything special. Still baffled

Ananda Shankar by Ananda Shankar
Aug 04 2026

It may.be a tad gimmicky but this is strangely fun. Particularly liked the Jumpin’ Jack Flash cover and Snowflower. Wasn’t sure what to expect but enjoyed this one

Hard Again by Muddy Waters
Aug 05 2026

This is one of those ones where I recognise great musicianship and all but it doesn’t particularly grab me. There’s not a lot of variety or nuance. I guess that’s the nature of the genre

Wordsmith

Reviews written for 99% of albums. Average review length: 208 characters.

Other

Album origins are grouped into three buckets: US, UK, and everything else. “Other” means the artists you rate highest are from outside the US and UK.