1001 Albums Summary

Flawless? No. Masterpiece? Yes. When the levee breaks always gives me chills and leaves me wanting more.

This is a pivotal album in heavy metal and rock history. It completes Judas Priest's transformation from niche metal/rock band to "Metal Gods". Rapid Fire starts off by punching you right in the face, setting the stage for "Metal Gods" which tells everyone who they are. Are they the evil robots mentioned in the song? Of course not, but we know that they are on another level. Then, the iconic "Breaking the Law" which is a major crossover hit. The album is great, and while maybe not the best Priest album (Screaming for Vengeance?), It is worthy of its legendary status. 4 or 5 stars. Was even better than I remember. The extra track doesn't work though.

Moodier, pessimistic and sarcastic compared to Pablo Honey's more raw rock and roll. The Bends has a more ethereal sound to it which is somehow incredibly catchy yet somber. This is not Britpop, this is not Grunge, it is simply an alternative to everything else out at the time. It was way over my 13-year old head at the time. I wanted Thom Yorke to just shut up and let me listen to Green Day and the Offspring instead. As an adult this hits so very different. From the sarcastic rebellion of My Iron Lung to the absurdity of Fake Plastic Trees, this is another example of a bands transformation. In this case, we see their disillusion with the industry and their desire to make their music their own. Unique groovy earworms that stick with you both musically and lyrically. 4* for me. I prefer OK Computer through Amnesiac, but can completely understand why some would prefer this.

Supergrass is one of those bands that I knew of, but never listened to. This was a pleasant introduction. From the get go, there's a ton of energy and I found my hands drumming along throughout most of the album. "Alright" was the only song that I recognized, likely from soundtracks and commercials. To me, this album sounded like what I think adolescence was supposed to be like. Running around with friends and getting into all sorts of trouble (but not too much). Admittedly, it is not the kind of music that I would normally seek out, as I'm not a big Britpop listener, but that's what this 1001 albums project is about. I enjoyed, but I didn't love it. 3.5*, which I will round down to 3*.

This is my first album from the 50s and I'm really excited about this one. Listening through it, I felt like I was in my childhood barber shop or a neighborhood deli, waiting for a badass sandwich. The arrangements are all full of charm that puts a smile on my face. I could easily see myself listening to this again while cleaning or cooking. Make on a springtime drive with the windows down. I don't know enough about jazz or swing music to know about influence or importance, but I thoroughly enjoyed this. 4*

This is a love it or hate it album. House music is all about a consistent 4-on-the-floor beat and repeating melody that may or may not go through progressive changes. If this gets on your nerves, avoid Homework (and Human After All) like the plague. I was introduced to Daft Punk through their music video for "Around the World", and while I didn't run out the door to buy this album, it did end up in collection prior to the release of Discovery (which I pre-ordered). For me, this is a fun album to groove to while driving or working. Not their best album (or second best), but the foundation for those albums is laid out. 3.5 stars, which I generously round up to 4.

I've never given Bob Dylan a good listen before. I guess I've always been intimidated. I was both excited and nervous to see this album show up. I have a difficult time interpreting poetry and poetic lyrics like on some (not all) of these songs. I think it is important to remember that albums like these are meant to be listened to over and over again, and a single listen doesn't do it justice. I really like the blues/folk sound, and Dylan's voice does a great job of carrying these songs over the surprisingly strong compositions. I did not find myself wanting to skip any tracks, and was surprised at how fast the listen felt. 4.5* rounded to 4.

Album #8 This the first album/artist for which I have zero expectations. First impressions is that it sounds like 80s British music, but there's an odd, almost psychedelic and world fusion aspect to it. The sound is pretty airy with interesting samples of birds, clocks(?), horse trots and other sounds. Synthesized percussion as well. Pretty neat. Not my deal, but I can see the appeal. As the album goes on, it starts to feel more like rock album with clearer guitar, bass, and drum. The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul is pretty cool with its flute, horns, surf guitar and jazz groove. My favorite on the album.. Dear God is quite intense and almost doesn't fit the rest of the album. Seems like an atheist anthem. Despite the subject matter, it's quite good and powerful. I started with 2.5* but bumped it to 3*.

Album #9 It is sometimes difficult to be objective with these reviews. I love everything about this album. It's short and sweet. It was incredibly influential as a "protopunk" album by bridging the gap between psychedelic rock and punk rock. The lyrical content is simply rebellious and cynical. I Wanna Be Your Dog is a nasty classic that I've always loved, and We Will Fall is just an amazing 10 minute experience. And of course, there's 1969's guitar sound that just needs to be heard by everyone. These 8 songs breeze right by (even We Will Fall). It's like listening to the Rolling Stones give everyone the finger, and I'm here for it. 4* for content, but bumped to 5* for personal taste and influence.

Album #10 In 2000, I saw a commercial for this album on MTV. It featured a brief clip of the One Step Closer music video. I saw these two nu-metal guys with dyed hair yelling in what I recall being an alley. I immediately wrote them off. The first time someone played Papercut for me, I realized that I had made a serious mistake. By the end of 2001, I knew this album backwards and forwards. I even began scouring the Internet for demos, bootlegs and other rarities. Linkin Park was the soundtrack of my college experience. I felt like all of my awkward teenage feelings had been validated through their songs. And the music itself stood out because it truly was a hybrid of so many styles. 5* from me for just so many reasons.

Album #11 On paper, this album is a perfect fit for me. Post punk with electronic experimentation and an outrageous singer. Unfortunately, I could not get past the "avante garde" nature off this album. Dave Thomas' vocals are too distracting for me and take away from the rest of the songs. I understand that this is very influential, but it just didn't do it for me. I liked the instrumental songs more, but even those were a bit much for me. 1.5* rounded to 2 because I'm feeling guilty.

Album #12 Full disclosure - I do not speak or understand French so I cannot make an opinion on lyrical content. Where has this album been? This sounds like the French analogue of Pretty Hate Machine-era Nine Inch Nails. A little more minimalist though, but it works. I really enjoy this style of music (industrial), with short samples being looped, heavy guitar work and driving drumwork. I also like the circus-sounding samples in some of the songs. I feel like I should be listening to this while reading some Sandman comic books. A firm 4* from me.

Album #13 I was not familiar with this artist or album and went into this listen blind. I am a fan of late 90s-early 00s trip hop, so hearing that familiar dub sound was a pleasant surprise. It kind of had a Thievery Corporation meets Zero 7 vibe going for it. Some of the lyrics seemed repetitive or redundant despite being different songs. I don't know why, but I got a "poser" feeling from some of them, but I can't really believe the judge of that, especially since it is not my culture. Overall, I really enjoyed it, but it wasn't something that I'm dying to listen to again. If it randomly came on, I doubt I'd skip it. 3.5* rounded up to 4*

Album #14 As a young teenager who liked to dislike popular things, Oasis was not my jam. I liked Champagne Supernova, but that was it. Wonderwall? No thank you - especially when I got to college and every dude with a cheap acoustic guitar would try impress girls with the song. I finally gave this album (and Definitely Maybe) a chance in my early 20s and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. But I still largely ignored the band afterwards. 3 weeks ago, I asked an older friend what they thought of Oasis and they said that they bet they would like them if they gave them a chance. I'd been on a several month journey to listen to more music and I wrote down Oasis as a band to check out. Then I began this project, and two weeks later I got this album. It was simply very enjoyable pop-rock from start to finish. A solid outing, and while it didn't blow me away, I was surprised at how quickly the 50 minutes went by. Solid 4*

Album #15 Elton John is another artist on my long list (an actual real list) whose discography I would like to explore, so I greeted this album with a smile on my face. I wasn't expecting to be hit right off the bat with one of his biggest songs, "Tiny Dancer". This was followed by "Levon" and it was then when I realized that the lyrics are a little confusing at times. As I have previously mentioned, I have difficulty interpreting lyrics and poetry at times. I had never heard the title track and found it be a standout track, until the song, "Indian Sunset" blew it away. That song told a very powerful and emotional story in under 7 minutes. I've seen 2 hour movies that couldn't tell a story that we'll. "Holiday Inn" sounded like it could've been a single. After that the album starts to just fade a bit. I also didn't like the first half of "All the Nasties", but thought it did start to pick up at the end. "Goodbye" was an excellent closer, and just long enough to let the message sit with you. It was interesting to hear a more progressive sound from Elton John, as I'm used to the glam rock and ballads. I enjoyed the album, but it wasn't consistent. 3.5* rounded up to 4*

Album #16 Another band/album that I was not familiar with. From the get go, there is a clear garage/indie vibe with a very unique sound. I was wondering if the mixing was off because how the bass sounded (loud and rough), but it turns out that there were two bassists playing - neat! The vibe that it gave me was very early 90s grimy garage rock or even a post-hardcore sound. I digged this album, but it wasn't jaw dropping. I can't place any standout tracks and the lyrics, assuming you can make them out, aren't memorable. A generous 3*

"Album" 17 Disclosure - The original album is not available for streaming on Spotify. Luckily some user created a playlist of most of the first disc, but not the second, live-mix. This album is a product of its time, and a great representation of drum and bass music. It's more atmospheric than hardcore or hardstep, so there are really nice melodies throughout. If you do not like dance music, this is not for you, as the break beats, while switching up often, will get repetitive and obnoxious. I really enjoyed it, but I'm not going to say it is more than what it is - music to be enjoyed in a dance or club setting. There were definitely some guilty pleasure moments when I heard some of the old-school vocal samples and even some whale calls. Another generous 3*

Album 18 I am familiar with some of more well-known songs by The Kinks and have wanted to explore their discography as I don’t know them as well as The Beatles or the Rolling Stones. I did not know any songs from this album, nor had I ever heard of it. By the second or third song, I picked up on the fact that it was a concept album about someone looking back on their life, often through world events and politics. I enjoyed listening to it, and never found myself looking to skip a song. Concept albums aren’t always winners, but this one was. Admittedly, when it ended, I wasn’t sure how to feel. Sad? Content? Nostalgic? I would have to listen to it again. 4.5* rounded down to 4* - Great album

Album 19 I always considered this album to be the musical equivalent of a space opera TV show. There is some filler here, but the highs are really high. Knights of Cydonia is a corny rally anthem that somehow sounds epic. I enjoy this album, but prefer Absolution to it 4*

Album 20 Oh AC/DC, Australia's gift to rock and roll. They're not metal, not punk, just rock and roll. Angus Young's guitar work is legendary for it's ability to simultaneously sound simple and brilliant. Highway to Hell was the last album with Bon Scott before he literally drank himself to death. I used to consider Back in Black to be their best album, but this listen made me reconsider. It was 40 minutes of fun, debaucherous, rock and roll. Not a bad song to be heard, and the album flew by. I almost listened a second time because I didn't want it to end. 5*

Album 21 I remember when the “Celebrity Skin” music video was released. It was constantly played on MTV with discussions of how Courtney Love had “cleaned up”. I never listened to the album, and I don’t recall ever hearing the other singles. Looking back, I can’t help but feel that she must have been so frustrated that everyone was missing the point of the album. This is an album about someone who was used and abused by the entertainment industry, and it didn’t really get anybody talking about that. I liked the music itself, and I thought the lyrics were clear and concise. I think that the production was much cleaner than the previous music that was released, but I only ever recall hearing a few other songs prior to this. In general, I felt that this was a good post-grunge rock album. 3.5* rounded to 3*

Album #22 Disclaimer – I am using he/him pronouns because that I what see on the Spotify profile. I was not familiar with the album, nor the artist, so this was a blind listen. An English-language pop album by a French artist seemed like it could go in just about any direction. It was clearly more artist-inspired than most American pop albums. There was a very pleasant ethereal sound to it, similar to an upbeat version of vaporwave – but better. Admittedly, I had no idea what he was singing about for some of it, but again, it sounded nice. It really felt like the music playing in a high-end retail shop, but I know that I could get lost in it if I was in the proper setting (good headphones, a nice cup of coffee and comfy seat). I also listened to some of the tracks in French, and it audibly sounded nicer. 3*

Album #23 The word “iconic” is often thrown around too casually. That is not the case when calling this an iconic album. The debut album by Jimi Hendrix always blows me away, as I always pick up on new sounds. It’s probably not worth discussing that he had more influence on electric guitar players than just about anybody else in history. His lyrics also match the psychedelic sound that he mastered. His backing band is right there with him too. While it is a little harder to hear the bass, it’s definitely worth listening a separate time to listen for that part. 5* - No questions

Album #24 I worked retail for over 10 years, so I had plenty of exposure to Steely Dan via Muzak. I never paid attention, and never had the desire to listen to them. I dreaded seeing this album because of my retail PTSD, but was relieved to see the 34 minute length. It started with “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number”, which I recognized. What I didn’t recognize was the groove established by the band. That continued throughout the next half-hour. I was astonished by how much I enjoyed listening to it, as well as the sarcastic lyrical content. My opinion has completely changed. 4*

#24 It's always nice to put a name to a song or artist. Green Onions did that for me with Booker T and MGs. I simply felt happy listening to this. It reminded me of the following: attending baseball games, watching good movies, playing with my 1987 Yamaha keyboard, watching game shows, and childhood memories of shopping with my mother. 3.5* rounded to 4*

Album #26 Having back-to-back jazz albums was great, especially since I had to catch up on a few days where I couldn't listen. This album reminded me of driving with my father when I was a kid. He often played the old NYC smooth jazz station CD101.9. I know that I've heard both Birdland and Havona on that station, so having those booked this album made it feel special to me. Honestly, I'm not good at critiquing jazz, but I can say that I enjoyed this album and would consider listening again while doing housework or work-work. 3.5* rounded to 4* for my Dad.

Album #27 Like most Americans born in 80s, my only knowledge of Simple Minds is "Don't You (Forget About Me)" from the film, "The Breakfast Club". For 80s synth-pop, this album is surprisingly deep and soulful. It was great to listen to, and definitely changed my opinion this group. 4*

Album #28 I was in high school when this album came out, and I distinctly remember thinking that Eminem was going to be a one-hit wonder with “My Name Is”. A friend told me that I was wrong and lent me his copy of the Slim Shady LP and I don’t know if I’d ever been more wrong about anything else in my life. I was a little afraid that revisiting it would make me cringe from the misogynistic and violent content, but it really didn’t seem too bad on this listen. As an adult, it is 100% clear that this is a performance of the “Slim Shady” character, and those items are like a horror film. Shady may be the star, but he is clearly the villain and not to be glorified in any way. Eminem’s skills are clear as can be, as you can hear rhyming patterns that just keep you on your toes. He can tell stories with clear beginnings, middles, and ends. He also knows how to make fun of himself, as he knows he’s not a “Role Model”. The quartet of albums from Slim Shady LP through Encore are legendary, but this one sets the table for what is to come. 5*

#29 From the songs to the album art, this album is iconic. Classic Stones blues rock with a little country thrown in. Most of the songs are great, the rest are good. The problem, however, is listening to "Brown Sugar". It's structurally a great song, but the lyrics are something else. Simply gross, to be honest. 3.5* rounded down to 3. I just can't get over that song.

#30 The Eagles have a reputation of being a love them or hate them band, but honestly I feel indifferent to them. I don't own any of their albums, and have only sought them out twice in my life. The first time was when I picked "The Best of The Eagles" out of my father's CD case during a road trip. The second time was when I played them for my 3 year old kid, as I like to expose them to new, influential music during bath times. This album, to me, is the pinnacle of soft rock. While some of it may seem "safe" to some people, it is just so airtight. The. 50 minutes go right by without you realizing. I don't know if I'll ever listen to this again, but I walked away from this respecting the hell out of the band and producers. 5*

Album #31 This was not what I expected at all! I've always been indifferent to The Pretenders' radio hits. I was not expecting Chrissie Hynde to be such a badass. She has so much confidence that it can almost be intimidating to even listen. She completely owns her image and sexuality, and I absolutely love her for it. To me, the songs range from ok to great and have a clear UK 70s-80s punkish quality to them, except for Brass in Pocket. 4*

Album #32 A man towards the end stages of life is not going to sound as strong as a man in his prime. But that really works for this album. I don't know if it was intentional or not, but this album sounds like Johnny Cash's farewell to himself. It's clear that he's saying goodbye to his audience, but the raw visceral delivery on some of these tracks sound like his acceptance of his approaching death. There are some lighter tracks too though, almost as if he's saying, "I've had a damn good life and one hell of a ride" and is simply reflecting on it. I listened to this album several times when it was released, but haven't touched it in at least 10 years. It hits me a lot harder now. I've lost people since then, including very close ties. I am nowhere near his age when he recorded this, but I am at the middle of life. The song choice, arrangements, and delivery are almost perfect. 5*

Album #33 What the hell was that?

Album #34 I have always considered this to be the perfect Beastie Boys album, and it seems to get better with each listen. They show off their hip-hop skills right out of the gate with "Sure Shot", and then immediately dive into their punk roots with the borderline hardcore song, "Tough Guy". And then come the instrumentals with live percussion. The Beasties are firing on all cylinders here, so much so that it is easy to forget their huge hit, "Sabatoge" is also on the album. I love the Beastie Boys and love this album 5 out of 5. 5*

Album #35 Do you like garage rock? Do you like trust fund kids sounding grimey? Then I have the album for you! In all honesty, I enjoy this album, and its follow-up. It's nothing incredible, just straight, dirty rock and roll which was released during the end of the Nu-Metal days. The album is short and sweet, so it doesn't have time to grow stale. 3.5* rounded up to 4*. 4*

Album #36 It's Rush - you either hate them or love them. And this, being their most popular and most accessible album is the hate it or love it album for Rush fans. I love the album, and always have. The first half is practically flawless, but it does weaken after Limelight. 4.5* rounded down. 4*

Album #37 I had never actually listened to MC5 before, so I was intrigued. I have heard covers of the title track before, though. This was a fun, short, lively, rock show. I'm always a sucker for counterculture so this fit the bill for me. 3.5 rounded to 4. 4*

Album #38 I like Tom Waits. I don't know if I have an affinity towards the grimey underside of society that he romances, or if I just appreciate his romancing of the topic. He's not for everyone, and I have to admit that I can usually only handle one album of his at a time - even if I really like the Frank's Wild Years trilogy. This album entertained me, but it did not "wow" me like I was hoping. 3*

Album #39 Jazz is not for everybody. And Miles Davis is not for every jazz fan. I listened to this album once before and hated it. I wanted “Kind of Blue”, but this was just out there. My experience this time was very different. I don’t know if I “get it” now, or what may have changed, but I kind of liked it. Improvisational music can be difficult to listen to at times, but it’s clear that there are specific feelings that the musicians are trying to convey when playing. In addition, the idea of having multiple bassists and multiple drummers creates such interesting rhythms. I smiled when typing that because I was reminded of my one of my favorite Nu-Metal bands, Slipknot because they use multiple percussionists at times to create a deeper or more complex sound. I feel that active listening is really important for most of the songs on here, because you may miss out on the introduction to a section and wonder how you ended up there. This is definitely not my favorite album, but that doesn’t mean that I didn’t like it (this time). 3*

Album #40 Post-punk white reggae that knows exactly what it is. Good stuff here. 4*

Album #41 Progressive rock music is so odd. It always seems so hit-or-miss with me. This album is a great example of it. I was ready to rate this a 1 based on tracks 1-4. But I really enjoyed tracks 5-9. 10-12 were fine , but nothing that grabbed me. There’s too much long Moog sounds. The songs that really clicked for me had me feeling like I was playing an old Final Fantasy game’s final battle on my Super Nintendo. The rest had me wishing for Super Nintendo music (not that it’s a bad thing). The good was great, the bad was awful, and the rest was pretty forgetful, if not bad. 2.5*s rounded to 2. 2*

Album #42 If you like synth-pop, you should love this album. If you don't like synth-pop....what's wrong with you?!? CHVRCHES have been on my radar for about 10 years and I just hadn't gotten around to listening to anything other than an occasional single. After listening to this album, I'm planning on going through their discography. This was the kind of music that I felt all throughout myself and I didn't want it to end. 5*

Album #43 This was a great album. I don’t if I’d consider it psychedelic rock or blues rock; maybe psychedelic blues rock? Janis Joplin’s soulful singing can hit you deep in your core. I was very entertained and don’t have anything negative to say about it. 4*

Album #44 I don’t know how to rate this album. Mr. Lewis was certainly a showman, bringing rock and roll to the masses in such a bombastic way. His influence can still be heard in rock music today. It can be difficult, at times, to separate the man from the music, though. His personal life is well documented, so I will not go into it here. It was a great, quick listen, and I think that is the best way to listen to his music – especially with the live audience. 3* but I wish I could go higher

Album #45 Adele’s “21” was a Pop-R&B radio freight train. Powerful vocals, clean backing tracks and relatable song lyrics made this album a can’t-miss listen when it was released. I enjoyed it on the radio, but to be honest, I’ve never been a giant fan. There’s something about this that seems too clean. The talent is apparent, so maybe it’s the production. I can’t place it. Bottom line – I like the album, but I don’t LOVE it. 3.5* rounded to 3*. 3*

Album # 46 I only knew M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes" going into this album, so I assumed the album was similar to that song. I'm glad that I was wrong. There are so many different global styles of music represented on the album with MIA's emceeing over it. It was a lot of fun and a breath of fresh air. Paper Planes and the song with Timbaland seemed to be the weaker points. 4*

Album #47 I’ve never heard of this album or band before, so I went in completely blind (or is it deaf?). The album seemed like a counter to the Britpop movement with a post-punk vibe, but then I realized that it came out before the Britpop craze. The overall tone meshed well with my personal taste and I couldn’t think of a song that I disliked. On the other hand, a lot of it blended together and I’d have a hard time picking a favorite track or specific highlight. 3.5* rounded to 4* 4*

Album #48 I knew Randy Newman from Toy Story and "Short People", but nothing more. I was very entertained by this. It seemed like good-hearted satire meets Tom Waits writing. Excellent, sometimes uncomfortable writing and very soulful. 4* 4*