1001 Albums Summary

Other than the three classic tracks on this record, many of these songs are fairly average and show Becker and Fagan were still finding their songwriting voice that would make them such masters of the craft on later records. A very good record.

One of the greatest debut records ever. A classic.

Upgraded from 2 to 3 stars on the strength of the iconic status of the title track. The rest of the record was a fun disco record but nothing remarkable.

The "acoustic" record. The pivot from their first two records was noticeable with amazing results. So many classics on this record. A classic.

My personal favorite of the early records. Side A of this record is just one amazing song after another. Side B has a few forgettable (by Beatles standards) tracks but my recommendation for new fans to start with wanting to hear early Beatles music.

The band from the New York 70s punk scene that could actually play and were not afraid to show it. Amazing songwriting and a perfect debut. I live in NYC and like to walk the LES listening to this record and imagining being there when this was happening. So, so good and I think forgotten sometimes amongst the conversations of the bands of that era.

Another great band from the 70s NYC punk movement. The stripped bare rockabilly punk would inform generations of garage bands for decades to come. Produced by the legend Alex Chilton, this is music at its rawest, most amazing best.

One of the best records released in the last 25 years. Period.

Cohen is a genius is a poet. Of that, there is no debate. This album is a time capsule from the late 80s in both lyrical content and production. The real stand out here is “Everybody Knows” for me. Overall, this album did not connect with me.

This record sounds much more dated than other records of the era, particularly The Band, who clearly inspired their musical shift with this record. A good record with one classic track.

With two critically acclaimed, but unsuccessful albums, under his belt he was getting pressure from the label to produce, and he did. He wrote a song cycle that matched the disillusion and financial pain of the mid-70s that stands as one of the greatest records of all time. So many classics that he still plays to this day. A classic record in every sense.

This is a perfect record with no misses. RIc Ocasek was well into his 30s when this record was released. A lot of people do not know this. He had been writing and collecting songs for years waiting for this opportunity so he was ready to go with a song cycle of his best songs. Side 2 of this record may be one of my top 5 of all time. Easiest 5 star rating so far.

That voice. This is a remarkable record that covers so much musical territory. It feels like the perfect nightclub set. And, that voice. A classic.

I appreciated the use of voicing and instrumentation from so many different cultures used on this record but there was never a wow moment for me on this record. Honestly, go back to the 90’s and Loop Guru’s “Amrita” record is a much better record that was also doing this. For some reason, cannot be found on streaming services which is criminal because it should be heard. This is the first record I listened to that I would not have included in the 1001 records.

Such a beautiful record, and Marvin is singing about issues that are just as relevant today.

Teenage Kicks! What a damn classic. Love this whole record. The blueprint for teenage angst punk rock.

I was not familiar with this record before this listen, and I am not sure how I missed it. What a beautiful, deep, and soulful record touching on so much of our human condition. I love the production and the songs are remarkable. A great find and a great, great record.

The Stones at their loosest like the world’s most famous bar band. I love this record but there are some toss off tunes. This record is more famous for the situation surrounding the recording and the vibe but honestly not as many of their memorable tunes as other records. Still a great listen every time.

I love this era of Hip Hop and this record never gets the love it deserves compared to others from the same time including groups like A Tribe Called Quest. The Brothers were doing it first and were a clear influence on Tribe and others of the era. A great record.

I could not find the full record on any of the streaking sites so I listened to what I could. Raw, garage pink before it was a thing. I can see for historical context why this record was on the list. Good listen but not one I would come back to often.

I have this on vinyl and it is one of the great headphone records. So much going on in each of these beautiful songs. A remarkable record that rewards you with each listen.

One of the great R&B voices of all time and a classic record.